cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can I say “bobobo” and mean “There's no such thing as cheap talk”?

Abstract The theory of cheap talk, evaluated as a model of language use, is shown to mismatch the reality of communication in five respects: real talk is conflict dampening, is more than assertion, is dear, is not literal, and is beholden to its medium. The linguistic theory of pragmatics is employed to demonstrate formally that every utterance creates a coordination game whose resolution reveals evidence of similarity and of a shared mental model, so there is no neutral style of communication: an utterance must affect the relationship between the players. This alteration, in turn, will affect any game allowing for communication.
A geometric determination of the Weyl canonical frame in petrov type-I space-times

Given four distinct real null directions, a unique (up to a choice between three alternatives) null frame is defined geometrically. When the assumption is made that the four given null directions are the principal null directions of a Petrov type-I space-time, it is shown that the geometrically defined frame coincides with the Weyl canonical frame.
TMJ fractures in children: clinical management and follow-up.

The mandible is the facial structure that is the most affected by trauma and the most common fracture site is the condyle. New perspectives for this problem are due to the fact that often TMJ fractures in children are undiagnosed and consequent1y untreated. This becomes evident when growth disturbances show up a year or two. These types of trauma must be focused not only as a cause of direct damage to osseous structures, but also of future disturbances of the dentofacial development. Three cases of particular significance for the requested therapeutic approach are reported.
Purification and characterization of a human leukemia cell-derived immunosuppressive factor.

Abstract A human leukemia cell-derived suppressor factor (LDSF) capable of suppressing in vitro proliferation and activation of normal human lymphocytes was purified from human leukemic HL-60 cells. LDSF is constitutively produced by the cells and was purified from serum free culture supernatant by a combination of ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration and electrophoresis. Purified LDSF was determined to be a single chain protein with an apparent molecular mass of 66,000 daltons. LDSF was not cytolytic to lymphocytes, was heat stable at 70[ddot] C, and did not have any effect on IL-2 or transferrin receptor expression.
Persistent contamination of fabric-covered furniture by vancomycin-resistant enterococci: Implications for upholstery selection in hospitals

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens in hospitals throughout the United States. An increasing concern with respect to VRE dissemination is survival on, and potential transmission from, environmental surfaces within health care institutions. Therefore, we assessed survival of VRE on fabric chairs in an attempt to determine the optimal upholstery for the health care setting. VRE was identified on 3 of 10 seat cushions sampled, including 2 chairs in a room of a patient with known VRE. After performing simulated contamination experiments, all samples were positive at 72 hours and 1 week after inoculation. Contamination of the upholstery could be prevented by placing a sheet folded 4 times or a bath blanket folded in half on the seat cushion. In conclusion, VRE are capable of prolonged survival on fabric seat cushions and can be transferred to hands. Environmental surfaces such as chairs may serve as a potential reservoir for nosocomial transmission of VRE, and an easily cleanable, nonporous material is the preferred upholstery in hospitals.
Volatile fatty acids in flavors of potatoes deep‐fried in a beef blend

The volatile free fatty acids were analyzed in commercial french- fried potatoes that had been deep- fried in beef tallow- hydrogenated vegetable oil shortening. The results showed that many of the volatile fatty acids present in beef tallow were transferred to the potatoes. Of the fatty acids derived from beef tallow, butanoic, 2-methylbutanoic, 3- methylbutanoic, heptanoic, 4-methyltanoic, and nonanoic acids were present in concentrations above their respective thresholds, and should contribute to tallow- like flavors. Several unsaturated volatile fatty acids also were identified, and they should contribute to the general deep- fried potato flavor.
The effect of light and dark background upon melatonin levels in larval Xenopus.

Abstract 1. 1. Body melanophore numbers and spectrophotofluorometric determinations of melatonin and 5-hydroxytryptamine were made on whole Xenopus laevis larvae reared in aquaria with light and dark surfaces. 2. 2. Light background reared larvae had lower melatonin concentrations and fewer melanophores. 3. 3. Dark background reared larvae had higher melatonin concentrations and more melanophores. 4. 4. 5-Hydroxytryptamine concentrations were not significantly different in the two groups.
Metabolism and mode of selective inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus replication by 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxy-5-iodouridine and 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxy-5-bromouridine.

Abstract 3'-Azido-2',3'-dideoxy-5-iodouridine (AzIdUrd) and 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxy-5-bromouridine (AzBdUrd), previously shown to be potent and selective inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus replication in vitro were minimally toxic to the uninfected human lymphoid cell line H9 ( ic 50 = 197 and 590 μM, respectively). Both compounds strongly inhibited the incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine but not [ 3 H]deoxyadenosine into DNA, and we observed no significant inhibition of [ 3 H]uridine incorporation into RNA or [ 3 H]amino acid incorporation into protein. Exposure of H9 cells to AzIdUrd or AzBdUrd (100 μM, 24 hr) and pulse-labeling with [ 3 H]thymidine resulted in approximately 80% reduction in levels of tritiated dTMP, dTDP, and dTTP relative to control. [[su125]I]AzIdUrd was phosphorylated rapidly in H9 cells with the monophosphate accounting for over 90% of total soluble radioactivity. A relatively low but stable level of AzIdUTP was maintained over a 12-hr period. [ 125 I]AzIdUrd was phosphorylated by a cell free extract of H9 cells at a rate approximately three times that of thymidine and its phosphorylation was inhibited by excess thymidine. AzIdUrd was found to be a competitive inhibitor of cytosolic thymidine kinase with a K i , of 2.63 μM and AzIdUMP a weak competitive inhibitor of thymidylate kinase with a K i of 55.3 μM. Both AzIdUTP and AzBdUTP were potent competitive inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase ( K i = 0.028 and 0.043 { rmmM , respectively) and relatively poors inhibitors of H9 cell DNA polymerase α( K i = 42.0 and 42.7 { rmmM , respectively). Thus, the high therapeutic index of these compounds is due to the sensitivity of the viral reverse transcriptase, coupled with the relative insensitivity of the host cell DNA polymerase α.
Characterization of Stabilized Zero Valent Iron Nanoparticles

The demonstrated toxicity of certain groups of organic micropollutants in water sources has motivated research in developing novel materials that are able to remove dissolved organic molecules from an aqueous system through adsorption and/or degradation. One approach is to use the enhanced surface properties of nano- sized particles to adsorb, reduce, or oxidize organic contaminants. Our research focuses on the use of catalytic nanoparticles to degrade haloamides, a specific family of disinfection by-products (DBPs) produced during chlorine and chloramine disinfection. This work focuses on the development and characterization of zero valent iron-based catalytic nanoparticles. In particular, different stabilizer compounds are used during nanoparticle synthesis to control the particle size and prevent aggregation. The size, shape, and functional groups of the stabilizer compounds are investigated; the roles of specific chelating groups, such as phosphates and carboxylates, in controlling particle size are compared. Particles are characterized through several techniques including dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, and measurement of zeta potential.
Characteristics of California Navel Orange Juice and Pulpwasn

California navel orange juice, two-stage pulpwash and concentrated orange juice obtained from a commercial processing plant during the 1979–80 processing season were analyzed by chemical, physical and microbiological methods. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) were found between single-strength orange juice and pulpwash in the concentration of nitrate, sulfate, phenolics, carbohydrates, protein, pectin, UV/VIS absorption characteristics, minerals and carotenes. Seasonal variations were found in carbohydrates, organic acids, minerals, microbiological data, UV/VIS absorption characteristics, carotenoids, protein and phenolics. This report outlines methods of analysis, summarizes analytical results and discusses application of these findings to the detection of pulpwash adulteration of orange juice.
Design considerations for a passive magnetic induction signal generator for sensing hypervelocity projectile passage

Measurement of projectile passage after hypervelocity launch is an important measurement and/or trigger needed for electromagnetic launcher development. One method is to use a magnetic induction technique which takes advantage of the fact that a metal object passing through a magnetic field can move the magnetic flux aside and thereby produce a voltage in a coil. This type of system can be designed to use permanent magnets and thereby be totally passive. In addition, this passive system can be designed to be insensitive to the high electromagnetic fields generated during the operation of electrothermal guns and railguns. This diagnostic has been used to trigger other electrically sensitive data acquisition equipment including flash X-rays and to determine the velocity of the projectile. This report discusses the results of tests and a comparison of data with a simple model for calculating the expected signal output of such a device. >
Robert S. Hoffmann: 1929–2010

Robert Shaw Hoffmann—“Bob” to vice presidents of the United States, university presidents, international scholars, and his students—passed away on 6 April 2010 at the age of 81. When asked what the “S.” stood for, Bob always responded “ Spermophilus ” never taking himself too seriously despite being a highly regarded international scholar, a well-respected Smithsonian Institution senior administrator in Washington, D.C., and stalwart leader of the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) and several other international societies. Bob is survived by Sally (the former Sally Ann Monson), his wife of 58 years. His other survivors include 3 sons, Karl R. (and Judy) living in Spain; John F. in Topeka, Kansas; and David R. (and Debbie) in Charleston, West Virginia; 1 daughter, Brenna E. Hoffmann Olivier (and Frank) in Oakland, California; 2 grandchildren, Aiden and Muriel Olivier; a sister-in-law, Joy Hoffmann; and nephews and nieces. Bob was born in Evanston, Illinois, on 2 March 1929. His family moved to a rural area when he was in grade school, and much of his time was spent exploring the woods, fields, and forest preserves near his home. From the time Bob was 8 he knew he would study animals. He scouted birds in the suburbs and kept a daily journal of birds he had seen, their names written in a tiny notebook tucked in his pocket. As a boy, he frequently traveled by streetcar to the Field Museum of Natural History in downtown Chicago, where he volunteered, and he became a regular visitor to Brookfield Zoo. He spent as much time at the Field Museum studying the exhibits as he could. He declared he would become a zoologist, a word most kids his age didn't even know. At the age of 11 he took a summer job at the Brookfield Zoo selling peanuts, giving …
Cryptosporidium parvum induces host cell actin accumulation at the host-parasite interface.

Cryptosporidium parvum is an intracellular protozoan parasite that causes a severe diarrheal illness in humans and animals. Previous ultrastructural studies have shown that Cryptosporidium resides in a unique intracellular compartment in the apical region of the host cell. The mechanisms by which Cryptosporidium invades host intestinal epithelial cells and establishes this compartment are poorly understood. The parasite is separated from the host cell by a unique electron-dense structure of unknown composition. We have used indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy to characterize this structure. These studies indicate that host filamentous actin is assembled into a plaque-like structure at the host-parasite interface during parasite invasion and persists during parasite development. The actin-binding protein α-actinin is also present in this plaque early in parasite development but is lost as the parasite matures. Other actin-associated proteins, including vinculin, talin, and ezrin, are not present. We have found no evidence of tyrosine phosphorylation within this structure. Molecules known to link actin filaments to membrane were also examined, including α-catenin, β-catenin, plakoglobin, and zyxin, but none was identified at the host-parasite junction. Thus, Cryptosporidium induces rearrangement of the host cell cytoskeleton and incorporates host cell actin and α-actinin into a host-parasite junctional complex.
Compact serialization of Prolog terms (with catalan skeletons, cantor tupling and Gödel numberings)

We describe a compact serialization algorithm mapping Prolog terms to natural numbers of bit-sizes proportional to the memory representation of the terms. The algorithm is a ‘no bit lost’ bijection, as it associates to each Prolog term a unique natural number and each natural number corresponds to a unique syntactically well-formed term.To avoid an exponential explosion resulting from bijections mapping term trees to natural numbers, we separate the symbol content and the syntactic skeleton of a term that we serialize compactly using a ranking algorithm for Catalan families.A novel algorithm for the generalized Cantor bijection between k is used in the process of assigning polynomially bounded Godel numberings to various data objects involved in the translation.
Post routing performance optimization via tapered link insertion and wiresizing

Most existing performance-driven and clock routing algorithms can not guarantee performance after all nets are routed. This paper proposes a new post routing approach which can reduce both maximum delay and skew of an existing routing topology by tapered little insertion and non-uniform wiresizing. It uses the Sequential Quadratic Programming method for constrained optimization. Experimental results show that our approach can improve performance significantly and consume less area than uniform wiresizing.
Mapping the Road Forward in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and will lead to a worldwide public health crisis if it continues unchecked. Despite tremendous advances in our scientific understanding of AD, we still do not have effective ways to delay, prevent, or slow this disease. At the 2011 Abelson meeting, a diverse group of scientists discussed current challenges in the AD field and made recommendations in the areas of genetics, clinical trials, protein aggregation, and the cell biology of the nervous system. We hope these recommendations will boost research progress in AD and increase the likelihood of developing effective therapies in the near future.
CELL WALL CHEMISTRY AND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF CHLOROCOCCUM OLEOFACIENS (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1,2

Cell walls of Chlorococcum oleofadens Trainor & Bold were examined ultrastructurally and chemically. The wall of zoospores has a uniform 30 nm width and a regular lamellar pattern. Zoospores and young vegetative cell walk exhibit periodicities, consisting of 20 nm ridges on the outer layer. Vegetative cell walls have a variable thickness of Up to 800 nm and are composed of multiple layers of electron dense material. Further, vegetative walk contain a microfibrillar material composed predominantly of glucose and presumed to be cellulose. Except for this cellulose, vegetative cell wall chemistry is very similar to that of Chlamydomemas being composed of glycoprotein rich in hydroxyproline. The hydroxyproline in Chlorococcum walls is linked glycosidically to a mixture of hetrooligosaccharides composed of arabinose and galactose, and in one instance, an unknown 6-deoxyhexose. Altogether, the glycoprotein complex accounts for at least 52% of the wall. The amino acid composition of the walls is stikingly similar to those of widely different plant species. Indirect evidence indicates zoospore cell walls are also chemically similar to those of Chlamydomonas, and like them, are cellulose free. Thus a major chemical difference between zoospore and vegetative cell walk of Chlorococcum is the presence of cellulose in the latter. The contribution of this microfibrillar cellulose to the physical properties of the vegetative wall is discussed.
Wireless optical communications: a survey

The demand for wireless broadband communications has been growing steadily for last several years. The congestion and the limitations on bandwidths of the radio spectrum have inhibited unrestricted growth of radio wireless systems. Wireless optical, however, holds the promise of delivering data rates that can meet the broadband requirements. As a result, wireless optical is believed to be a viable long term option for many applications of wireless communications. Nevertheless, the advantages of optical wireless have not yet been fully exploited. Basic and applied research is needed at the laboratory and commercial levels to bring the performance of real-life wireless optical systems into higher levels. The Gb/s level data rate has been validated in laboratory, however, available indoor systems only realize a data rate of 155Mb/s. Current research in wireless optical concentrates on increasing the communication capacity and improving the performance. In this paper, we survey the wireless optical discipline emphasizing major design, performance, and safety issues. Research directions that have the potential to close the gap between theory and practice, in wireless optical communications, are also presented.
Channel response measurements for diffuse non-line-of-sight (NLOS) optical communication links underwater

Presented are experimental measurements comparing the frequency (i.e. - impulse) response (up to 1GHz) for an underwater optical communications channel as a function of water clarity using collimated or diffuse laser light. The measurement technique used is adapted from a previously reported method used for measuring the channel response of collimated laser beam [1,2]. These measurements establish the bandwidth limitations for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) optical links underwater as a function of their operating environment. Comparisons to direct line-of-sight links using collimated beams are also presented.
Paclitaxel- and lapatinib-loaded lipopolymer micelles overcome multidrug resistance in prostate cancer.

Paclitaxel is a potent chemotherapeutic agent for treating refractory prostate cancer. However, its prolonged treatment develops multidrug resistance. Since lapatinib interacts with and inhibits P-gp activity, our objective was to determine whether the combination therapy of these two drugs can synergistically treat resistant prostate cancer. Our recently synthesized lipopolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)- block-poly(2-methyl-2-carboxylpropylene carbonate-graft- dodecanol) (PEG-PCD), was used to efficiently load both drugs into PEG-PCD micelles since they are hydrophobic. Lapatinib inhibited P-gp function but not its expression. Co-treatment of DU145-TXR cells with 0.5 μM paclitaxel and 5 μM lapatinib resulted in up to 138-fold reversal compared to paclitaxel alone. These formulations killed almost 70% and 80% of DU145-TXR cells when 0.5 μM paclitaxel was combined with lapatinib at a dose of 1 and 5 μM, respectively, while monotherapy had no effect. Combination therapy induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at mitotic phase. Xenograft tumor growth in athymic nude mice was significantly regressed when PEG-PCD micelles carrying lapatinib and paclitaxel were given intravenously twice a week. Furthermore, this combination therapy synergistically decreased antiangiogenic activity compared to the control or their monotherapy. In conclu- sion, lipopolymeric micelles carrying lapatinib and pacli- taxel have the potential to treat resistant prostate cancer and can successfully deliver drugs to tumors while minimizing toxic effects associated with solubilizing agents.
How useful is the ratio of fish density outside versus inside no-take marine reserves as a metric for fishery management control rules?

A management strategy evaluation (based on five species in the California, USA, nearshore fishery) of control rules that reduce relative fishing effort as a function of the ratio of fish density ou...
Effects of contamination on solar cell coverglass

As the power generation capability of solar cells depends strongly on the spectra of the incident light through the coverglass, there is a critical need to understand the impact of adsorbed molecular (organic) contaminants, which absorb light in the short wavelength range. The goal of this work is to calculate solar cell current loss based on experimentally determined coverglass transmission change in the presence of contaminant films. Two representative contaminants, di-octyl phthalate (DOP) and DC704, were photo-fixed on the coverglass samples, which were subsequently irradiated with protons under a simulated 15-year GEO space radiation environment. The coverglass transmission change was characterized before and after each process. The coverglass transmission data were then convolved with the solar cell spectral response to determine the coverglass darkening effects on solar cell performance. The results indicate that the solar cell current could be significantly reduced due to the combined effects of contamination and proton exposure.
Inference of One's Attitude from Behavior Recalled under Linguistically Manipulated Cognitive Sets.

Abstract To test Bem's (1972) hypothesis that individuals infer their attitudes from information about their behavior in a given context, subjects were asked their attitudes about a course after reporting their behaviors for the course and receiving a linguistic manipulation intended to produce an intrinsic or extrinsic cognitive context (set). Intrinsic set was manipulated by having subjects complete statements of the form “I generally do X because I …”. Extrinsic set was manipulated by having subjects complete statements of the form “I generally do X in order to …”. A pretest found that the intrinsic form resulted in a class perceived as more interesting than useful while the extrinsic form resulted in a class perceived as more useful than interesting. The present experiment found that subjects' attitudes are derived from information about different behaviors under the two cognitive sets. The attitudes of extrinsic set subjects were correlated with behaviors relevant to obtaining course out-comes like grades (contingent behaviors) and uncorrelated with behaviors relevant to personal interest (noncontingent behaviors); the opposite was found for intrinsic set subjects.
Multidimensional LDPC-Coded Modulation for Beyond 400 Gb/s per Wavelength Transmission

In this letter, we propose a multidimensional low-density parity-check-coded modulation scheme suitable for use in up to 400 Gb/s per wavelength transmission, using currently available commercial components operating at 40 giga-symbols/s. We show that we can achieve multiples of the current transmission speed with negligible penalty. At the same time, using this scheme, the transmission and signal processing are done at 40 giga-symbols/s, where dealing with all the nonlinear effects is more convenient and the polarization-mode dispersion is more manageable. In addition, we show that using the proposed technique, we can achieve an improvement ranging from 3 dB over 8-quadrature-amplitude modulation (QAM) to 14 dB over 256-QAM, and an improvement of up to 9.75 dB over the 256-3D-constellation at bit-error ratio (BER) of 10- 9. We also show that we can reach the 400-Gb/s aggregate rate with a coding gain of 10.75 dB at BER of 10- 12.
Spurious Numerical Oscillations in Simulation of Supersonic Flows Using Shock-Capturing Schemes

The numerical simulation of transitional and turbulent e ows in supersonic boundary layers often involves a physical process of a shock ‐disturbance wave interaction in complex multidimensional e owe elds. For such simulations, it is required that there be a high order of accuracy in capturing the shock waves without spurious numerical disturbances. Evaluation of the numerical oscillations generated behind a stationary bow shock by using high-order shock-capturing schemes in computing multidimensional steady supersonic e ow over a circular cylinderiscarriedout.Thenumerical methodsthatarestudied aretheTotalVariation Diminishing schemeand the Essentially Non-Oscillatory scheme. Although the general aerodynamic properties are appropriately captured by the shock-capturing schemes, it is shown that there are numerical oscillations in the gradients of the aerodynamic propertiesin the steady e owe eld behind the bow shock, such asfor vorticity. Thesespurious numerical oscillations in the e owe eld solution may hinder any attempt at tracking the propagation of physical disturbances behind the shock if unsteady simulations are carried out. They can be signie cant enough to pollute a e owe eld containing small physical disturbances. It is shown that the effects of grid ree nement do not reduce the oscillations but rather decreasetheir wavelength. It is also shown that, by roughly aligning the shock with the grid, the amplitude of these spurious oscillations can be reduced but not eliminated.
Traffic-adaptive packet filtering of denial of service attacks

Traffic-adaptive packet filtering is a mechanism to adjust packet classification methods at run-time to the particular traffic mix a network node is receiving. It has been conjectured previously that such techniques could perform positively when filtering out malicious attack traffic, due to their flow aggregation capabilities. In this work, we present two novel contributions-a first ever working implementation of a traffic adaptive firewall, based on insertion of shortcuts into a search tree, and both a simulated and a real-life performance study of adaptive packet filtering under denial-of-service attack traffic, the outcomes of which support the above conjecture.
Two Hypusine-Containing Proteins Identified by Metabolic Labeling in Chick Embryo Fibroblasts

Incubation of various cultured mammalian cells under growth-stimulatory condition with [3H]putrescine or [3H]spermidine results in a labeling of an 18, 000-dalton protein (Cell, 1982, 29, 791; BBA, 1983, 756, 395). The labeling is due to post-translational conversion of a lysine residue to hypusine residue, using the butylamino moiety derived from spermidine. In order to search for an abundant source for the purification of this protein, we have examined possible existence of this hypusine-containing 18, 000-dalton protein (hyp-18k) in chick embryos by the metabolic labeling method. Metabolic labeling of chick embryo fibroblasts, prepared from the Day 11 embryos, by [3H]putrescine resulted in two prominently labeled protein bands. Mr=18, 000 and 20, 000, as shown by sodiun dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorography. Two-dimensional gel analysis indicated that the labeled 20, 000-dalton protein had a pI value of 5.5 and the labeled 18, 000-dalton protein exhibited isoform structures with pI values ranging from 4.6 to 5.1. Peptide map analysis showed that these two proteins are similar but not identical. Both labeled proteins contained radioactive hypusine residue and exhibited strong binding to Cibacron Blue dye. The time course of the metabolic labeling of these two proteins, however, differed dramatically. The labeling of the 18, 000-dalton protein appeared early and continued to increase 24 h after serum stimulation. In contrast, the labeling of the 20, 000-dalton protein became prominent only after much longer period of incubation.
A Statistical Conversion Technique: Objective and Perceptive Financial Measures of the Performance Construct:

This study develops a statistical technique that allows comparison of objective and perceptive financial measures of the performance construct. The proposed technique provides a simple and statistically meaningful method for conversion of objective or archival financial data into scales that can be used for testing the convergent validity with corresponding perceptive measures of performance. Use of the proposed technique can enhance flexibility in application of data collected from different sources and strengthen the generalizability of the findings across studies in the strategic management literature. Empirical data of performance measures are used to demonstrate the use of the technique.
Allosteric transcriptional regulation via changes in the overall topology of the core promoter

Many transcriptional activators act at a distance from core promoter elements and work by recruiting RNA polymerase through protein-protein interactions. We show here how the prokaryotic regulatory protein CueR both represses and activates transcription by differentially modulating local DNA structure within the promoter. Structural studies reveal that the repressor state slightly bends the promoter DNA, precluding optimal RNA polymerase-promoter recognition. Upon binding a metal ion in the allosteric site, CueR switches into an activator conformation. It maintains all protein-DNA contacts but introduces torsional stresses that kink and undertwist the promoter, stabilizing an A-form DNA–like conformation. These factors switch on and off transcription by exerting dynamic control of DNA stereochemistry, reshaping the core promoter and making it a better or worse substrate for polymerase.
Controlling a Robotic Marine Environmental Sampler with the Ruby Scripting Language

The Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) is an autonomous robotic instrument developed at the Monterey Bay Research Aquarium Institute (MBARI) that operates below the ocean's surface, sampling raw ...
Grower-adoptable formulations of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) for sugarbeet root maggot (Diptera: Ulidiidae) management

Abstract Producers in many North American sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) growing areas rely heavily on organophosphate insecticides to manage the sugarbeet root maggot, Tetanops myopaeformis Roder. The threat of losing organophosphate options because of the potential for development of resistant root maggot strains or regulatory action has prompted a search for alternative control tools. American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) accession no. 62176, a strain of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin, was studied in field trials as a bioinsecticidal option for control of T. myopaeformis larvae because of shown virulence in preliminary laboratory testing. The fungus was evaluated at four field sites during 2001 and 2002 as a planting-time granule, an aqueous postemergence spray, or a combination of both. Three rates of M. anisopliae conidia, 4 × 1012 (1×), 8 × 1012 (2×), and 1.6 × 1013/ha (4×) were applied as granules, and the spray was tested at the 1× rate. A significant lin...
Oxidation of Ni-20 Cr alloy and stainless steels in the presence of chlorides

When Ni-20 Cr alloys and stainless steels are oxidized while submerged in molten salt (NaCl or NaCl-KCl), readily oxidizable alloy components, such as chromium, and in some cases iron, migrate to the surface to form non-adherent, granular, and thus nonprotective oxides. This loss of alloy constituents causes a counter current flow of vacancies which condense into an interconnecting pore network filled with salt. Since the salt penetrates into the structure, the loss of alloying metals does not require intermetallic diffusion over long distances, but instead corrosion products are largely removed by solution of alloying metals as ions in the pore-salt network. Evidence is presented which suggests that an integral part of the corrosion process is recrystallization, occurring in the porous zone, and that in the Ni-20 Cr alloy chromium diffuses down grain boundaries of the grain network to be deposited at grain boundary-pore intersections as chromium ions. The concentration gradient of chromium ions in the salt phase forces chromium diffusion out to the bulk salt where the higher effective oxygen pressure forms Cr2O3 and some chromate ion.
Law, Violence, and Illiberal Belief

These are troubled times for liberal belief. Caught between the pressures of post-modernist deconstruction on the one side and pre-modernist fundamentalism on the other, the liberal project is now being squeezed as it has never been squeezed before.
Design, analyses, and evaluation of a spiral TDR sensor with high spatial resolution

Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) has been extensively applied for various laboratory and field studies. Numerous different TDR probes are currently available for measuring soil moisture content and detecting interfaces (i.e., due to landslides or structural failure). This paper describes the development of an innovative spiral-shaped TDR probe that features much higher sensitivity and resolution in detecting interfaces than existing ones. Finite element method (FEM) simulations were conducted to assist the optimization of sensor design. The influence of factors such as wire interval spacing and wire diameter on the sensitivity of the spiral TDR probe were analyzed. A spiral TDR probe was fabricated based on the results of computer-assisted design. A laboratory experimental program was implemented to evaluate its performance. The results show that the spiral TDR sensor featured excellent performance in accurately detecting thin water level variations with high resolution, to the thickness as small as 0.06 cm. Compared with conventional straight TDR probe, the spiral TDR probe has 8 times the resolution in detecting the water level changes. It also achieved 3 times the sensitivity of straight TDR probe.
Blood-Feeding Drive Inhibition of Aedes sierrensis (Diptera: Culicidae) Induced by the Parasite Lambornella clarki (Ciliophora: Tetrahymenidae)

Female Aedes sierrensis (Ludlow) infected with the parasitic ciliate Lambornella clarki Corliss and Coats were significantly less responsive toward a human host than uninfected females. The proportion of infected females that were inhibited in host-seeking and blood-feeding remained high in all daily exposures to the host. Those that did respond took approximately twice as long to land on the host and 25% longer to complete probing as did uninfected females. In contrast, nearly all uninfected females more than 5 d old rapidly responded to and blood fed on the host. Uninseminated females were more similar in their behavior to infected females than to uninfected inseminated females. For females allowed to ingest blood, the time from completion of probing to engorgement was not significantly different for infected versus uninfected females. Some blood-fed, uninfected females took one additional small blood meal 1–3 d after the first blood meal, but most (56%) were inhibited in blood feeding until after ovipositing. Overall feeding time and most sequential behaviors associated with blood feeding were similar to those reported for other mosquito species. Parasite-induced inhibition of the blood-feeding drive may explain low capture rates of L. clarki -infected mosquitoes at human bait.
Direct Experimental Measurement of Water Interaction Energetics in Amorphous Carbonates MCO3 (M = Ca, Mn, and Mg) and Implications for Carbonate Crystal Growth

Interaction of carbonate surfaces with water plays a crucial role in carbonate nucleation and crystal growth. This study provides experimental evidence for the existence of two different types of water having distinct energetics in amorphous carbonates, MCO3 (M = Ca, Mn, and Mg). The adsorption enthalpy curves obtained using a combination of gas sorption and microcalorimetry show two different energetic regions, which correspond to weakly bound restrictedly mobile and strongly bound rigid H2O components. For weakly bound water, adsorption enthalpies of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) (−55.3 ± 0.9 kJ/mol), amorphous manganese carbonate (AMnC) (−54.1 ± 0.8 kJ/mol), and amorphous magnesium carbonate (AMgC) (−56.1 ± 0.4 kJ/mol) fall in the same range, suggesting their interaction modes may be similar in all amorphous phases. Water adsorption enthalpies of crystalline nanocalcite (−96.3 ± 1 kJ/mol) and nano-MnCO3 (−65.3 ± 3 kJ/mol) measured in previous studies are more exothermic than values for ACC (−62.1 ±...
The UTSA Boulevard Project: Archaeological Survey Along Leon Creek in Northwest San Antonio, Texas

A tract of land in northern San Antonio was briefly examined by the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR), The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Several prehistoric archaeological sites had previously been recorded and test excavated within or near the property. Remnants of two of those sites (41 EX 47 and 41 EX 231) within the study area were rediscovered and subjected to limited subsurface testing. At 41 EX 231, what are apparently well-preserved prehistoric cultural deposits were identified. Thus, it is recommended that additional intensive excavations be performed prior to any future disturbances at that site, or that alteration of the site and immediate vicinity be avoided. Site 41 EX 47 was found to no longer be intact and no further work there is required. For various reasons, but most notably because heavy ground cover prevented a clear view of the surface, it is also recommended that all future activities on the property be archaeologically monitored.
Rocuronium is associated with an increased risk of reintubation in patients with soft tissue infections.

Abstract Study Objective To determine risk factors associated with reintubations in adult patients with soft tissue infections. Design A retrospective case-control design. Setting Operating room and postoperative recovery area. Patients There were 39 patients who presented for surgical intervention of their soft tissue infection and 222 controls having general surgery who were matched for age, sex, and body mass index. All patients were older than the age of 18 years and mostly American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of III to IV and presented to our level 1 trauma center. Interventions Reintubation within 2 hours after planned extubation. Measurements The following data were collected: reintubation rates, train of four ratio, reversal agents, age, sex, creatinine, smoking history, transfusion requirements, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, hemoglobin, and lactate. Main Results The use of rocuronium was independently associated with increased odds of reintubation. Patients with a higher train of four ratio were more likely to be reintubated and less likely to be reversed as compared to those with a lower train of four ratio. Conclusions Soft tissue patients who have received rocuronium are at increased risk for reintubation, particularly those with renal failure. In addition, this article supports the use of neuromuscular blockade reversals, even in patients with a strong train of four ratio.
A Survey on the Contamination of Meat Food by Campylobacter jejuni in Shenzhen City

Objective To evaluate the extent of meat contamination by Campylobacter jejuni in Shenzhen,and to provide data for prevention and control of Campylobacter jejuni food poisoning.Method 117 meat samples were collected randomly at various surveillance locations.Standard methods and real-time PCR were used for the detection of Campylobacter jejuni.Result 4 different strains of Campylobacter jejuni were isolated.The positive rate was 3.4%.Conclusion Campylobacter jejuni contamination was found in various meat foods in Shenzhen.It may pose a public health problem to the residences living in Shenzhen.
Methods in molecular surgical pathology

Abstract Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) contain the basic information for the transcription and translation of the genetic information into the functional cell protein products. To obtain tissue materials for suitable extraction of these cellular components, proper preservation and storage are necessary for both fresh and archival materials. Techniques for nucleic acid analysis are fundamentally based on complementarity between target and probe nucleotide sequences called hybridization. These are aided by the discovery of polymerase chain reaction that allow for specific amplification of target nucleic acid sequences for detection and enhancing yields from small and precious specimens. These techniques, along with protein analysis by Western blotting, require validation, optimization, laboratory quality control, and assurance for competency. Interpretative criteria for each test according to accepted guidelines are necessary for clinical diagnostic purposes. High throughput technologies of nucleic acid and protein analyses for the discovery of new markers and understanding biological processes and pathways are also highlighted for their potential impact on surgical pathology practice.
Multi-fractals in Compressible Turbulence

Some aspects of multifractal scaling at the Kolmogorov microscale in fully developed compressible turbulence are considered.
The Conceptual Representation of Consciousness

Consciousness is familiar to us first hand, yet difficult to understand. This book concerns six basic concepts of consciousness exercised in ordinary English. The first is the interpersonal meaning and requires at least two people involved in relation to one another. The second is a personal meaning, having to do with one's own perspective on the kind of person one is and the life one is leading. The third meaning has reference simply to one being occurrently aware of something or as though of something. The fourth narrows the preceding sense to one having direct occurrent awareness of happenings in one's own experiential stream. The fifth is the unitive meaning of consciousness and has reference to those portions of one's stream that one self-appropriates to make up one's conscious being. The last is the general-state meaning and picks out the general operating mode in which we most often function.
Direct symposium and mechanistic study of the OH + dimethylsulfide reaction under atmospheric conditions

The authors employed a pulsed laser photolysis - pulsed laser induced fluorescence technique to carry out direct, real time studies of OH reactions with DMS and DMS-d/sub 6/ in N/sub 2/, air and O/sub 2/ buffer gases. Both temperature and pressure dependencies have been investigated. They find that the observed rate constant (K/sub obs/ identical to d(OH)/(OH)(DMS)dt) depends on the O/sub 2/ concentration. The results are consistent with a mechanism which includes an abstraction route, a reversible addition route, and an adduct + O/sub 2/ reaction which competes with adduct decomposition under atmospheric conditions.
Effectivity and economical aspects for agile quality assurance in large enterprises

The transition from a classical to an agile software development procedure needs a structured and strategic roll out to realize the expected benefits of the transition phase. Quality assurance as part of the software development has also to be designed to realize its targets of the agile transition for adequate project and program quality assurance. Besides effectivity the economic aspects have to be implemented also in a value-driven agile product quality assurance. This tension between effectivity and economy will be shown on the example of the Volkswagen group IT. The transition is mapped to the SPI Manifesto to demonstrate the currency in 2009 of the established values and principles for software process improvement.
ATP-EMTP study of potential adjustable speed drive rejection due to voltage sags

ATP-EMTP simulations of a 3-phase commercial power distribution system containing adjustable speed drive (ASD) driven induction motors in the presence of voltage sags are described. The simulations show both the dynamic influence of the motor on the temporal evolution of certain sags, and the absolute ASD DC link voltage and peak current as a function of fault type, location, and duration. The results show that DC link recovery currents can be several times larger than their nominal values, and that the most severe absolute effect occurs during and after a long (1000 msec) three phase fault at an electrically remote location.
How long do natural waters “remember” release incidents of Marcellus Shale waters: a first order approximation using reactive transport modeling

Natural gas production from the Marcellus Shale formation has significantly changed energy landscape in recent years. Accidental release, including spills, leakage, and seepage of the Marcellus Shale flow back and produced waters can impose risks on natural water resources. With many competing processes during the reactive transport of chemical species, it is not clear what processes are dominant and govern the impacts of accidental release of Marcellus Shale waters (MSW) into natural waters. Here we carry out numerical experiments to explore this largely unexploited aspect using cations from MSW as tracers with a focus on abiotic interactions between cations released from MSW and natural water systems. Reactive transport models were set up using characteristics of natural water systems (aquifers and rivers) in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. Results show that in clay-rich sandstone aquifers, ion exchange plays a key role in determining the maximum concentration and the time scale of released cations in receiving natural waters. In contrast, mineral dissolution and precipitation play a relatively minor role. The relative time scales of recovery τrr, a dimensionless number defined as the ratio of the time needed to return to background concentrations over the residence time of natural waters, vary between 5 and 10 for Na, Ca, and Mg, and between 10 and 20 for Sr and Ba. In rivers and sand and gravel aquifers with negligible clay, τrr values are close to 1 because cations are flushed out at approximately one residence time. These values can be used as first order estimates of time scales of released MSW in natural water systems. This work emphasizes the importance of clay content and suggests that it is more likely to detect contamination in clay-rich geological formations. This work highlights the use of reactive transport modeling in understanding natural attenuation, guiding monitoring, and predicting impacts of contamination for risk assessment.
Reward and punishment sensitivity and disordered eating behaviors in men and women.

Reward and punishment sensitivities have been identified as potential contributors to binge eating and compensatory behaviors, though few studies have examined gender differences in these behaviors. A college-aged sample (N = 1,022) completed both the Eating Disorders Diagnostic Scale (EDDS) and Sensitivity to Punishment/Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ). Rates of binge eating were similar in males and females. Among those reporting compensatory behaviors, women reported engaging in compensatory behaviors more frequently than men. Sensitivity to reward and sensitivity to punishment were both positively associated with binge eating frequency in both genders. In contrast, women with high reward sensitivity reported engaging in compensatory behaviors more frequently. Rates of binge eating and compensatory weight control behaviors were similar between college-aged males and females, though females who engaged in compensatory behaviors did so more frequently than males. Sensitivity to punishment was greater in females, whereas sensitivity to reward was greater in males. Reward and punishment sensitivity were each positively associated with binge eating in both males and females, while only reward sensitivity was positively associated with compensatory behaviors in females.