cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Getting beyond the ‘symptom,’ acknowledging the ‘disease’: theorizing racist nativism

An important tenet of Latina/o critical race theory (LatCrit) is to challenge dominant ideologies that mask racist beliefs and practices perpetrated against People of Color in the United States, particularly Latinas/os. In this article we utilize a LatCrit framework to theorize further the concept of racist nativism in the current sociopolitical moment, which is marked by significant anti‐immigrant sentiment. In doing so, we hope to understand better the contemporary experiences of People of Color and Latinas/os specifically. We show how many racial and ethnic groups throughout US history have experienced racist nativism, but argue that those targeted by it today tend to be Latinas/os in general, and Mexican immigrants in particular. In conceptually extending the notion of racist nativism we endeavor to go beyond the ‘symptoms’ of racism and toward naming the ‘disease’ that plagues US society – white supremacy. We argue that the legacy of white supremacy not only remains with us today, but profoundly info...
The microstructure of collagen type I gel cross-linked with gold nanoparticles

Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, rheometry, and electrochemistry were used to provide insight into the microstructure of collagen type I gel (1%, w/v) modified with the tiopronin-protected (N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine) gold nanoparticles (TPAu), a multivalent crosslinker. The cross-linking reaction, performed via EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide) coupling, results in compliant, mechanically stable and continuous gels. The gels contain unusual interconnected collagen-TPAu particles. Electrochemical measurements of 4-hydroxy-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) (4HT) diffusion within the gel reveal that the gel hindrance is nearly independent of the TPAu concentration. The properties of the collagen-TPAu gel make it suitable for potential biomedical applications, such as delivery of small molecule drugs.
A note on the occurrence of wind direction differences below 1 km during episodes of extreme vertical Windshear for Berlin, Germany and Centreville, Alabama, U.S.A.

Windshear is critical to aeronautical activities such as aircraft takeoffs and landings and the ascending and descending phase phases of missile launch. The probability of extreme vertical windshear below 1 km at Centreville, Alabama (U.S.A.) and Berlin, Germany has been studied. Windshear (total vector difference) was derived from radiosonde ascents using both windspeed and wind direction differences between two altitudes. The wind direction differences are used to compute the angular shear magnitude.
The clinical, immunological, and molecular spectrum of chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome.

Purpose of reviewNew findings regarding the clinical manifestations and care of patients with DiGeorge syndrome or chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome will be reviewed. Immunologists and primary care providers often are in a position to coordinate the complex care needs of these patients and an awa
Some characteristics of amino acid transport in frog ovarian oocytes.

Abstract Frog ovarian oocytes have been incubated in physiological saline solutions containing l -amino acids. Phenylalanine and tryptophan can be accumulated in the cells to internal concentrations many times that of the medium. The amino acid transport for phenylalanine is competitively inhibited to a small extent by l -leucine and to a greater extent by l -tyrosine. One animal was used in late spring whose phenylalanine transport was normally inhibited by l -tyrosine but uniquely not inhibited by l -leucine. This observation was interpreted to mean that the steric specificity of the site can change. The change could be due to maturational development or perhaps a genetic variation. Once taken up into the cell, free phenylalanine is almost quantitatively lost to the medium over a period of time after superficial damage to the cell surface. Internal binding of the amino acids is thus either extremely labile or non-existent. The phenylalanine mediation shows Michaelis-Menten kinetics in its dependency of rate of uptake on the extracellular concentration of amino acids. Although cyanide was found in other studies on oocytes to stop protein synthesis immediately and completely, in these experiments it slowed down the initial rate of amino acid entry relatively little. The per cent of inhibition over the controls becomes progressively more marked during a period of 6 hr. Thus in short term incubations, amino acid uptake can be completely uncoupled from amino acid incorporation but long term accumulation against a concentration gradient requires respiratory metabolism.
Unanticipated changes in steady-state mRNA levels for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in rat tibiae.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA levels are commonly used as an internal control to normalize gene expression data based on the belief that this gene is constitutively expressed. However, GAPDH mRNA levels increased by more than 2.5-fold in tibiae of hindlimb unloaded female rats compared to L32 mRNA levels. Similarly, GAPDH mRNA levels increased compared to 18S ribosomal RNA. Treatment with growth hormone and alcohol show no disparity in GAPDH mRNA levels whereas in some experiments, parathyroid hormone and 17β-estradiol increased GAPDH mRNA levels. Taken together, these findings indicate that it is essential to demonstrate that GAPDH expression is not altered prior to using the gene as an internal control.
Benzodiazepine modulation of partial agonist efficacy and spontaneously active GABAA receptors supports an allosteric model of modulation

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) have been used extensively for more than 40 years because of their high therapeutic index and low toxicity. Although BZDs are understood to act primarily as allosteric modulators of GABA(A) receptors, the mechanism of modulation is not well understood. The applicability of an allosteric model with two binding sites for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and one for a BZD-like modulator was investigated. This model predicts that BZDs should enhance the efficacy of partial agonists. Consistent with this prediction, diazepam increased the efficacy of the GABA(A) receptor partial agonist kojic amine in chick spinal cord neurons. To further test the validity of the model, the effects of diazepam, flurazepam, and zolpidem were examined using wild-type and spontaneously active mutant alpha1(L263S)beta3gamma2 GABA(A) receptors expressed in HEK-293 cells. In agreement with the predictions of the allosteric model, all three modulators acted as direct agonists for the spontaneously active receptors. The results indicate that BZD-like modulators enhance the amplitude of the GABA response by stabilizing the open channel active state relative to the inactive state by less than 1 kcal, which is similar to the energy of stabilization conferred by a single hydrogen bond.
Modeling of Topographically Amplified Diurnal Tides in the Nordic Seas

Abstract Diurnal tidal constituents K1 and O1 are calculated in the Nordic seas with a numerical space grid of about 10 km. This allows resolution of the structure of enhanced tidal currents generated by near-resonant topographic vorticity waves at the Yermak Plateau. The resonance properties of the Yermak Plateau are investigated in the period range 20–30 h. The main resonance peak is close to the 26-h period, and the resonance curve envelops a wide range of periods. This broad resonance peak explains the enhancement of both diurnal tidal components separated by a 2-h difference and the stability of the resonance phenomena. The model results describe well the observed flow pattern over the Yermak Plateau, including the current ellipse rotation.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Tutorial Learning Aids in a Course Management System

While there is an abundance of literature regarding the value of assigning homework in mathematics and the benefits students receive when completing homework, whether online or traditionally; there seems to be a lack of research examining specific courseware systems and their tutorial learning aids. The purpose of this study was to determine if tutorial learning aids used when completing homework online using the course management system MyMathLab improved mathematics learning and achievement. A quasi-experimental pre/posttest design was used to examine data for 84 college students enrolled in multiple sections of a redesigned elementary algebra course at a large university. Students were either in the control group with access to two learning aids when completing homework or in the experimental group with access to only one learning aid. Data analysis revealed there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups and our results suggest that homework, unit test, and final exam grades are not affected by the use of tutorial learning aids available in MyMathLab. Student survey results were also discussed.
Hazards in the use of low frequencies for the measurement of physiological events by impedance.

Experiments were conducted in man and the dog to determine the safe levels of sinusoidal alternating current which can be passed through the thorax. The sensation current threshold was determined over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz in 8 normal adult males for two different electrode arrangements. The thresholds for vagal stimulation and ventricular fibrillation in the frequency range of 20 Hz to 3 kHz were determined in the dog for the same electrode arrangements, and the data obtained for fibrillation was extrapolated to estimate the comparable levels for man. The results indicate that the magnitudes of the current thresholds to produce these phenomena increase with an increase in frequency. Currents higher than 5 kHz in frequency are recommended for the measurement of physiological events by electrical impedance techniques.
Placement of an elastic biodegradable cardiac patch on a subacute infarcted heart leads to cellularization with early developmental cardiomyocyte characteristics.

Abstract Background Placement of an elastic biodegradable patch onto a subacute myocardial infarct (MI) provides temporary elastic support that may act to effectively alter adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling processes. Methods Two weeks after permanent left coronary ligation in Lewis rats, the infarcted anterior wall was covered with polyester urethane urea (MI + PEUU; n = 15) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (MI + ePTFE; n = 15) patches, or had no implantation (MI + sham; n = 12). Eight weeks after surgery, cardiac function and histology were assessed. Results The ventricular wall in the MI + ePTFE and MI + sham groups was composed of fibrous tissue, whereas PEUU implantation induced α-smooth muscle actin–positive muscle bundles coexpressing sarcomeric α-actinin and cardiac-specific troponin-T. This pattern of colocalization was also found in developing embryonic myocardium. Cardiac transcription factors Nkx-2.5 and GATA-4 were strongly expressed in the muscle bundles. In the MI + sham group, end-diastolic LV cavity area (EDA) increased and the percentage of fractional area change (%FAC) decreased. For ePTFE patched animals, both EDA and %FAC decreased. In contrast, with MI + PEUU patching, %FAC increased and EDA was maintained. With dobutamine-stress echocardiography, MI + PEUU patched LVs possessed contractile reserve significantly larger than the MI + sham group. Conclusions MI + PEUU patch implantation onto subacute infarcted myocardium induced muscle cellularization with characteristics of early developmental cardiomyocytes as well as providing a functional reserve.
Influence of strain aging on the strain-rate sensitivity of the flow stress

Previously published studies on the deformation kinetics of several fcc alloys, i.e. single crystals of Al-0.7% Mg, polycrystals of AlMg, Inconel 600, Inconel X750, NiCo, AuCu, and FeC, are cited, and two models are proposed to explain the reported observations. The calculations suggest that excess vacancies play an important role in the dynamic strain aging of the alloys and that an intermediate thermal annealing process should remove the vacancies. (BLM)
Transaction costs and foreign direct investment in developing countries

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been used by a number of developing countries to build a national competitive advantage in a global economy. Most of the literature on FDI in developing countries has focused on low-cost factors in these countries. But in a global economy where low cost factors are available at various locations around the globe, transaction costs related to the assumptions of "bounded rationality" and "opportunism" are becoming increasingly important in FDI decisions. These assumptions have been applied by researchers over the years to explain major changes in the organizational structure of corporations. This paper incorporates the assumptions of bounded rationality and opportunism to discuss factors that a firm considers in its decision to undertake FDI. A statistical analysis was carried out to test the validity of the arguments presented in the paper.
Effect of incorporating adaptive functioning scores on the prevalence of intellectual disability.

Abstract Surveillance and epidemiologic research on intellectual disability often do not incorporate adaptive functioning (AF) data. Exclusion of AF data leads to overestimation of the prevalence o...
MICRODETERMINATION OF A Δ4–3 KETOSTEROID (PROGESTERONE) OBTAINED FROM SMALL VOLUMES OF SERUM1

AT HE PRESENT time, the qualitative and quantitative estimation of progesterone in tissues and body fluids depends upon biological tests. These have proved most useful since, by their specificity and quantitative character, the identification, isolation and synthesis of progesterone was possible (1-6). Moreover, much of the physiology of sex and reproductive cycles is understood today because of the uses to which the biological tests for progesterone have been put (6). The basic method of Corner and Allen (1, 3) has been modified in minor respects by Clauberg (7) and by McPhail (8), but only with respect to the manner of conducting the test, and without improving appreciably its sensitivity. Topical application of progesterone to the endometrium (9) provides a highly sensitive test for the qualitative determination of progesterone, but the endometrial responses, or absorption of the hormone, or both, are too variable in this test to permits its use for quantitative purposes (10,11).
Science, anthropology, and the study of communication

Charles F. Hockett. The View From Language: Selected Essays 1948–1974. Athens: The University of Georgia Press, 1977. Tables, figures, references, bibliography, and index. $15.00.
Measurement of nasal irritant sensitivity to pulsed carbon dioxide: a pilot study.

Abstract Nasal irritation and associated symptoms (e.g., nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sinus headache) are important air-pollution-related health complaints, particularly in so-called problem buildings. Individual differences in nasal irritant sensitivity are therefore of both clinical and regulatory interest. To document such differences, one must first functionally define perceptual acuity to airborne irritants. In an adaptation of an established sensory testing method, the authors used the odorless irritant carbon dioxide in an electronically controlled dilution apparatus to deliver brief (≍ 3 s) pulses at controlled levels (10%–70%, vol/vol), synchronized with the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle. Investigators who use this apparatus can use a variant of the forced-choice paradigm for threshold determination to document nasal irritant sensitivity. The authors recruited 30 adult volunteers (17 males, 13 females; average age = 41 y, range = 19–79 y) from a university laboratory complex and fro...
SU-FF-T-498: Improving Normal Tissue Complication Probability Fits Using Non-Binary Outcomes

Purpose: Binary outcomes (toxicity=1, no‐toxicity=0) are frequently used as inputs to fit parametric models. However, in reality, outcomes span the range in‐between these extremes; binary values are used for lack of more precise quantification. We propose a method to estimate non‐binary outcomes, which can then be used to more accurately fit conventional parametric models (e.g., Lyman‐probit, relative‐seriality). Methods and Materials: The non‐binary outcomes were estimated using 4 machine learning algorithms. The algorithms used variables selected from the available data to best‐fit binary outcomes. Based on the fitting, each algorithm outputted binary estimates of whether or not the patient suffered toxicity. By fitting each algorithm to randomly selected subsets of the patient data, multiple binary toxicity estimates were generated for each patient. Averaging these estimates for each algorithm produced a non‐binary estimate. Furthermore, averaging these non‐binary estimates over all algorithms reduced prediction bias. This final algorithm‐averaged non‐binary patient estimate was then used as input to conventional parametric algorithms. This method is demonstrated in the context of radiotherapy‐induced pneumonitis. Results: One‐hundred estimates from each algorithm × 4 algorithms were averaged to produce a non‐binary toxicity estimate for each patient. Both the original binary toxicity outcome and the non‐binary estimate were fitted to the parametric Lyman‐probit and relative‐seriality models. Both parametric models had large confidence interval limits when fitted to the original binary outcomes. The fits improved when using the non‐binary estimates. The improvement was substantially better for the Lyman‐probit model, but only marginally so for the relative‐seriality model. Thus, the Lyman‐probit model is better suited to modeling radiation‐induced pneumonitis, a conclusion that would not have been possible from the original binary outcomes. Conclusions: Non‐binary estimates from machine learning algorithms can be used to not only generate better fits to conventional parametric models, but also to deduce which model is methodologically better suited.
Ramsey eliminability and the testability of scientific theories

The role in scientific theories of theoretical terms, which do not correspond directly with observables, continues to be a matter of discussion and some puzzlement. If a theoretical term in a particular theory is definable, it can, of course, be eliminated directly without altering the semantic content of the theory. In order to make room for theoretical terms that are not definable, Ramsey (1931, Chapter DC), introduced the notion of eliminability. Roughly speaking, a theoretical term is eliminable, in the sense of Ramsey, if all the empirical claims of the theory can be made without invoking it. Ramsey apparently believed that in a properly formulated scientific theory all theoretical terms would be eliminable, but that not all need be definable. Sneed (1971), however, has produced examples of simple theory-like systems containing theoretical terms that are not eliminable in the Ramsey sense.
IC process modeling and topography design

The device features in the third dimension in VLSI affect packing density and circuit performance. Establishing techniques to characterize and design these nonplanar device features is a major goal of the research on IC process modeling and simulation. Simulation is well accepted as a means of optimizing individual lithography, etching, and deposition processes. It is also well suited for studying the complex tradeoffs between conflicting physical mechanisms in the context of complete multistep process sequences. The success of modeling and simulation has created a demand for more extensive models and new applications. IC process modeling and simulation will not only contribute heavily to technology design but also offers a potential window through the layout role bottleneck for more complete design insight and optimization.
Enantiocontrolled synthesis of spirooxindoles based on the [5 + 2] cycloaddition of a Tp(CO)(2)Mo(pyridinyl) scaffold (Tp = hydridotrispyrazolylborate).

A [5 + 2] cycloaddition of the pyridinyl π-complex (−)-1 (98% ee) to methyleneoxindole 2 afforded the spirooxindole complex (−)-3 in high enantiomeric purity. Complex (−)-3 was converted to pyrrolidine (−)-8 (97% ee), which is related to potent cytotoxic analogues of the spirotryprostatins alkaloids.
Personal and Contextual Determinants of Ethnically Diverse Female High School Students' Patterns of Academic Help Seeking and Help Avoidance in English and Mathematics.

Abstract This study investigated female high school students’ ( N = 293) patterns of help seeking in the domains of English and mathematics. Help seeking was operationalized using both self-report measures of need-contingent help seeking and help avoidance, as well as a behavioral measure of help seeking, namely the number of times students attended after-school tutoring sessions. As predictors of help seeking, the motivational variables of achievement goals, task-value, and expectancy for success were considered, alongside cognitive and metacognitive strategy-use, need for cognition, academic procrastination, and a belief in quick learning. Overall, the motivational variables of expectancy for success, task-value, and mastery goals and the cognitive variables of metacognitive self-regulation and rehearsal were found to significantly predict help seeking in English and math. No discernable effects of grade level or ethnicity on patterns of help seeking were detected. Several subject-level differences, however, were found, suggesting that students’ help-seeking patterns do vary by domain.
Cuffed tracheal tubes in children--things have changed.

Whether cuffed tubes should be routinely used in infants and small children has been extensively discussed in the past. However, opinions and recommendations were not based on scientific evidence but rather on empiricism. The basic function of a tracheal tube is to provide a reliable connection between the patient’s lung and the bag or ventilator. Ideally, this connection should be leak-proof without causing undue pressure to laryngeal or tracheal structures. If this connection is not reasonably tight or sealed, constant minute ventilation, precise respiratory monitoring and capnography, low fresh gas flow and prevention of pulmonary aspiration are not possible. In an emergency situation and in patients with severe lung disease good sealing becomes even more important. Traditional teaching for the last 50 years was that in children under 8‐10 years of age, this sealing should be obtained with an uncuffed tracheal tube that would slip easily through the cricoid and leave some space for an air leak at 25 cm H2O airway pressure. Without any real evidence, cuffed tubes were not considered appropriate for children, in contrast with adults. This teaching was based on the idea that the
Singularities of renormalization group flows

Abstract We discuss singularity formation in certain renormalization group flows. Special cases are the Ricci Yang–Mills and B -field flows. We point out some results suggesting that topological hypotheses can make RG flows much less singular than Ricci flow. In particular we show that for rotationally symmetric initial data on S 2 × S 1 one gets long time existence and convergence of RYM flow, in stark contrast to the case for Ricci flow [S. Angenent, D. Knopf, An example of neckpinching for Ricci flow on S n + 1 , Math. Res. Lett. 11 (4) (2004) 493–518]. Other results are given which allow one to rule out many singularity models under strictly topological hypotheses. A conjectural picture of singularity formation for RG flow on 3-manifolds is given.
Reflections on Leadership from the Perspective of an African American Woman of Faith

This article centers on faith and spirituality in the lived experiences of African American women in predominantly White organizations. Faith and spirituality are discussed as sources for coping an...
Preliminary validation of the Review of Musculoskeletal System (ROMS) questionnaire.

Background: Measurement of clinical outcomes is necessary to define best practice. It requires a validated tool that can be easily applied as part of clinical practice. We present the preliminary validation of a brief self-reported Review of Musculoskeletal System (ROMS) questionnaire that captures functional limitations due to musculoskeletal problems and other medical and emotional conditions. Methods: Data were derived from a clinical outcomes database (Orthopaedic Minimal Data Set [OrthoMiDaS]) that combines patient-reported data collected as part of routine care and secondary data extracted from electronic medical records. The study utilized 82,873 encounters collected from 24,116 consecutive patients with problems in the upper and lower extremities. In addition to the ROMS, the study used version 2 of the Short Form-12 (SF-12v2), the Penn Shoulder Score (PSS), the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaires. Fifteen cross-sectional samples were used to evaluate the floor and ceiling effects as well as the construct and content validity. Five longitudinal cohorts were used to measure test-retest reliability and responsiveness. Standard statistical tests were applied. Results: The floor and ceiling effects of the ROMS questionnaire in patients with shoulder, hip, and knee problems ranged from 1.3% to 8.5%. Construct-validity tests confirmed convergent and divergent validity of the ROMS. The tests also justified its additional value when the ROMS was used with joint-specific tools. When measuring test-retest reliability of the ROMS scales, intraclass correlation ranged from 0.80 to 0.90 at approximately one week and from 0.71 to 0.87 at approximately four weeks. Responsiveness of the ROMS was greater than that of the SF-12 and less than that of the joint-specific questionnaires. Conclusions: The ROMS is compatible with routine clinical process and has good psychometric properties in patients with shoulder, hip, and knee disorders. It can be used as a primary outcome tool for large observational studies and can supplement more specific tools in controlled studies. Clinical Relevance: The ROMS was developed as a tool to measure and monitor the clinical status of the musculoskeletal system in a population of patients during and after treatment as well as over time.
An analysis of Utility Incentives for Residential Photovoltaic Installations in Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona regulators have implemented net metering and renewable energy production rules that prescribe distributed generation via photovoltaics. Analyses demonstrate that the wise homeowner seeks only to avoid electricity charges rather than achieving net generation with a grid-tied system. Whereas maximum energy production occurs for panels oriented directly south at a fixed angle near latitude, maximum economic return depends on the electricity rate structure which may include different charges due to seasonal and time-of-use (TOU) energy demand. For Phoenix, TOU plans typically favor optimal panel placement toward the southwest. With utility rebates and government tax credits, smaller systems achieve breakeven faster.
Active tectonism within the Fiji platform, southwest Pacific

New observational data on the velocity structure, seismicity, and state of stress of the large submarine platform that includes the Fiji Islands demonstrate that the platform is an active participant in the pervasive regional deformation of the Pacific/Indian-Australian plate boundary. Refraction data collected within the Fiji platform demonstrate that its crustal thickness (15-25 km) and seismic velocity structure are comparable to those of active island arcs.Uppermost mantle velocity beneath the platform is anomalously low (7.55 km/s), in the same range as that observed beneath the neighboring marginal basins and island arcs. Shallow seismicity is observed both within and along the boundaries of the Fiji platform. Moderate to large earthquakes within the platform occur more sporadically than those along its margins; these intraplate events are separated by long periods of quiescence. Earthquake depths within the platform are concentrated in the upper 13-16 km, as in other areas of extensional/strike-slip tectonics. Both the large 1953 Suva earthquake (M s = 6.75) and microearthquakes within and around the island of Viti Levu occur by strike-slip faulting, under the same stress field that is deforming the North Fiji and Lau basins. The low upper-mantle velocities, presence of widespread seismicity and Neogene volcanism, and state of stress of the Fiji platform contradict the notion of a stable land mass surrounded by zones of deformation in the neighboring back-arc basins.
Giga-Ohm Seals on Intracellular Membranes: A Technique for Studying Intracellular Ion Channels in Intact Cells

A method is outlined for obtaining giga-ohm seals on intracellular membranes in intact cells. The technique employs a variant of the patch-clamp technique: a concentric electrode arrangement protects an inner patch pipette during penetration of the plasma membrane, after which a seal can be formed on an internal organelle membrane. Using this technique, successful recordings can be obtained with the same frequency as with conventional patch clamping. To localize the position of the pipette within cells, lipophilic fluorescent dyes are included in the pipette solution. These dyes stain the membrane of internal organelles during seal formation and can then be visualized by video-enhanced or confocal imaging. The method can detect channels activated by inositol trisphosphate, as well as other types of intracellular membrane ion channel activity, and should facilitate studies of internal membranes in intact neurons and other cell types.
Vasoconstriction and neural excitation in response to transient hypoxia in the rat hippocampal slice

The vascular and neural responses to transient hypoxia in the rat hippocampal slice were studied. Neural hyperexcitability produced by tissue hypoxia was associated with localized decreases in the diameter of precapillary arterioles. Vasoconstriction occurred periodically along the length of vessels observed. The mean percent decrease in vessel diameter in these narrowed regions was 10.25%. Population spikes recorded in the cell body layer of the dentate gyrus showed a mean increase in amplitude of 71.3%. The mean latency to peak response was similar for both the vessels and neurons. The results suggest mechanisms by which autoregulatory influences on microvessel caliber may be counteracted in conditions of hypoxia and hypotension in the whole animal.
Nonlinear Response of Phase-Locked Loops

A previous paper experimentally showed the possible nonlinear operating modes of a phase locked loop (PLL) subjected to a sinusoidally modulated input signal. 1 In the present paper, the PLL is considered as the nonlinear device it really is and its behavior is analyzed in locked operation. The results obtained give a new insight into PLL operation.
Selective epitaxy of GaAs, AlxGa1−xAs, and InxGa1−xAs

Abstract Many device structures benefit from the ability to selectively deposit epitaxial materials. Through the use of a masking material, such as Si3N4 or SiO2, on the substrate surface, patterns generated through standard lithographic procedures can be used to define regions for selective deposition. Highly selective growth can be achieved through the use of growth precursors which contain halogens, such as (C2H5)2GaCl and (C2H5)2AlCl. These compounds decompose, most probably, to the volatile mono-halogen species, e.g. GaCl, and also generate HCl in the gas phase as a reaction by-product. We present experimental results on the morphology and growth behavior of GaAs, AlxGa1−xAs, and InxGa1−xAs using this selective epitaxy technique. Electri cal and optical characterization has been carried out on these materials and selectively grown structures produced by this technique. The interface between the selectively grown material and the underlying substrate was investigated and the conditions for achieving high quality electrical interfaces were determined. A thermodynamic model of this growth chemistry predicts the trends in composition and growth rate. The thermodynamic model, based on the quasi-equilibrium of the halogen-based compounds with the substrate surface, indicates that the growth behavior is very similar to the inorganic-based growth of these compounds. Experimental applications of this technique to high speed digital device structures and sub-micron dimensioned optical structures are presented.
Thermal analysis of polymers. VIII. Dilatometric and thermal optical behavior of sulfur

The use of combined modes of thermal analysis by differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermomechanical analysis, and thermal depolarization analysis (TDA) presents a more illustrative picture of the phase transitions and behavior of the allotropes of sulfur. Volumetric changes suggest the Tg of polymeric sulfur to occur at 35°C. Changes in depolarized light level and an abrupt change in volume at 77°C identify this change as a first-order fusion. The depolarized light behavior of sulfur, which has been quenched from 200°C to −190°C, illustrates the probable existence of a mesomorphic state of sulfur between 100° and 122°C. Polymeric sulfur is thermally bleached near −150°C.
The CfA Redshift Survey: Data for the South Galactic Cap*

We present redshifts for a sample of 4391 galaxies with magnitude mB(0) ≤ 15.5 covering 20h ≤ α ≤ 4h in right ascension and -25 ≤ δ ≤ 90° in declination. This sample is complete for all galaxies in the merge of the Zwicky et al. and Nilson catalogs in the south Galactic cap. Redshifts for 2964 of these were measured as part of the second CfA Redshift Survey. The data reveal large voids in the foreground and background of the Perseus-Pisces Supercluster. The largest of these voids lies at a mean velocity ~8000 km s-1, has diameter ~5000 km s-1, and is enclosed by a complex of dense structures. The large structure known as the Perseus-Pisces Supercluster forms the near side of this complex. On the far side of this large void, at a mean velocity ~12,000 km s-1, there is another coherent dense wall. The structures in this survey support the view that galaxies generally lie on surfaces surrounding or nearly surrounding low-density regions or voids.
A laboratory investigation of light scattering from representative components of mineral dust aerosol at a wavelength of 550 nm

[1] To test the applicability of Mie theory in climate models and remote sensing data retrievals, we have studied the scattering phase function and linear polarization of representative mineral dust aerosol components at a wavelength of 550 nm. The mineral components investigated include the silicate clays, kaolinite, illite, and montmorillonite, and non-clay minerals, quartz, calcite, gypsum, and hematite, as well as Arizona road dust. In each case the aerosol size distribution was simultaneously monitored with an aerodynamic particle sizer. Particle diameters in this study fall in the accumulation mode size range characteristic of long-range transport aerosols. Our results show significant discrepancies between the experimental and Mie theory phase functions. The model shortcomings are due to particle shape effects for these non-spherical mineral dust particles. We find intriguing differences in the scattering between the silicate clay and non-clay components of mineral dust aerosol in this size range. For the non-clay minerals the most significant errors are found at large scattering angles where Mie theory substantially overestimates the backscattering signal. For the silicate clay minerals, there is more variability in the comparison to Mie theory. These findings have important consequences for the radiative forcing component of global climate models and remote sensing measurements that rely on Mie theory to characterize atmospheric dust. We also present experimentally based synthetic phase functions at 550 nm, for both silicate clay and non-clay mineral dust aerosols in the size parameter range X = 2–5, which may be useful for empirical models of the scattering due to particles in the accumulation mode size range.
Collisional broadening of the A2Σ+←X2Π(0,0) band of OH by H2O and CO2 in atmospheric-pressure flames

Abstract Absorption lineshapes of OH found in hot post-flame gases were measured using a rapid-tuning single-mode laser. Collisional linewidths due to broadening by H 2 O and CO 2 were determined by fitting the observed lineshapes to standardized Voigt profiles. Lines corresponding to transitions with ground-state angular momentum quantum numbers ( J ″-values) ranging from 1.5 to 17.5 in the R 1 -branch of the A 2 Σ + ← X 2 Π (0,0) band near 307 nm were probed. The temperature-dependence of collisional broadening was investigated over the range 1470–2370 K.
A function minimization computer package (MFIT) for nonlinear parameter estimation providing readily accessible maximum likelihood estimates.

Abstract MFIT is a computer software package for obtaining nonlinear parameter estimates. It was designed, in part, to motivate the maximum likelihood method by making it as accessible to the scientifically oriented user as nonlinear regression or least squares analysis. The approach taken was that of supplying a library of likelihood function subprograms or modules each of which links the user-supplied module to any of four standard function minimization or optimization algorithms available in MFIT. The likelihood module selected by the user evaluates the negative log likelihood given known values for the observations, y , and user-supplied values for the unknown parameters of the likelihood function, η. The user module merely evaluates η = φ(β, x ) for a known set of experimental conditions, x , and trial values, assigned by the optimization module, for the unknown parameters β.
In situ X-ray diffraction analysis of (CFx)n batteries: signal extraction by multivariate analysis

(CFx)n cathode reaction during discharge has been investigated using in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mathematical treatment of the in situ XRD data set was performed using multivariate curve resolution with alternating least squares (MCR–ALS), a technique of multivariate analysis. MCR–ALS analysis successfully separated the relatively weak XRD signal intensity due to the chemical reaction from the other inert cell component signals. The resulting dynamic reaction component revealed the loss of (CFx)n cathode signal together with the simultaneous appearance of LiF by-product intensity. Careful examination of the XRD data set revealed an additional dynamic component which may be associated with the formation of an intermediate compound during the discharge process.
Optimal security hardening using multi-objective optimization on attack tree models of networks

Researchers have previously looked into the problem of determining if a given set of security hardening measures can effectively make a networked system secure. Many of them also addressed the problem of minimizing the total cost of implementing these hardening measures, given costs for individual measures. However, system administrators are often faced with a more challenging problem since they have to work within a fixed budget which may be less than the minimum cost of system hardening. Their problem is how to select a subset of security hardening measures so as to be within the budget and yet minimize the residual damage to the system caused by not plugging all required security holes. In this work, we develop a systematic approach to solve this problem by formulating it as a multi-objective optimization problem on an attack tree model of the system and then use an evolutionary algorithm to solve it.
A surname-based patent-related indicator: the contribution of Jewish inventors to US patents

It was found that the surname-based representation of Jewish authors in the top US biomedical journals corresponds to the representation of Jewish Nobel Laureates in Medicine among US laureates: Both of them are almost equally disproportionately high, with the ratio of actual to expected number close to 20 (Kissin, Scientometrics 89:273---280, 2011). The main aim of this study was to determine whether the contribution of Jewish inventors is also disproportionately high. The number of patents (US Patent and Trademark Office database) per thousand persons with the same surname (2000 Census) was determined (index P). Index P was compared with index A, which represents the number of the articles in the top US biomedical journals, and index G, which is based on the representation of a surname in the Google's option "Discussions", reflecting a combination of various business and leisure activities (designed as a negative control). The collective contributions of the 96 Jewish surname groups for each of the above indices were calculated. The ratio of actual to expected number of US patents was found to be disproportionately high--6.1 (p < 0.0001). At the same time, this disproportionality was four-fold lower than that related to biomedical articles (ratio of 6.1 vs. 23.3, p < 0.0001). There was some degree of correlation between index P and index A (r = 0.407, p < 0.0001), but no significant correlation was found between index P and index G. The role of various factors in the observed disproportionalities is discussed. The greater degree of disproportionality with biomedical research articles might be a consequence of traditional Jewish inclination towards occupations in medicine.
Rearrangement of Langmuir-Blodgett stearic acid films and band assignments in deuterated stearic acid monolayers

Band assignments in the C-D stretching region of straight chain hydrocarbon species are derived from the spectra of stearic acid monolayers on gold. The fatty acid molecules reorient with respect to the metal surface as the films age. Correlating the changes in the IR spectra of both the undeuterated and deuterated acids allows one to identify the vibrational modes of the latter based on the accepted assignments of the former. The CD2 asymmetric and symmetric stretches are observed at 2194 and 2086 cm−1, respectively. Bands at 2212 and 2221 cm−1 are attributed to asymmetric in-plane and out-of-plane CD3 stretches. Assignments of several other features in this region are given while one band remains unassigned.
BIT SEQUENTIAL MULTIPLIER USING RIGHT SHIFT.

Abstract Bit sequential multiplication algorithms have recently found use in parallel processing. Existing algorithms use left shift multiplication and take the least significant bit first. In this paper, a bit sequential multiplication algorithm using a right shift method and taking the most significant bit first is proposed. This conforms to the other arithmetic manipulations such as division, square rooting, etc., and should have more applications in the future arithmetic arrays.
Reusable Tools for Metadata Management - Pie in the Sky?

Summary form only given. Advances in information technology contributed powerful tools for the development of scientific applications. Today scientists routinely exploit data mining and analysis tools, visualization tools, and increasingly leverage database and workflow management systems. Some of these tools run out-of-the-box, others require customization. But when it comes to metadata management, there is very little reusable technology that scientists can draw upon. Manipulating metadata, such as database schemas, taxonomies, interface definitions, and mappings between them, requires tedious object-at-a-time programming and in-depth database expertise. Recently, researchers embarked on factoring out common metadata management operations and packaging them as reusable tools that offer a higher-level abstraction for solving metadata problems. In this article the author attempts to draw a big picture, highlight the challenges, and outline some ongoing efforts
Epigenetic overlap in autism-spectrum neurodevelopmental disorders: MECP2 deficiency causes reduced expression of UBE3A and GABRB3

Autism is a common neurodevelopmental disorder of complex genetic etiology. Rett syndrome, an X-linked dominant disorder caused by MECP2 mutations, and Angelman syndrome, an imprinted disorder caused by maternal 15q11–q13 or UBE3A deficiency, have phenotypic and genetic overlap with autism. MECP2 encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 that acts as a transcriptional repressor for methylated gene constructs but is surprisingly not required for maintaining imprinted gene expression. Here, we test the hypothesis that MECP2 deficiency may affect the level of expression of UBE3A and neighboring autism candidate gene GABRB3 without necessarily affecting imprinted expression. Multiple quantitative methods were used including automated quantitation of immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization by laser scanning cytometry on tissue microarrays, immunoblot and TaqMan PCR. The results demonstrated significant defects in UBE3A/E6AP expression in two different Mecp2 deficient mouse strains and human Rett, Angelman and autism brains compared with controls. Although no difference was observed in the allelic expression of several imprinted transcripts in Mecp2-null brain, Ube3a sense expression was significantly reduced, consistent with the decrease in protein. A non-imprinted gene from 15q11–q13, GABRB3, encoding the β3 subunit of the GABAA receptor, also showed significantly reduced expression in multiple Rett, Angelman and autism brain samples, and Mecp2 deficient mice by quantitative immunoblot. These results suggest an overlapping pathway of gene dysregulation within 15q11–q13 in Rett, Angelman and autism and implicate MeCP2 in the regulation of UBE3A and GABRB3 expressions in the postnatal mammalian brain.
Spectra of Molecular Ions

Historically the study of the spectra of diatomic molecular ions has been an important contributor to the development of molecular orbital theory. In view of the importance of molecular ions for radiation chemistry on the one hand and astrophysics (especially the study of the interstellar medium) on the other, we have started a program aimed at the discovery of new molecular ion spectra and at a better understanding of the structure of molecular ions. The various experimental techniques that have been used will be described. Particular attention has been focussed on the study of absorption spectra of molecular ions, since these absorption spectra would allow the study of those excited states which are subject to predissociation and therefore not easily observed in emission work. However, up to now only very few new spectra have been observed in absorption. On the other hand a number of new emission spectra of both diatomic and polyatomic molecular ions have been observed and the results about the structures of these ions will be discussed. Historisch gesehen lieferte das Studium der Spektren zweiatomiger Molekulionen einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Entwicklung der Molekulorbital-Theorie. Im Hinblick auf die Bedeutung der Molekulionen fur die Strahlenchemie einerseits und die Astrophysik (besonders die Erforschung des interstellaren Mediums) andererseits haben wir ein Forschungsprogramm begonnen, das zur Entdeckung neuer Molekul-ionenspektren und zu einem besseren Verstandnis der Molekulionenstruktur fuhren soll. Die verschiedenen experimentellen Methoden, die benutzt wurden, werden beschrieben. Besonderes Gewicht wurde auf die Erforschung der Absorptionsspektren von Molekulionen gelegt, weil diese Absorptionsspektren die Untersuchung angeregter Zustande erlauben wurden, die der Pradissoziation unterliegen und deshalb in Emission nicht leicht beobachtbar sind. Bis jetzt sind jedoch nur sehr wenige neue Spektren in Absorption beobachtet worden. Andererseits wurden eine Reihe neuer Emissionsspektren zwei- und mehratomiger Molekulionen beobachtet; die Ergebnisse uber die Struktur dieser Ionen werden diskutiert.