cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excluded-Volume Effects in Polymer Solutions. 2. Comparison of Experimental Results with Numerical Simulation Data

The effect of excluded volume on the coil size of dilute linear polymers was investigated by off-lattice Monte Carlo simulations. The radius of gyration Rg was evaluated for a wide range of chain lengths at several temperatures and at the athermal condition. The θ temperature and the corresponding θ chain dimensions were established for the system, and the dependence of the size expansion factor, αs = Rg/(Rg)θ, on chain length N and temperature T was examined. For long chains and at high temperatures, αs is a function of N/Ns⧧ alone, where the length scale Ns⧧ depends only on T. The form of this simulations-based master function compares favorably with αs(M/Ms⧧), an experimental master curve for linear polymers in good solvents, where Ms⧧ depends only on polymer−solvent system. Comparisons when Ns⧧(T) and Ms⧧(system) are reduced to common units, numbers of Kuhn steps, strongly indicate that coil expansion in even the best of good solvents is small relative to that expected for truly athermal solutions. An...
Metallacrown-based compartments: selective encapsulation of three isonicotinate anions in non-centrosymmetric solids

Upon crystallization in high yields, metallacrowns form compartments that are capable of asymmetrically encapsulating three isonicotinate guests.
A New Infrared Vacuum Cell for Gas-Solid Adsorption Studies

A large number of infrared cells have been used in adsorption studies on supported metal samples. Description of these cells and their construction are available in the open spectroscopic literature. In general, an infrared cell is designed and constructed with a particular application in mind; however, most designs must conform to the following requirements: (1) they must be vacuum tight at pressures of 10−6 Torr; (2) they should be readily removable from the path of the infrared beam; (3) they should be provided with a furnace so that the sample can be suitably pretreated before an adsorption experiment; and (4) they should be equipped with an inlet and outlet for the handling of gases.
Base Excision and DNA Binding Activities of Human Alkyladenine DNA Glycosylase Are Sensitive to the Base Paired with a Lesion

The human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase has a broad substrate specificity, excising a structurally diverse group of damaged purines from DNA. To more clearly define the structural and mechanistic bases for substrate specificity of human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase, kinetics of excision and DNA binding activities were measured for several different damaged and undamaged purines within identical DNA sequence contexts. We found that1,N 6-ethenoadenine (eA) and hypoxanthine (Hx) were excised relatively efficiently, whereas 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine, O 6-methylguanine, adenine, and guanine were not. Single-turnover kinetics of excision of Hx and eA paired with T showed that excision of Hx was about four times faster than eA, whereas binding assays showed that the binding affinity was about five times greater for eA than for Hx. The opposing pyrimidine base had a significant effect on the kinetics of excision and DNA binding affinity of Hx but a small effect on those for eA. Surprisingly, replacing a T with a U opposite Hx dramatically reduced the excision rate by a factor of 15 and increased the affinity by a factor of 7–8. The binding affinity of human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase to a DNA product containing an abasic site was similar to that for an Hx lesion.
Calculation of distribution coefficients of donors in III-V semiconductors

Abstract The techniques recently developed for the calculation of III-V ternary phase diagrams have been extended to the calculation of distribution coefficients of impurities in III-V semiconductors. The distribution coefficients are calculated with no adjustable parameters, the calculation requiring only the temperatures and entropies of fusion, binary phase diagrams and lattice parameters of the relevant III-V compounds, and the tetrahedral covalent radii, electronegativities, molar volumes and atomization energies of the donor impurities and group III and V elements concerned. The calculation is carried out for common donors S, Se, Te and Sn at the melting points of the III-V compounds GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, InAs and InSb, and the results compared with experimental results where available. In GaAs and GaP, the distribution coefficients are calculated vs temperature for solidification from the group III rich melt.
Contrast enhancement in biomedical optical imaging using ultrabright color LEDs

The recent emergence of bright, inexpensive colored LEDs offers several advantages over traditional light sources, including reduced size and increased portability, low power consumption and heat production, increased durability and longer life, and high temporal resolution. We assembled a modular array of different Phillips LUMILED LUXEON LEDs, white and seven colors with peak wavelengths between 450 and 640 nm and bandwidths of 20-30 nm. LED illumination was fiber-optically coupled to the transmitted light path of an inverted microscope, and digital images of sectioned human tissue stained with absorbing dyes were acquired using combinations of the white and color LEDs. The LED array was also coupled to an endoscope and used to image human and mouse tissue in situ . Image contrast was assessed (1) qualitatively by looking down the microscope and by viewing the digital images, and (2) quantitatively by using entropy analysis in the real and frequency domains to assess the dependence of contrast enhancement on spatial frequency. Contrast in image features of a given color range was enhanced by LEDs conjugate to that color, whereas LED colors spanning a wider range enhanced contrast in the entire image, with white LEDs often maximizing contrast of tissue. This analysis demonstrates the utility of LED illumination in modulating contrast in light microscopy and endoscopy, which may facilitate spectral segmentation and classification of image features.
Mastery learning and students' attributions at the college level

This study was designed to determine whether the more favorable learning conditions provided by mastery learning procedures result in higher levels of achievement and more internal attributions on the part of college students. One hundred twenty-two undergraduate students enrolled in a general education course at a large state university participated in the study. Results showed that although students in mastery-taught sections did attain significantly higher levels of achievement no differences in attribution change were identified. Possible reasons for the lack of attribution change are discussed.
DarkSide-50: a WIMP search with a two-phase argon TPC

Abstract DarkSide-50 is a two phase argon TPC for direct dark matter detection which is installed at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory, Italy. DarkSide-50 has a 50-kg active volume and will make use of underground argon low in 39 Ar. The TPC is installed inside an active neutron veto made with boron-loaded high radiopurity liquid scintillator. The neutron veto is installed inside a 1000 m 3 water Cherenkov muon veto. The DarkSide-50 TPC and cryostat are assembled in two radon-free clean rooms to reduce radioactive contaminants. The overall design aims for a background free exposure after selection cuts are applied. The expected sensitivity for WIMP-nucleon cross section is of the order of 10 −45 cm 2 for WIMP masses around 100 GeV/c 2 . The commissioning and performance of the detector are described. Details of the low-radioactivity underground argon and other unique features of the projects are reported.
Assessment of the Angelchik prosthesis for treatment of symptomatic esophageal reflux.

During a recent 5-year period, 74 patients were fitted with an Angelchik antireflux prosthesis for symptomatic reflux esophagitis. Seventy-five percent of 28 patients in the initial series (series 1) have had excellent to very good response to the prosthesis, as indicated by a clinical follow-up of 36–60 mo. The main cause of failure in this series was prosthesis disruption (4 of 28 patients). Ninety-two percent of 46 patients in the more recent series (series 2) have had excellent to very good response to prosthesis placement. The new prosthesis design, which includes a circumferential strap, has completely eliminated prosthesis disruption. Of the total series of patients, 19% of patients experienced transient dysphagia. This complication was no longer significant by 6 mo postoperatively, and no prostheses have had to be removed because of this complication. There have been no instances of erosion of the prosthesis. In addition to clinical data, lower esophageal sphincter measurements and recently, 24-hr ambulatory pH monitoring have demonstrated a physiological effect of reflux protection after prosthesis placement. In our experience, the Angelchik prosthesis has been especially useful in high-risk patients, patients who have recurrent esophagitis after previous antireflux or foregut surgery, and patients who would probably not have been referred for conventional antireflux surgery. In view of our data, we believe that the Angelchik prosthesis should continue to be commercially available as a surgical option for treating selected patients with medically refractory reflux esophagitis.
Survival analysis of life span quantitative trait loci in Drosophila melanogaster

We used quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping to evaluate the age specificity of naturally segregating alleles affecting life span. Estimates of age-specific mortality rates were obtained from observing 51,778 mated males and females from a panel of 144 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Twenty-five QTL were found, having 80 significant effects on life span and weekly mortality rates. Generation of RILs from heterozygous parents enabled us to contrast effects of QTL alleles with the means of RIL populations. Most of the low-frequency alleles increased mortality, especially at younger ages. Two QTL had negatively correlated effects on mortality at different ages, while the remainder were positively correlated. Chromosomal positions of QTL were roughly concordant with estimates from other mapping populations. Our findings are broadly consistent with a mix of transient deleterious mutations and a few polymorphisms maintained by balancing selection, which together contribute to standing genetic variation in life span.
Association of the mcrD gene product with methyl coenzyme M reductase in Methanococcus vannielli

The mcrD gene, subcloned from the methyl coenzyme M reductase (MR) encoding mcrBDCGA operon in Methanococcus vannielii, has been expressed at a high level in Escherichia coli. Rabbit antibodies, raised against the product of this gene (rgpmcrD, recombinant gene product of mcrD) purified from E. coli, have been used to quantitate gpmcrD in M. vannielii and to follow its fate during MR purification. The molar ratio of gpmcrD to MR was found to be approx. 1:15 in cells of M. vannielii taken from batch cultures at all stages of growth. Sedimentation of lysates of M. vannielii cells through sucrose gradients and analyses of the fractions obtained by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation have demonstrated the presence of a macromolecular complex containing both gpmcrD and MR. Addition of mcrD antibodies or removal of gpmcrD from lysates of M. vannielii cells by immunoprecipitation decreased the rates of methanogenesis in vitro by approx. 20%. Addition of purified rgpmcrD to these lysates did not stimulate methanogenesis.
Born Model Calculation of Enthalpies of Solution in CaF2

The Born model of ionic solids was used to calculate the lattice energy, as an estimate of the enthalpy of solution, needed to dissolve NaF and YF3 in CaF2, in the limit of infinite dilution. For NaF sufficient experimental data are available to provide reasonable estimates for the parameters describing the repulsive interactions between Na+ and surrounding ions, and the calculated enthalpy of solution is in good agreement with the available experimental value, 1.4 ± 0.3 ev for NaF. For YF3 the experimental data are not available and the estimated enthalpy of solution of about zero is subject to a large uncertainty. The results for NaF are consistent with the model normally assumed, in which each substitutional Na+ ion is accompanied by an F− vacancy; however, they do not rule out charge compensation by interstitial Na+ ions. The calculations also yield an estimate for the lattice expansion.
INTERMEDIATE STRUCTURE IN THE PHOTON INTERACTION CROSS SECTIONS OF Sn AND Zr.

Photon scattering cross sections were measured with 70-keV resolution from 6 to 9 MeV in Sn, and from 8.5 to 12.5 MeV in Zr. A new method of analysis is used to infer relatively reliable total photon interaction cross sections. Both the elastic scattering and the total interaction cross sections vary more rapidly with energy than had been anticipated; the best identified localization of transition strength is between 11.4 and 11.8 MeV in Zr. The average total interaction cross sections are qualitatively similar to, but about 50% larger than, an extrapolation of the electric dipole giant resonance. The cross sections are large enough to imply that electric dipole interaction dominates at most energies. The relative probability of photon scattering and photoproton emission is very sensitive to correlations between proton widths and ground-state $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray widths. There is no evidence for width correlations associated with the additional strength concentrated near 11.5 MeV in $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$.
Shield Design for Shape-Shifting Surfaces

Shape-Shifting Surfaces (SSSs) are multilayered surfaces that are able to change shape while maintaining their integrity as physical barriers. SSSs are composed of polygonal unit cells, which can change side lengths and corner angles. These changes are made possible by each side and corner consisting of at least two different shields, or layers of material. As the layers undergo relative motion, the unit cell changes shape. In order for the SSS to retain its effectiveness as a barrier, no gaps can open between different layers. Also, the layers cannot protrude past the boundaries of the unit cell. Based on these requirements, a design space exploration was performed to determine, using equilateral triangle unit cells and triangular shields, the maximum deformation range of a unit cell. It was found that the triangular shields with maximum allowable deformation were right triangles with one of the angles being equal to 37.25 degrees and the adjacent side equal to 61% of the side length of the unit cell. The key contribution of this paper is a first algorithm for systematic SSS shield design. Possible applications for SSSs include protection, by creating body-armor systems; reconfigurable antennas able to broadcast through different frequencies; recreational uses, and biomedical applications.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Stroboscopic moving pictures

By means of moving pictures taken stroboscopically it is possible to see the rotor of a synchronous machine just as though one were actually revolving at synchronous speed with the rotating field of the stator windings. Newly developed thyratron tubes provide sufficient light for taking the pictures.
Effect of Pressure on the Static Forces of Micron-Scale Particle Adhesion

Supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide has been proposed as an environmentally benign solvent for precision cleaning. In this work, a model is presented that describes the static forces responsible for adhesion of microscopic particles to solid surfaces with a fluid layer present on the surface. This model is descriptive of particle adhesion in precision cleaning applications, such as cleaning of microelectronic devices. Predictions are made for the effects of high pressure on an idealized particle/fluid/surface system. The idealized system is a 1 μm graphite particle on a metal surface that is contaminated with a thin layer of n-dodecane. Calculations predict that the high pressures (as would be required for liquid or supercritical CO 2 cleaning) can increase the particle-surface separation distance in some regions of temperature-pressure space and that this effect may be coupled with a decrease in the total adhesion force. This model is useful as a first approximation to the design and analysis of dense-phase CO 2 -based precision cleaning systems.
Experimental autoimmune nigral damage in guinea pigs

Abstract An animal model of experimental autoimmune nigral damage (EAND) has been developed in guinea pigs by immunization with hybrid dopaminergic cells (MES 23.5). In such animals, loss of 40% of the substantia nigra (SN) neurons and damage to an additional 10% of SN neurons was associated with a 37–43% decrease of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and a 36% decrease of dopamine (DA) content in the nigral-striatum. Eight of the thirteen animals developed significant hypokinesia. The EAND model suggests that degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in SN can be caused by immune-mediated processes, which may help our understanding of the pathogenesis in Parkinson's disease.
Unbound bilirubin associated with kernicterus: a historical approach.

Abstract Objective: To determine the unbound bilirubin concentration (UBC) associated with kernicterus with the use of clinical data from clusters of kernicterus after sulfisoxazole and benzyl alcohol administration. Design: Sulfisoxazole at 12 mg/dL and benzoate at 10 mmol/L are associated with kernicterus at total bilirubins near 12 and 10 mg/dL, respectively. The concurrent UBC was estimated by first measuring the drug-induced increases in UBC in plasma and artificial sera (peroxidase-diazo method). The increases were then applied to baseline UBC, determined by linear regression analysis of binding data (peroxidase method) from 86 newborns, at total bilirubins of 12 mg/dL for sulfisoxazole and 10 mg/dL for benzoate. Sensitivity and specificity were determined with existing data. Results: Sulfisoxazole and benzoate increased UBC in artificial sera 2.1-fold and 4.1-fold, respectively, and in plasma (sulfisoxazole) 2.4-fold. Benzoate would increase baseline UBC from 0.29 to 1.19 μg/dL and sulfisoxazole from 0.36 to 0.86 μg/dL. The sensitivity and specificity of a UBC of 0.86 μg/dL for predicting kernicterus are 79% and 92% and for 1.19 μg/dL, 50% and 98%, respectively. Conclusion: Historic data predict that the unbound bilirubin above which kernicterus becomes likely lies between 0.86 and 1.19 μg/dL, in good agreement with existing information. (J Pediatr 2000;137:540-4)
The choice of composition variable for comparing the Walker and Vause model to binary liquid mixtures having closed-loop coexistence curves

Abstract By using unconventional composition variables, we have extended the application of the Walker and Vause model to include binary liquid mixtures having highly asymmetric closed-loop coexistence curves. We offer a plausibility argument supporting the use of these composition variables.
Glucuronidation mechanisms in the rat and their significance in the metabolism of insecticides

Abstract Optimum conditions for the in vitro glucuronidation of 1-naphthol were established using rat liver and small intestine as enzyme sources. The liver enzyme system was used to study conjugative metabolism, per se, and in conjunction with oxidative metabolism, while the intestine enzyme was used to study conjugative metabolism exclusively. Both carbaryl and Banol required oxidative metabolism before conjugation could take place. However, when conjugative metabolism was reduced by limiting the UDPGA concentration, the overall rate of carbamate metabolism was decreased. There was no accumulation of the nonconjugate metabolites although excess NADPH 2 was present in the microsome system. Inhibition of the conjugating enzymes was demonstrated using several insecticide synergists, including sulfoxide, piperonyl butoxide, and MGK-264, which are established mixed-function oxidase inhibitors. A number of insecticides at 10 −3 M concentration had no effect on the in vitro conjugating enzyme systems. Glucuronides of several hydroxylated carbaryl metabolites were synthesized by the enzymes from the two sources but the 5,6-dihydro-dihydroxy analog of carbaryl could not be conjugated.
Correcting Measurements of Pasture Forage Mass by Vacuuming the Stubble

Estimates of forage mass in pasture obtained by harvesting small plots may be too low because fragments of the harvested herbage are dropped into the stubble and not recovered. Our objective was to evaluate stubble vacuuming as a means of retrieving such material, thereby improving the accuracy of forage mass estimation. Our study was conducted on intensively managed dairy pastures dominated by orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.). The stubble was vacuumed following conventional harvesting of small quadrats to a stubble height of 2 cm. Harvested herbage and vacuumed stubble were oven-dried separately and then ashed to correct for soil contamination. The slope of the regression of total organic matter (OM), which included vacuumed material, on the mass of harvested herbage without vacuuming showed that clippings lost into the stubble in this study amounted to 0.045 Mg/ha OM for each Mg/ha unvacuumed herbage dry weight or 0.286 Mglha OM for each Mg/ha unvacuumed herbage OM. Because of the extra cost of the procedure, it is not recommended, except for ecological studies where very accurate estimations of OM distribution are required.
GnRH, anosmia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism - where are we?

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons originate the nasal placode and migrate into the brain during prenatal development. Once within the brain, these cells become integral components of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, essential for reproductive function. Disruption of this system causes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). HH associated with anosmia is clinically defined as Kallman syndrome (KS). Recent work examining the developing nasal region has shed new light on cellular composition, cell interactions and molecular cues responsible for the development of this system in different species. This review discusses some developmental aspects, animal models and current advancements in our understanding of pathologies affecting GnRH. In addition we discuss how development of neural crest derivatives such as the glia of the olfactory system and craniofacial structures control GnRH development and reproductive function.
Discovery of genetic biomarkers contributing to variation in drug response of cytidine analogues using human lymphoblastoid cell lines

Two cytidine analogues, gemcitabine and cytosine arabinoside (AraC), are widely used in the treatment of a variety of cancers with a large individual variation in response. To identify potential genetic biomarkers associated with response to these two drugs, we used a human lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) model system with extensive genomic data, including 1.3 million SNPs and 54,000 basal expression probesets to perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with gemcitabine and AraC IC50 values. We identified 11 and 27 SNP loci significantly associated with gemcitabine and AraC IC50 values, respectively. Eleven candidate genes were functionally validated using siRNA knockdown approach in multiple cancer cell lines. We also characterized the potential mechanisms of genes by determining their influence on the activity of 10 cancer-related signaling pathways using reporter gene assays. Most SNPs regulated gene expression in a trans manner, except 7 SNPs in the PIGB gene that were significantly associated with both the expression of PIGB and gemcitabine cytotoxicity. These results suggest that genetic variation might contribute to drug response via either cis- or trans- regulation of gene expression. GWAS analysis followed by functional pharmacogenomics studies might help identify novel biomarkers contributing to variation in response to these two drugs and enhance our understanding of underlying mechanisms of drug action.
Recreational boaters' perceptions of scenic value in Rhode Island coastal waters

Scenic value has long been recognized as an important feature in land use planning and management. In the US, several states have included scenic value provisions in their coastal zone legislation and required that reviews of project proposals consider scenic or aesthetic effects. In Rhode Island, all permitting decisions must take into account the effect of a proposed activity in the coastal zone, such as a new dock or expanded aquaculture facility, on scenic or aesthetic value. However, there is limited guidance for how the terms scenic value or aesthetic value should be interpreted. A mail survey of 500 recreational boaters registered in Rhode Island was conducted to investigate: (1) what scenic value of the coastal zone means to RI recreational boaters; (2) how different factors, including characteristics of boat owners, features of boats, and presence of boats in the landscape, relate to perceptions of scenic value; and (3) the relationship between perceptions of scenic value and destination choices of RI boaters. Findings indicate that RI recreational boaters preferred settings with less human influence and more natural features, but scenic value did not necessarily mean no human influence for participants. There were no strong relationships between scenic value ratings and respondent characteristics or boat features, yet there was a strong positive relationship between scenic value ratings of certain types of settings and the frequency with which respondents visited those types of settings. Coastal zone managers, land use planners, and local decision makers can use results from this study to better understand the meaning of scenic value, to guide planning and permitting in the coastal zone, and to help anticipate public response to proposed activities that could affect scenic or aesthetic value of the shoreline and adjacent coastal waters.
Twenty laws of complexity: science applicable in organizations

The ‘LTI Set’, consisting of 20 Laws of Complexity, a Taxonomy of the Laws of Complexity, and five Indexes of Complexity, is proposed as the core of a developing science of complexity that is applicable to resolving complexity in organizations. The LTI Set links to these included topics: Alternative Science-Free Organizational Practices; Educational Practices Appropriate to Complexity; Quality Control of Science; Applications of the Science of Complexity in Organizations; Enabling Conditions for Effective Organizational Practice. A critical condition for significant advances in resolving complexity is that the organization recognize the strong, even dominant, behavioral aspects of complexity, as reflected in the Laws; and take account of these in redefining the main role of top management. That role is to set up and administer a responsive corporate infrastructure to meet the demands of complexity, along the lines set forth here. Further advances in behavior can be made through new educational programs that reflect older scientific values applied to the challenges of today, in contrast to reliance on unwarranted assumptions that undermine organizations. Appropriately remodeled to reflect the relentless demands of complexity, the university can become a model for other institutions in society. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PXFS: A persistent storage model for extreme Scale

The continuing technological progress resulted in sustained increase in the number of transistors per chip as well as improved energy efficiency per FLOPS. This spurred a dramatic growth in aggregate computational performance of the largest supercomputing systems, yielding multiple Petascale implementations deployed in various locations over the world. Unfortunately, these advances did not translate to the required extent into accompanying I/O systems, which primarily saw the improvement in cumulative storage sizes required to match the ever expanding volume of scientific data sets, but little more in terms of architecture or effective access latency. Moreover, while new models of computations are formulated to handle the burden of efficiently structuring the parallel computations in anticipation of the arrival of Exascale systems, a meager progress is observed in the area of storage subsystems. New classes of algorithms developed for massively parallel applications, that gracefully handle the challenges of asynchrony, heavily multithreaded distributed codes, and message-driven computation, must be matched by similar advances in I/O methods and algorithms to produce a well performing and balanced supercomputing system. This paper discusses PXFS, a file system model for persistent objects inspired by the ParalleX model of execution that addresses many of these challenges. An early implementation of PXFS utilizing a well known Orange parallel file system as its back-end via asynchronous I/O layer is also described along with the preliminary performance data. The results show perfect scalability and 3× to 20× times speedup of I/O throughput performance comparing to OrangeFS user interface. Also the PXFS module on OrangeFS with 24 clients sees a 5× to 10× times more throughput than NFS.
Using the history of calculus to teach calculus

An historical approach to the teaching of calculus provides the students with a better understanding of the material than the standard approach and helps as well to introduce them to the relationship between mathematics and other aspects of our culture. In this article, I describe in some detail a course in calculus which is based on such an approach.
Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy of the Pyrolysis of Methylsilazane

An understanding of the chemical processes occurring in the gas phase during metalorganic chemical vapor deposition is needed to design novel precursors and for the subsequent control of the composition and the microstructure of the solid product. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy provides a means to precisely monitor specific bond rupture in the precursor during pyrolysis. Methylsilazane [CH3SiHNH]n,, a precursor to silicon-based ceramic thin films, was used to investigate the potential of this technique. Below the decomposition temperature, the intensity of the absorption line at 871.6±0.1 cm−1 corresponding to one of the harmonics from Si-CH3, increased linearly with the vapor pressure of methylsilazane up to 800 Pa and then decreased exponentially. The typical linewidths of the absorption line was approximately 0.006 cm−;1, orders of magnitude narrower than would be observable using conventional infrared techniques. The absorption line was detectable over a pressure range from less than 1 Pa to 10 kPa.
Donor influence in multilateral development banks: The case of the Asian Development Bank

This paper explores the influence of Japan and the United States over the geographic distribution of Asian Development Bank funds. Estimation using panel data for less developed Asian countries from 1968 to 2002 suggests significant donor influence with inconsistent weight placed on humanitarian criteria given limited funding for the region's largest countries, China and India. Comparing the results with research on World Bank loan allocation suggests donor interests are relatively more important in the ADB. This finding justifies the existence of the ADB on political grounds but calls into question its relative merits on economic grounds.
Total effects of contact and residual exposure of bifenthrin and λ-cyhalothrin on the predatory mite Galendromus occidentalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Pyrethroid insecticides are generally regarded as acutely toxic to predatory phytoseiid mites; however, persistence of hull split spray pyrethroid residues on almond trees and their effects on phytoseiids have not been quantified over time. Hull split, the separation of the almond hull along the suture, exposes the new crop nuts to infestation by Amyelois transitella (Walker) larvae, and is the preferred timing for insecticides applied for their control. Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt) is the most important phytoseiid biocontrol agent for web-spinning spider mites in California (USA) almond orchards, and the impact of bifenthrin and λ-cyhalothrin pyrethroid residue on their survival, fertility, and fecundity was determined. The total effects of direct contact with esfenvalerate, permethrin, bifenthrin and λ-cyhalothrin were also evaluated for comparison. The total effects (E) of direct contact treatments of the four pyrethroids ranged from 77.8 % for esfenvalerate to 98.8 % for bifenthrin. Both bifenthrin and λ-cyhalothrin twig residue would be considered harmful (IOBC class 4) following field application at hull split timing. Bifenthrin twig residue would be considered slightly harmful (IOBC class 2) for up to 3.5 months and harmless (IOBC class 1) after 6 months. λ-cyhalothrin residue would be considered moderately harmful (IOBC class 3) for up to 3.5 months following application and harmless (IOBC class 1) after 6 months. Bifenthrin and λ-cyhalothrin twig residue on treated trees significantly reduced G. occidentalis female survival for up to 6 months post-treatment, however total effects (E) classify these residues as harmless (IOBC class 1) after 6 months. Harmful effects of direct and residual exposure following application have implications for the use of these pyrethroids in an integrated mite management program for perennial crops.
Abstract 636: Role of PALB2 and the BRCA complex in G2/M checkpoint control.

Breast cancer tumor suppressors BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 form a complex that promotes faithful DNA repair by homologous recombination (HR). PALB2, the partner and localizer of BRCA2, mediates the physical and functional communication between BRCA1 and BRCA2. PALB2 binds to BRCA1 through its N-terminal coiled-coiled domain, and to the extreme N-terminal region of BRCA2 via its C-terminal WD40 repeats. Recently, it was shown that BRCA2 and PALB2, like BRCA1, play key roles in the maintenance of the G2/M checkpoint. Here, we show that PALB2 also plays a role in the activation of the G2/M checkpoint. Cells in the mitotic phase were scored on the basis of Ser 10 phosphorylation in the histone, H3 before and one hour after ionizing radiation. PALB2-deficient Fanconi anemia (FA-N) cells exhibited a significant defect in G2/M checkpoint activation, which was corrected upon re-expression of wild-type PALB2. This function of the protein appears to be dependent on its binding to both BRCA1 and BRCA2, as PALB2 mutants abrogated for their BRCA1- or BRCA2-binding abilities were unable to correct the checkpoint activation failure. Since TP53 is often mutated in BRCA- and PALB2-associated breast cancers and since FA-N cells express the SV40 T antigen which inactivates TP53, we studied whether TP53 is involved in PALB2-dependent checkpoint activation. However, depletion of PALB2 in isogenic TP53-wildtype and TP53-null HCT-116 colon cancer cells showed similar defects in checkpoint activation. Furthermore, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from a Palb2 knock-in strain, in which the endogenous PALB2-BRCA1 interaction is abrogated, also exhibited a defect in G2/M checkpoint activation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that PALB2 plays an important role not only in the maintenance but also the activation of the G2/M checkpoint, and suggest that BRCA1, PALB2 and BRCA2 function together as a complex in the maintenance of genome integrity. Citation Format: Srilatha R. Simhadri, Hong Cai, Bing Xia. Role of PALB2 and the BRCA complex in G2/M checkpoint control. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 636. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-636
Starch biosynthesis: experiments on how starch granules grow in vivo.

Abstract Four varieties of starch granules from potato, wheat, maize, and rice were fractionated into homogeneous 10-μm-sized ranges. The size with the largest amount of granules was reacted with ADP-[ 14 C]Glc, washed, and peeled into 7−9 layers, using a controlled peeling process, involving 90:10 volume proportions of Me 2 SO–H 2 O at 10 °C. All of the starches showed biosynthesis of starch throughout the granules. Starch synthase activities were determined for each of the layers. Three of the starches had a relatively large amount of synthase activity in the second layer, with only a small amount in the first layer. Potato starch had the largest amount of activity in the first layer. Starch synthase activity was found to alternate between higher and lower activities throughout all of the varieties of granules, showing that the synthesis was not uniform and also was not exclusively occurring at the surface of the starch granules, which had previously been hypothesized. From these results and our previous studies on the mechanism of starch chain elongation by the addition of d -glucose to the reducing end of a growing chain that is covalently attached to the active site of starch synthase, a hypothesis is proposed for how starch granules grow in vivo.
Clinical validation of three-dimensional color-modulated displays of myocardial perfusion.

Background. Two-dimensional polar maps have been validated previously with coronary arteriography for determining vascular involvement of defects from a patient's myocardial perfusion distributions with and without quantification. The purpose of this study was to validate previously developed three-dimensional color-modulated surface displays representing myocardial perfusion. Methods and Results. The validation consisted of comparing the agreement between the three-dimensional displays and two-dimensional polar maps in localizing perfusion defects to vascular territories in 30 patients (16 men/14 women) who underwent both a 1-day rest/stress exercise 99mTc-labeled sestamibi study and coronary arteriography. Reading by two experts was used to identify the size and location of quantified defects and corresponding areas of reversibility seen in the polar maps and, on a separate day, in the three-dimensional displays. Agreement between the two-dimensional polar maps and the three-dimensional displays resulted in identical percentages for the localization of both defects and reversibilities: left anterior descending coronary artery, 87% (2630); left circumflex coronary artery, 97% (2930); right coronary artery, 97% (2930); and coronary artery disease, 97% (2930). Conclusions. These results show that the color-modulated three-dimensional displays are at least as good as the CEqual polar maps in localizing a perfusion defect and its reversibility to angiographically defined vascular territories and thus could be used in the routine clinical evaluation of myocardial perfusion.
Primary health care in Ethiopia under three political systems: Community participation in a war-torn society

This paper examines primary health care (PHC) development with an emphasis on community participation in Ethiopia under the feudal regime of emperor Haile Sellassie, the socialist/military rule of Mengistu Haile Mariam and the sprouting democracy and free market economy of Meles Zenawi. In spite of the rapid expansion of primary care under Mengistu, community participation was hampered by the protracted war and centralized, urban-based, bureaucratic approaches and attitudes that failed to promote an enabling environment for community participation. The socialist government, although implementing various community programs and expanding the rural health services, did not succeed in revolutionizing the health services. A comparative examination of the democratized rebel health services of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) illustrates the inconsistencies between stated policies of the Ethiopian government and actual strategies, and identifies factors promoting and impeding participatory health care development in a war environment. Achievements, opportunities and potential dangers to PHC and community participation in the post-war era characterized by economic progress, democratization, decentralization, lingering ethnic conflict and private initiatives are briefly described.
Current status of sentinel lymph-node biopsy in patients with breast cancer

Axillary node status is the most important prognostic indicator for patients with invasive breast cancer. Sentinel lymph-node biopsy (SLNB) is widely accepted and the preferred procedure for identifying lymph-node metastasis. SLNB allows focused excision and pathological examination of the most likely axillary lymph nodes to receive tumor metastases while avoiding morbidities associated with complete axillary nodal dissection. Since its introduction in the early 1990s, the process of SLNB has undergone continual modification and refinement; however, the procedure varies between institutions and controversies remain. In this review, we examine the technical issues that influence the success of lymph node mapping, discuss the controversies, and summarize the indications and contraindications for axillary node mapping and biopsy in clinical practice.
Diabetes insipidus in pregnancy: etiology, evaluation, and management.

ABSTRACT Objective To review the approach to a patient with diabetes insipidus during pregnancy. Methods This review examines the normal physiology of water homeostasis, the related changes that occur during pregnancy, and the pathophysiology of diabetes insipidus in pregnancy. Associated complications, evaluation, and management are discussed. Results Diabetes insipidus can complicate up to 1 in 30000 pregnancies. Diabetes insipidus during pregnancy has a variety of causes, some that predate the pregnancy and others that begin during gestation. Polyuria and polydipsia can occur or be exacerbated in women with overt or subclinical central or nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. These women have either decreased central secretory reserve or impaired renal responsiveness to vasopressin. In addition, women can experience diabetes insipidus de novo in pregnancy through the actions of placental vasopressinase, which causes accelerated degradation of vasopressin. This form of diabetes insipidus may be associated with increased complications of pregnancy, including preeclampsia. Management of central diabetes insipidus and transient diabetes insipidus of pregnancy can be achieved with 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (desmopressin acetate) (DDAVP), a vasopressin analogue. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is typically resistant to both DDAVP and vasopressin and underlying causes should be addressed. Conclusions Increased awareness of diabetes insipidus in pregnancy may lead to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment that will reduce the risks of maternal and fetal morbidity. Overall, growing experience with DDAVP has shown that it is a safe and effective treatment for diabetes insipidus caused by a variety of factors. (Endocr Pract. 2009;15:377-382)
Cardinality-based inference control in OLAP systems: an information theoretic approach

We address the inference control problem in data cubes with some data known to users through external knowledge. The goal of inference controls is to prevent exact values of sensitive data from being inferred through answers to online analytical processing (OLAP) queries. We present an information theoretic approach for cardinality-based inference control, which simply counts the number of cells that all queries have covered thus far to determine whether a new query should be answered. Compared to previous approaches in sum-only data cubes, our new approach has a more general framework (applies to MIN, MAX and SUM) and is more effective.
A multifluid interpenetration mix model

Abstract In this Letter, we derive a set of multifluid moment equations with and without internal and external fields from the collisional Boltzmann equation in a self-consistent manner. The new equations are mathematically closed and physically consistent with one free parameter, contained in a phenomenological closure for the collisional frequency and to be determined by experimental data. The new equations provide a theoretical foundation for a large fraction of phenomenological mix models. They contain all the physical terms, particularly the terms associated with the Reynolds stress due to both species interpenetrations and random chaotic motions. Under certain assumptions, the new model equations successfully reduce to the other mix models.
Filmed Case Material: Experience or Exposure?.

In the conflict arising as a result of the increase in audio-visual case recordings and the mounting concern about protection of patients' rights, contributions from the experience of the medical and legal professions may forestall law suits as well as serious limitations on the availability of such case records.
Panel session: great principles in computing

Questions and answers about the great principles framework for computing and its impact on the organization and content of curriculum, with special attention to communicating our field, teaching programming, and appealing to a diverse audience.
A rapid thermal method for cocrystal screening

A compound-sparing, automated and ‘green’ differential scanning calorimetric method was developed for rapid cocrystal screening.
Memorial landscapes: analytic questions and metaphors

Over the past two decades, geographers have probed the intersection of collective memory and urban space. Their sustained interest in the subject reflects an understanding of the social condition of commemoration and the important role that space plays in the process and politics of collective memory. Along with other critical social scientists, geographers envision these public symbols as part of larger cultural landscapes that reflect and legitimate the normative social order. A review of the extant literature indicates that geographers scrutinize memorial landscapes through three conceptual lenses that may be understood via the metaphors of ‘text,’ ‘arena,’ and ‘performance.’ These metaphors are in turn mobilized through a series of analytic questions that serve to identify the interests served and denied by landscape ‘texts,’ the ‘arenas’ in which they are produced, and the ways in which they are enacted via ‘performance.’ This article’s synopsis of the subfield’s predominant metaphors and its attendant questions contributes to the ongoing cultural geographic project of articulating and implementing methods for interpreting landscapes as open-ended symbolic systems.