cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface topography of leukocytes in situ: Cells of mouse peritoneal milky spots

Abstract Identical peritoneal lymphocytes, macrophages, and mast cells, fixed in situ , on the surface of milky spots of mouse omentum and mesentery, were identified in the light microscope and then studied in the scanning electron microscope. Undisturbed, in their natural environment, the lymphocytes' surface ranged from highly villous to totally bald, and their shape varied from spherical to that of a “hand-mirror”. The macrophage surface was rugose, but also had microvilli, and its shape ranged from discoid with a regular outline to flat with an irregular outline. The mast cell was usually discoid and had an undulating surface with few microvilli and the frequent impression of underlying granules. The microvilli of the lymphocytes, and the ridges and folds of the macrophages, had also characterized these cells in vitro following their removal from the peritoneal cavity and incubation on artificial substrates (Orenstein and Shelton, 1975). However, there were pronounced differences in their appearance in situ as compared to in vitro. In vitro the lymphocyte was very regular in shape and varied little in the number of its microvilli, while the macrophage had an uneven distribution of surface features and could even be totally smooth. The elongated processes that were frequently directly between neighboring cells in vitro occurred less frequently in situ , where there was more intimate contact between cells. Processes that appeared to be of a similar nature frequently joined the cells of the substrate to the cells resting on their surface.
Asymmetry behavior between tension and compression in the cyclic deformation of copper single crystals and other ductile metals

Abstract Asymmetry behavior between tension and compression, i.e. stresses in compression are larger than those in tension, has been observed frequently in cyclic deformation. In order to investigate this behavior, a parameter, the asymmetry factor, has been defined to measure the degree of asymmetry in copper single crystals. It is found that the asymmetry factors “scatter” widely during rapid hardening and converge to the commonly accepted imbalance of about 5% between tension and compression after the crystals reach saturation. The causes of these behaviors are explored by studying crystals of different orientation and model experimental systems. The asymmetry is explained in terms of several factors, but the dominant one in saturation appears to be deformation constraint associated with strain localization. At long to medium life the strain localization takes the form of persistent slip bands, but other forms of localization can affect the asymmetry behavior at short life.
Heat of Formation of the Hydroperoxyl Radical HOO Via Negative Ion Studies

We present a determination of ΔfH298(HOO) based upon a negative ion thermodynamic cycle. The photoelectron spectra of HOO- and DOO- were used to measure the molecular electron affinities (EAs). In a separate experiment, a tandem flowing afterglow-selected ion flow tube (FA-SIFT) was used to measure the forward and reverse rate constants for HOO- + HC≡CH ⇄ HOOH + HC≡C- at 298 K, which gave a value for ΔacidH298(HOO−H). The experiments yield the following values: EA(HOO) = 1.078 ± 0.006 eV; T0(X HOO − A HOO) = 0.872 ± 0.007 eV; EA(DOO) = 1.077 ± 0.005 eV; T0(X DOO − A DOO) = 0.874 ± 0.007 eV; ΔacidG298(HOO−H) = 369.5 ± 0.4 kcal mol-1; and ΔacidH298(HOO−H) = 376.5 ± 0.4 kcal mol-1. The acidity/EA thermochemical cycle yields values for the bond enthalpies of DH298(HOO−H) = 87.8 ± 0.5 kcal mol-1 and D0(HOO−H) = 86.6 ± 0.5 kcal mol-1. We recommend the following values for the heats of formation of the hydroperoxyl radical: ΔfH298(HOO) = 3.2 ± 0.5 kcal mol-1 and ΔfH0(HOO) = 3.9 ± 0.5 kcal mol-1; we recommend...
Structure of human beta-glucuronidase reveals candidate lysosomal targeting and active-site motifs.

The X-ray structure of the homotetrameric lysosomal acid hydrolase, human β-glucuronidase (332,000 Mr), has been determined at 2.6 A resolution. The tetramer has approximate dihedral symmetry and each protomer consists of three structural domains with topologies similar to a jelly roll barrel, an immunoglobulin constant domain and a TIM barrel respectively. Residues 179–204 form a β-hairpin motif similar to the putative lysosomal targeting motif of cathepsin D, supporting the view that lysosomal targeting has a structural basis. The active site of the enzyme is formed from a large cleft at the interface of two monomers. Residues Glu 451 and Glu 540 are proposed to be important for catalysis. The structure establishes a framework for understanding mutations that lead to the human genetic disease mucopolysaccharidosis VII, and for using the enzyme in anti-cancer therapy.
The logical design of CG24

This paper discusses some features of the logical design of the CG24 computer with emphasis on the techniques used in the logical design rather than on the particular characteristics of the computer itself.
High light fluence impairs light-harvesting Chl a/b complex apoprotein syntheses and/or membrane uptake in the CD3 mutant of wheat

The CD3 mutant of wheat is a chlorophyll(Chlo-deficient mutant the phenotype of which depends upon the accumulation of the light-harvesting Chl a/b protein complex in leaves in response to the intensity of illumination. In the present studies, the rates of synthesis and/or uptake, and degradation of the light-harvesting Chl apoprotein in chloroplasts of wild-type wheat (Triticum aestivum L. selection ND 496) and CD3 wheat leaf segments were examined in response to two different intensities of illumination. We were interested particularly in the 21. 23 kDa proteins of the light-harvesting Chl a/b complex of photosystem I (LHCI) and the 25. 27. 29 kDa proteins of the light-harvesting Chl a/b complex of photosystem II (LHCII). The accumulation of [35S]-Met into the light-harvesting Chl protein of CD3 wheat chloroplasts was impaired by a high but not by a low light fluence. The levels of radiolabel in the supernatant fractions of leaf tissue homogenates from the wild-type and CD3 wheats were not significantly different over time, suggesting that the cellular uptake of [35S]-Met was not limiting in the mutant. The high fluence did not enhance the degradation of light-harvesting Chl protein from CD3 wheat thylakoids. Our data indicate an impairment in the light-harvesting Chl protein synthesis/membrane uptake system in CD3 wheat leaves under high fluence. A recovery in levels of the inner LHCPII, but not of LHCPI, was observed in the Chl-deficient wheat mutant after a prolonged (4 days) exposure to high fluence. Under low fluence, LHCP was added to both photosystem II (PSH) and photosystem I (PSI) but only that added to PSI remained in thylakoids after seedlings were switched to high fluence.
Superacid-Assisted Chemistry of Tetramethylhexathiaadamantane: Formation and Trapping of a Sulfur-Stabilized Carbodication

1,3,5,7-Tetramethyl-2,4,6,8,9,10-hexathiatricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane is quantitatively converted to a long-lived bicyclic carbodication, 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8,9-pentathiabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-3,7-diylium dication, in superacid solution. Trapping with H2O gives a new oxapentathiaadamantane, 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-2-oxa-4,6,8,9,10-pentathiatricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane, in modest yield.
Measurement of facial muscle strength in normal subjects.

Objectives: Muscle strength is a fundamental measure of function for neuromuscular systems; however, mimetic facial muscle strength has never been recorded. The objective of the present feasibility project was to measure facial muscle strength. Study Design: The study design was a prospective experimental trial in 10 normal subjects. Descriptive statistics, t tests, and analysis of variance were used to summarize and compare data. Methods: Subjects were selected by convenience following submission and approval of a prospectively designed protocol and consent form to the Human Studies Committee. Application of a force transducer to the central eyebrow and commissure during eyebrow raising, eyelid closing, smiling, and puckering was performed by two methods: surface adhesion method (n = 5) and direct probe application method (n = 5). Data were recorded in pounds. Three repetitions of each movement were made. Results: Rank order of muscle strengths (in pounds) by the surface adhesion technique was as follows: brow, 0.758; eye, 0.549; pucker, 0.387; and smile, 0.307. By direct probe application the rank order of muscle strengths was as follows: eye, 0.880; brow, 0.773; and smile, 0.730. Conclusions: Objective measures of facial motion are crucial for quantitative investigations of preventative, therapeutic, reconstructive, and rehabilitative interventions for facial nerve and muscle lesions. Until the present, objective measures required cross-correlations with current standards that were subjective. This is the first time an actual physical measure of facial muscle function has been performed. The purpose of presenting this preliminary work is to stimulate advancement along this line of research.
Radion stabilization by brane matter

We find a static solution to Einstein's field equations on a five-dimensional orbifold with a compact S_1/Z_2 fifth direction and Poincare invariant 3+1 sections. The solution describes a theory with bulk cosmological constant and 3-branes at the orbifold fixed points which carry matter density and pressure in addition to tension. The radius of the fifth dimension is determined by the matter content of the branes. The ratio of the space and time components of the metric depends on the fifth coordinate. Thus, the speed of propagation of massless fields is path dependent. For example, bulk and brane fields propagate with different speeds.
Lawyers in the legislature: The case of Ohio

Abstract Do lawyer-legislators differ significantly from their non-lawyer colleagues? This question is significant given the large number of lawyers occupying state and federal legislatures. The predominant theory of “professional convergence” holds that lawyer-legislators and non-lawyer-legislators exhibit no significant differences. In examining the Ohio General Assembly, this study finds that lawyers tend to be more ambitious, and think of their legislative roles differently than their non-lawyer associates. The study concludes that convergence theory needs to be revised to become attuned to present day realities of law and politics.
Protein kinase C modulates cell swelling-induced Ca2+ influx and prolactin secretion in GH4C1 cells

In GH4C1 rat pituitary cells, cell swelling stimulates prolactin (PRL) secretion by increasing Ca2+ influx through nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ channels; however, the mechanism by which cell swelling opens Ca2+ channels is still unclear. To evaluate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in this phenomenon, we studied the effect of down-regulating PKC by 12-h pretreatment with phorbol ester or by treatment with H-7, a protein kinase C inhibitor. Cell swelling induced by either 27% medium hyposmolarity or 80 mM isotonic urea caused a prompt rise in both [Ca2+]i and PRL secretion in otherwise untreated control GH4C1 cells. Removal of medium Ca2+ enhanced the osmotically induced cell swelling but prevented the increase in [Ca2+]i and PRL secretion. Both PKC down-regulation and H-7 suppressed the cell swelling-induced increases in [Ca2+]i concentration and PRL secretion, although they enhanced the induced cell volume expansion. Our data indicate that in GH4C1 cells PKC plays an important positive modulating role in the osmotic opening of plasmalemma Ca2+ channels, a critical component of the early transduction chain by which cell swelling causes PRL secretion in tumor-derived clonal pituitary cells.
Tectonic and structural features of the Pacific/Indo-Australian plate boundary in the North Fiji-Lau Basin regions, southwest Pacific

The SOPAC GLORIA survey covered principally an east—west region of the southwest Pacific approximately along latitude 16°S between longitudes 167°E and 171°W. Although a main objective was to determine the potential for seabed resources, the survey covered parts of the boundary between the Pacific and Indo-Australian plates and therefore addresses fundamental tectonic processes in these areas. The boundary is complicated and in some regions is not completely known. It is made more complicated by being unstable in places, making its history unclear. This paper brings together the general results of the survey as discussed by other contributions in this special issue to provide an overall interpretation, particularly as it relates to the major plate boundary through the region.
A compiler algorithm for optimizing locality in loop nests

This paper describe8 an algorithm to optimize cache locality in scientific codes on uniprocessor and multiprocessor machines. A distinctive characteristic of our algorithm is that it considers loop and data layout transformations in a unified framework. We illustrate through example8 that our approach is very effective at reducing cache misses and tilesize sensitivity of blocked loop nests; and can optimize nests for which optimization technique8 based on loop transformations alone are not succe88ful. An important special ceze is the one in which data layouts of some arrays are fixed and cannot be changed. We show how our algorithm can handle this ca8e, and demonstrate how it can be used to optimize multiple loop nests.
CHINESE MORAL VISION, RESPONSIVE AGENCY, AND FACTUAL BELIEFS

The principal aim of this essay is to offer a plausible basis for a philosophical appreciation of the Chinese vision of Taoa as creative harmony of man and world. In Section I, I shall present a distinction between ideal norm and ideal theme and suggest that the Confucian and the Classical Taoist points of view may be regarded as encapsulating distinct but not necessarily incornpatible moral attitudes. Section II develops this contrast in terms of two different conceptions of responsive agency. In Section III, the final section, I turn to the problem of the characterization of moral vision in relation to the role of factual beliefs.
Task-dependent force sharing between muscle synergists during locomotion in turkeys

At most joints, there is a redundancy of muscle function. For any given movement, there are a wide range of possible solutions to the problem of how force is shared among muscle synergists. A better understanding of how force is shared among muscle synergists can provide insight into the mechanics and control of movement. We examined force sharing in the gastrocnemius of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), using strain gauges bonded to bony tendons. Force was measured separately in the lateral (LG) and medial (MG) heads of the gastrocnemius, to evaluate force sharing. We also used inverse dynamics to determine the total force required during swing phase. To determine whether the pattern of force sharing varied depending on the mechanical task, we used running speed (1 to 3.5 m s(-1)) and limb loading (30 and 60 g added tarsometatarsal mass) to vary the force required at the intertarsal joint. We found that the distribution of force between these two heads varied depending on the phase of the stride cycle. During stance, force was shared in near equal amounts between the two heads and this distribution was unaffected by changes in running speed or limb load. During swing phase, however, there was no force sharing. Force was produced only in the lateral head, and this force was not significantly different from the total force required, as calculated from inverse dynamics. Thus, the LG produced all of the force required for limb extension during swing. This change in the pattern of force sharing between stance and swing supports the theory that force sharing between muscle synergists is task-dependent.
Yield, maturation, and forage quality of alfalfa in a black walnut alley-cropping practice

There is interest in producing alfalfa as an alley crop because alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most profitable hay crop in the USA. Field experiments were conducted near Stockton, MO in 2003 and 2004. Treatments consisted of alfalfa grown in open plots and in plots that were alley cropped between 20-year-old black walnut trees (Juglans nigra L.) planted in rows 24.4- and 12.2-m apart. Alfalfa was sampled for three harvest cycles each year. In the alley-cropping plots, samples were taken beneath the canopy (2.5 m from the tree row) and in the center of the alleys. Data were taken on dry-matter yield, maturity, and forage quality. At all harvest dates over both years, yields from beneath the canopy of both alleys and the narrow alley centers were less than yields from the wide alley centers and open plots. Yield from the wide alley centers was similar to that in open plots in every harvest but the final harvest of 2004. Transects across the plots indicated that yields increased linearly from the tree row to the center of both alleys. Alfalfa tended to mature faster in the open and wide alley centers compared to beneath the canopy of both alleys and the narrow alley centers. Forage quality differences were inconsistent across treatments. Alfalfa yield was significantly reduced and maturity was delayed by the narrow 12.2 m tree spacing, but yield was not reduced in the centers of the wider 24.4 m alleyways.
Influence of Certain Cations on Activity of Succinyl CoA Synthetase From Tobacco.

Succinyl CoA synthetase from Nicotiana tabacum exhibited a requirement for univalent and divalent cations. Mn2+ replaced Mg2+ in the assay medium and Co2+ and Ca2+ partially replaced Mg2+. Addition of Zn2+ resulted in no enzyme activity. The enzyme was activated by univalent cations K+, Rb+, NH4+, and Na+; Li+ showed little or no activation. Maximum enzyme activity varied significantly with potassium salts of different anions. Greatest activation was obtained with K3PO4 and, respectively, KCl, KNO3, K2SO4 and KF exhibited steadily decreasing enzyme activation.
Active tectonics of the Loreto area, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Abstract Quaternary faulting and coastal uplift characterize the rifted margin of Baja California near Loreto. The process by which strain between the North American and Pacific Plates became partitioned across the Baja Peninsula and the Gulf of California is partially recorded in the tectonics of the Loreto region. The Loreto fault, which consists of a north–south trending northern segment and a northwest–southeast southern segment, records part of this process, as do other faults offshore. During the Pliocene, the southern Loreto fault was actively providing accommodation space for rapid sedimentation in the Loreto basin. Basin subsidence, which abruptly slowed at the end of the Pliocene, was replaced by uplift, which occurred throughout the Quaternary. The Quaternary history of the northern Loreto fault is recorded in fault scarps cutting Quaternary deposits. Fault studies indicate that cumulative normal slip on the northern Loreto fault over the Quaternary was only about 30 m. Latest Pleistocene deposits are offset by about 5 m. Uplifted marine terraces, which may record either isostatic uplift of the coastal region or faulting events offshore, suggest rates of coastal uplift between 0.08 m/ka to 0.16 m/ka for the last 120 ka. These results strongly suggest that since the end of the Pliocene, strain was transferred from the Loreto fault to other faults, probably offshore. Strain between the Pacific and North American plates may, therefore, largely occur in the Gulf of California rather than onshore, in the Loreto region. Despite the low Quaternary strain rates recorded, the offshore faults and the Loreto fault may both represent significant seismic hazards albeit with long recurrence intervals.
Effects of crystallinity and morphology of solution combustion synthesized Co3O4 as a catalyst precursor in hydrolysis of sodium borohydride

Abstract Solution combustion synthesized (SCS) cobalt oxide (Co3O4) powder has been studied as a catalyst precursor for the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). Synthesis is completed in less than two minutes and results indicate SCS is capable of reproducibly synthesizing 98.5–99.5% pure Co3O4 nano-foam materials. SCS materials demonstrate an as-synthesized specific surface area of 24 m2 g−1, a crystallite size of 15.5 nm, and fine surface structures on the order of 4 nm. Despite having similar initial surface areas and sample purities, SCS-Co3O4 outperforms commercially available Co3O4 and elemental cobalt (Co) nano powders when used as a catalyst precursor for NaBH4 hydrolysis. Hydrogen generation rates (HGR) using 0.6 wt% NaBH4 in aqueous solution at 20 °C were observed to be 1.24 ± 0.2 L min−1 gcat−1 for SCS nano-foam Co3O4 compared to 0.90 ± 0.09 and 0.43 ± 0.04 L min−1 gcat−1 for commercially available Co3O4 and Co, respectively. The high catalytic activity of SCS-Co3O4 is attributed to its nano-foam morphology and crystallinity. During the hydrolysis of NaBH4, the SCS-Co3O4 converts in-situ to an amorphous active catalyst with a specific surface area of 92 m2 g−1 and exhibits a honeycomb type morphology.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: Clinical Signs, Pathogenesis, and Treatment

Hepatic encephalopathy is a metabolic encephalopathy that is completely reversible if treated early and appropriately. It is seen most commonly in dogs and cats with portosystemic portal hypertension. Antibiotics, lactulose, and dietary manipulation should be initiated as soon as hepatic encephalopathy is suspected. The prognosis of hepatic encephalopathy is complex and is not completely understood.
Queer Like Me: Black Girlhood Sexuality on the Playground, Under the Covers, and in the Halls of Academia

Using Laura Alexandra Harris’ conception of a queer Black feminism, I evaluate stories from my girlhood to learn what lessons can be learned about young female sexuality when the researcher works from a position of pleasure. I contend that my secret quests to satisfy my same-sex sexual desires led me to begin the process of cultivating self-awareness, or subjectivity, and personal agency at an early age.
Protein alterations in isolated outer membranes of polymyxin-resistantPseudomonas aeruginosa isolates

Isolated outer membranes fromPseudomonas aeruginosa strains resistant to polymyxin were compared with isolated outer membranes from polymyxin-sensitive strains as to their protein composition as determined by slab polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Both the porin protein and the H1 protein were decreased greatly in concentration in the outer membranes from the polymyxin-resistant strains. This confirms previous findings reduced concentrations of these proteins in cell envelopes of these strains. No evidence was found for these decreases being the result of an artifactual loss of these proteins from the outer membrane due to conditions used for growth or for preparation of cell envelopes. Nevertheless, the role of these outer membrane proteins in mediating polymyxin resistance is uncertain.
Metal corroles as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction.

The rotating ring disk electrode method has been used to study O2 electroreduction with metal corroles. Catalysis begins at potentials that are 0.5–0.7 V more positive than the expected potential of the MIII/II couple based on studies in non-aqueous solutions. The path of O2 reduction depends on the nature of the metal ion. Cobalt corroles promote O2 reduction to H2O2. Iron corroles catalyse O2 reduction via parallel two- and four-electron pathways, with a predominate four-electron reaction. The rate constants for the individual O2 reduction paths are given at pH 7. Mechanisms are proposed on the basis of pH dependence, inhibition studies, and Tafel slopes. An imidazole-tailed iron corrole catalyses H2O2 disproportionation analogous to catalase.
Prenatal development of lung antioxidant enzymes in four species

We examined the chronology of development of both fetal lung antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and disaturated phosphatidylcholine ("surfactant") during late gestation in four laboratory animal species: rat, rabbit, hamster, and guinea pig. An essentially similar pattern of prenatal biochemical maturation was found in all four species. The developmental changes were characterized by (1) rapid elevations in fetal lung antioxidant enzyme levels during the final 10% to 15% of gestation, and (2) an essentially parallel rapid rise in lung surfactant content during the final 10% to 15% of gestation. The increase in the lung activity of the individual antioxidant enzymes prior to birth averaged approximately 150% to 200%. Our findings suggest that late gestational changes in the principal pulmonary antioxidant defense system (like the changes in the surfactant system) represents a normal "preparation for birth," required to assure successful functioning of the neonatal lung in the relatively oxygen-rich ex utero environment.
Exercise Testing and Training in Children With Congenital Heart Disease

The primary function of the cardiopulmonary system is to provide blood flow (and oxygen) in quantities sufficient to support the metabolic needs of the body. The capacity of the cardiopulmonary system to fulfill this function is maximally stressed when an individual's metabolic rate is increased, a condition that occurs most commonly during physical activity/exercise. A number of physiological changes accompany and facilitate the accommodation of the circulatory system to the hemodynamic demands of exercise (Figure 1). In normal individuals, these changes (which during upright exercise include a tripling of the resting heart rate, a >60% reduction in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, and a >50% increase in stroke volume) can ultimately produce a >5-fold increase in cardiac output. The increase in cardiac output is accompanied by enhanced ventricular preload (as the ventricles move up their Starling curves to accommodate the increased workload), a doubling of systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressures (most of the increase in pulmonary artery pressures is due to the concomitant rise in left-sided filling pressures; the increase in transpulmonary pressure gradient is relatively small), and a more modest increase in systemic arterial pressures.1,–,4 Figure 1. Some of the physiological changes that accompany and facilitate the accommodation of the circulatory system to the hemodynamic demands of exercise. RAp indicates right atrial pressure; LAp, left atrial pressure; PVR, pulmonary vascular resistance; SVR, systemic vascular resistance; PAp, pulmonary artery pressure; and AOp, aortic pressure. Congenital heart disease (CHD) may, in a variety of ways and to a variable extent, adversely affect these hemodynamic adaptations. For instance, patients with a Fontan procedure lack a pulmonary ventricle. They therefore cannot increase their pulmonary blood flow and pressures normally (and consequently cannot maintain their ventricular preload and systemic blood flow) during exercise.5 Patients with tetralogy of Fallot and …
Outside the box signaling: Secreted factors modulate GnRH receptor-mediated gonadotropin regulation

Control of gene expression following activation of membrane receptors results from the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways and transcription factors. Accordingly, research to elucidate the regulatory control circuits and cellular data processing mechanisms focuses on intracellular mechanisms. While autocrine and paracrine signaling are acknowledged in endocrinology, secreted factors are not typically recognized as fundamental components of the pathways connecting cell surface receptors to gene control in the nucleus. Studies of the gonadotrope suggest that extracellular regulatory loops may play a central role in the regulation of gonadotropin gene expression by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor activation. We review emerging evidence for this phenomenon, which we refer to as exosignaling, in gonadotropin gene control and in other receptor-mediated signaling systems. We propose that basic signaling circuit modules controlling gene expression can be seamlessly distributed across intracellular and exosignaling components that together orchestrate the precise physiological control of gene expression.
On the nature of the bonding and antibonding metallic film and nanoshell plasmons

Metallic films and nanoshells exhibit bonding and antibonding plasmon resonances formed by hybridization of plasmon resonances associated with the two surfaces confining the metal. For both structures the lower energy bonding plasmon resonance is characterized by a symmetric alignment of the charge densities. In this Letter we present a physically intuitive explanation for why the repulsive symmetric charge alignment results in a low energy bonding plasmon. We also show that the plasmon dispersion for a planar thin film can be obtained from the plasmon resonances of a metallic nanoshell in the limit of infinite radius.
Uranyl-organic complexes: structure symbols, classification of carboxylates, and uranyl polyhedral geometries

A system of structure symbols to classify and group uranyl-organic complexes is devised. The method is applied to describe 604 published structures of uranyl-organic complexes, then to consider the complex chemistry of uranyl carboxylates. A review of the uranyl-organic structural units in monocarboxylates, polycarboxylates and mixed carboxylates is provided. The uranyl (U–O) and equatorial bond lengths are considered for well-refined structures and their trends are briefly discussed.
Use of a static var compensator for generator negative-sequence current reduction

Abstract The presence of negative-sequence current in a generator, due to system imbalance, induces double-frequency currents in the rotor iron. These currents may cause rotor overheating and serious damage if permitted to persist. Negative-sequence current relaying practices that alarm or trip the generator before damage can occur are well established in the power industry. However, tripping major generation facilities may create social, security, and economic problems. In addition, for an isolated system with relatively poor frequency regulation, the combination of negative-sequence current and frequency perturbation may cause supersynchronous resonance in turbine blades if one of the mechanical resonance frequencies of the turbine blade is close to double the system frequency (60 Hz). This paper presents a method for correcting the problem at source by reducing the negative-sequence current through a specially designed delta-connected static var compensator (SVC). The derivation of the mathematical model and computer simulations verify and explain the capability of this approach. In addition, a scaled-down model is implemented in a physical simulation laboratory. Some laboratory test results are also presented.
Exploring the energy landscape of a ? hairpin in explicit solvent

We studied the energy landscape of the peptide Ace-GEWTYDDATKTFTVTE-Nme, taken from the C-terminal fragment (41-56) of protein G, in explicit aqueous solution by a highly parallel replica-exchange approach that combines molecular dynamics trajectories with a temperature exchange Monte Carlo process. The combined trajectories in T and configurational space allow a replica to overcome a free energy barrier present at one temperature by increasing T, changing configurations, and cooling in a self-regulated manner, thus allowing sampling of broad regions of configurational space in short (nanoseconds) time scales. The free energy landscape of this system over a wide range of temperatures shows that the system preferentially adopts a beta hairpin structure. However, the peptide also samples other stable ensembles where the peptide adopts helices and helix-turn-helix states, among others. The helical states become increasingly stable at low temperatures, but are slightly less stable than the beta turn ensemble. The energy landscape is rugged at low T, where substates are separated by large energy barriers. These barriers disappear at higher T (approximately 330 K), where the system preferentially adopts a "molten globule" state with structures similar to the beta hairpin.
Measured Noise Characteristics at Long Transit Angles

Tests made on diodes at 3,000 Mc and transit times of over one radio-frequency cycle indicate that the space-charge reduction of noise is of the order of 10 to 1. This was true of diodes having tungsten, thoriated-tungsten, and oxide emitters. The magnitude of the noise, as well as the variation with transit time, was found to agree qualitatively with the present theory.
Efficient recursive algorithms for computing the mean diffusion tensor and applications to DTI segmentation

Computation of the mean of a collection of symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrices is a fundamental ingredient of many algorithms in diffusion tensor image (DTI) processing. For instance, in DTI segmentation, clustering, etc. In this paper, we present novel recursive algorithms for computing the mean of a set of diffusion tensors using several distance/divergence measures commonly used in DTI segmentation and clustering such as the Riemannian distance and symmetrized Kullback-Leibler divergence. To the best of our knowledge, to date, there are no recursive algorithms for computing the mean using these measures in literature. Recursive algorithms lead to a gain in computation time of several orders in magnitude over existing non-recursive algorithms. The key contributions of this paper are: (i) we present novel theoretical results on a recursive estimator for Karcher expectation in the space of SPD matrices, which in effect is a proof of the law of large numbers (with some restrictions) for the manifold of SPD matrices. (ii) We also present a recursive version of the symmetrized KL-divergence for computing the mean of a collection of SPD matrices. (iii) We present comparative timing results for computing the mean of a group of SPD matrices (diffusion tensors) depicting the gains in compute time using the proposed recursive algorithms over existing non-recursive counter parts. Finally, we also show results on gains in compute times obtained by applying these recursive algorithms to the task of DTI segmentation.
PROUD: a sea-of-gates placement algorithm

An efficient method is proposed for placing modules in large and highly complex sea-of-gates chips that include preplaced I/O pads and macrocells. PROUD repeatedly solves sparse linear equations. A resistive network analogy of the placement problem and convexity of the objective function are key concepts in this algorithm. The algorithm was tested on nine real circuits. For a triple-metal-layer, 100000-gate sea-of-gate design with 26000 instances, the constructive phase took 50 minutes on a VAX 8650 and yielded excellent results for total wire length. Extensions of the method are considered. >
EXTENDING SOCIAL DISORGANIZATION THEORY: A MULTILEVEL APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF VIOLENCE AMONG PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES

Prior studies of violence among individuals with mental illnesses have focused almost exclusively on individual-level characteristics. In this study, I examine whether the structural correlates of neighborhood social disorganization also explain variation in violence. I use data on 270 psychiatric patients who were treated and discharged from an acute inpatient facility combined with tract-level data from the 1990 U.S. Census. I find that living in a socially disorganized neighborhood increased the probability of violence among the sample, an effect that was not mediated by self-reported social supports. Implications for future research in the areas of violence and mental illness are discussed.
An inspection-maintenance model for systems with multiple competing processes

In some applications, the failure rate of the system depends not only on the time, but also upon the status of the system, such as vibration level, efficiency, number of random shocks on the system, etc., which causes degradation. In this paper, we develop a generalized condition-based maintenance model subject to multiple competing failure processes including two degradation processes, and random shocks. An average long-run maintenance cost rate function is derived based on the expressions for the degradation paths & cumulative shock damage, which are measurable. A geometric sequence is employed to develop the inter-inspection sequence. Upon inspection, one needs to decide whether to perform a maintenance, such as preventive or corrective, or to do nothing. The preventive maintenance thresholds for degradation processes & inspection sequences are the decision variables of the proposed model. We also present an algorithm based on the Nelder-Mead downhill simplex method to calculate the optimum policy that minimizes the average long-run maintenance cost rate. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the results using the optimization algorithm.
Gate dimension characterization using the inversion layer

A novel technique is presented to characterize the bottom and cross sectional dimensions of a metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) gate based on measuring the inversion layer linewidth. The results presented are taken from a structure fabricated in the Stanford 2- mu m BiCMOS process. Analysis of test results revealed undesirable influences from three identifiable sources. Two are a result of different sheet resistances between the van der Pauw and Kelvin line portions of the structure. The third is due to small DVM currents, which drop a small voltage in the taps of the structure. A better layout based on this understanding is proposed. The bottom dimension of the gate can potentially be used in conjunction with other measurements of the gate, such as the width of the selective tungsten, in order to predict the cross-sectional shape of the gate or tungsten selectivity. >
Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition With Celecoxib Decreases Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation in Mice

Objective— Inflammation plays an integral role in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), and the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is increased in aneurysmal tissue compared with normal aorta. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which inhibit the activity of COX-1 and COX-2, decrease AAA expansion in humans and animal models of the disease. In the current study, we investigated the effectiveness of selective inhibition of COX-1 or COX-2 in attenuating AAA formation. Methods and Results— Eight-week-old male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were treated with selective inhibitors of COX-1 or COX-2, SC-560 (≈25 mg · kg−1 · day−1), or celecoxib (≈125 mg · kg−1 · day−1), respectively. COX inhibitors were administered 1 week before angiotensin II (Ang II; 1000 ng · kg−1 · min−1) or saline infusion and throughout the time course of the experiment. COX-1 inhibition had no effect on incidence (control: 90% [9:10] versus SC-560: 89% [8:9]) or severity of Ang II-induced AAA formation. In contrast, celecoxib decreased the incidence (control: 74% [22:30] versus celecoxib: 11% [2:19]; P <0.001) and severity ( P =0.001) of AAA formation. Celecoxib also decreased the incidence and severity of AAAs in nonhyperlipidemic mice. Conclusions— COX-2–derived prostanoids play a fundamental role in the development of Ang II-induced AAAs in both hyperlipidemic and nonhyperlipidemic mice.
Well-being, Reasonableness, and the Natural Environment

This Special Section features a number of perspectives on the vital role played by natural environments. The three empirical papers, using different approaches and measures, representing diverse populations in different countries, and different kinds of natural settings, all provide evidence for the importance of nature to human well-being. This paper presents the Reasonable Person Model (RPM) as a framework for understanding how the environment can help bring out the best in people. Demographic and regional variations notwithstanding, people are empowered by opportunities to make a difference and be respected, they are concerned with being effective, and their efforts are guided by their mental models. Having nature nearby, even if modest in scale, can be particularly beneficial in offsetting some of the consequences of depleted attentional resources which readily undermine reasonable behavior. We focus on some important distinctions between psychological restoration (and its relationship to the effectiveness domain of RPM) and environmental preference (and its connection to RPM’s model building domain). Today’s all too pervasive unreasonableness is costly in terms of personal and social well-being. Understanding the vital capacity of the natural environment can make a substantial difference in bringing out the best in people.
Estimating risk for Earth-satellite attenuation prediction

Annual cumulative distributions of attenuation measurements and of rain-rate measurements were obtained from several locations in Europe and the United States. They were analyzed to estimate the year-to-year variability to be associated with a prediction of the expected cumulative distribution. Two models were constructed to estimate variability, an ad hoc model that summarized a number of observations when compared to model predictions and a probabilistic model that applied the ideas of order statistics to the prediction problem when the number of independent attenuation or rain-rate events in a sample year could be estimated. Based on these models, the statistical uncertainty in a model prediction may be estimated. The estimation procedure also provides an answer to the question of the number of years of observation needed to provide an estimate of the empirical distribution with a specified statistical uncertainty. >
Experimental study of overwrite modulation in perpendicular magnetic recording

Perpendicular magnetic recording is regarded as next generation recording technology for storage industry. However, overwrite modulation in perpendicular recording was not thoroughly studied. In longitudinal recording, old information modulates the newly recorded transitions through in-plane field arising from write field leading edge transitions. In this study, experimental perpendicular recording overwrite tests are performed on several different perpendicular media. It shows that modulation in perpendicular recording comes directly from demagnetization field of previously recorded bits. It also shows that write head effective switching field profile significantly affects the modulation behavior.
Suboptimal nonlinear filters for systems with random structure

The problem of combined state and structure estimation is addressed within the framework of nonlinear filtering theory. Several types of interesting suboptimal nonlinear filters are derived for an example problem. The problem of the existence of a finite dimensional recursive nonlinear filter is investigated for the example problem.
Green power: status and perspectives

The main objective of the so-called green power marketing is to provide selective customers of electric energy with choices to purchase electric energy from sustainable, environmentally friendly sources. This paper presents a rationale for marketing of green power provides a brief overview of some of the existing efforts in the United States and abroad, and attempts to identify the conditions and future trends for survival of renewable energy in the energy marketplace. Our goal is primarily to provide a representative sample of the current technology status, rather than a comprehensive coverage of worldwide initiatives in this area.
Early Signals during CD8+ T Cell Priming Regulate the Generation of Central Memory Cells

The CD8+ T cell response to infection is characterized by the appearance of short-lived (CD127low killer cell lectin-like receptor G 1–high) and memory-precursor (CD127high killer cell lectin-like receptor G 1–low) effector cells. How and when central-memory T (TCM; CD62Lhigh CCR7+) cell and effector-memory T(TEM; CD62Llow CCR7−) cell subsets are established remains unclear. We now show that the TCM cell lineage represents an early developmental branchpoint during the CD8+ T cell response to infection. Central-memory CD8+ T cells could be identified prior to the peak of the CD8+ T cell response and were enriched in lymphoid organs. Moreover, the kinetics and magnitude of TCM cell development were dependent on the infectious agent. Furthermore, the extent of early Ag availability, which regulated programmed death-1 and CD25 expression levels, controlled the TCM/TEM cell lineage decision ultimately through IL-2 and IL-15 signaling levels. These observations identify key early signals that help establish the TCM/TEM cell dichotomy and provide the means to manipulate memory lineage choices.
Effects of the Mean Walker Circulations on the Zonal Variability of Tropical CISK Waves

Abstract An idealized zonally asymmetric mean state in the Tropics is used to investigate the effects of atmospheric mean Walker circulations and sea surface temperatures on the zonal variability of tropical waves with positive- only wave–CISK heating. First, the effects of the zonally symmetric vertical and meridional shears of the mean zonal flow are investigated with different vertical profiles of convective heating and temperature lapse rate. With the observed vertical profile of temperature lapse rate in the Tropics, the effect of the vertical shear of the mean zonal flow on the fast waves (period about 2 weeks) associated with a maximum heating in the upper troposphere is found to be opposite to that on the slow waves (period about 4 weeks) with a maximum heating in the middle troposphere, while the vertical shear effects with an idealized constant lapse rate are quite similar. The meridional shear of the mean zonal flow acts only to reduce the effects of the vertical shear of the mean zonal flow. S...
The Chicago School, Transaction Cost Economics and the Roberts Court's Antitrust Jurisprudence

The Roberts Court's reign at the United States Supreme Court is only in its nascent stages. Already, however, its antitrust activity level has far exceeded the Court's single case average prior to the 2003-04 Term by a significant margin. The recent flurry of antitrust activity and the likely significance the Roberts Court will have on the development of antitrust jurisprudence warrants some reflection and analysis. I argue that the Roberts Court decisions embrace the Chicago School of antitrust analysis, Transaction Cost Economics, and insights from comparative institutional analysis gleaned from New Institutional Economics. Despite the rise of Post-Chicago Economics in economics departments and elite journals, the substance of the Roberts Court's antitrust jurisprudence suggests a significant amount of skepticism is appropriate concerning any prediction of the demise of the Chicago School or Transaction Cost Economics in antitrust in the coming years.
An algorithm for boundary tracking in AFM

The standard approach to investigating dynamic phenomena in atomic force microscopy (AFM) is through the use of time-lapse imaging techniques. Because the time to acquire each image is often on the order of minutes, the temporal resolution of this approach is severely limited. There are a variety of examples where the interesting dynamics occur on the boundary of a contiguous structure, such as the growth of lamellar protrusions for cell motility, the growth of crystal structures, or the process of endocytosis by cells. Motivated by this, we present here a high-level feedback control law for boundary tracking in AFM. By steering the tip of the atomic force microscope along the boundary, the acquired image is restricted only to the area of interest. With this approach the total area which needs to be imaged is drastically reduced, leading to a great reduction in the time to acquire each image.