cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Rapid Acquisition Technique Employing Parallel SAW Processing

In this paper, a technique will be described which uses multiple surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices in parallel to reduce the acquisition time of a direct sequence spread spectrum communication system. Analysis of system performance in both the search and the lock modes will be presented, and considerations relevant to actual hardware implementation will be discussed.
Hormonal signaling and signal pathway crosstalk in the control of myometrial calcium dynamics

Understanding the basis for the control of myometrial contractant and relaxant signaling pathways is important to understanding how to manage myometrial contractions. Signaling pathways are influenced by the level of expression of the signals and signal pathway components, the location of these components in the appropriate subcellular environment, and covalent modification. Crosstalk between these pathways regulates the effectiveness of signal transduction and represents an important way by which hormones can regulate phenotype. This review deals primarily with signaling pathways that control Ca2+ entry and intracellular release, as well as the interplay between these pathways.
Planarization of 8π Rings. I. Confirmation of a speculation by Ermer on the ground state of a strained cyclooctatetraene and studies on analogous oxepins

We describe by ab initio calculations several rings containing eight π electrons, forced into planarity by altering the balance of strain with fused rings. These include a tricyclic fused-cyclopropano ring derivative of cyclooctatetraene suggested by Ermer to be planar in its ground state, an analogous tricyclic oxepin, and cyclobutano ring-fused cyclooctatetraene previously described experimentally. We verify that cyclopropano ring fusion planarizes rings with eight π electrons; however, by bond alternation and magnetic susceptibility suppression, forming the planar ring leaves the system anti-aromatic. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 67: 367–376, 1998
Matching theory—a sampler: from De´nes Ko¨nig to the present

Abstract : It was Koenig who gave the next strong impetus to the study of graph factorization after Petersen's ground breaking work, and it is Koenig with whom we are charged to begin out brief summary of the history of matching theory. Fortunately, matching theory serves well as an historical thread extending from the time of Koenig (and before) up to the present, wending its way through graph theory and intersecting many of the most important new ideas which have sprung forth in our discipline. One sees in particular that after the close of World War II this intertwining of matching theory with the study of graphs as a whole became ever more inextricable, even as the study of graph theory as a discipline unto itself literally exploded upon the mathematical scene. Although it is jumping the gun somewhat with respect to the organization of this paper, we can mention three major areas which have joined with graph theory to give rise to many new and deep results. These are: (1) linear programming and polyhydral combinatorics; (2) the linking of graphs and probability theory in the area of random graphs and finally (3) the theory of algorithms and computational complexity.
“Putting Herself on the Line”: African American Female Teacher Leaders as Exemplars of Social Justice Leadership

Existing scholarship on teacher leadership fails to account for the perspectives of African American female teacher leaders. In this article, we profile 3 African American female teacher leaders located at different trajectories on historical and professional timelines. Our analysis is grounded in understandings from the intersection of social justice leadership, critical race theory in education, and narrative inquiry methodology. Examination of the experiences and practices of these teacher leaders provides an account of the sociohistorical context and challenges reflective of their lives and work as advocates for excellence and equity in education for marginalized students and their families.
Recent developments in indocyanine green angiography.

For the past year, indocyanine green angiography has been applied to evaluation of choroidal neovascularization, pigment epithelial detachment, retinal vascular disorders, and choroidal diseases and tumors. These applications have expanded the potential use of this technique. The relative safety of
Teaching SciFinder Basics to Organic Chemistry Students

Our library has taught chemistry library instruction with a focus on SciFinder to students since 2006. This article provides an overview of the methods we use for building information literacy in our organic chemistry students. Assessment of the program included pre-instruction and post-instruction surveys of 476 students. The surveys covered objective skills as well as attitudinal questions. Survey results indicated that how to use SciFinder is not self-evident but that library instruction can substantially improve students' use of this powerful chemistry database. Students expressed a very high degree of satisfaction with the training. Professors mentioned that the chemistry library instruction with SciFinder yielded significant benefits to the students' final projects.
Comparison of knowledge and attitudes toward cancer among African Americans

It has been noted that the African American population in the U.S. bears disproportionately higher cancer morbidity and mortality rates than any racial and ethnic group for most major cancers. Many studies also document that decreased longevity is associated with low educational attainment and other markers of low socioeconomic status (SES), both of which are prevalent in African American communities across the nation. Evidence suggests that this phenomenon may be due to attitudes that reflect a lack of knowledge surrounding facts about cancer awareness and prevention. This study was designed to yield data concerning the general population's attitudes toward cancer, taking into consideration racial and/or socioeconomic differences in the population studied. Two hundred and fifteen subjects participated in the survey, of which 74% (159/215) defined themselves as African-American, 20% were White, and 6% were of other races. While only 38% of the study population was able to identify at least 5 risk factors associated with cancer, a lower proportion of African Americans identified at least 5 risk factors than whites (34% vs. 53%, p = 0.03). In addition, a slightly higher percentage of African Americans (10%) were not aware of the definition of a clinical trial when compared to whites (8%, p > 0.1). Of those aware of the definition of a clinical trial, African Americans were more reluctant to participate in clinical trials, with 53% answering no to participation compared to 15% of whites (p = 0.002). When comparing results to a similar study conducted in 1981, a slight increase in cancer knowledge in the African American population was observed. Our results suggest that while knowledge of cancer facts has increased over the years amongst the general population, African Americans and lower income populations are still behind. This may affect their risk profile and cancer early detection.
Psychological and Legal Issues in Minors' Rights to Abortion

This paper analyzes the psychological and legal issues concerning minors rights to abortion. The extent and circumstances of restricting a minors right have not been fully delineated. The basis for those restrictions that have been imposed lies in the laws presumption that minors are immature and therefore not competent to give informed consent to undergo a medical procedure such as abortion. Defining maturity should involve biological social and environmental factors of development of which there is a great deal of individual variability. The law also recognizes that not all minors are immature and that some may be competent to give consent. While the adolescent who solicits support from her parents may well be assisted by them in this difficult decision the Supreme Court has also made clear the fact that the involvement of parents is unconstitutional since parents could override the childs decision. The same is true for the third party which the Court found to be an unconstitutional infringement on the minors rights to privacy. The encouragement of parent-child communication in the inclusion of parents in decision making would be achieved only if child does not mistakenly perceive her parents reaction regarding this matter. Moreover risk factor issues such as psychological physical and economic risk should be weighed. A minors choice between abortion and carrying her pregnancy to term calls for an important psychological and medical comprehension. Those states who choose to enact parental consent laws should mandate that such laws apply only to minors aged 15 years or younger.
Benign glandular downgrowth in gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms: a potential mimic of composite tumour.

Aims We have observed glandular downgrowth in some gastric neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), in which nonneoplastic appearing gastric glands are admixed with submucosal neuroendocrine nests, that could potentially be confused with composite tumours. Methods and results We reviewed 68 gastric NETs with at least submucosal invasion, and evaluated associations between glandular downgrowth, clinical parameters (age, gender, NET setting) and tumour characteristics (size, depth of invasion, grade). Controls included 45 duodenal NETs. Glandular downgrowth was present in 28 (41%) gastric NETs but only 2 (4.4%) duodenal NETs (P < 0.0001). It was not related to age, gender, hypergastrinemia (downgrowth present in 43% of NETs arising in autoimmune gastritis, 41% of Zollinger–Ellison syndrome, 36% of sporadic NETs), tumour size, depth of invasion, or grade. Glandular downgrowth was confined to the submucosa even though 12 (18%) gastric NETs invaded muscularis propria. Submucosal gastric glands (pyloric type in 79%, intestinal in 50%, fundic in 29%) showed metaplastic changes similar to overlying mucosa, were usually mitotically inactive (64% of cases lacked mitotic figures), were geographically restricted to the NET, and never metastasized. Conclusions Our findings support the frequent occurrence and nonneoplastic nature of glandular downgrowth in gastric NETs, which should not be mistaken for composite tumours.
A PCR diagnostic for cyclodiene insecticide resistance in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum

A molecular diagnostic was used to examine the conservation of cyclodiene resistance associated mutations between different strains of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.). An improved insecticide bioassay for discrimination between resistant genotypes was developed and seven resistant strains were established from five different continents. In order to develop a molecular diagnostic a partial cDNA of the cyclodiene insecticide resistance gene Rdl, a γ-aminobutyric-acid-gated chloride-ion channel, was cloned and sequenced. This cDNA spans exon 7, the region containing the resistance-associated mutation, and part of exon 8. An ‘allele-specific’ oligonucleotide primer, carrying the resistance-associated mutation at its 3′ end, was used in combination with a flanking ‘allele-independent’ primer in the polymerase chain reaction to selectively amplify a single resistance-associated mutation from all seven strains collected worldwide. The implications of these findings for the population genetics of insecticide resistance and its management in pest insects via quarantine are discussed.
The Horse Genome Derby: racing from map to whole genome sequence

The map of the horse genome has undergone unprecedented expansion during the past six years. Beginning from a modest collection of approximately 300 mapped markers scattered on the 31 pairs of autosomes and the X chromosome in 2001, today the horse genome is among the best-mapped in domestic animals. Presently, high-resolution linearly ordered gene maps are available for all autosomes as well as the X and the Y chromosome. The approximately 4350 mapped markers distributed over the approximately 2.68 Gbp long equine genome provide on average 1 marker every 620 kb. Among the most remarkable developments in equine genome analysis is the availability of the assembled sequence (EquCab2) of the female horse genome and the generation approximately 1.5 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from diverse breeds. This has triggered the creation of new tools and resources like the 60K SNP-chip and whole genome expression microarrays that hold promise to study the equine genome and transcriptome in ways not previously envisaged. As a result of these developments it is anticipated that, during coming years, the genetics underlying important monogenic traits will be analyzed with improved accuracy and speed. Of larger interest will be the prospects of dissecting the genetic component of various complex/multigenic traits that are of vital significance for equine health and welfare. The number of investigations recently initiated to study a multitude of such traits hold promise for improved diagnostics, prevention and therapeutic approaches for horses.
Proteoglycan synthesis by normal and neoplastic human transitional epithelial cells

Metabolically 35S-labeled proteoglycans were isolated from cell-associated matrices and media of confluent cultures of human normal transitional epithelial cells and HCV-29T transitional carcinoma cells. On Sepharose CL-4B columns, the cell-associated proteoglycans synthesized from both cell types separated into three identical size classes, termed CI, CII, and CIII. Normal epithelial cell C-fractions eluted in a 22:34:45 proportion and contained 64%, 64%, and 72% heparan sulfate, whereas corresponding HCV-29T fractions eluted in a 29:11:60 proportion, and contained 91%, 77%, and 70% heparan sulfate, respectively. Medium proteoglycans from normal cells separated into two size classes in a proportion of 6:94 and were composed of 35% and 50% heparan sulfate. HCV-29T medium contained only one size class of proteoglycans consisting of 23% heparan sulfate. The remaining percentages were accounted for by chondroitin/dermatan sulfate. On isopycnic CsCl gradients, proteoglycan fractions from normal cells had buoyant densities that were higher than the corresponding fractions from HCV-29T cells. DEAE-Sephacel chromatography showed that cell and medium associated heparan sulfate from HCV-29T cells was consistently of lower charge density (undersulfated) than that from normal epithelial cells. In contrast, the chondroitin/dermatan sulfate of HCV-29T was of a charge density similar to that of normal cells. These as well as other structural and compositional differences in the proteoglycan may account, at least in part, for the altered behavioral traits of highly invasive carcinoma cells.
Ultrasonic speeds and isentropic compressibilities of 2-methylpentan-1-ol with hexane isomers at 298.15 K

Ultrasonic speeds were determined for binary mixtures of 2-methylpentan-1-ol with n-hexane and each of its four isomers. Measurements were made over the whole mole-fraction range with particular attention given to the region of high dilution with respect to the alcohol. The results were combined with excess molar volumes reported previously to obtain values of the excess molar quantity KS,mE = −(∂VmE∂p)s and the corresponding partial molar derivatives.
Surface cloud condensation nuclei and condensation nuclei measurements at Reno, Nevada

Surface aerosol measurements from a moderately populated high mountain valley are interpreted in terms of local wind velocity and meteorology. Diurnal trends are apparent with light winds and especially during wintertime temperature inversions when the concentrations are dominated by local anthropogenic sources. Under conditions of higher wind speeds when the surface concentrations appear to be representative of widespread areas, a seasonal trend is revealed. Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations are much higher during the late spring (> 1000 cm−3) than during the winter (< 400 cm−3) but the condensation nuclei (CN) concentrations are not seasonal. The seasonality of the CCN is probably caused by differences in the long range transport of particles from distant California population centers.
Phosphoproteomic Biomarkers Predicting Histologic Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Fibrosis

The progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been linked to deregulated exchange of the endocrine signaling between adipose and liver tissue. Proteomic assays for the phosphorylation events that characterize the activated or deactivated state of the kinase-driven signaling cascades in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) could shed light on the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and related fibrosis. Reverse-phase protein microarrays (RPMA) were used to develop biomarkers for NASH and fibrosis using VAT collected from 167 NAFLD patients (training cohort, N = 117; testing cohort, N = 50). Three types of models were developed for NASH and advanced fibrosis: clinical models, proteomics models, and combination models. NASH was predicted by a model that included measurements of two components of the insulin signaling pathway: AKT kinase and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1). The models for fibrosis were less reliable when predictions were based on phosphoproteomic, clinical, or t...
Mixing Characteristics in a Serpentine Micro-Channel

Mixing characteristics in a 2D serpentine micro-channel were studied experimentally to understand the role of Dean vortices in enhancing mixing. Mixing plane deformation was visualized at Reynolds numbers ranging from 1 to 200 with the corresponding Dean numbers ranging from 1 to 205. The 2D serpentine micro-channel was found to be a poor mixer for Re 100. This study will have a significant impact on the understanding of transport properties of flows in similar geometries.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Characterization of an Intermediate for the Formation of the Transmembrane Helix of pHLIP Peptide

The pHLIP® -pH (low) insertion peptide- binds to the surface of lipid bilayers as a disordered peptide at neutral pH. However, when the pH is lowered, pHLIP inserts across the membrane to form a transmembrane (TM) helix. Peptide insertion is reversed when the pH is raised above the characteristic pKa, which is 6.0 for POPC liposomes. Due to its unique properties pHLIP serves as a good model system to study the process of folding/insertion and exit/unfolding of a peptide into/from a membrane. We previously found that the process of insertion of pHLIP in POPC phospholipid bilayer occurs in several steps with different intermediates (Andreev et al 2010, PNAS). The number of intermediates correlates with the number of protonatable groups in pHLIP's sequence. For pHLIP, the pH-dependent insertion and folding processes are coupled, and single sigmoidal transition is observed. Interestingly, we have found that for two pHLIP variants (D14A and D25A where each aspartic residue in TM part is replaced by alanine), the pH curve shows two independent sigmoidal transitions, suggesting that the mutations stabilize an intermediate state along the membrane-attached to transmembrane pathway. We implemented circular dichrosism (CD), oriented CD, fluorescence, FRET to elucidate the nature of these intermediates. From our experiments we inferred that the intermediates correspond to a quasi-transmembrane state. We hypothesize that the intermediate emerges from the protonation of acidic residues at the peptide C-terminal end, and complete TM folding happens with the protonation of the aspartic acid residue located in the hydrophobic core of the membrane. These results further our understanding of formation of transmembrane helix during spontaneous process of insertion of a polypeptide in membrane.
Preferences and Incentives of Appointed and Elected Public Officials: Evidence from State Trial Court Judges

We study how two selection systems for public officials, appointment and election, affect policy outcomes, focusing on state court judges and their criminal sentencing decisions. First, under appointment, policy congruence with voter preferences is attained through selecting judges with homogeneous preferences. In contrast, under election, judges face strong reelection incentives, while selection on preferences is weak. Second, the effectiveness of election in attaining policy congruence critically depends on payoffs from the job, which implies that the effectiveness of election may vary substantially across public offices. Third, reelection incentives may discourage judges with significant human capital from holding office. ( JEL D72, K41) Understanding systems concerning the selection and retention of public officials and their effects on policy outcomes has long been an important issue in economics (e.g., Barro 1973 and Ferejohn 1986). In this paper, we compare two selection systems for public officials, appointment by the head of the executive branch and election by popular votes. We study the influence of the selection systems on public officials’ behavior, focusing on state court judges and their criminal sentencing decisions. Specifically, we quantitatively assess the separate role of preference heterogeneity versus reelection incentives in determining sentencing decisions. We focus on the behavior of state court judges in the State of Kansas, which has within-state variation in the selection systems. 1 We conduct three key analyses.
Recurrent hairy cell leukemia during pregnancy: A case report

Recurrent hairy cell leukemia was diagnosed during the second trimester of pregnancy, which was subsequently terminated because of therapeutic considerations. Treatment issues are discussed.
Theory of Models of Electromagnetic Systems

Most model measurements are made on models which simulate only the geometrical configurations of the lines of force in the fields of the full-scale system, and thus yield only relative results for many of the properties of the system. It is possible, however, to devise models in which the measurements are on a quantitative or absolute basis in terms of the full-scale system. The conditions to be satisfied in an absolute model for accurate simulation are derived. The limitations imposed on practical models are discussed.
Induced-charge electro-osmosis of polymer-containing fluid around a metallic rod

Induced-charge electro-osmotic (ICEO) flow of polymer-containing electrolyte solution around a cylindrical gold-coated stainless steel rod under AC electric field is measured by micro-particle image velocimetry (micro-PIV) for the first time. The ICEO flows as functions of the amount of non-ionic PEG (polyethylene glycol), cationic PDADMA (polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride), and anionic PVSASS (polyvinylsulfonic acid sodium salt) polymers added into the salt solution, frequency, and strength of the AC electric field are measured. The ICEO flow of polymer-containing fluid around the rod is quadrupolar with four vortices and is proportional to the square of imposed electric field. The ICEO flow velocity exponentially decreases with an increased concentration of neutral PEG. Ionic polyelectrolytes significantly increase ICEO velocities due to the enriched net charge within the induced electric double layer arising from the electrostatic interaction between the polarized rod’s surface and the charged polyelectrolytes in ionic polymer solution. In addition, polymer concentration affects the dependence of the ICEO flow on the frequency of AC electric field.
Selective beta-1-adrenoceptor partial agonist treatment for congestive heart failure

Xamoterol is a beta-adrenoceptor partial agonist which selectively acts at the beta 1-receptors of the heart. The partial agonist effect modestly increases myocardial contractility and appears also to improve diastolic function and cardiac output without an increase in myocardial oxygen demand. Improved myocardial performance is maintained during exercise while increased heart rate is attenuated. Partial agonist activity protects against tachyphylaxis and arrhythmogenicity. With chronic treatment, exercise duration and work capacity increase and clinical manifestations of heart failure are reduced.
Intracisternal TRH and RX 77368 Potently Activate Gastric Vagal Efferent Discharge in Rats

Abstract O-Lee, T. J., J. Y. Wei and Y. TachE. Intracisternal Trh and Rx 77368 potently activate gastric vagal efferent discharge in rats. Peptides 18(2) 213–219, 1997.—The influence of intracisternal (ic) TRH and the stable TRH analog, RX 77368, on gastric vagal efferent discharge (GVED) was investigated in urethane-anesthetized rats. Consecutive IC injections of TRH (3, 30, and 300 ng) at 60 min intervals stimulated dose dependently multi-unit GVED with a peak increase of 90 ± 21%, 127 ± 18% and 145 ± 16% respectively. In two separate studies, IC injection of RX 77368 at 1.5 or 15 ng stimulated multi-unit GVED by 142 ± 24% and 244 ± 95% respectively. Saline injection IC had no effect on GVED. RX 77368 (1.5 ng, ic) action was long lasting (84 ± 13 min) compared with TRH (3 ng: 44 ± 7 min). Single-unit analysis also showed that 13 of 13 units responded to ic RX 77368 (1.5 ng) by an increase in activity. These data indicate that low doses of TRH injected ic stimulate vagal efferent outflow to the rat stomach and that RX 77368 action is more potent than TRH.
Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Detection of Nodal Micrometastases in Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract Purpose. Assays based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrate mutated Kiras in the regional nodes of a majority of patients with node-negative stage I or II (T1-3, N0, M0) pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The hypothesis that the presence of mutated Kiras equates with micrometastases has not been validated by detailed histologic examination nor has an impact on survival been demonstrated. Methods. We examined the paraffin blocks of the primary tumor and regional lymph nodes from all 30 patients from 1984 to 1998 with resected pN0 stage I or II pancreatic adenocarcinoma. DNA was analyzed for mutations in codon 12 of the Kiras oncogene by PCR and restriction digest with BstN1 (RFLP). All nodes were examined by histology of 4 hematoxylin and eosin-stained step sections and immunohistochemistry (HPE/IHC) with AE3/AE1 epithelial cell marker antibody. Results. Examination of the regional lymph nodes of the 30 patients demonstrated nodal metastases in 9 (30%) by step-section histology alone, 14 (46.7%) by HPE/IHC, 19 (63.3%) by PCR/RFLP, and 25 (83.3%) by a combination of PCR/RFLP and HPE/IHC. Seven cases were HPE/IHC positive yet PCR/RFLP negative while 10 cases were PCR/RFLP positive and HPE/IHC negative. Median survival (months) did not differ if nodes were negative or positive by HPE/IHC (20.5 vs 17.5) or PCR/RFLP (20.0 vs 19.0) or a combination of these techniques (25 vs 18.5). Conclusions. A great majority (83.3%) of patients with pathologic stage I or II pancreatic cancer had metastases in their regional nodes. Step-sectioning with immunohistochemistry and PCR/RFLP are complementary tests in detection of metastatic cancer cells. Nodal micrometastases did not adversely influence survival.
Synthesis,Characterization and Flocculability of a Poly (p-Ethylstyrene -Acrylamide- Propenohydroxamic Acid)

A novel poly (p-ethylstyrene-acrylamide-propenohydroxamic acid) was synthesized. Copolymerization of acrylamide and p-ethylstyrene was carried out at 30°C in a microemulsion system, in which AM aqueous solution was the continue phase and p-ethylstyrene was the dispersed phase using ST-80 as surfactants respectively. Polymers of hydroxamic functions were prepared with hydroxylamine sulfate at temperatures from 60 °C-85°C and pH=10. The molecular weights were measured through the viscose method and the copolymers were characterized by FT-IR, UV and DSC. The effect of the polymer structure on the process of red mud setting was investigated. The results show that the optimal experimental condition is the hydroxamic acid flocculants contains 10.5% p-ethylphenylethylene and the molecular weight of synthesized product is 11×106; The polymer provides dramatically lower overflow solids at higher mud settling rates than hydroxamic acid flocculant.
Iron Discoloration of Egg Shells

Abstract Economic losses due to soiled eggs have been reduced through the use of improved methods of cleaning egg shells. Funk (1948) and Winter el al. (1958) reported wet cleaning methods were more desirable than dry ones. However, certain minerals present in water used for washing eggs can hasten the deterioration of egg quality. Iron has been reported to hasten bacterial spoilage in experimentally inoculated eggs and eggs washed under actual farm conditions (Garibaldi and Bayne, 1960, 1962a, b). Since iron imparts a brownish color to laundered goods and affects the taste of beverages it is considered an objectionable constituent in water supplies (Riddick el al., 1958). It would be reasonable to expect that iron present in egg wash water could stain the shell of eggs. The research reported herein was to determine the effects of various concentrations of iron (FeSO4·7H2O) present in water on staining of the egg shell. White shell…
Flavor conserving CP violation in invisible axion models

Abstract We estimate the size of CP violating effects in invisible axion models, using the techniques of effective field theories and effective chiral theories. We find, in particular, that the scalar coupling of the axion to nucleons is much smaller than previously estimated. We estimate a neutron electric dipole moment between 10 −31 and 10 −33 e ·cm.
Binding of E. coli DNA photolyase to a defined substrate containing a single T T dimer

The E. coli DNA photolyase is a flavoprotein that catalyzes the photoreversal of pyrimidine dimers. The enzyme binds to DNA containing pyrimidine dimers in a light-independent step and repairs the dimer upon absorbing a photon in the 300-600 nm range. The rate and equilibrium constants for the light-independent reaction were determined before, using randomly modified substrates that contained T mean value of T, T mean value of C and C mean value of C dimers in random sequence surrounding. In this paper we have determined these constants for a defined substrate (a 43 bp oligomer containing a T mean value of T dimer) using the gel retardation assay. We find that: the equilibrium constant and the off rate obtained with this substrate by this technique are similar to those obtained with randomly modified DNA using filter binding and flash photolysis techniques. the off rate with the defined substrate is heterogeneous indicating heterogeneity in the enzyme population or in the enzyme-substrate complexes, and the enzyme has 7.5 X 10(4)-fold higher affinity for pyrimidine dimer compared to non-dimer DNA nucleotides.
Bayou: replicated database services for world-wide applications

The Bayou architecture provides scalability, availability, extensibility, and adaptability features that address database storage needs of world-wide applications. In addition to discussing these features, this paper presents Bayou's mechanisms for permitting the replicas of a database to vary dynamically without global coordination. Key is the use of weak consistency replication among autonomous machines and strict adherence to the tenet that no operation should involve more than two machines.
Averaged energy conditions and evaporating black holes.

In this paper the averaged weak and averaged null energy conditions, together with uncertainty-principle-type restrictions on negative energy (``quantum inequalities''), are examined in the context of evaporating black hole backgrounds in both two and four dimensions. In particular, integrals over only half-geodesics are studied. We determine the regions of the spacetime in which the averaged energy conditions are violated. In all cases where these conditions fail, there appear to be quantum inequalities which bound the magnitude and extent of the negative energy, and hence the degree of the violation. The possible relevance of these results for the validity of singularity theorems in evaporating black hole spacetimes is discussed. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Sources, storages, and sinks of fine-grained sediments in a fluvial-estuarine system

The Raritan River drains a highly urbanized and industrialized area of New Jersey. Extensive areas of this waterway receive finegrained sediments from within the drainage basin and from Raritan Bay, which are believed to be contaminated with pollutants. The transition from fluvial to estuarine conditions and seaward enlargement of the estuary due to increasing volume of tidal discharges result in a distinctive sequence of downstream changes in channel morphology, processes, and sedimentary environments. These are mapped and are classified as transport zones (above the head of tide), temporary storage areas (upper and middle estuaries), and permanent sinks (mud benches, dredged areas, tidal marshes) for fine sediments. These designations can be used for more cost-effective sampling, that is, “focused sampling” of sediments likely to contain pollutants. A sediment budget for the estuary indicates it is a sediment sink, with the largest input coming from landward sources. This analysis can serve as a guide to assessment and management of contaminated environments.
The asymmetric war discourse and its moral economies: a critique

Contemporary military conflicts are frequently referred to as ‘new’, ‘irregular’, or ‘asymmetric’, labels that are meant to distinguish contemporary conflict formations from previous ones. Yet the language of asymmetry is not just a conveniently vague gloss for a variety of conflicts; it also introduces a normative schema that moralizes and depoliticizes the difference between states and non-state actors. The description of contemporary conflicts as asymmetric allows states to be portrayed as victims of non-state actors, as vulnerable to strategic constellations they ostensibly cannot win. ‘Asymmetry’ is today’s idiom to distinguish between civilized and uncivilized warfare, an idiom that converts ostensibly technological or strategic differences between state and non-state actors into moral and civilizational hierarchies. Furthermore, the claim that these types of conflicts are new is used to justify attempts to revisit and rewrite the international laws of armed conflicts. While such attempts are unlikely to succeed in the formal arena, informally, a transformation of the international normative order is already underway. At the heart of this transformation is how states interpret a key cornerstone of international humanitarian law: the principle of discrimination between combatants and civilians.
Fractionation of engine exhaust hydrocarbons using flame ionization detection with variable temperature sample conditioner

The flame ionization detector is a standard instrument for measuring total hydrocarbon concentration in engine exhaust. Engine combustion modes such as diesel low-temperature combustion are known to produce higher levels of total hydrocarbon than conventional combustion modes, and a need exists to estimate species that may nucleate into nanoparticles upon dilution in the atmosphere. Exhaust hydrocarbon fractionation is useful for gaining better understanding about engine combustion and for developing aftertreatment catalysts for reducing emissions. Methods capable of measuring individual hydrocarbon species such as gas chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry do not measure the full range of species present in engine exhaust and are expensive. In this work, a custom-designed variable temperature sample conditioner was developed for use with two fast-response flame ionization detectors to fractionate the hydrocarbons present in engine exhaust as a function of component volatility. A conde...
Plane-like Minimizers for an Area-Dirichlet Integral

Given an area-Dirichlet functional \({\mathcal{J}}\), which is periodic under integer translations and given three planes in \({\mathbb{R}^d}\), we prove there exists at least one minimizer such that its positive part, negative part and zero set remain at a uniform bounded distance from each plane.
Punchthrough analysis of Josephson logic circuits

We have developed a simple analytical method for determining punchthrough probabilities of Josephson logic circuits. In this paper we describe the method, apply it to the Current Injection Logic (CIL) family, and compare the results to punchthrough probabilities determined by numerical techniques. The method involves replacing interferometers by point junctions to simplify the equivalent circuit, and then finding approximate solutions to the resulting circuit equations which allow reduction of the circuit punchthrough problem to a point-junction punchthrough problem for which the solution can be calculated from existing theory. Of the circuits in the CIL family, we find that the AND circuits have higher punchthrough probabilities than the OR circuits, and that the 4AND has higher punchthrough probabilities than the 2AND. We predict that in order to reduce the punchthrough probability of the CIL 4AND (designed in 2.5 micrometer Pb-alloy technology) to less than 10-20, the required transition time of the bipolar AC power supply will be about 750 pS. This is roughly 200 pS more than would be required for the 2OR.
A Model for Portfolio Assessment in Early Childhood Education Programs.

It is necessary for teachers to consider alternative means of evaluating their students. One method proving to be effective for gathering and organizing student productivity, growth, and development is the portfolio approach. This article describes the Early Childhood Portfolio Assessment Preparation (ECPAP) Model that was used to facilitate the use of student portfolios in two different early childhood education programs. The goals of the model, the six steps followed and the participants' responses to this project are discussed. This article may serve early childhood directors and supervisors who are preparing teachers to implement student portfolios as a supplement or an alternative to the existing assessment and evaluation programs. Also early childhood teacher education students can benefit from the design and implementation of ECPAP.
Viral proteins required for the in Vitro replication of vesicular stomatitis virus defective interfering particle genome RNA

The viral proteins required for VSV RNA replication have been partially purified. With the use of monoclonal antibodies specific for the VSV N protein we have identified a putative N/NS complex present in the soluble protein fraction of infected cells. The complex is stable upon partial purification, contains the N and NS proteins in a 1:1 molar ratio, and has an elongated shape based on its hydrodynamic properties. Depletion of the N/NS complex from the infected cell soluble protein fraction results in the loss of the ability of this fraction to support RNA replication suggesting that the complex is required for this reaction. The ability to support viral genome RNA replication indeed cochromatographs with the N/NS protein complex through several steps of purification. Only the N protein of the N/NS complex appears to be bound to RNA during encapsidation with the release of NS protein.
Impact of recent pulmonary exacerbations on quality of life in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Objective: To compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) to the general population, and to determine the relationship between HRQOL and clinical and demographic factors. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of observational cohort. Setting: Outpatient clinics of a Midwestern CF center. Subjects: One hundred sixty-two subjects with CF aged 5 to 45 years. Main outcome measures: Physical and psychosocial summary scores and individual scale scores for the Child Health Questionnaire and Short Form-36. Results: Compared with the general population, people with CF reported similar scores for most psychosocial measures, but lower scores for most physical measures, with the lowest scores on the general health perceptions scale. In multivariable analyses, pulmonary exacerbations in the past 6 months were strongly associated with the physical (p 0.001) and psychosocial (p 0.0003) scores. The physical score fell, on average, 6 points per exacerbation and the psychosocial score fell 3 points. Lung function, nutrition, 6-min walk distance, age, gender, and insurance status were not significantly associated with HRQOL in this study population. Those who declined to participate had significantly lower FEV1 percent predicted and nutritional indexes. Our findings may not be generalizable to the entire CF population. Conclusion: Recent pulmonary exacerbations have a profound negative impact on HRQOL that is not explained by differences in lung function, nutritional status, or demographic factors. (CHEST 2002; 121:64 –72)
Phylogenetic Relationships in the Genus Mus, Based on Paternally, Maternally, and Biparentally Inherited Characters

SeveralspeciesintherodentgenusMusareusedasmodelresearchorganisms,butcompar- ative studies of these mice have been hampered by the lack of a well-supported phylogeny. We used DNAsequencesfrom six genesrepresenting paternally, maternally,andbiparentally inheritedregions of the genome to infer phylogenetic relationships among 10 species of Mus commonly used in labora- tory research. Our sample included seven species from the subgenus Mus; one species each from the subgenera Pyromys, Coelomys, and Nannomys; and representatives from three additional murine gen- era, which served as outgroups in the phylogenetic analyses. Although each of the six genes yielded a unique phylogeny, several clades were supported by four or more gene trees. Nodes that coneicted between trees were generally characterized by weak support for one or both of the alternative topolo- gies, thus providing no compelling evidence that any individual gene, or part of the genome, was misleading with respect to the evolutionary history of these mice. Analysis of the combined data resulted in a fully resolved tree that strongly supports monophyly of the genus Mus, monophyly of the subgenus Mus, division of the subgenus Mus into Palearctic (M. musculus, M. macedonicus, M. spicilegus, and M. spretus) and Asian (M. cervicolor, M. cookii, and M. caroli) clades, monophyly of the house mice (M. m. musculus, "M. m. molossinus," M. m. castaneus, and M. m. domesticus), and a sister-group relationship between M. macedonicus and M. spicilegus. Other clades that were strongly supported by one or more gene partitions were not strongly supported by the combined data. This appears to reeect a localized homoplasy in one partition obscuring the phylogenetic signal from an- other, rather than differences in gene or genome histories. (Coelomys; molecular phylogeny; Muridae; Mus; Nannomys; Pyromys.)
Mechanisms of Body-Temperature Regulation in Honeybees, Apis Mellifera: I. Regulation of Head Temperature

1.Honeybees when endothermically heated maintained an elevated head temperature ( T H ). During free flight at 17 °C T H was approximately 7 °C above ambient temperature ( T A ). However, during flight at T A near 46 °C, head temperature averaged 3 °C below T A . 2. When tethered bees were heated on the head till T H reached 46 °C, they regurgitated nectar from their honeycrop, held it on their ‘tongue’, and initiated violent aortic pulsations in the head and in–out movements of the nectar droplet. Temperature changes in the head corresponded with heart pulsations. Head temperature was prevented from rising and was stabilized. 3. The heart pulsations in the abdomen and aortic pulsations in the head (and abdominal ventilatory movements) were often synchronous, but during heating of the head they were often independent of each other in both frequency and amplitude. 4. The fluid droplet was several degrees Centigrade below head, thoracic and ambient temperatures, and it remained in motion in and out of the body. It caused T H to be 4–8 °C lower, by the resulting evaporative cooling, than is possible without the droplet. 5. It is concluded that at low T A the elevation and regulation of T Th automatically results in the elevation of T H . However, at low T H heat flows from the heated thorax to the head, not only by passive conduction but also by physiologically facilitated blood circulation.
Evaluation and optimization for liquid-based preparation cytology in whole slide imaging

Background: Cytology poses different obstacles in whole slide imaging compared to surgical pathology slides. A single focal plane suffices for most of the latter, but cytology slides are thicker, potentially requiring multiple focal planes for adequate diagnostic information. Multiple focal planes adversely impact scanning time per slide, evaluation times, and file sizes. In this pilot study, we evaluated and compared the multilayer stack method to the extended focus algorithm as an alternative which collapses multiple focal planes into a single image, retaining only focused areas from each plane. Materials and Methods: 10 SurePath; cervical cytology slides were scanned at three thickness settings: 18, 24, and 30 μm. Three scanners were used: (1) Hamamatsu Nanozoomer 2.0-HT, (2) 3DHISTECH Mirax scan, and (3) Bioimagene iScan Coreo Au. The Nanozoomer and iScan utilized multilayer stacking, while the Mirax files were composited by extended focus. Scan times and file sizes were recorded, and image quality compared. Results: The Nanozoomer stacks averaged 1.58 gb and around 25 min for each slide, while the iScan stacks ranged from 6.23 to 9.3 gb and took 34-50 min to scan. The Mirax images averaged 210 mb and took 13-20 min to scan. Multilayer stack image quality from both Nanozoomer and iScan was fairly comparable. The iScan revealed significant mechanical issues that did not correspond to user settings. The Mirax images showed worrisome loss of crisp focus detail, worsening with increasing focal planes and impacting assessment of nuclear contours and chromatin detail. Conclusions: The optimal number of focal planes remains unknown for cytology. Multilayer stacks require excessive scanning time, network bandwidth, and file storage. Extended focus was evaluated as an alternative, but significant image quality issues were revealed. Further large-scale studies are needed to assess their clinical impact.
High Power Electroabsorption Waveguide Device

We demonstrate here a dual function electroabsorption waveguide device that operates as a modulator in the receiving mode and a detector in the transmitting mode in the case of antenna remoting application. Both electroabsorption modulator (EAM) and photodetector (PD) are known to saturate at high optical inputs as a result of space-charge carrier screening in the EAM modulating or PD absorbing depletion region as well as from the inadequate thermal power dissipation. Our device is designed to operate at high levels of incident input optical power. In the photodetector mode it sustained 590 mW of optical input power and generated 222 mA of output current. To our knowledge it is the highest current demonstrated for a single mode waveguide photodetector
High-Performance 1.5–2.5-GHz RF-MEMS Tunable Filters for Wireless Applications

This paper presents high-performance RF microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) tunable filters with constant absolute bandwidth for the 1.5-2.5-GHz wireless band. The filter design is based on corrugated coupled lines and ceramic substrates (er=9.9) for miniaturization, and the 3-bit tuning network is fabricated using a digital/analog RF-MEMS device so as to provide a large capacitance ratio and continuous frequency coverage. Narrowband (72 ± 3 MHz) and wideband (115 ± 10 MHz) 1-dB bandwidth two-pole filters result in a measured insertion loss of 1.9-2.2 dB at 1.5-2.5 GHz with a power handling of 25 dBm and an IIP3 >> 33 dBm. The filters also showed no distortion when tested under wideband CDMA waveforms up to 24.8 dBm. The designs can be scaled to higher dielectric-constant substrates to result in smaller filters. To our knowledge, these filters represent the state-of-the-art at this frequency range using any planar tuning technology.