cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of the Initiation of HIV-1 Reverse Transcription by 3′-Azido-3′-deoxythymidine COMPARISON WITH ELONGATION

Initiation of human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcription requires formation of a complex containing the viral RNA, primer tRNA(3)(Lys), and reverse transcriptase. Initiation, corresponding to addition of the first six nucleotides to tRNA(3)(Lys), is distinguished from elongation by its high specificity and low efficiency (processivity). Here, we compared the inhibition of initiation and elongation of reverse transcription by 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine 5'-triphosphate (AZTTP), the active form of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine. We report the first detailed study of nucleotide binding, discrimination, and pyrophosphorolysis by the authentic initiation complex. We showed that the initiation and elongation complexes bound AZTTP and dTTP with the same affinity, while the polymerization rates were reduced by 148-160-fold during initiation. The pyrophosphorolysis rate of dTTP was reduced by the same extent, indicating that the polymerization equilibrium is the same in the two phases. The efficient unblocking of the 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine 5'-monophosphate (AZTMP)-terminated primer by pyrophosphorolysis significantly relieved inhibition of DNA synthesis during elongation in the presence of physiological pyrophosphate concentrations. Remarkably, although pyrophosphorolysis of dTMP and AZTMP were equally efficient during elongation, reverse transcriptase was almost totally unable to unblock the AZTMP-terminated primer during initiation. As a result, inhibition of reverse transcription by AZTTP was more efficient during initiation than elongation of reverse transcription, despite a reduced selectivity of incorporation.
Writing the Anthropological Imagination for Public Engagement

Anthropology off the Shelf: Anthropologists on Writing (Waterston and Vesperi 2011[2009]) is a truly remarkable book. Reading it and thinking through its implications are particularly timely now that I find myself soul-searching over the direction that I’d like to follow at this stage of my life. I imagine myself writing beyond the boundaries of standard social scientific reportage, analysis, and theorization. I suppose, in some modest respects. I’ve already transcended some of these boundaries by having dared to write in a critically reflexive voice. Moreover, one could argue that I’ve troubled the boundaries of the established tradition by daring to envision the discipline becoming a vehicle for decolonizing knowledge and its applications in the world (Harrison 2008, 2010). These inroads, however, are not enough. I have begun to ponder strategies that will allow me to take at least some of my anthropological writing off the shelf. This entails that I take my writing more seriously, and perhaps even claim “writer” among the multiple identities that make up who and what I am.
The writer is at the center of the scholarship: Partnering me‐search and research

Ever suffer from writer's blahs? Read on to learn from Robert J. Nash and DeMethra LaSha Bradley how to inject the vigor of personal narrative into the rigor of traditional research.
Developmental plasticity of the hypoxic ventilatory response

This paper will describe recent studies concerning the existence of developmental plasticity in the hypoxic ventilatory control system and the locus of the functional impairment following perinatal sensory suppression. Suppression of peripheral arterial chemoreceptor activity was achieved by exposing rats to hyperoxia (60% O2) for the first month of life; all measurements were conducted 2-5 months after the exposure (perinatal treated rats). Hypoxic (but not hypercapnic) ventilatory responses were severely attenuated in awake perinatal treated rats, but not in rats exposed to hyperoxia as adults, indicating that the persistent effect is unique to development and is not the nonspecific result of O2 toxicity. Impairments of the hypoxic ventilatory response due to changes in pulmonary mechanics, gas exchange or central integration of carotid chemoafferent inputs were all ruled out as primary causal factors. However, a persistent impairment of carotid chemotransduction in perinatal treated rats was apparent. These studies suggest that the hypoxic ventilatory response is susceptible to developmental plasticity, and that a carotid chemoreceptor deficit is the primary cause. These findings may have important clinical implications for patients subjected to excessive O2 therapy during neonatal intensive care.
Effect of compressed CO2 on crystallization and melting behavior of isotactic polypropylene

Abstract Compressed gases such as CO2 above their critical temperatures provide a highly tunable technique that has been shown to induce changes in phase behavior, crystallization kinetics and morphology of the polymers. Gas induced plasticization of the polymer matrix has been studied in a large number of polymers such as polystyrene, and poly(ethylene terephathalate). The knowledge of polymer–gas interactions is fundamental to the study of phenomena such as solubility and diffusivity of gases in polymers, dilation of polymers and in the development of applications such as foams and barrier materials. In this paper, we describe the interactions of compressed CO2 with isotactic polypropylene (PP). Crystallization of various PPs in presence of compressed CO2 was evaluated using a high pressure differential scanning calorimeter (HPDSC). CO2 plasticized the polymer matrix and decreased the crystallization temperature, Tc by ∼8 °C for PP at a pressure of 650 psi CO2. The decrease as a function of pressure was −0.173 °C/bar and did not change with the molecular architecture of PP. Both crystallization kinetics and melting behavior are evaluated. Since solubility and diffusivity are important thermodynamic parameters that establish the intrinsic gas transport characteristics in a polymer, solubility of CO2 in PP was measured using a high-pressure electrobalance and compared with cross-linked polyethylene. At 50 °C, solubility followed Henry’s law and at a pressure of 200 psi about 1% CO2 dissolved in PP. Similar solubility was achieved in PE at a pressure of 160 psi. Higher solubility of CO2 in PE is attributed to its lower crystallinity and lower Tg, than PP. Diffusion coefficients were calculated from the sorption kinetics using a Fickian transport model. Diffusivity was independent of pressure and PE showed higher diffusivity than PP. Preliminary foaming studies carried out using a batch process indicate that both PP and PE can be foamed from the solid state to form microcellular foams. Cell size and cell density were ∼10 μm and 108 cells/cm3, respectively in PE. Differences in morphology between the foams for these polymers are attributed to the differences in diffusivity.
Cytologic diagnosis of cancer from aspirated material obtained at liver biopsy.

A procedure has been described whereby a single liver puncture provides material for both histologic and cytologic preparations.
Quality of care and outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure: The ADHERE Registry.

Despite 1 million or more annual hospitalizations, the management of acute decompensated heart failure remains largely empiric. Data are lacking regarding patient characteristics, usual comorbidities, commonly used treatment strategies, clinical outcomes, and adherence to recently published quality indicators. The Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry (ADHERE®) has been established to capture data regarding the presentation, management, and expected outcomes of acute decompensated heart failure. The size of the registry and its web-based platform allow for evaluation of compliance with quality indicators, assessment of mortality risk, and correlation of parenteral treatment strategies with clinical outcomes. More than 100,000 patient episodes have been recorded in the registry. These patient data have been reviewed and reveal important findings regarding acute decompensated heart failure and potential opportunities to improve the quality of care.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Torque and its Relationship to Achievement and Educational Classification among Normal, Disturbed, and Learning-Disabled Children.

Torque (clockwise circlings with either hand on a visual-motor task) has been shown to be related to a variety of academic, personal, and adjustment difficulties (Blau, 1977b). A longitudinal analysis was conducted for 948 third-grade students, selected randomly from various special and nonspecial education programs from a large, urban/suburban school system. Current measures of achievement, grade retention, and special education categorization were related to torque data obtained 4 years previously. Only grade retention was found to differ significantly between the torque and no torque groups. While the overall findings indicate no clear relationship between torque and various academic variables, some significant findings and trends in the data warrant further investigation.
Biophysical control of invasive tumor cell behavior by extracellular matrix microarchitecture.

Abstract Fibrillar collagen gels, which are used extensively in vitro to study tumor–microenvironment interactions, are composed of a cell-instructive network of interconnected fibers and pores whose organization is sensitive to polymerization conditions such as bulk concentration, pH, and temperature. Using confocal reflectance microscopy and image autocorrelation analysis to quantitatively assess gel microarchitecture, we show that additional polymerization parameters including culture media formulation and gel thickness significantly affect the dimensions and organization of fibers and pores in collagen gels. These findings enabled the development of a three-dimensional culture system in which cell-scale gel microarchitecture was decoupled from bulk gel collagen concentration. Interestingly, morphology and migration characteristics of embedded MDA-MB-231 cells were sensitive to gel microarchitecture independently of collagen gel concentration. Cells adopted a polarized, motile phenotype in gels with larger fibers and pores and a rounded or stellate, less motile phenotype in gels with small fibers and pores regardless of bulk gel density. Conversely, cell proliferation was sensitive to gel concentration but not microarchitecture. These results indicate that cell-scale gel microarchitecture may trump bulk-scale gel density in controlling specific cell behaviors, underscoring the biophysical role of gel microarchitecture in influencing cell behavior.
Materials science in the far-IR with electrostatic based FELs

Abstract A technology gap exists between ∼ 100 GHz and ∼ 10 THz. Free-electron lasers (FELs), driven by high quality, relatively low energy electron beams from electrostatic accelerators, and capable of generating kilowatts of coherent, tunable radiation, are ideally suited to explore the enabling science for future technology in this spectral range. We describe two experiments that use terahertz “optical rectification” to measure i) the intensity and temperature dependent energy relaxation in quantum wells and ii) the intrinsic relaxation of resonant tunneling diodes. Both benefit from the power and tunablilty of the UCSB FELs.
Stress intensity factor solutions for estimation of fatigue lives of laser welds in lap-shear specimens

Fatigue behavior of laser welds in lap-shear specimens of high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel is investigated based on experimental observations and two fatigue life estimation models. Fatigue experiments of laser welded lap-shear specimens are first reviewed. Analytical stress intensity factor solutions for laser welded lap-shear specimens based on the beam bending theory are derived and compared with the analytical solutions for two semi-infinite solids with connection. Finite element analyses of laser welded lap-shear specimens with different weld widths were also conducted to obtain the stress intensity factor solutions. Approximate closed-form stress intensity factor solutions based on the results of the finite element analyses in combination with the analytical solutions based on the beam bending theory and Westergaard stress function for a full range of the normalized weld widths are developed for future engineering applications. Next, finite element analyses for laser welded lap-shear specimens with three weld widths were conducted to obtain the local stress intensity factor solutions for kinked cracks as functions of the kink length. The computational results indicate that the kinked cracks are under dominant mode I loading conditions and the normalized local stress intensity factor solutions can be used in combination with the global stress intensity factor solutions to estimate fatigue lives of laser welds with the weld width as small as the sheet thickness. The global stress intensity factor solutions and the local stress intensity factor solutions for vanishing and finite kinked cracks are then adopted in a fatigue crack growth model to estimate the fatigue lives of the laser welds. Also, a structural stress model based on the beam bending theory is adopted to estimate the fatigue lives of the welds. The fatigue life estimations based on the kinked fatigue crack growth model agree well with the experimental results whereas the fatigue life estimations based on the structural stress model agree with the experimental results under larger load ranges but are higher than the experimental results under smaller load ranges.
In vitro assays of processive myosin motors.

Myosin V is an actin-based motor thought to be involved in vesicle transport. Since the properties of such a motor may be expected to differ from those of muscle myosin II, we have examined myosin V-driven movement using a combination of gliding filament and optical trap assays to observe single molecules with high resolution. The results clearly demonstrate that brain myosin V is a highly efficient processive motor. In vitro motility assays at low myosin V densities reveal apparent single-molecule supported movement. Processive stepping was also observed in optical trapping assays of myosin V-driven motion. Here the methods that were used to demonstrate the processivity of myosin V are described. These methods include density-dependent assays that eliminate the possibility of aggregation or chance colocalization of multiple motors being responsible for apparent single-molecule motility. Such assays will be useful tools for identifying other processive classes of myosins.
Acoustic examination of preterm and full-term infant cries: the long-time average spectrum.

The acoustic characteristics of crying behavior displayed in 2 groups of newborn infants are reported. The crying episodes of 10 full-term and 10 preterm infants were audio recorded and analyzed wi...
DISTRIBUTION OF SERINE HYDROXYMETHYLTRANSFERASE AND GLYCINE TRANSAMINASE IN SEVERAL AREAS OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF THE RAT

—The regional distributions of serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) and glycine transaminase (GT) have been determined in five areas of the CNS of the rat. The SHMT activity per mg protein varied in these areas in the following order: medulia-pons and spinal cord > cerebellum > midbrain > telencephalon. The GT activity per mg protein was essentially the same in the four brain areas, whereas, in the spinal cord it was lower. The activity of GT did not correlate with the glycine content (r=−0.45. P > 0.05). However, SHMT activity per mg protein was correlated with the glycine content in four regions (the telencephalon, midbrain, medulla-pons and spinal cord; r= 0.997, P < 0.05). When the activity of SHMT was expressed per relative number of mitochondria, the enzyme levels were correlated with the glycine content in all five areas (r= 0.952, P < 0.05). The distribution of SHMT was determined in the primary subcellular fractions of the CNS. The SHMT activity in these areas of the CNS appeared to be located predominately in paniculate structures, while only 1 to 4 per cent was found in the soluble fraction. The crude nuclear (P1) and the crude mitochondrial (P2) fractions contained 90–97 per cent of the activity. Subfractionation of P2 pellets obtained from the telencephalon, medulla-pons and spinal cord indicated the SHMT activity was localized in both ‘free’ and occluded mitochondria.
Dynamic modeling of patient and physician eye gaze to understand the effects of electronic health records on doctor-patient communication and attention.

Objective The aim of this study was to examine eye gaze patterns between patients and physicians while electronic health records were used to support patient care.
Human lifting strength in different postures

A laboratory study was conducted to determine static lifting strengths on 13 males and 12 females from 18 to 28 years of age. Using the strength monitor, the average strength and peak strength were measured in four different postures: standing, floor-sitting, and lying-on-the-stomach with and without elbow support. The statistical results indicated significant differences among postures and between sexes. No significant difference was found between sitting and lying on the stomach with support. However, female lifting strengths ranged from 49% to 55% of male strengths in all postures. This study is a further step in establishing personnel criteria and lifting-strength estimation for selecting entry employees in awkward lifting jobs such as in maintenance, coal mines, and aircraft assembly. The regression model indicates that load ratios can be established in terms of standard load tests for personnel evaluations.
Quantum noise of ultrastable bright twin beams

We investigate experimentally the number and phase quantum noises of the light emitted by an ultrastable nondegenerate optical parametric oscillator (OPO) above threshold. Strong intensity correlations at the photon level -- number-difference squeezing or twin beams -- have already been observed by several groups. We have recently observed the twin-beam interference of a classically phase-locked OPO and have shown that the phase-difference is antisqueezed, as expected from the number-phase Heisenberg (in)equality. In this paper we describe the realization of a stable classical measurement of the joint quadratures of an OPO, as part of our ongoing effort to generate ultrastable EPR light beams simultaneously squeezed in number difference and phase sum.
Transvenous management of pulmonary embolic disease

Clinical pulmonary embolic disease was categorized into four classes according to hemodynamic and respiratory effects of the occlusion at the time of diagnosis. A new approach to management of massive embolization (Class III and IV) by transvenous catheter embolectomy was attempted in ten patients with initial success in eight. Three additional deaths occurred postoperatively, two from recurrent embolization prior to vena caval plication. In view of this preventable complication, a wire filter device was developed for insertion at the time of embolectomy. The filter has also been utilized in 15 additional patients with lesser degrees of embolization (Class II). The conal shape of the device permits preservation of flow after embolic capture and followup venacavagrams in nine patients up to 20 months postoperative shows patency in all. Complications occurred in both groups related both to the underlying disorder and to the catheter technics.
hCG secretion in human choriocarcinoma JAR cells is MAPK but not stat3 dependent : Contributions of TNFα and IL-1β to inflammation-induced hCG secretion

Inflammatory mediators play critical physiologic roles throughout the course of normal pregnancy. At the same time, uncontrolled inflammation appears to have an adverse affect on pregnancy outcome. Thus, a crucial task of reproductive immunology is to define the mechanisms through which inflammation is controlled at the maternal–fetal interface. We examined the signaling pathways activated in the human choriocarcinoma cell line, JAR, in response to an in vitro model of an inflammatory challenge. We incubated JAR cells with medium from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) that had been activated with either LPS or PHA. Conditioned medium from each experimental model induced MAP kinase and Stat3 phosphorylation as well as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretion from JAR cells. hCG secretion could be blocked by pharmacologic inhibition of MAP kinase but not by inhibition of Stat3 using an siRNA approach. The MAPK activators IL-1β and TNFα both induced hCG secretion from JAR cells, but not the Stat3 activators IFN-γ and IL-6. Furthermore, hCG secretion induced by conditioned media could be blocked by IL-1 receptor antagonist. We conclude that inflammation at the maternal–fetal interface may involve complex webs of regulatory and counter-regulatory mechanisms that involve multiple cytokines and at least two major, independent cell-signaling systems.
Minimal conditions for the creation of a unit relationship: the social bond between birthdaymates

We hypothesize that sharing a birthday is sufficient to create a unit relationship. Two studies demonstrated that individuals cooperated more in a prisoners dilemma game when their (fictitious) opponent shared their birthday. They also reacted more negatively to betrayal and were less sensitive to relative gains for self versus other. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Correlation between the Ligand Specificity for 67Copper Uptake and for Copper-Prostaglandin E2 Stimulation of the Release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone from Median Eminence Explants

We have previously shown that copper (Cu) leads to a 3- to 4-fold amplification of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulation of LHRH release from explants of the median eminence area (MEA), that this amplification is a saturable function of [Cu], and that complexed Cu but not ionic Cu is the active form of the metal. This implicates a ligand-specific site in Cu action. In this study we address the following questions. Is there a ligand specificity for Cu amplification of PGE2 stimulation of LHRH release, and if so, does it correlate with the ligand specificity for Cu uptake? MEAs of 1-month-old female rats were incubated for 5 min with 150 microM Cu solution and then for 15 min with 10 microM PGE2 (Cu/PGE2); LHRH released into the medium was evaluated by RIA. To assess Cu uptake, MEAs were incubated with 100 microM67 Cu solution for 15 min, and 67Cu accumulation by the MEA was evaluated. The Cu was complexed to one of the following ligands: histamine, His, Cys, Thr, Gly, glutathione, Gly-His-Lys, or albumin. There was a high degree of correlation (r = 0.943) between the ligand specificity for Cu/PGE2 stimulation of LHRH release (Cu action) and 67Cu uptake. Complexation of ionic Cu with His facilitated Cu action and 67Cu uptake 3-fold each, and this was completely prevented by the inclusion of His in a 100-fold excess over the concentration of the Cu/His complex. Histamine, the amino acids, and the peptides facilitated Cu action and 67Cu uptake, whereas albumin did not do so. Of these facilitatory ligands, histamine and His were the most effective and Gly-His-Lys was the least effective. In summary, both 67Cu uptake and Cu action are ligand-dependent and ligand-specific; the Cu interactive sites have a common recognition for the Cu-ligand complex and for the ligand itself; and the ligand specificity for 67Cu uptake and for Cu action are highly correlated. These results are consistent with the ligand specificity for Cu uptake being the primary determinant of the ligand specificity for Cu/PGE2 stimulation of LHRH release.
Performance studies of solid oxide fuel cell cathodes in the presence of bare and cobalt coated E-brite alloy interconnects

Abstract The electrochemical performances of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF) electrodes were studied by half-cell measurements in the absence of chromia-forming alloy, in the presence of bare and Co coated E-brite alloy interconnects, respectively. The surface and cross-section properties of the bare and Co coated E-brite alloys, and LSCF electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The results showed a rapid degradation in LSCF performance when the bare E-brite alloy was used as interconnect. The growth of chromia scale on the E-brite alloy and the increase of Cr content throughout the LSCF electrode were observed. The uniform and dense Co coating process was developed to coat the E-brite alloy by using both electroless and electrodeposition methods. It was demonstrated that the Co layer effectively mitigates the Cr migration, leading to improved electrochemical stability of LSCF electrodes.
The Spirit and Creation: Possibilities and Challenges for a Dialogue between Pentecostal Theology and the Sciences

AbstractThe dialogue between Pentecostal theology and science has yet to be seriously engaged. This essay is an attempt to begin the conversation by suggesting how Pentecostal perspectives and a pneumatological approach to the theology-and-science encounter can further the discussion in theology of nature, theological anthropology, and theology of the spiritual realm. The conclusion presents several recommendations for Pentecostal institutions of higher education.
Present state of the art in ground-penetrating radars for mine detection

The U.S. Army has under development a number of systems to detect buried metallic and nonmetallic land mines. Almost all of these systems include a ground penetrating radar (GPR). These systems may be handheld or vehicle mounted and may be designed for close in or for standoff detection. A consensus has not been reached regarding many important system parameters. A discussion of the tradeoffs involving waveform, frequency, bandwidth, downlook angle, scanning methods, polarization, and spatial resolution will be presented. The usefulness of special techniques such as target resonances, synthetic aperture, and multiple polarizations will be discussed. The potential of GPR will be compared with competing sensors. A brief overview of a diverse set of GPR sensors will be presented.
Rural diabetes prevalence quintuples over twenty-five years in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Aims To verify the assertions that diabetes pandemic may be spreading across rural parts of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), we performed a systematic review of published studies reporting diabetes prevalence in rural parts of LMICs. Methods Electronic databases (EMBASE and MEDLINE) were searched for papers published from 1990 to 2011. Two independent reviewers screened the articles using structured criteria for inclusion and performed full-text reviews. Pooled prevalence of diabetes was estimated using meta-analysis. Potential factors influencing the estimates were identified by meta-regression and used for sensitivity analyses. Results Rural prevalence of diabetes of LMICs was 5.6% (95% CI=4.6–6.6), and similar between men and women. This estimate remained robust in separate sensitivity analyses accounting for study quality, level of heterogeneity, age, and sex. In a multivariate meta-regression analysis, pooled prevalence varied by study year and region. Diabetes prevalence increased over time, from 1.8% (1.0–2.6) in 1985–1989, 5.0% (3.8–6.3) in 1990–1994, 5.2% (4.1–6.2) in 1995–1999, 6.4% (5.1–7.7) in 2000–2004, and to 8.6% (6.4–10.7) for 2005–2010 ( p =0.001 for secular trend). Conclusions Prevalence of diabetes in rural parts of LMICs has risen dramatically. As 55% of LMIC populations live in rural areas, this trend has enormous implications for the global burden of diabetes.
Bias adjustment of satellite rainfall data through stochastic modeling: Methods development and application to Nepal

Abstract Estimating precipitation over large spatial areas remains a challenging problem for hydrologists. Sparse ground-based gauge networks do not provide a robust basis for interpolation, and the reliability of remote sensing products, although improving, is still imperfect. Current techniques to estimate precipitation rely on combining these different kinds of measurements to correct the bias in the satellite observations. We propose a novel procedure that, unlike existing techniques, (i) allows correcting the possibly confounding effects of different sources of errors in satellite estimates, (ii) explicitly accounts for the spatial heterogeneity of the biases and (iii) allows the use of non overlapping historical observations. The proposed method spatially aggregates and interpolates gauge data at the satellite grid resolution by focusing on parameters that describe the frequency and intensity of the rainfall observed at the gauges. The resulting gridded parameters can then be used to adjust the probability density function of satellite rainfall observations at each grid cell, accounting for spatial heterogeneity. Unlike alternate methods, we explicitly adjust biases on rainfall frequency in addition to its intensity. Adjusted rainfall distributions can then readily be applied as input in stochastic rainfall generators or frequency domain hydrological models. Finally, we also provide a procedure to use them to correct remotely sensed rainfall time series. We apply the method to adjust the distributions of daily rainfall observed by the TRMM satellite in Nepal, which exemplifies the challenges associated with a sparse gauge network and large biases due to complex topography. In a cross-validation analysis on daily rainfall from TRMM 3B42 v6, we find that using a small subset of the available gauges, the proposed method outperforms local rainfall estimations using the complete network of available gauges to directly interpolate local rainfall or correct TRMM by adjusting monthly means. We conclude that the proposed frequency-domain bias correction approach is robust and reliable compared to other bias correction approaches.
Vibronic coupling model for a three-site single-electron system

Abstract By solving the vibronic Hamiltonian for a three-site single-electron system, it is shown that two vibrational normal modes of the system contribute to the width of the intervalence band. In particular, the symmetric mode involving stretching vibration from each site is shown to contribute dominantly to the bandwidth of strongly delocalized systems such as the Creutz-Taube ruthenium complex.
Rotating nose tip effects on slender body aerodynamics at high angles of attack

An array of experiments have been conducted on a finless, slender body with a rotating nose tip having up to three nose tip strakes. The model had a fineness ratio of 20.0 and a 2.7 tangent ogive nose. The experiments were performed at a Mach number of 0.15 and a Reynolds number of 9.93 X 10. The results show that the use of a rotating nose tip on a slender body can significantly reduce (up to 80%) the out-of-plane loading on the body. The amount of reduction is dependent upon the rotation rate and the number of strakes on the rotating nose. As the number of strakes increased, the effect of the rotation rate became less evident. The results show that a reduction in the side force did not necessarily coincide with a corresponding reduction of the yawing moment. In virtually all cases, the spinning tip worked best in reducing the out-of-plane loading below some critical angle of attack where the flow appears to behave with a convective instability. Tests above the critical angle of attack showed less dependence on the effects of the nose tip disturbances. These effects argue that above this critical angle the flow is controlled by an absolute instability.
Investigation of the aluminum oxide/Si(1 0 0) interface formed by chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Thin films of aluminum oxide were deposited using trimethylaluminum and oxygen. The deposition rate was found to decrease with increasing temperature. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to investigate the film/substrate interface. When dry O 2 was used during deposition, the film/substrate interface was free of any silicon dioxide or aluminum silicate phase. On annealing the as-deposited films in Ar, a layer of silicon dioxide film formed at the interface. XPS results indicated that the O/Al ratio in the as-deposited films was higher than that in stoichiometric Al 2 O 3 . However, the ratio was found to decrease in the annealed samples suggesting that excess oxygen present in the deposited films is responsible for the formation of interfacial silicon dioxide layer. Interfacial phase formation was observed in the as-deposited samples, when small amounts of ozone along with oxygen were used as the oxygen precursor.
Photodegradation of oxidized cotton cellulose

Different functional groups were systematically introduced into cotton cellulose and their effect on the stability of cotton toward photochemical degradation was examined. First, the cotton was progressively oxidized with sodium metaperiodate up to an oxygen consumption of 2.45 atom per 100 anhydroglucose units (agu) to form 2,3-dialdehyde cellulose. These products were reduced with potassium borohydride to obtain 2,3-dialcohol cellulose or were oxidized with sodium chlorite to obtain 2,3-dicarboxyl cellulose. The chemical modifications of the cellulose structure caused a drop in tensile strength of 34% for the dialdehyde of 2.45 oxygen consumption per 100 agu compared to 27% and 37% in the case of the dialcohol and the dicarboxyl celluloses, respectively. Upon irradiation with UV light, the breaking strengths of the dialcohol and the dicarboxyl celluloses were generally higher up to an oxygen consumption of 0.63 per 100 agu when compared to the dialdehyde and then fell more drastically. The tensile data of the exposed oxycelluloses correlated well with the reciprocal of their intrinsic viscosities (R2 = 0.89). The primary alcohol groups appeared to accelerate the progress of the photochemical degradation. The photochemical effects of the carboxyl groups could not be differentiated from the autohydrolysis to which dicarboxyl cellulose is susceptible. No indication of a change in morphology was detected for any of the treatment types. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
More than Moore: III-V devices and Si CMOS get it together

We summarize results on the successful integration of III-V electronic devices with Si CMOS on a common silicon substrate using a fabrication process similar to SiGe BiCMOS. The heterogeneous integration of III-V devices with Si CMOS enables a new class of high performance, `digitally assisted', mixed signal and RF ICs.
Cue utilization and attributional judgments for success and failure

Summary Two experiments are reported which examine causal attributions in achievement-related contexts Subjects were provided with information about an achievement-related activity (the immediate outcome of the action, percentage of prior success and failure at the same and similar tasks, percentage of success and failure of others, time spent at the task, task structure, and whether the achievement activity was undertaken by oneself or others) The subjects were required to attribute the immediate performance outcome (success or failure) to the causal factors of ability, effort, task difficulty, and luck The data revealed that the achievement cues were systematically utilized both as main effects and in configural patterns Included among the significant findings were that success is more likely to be attributed to internal factors (ability and effort) than is failure, consistency with the performance of others results in task ascriptions, whereas inconsistency is attributed to ability, effort and luck, and consistency with one's own past performance is ascribed to ability and task difficulty, while inconsistent outcomes give rise to luck and effort attributions Individual data analyses revealed considerable systematic yet idiosyncratic usage of the achievement information The results suggest a confounding in the locus of control literature, and new directions for the study of achievement motivation
A retrospective study to determine the impact of medical- and lifestyle-based contraindications to a prescribed HAART regimen on clinical outcomes and adherence

Summary Objective: To determine whether patients who are prescribed a highly active antiretroviral therapy regimen, that minimizes medical and lifestyle contraindications, will be better able to adhere to their drug regimens and will have better clinical outcomes, than patients who do not have such a regimen. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients’ prescription renewals and changes in viral load and CD4+ count and a comparison of these changes with patients’ self-identified contraindications. Contraindications were identified by a questionnaire with 35 questions relating to medical history/concurrently prescribed medication and 16 questions on lifestyle. Main outcome measures are adherence assessed by prescription renewals, change in plasma HIV-1 RNA viral loads, and change in CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts. Logistic and linear regression and student t-test were used to identify associations between outcome measurements and number of contraindications. Results: A total of 203 patients (72% male, 74% African-American, 7% Hispanic) completed the questionnaire. Seventy-four per cent of the patients had at least one medical/drug contraindication and 78% had at least one lifestyle contraindication. Increases in CD4 counts were reduced by an average of 13 cells/mm3 (P = 0·033) for each medical/drug contraindication and viral load decreases was significant even with one medical contraindication vs. none (P = 0·042). Patients with fewer lifestyle contraindications were more likely to have at least a 1 log drop in viral load (P = 0·036). For each increase in the number of contraindications, there was a corresponding 2% decrease in the rate of adherence (P = 0·048). Conclusions: The results suggest that using a patient administered questionnaire it is possible to identify contraindications in prescribed regimens that impact on adherence and on treatment effects on viral load and CD4 counts.
The Lower Structure of Dust Devils

Abstract Measurements from an extensive field program in the desert near Tucson, Ariz., are used to formulate a quantitative dust devil model. The model is based on measurements of temperature, pressure and wind velocity taken from a mobile instrumented tower near and within dust devils at levels of 6, 17 and 30 ft. Three dust devil penetrations are analyzed with respect to the temperature, pressure and wind velocity profiles contained in a plane defined by the dust devil axis (or local vertical) and the direction of motion. These profiles corroborate earlier preliminary measurements by Sinclair and thus firmly establish the existence of the warm, low-pressure core of the dust devil. Maximum temperature and pressure variations within the dust devil varied from 4 to 8C and 2.5 to 4.5 mb. The most significant result of the measurement program was the discovery of a downcurrent or a region of markedly reduced vertical motion along and surrounding the sloping dust devil axis. Immediately outside the downcurre...
Office Ergonomics Training Effectiveness

This paper focuses on the effectiveness of an office ergonomics training program at a large semiconductor company, as measured through a widely distributed questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to 2,000 randomly selected office employees located at five domestic locations. Of the 2,000 employees selected for the study, 1,000 had received office ergonomics training and 1,000 had not received office ergonomics training (control group). The sample size was equally distributed among sites to block for potential variations between site populations. The overall response rate for the survey was 36%. Survey participants responded to questions on knowledge and skills acquired through training; levels of pain and discomfort; and behavioral change. For all survey questions, except those relating to pain and discomfort, there was a statistically significant (F probability <0005) difference between the trained group and the control group.
Right-Left Discrimination: Systematic Reversal in Bright Children

The investigation reported here sought to determine whether or not incidence within grade, sex and handedness were related to reversal in right-left discrimination in bright children and, whether or not reversal and non-reversal groups differed with respect to visual-motor skills, measures of language functioning, and measures of academic achievement.
Sustaining the development and implementation of student-centered teaching nationally: The importance of a community of practice

Although the idea of using a workshop to educate potential users about a set of materials or techniques is not new, the workshops described here go beyond simple dissemination and create ongoing communities of practice that support widespread and sustained improvement in the biochemistry classroom. The degree to which pedagogical innovations improve student learning on a national level depends on how broadly they are disseminated and how they are implemented and sustained. Workshops can be effective in disseminating ideas and techniques, but they often fail to sustain implementation. This paper describes Core Collaborators Workshops (CCWs) that were specifically designed for biochemistry faculty to improve the quality of active learning materials, support faculty in transforming their classrooms, and disseminate these efforts nationally. This CCW model proved very effective to date as shown by the fact that, 8 months after the last CCW, all workshop participants reported using at least some of the instructional materials discussed during the workshop. In addition, participants remarked that the superior community building and direct mentoring available through the CCWs greatly increased their confidence in implementing this new curricular approach and has made them more likely to act as leaders themselves. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION Vol. 39, No. 6, pp. 405–411, 2011
The natural occurrence of Pandora heteropterae (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) infecting Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae).

An unknown fungal pathogen was recovered from Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) during a survey of parasitic and pathogenic natural enemies conducted in Franklin County, Arkansas. The pathogen was identified as Pandora heteropterae (Balazy) Keller based on characteristics of the morphology, as well as growth and sporulation on hosts. The fungus infected 11 of the 3405 (0.32%) wild L. lineolaris collected. In a laboratory host-range bioassay, five of seven hemipteran species from the families Miridae, Coreidae, Lygaeidae, and Pentatomidae were successfully infected. P. heteropterae was previously reported only once, from an unidentified host species in Poland. Here we describe the morphology and growth of P. heteropterae and discuss its potential impact on L. lineolaris in the field.
Video Compression and Noise Reduction Using Transform/Subband Coding and Adaptive Amplitude Modulation

This article presents the basic ideas behind transform and subband representations of a signal. Although transform and subband representations appear to be different, in fact, they are equivalent. This theoretical relationship gives useful insights into the design of video processing and compression systems. An application of this result to the design of an adaptive amplitude modulation/demodulation (AM/DM) system for noise reduction of images is described. Also discussed is the AM noise-reduction technique for additive noise, and a method is presented to reduce the AM side information by exploiting the transform representation of an image.
New Palearctic bee species of Protosmia subgenus Nanosmia (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

Bees of the genus Protosmia subgenus Nanosmia are not well known. Three new species are described and figured for both sexes: Protosmia ( Nanosmia ) hamulifera Griswold, new species, from the Arabian Peninsula, P . ( N .) schwarzi Griswold, new species, from Morocco and Tunisia, and P . ( N .) trifida Griswold, new species, from Turkey. An updated diagnosis and new distributional records are provided for the recently described P . ( N .) montana Muller. The species is recorded for the first time from Turkey and Tadjikistan.
Low pressure air-handling system leakage in large commercial buildings: Diagnosis, prevalence, and energy impacts

Air-handling system leakage reduces the amount of air delivered to conditioned spaces and in most cases wastes energy and money. Standards exist for where and how to measure system airtightness, but they tend to focus on new construction, and only on the high-pressure (1500–2500 Pa [6–10 in. w.c.])/ medium-pressure [500–1500 Pa (2–6 in. w.c.]) portions of the system. This article investigates air leakage in the low-pressure (≤500 Pa [≤2 in. w.c.]) portions of large commercial-building air-handling systems (i.e., downstream of variable-air-volume box inlet dampers). A simplified diagnostic protocol for measuring low-pressure leakage that can be used during normal system operation in an existing building is presented and utilized for this investigation. A validation of the protocol using a calibrated leak in a field installation is also presented, as are the results of applying this protocol in nine other buildings around the United States. The validation results indicate that normalized leakage can be meas...
Neutrinos and symmetries

Abstract Three facets of symmetries in neutrino physics are briefly reviewed: i) The SO(5) symmetry of the neutrino mass and and its connection to the see-saw mechanism; ii) SU(N flavor ) symmetries of dense, self-interacting neutrino gases in astrophysical settings; iii) The neutrino mixing angle θ 13 and possible CP-violation in the neutrino sector.
Adhesion and friction force coupling of gecko setal arrays: implications for structured adhesive surfaces.

The extraordinary climbing ability of geckos is partially attributed to the fine structure of their toe pads, which contain arrays consisting of thousands of micrometer-sized stalks (setae) that are in turn terminated by millions of fingerlike pads (spatulae) having nanoscale dimensions. Using a surface forces apparatus (SFA), we have investigated the dynamic sliding characteristics of setal arrays subjected to various loading, unloading, and shearing conditions at different angles. Setal arrays were glued onto silica substrates and, once installed into the SFA, brought toward a polymeric substrate surface and then sheared. Lateral shearing of the arrays was initiated along both the “gripping” and “releasing” directions of the setae on the foot pads. We find that the anisotropic microstructure of the setal arrays gives rise to quite different adhesive and tribological properties when sliding along these two directions, depending also on the angle that the setae subtend with respect to the surface. Thus, d...