cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical Power Limiting Behavior Of Novel Nonlinear Optical Polymers

Optical power limiting behavior is demonstrated in several nonlinear optical polymers and organic model compounds that exhibit third-order optical nonlinearities. A remarkably sharp intensity-limiting behavior was observed in nonlinear transmission measure-ments of output versus input intensities at 1064 nm laser light without an aperture. The soluble novel organic polymers were found to exhibit both absorptive and refractive nonlinear optical effects that were evidenced by nonlinear absorption and temporal pulse steepening measurements. Nonlinear absorption coefficient (α2) and nonlinear index of refraction (n2) as high as 10 -7 cm/W and 10 -11 cm respectively were obtained at 1064 nm using a nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The observed nonlinearities decreased when measured with a 35 picosecond mode-lock laser. However, since the observed nonlinearities were independent of the energy density of the laser irradiation, it is suggested that the nonlinear mechanism is not thermal in origin. Solutions and solid films of the organic materials were studied. Intensity-limiting thresholds as low as 10 MW/cm2 and laser damage threshold greater than 10 GW/cm2 were obtained. It is suggested that nonlinear optical polymers hold promise for applications in passive optical limiting and regulating devices.
Effect of dietary fat on excretion and deposition of C14 from cholesterol-4-C14 in rats.

SummaryThe influence of a purified diet containing 20% fat as hydrogenated cottonseed oil, corn oil, or coconut oil on fecal excretion and tissue deposition of C14 has been studied in rats injected with cholesterol-4-C14. There was no significant difference between the 3 groups in amount of C14 excreted in feces or deposited in liver and in pooled internal organs (heart, lungs, aorta, and kidneys).
Tissue culture studies. V. Analogues for nicotinic acid.

The use of acetyl-3-pyridine and pyridine-3-sulfonic acid as analogues for nicotinic acid has been tested with tissue cultures of embryonic chick heart. Both roller tube and Carrel flask cultures were employed. Cell migration, appearance of the cells, and the uptake of tracer P32 were used as criteria for the action of the analogues. Migration of the cells could be inhibited by both compounds, but at different levels. Both produced abnormal types of cells, but not the same type of abnormality. Uptake of P32 was inhibited by both compounds. Addition of nicotinic acid failed to reverse the effects of the analogues at the concentrations used.
Comparison of Two Methods for Estimation of Melting Points of Organic Compounds

This study compares the melting point predictions of UPPER to MPBPWIN for over 2200 organic compounds. The average absolute error (AAE) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) in melting point prediction using UPPER are 30.1 deg and 39.7 deg, while MPBPWIN gives an AAE of 44.5 deg and RMSE of 58.4 deg. UPPER provides more accurate melting point predictions because it accounts for both the additive enthalpic and nonadditive entropic contributions to melting.
Robust SERS Enhancement Factor Statistics Using Rotational Correlation Spectroscopy

We characterize the distribution of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) enhancement factors observed in individual hot spots of single Ag “nanocapsules”, encapsulated Ag nanoparticle dimers formed via controlled nanoparticle linking, polymer encapsulation, and small molecule infusion. The enhancement factors are calculated for over 1000 individual nanocapsules by comparing Raman scattering intensities of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) measured from single SERS hot spots to intensities measured from high-concentration solutions of MBA. Correlation spectroscopy measurements of the rotational diffusion identify nanocapsules with signals dominated by single hot spots via their strong polarization response. Averaging over the entire surface of the nanocapsules, the distribution of enhancement factors is found to range from 106 to 108, with a mean of 6 × 106. Averaging only over nanoparticle junctions (where most SERS signals are expected) increases this average value to 108, with a range from 2 × 107 to 2...
Spatially reduced image extraction from MPEG-2 video : Fast algorithms and applications

The MPEG-2 video standards are targeted for high-quality video broadcast and distribution, and are optimized for efficient storage and transmission. However, it is difficult to process MPEG-2 for video browsing and database applications without first decompressing the video. Yeo and Liu have proposed fast algorithms for the direct extraction of spatially reduced images from MPEG-1 video. Reduced images have been demonstrated to be effective for shot detection, shot browsing and editing, and temporal processing of video for video presentation and content annotation. In this paper, we develop new tools to handle the extra complexity in MPEG-2 video for extracting spatially reduced images. In particular, we propose new classes of discrete cosine transform (DCT) domain and DCT inverse motion compensation operations for handling the interlaced modes in the different frame types of MPEG-2, and design new and efficient algorithms for generating spatially reduced images of an MPEG-2 video. We also describe key video applications on the extracted reduced images.
γ-Phase in propylene copolymers at atmospheric pressure

Crystallization studies have been conducted on three copolymers of propylene with ethylene as a function of supercooling at atmospheric pressure. The results confirm the conclusions reached almost 30 years ago that copolymerization causes the γ -phase to be generated at atmospheric pressure for high molecular weight polymers. The greater the amount of comonomer, the greater the ease of formation of the γ -phase. The γ/α ratio is inversely proportional to supercooling, as has been found for isobaric crystallization at elevated pressures. It has been found that the equilibrium melting point decreases with ethylene content in a significant manner.
Counseling Supervision Within a Feminist Framework: Guidelines for Intervention

Feminist supervision is based on the principles of feminist theory. Goals include sharing responsibilihjfor the supervision process, empowering the supervisee, attending to the con- textual assumptions about clients, and analyzing gender roles. This article explores feminist supervision and guidelines for providing counseling supervision interventions within a feminist frameivork. Feminist supervision is the application of feminist theory and values to the supervisory process, content, and relationship. It places a central emphasis on the use of a sociological lens to explain how different experiences of self and relationships are formed. Initially critical of gender roles and constraints in society as well as in psychotherapy, more recently feminist theorists have donned a multicultural sensitivity to one's situatedness in society whereby gender intersects with race, class, sexual orientadon, and other sociologi- cal constructs. Furthermore, feminism recognizes the societal structure as benefiting certain demographic groups while oppressing other groups of people. Feminist supervision and its companion, femirust counseling theory, attempt to recognize and reconcile these disparities within the counseling context with the intent to empower clients and enhance their abilities to make life-affirming choices. These goals are congruent with the humanistic counseling emphasis on facilitating individuals' self-actualization (Cain, 2001). They also closely mirror the humanistic belief that people possess the right and ability to generate their own goals, both personally and professionally, and to actively develop achievable plans to meet their self- constructed goals (Cain, 2001). In short, since the early days of the women's movement, the ties between feminism and humanism have been explored because both constructs focus on self-efficacy and self-direction (Serlin & Criswell, 2001). And although there is deep and rich literature addressing
Sniffer patch laser uncaging response (SPLURgE): an assay of regional differences in allosteric receptor modulation and neurotransmitter clearance

Allosteric modulators exert actions on neurotransmitter receptors by positively or negatively altering the effective response of these receptors to their respective neurotransmitter. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A ionotropic receptors (GABAARs) are major targets for allosteric modulators such as benzodiazepines, neurosteroids, and barbiturates. Analysis of substances that produce similar effects has been hampered by the lack of techniques to assess the localization and function of such agents in brain slices. Here we describe measurement of the sniffer patch laser uncaging response (SPLURgE), which combines the sniffer patch recording configuration with laser photolysis of caged GABA. This methodology enables the detection of allosteric GABAAR modulators endogenously present in discrete areas of the brain slice and allows for the application of exogenous GABA with spatiotemporal control without altering the release and localization of endogenous modulators within the slice. Here we demonstrate the development and use of this technique for the measurement of allosteric modulation in different areas of the thalamus. Application of this technique will be useful in determining whether a lack of modulatory effect on a particular category of neurons or receptors is due to insensitivity to allosteric modulation or a lack of local release of endogenous ligand. We also demonstrate that this technique can be used to investigate GABA diffusion and uptake. This method thus provides a biosensor assay for rapid detection of endogenous GABAAR modulators and has the potential to aid studies of allosteric modulators that exert effects on other classes of neurotransmitter receptors, such as glutamate, acetylcholine, or glycine receptors.
Phospholipase A2 biochemistry.

The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) superfamily consists of many different groups of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of the sn-2 ester bond in a variety of different phospholipids. The products of this reaction, a free fatty acid, and lysophospholipid have many different important physiological roles. There are five main types of PLA2: the secreted sPLA2’s, the cytosolic cPLA2’s, the Ca2+independent iPLA2’s, the PAF acetylhydrolases, and the lysosomal PLA2’s. This review focuses on the superfamily of PLA2 enzymes, and then uses three specific examples of these enzymes to examine the differing biochemistry of the three main types of these enzymes. These three examples are the GIA cobra venom PLA2, the GIVA cytosolic cPLA2, and the GVIA Ca2+-independent iPLA2.
Biological time and in vivo research: a field guide to pitfalls.

Biological rhythmicity is a fundamental characteristic of all life forms, from primitive bacteria to man. The molecular biology, genetics, and the neurobiology of the biological clock(s) are being elucidated. Daily (circadian) statistically significant fluctuations occur in all of the normal biological variables studied in the experimental animal and the human. Many researchers, however, are not aware of the negative impact biological rhythmicity can have on experimental design and/or data interpretation. This article serves not as a review, but as a “field guide” to the pitfalls that can occur when research is performed in the absence of an understanding of biological rhythmicity. The major topics discussed are: 1) data transfer from the diurnally in-active/resting/sleeping lab animal to the diurnally active human, 2) frequency of sampling, 3) free-running vs. synchronization, 4) alternating periods of resistance and susceptibility, 5) phase shifting of a rhythm, 6) the assumption that one mean ± S.E. from control animals can be “stretched” across an experimental time span, and 7) plotting data on an “hours after treatment” format vs. a “time of day” format. The hope is that by avoiding the pitfalls, biological time will become an ally in the endeavor to understand human biology. Anat Rec (New Anat) 261:141–152, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Quantum optics. Gravity meets quantum physics

Quantum physics and gravitational physics remain separate due to the vastly different scales of time and space that they refer to. Now, research may point to links between them.
Concentrations in soil and efficacy of drip-applied 1,3-D+chloropicrin and metam sodium in plastic-mulched sandy soil beds

Abstract Concentrations in soil and efficacy of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D)+chloropicrin and methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) against the survival of Phytophthora capcisi, Rhizoctonia solani and yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) were studied in plastic-mulched Southern Georgia sandy soil beds. Beds were treated with InLine (60.8% 1,3-D+33.3% chloropicrin) at 93.5, 187, and 280.5 l ha−1 and Vapam (42% metam sodium) 233.8, 467.5 and 701.3 l ha−1. 1,3-D+chloropicrin and MITC concentrations in soil were monitored after drip application for 7 d and 240 h, respectively, from pre-selected sites in beds. 1,3-D+chloropicrin and MITC concentrations decreased with time and distance from the emitter. Survival of P. capsici, R. solani and yellow nutsedge in treated beds was higher with distance from the emitter. These methyl bromide alternatives did not diffuse laterally at effective concentrations beyond the point of application. Improved application techniques are required to improve the lateral distribution of these alternatives.
Living CO/Olefin Alternating Copolymerizations of Electron-Poor Bicyclic Olefins Initiated by Neutral Palladium(II) Alkyl Complexes: A Route to the Perfectly Alternating Copolymer of CO and Acetylene

The alternating copolymerizations of carbon monoxide with the electron-poor bicyclic olefins, diethyl bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene-2,3-dicarboxylate (1) and diethyl 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene-2,3-dicarboxylate (2), is achieved with neutral palladium(II) initiators. These Pd(II) complexes utilize a σ,π-alkyl ligand, a halide anion, and 1 equiv of a stabilizing donor ligand (pyridine or triphenylphosphine). The preferred catalyst, due to reactivity and stability, is iodo(endo-6-phenyl-2-norbornene-endo-5σ,2π)(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) (6). This initiator produces living copolymerizations of 1 with CO in the presence of H2O and O2. The polymer isolated, poly(1-alt-CO), retains the Pd as the endgroup, and can be used to reinitiate copolymerization leading to chain extension or diblock copolymer formation. Both of the copolymers poly(1-alt-CO) and poly-(2-alt-CO) undergo retro Diels−Alder reaction to produce furan derivative 7 and a new cross-conjugated material, poly(ketovinylene) (PKV). While...
Amendment Placement Directs Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Severely Disturbed Soils

The recovery of ecosystem processes in severely disturbed systems is often limited by biological resources in the soil. The objective of this study was to direct soil microbial biomass (SMB) size and activity with organic amendments. These amendments were applied to the soil at different amendment locations (incorporated versus surface-applied) and amounts (none, light, and heavy) in a 2 × 3 factorial design. The size and activity of SMB, soil nutrients, and aboveground biomass were monitored over 3 years to determine the rate and direction of change. Contrary to expectations that SMB and carbon mineralization potential (C-MIN) would be larger with amendment incorporation, SMB-carbon was greatest in the surface-heavy treatment and lowest in the incorporated-control treatment. SMB-nitrogen, C-MIN, and organic carbon were greater in the surface than in the incorporated treatments and in amended plots compared to controls. This departure from expectations suggests that other factors, such as microclimate or vegetation, are interacting with the amendment to affect SMB. The degree of contribution, however, is unclear. The treatments only affected planted aboveground biomass early in the experiment, with greater total biomass in the surface-light treatment in fall 2003. There was also a significant positive relationship between aboveground biomass and SMB in fall 2004. Inorganic nitrogen, total nitrogen, and the soil quality indicators qCO2 and Cmic/Corg did not vary systematically with amendment treatment. In general, amendment addition did enhance soil biotic properties and supported increased vegetation, but the complication of incorporating the amendment was not necessary for promoting biological development in disturbed soils.
Quantum well model of hydrogenated amorphous silicon

Abstract A model of barrier-separated regions is proposed that leads to quantization and spatial correlation of carriers near the band gap of hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The size of these regions, which consist of pure Si bounded by potentials emanating from Si-H bonds, is estimated from a classical percolation picture. Near band gap localized states lie in these quantum well regions and are about 0.3 eV more widely separated than in unbounded Si, thereby accounting for a wide variety of hitherto uncorrelated experimental results. Dopants enhance conductivity by providing conduction paths through the barriers. Spatially coincident pairing of conduction with valence band localized states is speculated to be relevant to other amorphous semiconductors as well.
A Comparative Analysis of Existing Standards For High School Sociology Curricula

Academic sociologists have recently increased their focus on improving high school sociology. Reform efforts include networking between teachers and universities, improving curriculum, and enhancing teacher training. I propose that this list be expanded to include setting curricular standards. Current trends in educational reform center on standards-based education, and although many social science disciplines have adapted to this trend, sociology's focus on standards is limited to undergraduate education. I analyze the existing state sociology standards by measuring them against the American Sociological Association's (ASA) Advanced Placement Sociology course, the National Council for Social Studies standards, and the sample learning goals from Liberal Learning and the Sociology Major Updated (McKinney et al. 2005). The results indicate that there are some substantial differences in the learning goals set forth by the ASA and those set forth by the states. I suggest that since the academic sociological c...
The use of antibody fragments for crystallization and structure determinations

We thank Andrew Prongay for his earlier contributions to the crystallization of the HIV p24 Fab complex, Jan McClure (Bristol Myers-Squibb Pharmaceutical Corporation, Seattle, WA) for providing the anti-p24 monoclonals, Lorna Ehrlich and Carol Carter (SUNY, Stony Brook, NY) for the recombinant HIV p24, and Tianwei Lin for discussions on antibody sequencing. We are grateful for an MRC and an NIH grant for MGR and for a research scholar award to LCK from the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
Stereoselective formation of a K-region dihydrodiol from phenanthrene by Streptomyces flavovirens

The metabolism of phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), by Streptomyces flavovirens was investigated. When grown for 72 h in tryptone yeast extract broth saturated with phenanthrene, the actinomycete oxidized 21.3% of the hydrocarbon at the K-region to form trans-9,10-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (phenanthrene trans-9,10-dihydrodiol). A trace of 9-phenanthrol was also detected. Metabolites isolated by thin-layer and high performance liquid chromatography were identified by comparing chromatographic, mass spectral, and nuclear magnetic resonance properties with those of authentic compounds. Experiments using [9-14C]phenanthrene showed that the trans-9,10-dihydrodiol had 62.8% of the radioactivity found in the metabolites. Circular dichroism spectra of the phenanthrene trans-9,10-dihydrodiol indicated that the absolute configuration of the predominant enantiomer was (-)-9S,10S, the same as that of the principal enantiomer produced by mammalian enzymes. Incubation of S. flavovirens with phenanthrene is an atmosphere of 18O2, followed by gas chromatographic/mass spectral analysis of the metabolites, indicated that one atom from molecular oxygen was incorporated into each molecule of the phenanthrene trans-9,10-dihydrodiol. Cytochrome P-450 was detected in 105,000 x g supernatants prepared from cell extracts of S. flavovirens. The results show that the oxidation of phenanthrene by S. flavovirens was both regio- and stereospecific.
3D underwater imaging using vector acoustics

Vector acoustic data will allow accurate 3-D imaging of an underwater environment while corresponding pressure hydrophone data using the same acquisition geometry can only produce 2-D images. Newly developed sensors make vector acoustic based surveys practical. This concept is demonstrated with data from an acoustic water tank. Using a simple but novel imaging algorithm, all of the main structures in the water tank were correctly located. This imaging algorithm uses none of the existing imaging or inversion methods common in exploration seismology.
A forward convex-simplex method

Abstract Forward algorithms provide a managerially practical way to solve multiperiod problems by solving progressively longer finite horizon subproblems. Many procedures of this nature already exist for special structures. Aronson, Thompson, and Morton have developed a forward simplex method for general staircase-structured linear programs. In this paper this method is extended to the case in which the objective function is convex.
One point intersections of middle-α Cantor sets

For α ∈ (0, 1), let Γα denote the middle-α Cantor set contained in the interval [0,1]. Let denote the set of all t∈[−1,1] such that Γα ∩(Γα+t)is a single point. Both a geometric and a symbolic description of each is presented. The symbolic description of each will be as a shift invariant subset of the one-sided two shift that is determined by inequalities. An equivalence relation is defined on the one-sided two shift and then a linear order relation is defined on the equivalence classes. This order relation on the equivalence classes describes how the sets shrink as a decreases from ⅓ to 0.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF HEMOCLOBIN-H DISEASE BY MOLECULAR HYBRIDIZATION

α-globin synthesis is controlled by 4 structural genes. The α-thalassemia syndromes are characterized by 4 states of increasing clinical severity: silent carriers, α-thal traits, HbH disease and Bart's hydrops fetalis which causes death between 30 and 40 gestational weeks. One, 2, 3, & 4 structural genes respectively are deleted in these syndromes. A Filipino mother with HbH disease and her husband with α-thal trait requested prenatal diagnosis because 1 of 2 previous pregnancies had been a Bart's hydrops fetalis. Fetal fibroblasts were obtained by amniocentesis during week 13 of gestation and placed in culture. α-cDNA was prepared with 32P-deoxycytidine triphosphate from α-mRNA and reverse transcriptase. After 6 weeks of culture, enough fibroblast DNA was present to be hybridized with α-cDNA. Similar studies were conducted simultaneously on DNA from the parent's white blood cells. Results were compared to hybridization studies done on DNA from persons with a full spectrum of α-thalassemia syndromes. DNA from the fetus, the mother, and other persons with HbH disease hybridized 42-50% of the α-cDNA, indicating the fetus had HbH disease. Fibroblast chromosomes were xy, confirming their fetal origin. A male infant was born at term with moderate hepatosplenomegaly. Cord blood values were: Hb 12.8 g/dl, Rbc ct. 5.61×1012/1, MCV 71 fl, Retic ct. 800×109/1, nucleated Rbc ct. 16×10'/1, Hb Bart's 26%, and α/β+γ synthesis ratio 0.5; confirming diagnosis of HbH disease.
Legion: expressing locality and independence with logical regions

Modern parallel architectures have both heterogeneous processors and deep, complex memory hierarchies. We present Legion, a programming model and runtime system for achieving high performance on these machines. Legion is organized around logical regions, which express both locality and independence of program data, and tasks, functions that perform computations on regions. We describe a runtime system that dynamically extracts parallelism from Legion programs, using a distributed, parallel scheduling algorithm that identifies both independent tasks and nested parallelism. Legion also enables explicit, programmer controlled movement of data through the memory hierarchy and placement of tasks based on locality information via a novel mapping interface. We evaluate our Legion implementation on three applications: fluid-flow on a regular grid, a three-level AMR code solving a heat diffusion equation, and a circuit simulation.
Tropical cyclone motion: A comparison of theory and observation

Abstract The analytic predictions of tropical cyclone motion by Holland are shown to be in very good agreement with observations in the Australian southwest Pacific region. These results indicate that a combined linear asymmetric advection and divergence of earth and cyclone vorticity provides the main mechanism for tropical cyclone motion. It is also shown that an accurate prediction requires a consideration of horizontal and vertical asymmetries in the wind field. Hence, care needs to be taken in defining a steering current.
Effect of mode of presentation on semantic satiation

The effects of four different methods of inducing satiation (oral, auditory, written, and verbal) were investigated using multiple response measures: number of associations emitted in 15 sec, commonness of first response, and associative times (response latencies). Significant differences, indicating a facilitafive trend for associative times, occurred for auditory satiation, self-satiation, and no satiation groups. Satiation was not noted for number of associations or commonness of first associate under any experimental condition. Auditory satiation techniques were suggested to aid in future research.
Clinical Approach to the Patient With Abnormal Liver Test Results

Abnormal results of standard biochemical liver tests occur frequently; however, the prevalence of clinically significant liver disease is only about 1% in all patients screened. Thus, development of a rational and cost-effective approach to these patients is important. Liver diseases are generally classified as hepatocellu-lar, cholestatic, and infiltrative. Cholestatic liver disease is further categorized as intrahepatic and extra-hepatic. Hepatocellular disease is characterized by transaminase increases greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal, with alkaline phosphatase levels usually increased less than 2 to 3 times the upper limit of normal. Cholestatic disease is characterized by an increase in the alkaline phosphatase level that is 3 to 5 times greater than the upper limit of normal, with only a mild increase of transaminases. The exception to this is cholestasis with cholangitis when the transaminases can be more substantially increased. In infiltrative diseases of the liver such as lymphoma or granulomatous hepatitis, the alkaline phosphatase level is increased disproportionately to that of the bilirubin. Specific etiologic diagnoses cannot usually be based on routine biochemical liver test results, and thus more specialized serum tests are necessary. A liver biopsy is often needed for a precise diagnosis in patients with long-term increases in liver test results. Ultrasonography is the best initial imaging technique for the liver, and if biliary dilatation is noted, endoscopie retrograde cholangiopancreatography is recommended.
Object relations theories and the developmental tilt.

Distorsions de la theorie psychanalytique par les tenants de la psychanalyse developpementale
Up-regulation of amphotrophic retroviral receptor expression in human peripheral blood CD34+ cells.

Retroviral-mediated gene transfer into hematopoietic stem cells provides the only means of stable transduction of these cells and their progeny for use with a variety of potentially therapeutic genes. Expression of the Moloney amphotropic retroviral receptor-pit-2 or GLVR-2-is critical to the recognition and entry of Moloney leukemia virus-derived viruses into human target cells such as CD34+ hematopoietic cells. GLVR-2 functions as a sodium-dependent phosphate transporter as well as a receptor. We have previously shown that the expression of the murine homologue of the amphotropic receptor Ram 1, also a phosphate transporter, is developmentally regulated in murine hematopoietic fetal liver cells. We also demonstrated that culture of murine fetal liver cells in phosphate-free (PO(4)-free) medium increases levels of receptor mRNA and makes murine fetal liver cells susceptible to Moloney amphotropic viral gene transfer. We now examine the effect of culture conditions on the expression of GLVR-2 in human CD34+ cells. In this report, we demonstrate that there is a 2-3 fold increase in GLVR-2 mRNA levels in CD34+ cells after 3 days in culture with interleukin 3, interleukin 6, and stem-cell factor. In addition, the use of PO(4)-free medium increases expression of GLVR-2 an additional 2-fold in these cells during this time. These results indicate that GLVR-2 expression can be up-regulated on these cells, and may permit improved retroviral gene transfer efficiencies.
The Nigerian federal system: Performance, problems and prospects

Abstract The transformation and centralisation of the Nigerian federation by ‘soldiers and oil’ has produced contentious and contradictory outcomes. Many influential commentators describe the current centralised system of federalism as a veritable source of, rather than a credible solvent for, the country's multifaceted crises of unity, democracy, and development. A more balanced perspective would distinguish between the system's remarkable achievements in alleviating inter-group political inequality and insecurity, and its conspicuous failures to advance good democratic and economic governance. Ultimately, focused reforms, especially electoral and anti-corruption reforms, will be required to consolidate Nigeria's real successes in mitigating potentially disintegrative ethno-political conflicts and to assuage current agitations for the wholesale restructuring or dismantling of the federal system.
Negative fractal dimensions and multifractals

Abstract A new notion of fractal dimension is defined. When it is positive, it effectively falls back on known definitions. But its motivating virtue is that it can take negative values, which measure usefully the degree of emptiness of empty sets. The main use concerns random multifractals for which f(α)
Mechanical characterization of Al2O3/ZrO2 hybrid laminates

Abstract Significant residual stresses due to the thermal expansion mismatch were found in the Al 2 O 3 /Ce–ZrO 2 laminated composites investigated in this study. The residual stresses were measured by evaluating the difference in indentation crack length, with and without the residual stresses. The obtained residual stress values are in good agreement with the calculated residual stresses from the measured coefficients of thermal expansion and elastic constants. The laminated structure was found to give rise to an increase in indentation strength compared to monolithic alumina. This apparent increase in fracture toughness can be explained as the effect of the compressive residual stress in the outer Al 2 O 3 layer and can be controlled by changing the relative layer thickness. For the size scale studied here, the zirconia-based layers did not appear to play a major role in the final failure process.
Greater cell cycle inhibition and cytotoxicity induced by 2-deoxy- d -glucose in tumor cells treated under hypoxic vs aerobic conditions

Purpose In order to investigate the hypothesis that cells found in hypoxic areas of solid tumors are more sensitive to glycolytic inhibitors than cells growing aerobically, we have previously characterized three distinct in vitro models (A, B and C) that simulate this condition. In all of the models it was shown that cells growing under hypoxic conditions are hypersensitive to the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG). However, in those studies cytostatic and cytotoxic effects were not distinguished from one another. Since successful treatment of cancer includes not only slowing down but also actually killing tumor cells, studies were undertaken to assess the effects of 2-DG on cell cycle progression and cell death.
A study of the thermal decomposition of confined triaminotrinitrobenzene. The gaseous products and kinetics of evolution

Abstract The thermal decomposition of confined triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) has been studied by observation of infrared matrix isolation spectra, mass spectra, and pressure-time response of the product gases. Solid state products were examined by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Four distinct reaction regimes were found using the gaseous product data; a slow endothermic stage followed by two slow exothermic stages, and culminating in a deflagration (explosive) reaction above the critical temperature.
Finding Edges in Noisy Scenes

Edge detection in the presence of noise is a well-known problem. This paper examines an applications-motivated approach for solving the problem using novel techniques and presents a method developed by the authors that performs well on a large class of targets. ROC curves are used to compare this method with other well-known edge detection operators, with favorable results. A theoretical argument is presented that favors LMMSE filtering over median filtering in extremely noisy scenes. Simulated results of the research are presented.
Bonded half planes containing an arbitrarily oriented crack

The plane elastostatic problem for two bonded half planes containing an arbitrarily oriented crack in the neighborhood of the interface is considered. Using Mellin Transforms the problem is formulated as a system of singular integral equations. The equations are solved for various crack orientations, material combinations, and external loads. The numerical results given in the paper include the stress intensity factors, the strain energy release rates, and the probable clevage angles giving the direction of crack propagation.
Antibody structure and antibody engineering

Abstract Immunoglobulin (Ig) genes are efficiently expressed following transfection into myeloma cells. The heavy and light chain genes, cloned into two compatible plasmids with different selectible markers, can be delivered simultaneously into the same cell. Rearranged variable regions genes of interest are isolated from hybridomas and joined to human and other Ig constant region genes or to non-Ig sequences to produce novel antibodies. Ig genes altered by exon shuffling or by site-directed in vitro mutagenesis provide genetically engineered antibodies that are potentially useful for studies of structure-function relationships, for immunological assays, and for diagnosis and therapy.
The Invariant Subrings of an Azumaya Galois Extension

Let B be an Azumaya Galois extension or a DeMeyer-Kanzaki Galois extension with Galois group G. Equivalent conditions are given for a separable subextension of a Galois extension in the skew group ring B * G being an invariant subring of a subgroup of the Galois group G.
Compressive response of Z-pinned woven glass fiber textile composite laminates: Modeling and computations

3D multi-layer and multi-representative unit cell (RUC) models are presented in order to capture the failure mechanisms of Z-pinned laminated textile composites presented in part 1 [Huang H, Waas A. Compressive response of Z-pinned woven glass fiber textile composite laminates: experiments, this issue] of this two part sequel. Simulations of 1, 9, 16, and 25-RUC models are compared to establish cell number effects in representing the textile composites for strength predictions. Further, simulations using multi-layer representations of the textile laminate are conducted to account for unintended stacking effects that occur during the manufacturing cycle. From the results of these simulations, the 3-layer model that has 16-RUCs in each layer is found to be the most adequate representation of the 3D multi-layer and multi-RUC models. Simulations show that stacking effects (layers not compacting and consolidating exactly as intended, resulting in a phase shift) during the manufacturing of the laminates, influence the outcome of the predicted compression strength.
Application of sector protein microarrays to clinical samples

Many protein functions are conferred by posttranslational modifications, which allow proteins to perform specific cellular tasks. Protein microarrays enable specific detection of posttranslational modifications not attainable by gene arrays. Reverse-phase protein microarrays have been widely adopted for use with clinical biopsy specimens because they have many advantages including highly reproducible printing of cellular lysates onto array surfaces, buit-in dilution curves, and direct detection using one antibody per analyte. This results in high-sensitivity, broad dynamic range, and favorable precision. Reverse-phase arrays have been restricted to a one slide/one antibody format. Although this is suitable for analyzing treatment effects over populations of samples, it is not well suited to individual patient assessments. One means of reaching this goal is the sector array format. Through the sector array, multiple antibody probes can be multiplexed on a single slide containing replicate immobilized aliquots from one patient. Thus, on one slide, a complete set of analytes can be characterized and used to support a therapy decision. This article describes a method for constructing sector arrays and demonstrates feasibility and adequate sensitivity applied to apoptosis related pathways.
Constrained Optimization for Green Engineering Decision-Making

Green engineering requires the designer to consider a very extensive set of environmental impacts. To minimize these impacts, the designer must significantly expand his or her “toolset” of product design concepts, alternative materials, manufacturing systems, and analytic methods for addressing life cycle impacts. This can overwhelm a designer, who then resorts to overly simplistic rules or checklists out of necessity. The central issue is how to identify all “pollution prevention pays” opportunities and then how to deal with the unavoidable tradeoffs that arise after all these opportunities have been exhausted. This paper presents a framework for employing mathematical decision modeling toward this end. A domain-independent constrained optimization formulation is presented. A multiattribute utility function reflects the willingness to pay for environmental improvement and is the basis of the objective function. The feasibility constraints reflect the unavoidable tradeoffs. Several case studies are presen...
Androgen receptor and microRNA-21 axis downregulates transforming growth factor beta receptor II (TGFBR2) expression in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer cells escape growth inhibition from transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) by downregulating TGFβ receptors. However, the mechanism by which cancer cells downregulate TGFβ receptors in prostate is not clear. Here, we showed that coordinated action of miR-21 and androgen receptor (AR) signaling had a critical role in inhibiting TGFβ receptor II (TGFBR2) expression in prostate cancer cells. Our results revealed that miR-21 suppresses TGFBR2 levels by binding to its 3'-UTR and AR signaling further potentiates this effect in both untransformed and transformed human prostate epithelial cells as well as in human prostate cancers. Analysis of primary prostate cancers showed that increased miR-21/AR expression parallel a significantly reduced expression of TGFBR2. Manipulation of androgen signaling or the expression levels of AR or miR-21 negatively altered TGFBR2 expression in untransformed and transformed human prostate epithelial cells, human prostate cancer xenografts and mouse prostate glands. Importantly, we demonstrated that miR-21 and AR regulated each other's expression resulting in a positive feedback loop. Our results indicated that miR-21/AR mediate its tumor-promoting function by attenuating TGFβ-mediated Smad2/3 activation, cell growth inhibition, cell migration and apoptosis. Together, these results suggest that the AR and miR-21 axis exerts its oncogenic effects in prostate tumors by downregulating TGFBR2, hence inhibiting the tumor-suppressive activity of TGFβ pathway. Targeting miR-21 alone or in combination with AR may restore the tumor inhibitory activity of TGFβ in prostate cancer.
Mechanical properties of Ti-Cr-Nb alloys and prospects for high-temperature applications

Four Ti-Cr-Nb alloys containing the C15 Laves phase have been given a series of mechanical tests, including compression, bending, notch toughness, elastic moduli measurement, microhardness, and a simple impact toughness test. Strength remains high between 900 °C and 1000 °C; moduli and specific moduli exceed those of titanium; 1000 °C ductility is substantial; but roomtemperature notch toughness is low. Since room-temperature impact toughness is substantial in unannealed samples, the effects of heat treatment will need to be studied. Oxidation rates have been measured on two of the alloys.
ASLO special symposium on regional effects of acid deposition on surface waters

Of the 10 papers presented in the ASLO special symposium, Regional Effects of Acid Deposition on Surface Waters, seven were regional case studies of lakes (four papers) or streams (three papers). These papers stressed the importance of hydrologic settings and flow paths in regulating pH and the acid neutralizing capacity (ANC). Three papers dealt with special topics: fishery models, paleolimnological reconstructions, and an overview of lake-watershed-airshed interactions. Geographically, data were derived primarily from a triangular section of the eastern and central United States (from Maine to Minnesota and Florida) corresponding to regions 1, 2, and 3 of the National Surface Water Survey.
Setting microsatellites free.

Altered microsatellite DNA in the blood of cancer patients may provide a novel method for tumor detection (pages 1033-1037).
Effects of Weak Gravitational Lensing from Large-Scale Structure on the Determination of q 0

Weak gravitational lensing by large-scale structure affects the determination of the cosmological deceleration parameter q0. We find that the lensing induced dispersions on truly standard candles are 0.04 and 0.02 mag at redshift z = 1 and z = 0.5, respectively, in a COBE-normalized cold dark matter universe with Ω0 = 0.40, Λ0 = 0.6, H = 65 km s-1 Mpc-1, and σ8 = 0.79. It is shown that one would observe q0 = -0.395−0.095+0.125 and q0 = -0.398−0.077+0.048 (the error bars are 2 σ limits) with standard candles with zero intrinsic dispersion at redshift z = 1 and z = 0.5, respectively, compared to the truth of q0 = -0.400. A standard COBE normalized Ω0 = 1 CDM model would produce three times as much variance and a mixed (hot and cold) dark matter model would lead to an intermediate result. One unique signature of this dispersion effect is its non-Gaussianity. Although the lensing induced dispersion at lower redshift is still significantly smaller than the currently best observed (total) dispersion of 0.12 mag in a sample of type Ia supernovae, selected with the multicolor light curve shape method, it becomes significant at higher redshift. We show that there is an optimal redshift, in the range z ~ 0.5-2.0 depending on the amplitude of the intrinsic dispersion of the standard candles, at which q0 can be most accurately determined.
Solvent dynamical control of electron-transfer rates in mixed-valence complexes observed by infrared spectral line shape coalescence.

Rate constants for intramolecular electron transfer within the intervalence charge transfer (−1) states of the complexes [{Ru3O(OAc)6(L)(CO)}2(μ-pz)] (where L= 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (1), pyridine (2), 3-cyanopyridine (3), or 4-cyanopyridine (4) and pz = pyrazine) were determined by coalescence of infrared (IR) vibrational spectral line shapes in seven solvents. The electron-transfer times (kET-1) show a strong correlation with solvent relaxation times determined in separate ultrafast time-resolved fluorescence experiments. The best comparison is found with the parameter t1e, which is ascribed to inertial solvent relaxation. The IR spectra of these mixed-valence complexes are thus a steady-state spectral probe of ultrafast, dynamic solvent relaxation processes which are otherwise only accessible using laser-pumped, ultrafast time-resolved measurements.
Systemic-motivational therapy for substance abuse disorders: an integrative model

Although recent reviews of the literature on families and substance misuse offer compelling evidence that inclusion of families significantly improves treatment engagement, retention and outcome, family therapy remains peripheral in most substance abuse treatment programmes. Furthermore, many of the treatment approaches that have been included under the term ‘family therapy’ continue to focus on the substance abuser as the sole target of treatment. Still conspicuously absent are treatment models based on family systems approaches, with outcomes targeted at non-abusing family members as well. This article presents an overview of one such family-focused substance abuse treatment model ‐ systemicmotivational therapy ‐ that combines a family systems approach with techniques derived from motivational interviewing, but this time is applied to work with the family as a unit. The background for the development of the model will be described, as well as the assessment/ consultation, family-level action plan, and aftercare/relapse prevention phases of the treatment approach.
Toward joint segmentation and classification of dialog acts in multiparty meetings

We present baseline results for the joint segmentation and classification of dialog acts (DAs) of the ICSI Meeting Corpus. Two simple approaches based on word information are investigated and compared with previous work on the same task. We also describe several metrics to assess the quality of the segmentation alone as well as the joint performance of segmentation and classification of DAs.
A computational alternative for variational expressions that involve dyadic Green functions

The dyadic Green function is convenient in formulating integral expressions for eletromagnetic wave scattering. The nature of this function's singularity, however, can lead to computational difficulties. The fact that this singular behavior can be avoided by recasting the integral expressions in terms of the scalar Helmholtz Green function is demonstrated. The use of the scalar Green function can lead to simplification of scattering calculations. Applications to variational formulations are discussed.
The U-Pb detrital zircon signature of West Antarctic ice stream tills in the Ross embayment, with implications for Last Glacial Maximum ice flow reconstructions

Glacial till samples collected from beneath the Bindschadler and Kamb ice streams have a distinct U-Pb detrital zircon signature that allows them to be identified in Ross Sea tills. These two sites contain a population of Cretaceous grains 100–110 Ma that have not been found in East Antarctic tills. Additionally, Bindschadler and Kamb ice streams have an abundance of Ordovician grains (450–475 Ma) and a cluster of ages 330–370 Ma, which are much less common in the remainder of the sample set. These tracers of a West Antarctic provenance are also found east of 180° longitude in eastern Ross Sea tills deposited during the last glacial maximum (LGM). Whillans Ice Stream (WIS), considered part of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet but partially originating in East Antarctica, lacks these distinctive signatures. Its U-Pb zircon age population is dominated by grains 500–550 Ma indicating derivation from Granite Harbour Intrusive rocks common along the Transantarctic Mountains, making it indistinguishable from East Antarctic tills. The U-Pb zircon age distribution found in WIS till is most similar to tills from the west-central Ross Sea. These data provide new specific targets for ice sheet models and can be applied to pre-LGM deposits in the Ross Sea.