cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Domain architecture in homolog identification

Homology identification is the first step for many genomic studies. Current methods, based on sequence comparison, can result in a substantial number of mis-assignments due to the alignment of homologous domains in otherwise unrelated sequences. Here we propose methods to detect homologs through explicit comparison of domain architecture. We developed several schemes for scoring the similarity of a pair of protein sequences by exploiting an analogy between comparing proteins using their domain content and comparing documents based on their word content. We evaluate the proposed methods using a benchmark of fifteen sequence families of known evolutionary history. The results of these studies demonstrate the effectiveness of comparing domain architectures using these similarity measures. We also demonstrate the importance of both weighting critical domains and of compensating for proteins with large numbers of domains.
Migration, Economics of

Migration is the move from one geographic location to another. Residential migration occurs when the household (or person) changes its place of residence by moving from one neighborhood to another within the same locality. Internal migration occurs when the household moves across larger geographically distinct units – such as counties, metropolitan areas, states, or provinces – but remains within the same country. International migration occurs when the household moves across national boundaries.
Graph-theoretic conditions for multistationarity for mass-conserved biochemical networks

Understanding the dynamics of interactions in complex biochemical reaction networks is an important problem in mathematical biology. Mathematical models of biochemical networks often lead to complicated dynamical systems with many unknown parameters. Graphs associated with biochemical networks can be used to predict the existence of multistationarity in a dynamic model without knowing the parameter values. We will present a general graph-theoretic condition for multistationarity applicable to mass-conserved biochemical networks.
Research Spotlight: Evidence for water ice near the Martian equator

[1] When one looks for water on Mars, the most obvious targets are the ice-capped polar regions. However, Shean found what appears to be buried water ice or an ice-debris mix within 38 craters in the Sinus Sabaeus region near the Martian equator. While previous research has suggested that water was historically present near the equator, Mars's current climate is supposed to be inhospitable to equatorial water ice. Using satellite imagery, the author found material at the bottom of equatorial craters that is visually similar to material thought to be buried ice found elsewhere on Mars, especially in midlatitude craters (30°–60°N/S). He also found 30 additional craters where this material has been partially or completely removed, leaving traces that suggest it is composed of buried ice. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2010GL045181, 2010)
Two-particle coincidence measurement of four body break-up: Kinematics, phase space, and the detection of possible resonances☆

Abstract A simple calculation has been performed to study the statistical distribution of two particle coincidences in the break-up of nuclei leading to four bodies in the final state. The possibility of detecting resonances in two and three body subsystems has been discussed.
Strongly asymptotically stable Frobenius-Perron operators

Let (X, Z, it) be a a-finite measure space and let T: L' (X, Z, Hi) L' (X, Z, it) be a Frobenius-Perron operator. In 1997 Bartoszek and Brown proved that if T overlaps supports and if there exists h E L'(X,Eit), h > 0 on X, such that Th = h, then T is (strongly) asymptotically stable. In the note we prove that instead of assuming that h > 0 on X, it is enough to assume that h > 0 and h 5 0. More precisely, we prove that T is asymptotically stable if and only if T overlaps supports and there exists h E L' (X, Z, i), h > 0, h $ 0, such that Th = h.
Automated shock detection and analysis algorithm for space weather application

[1] Space weather applications have grown steadily as real-time data have become increasingly available. Numerous industrial applications have arisen with safeguarding of the power distribution grids being a particular interest. NASA uses short-term and long-term space weather predictions in its launch facilities. Researchers studying ionospheric, auroral, and magnetospheric disturbances use real-time space weather services to determine launch times. Commercial airlines, communication companies, and the military use space weather measurements to manage their resources and activities. As the effects of solar transients upon the Earth's environment and society grow with the increasing complexity of technology, better tools are needed to monitor and evaluate the characteristics of the incoming disturbances. A need is for automated shock detection and analysis methods that are applicable to in situ measurements upstream of the Earth. Such tools can provide advance warning of approaching disturbances that have significant space weather impacts. Knowledge of the shock strength and speed can also provide insight into the nature of the approaching solar transient prior to arrival at the magnetopause. We report on efforts to develop a tool that can find and analyze shocks in interplanetary plasma data without operator intervention. This method will run with sufficient speed to be a practical space weather tool providing useful shock information within 1 min of having the necessary data to ground. The ability to run without human intervention frees space weather operators to perform other vital services. We describe ways of handling upstream data that minimize the frequency of false positive alerts while providing the most complete description of approaching disturbances that is reasonably possible.
High performance submicron-gate SiGe p-type modulation-doped field-effect transistors

High transconductance p-type field-effect transistors (FETs) are essential for the fabrication of high speed complementary circuits. Unfortunately, the much lower mobility of holes in comparison to electrons in Si has been responsible for the large gap between the performance of n-type and p-type devices. Recent advances in the growth of high quality SiGe has lead to structures with higher hole mobilities. This has been attributed to the light hole-heavy hole band splitting which results in less band mixing and a smaller in-plane effective mass. In this work, we report our work on the fabrication and characterization of p-type modulation-doped field effect transistors (MODFETs) in high mobility SiGe heterostructures. High transconductance and unity current-gain cut-off frequency are demonstrated for submicron-gate MODFETs.
Disjoint Cycles in Eulerian Digraphs and the Diameter of Interchange Graphs

Let R=(r1, ?, rm) and S=(s1, ?, sn) be nonnegative integral vectors with ?ri=?sj. Let A(R, S) denote the set of all m×n {0, 1}-matrices with row sum vector R and column sum vector S. Suppose A(R, S)??. The interchange graphG(R, S) of A(R, S) was defined by Brualdi in 1980. It is the graph with all matrices in A(R, S) as its vertices and two matrices are adjacent provided they differ by an interchange matrix. Brualdi conjectured that the diameter of G(R, S) cannot exceed mn/4. A digraph G=(V, E) is called Eulerian if, for each vertex u?V, the outdegree and indegree of u are equal. We first prove that any bipartite Eulerian digraph with vertex partition sizes m, n, and with more than (17?1)mn/4 (?0.78mn) arcs contains a cycle of length at most 4. As an application of this, we show that the diameter of G(R, S) cannot exceed (3+17)mn/16 (?0.445mn). The latter result improves a recent upper bound on the diameter of G(R, S) by Qian. Finally, we present some open problems concerning the girth and the maximum number of arc-disjoint cycles in an Eulerian digraph.
Advances in MRI assessment of gliomas and response to anti-VEGF therapy.

Bevacizumab is thought to normalize tumor vasculature and restore the blood–brain barrier, decreasing enhancement and peritumoral edema. Conventional measurements of tumor response rely upon dimensions of enhancing tumor. After bevacizumab treatment, glioblastomas are more prone to progress as nonenhancing tumor. The RANO (Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology) criteria for glioma response use fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)/T2 hyperintensity as a surrogate for nonenhancing tumor; however, nonenhancing tumor can be difficult to differentiate from other causes of FLAIR/T2 hyperintensity (eg, radiation-induced gliosis). Due to these difficulties, recent efforts have been directed toward identifying new biomarkers that either predict treatment response or accurately measure response of both enhancing and nonenhancing tumor shortly after treatment initiation. This will allow for earlier treatment decisions, saving patients from the adverse effects of ineffective therapies while allowing them to try alternative therapies sooner. An active area of research is the use of physiologic imaging, which can potentially detect treatment effects before changes in tumor size are evident.
CHASING ANOMALOUS SIGNALS: THE COLD FUSION QUESTION

(2000). Chasing anomalous signals: The cold fusion question. Accountability in Research: Vol. 8, No. 1-2, pp. 55-58.
Control of exit from G1 and S phases of the cell cycle by histone deacetylase–Rb-hSWI/SNF and Rb-hSWI/SNF repressor complexes

Control of exit from G1 and S phases of the cell cycle by histone deacetylase–Rb-hSWI/SNF and Rb-hSWI/SNF repressor complexes
Large-deformation analyses of strains in excised lobes of canine lung during deflation experiments.

Abstract The displacements of small metallic markers affixed to the pleural surfaces of excised right upper and lower lobes of a 10 kg dog's lung during deflation experiments were recorded by a computer-based biplane roentgenvideographic technique. The experiments consisted of manually inflating the lobes to total lobe capacity and then deflating in a step-wise manner and were conducted both in air and in mineral oil. Lagrangian and Eulerian analyses, both based on small- and large-deformation theories, were applied for calculation of the lobes' strains using the displacements of the markers in three-dimensional space recorded roentgenvideographically during the deflation experiments. Lagrangian and Eulerian strains are defined here as the changes in length divided by the reference length at the state of total lobe capacity, and by the current length, respectively. Dilatations of the tetrahedrons constructed with the metallic markers as vertices were calculated by the four analyses and compared with the actual volume changes. This study concludes that, among the four analyses investigated, the large-deformation Eulerian analysis will provide the most accurate computation of the strains in the lung based on the markers' displacement data, if the data are collected during the deflation experiments using a decrement in lung volume of no greater than 10% of the total lobe capacity.
Diurnal variation in the cellular and humoral immune responses of Japanese quail: Role of melatonin

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine if diurnal variations occur in the cellular and humoral immune responses of sexually mature, male Japanese quail and if this diurnal variation is mediated by the daily rhythm of melatonin. In Experiment 1, quail were exposed to LD 12:12 light–dark cycles and immune responses were measured in response to a single antigenic challenge given to different groups every 4 h over a 24 h period. Diurnal changes occurred in both the cellular and humoral immune responses. The cellular response was higher during the light phase than during the dark phase whereas the opposite was true for the humoral immune response. Experiment 2 was designed to determine if melatonin mediated these diurnal immune responses. Quail were maintained in continuous light (LL) to suppress endogenous melatonin production and half of them were given melatonin in the drinking water for 12 h each day for 2 weeks. Contrary to control quail, significant daily variations occurred in both the humoral and cellular immune responses of birds given melatonin. As in Experiment 1, the cellular and humoral immune responses were out of phase with one another, with the humoral response being maximal when melatonin was present. We may conclude that there exists a melatonin dependent diurnal variation in both cellular and humoral immune responses of quail. The responses were inverse to one another during the daily light–dark cycle with the cellular response being maximal during the daily light period and the humoral response being maximal during the daily dark period.
Interpretation of the Θ+ as an isotensor pentaquark with weakly decaying partners

The {Theta}{sup +}(1540), recently observed at LEPS, DIANA and CLAS, is hypothesized to be an isotensor resonance. This implies the existence of a multiplet where the {Theta}{sup ++}, {Theta}{sup +} and {Theta}{sup 0} have isospin-violating strong decays, and the {Theta}{sup +++} and {Theta}{sup -} have weak decays and so are long-lived. Production mechanisms for these states are discussed. The J{sup P} assignment of the {Theta} is most likely 1/2{sup -} or 3/2{sup -} or 5/2{sup -}.
High-performance liquid chromatography of some biologically important cholesterol oxides

High-performance liquid chromatographic systems have been developed for the resolution of some biologically important cholesterol oxidation products. A reversedphase liquid chromatographic system, using a μBondapak C18 column with either methanol or methanol-water (9∶1, v/v), separated cholesterol oxides that differ in their additional functional group and isomers of cholesterol-5,6-epoxide. An adsorption liquid chromatographic system was more effective than the reversed-phase system for separating cholesterol oxidation products. A system which utilized a μPorasil column with a solvent system of hexane-isopropanol (96∶4, v/v) gave baseline resolution of both isomeric pairs of cholesterol-5,6-epoxide and 7-hydroxycholesterol as well as side chain hydroxycholesterols that differ only in the position of the hydroxy group.
Individual and Group Process Characteristics of Polar Expedition Teams

Empirical investigations of polar expedition teams have assessed psychological characteristics related to adaptive personal and group functioning in a physically challenging, adventurous, and time-limited situation. Group members across studies have demonstrated generally positive personality characteristics, scoring relatively high on achievement motivation and well-being, and relatively low on stress reactivity, anxiety, and depression. Emotional sharing occurred infrequently, and seeking social support was related to relatively poorer psychological functioning in these highly task-focused groups. The psychological problems noted in some "wintering-over" Antarctic personnel were not evident in expedition group members.
Glycoprotein biosynthesis in normal and scrapie-affected mouse brain.

Abstract The rates of incorporation of various radioactively labelled precursors into glycoproteins in the brain has been compared in normal mice and in mice inoculated intracerebrally with the scrapie agent. In the clinical stages of scrapie disease, there is a marked increase in the rates of incorporation of labelled l -fucose and d - N -acetylmannosamine into the glycoproteins of scrapie brain. More detailed studies using fucose as a tracer have shown that this increase first becomes detectable in scrapie brain about 10 weeks after inoculation of the agent and increases progressively thereafter until about 18 weeks after inoculation. Studies involving cellular fractionation have indicated that the increased incorporation is not spread uniformly among the different glyco-protein components of the brain.
Diarrhea and hyperammonemia in a horse with progressive neurologic signs.

Abstract A 2-year-old, Quarter Horse filly was referred to Michigan State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a 2–3 day history of depression and partial anorexia progressing to severe, watery diarrhea with severe neurologic abnormalities, including repetitive muscle fasciculations, muscle stiffening, and collapse. Laboratory findings included severe polycythemia, neutropenia, metabolic acidosis, and electrolyte and fluid loss, consistent with watery diarrhea and endotoxic shock. Increased creatine kinase and aspartate transaminase activities were consistent with recent transport and the muscle abnormalities. Severe hyperammonemia (1369.0 μmol/L; control value, 15.3 μmol/L) was found, without other substantial laboratory evidence of hepatic dysfunction. The horse was euthanized because of poor prognosis and rapid clinical deterioration. Necropsy findings were unremarkable with the exception of severe diffuse colitis. Culture of colonic contents recovered >1000 colony-forming units of Clostridium perfringens. Based on these findings, marked hyperammonemia in this filly was attributed to changes in colonic flora leading to increased bacterial production of ammonia that was readily absorbed through the inflamed bowel wall, exceeding the hepatic capacity for deamination. Intestinal bacteria as a source of hyperammonemia in the absence of hepatic disease has been linked rarely to positive culture results for clostridial organisms.
Proteobacteria-specific IgA regulates maturation of the intestinal microbiota

The intestinal microbiota changes dynamically from birth to adulthood. In this study we identified γ-Proteobacteria as a dominant phylum present in newborn mice that is suppressed in normal adult microbiota. The transition from a neonatal to a mature microbiota was in part regulated by induction of a γ-Proteobacteria-specific IgA response. Neocolonization experiments in germ-free mice further revealed a dominant Proteobacteria-specific IgA response triggered by the immature microbiota. Finally, a role for B cells in the regulation of microbiota maturation was confirmed in IgA-deficient mice. Mice lacking IgA had persistent intestinal colonization with γ-Proteobacteria that resulted in sustained intestinal inflammation and increased susceptibility to neonatal and adult models of intestinal injury. Collectively, these results identify an IgA-dependent mechanism responsible for the maturation of the intestinal microbiota.
On-chip sub-cycle pulse generation via a two-octave supercontinuum from visible to mid-infrared wavelengths

Using dispersion flattening technique, a two-octave-wide nearly symmetric supercontinuum can be generated from visible to mid-IR wavelengths on a chip, which is accompanied by pulse compression from 120 to 4 fs (0.76 optical cycles).
Platelet-mediated Lymphocyte Delivery to High Endothelial Venules

Circulating lymphocytes gain access to lymph nodes owing to their ability to initiate rolling along specialized high endothelial venules (HEVs). One mechanism of rolling involves L-selectin binding to peripheral node addressin (PNAd) on HEVs. Activated platelets are shown to bind to circulating lymphocytes and to mediate rolling in HEVs, in vivo, through another molecule, P-selectin, which also interacts with PNAd. In vitro, activated platelets enhanced tethering of lymphocytes to PNAd and sustained lymphocyte rolling, even in the absence of functional L-selectin. Thus, a platelet pathway operating through P-selectin provides a second mechanism for lymphocyte delivery to HEVs.
Light Scattering Characteristics in Liquid Crystal Storage Materials

Abstract The angular dependence of light scattering was measured in liquid crystal storage cells as a function of material and cell parameters. Both the scattering and clear states were investigated. The storage state scattering was found be be relatively independent of the concentration of cholesteric material in the mixture, the direction of the incident light, and the cell thickness. This suggests that the density of scattering centers is highest near the cell walls. The scattering at practical viewing angles (20 to 50° from the incident light) is to a large part due to Bragg scattering of the cholesteric planes.
Tree-Based Parallel Algorithm Design

In this paper a systematic method for the design of efficient parallel algorithms for the dynamic evaluation of computation trees and/or expressions is presented. This method involves the use of uniform closure properties of certain classes of unary functions. Using this method, optimal parallel algorithms are given for many computation tree problems which are important in parallel algebraic and numerical computation, and parallel code generation on exclusive read and exclusive write parallel random access machines. Our algorithmic result is complemented by a P-complete tree problem.
Predictions of neutralino dark matter event rates in minimal supergravity unification.

A detailed analysis of dark matter event rates in minimal supergravity models (MSGM's) is given. It is shown analytically that the lightest neutralino ${\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{Z}}_{1}$ is the LSP over almost all of the parameter space, and hence the natural candidate for cold dark matter (CDM). The radiative breaking of SU(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1) constraints is shown to be crucial in determining the expected event rates. Approximate analytic formulas are obtained to determine the gaugino-Higgsino content of the ${\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{Z}}_{1}$ particle. From this one can deduce the behavior of the event rates as one varies the SUSY soft breaking parameters and $tan\ensuremath{\beta}$. The constraint on the event rates due to the recently measured $b\ensuremath{\rightarrow}s+\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decay is calculated. It is seen that these data eliminate most of the parameter space where $\ensuremath{\mu}$ (the Higgs mixing parameter) and ${A}_{t}$ (the $t$-quark cubic soft breaking parameter) have the same sign. Since the $t$ quark is close to its Landau pole, ${A}_{t}$ is restricted to be mostly positive, and so most of the $\ensuremath{\mu}g0$ part of the parameter space is eliminated. However, for $\ensuremath{\mu}l0$, one finds large regions of parameter space where the event rate is large and exceeds 0.01 events/kg day. The importance of proper treatment of the $s$-channel $Z$ and Higgs poles in calculating the relic density is stressed. The implications of the recent new experiments (SMC and E143) on the quark polarizabilities are analyzed and it is seen that uncertainties in these generally produce only small uncertainties in the event rates. A discussion is also given of the sensitivity of the expected event rates to changes in the allowed range of ${\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{Z}}_{1}$ relic density.
Modifying chromatin to permit steroid hormone receptor-dependent transcription.

Abstract Lipophilic hormones, including steroids, exert their physiological effects through binding to high-affinity superfamily of steroid hormone receptor (SR) proteins that function as ligand-dependent DNA binding transcription factors. To date, SR proteins are among a few transcription factors shown to directly interact with higher order chromatin structures to regulate gene expression. To perturb chromatin, SRs employ enzymatic multicomplexes that can either remodel or modify chromatin. Here we examine the current state of knowledge concerning multicomplex chromatin remodeling/modification machines and SR-dependent transcription. We will focus on the role of these protein–protein and chromatin–protein interactions in vivo with the MMTV promoter as a primary model. In addition, we discuss emerging evidence implicating chaperone proteins and proteasome degradation machinery in SR-mediated gene regulation within chromatin.
Large near-surface nitrate pools in soils capped by desert pavement in the Mojave Desert, California

We found exceptionally high nitrate levels (up to 12,750 kg ha−1) at shallow depths (≤1 m) in soils mantled by desert pavement, a common land-surface feature in arid regions. Nearby soils without desert pavement had nitrate contents that were one to two orders of magnitude lower. The soil conditions coincident with desert pavement (i.e., stability, antiquity, and virtually no leaching) favor the retention and accumulation of nitrate delivered by atmospheric deposition or in situ fixation. The nitrate stored in soils under desert pavement is a previously unrecognized pool of nitrogen that has the potential to increase the global nitrogen inventory for near-surface desert soils to five times previous estimates. Its near-surface occurrence makes this labile nitrogen pool particularly susceptible to mobilization by climate change or human disturbance, risking contamination of surface and groundwaters.
Oesophageal cancer: new developments in systemic therapy

Oesophageal cancer is a rare but highly virulent malignancy in the United States and Western countries, and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus has had the most rapid rate of increase of any solid tumour malignancy. Systemic metastatic disease is present in 50% of patients at diagnosis, and in the remaining 50% of patients presenting initially with loco-regional disease, systemic metastatic disease will develop in the vast majority of these patients. Combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the standard of care in the nonsurgical management of oesophageal cancer. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery continues to be actively studied in the surgical management of locally advanced oesophageal cancer. Pathologic complete responses are seen in 20-40% of patients, with five-year survival achieved in 25-35% of patients. The limited efficacy and substantial toxicity of conventional 5-FU-cisplatin-based chemotherapy combined with radiation, or used to treat advanced disease, has prompted the evaluation of newer agents, including the taxanes and irinotecan. These trials have indicated promising antitumour activity and therapy tolerance in both advanced disease and in combined modality therapy trials, depending on the dose and schedule of therapy administered. The advent of newer, targeted therapies, including agents directed against growth factor receptor pathways, tumour angiogenesis, and tumour invasion and metastasis, is leading to a new generation of clinical trials combining these agents with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation.
Fifty Years of Fashion and Feminism: Early Career Recognition, Community Involvement and Sociopolitical Identities in a Sample of Nationally Recognized Women

Seventy nine women from a sample of early high achieving women publicly honored for college contributions were examined between 1 and 50 years post award to determine their personality and social clock projects, examine the degree to which the women remained politically and civically involved over their later adulthood; and to understand the impact early achievement may have had on feminist attitudes. Utilizing a series of personality, political ideology, feminist attitude and generative concern and action scales along with life history data, women’s feminine social clock projects were compared with personality variables and descriptively compared with earlier published reports on mid century women’s social clock projects (Helson et al. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 46:1079–1096, 1984). With the exception of 1970 era winners, women’s social clock projects across multiple eras remain consistent with earlier findings. Regression analyses indicate political ideology predicts feminist attitudes and political behaviors, whereas identity achievement personality variables predict generative concern.
Transcriptional activation of the translocated c-myc oncogene in mouse plasmacytomas: Similar RNA levels in tumor and proliferating normal cells

Abstract We examine the influence of the immunoglobulin locus on the expression of the translocated c-myc oncogene in mouse plasmacytomas. The level of c-myc RNA was 30- 35-fold greater in tumor cells than in normal, quiescent B cells. Mitogen stimulation of the lymphocytes with lipopolysaccharide induced a 15-fold increase in c-myc expression per cell to a level that was similar to that in the tumor cells. Northern blot analysis showed that transcription of the translocated c-myc gene involved initiation from sequences in the first c-myc intron. Abundant RNA transcripts were also found from the noncoding strand of the c-myc intron in most tumor lines. S1 nuclease mapping was used to locate the intronic sequences that are used to initiate the tumor-specific c-myc RNAs. Six different initiation sites within the intron were mapped, none of which have the TATA sequence usually associated with eucaryotic RNA polymerase II promoters. The noncoding strand transcripts were also found to initiate in the c-myc intron. Transcription of the c-myc coding strand was independent of the position of the translocation breakpoint, even when the heavy chain switch and constant regions were deleted.
Automation of analytical isotachophoresis

The basic features of automation of analytical isotachophoresis (ITP) are reviewed. Experimental setups consisting of narrow bore tubes which are self-stabilized against thermal convection are considered. Sample detection in free solution is discussed, listing the detector systems presently used or expected to be of potential use in the near future. The combination of a universal detector measuring the evolution of ITP zone structures with detector systems specific to desired components is proposed as a concept of an automated chemical analyzer based on ITP. Possible miniaturization of such an instrument by means of microlithographic techniques is discussed.
ECS as a punishing stimulus: dependency on route of administration.

Abstract Groups of rats were subjected to multiple ECS treatments administered via ear-clips (transpinnate) or electrode plugs (transcranially) in a stepdown or CER situation. Results indicate that in both behavioral situations ECS administered via ear clips or ear snaps result in the elaboration of a fear state, whereas ECS administered via electrode plugs prevented or delayed the onset of a fear state. In addition, fear behavior was displayed to specific stimuli immediately preceding the ECS treatment. A model is proposed to account for these results.
Detection of cracks near sharp edges by using giant magneto-resistance-based eddy current probe

A difficult problem in eddy current inspection of airplane parts is the detection of cracks near sharp edges. In particular, cracks initiate close to the edge in the case of aircraft engine turbine disks. Since the edge is a geometric discontinuity, it produces a strong eddy current response that can distort the crack signal, resulting in a degradation of the capability to reliably detect the crack. A new probe that uses giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensors as detecting elements provides an elegant solution for this problem. The GMR sensor is placed in the center of a pancake-type excitation coil. Being a uni-directional device, the sensor detects only the field along its sensitive axis. In the measuring configuration, the sensing axis is oriented coplanar with the specimen surface, so that the sensor is insensitive to the excitation field. When the probe is scanned above a crack initiating perpendicular to an edge, orienting the sensing axis parallel to the edge, the output signal is produced only by the crack, while the usually high signal due to the edge is eliminated. A discussion of experimental observations obtained by scanning surface and subsurface edge cracks are included in the paper.
Spiritual care of the school-age child with a chronic condition

Chronic conditions present many challenges to the school-age child and the family that may create physical, psychosocial, and spiritual disruptions. The spiritual well-being of the child and family greatly influences coping and condition management. Therefore, spiritual assessment becomes an integral part of nursing care for these families. A case study describes the spirituality of the school-age child and the family within the context of having a chronic condition. Therapeutic play, bibliotherapy, and use of self are discussed, using the nursing process, as strategies to meet the spiritual needs of child and family.
Changing Workplaces to Reduce Work-Family Conflict: Schedule Control in A White-Collar Organization

Work-family conflicts are common and consequential for employees, their families, and work organizations. Can workplaces be changed to reduce work-family conflict? Previous research has not been able to assess whether workplace policies or initiatives succeed in reducing work-family conflict or increasing work-family fit. Using longitudinal data collected from 608 employees of a white-collar organization before and after a workplace initiative was implemented, we investigate whether the initiative affects work-family conflict and fit, whether schedule control mediates these effects, and whether work demands, including long hours, moderate the initiative's effects on work-family outcomes. Analyses clearly demonstrate that the workplace initiative positively affects the work-family interface, primarily by increasing employees' schedule control. This study points to the importance of schedule control for our understanding of job quality and for management policies and practices.
The relation between heavy alcohol use and bar patronage : A latent growth model

Objective: Random effects latent growth (LG) models were used to study the relation between changes in heavy alcohol use and changes in the frequency of bar patronage over a 3-year period. Previous research has identified a close link between alcohol use and bar patronage, but these cross-sectional findings limit inferences about possible temporal ordering. LG models are highlighted and compared with the more traditional but restricted cross-lagged models. Method: Three annual measures of heavy alcohol use and frequency of bar patronage were administered to a sample of 3071 adults (62% male) who participated in the National Longitudinal Study of Youch from 1982 to 1984. Background variables included age, gender, ethnicity and marital status. Results: Heavy alcohol use and bar patronage were characterized by negative longitudinal growth trajectories and there was significant individual variability in these changes over time. Changes in heavy alcohol use closely paralleled corresponding changes in bar patro...
Adaptive characteristics-based matching for compressible multifluid dynamics

This paper presents an evolutionary step in sharp capturing of shocked, high acoustic impedance mismatch (AIM) interfaces in an adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) environment. The central theme which guides the present development addresses the need to optimize between the algorithmic complexities in advanced front capturing and front tracking methods developed recently for high AIM interfaces with the simplicity requirements imposed by the AMR multi-level dynamic solutions implementation. The paper shows that we have achieved this objective by means of relaxing the strict conservative treatment of AMR prolongation/restriction operators in the interfacial region and by using a natural-neighbor-interpolation (NNI) algorithm to eliminate the need for ghost cell extrapolation into the other fluid in a characteristics-based matching (CBM) scheme. The later is based on a two-fluid Riemann solver, which brings the accuracy and robustness of front-tracking approach into the fast local level set front-capturing implementation of the CBM method. A broad set of test problems (including shocked multi-gaseous media, bubble collapse, underwater explosion and shock passing over a liquid drop suspended in a gaseous medium) was performed and the results demonstrate that the fundamental assumptions/approximations made in modifying the AMR prolongation/restriction operators and in using the NNI algorithm for interfacial treatment are acceptable from the accuracy point of view, while they enable an effective implementation and utility of the structured AMR technology for solving complex multiphase problems in a highly compressible setting.
Nitric Oxide-dependent Parasympathetic Signaling Is Due to Activation of Constitutive Endothelial (Type III) Nitric Oxide Synthase in Cardiac Myocytes

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms are discovered in an increasing variety of cell types with different roles in signaling. The inducible NOS (i.e. iNOS or NOS II) is expressed in cardiac myocytes in response to specific cytokines. Independent of iNOS induction, however, receptor-dependent signaling is modulated by a constitutive nitric oxide (NO) synthase isoform in these cells (Balligand, J. L., Kelly, R.A., Marsden, P.A., Smith, T. W., and Michel, T. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90, 347-351). We now show that cardiac myocytes constitutively express the endothelial isoform of NO synthase (ecNOS or NOS III). Transcripts for NOS III were detected by Northern blot in myocyte extracts using as a probe a polymerase chain reaction-generated cDNA amplified with isoform and species-specific primers. In subcellular fractionation experiments, a calcium-sensitive NO synthase activity was present primarily in the particulate fraction, coinciding with the distribution of NOS III analyzed by protein immunoblotting. The localization of NOS III within cardiac myocytes was further demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. The functional role of NOS III was explored by analyzing the effects of NOS inhibitors on single myocyte L-type calcium current and contractility. Inhibition of NOS blocked the attenuation by carbamylcholine of the increases in both parameters induced by beta-adrenergic stimulation. We conclude that NO-dependent parasympathetic signaling is mediated by NOS III in cardiac myocytes.
A combinatorial converse to the Perron-Frobenius theorem

Abstract A sign pattern requires (allows) the Perron property if every (some) matrix with that sign pattern has its special radius among its eigenvalues. We characterize those sign patterns that require the Perron property, which, in a sense, provides a converse to the classical Perron-Frobenius theorem. Also, a large class of patterns that allow the Perron property is identified, but a complete characterization remains an open problem.
Secant structural solution strategies under element constraint for incremental damage

Abstract Two major difficulties in the nonlinear analysis of post-peak structural behavior are the occurrence of an ill-conditioned tangent stiffness matrix around critical points, namely limit and bifurcation points, and the selection of a suitable constrain on the solution path. As an attempt to make failure prediction available in a routine manner, new solution strategies are proposed in which a secant structural stiffness matrix is formulated for incremental damage models, and the solution path is controlled through a suitable measure of failure at the most severely damaged point in the body. Numerical solutions are given for plane strain and plane stress problems to show that snap-back and snap-through associated with shear band formation can be inexpensively predicted.
Trends in metadata practices: a longitudinal study of collection federation

With the increasing focus on interoperability for distributed digital content, resource developers need to take into consideration how they will contribute to large federated collections, potentially at the national and international level. At the same time, their primary objectives are usually to meet the needs of their own institutions and user communities. This tension between local practices and needs and the more global potential of digital collections has been an object of study for the IMLS Digital Collections and Content (IMLS DCC) project. Our practical aim has been to provide integrated access to over 160 IMLS-funded digital collections through a centralized collection registry and metadata repository. During the course of development, the research team has investigated how collections and items can best be represented to meet the needs of local resource developers and aggregators of distributed content, as well as the diverse user communities they may serve. This paper presents results from a longitudinal analysis of IMLS DCC development trends between 2003 and 2006. Changes in metadata applications have not been pronounced. However, multi-scheme use has become less common, and use of Dublin Core remains high, even as recognition of its limitations grows. Locally developed schemes are used as much as MARC, and may be on the increase as new collections are incorporating less traditional library and museum materials, and more interactive and multimedia content. Based on our empirical understanding of metadata use in practice, patterns in new content development, and user community indicators, our research has turned toward identifying metadata relationships between items and collections to preserve context and enhance functionality and usefulness for scholarly user communities.
Epistemic Circularity and Common Sense: A Reply to Reed

When one depends on a belief source in sustaining a belief that that very belief source is trustworthy, then that belief is an epistemically circular belief (EC-belief)1 A number of philosophers have objected to externalism in epistemology on the grounds that it commits one to thinking EC-beliefs can be justified, something they view as an unhappy consequence for externalism.2 In my 2004, I defend externalism against this sort of charge by explaining why this consequence needn't be an unhappy one. In the course of doing so, I appeal to what Thomas Reid calls 'common sense' a faculty or belief source by which we know noninferentially such things as that our faculties are trustworthy. In his 2006, Baron Reed raises what he takes to be serious objections to what I say about both epistemic circularity and common sense. In what follows, I'll respond to his objections, explaining why I side with Reid against Reed.3
And Away from a Theory of Explanation itself

[Introduction] There is much good sense to be found in Halonen and Hintikka’s paper ‘Toward a Theory of the Process of Explanation’ (hereafter TTPE). In particular, it contains three good ideas that are brought together in an elegant way. Ultimately, however, I think it does little to shed light on the nature of explanation in the sciences and everyday life. Those readers who still favor a broadly Hempelian deductivist approach to explanation will disagree, and ought to find TTPE a valuable contribution to the literature. For those of us raised on a standard diet of counterexamples to the Deductive-Nomological model of explanation, however, the efforts of Halonen and Hintikka fail to transcend the limitations of the deductivist framework within which they operate.
The extended interactions and Gla domain of blood coagulation factor Xa.

The serine protease factor Xa (FXa) is inhibited by ecotin with picomolar affinity. The structure of the tetrameric complex of ecotin variant M84R (M84R) with FXa has been determined to 2.8 A. Substrate directed induced fit of the binding interactions at the S2 and S4 pockets modulates the discrimination of the protease. Specifically, the Tyr at position 99 of FXa changes its conformation with respect to incoming ligand, changing the size of the S2 and S4 pockets. The role of residue 192 in substrate and inhibitor recognition is also examined. Gln 192 from FXa forms a hydrogen bond with the P2 carbonyl group of ecotin. This confirms previous biochemical and structural analyses on thrombin and activated protein C, which suggested that residue 192 may play a more general role in mediating the interactions between coagulation proteases and their inhibitors. The structure of ecotin M84R−FXa (M84R−FXa) also reveals the structure of the Gla domain in the presence of Mg2+. The first 11 residues of the domain ass...
Stimulated emission in scattering and composite dielectric media (random lasers): effect of particle size (Key Lecture)

Stimulated emission can be obtained in small volumes of scattering laser materials without cavity or any special optical design. Such sources of stimulated emission are known as random lasers. In random lasers, amplifying laser medium provides for gain, and scatterers (powder particles, air gaps between particles, etc.) provide for stimulated emission feedback. Above certain threshold pumping energy, the emission characteristics of random lasers change dramatically: the emission spectrum collapses to one or several narrow lines and one or several short emission pulses appear in response to a relatively long pumping pulse. Solid-state random lasers based on rare-earth doped dielectrics, dielectrics with color centers, semiconductors, scattering polymers, etc., offer challenging and not yet completely understood physics as well as promising applications, including express testing of laser materials, identification, and information processing. The focus of our presentation is on optically pumped neodymium random lasers. In particular, we discuss the dependence of the photon mean free path lt, the threshold energy density E th /S and the slope efficiency in neodymium random lasers as a function of the mean particles size s. The experimental results are compared with the predictions of the developed models.
Boundary analysis in sedimentation transport experiments: a procedure for obtaining sedimentation coefficient distributions using the time derivative of the concentration profile.

Abstract A procedure is described for computing sedimentation coefficient distributions from the time derivative of the sedimentation velocity concentration profile. Use of the time derivative, ( ∂c ∂t ) r , instead of the radial derivative, ( ∂c ∂r ) t , is desirable because it is independent of time-invariant contributions to the optical baseline. Slowly varying baseline changes also are significantly reduced. An apparent sedimentation coefficient distribution (i.e., uncorrected for the effects of diffusion), g ∗ (s) , can be calculated from ( ∂c ∂t ) r as g ∗ (s) t = ∂c ∂t corr 1 c o ω 2 t 2 1n( r m r ) r r m 2 where s is the sedimentation coefficient, ω is the angular velocity of the rotor, c0 is the initial concentration, r is the radius, rm is the radius of the meniscus, and t is time. An iterative procedure is presented for computing g ∗ (s) t by taking into account the contribution to ( ∂c ∂t ) r from the plateau region to give ( ∂c ∂t ) corr . Values of g ∗ (s) t obtained this way are identical to those of g ∗ (s) calculated from the radial derivative to within the roundoff error of the computations. Use of ( ∂c ∂t ) r , instead of ( ∂c ∂r ) t , results in a significant increase (>10-fold) in the signal-to-noise ratio of data obtained from both the uv photoelectric scanner and Rayleigh optical systems of the analytical ultracentrifuge. The use of ( ∂c ∂t ) r to compute apparent sedimentation coefficient distributions for purposes of boundary analysis is exemplified with an antigen-antibody system.
Prototropic rearrangements of unsaturated hydrocarbons promoted by iron carbonyls

Abstract Results from the thermal and photochemical reactions of cis -1,3-pentadiene and 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene with iron pentacarbonyl are described together with those obtained from the thermolysis and photolysis of their η2-iron tetracarbonyl and η4-iron tricarbonyl complexes. Consideration of these results, and some recent related work of others, allows a new reaction path to be formulated for alkene and diene isomerizations promoted by iron carbonyls.