cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterizing the interactions between prolyl isomerase pin1 and phosphatase inhibitor-2 in living cells with FRET and FCS

Phosphatase inhibitor-2 (I2) was discovered as a regulator of protein Ser/Thr phosphatase-1 and is conserved from yeast to human. Binding between purified recombinant I2 from different species and the prolyl isomerase Pin1 has been demonstrated with pull-down assays, size exclusion chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Despite this, questions persist as to whether these proteins associate together in living cells. In this study, we prepared fluorescent protein (FP) fusions of I2 and Pin1 and employed both Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) imaging techniques to characterize their interactions in living cells. In both intensity-based and time-resolved FRET studies, we observed FRET uniformly across whole cells co-expressing I2-Cerulean and Pin1-Venus that was significantly higher than in negative controls expressing Cerulean FP (without fusing to I2) as the FRET donor and Pin1-Venus, showing a specific interaction between I2-Cerulean and Pin1-Venus in living cells. We also observed the co-diffusion of I2-Cerulean and Pin1-mCherry in Fluorescence Cross Correlation Spectroscopy (FCCS) measurements. We further showed that I2 itself as well as I2-Pin1 formed complexes in living cells (predicted from in vitro studies) via a quantitative FRET assay, and demonstrated from FCS measurements that both I2 and Pin1 (fused to Cerulean) are highly mobile in living cells.
Geographical differentials in the socioeconomic status of Puerto Ricans: human capital variations and labor market characteristics.

This article examines the role of human capital and labor market characteristics in explaining geographical and individual differentials in socioeconomic outcomes of Puerto Rican women [in the United States]. The better socioeconomic performance of Puerto Ricans outside the Northeast can be in part related to their larger amount of human capital. Labor market characteristics also play a role but their effects are generally small. Net of other characteristics Northeast residence reduces labor force participation increases female headship but reduces welfare use. Of all groups examined recent migrants from Puerto Rico located in the Northeast show the poorest socioeconomic outcomes. (EXCERPT)
Private Water, Public Good: Water Privatization and State Capacity in Chile

In the global policy debate over whether water services in developing countries should remain public or be privatized, advocates for privatization call for reducing the role of the state in water services, while civil society groups argue that privatization violates the human right to water. This article examines water privatization in Chile, a crucial case in the debate over the role of markets and states in water services. Chile is known as a water privatization success story due to its high coverage of drinking water and sanitation under a fully privatized system. The article addresses two questions: How effectively does Chile meet the standard for fulfilling the human right to water within the privatized system? To what extent has privatization in Chile reduced the role of the state in water service provision? I find that the human right to water, narrowly defined, is fulfilled in Chile; however, this outcome is not attributable to the merits of privatization. Chile’s strong state capacity to govern the water sector in the public interest by embedding reforms in state interventions explains the relative success of the Chilean water sector. These findings support the argument that a strong state role is necessary to fulfill the human right to water, even in a privatized water sector.
Identification of a New Sulfonic Acid Metabolite of Metolachlor in Soil

An ethanesulfonic acid metabolite of metolachlor (metolachlor ESA) was identified in soil-sample extracts by negative-ion, fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) and FAB tandem mass spectrometry (FAB-MS/MS). Product-ion fragments from MS/MS analysis of the deprotonated molecular ion of metolachlor ESA in the soil extract can be reconciled with the structure of the synthesized standard. The elemental compositions of the (M − H)- ions of the metolachlor ESA standard and the soil-sample extracts were confirmed by high-resolution mass spectrometry. A dissipation study revealed that metolachlor ESA is formed in soil under field conditions corresponding to a decrease in the concentration of the parent herbicide, metolachlor. The identification of the sulfonated metabolite of metolachlor suggests that the glutathione conjugation pathway is a common detoxification pathway shared by chloroacetanilide herbicides.
A preliminary report of acuity and contour interactions across the amblyope's visual field

Abstract Acuity and contour interactions were assessed across the visual field of representative strabismic amblyopes. Acuity profiles display large variations between amblyopes who exhibit the same degree of eccentric fixation; however, in no case was foveal acuity significantly better than that found eccentrically. The acuity abnormality for most amblyopes is visual field locus dependent. Contour interactions are abnormal in both form and magnitude for some amblyopes. This abnormality does not depend upon the acuity deficit, is field locus dependent and cannot be easily accounted for by optical, oculomotor or eccentric fixation factors.
Integration, Development and Performance of the 500 TFLOPS Heterogeneous Cluster (Condor)

Abstract : The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate Advanced Computing Division (AFRL/RIT) High Performance Computing Affiliated Resource Center (HPC-ARC) is the host to a very large scale interactive computing cluster consisting of about 1800 nodes. Condor, the largest interactive Cell cluster in the world, consists of integrated heterogeneous processors of IBM Cell Broadband Engine (Cell BE) multicore CPUs, NVIDIA General Purpose Graphic Processing Units (GPGPUs) and Intel x86 server nodes in a 10Gb Ethernet Star Hub network and 20Gb/s Infiniband Mesh, with a combined capability of 500 trillion floating operations per second (TFLOPS). Applications developed and running on CONDOR include large-scale computational intelligence models, video synthetic aperture radar (SAR) back-projection, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), video target tracking, linear algebra and others. This presentation will discuss the design and integration of the system. It will also show progress on performance optimization efforts and lessons learned on algorithm scalability on a heterogeneous architecture.
A closed form solution for flow in dual scale fibrous porous media under constant injection pressure conditions

Abstract In liquid composite molding (LCM), the resin is infused into stationary fiber reinforcements to impregnate all the empty spaces between the fibers. Most fabric reinforcements used in such processes consist of fiber tows or bundles that are woven, stitched, or braided to create a mat. The fiber tows and the spaces between the fiber tows saturate with resin at different rates and hence the use of a single permeability parameter to describe the flow using Darcy’s law is insufficient. An analytic solution for resin flow through such dual scale porous media is presented. It introduces the use of two distinctly different permeability values that describe the resin flow in these types of fabrics. The first permeability parameter is the bulk permeability (K), which characterizes the overall resistance to flow. The second is the tow permeability ( K t ), which represents the resistance to flow inside each individual fiber tow. A closed form solution is developed to characterize the bulk and the tow permeability for a one-dimensional constant injection pressure experiment in which the flow front position during the filling is recorded. It is also mathematically proven that the partially saturated region remains constant if the mold is sufficiently long. The analytical methodology is validated by using a numerical simulation technique that allows one to predict the motion of the fully and partially saturated flow fronts by assigning bulk and tow permeabilities.
Absorbing Ground Planes for Reducing Planar Antenna Radar Cross-Section Based on Frequency Selective Surfaces

Several approaches in the literature have been attempted for reducing the radar cross-section (RCS) of antennas, specifically for planar patch antennas. Ideally, the antenna should function unimpeded at the communication frequency, but should have a minimal radar signature at all other frequencies of interest. Here, absorbing frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) are used as the ground plane of a planar antenna in order to reduce the RCS at higher frequencies. This technique offers many advantages over existing published approaches in the literature that generally show limited RCS reduction or poor antenna performance.
On the distributional solution of the inverse problem induced by the heat kernel method

As the first constrained step in the investigation of the Fokker-Planck equation as a source of the probability density function of the position (or velocity) of a Brownian particle, we studied the connection between the inverse problem for the diffusion equation and the kernel methods developed in the area of statistical learning theory and its applications. The initial condition (an initial probability density function) is not known, and the solution of the diffusion equation (an output function) is presumed to be known at a finite, sufficiently large empirical set of points {(xi, yi)}—a sample. With the use of Tikhonov’s regularizing method, we reduced the problem to the minimization of the empirical functional in the reproducing kernel Hilbert space H :
Albumin synthesis, albuminuria and hyperlipemia in nephrotic patients

Hyperlipemia is a common manifestation of the nephrotic syndrome. Serum lipid concentrations have been observed by others to be negatively correlated with serum protein concentration. Hyperlipemia has been postulated to result from a coordinate increase in the synthesis of both albumin and lipoproteins, as well as from their decreased catabolism. Simultaneous measurements of serum lipid concentration and the rate of albumin synthesis have not been previously reported. We measured the rate of albumin synthesis, urinary albumin loss, serum albumin, protein, cholesterol and triglyceride concentration in 13 nephrotic patients. Changes in the rate of albumin synthesis and in urinary albumin excretion were induced in eight patients by alteration in dietary protein intake. The resultant changes in serum triglyceride and cholesterol were analyzed by multiple regression analysis. The rate of albumin synthesis measured while patients were eating a low protein diet was 12.61 +/- 1.20 g/1.73 m2/day, well within normal limits, yet both serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were markedly elevated (265 +/- 65 mg/dl and 325 +/- 44 mg/dl, respectively). Albumin synthetic rate increased to 17.60 +/- 1.25 g/1.73 m2/day when dietary protein intake was increased, while serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations changed little; triglyceride concentration was 306 +/- 75 mg/dl and cholesterol 376 +/- 55 mg/dl. Serum cholesterol concentration, by multiple regression analysis, was dependent only upon the renal clearance of albumin P less than 0.0001, and changes in serum cholesterol concentration was dependent only upon changes in the renal clearance of albumin, P less than 0.001. Serum cholesterol concentration was completely independent of the rate of albumin synthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Application Of Digital Correlation Methods To Rigid Body Mechanics

The random nature of white light speckle is combined with newly developed video digital data acquisition procedures to experimentally determine parameters of interest for a rigid body dynamics problem. Digital correlation of subsequent images during a dynamic event is shown to yield displacements and velocities of discrete points in the rigid body and, therefore, the angular velocity and linear velocity of the rigid body.
A comparative study of cisapride and ranitidine at controlling oesophageal acid exposure in erosive oesophagitis

SUMMARY Background: The severity of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is generally considered to be related to the extent of oesophageal acid exposure. Current therapies include antisecretory and prokinetic agents. We compared two of these, ranitidine and cisapride, in their ability to lower oesophageal acid exposure in patients with erosive oesophagitis. Methods: Seven patients with Savary–Miller's grade II–IV oesophagitis and with oesophageal contact time ± 8% were studied. Mean lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was 4.6 mmHg. Oesophageal acid contact time was 25.6 ± 5.6%. Each patient received ranitidine 150 mg b.d., ranitidine 150 mg q.d.s., or cisapride 10 mg q.d.s. in a randomized 3-way cross-over design. Intra-oesophageal pH was monitored during 24 h for each of these treatments in a controlled hospital environment, while consuming a high fat, high calorie diet. Results: Cisapride and ranitidine at both doses decreased the acid contact time and the number of reflux episodes. However, a minority of patients treated with ranitidine, and none with cisapride, diminished their oesophageal acid contact time to a normal value of < 5%. No treatment significantly decreased nocturnal acid exposure. Conclusion: In patients with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease both cisapride and ranitidine demonstrably lower oesophageal acid exposure, but neither therapy predictably normalizes it.
Surface conduction versus bulk conduction in pure stoichiometric NiO crystals

Abstract From the measurement of three-probe resistivities, which are much larger than two-probe resistivities, we conclude that annealed, nominally pure and nearly stoichiometric NiO single crystals normally have a low-resistivity surface layer which masks the behaviour of the bulk in most electrical measurements. Bulk resistivities larger than 1016 Ω cm have been measured below 100°C. It is possible that the results of nearly all previous Hall, resistivity and thermoelectric-power measurements made on high-resistivity samples are indicative of the surface rather than the bulk properties of NiO.
Tempering method for chocolate containing milk-fat fractions.

Anhydrous milk fat (AMF) was fractionated by a two-stage dry fractionation process to produce three fractions—high-(HMF), middle-(MMF), and low-melting (LMF). The effect of replacing 12.2–40% by weight of cocoa butter with these fractions on the tempering profile of milk chocolate was studied. Degree of temper was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, and expressed as the ratio of enthalpies of melting for higher-stability polymorphs to those of lesser stability. The degree of temper was dependent on the crystallization time and temperature, and the type and quantity of milk-fat fraction in the formulation. Chocolates containing AMF or its fractions in concentrations of up to 20 wt% (total fat basis) were tempered after a conventional thermocycling tempering process (50°C/30 min, 27.7°C/4 min, 31°C/2 min) to obtain products with good contraction and mold release properties. For those milk chocolate formulations that did not temper by the conventional method and resulted in poor contraction and mold release, a new tempering protocol was developed. Lower crystallization temperatures and/or longer holding times were required at concentrations of AMF, MMF, or LMF above 20%. Chocolate containing HMF required slightly higher crystallization temperatures because of high viscosity. Chocolates containing up to 35% HMF and up to 40% of the total weight of fat in the chocolate of AMF, MMF, and LMF were successfully tempered by adjusting crystallization time and temperature.
Numerical Schemes for the Convection-Diffusion Equation Using a Meshless Finite-Difference Method

A meshless finite-difference method is developed for solving the steady convection-diffusion equation. A weighted least-squares procedure is used to compute a local polynomial fit which is used to find the derivatives appearing in the governing partial differential equation. A number of upwind-weighted discretization schemes for the convective operator are developed, analogous to traditional finite-difference schemes. These include a first-order upwind and a second-order upwind scheme, as well as a new scheme, the minimum gradient scheme, analogous to the essentially nonoscillatory (ENO) scheme. The order of accuracy of these methods is studied by applying them to two test problems. The first is the convection and diffusion of a scalar in a uniform velocity field, and the second pertains to scalar transport in a vortical flow field. The first-order upwind scheme results in an oscillation-free solution across the range of Peclet numbers and displays an order of accuracy close to unity. The second-order upw...
Correlation of fragility and Poisson's ratio: Difference between metallic and nonmetallic glass formers

It is shown that fragility of supercooled metallic liquids correlates with the Poisson's ratio of the respective metallic glasses. However, the correlation differs from that found previously for simple nonmetallic glass formers [V. N. Novikov and A. P. Sokolov, Nature 431, 961 (2004)]. The observed difference is assigned to the contribution of the free electron gas to the bulk modulus in metallic glasses.
Myocardial contrast echocardiography: relation of collateral perfusion to extent of injury and severity of contractile dysfunction in a canine model of coronary thrombosis and reperfusion

Objectives. This study sought to determine whether myocardial contrast echocardiography could be used to detect and quantitate collateral blood flow capable of limiting the effects of ischemia in an experimental model of coronary thrombosis and reperfusion. Background. Myocardial contrast echocardiography has been used to assess collateral blood flow in humans, but this technique has not been extensively validated in the experimental laboratory. Methods. Myocardial ischemia occurred after electrically induced left circumflex coronary artery thrombosis in a canine model. Ischemia was intensified by administration of vasodilators. Reperfusion was induced with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator. Myocardial perfusion was assessed with contrast echocardiography and radiolabeled microspheres. Infarct size was determined by histochemical staining methods. Myocardial samples were evaluated histologically. Results. The dogs were classified into two groups on the basis of contrast echocardiographic detection of perfusion in the ischemic region: those with (n = 13) and without collateral flow (n = 10). Collateral perfusion detected by contrast echocardiography paralleled changes detected by radiolabeled microspheres during thrombosis and vasodilator administration. A 91% agreement was observed between the two techniques in detecting collateral flow >0.3 mi/min per g (p < 0.0001). Collateral perfusion correlated directly with radial shortening fractions of the ischemic myocardium (p < 0.01). Recovery of function after reperfusion was faster, infarct size was smaller (mean [±SD] 4 ± 1% vs. 11 ± 3%, p = 0.05), and histopathologic injury was less in dogs with than without collateral flow, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Myocardial contrast echocardiography can identify physiologically significant collateral vessels capable of limiting the degree of ischemic damage during coronary thrombosis. The magnitude of collateral flow and the change in flow induced by vasodilators can be assessed and compares favorably with the microsphere standard.
Microstructure Modulation in Copper Interconnects

Modulation of Cu interconnect microstructure in a low-k dielectric was achieved at an elevated anneal temperature of 250 °C. In contrast to the unpassivated conventional structure, a TaN metal passivation layer was deposited on the plated Cu overburden surface before annealing at the elevated temperature to prevent stress migration reliability degradation. As compared with the conventional structure annealed at 100 °C, the elevated annealing process enabled further Cu grain growth, which then resulted in an increased Cu grain size and improved electromigration resistance in the interconnects.
Robust input-output energy decoupling for uncertain singular systems

This paper addresses the robust input-output energy decoupling problem for uncertain singular systems in which all parameter matrices except E exist as time-varying uncertainties. By means of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of linear state feedback and input transformation control laws, such that the resulting closed-loop uncertain singular system is generalized quadratically stable and the energy of every input controls mainly the energy of a corresponding output, and influences the energy of other outputs as weakly as possible.
Using Phylogenetic, Functional and Trait Diversity to Understand Patterns of Plant Community Productivity

Background: Two decades of research showing that increasing plant diversity results in greater community productivity has been predicated on greater functional diversity allowing access to more of the total available resources. Thus, understanding phenotypic attributes that allow species to partition resources is fundamentally important to explaining diversity-productivity relationships. Methodology/Principal Findings: Here we use data from a long-term experiment (Cedar Creek, MN) and compare the extent to which productivity is explained by seven types of community metrics of functional variation: 1) species richness, 2) variation in 10 individual traits, 3) functional group richness, 4) a distance-based measure of functional diversity, 5) a hierarchical multivariate clustering method, 6) a nonmetric multidimensional scaling approach, and 7) a phylogenetic diversity measure, summing phylogenetic branch lengths connecting community members together and may be a surrogate for ecological differences. Although most of these diversity measures provided significant explanations of variation in productivity, the presence of a nitrogen fixer and phylogenetic diversity were the two best explanatory variables. Further, a statistical model that included the presence of a nitrogen fixer, seed weight and phylogenetic diversity was a better explanation of community productivity than other models. Conclusions: Evolutionary relationships among species appear to explain patterns of grassland productivity. Further, these results reveal that functional differences among species involve a complex suite of traits and that perhaps phylogenetic relationships provide a better measure of the diversity among species that contributes to productivity than individual or small groups of traits.
How to communicate the scientific consensus on climate change: plain facts, pie charts or metaphors?

Previous research has identified public perceptions of the scientific consensus on climate change as an important gateway belief. Yet, little research to date has examined how to effectively communicate the scientific consensus on climate change. In this study, we conducted an online experiment using a national quota sample to compare three approaches to communicating the scientific consensus, namely: (a) descriptive text, (b) a pie chart and (c) metaphorical representations. Results indicate that while all three approaches can significantly increase public understanding of the degree of scientific consensus, the pie chart and simple text have superior recall and are most effective across political party lines. We conclude that the scientific consensus on climate change is most effectively communicated as a short, simple message that is easy to comprehend and remember. Representing the consensus visually in the form of a pie chart appears to be particularly useful.
Soil lead concentrations and prevalence of hyperactive behavior among school children in Ottawa, Canada.

Abstract This pilot study presents findings of a case study of the prevalence of hyperactive behavior among school children and soil lead concentrations in the urban environment of Ottawa, Canada. Preexisting data on the prevalence of hyperactivity were correlated with soil lead concentrations from soil samples collected in 1981. Soil lead concentrations of the samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Further, synagraphic mapping was done to facilitate spatial analyses of the topographical patterning of the prevalence of hyperactivity and soil lead concentrations. The two major trends in the prevalence of hyperactivity and soil lead data are overlapped and seen as topographical “ridges” running northeast – southwest in the central part of the city. Both trends are geographically bounded and parallel to the major thoroughfares of the city. The explained variability in prevalence of hyperactivity based on soil lead concentrations is 25% in areas of high concordance between the residence of the children and location of the sampling points. The results illustrate the effectiveness of soil lead as a significant indicator of the psychological effect of hyperactivity among urban children, and its importance as a monitor of ambient lead.
Interaction of the Mediator Head module with RNA polymerase II

Summary Mediator, a large (21 polypeptides, MW ∼1 MDa) complex conserved throughout eukaryotes, plays an essential role in control of gene expression by conveying regulatory signals that influence the activity of the preinitiation complex. However, the precise mode of interaction between Mediator and RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), and the mechanism of regulation by Mediator remain elusive. We used cryo-electron microscopy and reconstituted in vitro transcription assays to characterize a transcriptionally-active complex including the Mediator Head module and components of a minimum preinitiation complex (RNAPII, TFIIF, TFIIB, TBP, and promoter DNA). Our results reveal how the Head interacts with RNAPII, affecting its conformation and function.
Muscarinic Receptor Activation Protects Cells from Apoptotic Effects of DNA Damage, Oxidative Stress, and Mitochondrial Inhibition

Abstract The impact of muscarinic receptor stimulation was examined on apoptotic signaling induced by DNA damage, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial impairment. Exposure of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells to the DNA-damaging agent camptothecin increased p53 levels, activated caspase-3, and caused cell death. Pretreatment with oxotremorine-M, a selective agonist of muscarinic receptors that are expressed endogenously in these cells, did not affect the accumulation of p53 but greatly attenuated caspase-3 activation and protected from cell death to nearly the same extent as treatment with a general caspase inhibitor. Treatment with 50–200 μmH2O2 caused the activation of caspase-3 beginning after 2–3 h, followed by eventual cell death. Oxotremorine-M pretreatment protected cells from H2O2-induced caspase-3 activation and death, and this was equivalent to protection afforded by a caspase inhibitor. Muscarinic receptor stimulation also protected cells from caspase-3 activation induced by exposure to rotenone, a mitochondrial complex 1 inhibitor, but no protection was evident from staurosporine-induced caspase-3 activation. The mechanism of protection afforded by muscarinic receptor activation from camptothecin-induced apoptotic signaling involved blockade of mitochondrial cytochrome c release associated with a bolstering of mitochondrial bcl-2 levels and blockade of the translocation of Bax to mitochondria. Likely the most proximal of these events to muscarinic receptor activation, mitochondrial Bax accumulation, also was attenuated by oxotremorine-M treatment after treatment with H2O2 or rotenone. These results demonstrate that stimulation of muscarinic receptors provides substantial protection from DNA damage, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial impairment, insults that may be encountered by neurons in development, aging, or neurodegenerative diseases. These findings suggest that neurotransmitter-induced signaling bolsters survival mechanisms, and inadequate neurotransmission may exacerbate neuronal loss.
On a form of coordinate percolation

Let ai,bi, i = 0, 1, 2,… be drawn uniformly and independently from the unit interval, and let t be a fixed real number. Let a site (i, j) e ℕ2 be open if ai + bj ≤ t, and closed otherwise. We obtain a simple, exact expression for the probability Θ(t) that there is an infinite path (oriented or not) of open sites, containing the origin. Θ(t) is continuous and has continuous first derivative except at the critical point (t=1), near which it has critical exponent (3 - √5 /2.
Measurements of To Temperatures of Supersaturated Si-As Alloys

The congruent melting point, to T{sub o} curve, of crystalline Si-As alloys has been measured in the range of 1.6 to 18.1 at. % arsenic by line source electron beam annealing. Alloys were created by ion implantation of As into 0.1mm Si-on-sapphire and crystallized by pulsed laser melting. T{sub o} temperatures decrease from 1673{plus minus}10K at 2.0 at. % As to 1516 {plus minus}30K at 18.1 at. % As. The results of these measurements are significantly higher than the previous results of studies using pulsed laser melting techniques. Advantages of the e-beam technique over previous techniques are discussed. Chemical free energy functions of the solid and liquid phases were calculated from existing thermodynamic data. The calculated T{sub o} curve agrees with the measured values only in low concentration region (less than 8 at. %). 17 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.
Scanning electrochemical microscopy: theory and application of the transient (chronoamperometric) SECM response

A study of the transient (chronoamperometric) response of the scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) is presented. SECM transients were simulated digitally with a novel integrator based on a Krylov algorithm. The transients observed with planar electrodes (PE), microdisks (MD), and thin-layer cells (TLC) are shown to be limiting cases that fit the simulated SECM transients at very short, intermediate, and long times, respectively. A procedure is established that, provided the tip radius is known, allows the determination of the diffusion coefficient of the species in solution independent of its concentration and the number of electrons transferred in the electrode reaction. Experimental SECM transients are reported for the electrochemical oxidation of Fe(CN)6(4-) in KCl; the diffusion coefficient of Fe(CN)6(4-) was found to agree very well with the literature value.
The American Corporation

The United States from its earliest years led the world in making the corporate form of business organization widely available to entrepreneurs. Starting in the 1790s, corporations became key institu- tions of the American economy, contributing greatly to its remarkable growth. This essay reviews the evo- lution of corporations across several eras of the country's history. The most recent era is marked by a shift away from a stakeholder view of corporate interests and purposes to one dominated by pro½t and share- holder-value maximization. We strongly question whether this shift has been bene½cial to the country as a whole. If our assessment is correct, there is a need to ½nd ways of inducing corporations to act in ways that produce better societal outcomes. We therefore explore ways-including some suggested by the history of U.S. corporations-in which corporate interests and the public interest might become better aligned.
Atom Probe Tomography: A Technique for Nanoscale Characterization

Atom probe tomography is a technique for the nanoscale characterization of microstructural features. Analytical techniques have been developed to estimate the size, composition, and other parameters of features as small as 1 nm from the atom probe tomography data. These methods are outlined and illustrated with examples of yttrium-, titanium-, and oxygen-enriched particles in a mechanically alloyed, oxide-dispersion-strengthened steel.
Visibility of cathode-ray-tube traces in radar displays

The use of the cathode-ray tube to display radar information has given it a special significance in radar design. The problem of the visibility of c.r.t. traces has therefore been investigated with a view to improving c.r.t. design, and information has been collected of the visibility of signals of different shapes and sizes seen against uniform and non-uniform backgrounds. Persistence of vision has been studied with a view to assessing screen “flash” characteristics.
An essential role for retinoid signaling in anteroposterior neural specification and neuronal differentiation

Vitamin A and its derivatives, the retinoids, have been implicated as important signaling molecules in vertebrate development, primarily due to numerous gain-of-function experiments involving treatment of embryos with exogenous retinoic acid. Collectively, the results from these experiments suggested that retinoids were sufficient to mimic the action of endogenous factors which posteriorize the embryonic axis, however the question of their necessity has remained unclear. Recent loss-of-function experiments from several laboratories have shown that retinoids are indispensable for regionalizing the anteroposterior axis and promoting neuronal differentiation. These results firmly establish retinoids as endogenous signaling molecules that are required for embryonic patterning.
Social Work Expert Testimony Regarding Mitigation in Capital Sentencing Proceedings

SINCE 1978, the U.S. Supreme ourt has required that in d ath penalty trials the defense be permitted to present "any aspect of a defendant's character" that might warrant a punish ment less than death (Lockett v. Ohio, 1978). In a long series of decisions, the Court ruled that the death penalty can be imposed only after the sentencer, whether judge or jury, has had an oppor tunity to consider the unique, individual attributes of the defendant (.Furman v. Georgia, 1972; Gregg v. Georgia, 1976; Lockett v. Ohio, 1978; Penry v. Lynaugh, 1989; Profitt v. Florida, 1976). Any of the "diverse frailties of humankind" con stitute mitigating factors as a matter of law in deciding whether death or life im prisonment is the appropriate punish ment {Woodson v. North Carolina, 1976). Although the critical significance of the social evaluation in sentence mitiga tion has been recognized for more than a decade by courts, the social work literature has been relatively silent about this emerging practice area. So cial workers have increasingly been recognized by courts as expert wit nesses in a variety of proceedings (Gothard, 1989); this article examines the unique aspects of capital sentence proceedings and describes the role of the social worker as expert witness and the influence of the social evaluation on sentence mitigation.
REACTION AT LIMITED WATER CONCENTRATION. 2. Chlorophyll Degradation

SUMMARY— Chlorophyll degradation was studied as a function of water activity (Aw) in freeze-dried blanched spinach puree and in model systems containing cellulose-citrate buffer and chlorophyll a. At 37°C and Aw higher than 0.32, the most important mechanism of chlorophyll degradation is conversion to pheophytin. The rate of chlorophyll a transformation is 2.5 times faster than for chlorophyll b. The relation between Aw and log time for 20% chlorophyll degradation is linear and the chlorophyll/pheophytin ratio is useful for storage prediction as a function of Aw (down to Aw 0.32). At Aw lower than 0.32, the rate of pheophytin formation in spinach is low. New products are formed which can interfere with spectrophotometric determination of chlorophylls and pheophytins. The possibility of removal of Mg from the porphyrin ring of chlorophyll a was shown in model systems even at Aw below BET (Brunnauer-Emmet-Teller) monolayer coverage.
A Synthetic DNA Based Approach to Design of Adaptive Systems

Development of large engineered systems involves large amount of investments. Yet the value of these systems decreases significantly as requirements and environments change. For mission critical systems the capability of adapting to unpredictable situations is the key for success. While the importance of system adaptability has been recognized, little research has been done for “design for adaptability”. We take a “naturalistic design” approach to developing adaptive “lifelike” systems by exploiting natural “design” processes and mimicking its DNA based way of capturing, representing and applying “design” information pertaining to needed functions and changing operational situations. The concepts and examples of this approach are discussed.
A New Lamp Socket Protection Technique for Self Oscillating Electronic Fluorescent Ballasts

Arcing can occur in fluorescent lamp sockets due to poor connections. This is a hazardous condition that could cause damage to the socket and is a potential for fire. A circuit is developed to detect when an arc occurs in a self oscillating electronic ballast. The circuit detects the change in frequency that occurs in the resonant circuit when arcing occurs. Based around a digital counter, the developed circuit is less susceptible to noise, component variation, and aging than an analog circuit. Simulations verify that the circuit is able shutdown the circuit when an arc occurs and restart the oscillations when the arc is removed. Keywords-component; self oscilating ballast; fluorescent lamp; arcing
The effectiveness of cognitive remediation strategies for victims of traumatic head-injury: A review of the literature

Abstract The purpose of this article is to critically evaluate the efficacy of cognitive remediation interventions for head-injury victims. While some studies have reported improved performance on attention, self-regulation, and memory tasks, methodological inadequacies have prevented the isolation of specific treatment effects. However, some research does suggest that performance feedback and reinforcement can increase the efficacy of attention and self-regulation retraining procedures. Findings regarding the effectiveness of memory remediation interventions have been inconsistent. The impact of practice with mnemonic training strategies appears to be mediated by variables that affect the natural recovery process such as the severity of injury. It is suggested that greater attention be given to research design issues and to the consistent reporting of subject variables known to affect the natural recovery of cognitive function. Treatment providers are also urged to employ interventions that have been successful with similar patients, and to systematically evaluate treatment efficacy.
Nipple adenoma in infancy

We report the first patient with a nipple adenoma presenting in infancy. Nipple adenoma is a benign lesion typically affecting women between 45 and 55 years of age. This lesion can occur in the pediatric population and should be included in the differential diagnosis of an infantile breast lesion. Management of children with nipple adenoma requires consideration for breast development; excision before maturity may cause nipple-areola deformity or injury to the breast bud.
Nonconventional uses of the rocket-propelled grenade and its consequences.

ABSTRACT Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom have forced U.S. and allied medical personnel caring for wounded soldiers to reassess nonconventional uses of the rocket-propelled grenade. The effects can be devastating when this device is used as an antipersonnel weapon, producing large blast injuries that are limb and life threatening. A classic case presentation followed by a short historical perspective on the rocket-propelled grenade and a proposed algorithm for initial care of these wounds is presented.
Nonablative and minimally ablative resurfacing

Skin damage, resulting from surgery, trauma, acne scarring, or excessive skin exposure, often prompts patients to seek medical advice. Nowadays, even expected signs of aging, such as rhytides and “age spots,” can be distressing enough to lead patients to inquire about treatment. Traditional treatment modalities include the use of topical retinoids, bleaching agents, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and lasers. With the recent advances in technology, lasers and light sources have now become the technique of choice for skin resurfacing. Conventional lasers, like the carbon dioxide (CO2) or erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG), are ablative and thus remove the entire epidermis and portions of the dermis during treatment. Consequently, results are impressive, but there is a great degree of associated postoperative ­morbidity. Patients are often advised to expect 1–2 weeks of “downtime” in order to recover from the swelling, oozing, crusting, and discomfort that results from the procedure [1] (V/B).
Treatment of advanced-stage colorectal adenocarcinoma with fluorouracil and high-dose leucovorin calcium: a pilot study.

Thirty-one evaluable patients with measurable advanced colorectal carcinoma were entered into a pilot study that used weekly fluorouracil (5-FU) at the dose of 600 mg/m2 by bolus infusion administered midway during a two-hour leucovorin calcium infusion of 500 mg/m2. This regimen was repeated weekly for six doses. Twenty-seven of these patients (87%) were considered to be refractory to prior 5-FU therapy and four (13%) were previously untreated. All 31 patients successfully completed at least one 6-week cycle of this regimen with acceptable toxicity. The combined complete (CR) and partial response (PR) rate was 45% with another 25% of patients remaining stable. The 95% confidence levels for the responding patients are 27.6% and 62.7%, respectively. The remaining 30% of the patients had all received prior 5-FU therapy and progressed. All of the responding patients and 80% of the patients with stable disease received two or more cycles of this regimen after a 3- to 4-week interval off therapy. The median ti...
Preliminary Study of Diagnostic Value of Ultra High Resolution Thin Slice CT on Small Pulmonary Nodules Diameter Less Than 2cm

Objective:Morphological features of solitary pulmonary nodules is an important basis to judge the malignant and benign,high resolution CT imaging is a key factor to improve the detection rate of SPN subtle morphological characteristics.The objective of this study is to comparatively analyze the difference of pulmonary nodules diameter less than 2 cm imaging features between high resolution thin slice CT(512×512 matrix,HRCT) and ultra- high resolution thin slice CT(1 024×1 024 matrix,ultra-HRCT),and to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of ultra-HRCT in showing the fine structure of SPN and the image quality.Method:72 SPN in living body were scanned by ultra-HRCT and HRCT.The occurrence rate of various features of SPN was calculated,the features of SPN include:edge:lobulated sign(deep,shallow),halo sign(clear,fuzzy),burr sign(thin and short burr,thin and long burr,spine sign),internal structure(bubble sign/air bronchogram/cavity),nodules density(calcification,ground glass density).Meanwhile the image quality of ultra-HRCT and HRCT was observed,and their statistical difference was analyzed.Results:The occurrence rate of various features of SPN prompts that ultra-HRCT is better than HRCT,but P0.05,which showed no significant statistically difference.The image quality of ultra-HRCT is better than that of HRCT,but P0.05,which showed no significant statistically difference.Conclusions:The occurrence rate of various features of SPN on ultra-HRCT is less than that on HRCT,ultra-HRCT on the lobulated sign,burr sign,halo sign,bubble sign,air bronchogram,the detection rate of GGO is higher than that of HRCT,suggesting that ultra-HRCT in displaying the lobulated sign,burr sign,halo sign,bubble sign,air bronchogram,GGO and other fine is better than HRCT in terms of structure,but the two has no significant statistical difference.Subjective image quality score of HRCT was higher than Ultra-HRCT,ultra-HRCT image display quality is better than that of the edge of the lesion and vascular structure of HRCT,but the motion artifacts and noise occurrence rate is higher,the difference was not statistically significant.X-ray radiation dose of the two are in a safe range.
Breeding of Indica Soft Rice CMS Line Liangfeng A with High Quality

Liangfeng A,developed from the testcross of de sirable F4 plants of the cross between Shiyou B and Bai B(two fine quality ma intainer lines with complementary traits) to Shiyou A followed by successive bac kcrosses,is an indica soft rice CMS line.It has a medium tillering ability wit h erect leaf,lodging-resistant thick stature and long slender grain(19 g of 1 000-grain weight).It has a complete and stable male sterility and favorable o utcrossing habits with highly exerted purple stigmas.Its grain quality,meeting the 3rd class of national standards of quality rice,is fine with a low a mylose content and soft gel consistency.It has a high combining ability and mos t of its F1 hybrids show thermo-sensitivity.In October,2010,it was technic ally identified by Guangxi Crop Variety Appraisal Committee.
Privacy Preserving Biometric Voice Authentication System – SIPPA-based Approach

This research is focused on developing a privacy preserving biometric voice authentication system based on SIPPA – Secure Information Processing with Privacy Assurance. SIPPA is a 2-party secure computation protocol that allows private data comparison and exchange. The significance of SIPPA protocol is its ability to guarantee correctness and privacy under the realistic model that any party could behave maliciously. The contribution of this research is a novel application of SIPPA to realize a practical biometric voice authentication system. Specifically, the authentication credential is not stored in plain anywhere, and is regenerated on demand; thereby eliminating the risk of information leakage when the system is compromised.
RESEARCH FOCUS: Cracking the Neoproterozoic atmosphere?

It is often said that the Earth is a planet that records its own history. While this is certainly true of the solid and liquid Earth, the archives are less well kept for the atmosphere. We have excellent records of atmospheric composition from gas bubbles in ice cores as far back as one million
Morals and History

It has sometimes been said that the values on which morality and art are based belong to another world than the world of historical processes. In working for the revolution of society, it is argued, primacy must be given once more to the individual human being. I think these two veiws are connected. I also think they are mistaken.