cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AlSb thin films as negative electrodes for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries

Abstract The electrochemical reactions of amorphous/nanocrystalline AlSb thin films prepared by magnetron sputtering are reported for the first time. The reaction with Li proceeds with an average reaction potential of 0.65 V, a reversible capacity of 750 mAh g−1, and very fast reaction kinetics. A storage capacity close to 500 mAh g−1 (70% of the maximum capacity) is achieved at 125 C-rate. Only small increases in overpotentials are measured with increasing currents: ∼0.15 V at 12 C and ∼0.7 V at 125 C. In contrast, the reaction with Na results in average reaction potential of 0.5 V and a storage capacity of 450 mAh g−1. The capacity retention and reaction kinetics with Na are presently not satisfactory with pronounced capacity losses upon cycling and larger overpotentials with increasing current. The capacity retention can be improved by using FEC additive in the Na-ion electrolyte, which highlights that the SEI plays an important role for the electrode cycling stability. The study of the reaction mechanism by X-ray diffraction reveals that the electrode material remains amorphous at all potentials, and suggests that during the reaction with Li the atomic short range ordering is similar to the expected phases.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Alcohol-Associated Aspartate Aminotransferase and γ-Glutamyltransferase Elevation

Background Recent analyses have confirmed that Hispanic and black non-Hispanic Americans are at an increased risk for death from liver cirrhosis. The reasons for this are unknown. As a common cause of cirrhosis, differing sensitivities to alcohol-related hepatocellular injury may play a role. This study compared racial and ethnic aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyltransferase level elevations within alcohol-drinking categories. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of adult subjects from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk for elevation of aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyltransferase levels among Mexican American and black non-Hispanic subjects compared with white non-Hispanic subjects within categories of alcohol use. Adjustment was made for age, sex, exposure to hepatitis C and B, and body mass index. Results Among current drinkers, black non-Hispanic and Mexican Americans were more likely to have a 2-fold elevation in aspartate aminotransferase levels when compared with white non-Hispanic Americans. This was most pronounced in the highest-frequency drinkers (Mexican Americans: odds ratio, 9.1 [95% confidence interval, 3.9-21.0]; and black non-Hispanic Americans: odds ratio, 3.1 [95% confidence interval, 1.4-6.8]). No racial and ethnic differences were apparent among current abstainers. A similar pattern was found for 2-fold γ-glutamyltransferase level elevations. Conclusions Among current drinkers, Mexican and black non-Hispanic Americans may have an increased risk for hepatocellular injury. These results require confirmation in other study populations for whom validated measures of quantity and pattern of drinking exist.
UHF co-site interference filter

UHF radios are subject to out-of-band interferers. As a result, a co-site interference filter is often necessary. This paper presents a design method and test results of a bandpass filter subject to very wideband requirements (10 kHz – 20 GHz).
Combination Therapy with Famciclovir and Interferon-α for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment results in long-term remissions in only 25%-40% of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Famciclovir, the oral prodrug of penciclovir, inhibits HBV DNA replication. Five adults with chronic HBV infection in whom previous IFN-alpha therapy had failed were treated in a pilot study of overlapping IFN-alpha and famciclovir therapy totaling 20 weeks. HBV DNA levels decreased by 0.9 log units during the initial 4-week period of famciclovir alone, followed by a further decrease of 1.8 logs during the middle 12-week period of combination therapy. HBV DNA rose by 0.9 log during the final 4-week period of IFN-alpha alone. Two patients cleared HBV DNA, and their liver disease improved by clinical and histologic criteria. The combination of famciclovir and IFN-alpha appeared to be at least additive in suppressing HBV DNA. Efficacy trials of combination therapy with famciclovir and IFN-alpha are warranted.
Dopamine: release from the brain in vivo by amantadine.

After dopamine stores in the caudate nucleus of cats were labeled with [3H]dopamine, the ventricular system was perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid. The addition of amantadine to the perfusing fluid caused a doserelated increase in the concentrations of [3H]dopamine appearing in the perfusion effluent. Subthreshold concentrations of amantadine also enhanced the efflux of [3H]dopamine induced by electrical stimulation of the caudate nucleus.
Catalyzed gelation of amorphous sulphides

Abstract Amorphous GeS2 and Er3+:GeS2 gels have been fabricated. The Er3+ doped GeS2 gelation rate is quicker and goes more to completion than the corresponding GeS2 gel. This difference is attributed to the role of Er3+ as a Lewis acid which speeds up the thiolysis rate and, in analogy to silica gels, this rate leads to a gel with a particulate (10 nm) structure compared with a polymeric structure for the undoped GeS2 gel.
Acute pneumocyte injury, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity, and pyridine nucleotide levels after in vitro exposure of murine lung slices to cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is a metabolically activated, DNA-alkylating, antitumor agent that causes pulmonary fibrosis. BALB/cN (B) mice are sensitive and C57B1/6N (C) mice are resistant to CYC-induced fibrosis. Pulmonary bioactivation may contribute to strain sensitivity. Therefore, we tested the intrinsic susceptibility of murine lung slices to cell injury by direct exposure to CYC for 2–8 hr. Injury was measured by release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). DNA damage activates the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PAP, EC 2.4.2.30), causing depletion of its substrate, NAD. NAD can also be decreased by phosphorylation to NADP, as seen with oxidative stress. Depletion of NAD can lead to loss of ATP. Thus, we measured LDH release, PAP activation, NAD, NADP and ATP in slices incubated with or without the PAP-inhibitor, 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB). CYC (0.1 to 1.0 mg/mL for 4–8 hr) caused LDH release in slices from both murine strains, but LDH release was significantly greater in B lung slices than in C slices. After an 8-hr incubation 63.9±3.7% (mean±SEM) of total LDH was released from B lung slices with 1.0 mg CYC/mL, whereas only 45.8±2.6% was released from C lung slices (P<0.05). 3-AB reduced LDH release to 44.7±2.4% in B slices and 28.1±2.0% in C slices (P<0.05 vs CYC only). PAP activity in nuclei isolated from CYC-treated B lung slices was increased 2- to 4-fold after 2 hr of incubation with 0.5 and 1.0 mg CYC/mL. PAP activation was delayed and reduced with incubation in 3-AB. PAP was activated 2-fold in nuclei from C slices treated with 0.5 mg CYC/mL for 2 hr. NAD was decreased at 2 and 24 hr in B slices treated with 0.5 and 1.0 mg CYC/mL, and at 4 hr with 0.1 mg CYC/mL. NAD depletion occurred only at 4 hr in the resistant C slices treated with 1.0 mg CYC/mL. CYC increased NADP by a similar extent in B and C lung slices. In B slices, NAD losses were approximately 4 times the increases in NADP. CYC did not decrease ATP in B slices and ATP dropped 25% only after 4 hr in the resistant C slices. We conclude that CYC is directly toxic to lung tissue and observe that strain sensitivity in vitro mirrors the sensitivity to fibrosis in vivo. PAP activation and oxidate stress may contribute to this toxicity.
Evaluation of antibody-dependent enhancement of feline infectious peritonitis virus infectivity using in situ hybridization

Infection of primary macrophages in vitro by feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) was used as a model system to study the kinetics of Fc receptor-mediated antibody-dependent enhancement (FcR-ADE) of virus infectivity at the single cell level. Cells were examined for evidence of viral RNA synthesis at various times points after infection, using 35S-labeled riboprobes and in situ hybridization. At each time point, infection of macrophages with FIPV in the presence of enhancing antiserum was compared to infection with FIPV alone. Both positive- and negative-sense FIPV RNA synthesis began at the same time point after infection in each case. In addition, the level of enhancement was the same from the earliest time of detectable RNA synthesis onward. Therefore, the degree of enhancement appears to be determined at an early point in the infection cycle. These results indicate that Fc-ADE does not induce more rapid viral RNA synthesis compared to infection with FIPV alone. Our results are compared to those of recent work concerning ADE of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the presence of complement.
Death of a Cluster: The Destruction of M67 as seen by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

We probe the spatial and dynamical structure of the old open cluster M67 using photometric data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey's sixth data release. Making use of an optimal contrast, or matched filter, algorithm, we map the distribution of high probability members of M67. We find an extended and elongated halo of likely members to a radius of nearly 60'. Our measured core radius of R core = 824 ± 060 is somewhat larger than that of previous estimates. We attribute the larger core radius measurement to the SDSS probing lower mass main sequence stars than has been done before for similar studies of M67, and the exclusion of post-main-sequence M67 members in the SDSS sample. We estimate the number of M67 members in our SDSS sample to be 1385 ± 67 stars. A lower limit on the binary fraction in M67 is measured to be 45%. A higher fraction of binary stars is measured in the core as compared to the halo, and the luminosity function of the core is found to be more depleted of low-mass stars. Thus, the halo is consistent with mass segregation within the cluster. The galactic orbit of M67 is calculated from recent proper motion and radial velocity determinations. The elongated halo is roughly aligned to the proper motion of the cluster. This appears to be a result of mass segregation due to the galactic tidal field. Our algorithm is run on Two Micron All Sky Survey photometry to directly compare to previous studies of M67. Decreasing core radii is found for stars with greater masses. We test the accuracy of our algorithm using 1000 artificial cluster Monte Carlo simulations. It is found that the matched filter technique is suitable for recovering low-density spatial structures, as well as measuring the binary fraction of the cluster.
DOIs and Deeplinked E-Reserves: Innovative Links for the Future

Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) have uses beyond reference linking and document identification, which are their current primary selling points. Due to their inherent stability, DOIs are well suit...
Development and Validation of the Evidence-Based Practice Process Assessment Scale: Preliminary Findings

Objective: This report describes the development and preliminary findings regarding the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of a scale that has been developed to assess practitioners’ perceived familiarity with, attitudes about, and implementation of the phases of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process. Method: After a panel of national experts on EBP supported the scale’s content validity, social workers were surveyed by mail in Texas and Missouri to assess the scale’s internal consistency reliability and criterion validity. Additional data on the scale’s criterion validity and sensitivity were gathered in pretests and posttests of social workers participating in EBP continuing education workshops in Austin and San Antonio, Texas. Results: Preliminary findings support the scale’s internal consistency reliability, criterion validity, and sensitivity. Conclusion: In light of the current need and requests for this scale, dissemination of the preliminary findings is warranted while awaiting data collec...
Distributed Linear Space-Time Convolutional Codes Achieving Asynchronous Full Cooperative Diversity with MMSE-DFE Receivers (Special Paper)

In user cooperative communications, time offsets among the relay nodes may distort the structure of a distributed space-time code, and therefore impair the diversity gain. In this paper, we first recall some of the existing schemes for dealing with this problem and then introduce a distributed linear space- time convolutional coding scheme for asynchronous scenario. We present a systematic construction of distributed linear space- time convolutional codes that can achieve the full diversity under any delay profile. Furthermore, we show that with the MMSE decision feedback equalizer (MMSE-DFE) receiver, our proposed codes also achieve the asynchronous full diversity.
Selection of CO2 chemisorbent for fuel-cell grade H2 production by sorption-enhanced water gas shift reaction

Abstract New experimental data are reported to demonstrate that high purity H2 can be directly produced by sorption-enhanced water gas shift (WGS) reaction using synthesis gas (CO + H2O) as sorber-reactor feed gas. An admixture of a commercial WGS catalyst and a proprietary CO2 chemisorbent (K2CO3 promoted hydrotalcite or Na2O promoted alumina) was used in the sorber-reactor for removal of CO2, the WGS reaction by-product, from the reaction zone. The promoted alumina was found to be a superior CO2 chemisorbent for this application because (a) it could directly produce a fuel-cell grade H2 product (
Effects of Unseasonal Environmental Regime, GroupPresence, Group Composition and Males2 PhysiologicalState on Ovarian Recrudescence in the Lizard,Anolis carolinensis1

Reproductively inactive, winterdormant female Anolis carolinensis were exposedto an unseasonal environmental regime eitherindividually or in intact male-female isolatedpairs, all female groups, intact male-femalegroups or castrated male-female groups. Femaleshoused with intact males in either the group orisolated pairs conditions exhibited rapid rates ofovarian recrudescence (OR) and were layingshelled eggs by the third week. Females exposedsolely to the environmental regime as well as females exposed to the environmental regime whilehoused with other females or castrated malesexhibited significantly less rapid rates of environmentally-induced OR and laid only shell-lesseggs. These results indicated that while an unseasonalenvironmental regime will stimulate outof-season OR in winter dormant females, thepresence of an intact conspecific male will causea significantly more rapid rate of OR and isnecessary for normal gonadotropin secretion. (Endocrinology94: 541, 1974)
PATJ, a Tight Junction-Associated PDZ Protein, Is a Novel Degradation Target of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus E6 and the Alternatively Spliced Isoform 18 E6*

The E6 protein from high-risk human papillomavirus types interacts with and degrades several PDZ domain-containing proteins that localize to adherens junctions or tight junctions in polarized epithelial cells. We have identified the tight junction-associated multi-PDZ protein PATJ (PALS1-associated TJ protein) as a novel binding partner and degradation target of high-risk types 16 and 18 E6. PATJ functions in the assembly of the evolutionarily conserved CRB-PALS1-PATJ and Par6-aPKC-Par3 complexes and is critical for the formation of tight junctions in polarized cells. The ability of type 18 E6 full-length to bind to, and the subsequent degradation of, PATJ is dependent on its C-terminal PDZ binding motif. We demonstrate that the spliced 18 E6* protein, which lacks a C-terminal PDZ binding motif, associates with and degrades PATJ independently of full-length 18 E6. Thus, PATJ is the first binding partner that is degraded in response to both isoforms of 18 E6. The ability of E6 to utilize a non-E6AP ubiquitin ligase for the degradation of several PDZ binding partners has been suggested. We also demonstrate that 18 E6-mediated degradation of PATJ is not inhibited in cells where E6AP is silenced by shRNA. This suggests that the E6-E6AP complex is not required for the degradation of this protein target.
Differential electron-ion elastic scattering cross sections extracted from ion-atom collisions of 0.53 MeV/u Cu5+ on H2

A method of extracting electron-ion elastic scattering cross sections from ion-atom collisions has been developed. By analyzing the binary encounter electron (BEe) production in energetic ion-atom collisions, which is due to loosely bound target electrons ionized through direct, hard collisions with the projectile ions, differential cross sections of electrons elastic scattered from highly charged ions are derived for a broad range of scattering angles. The cross sections are observed to deviate strongly from the Rutherford cross sections, and immediately yielded an electron diffraction in angular distribution of elastically scattered electrons. Experimental data are compared with a partial-wave treatment using the Hartee-Fock model.
Finite-bandwidth Kramers-Kronig relations for acoustic group velocity and attenuation derivative applied to encapsulated microbubble suspensions.

Kramers-Kronig (KK) analyses of experimental data are complicated by the conflict between the inherently bandlimited data and the requirement of KK integrals for a complete infinite spectrum of input information. For data exhibiting localized extrema, KK relations can provide accurate transforms over finite bandwidths due to the local-weighting properties of the KK kernel. Recently, acoustic KK relations have been derived for the determination of the group velocity (cg) and the derivative of the attenuation coefficient (α′) (components of the derivative of the acoustic complex wave number). These relations are applicable to bandlimited data exhibiting resonant features without extrapolation or unmeasured parameters. In contrast to twice-subtracted finite-bandwidth KK predictions for phase velocity and attenuation coefficient (components of the undifferentiated wave number), these more recently derived relations for cg and α′ provide stricter tests of causal consistency because the resulting shapes are inv...
Vitamin K Treatment Reduces Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin but Does Not Alter Bone Turnover, Density, or Geometry in Healthy Postmenopausal North American Women

Low vitamin K status is associated with low BMD and increased fracture risk. Additionally, a specific menaquinone, menatetrenone (MK4), may reduce fracture risk. However, whether vitamin K plays a role in the skeletal health of North American women remains unclear. Moreover, various K vitamers (e.g., phylloquinone and MK4) may have differing skeletal effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of phylloquinone or MK4 treatment on markers of skeletal turnover and BMD in nonosteoporotic, postmenopausal, North American women. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 381 postmenopausal women received phylloquinone (1 mg daily), MK4 (45 mg daily), or placebo for 12 mo. All participants received daily calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation. Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSALP) and n-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (NTX) were measured at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo. Lumbar spine and proximal femur BMD and proximal femur geometry were measured by DXA at baseline and 6 and 12 mo. At baseline, the three treatment groups did not differ in demographics or study endpoints. Compliance with calcium, phylloquinone, and MK4 treatment was 93%, 93%, and 87%, respectively. Phylloquinone and MK4 treatment reduced serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin but did not alter BSALP or NTX. No effect of phylloquinone or MK4 on lumbar spine or proximal femur BMD or proximal femur geometric parameters was observed. This study does not support a role for vitamin K supplementation in osteoporosis prevention among healthy, postmenopausal, North American women receiving calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
Novel optical WDM transmitter using a single-stripe multiwavelength mode-locked semiconductor laser

In this letter, we report a novel multiwavelength picosecond pulse transmitter based on a modelocked semiconductor laser. By actively modelocking a single-grating-loaded external cavity semiconductor laser system, 20 wavelength channels are simultaneously generated with each wavelength transmitting 12 ps pulses at a 600 MHz rate. A conventional pulse interleaving configuration multiplexes the output optical pulse train by eight fold to give a final 5Gbit/sec pulse rate. The resulting geometry provides a very compact configuration to reach an aggregate data throughput of 100Gbit/sec.
Degree of pore-grain boundary contact during sintering

The stereological method of Aigeltinger and Exner[5] for quantifying the degree of pore-grain boundary contact by second phases has been modified to correct a bias in the computation of the extended grain boundary area. Reanalysis of the above authors’ data for sintered copper powders using the modified equation shows a degree of contact of 1.8 compared to their earlier value of 2 times the number of pore-grain boundary contacts expected from random intersections. Application of the modified equation to new data for sintered tungsten shows a similar degree of contact of 1.7 throughout all stages of sintering.
Wealth effects for acquirers and divestors related to foreign divested assets

Abstract This study examines acquisitions of foreign divested assets by U.S. firms. The results indicate that the excess returns to these acquisitions is a significant 0.48%, suggesting that capital markets perceive potential synergies from the effective utilization and strategic management of these assets by U.S. companies. The wealth effects to divestors of these foreign assets is 0.65%, significant at the 1% level, indicating that firms benefit from reducing their geographic scope of operations. We further examine excess returns to acquirers, and we find that several firm-specific characteristics foster anticipation of positive performance gains resulting from the acquisition of divested assets in foreign countries. Similar results are observed for the divesting firms also. Analysis of long horizon performance provides weak indication that performance of divesting firms improves subsequent to the divestment.
Acute dietary zinc deficiency before conception compromises oocyte epigenetic programming and disrupts embryonic development.

Recent findings show that zinc is an important factor necessary for regulating the meiotic cell cycle and ovulation. However, the role of zinc in promoting oocyte quality and developmental potential is not known. Using an in vivo model of acute dietary zinc deficiency, we show that feeding a zinc deficient diet (ZDD) for 3–5 days before ovulation (preconception) dramatically disrupts oocyte chromatin methylation and preimplantation development. There was a dramatic decrease in histone H3K4 trimethylation and global DNA methylation in zinc deficient oocytes. Moreover, there was a 3–20 fold increase in transcript abundance of repetitive elements (Iap, Line1, Sineb1, Sineb2), but a decrease in Gdf9, Zp3 and Figla mRNA. Only 53% and 8% of mature eggs reached the 2-cell stage after IVF in animals receiving a 3 and 5 days ZDD, respectively, while a 5 day ZDD in vivo reduced the proportion of 2-cells to 49%. In vivo fertilized 2-cell embryos cultured in vitro formed fewer (38%) blastocysts compared to control embryos (74%). Likewise, fewer blastocyst and expanded blastocyst were collected from the reproductive tract of zinc deficient animals on day 3.5 of pregnancy. This could be due to a decrease in Igf2 and H19 mRNA in ZDD blastocyst. Supplementation with a methyl donor (SAM) during IVM restored histone H3K4me3 and doubled the IVF success rate from 17% to 43% in oocytes from zinc deficient animals. Thus, the terminal period of oocyte development is extremely sensitive to perturbation in dietary zinc availability.
RF Matchings Time Resolved Impedance, Power and Interferometer Measurements of Laser Initiated, RF Sustained Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas

Summary form only given. The feasibility of laser ionization and radio frequency sustainment of high-pressure seeded plasmas in argon has been demonstrated by our group in previous work. The tetrakis (dimethylamino) ethylene (TMAE) laser-initiated seed plasma recombination rates have also been characterized. Time resolved impedance and RF power measurements are performed on the plasma system in order to optimize and further characterize this laser-ionized and radio frequency sustained plasma. An atmospheric pressure range (40-760 torr), large volume (~2000 cc) air and air constituent (N2 and O2) plasma of high density (>1012 cm-3 ) is initiated by a 193 nm excimer UV laser and sustained by 13.56 MHz RF power through a helix coil antenna and matching system. The plasma loading impedance in the steady-state regime was characterized using high voltage probes and found to be of order 4.0 + j100.0 Omega, which varies dependent on the gas pressure and flow rate. The temporal variation of the plasma impedance and net coupled RF power are measured. Interferometer and spectroscopic analysis of plasma density, temperature, collision rate and recombination rates are discussed
Morphological Evidence for a Galanin‐Opiate Interaction in the Rat Mediobasal Hypothalamus

It is well established that hypothalamic galanin- and beta-endorphin-containing circuits play important roles in the neuroendocrine regulation of pituitary hormone secretion and sexual behaviors, as well as in feeding. Recent experimental evidence suggests that an opiate-galanin interaction may be involved in these neuroendocrine responses. In particular, galanin and beta-endorphin have been shown to stimulate prolactin release from the pituitary, and concurrently, evoke feeding in the rat. The present study was designed to elucidate the morphological component underlying these responses in the hypothalamus. Sections of the mediobasal hypothalamus of colchicine-pretreated female rats were double immunostained for galanin and beta-endorphin. A dark blue nickel ammonium sulfate-intensified diaminobenzidine reaction was used to visualize galanin profiles, while beta-endorphin neurons were labeled with a light brown diaminobenzidine reaction. Light microscopy revealed putative connections between galanin boutons and beta-endorphin cells. Electron microscopic examination showed that galanin boutons form axo-somatic and axo-dendritic synaptic connections with beta-endorphin neurons. The vast majority (89.6%) of the beta-endorphin-immunoreactive neurons were found to be contacted by galanin-immunopositive fibers in the hypothalamus. To determine the origin of the galanin fibers innervating this region, the arcuate nuclei of additional rats were isolated unilaterally using a Halasz-knife. After a ten day survival period, immunostaining was carried out for galanin. The relative surface occupied by galanin immunoreactive profiles on the ipsi- and contralateral sides were compared using an image analyzer. This analysis revealed that deafferentation of the arcuate nucleus did not decrease the density of galanin immunoreactive profiles on the isolated side of the arcuate nucleus compared to the control side, thus, indicating that the galanin boutons contacting beta-endorphin cells are most probably of local origin. These studies support the proposal that galanin-evoked prolactin secretion and feeding behavior may, in part, be mediated by enhanced beta-endorphin release and raises the possibility that a hypothalamic galanin-beta-endorphin axis may operate in the control of other pituitary hormones.
The C3 domain of Pasteurella multocida toxin is the minimal domain responsible for activation of Gq‐dependent calcium and mitogenic signaling

The large 1285-amino-acid protein toxin from Pasteurella multocida (PMT) is a multifunctional single-chain polypeptide that binds to and enters eukaryotic cells and acts intracellularly to promote Gq and G12/13 protein-dependent calcium and mitogenic signal transduction. Previous studies indicated that the intracellular activity domain responsible for PMT action was located within the C-terminal 600–700 amino acids. In this study, we have exogenously expressed a series of N- and C-terminal PMT fragments directly in mammalian cells and have used the dual luciferase reporter system to assay for toxin-mediated activation of calcium-calcineurin-NFAT signaling (NFAT-luciferase) and mitogenic serum response signaling (SRE-luciferase). Using this approach, we have defined the last 180 amino acids, which encompass the C3 domain in the crystal structure, as the minimum domain sufficient to activate both NFAT and SRE signaling pathways.
Modulation of arterial thrombosis by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and angiotensin II type 1-receptor blockade

M ischemic events (e.g., unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction) are associated with formation of an occlusive thrombus in atherosclerotic coronary arteries. Thrombus formation is initiated by exposure of subendothelial layers to the circulation after endothelial disruption (e.g., plaque fissuring or rupture).1 Platelet aggregation stimulated by collagen is a major participant in thrombus formation, as the core of the fibrin-rich clot consists of aggregated platelets. Other elements in the blood, such as fibrin, leukocytes, and red blood cells, become incorporated into the platelet-rich thrombus and facilitate formation of a firm clot. Interventions that might decrease the risk of thrombus formation or modulate platelet or fibrin activity, therefore, might be expected to improve patient outcomes.
Rodent Repellent studies. III. Advanced Studies in the Evaluation of Chemical Repellents

In order to bridge the gap between preliminary screening of chemicals for potential rodent repellency and the application of these compounds to paper cartons, more advanced studies in the evaluation of promising materials have been carried out. These studies have resulted in: (1) a modification of the food acceptance technique which eliminates doubtful compounds and also provides a closer analogy to the ultimate goal, and (2) a method for rapidly testing chemicals incorporated in paper. When the results of these latter tests are expressed as a function of time, it can be shown that a distinct correlation exists between the deterrency exhibited by treated paper and the repellency of treated food.
Comprehension of abstract concepts in right and left hemispheres of complete commissurotomy subjects

Abstract The left and right hemispheres of three complete commissurotomy subjects were tested for the ability to comprehend abstract concepts. A technique was used which allows prolonged viewing of stimulus material restricted to a single visual hemi-field. Twenty-three trials involving a sample inspection figure and a three-choice answer array were presented to each hemi-field with instructions to point to the one picture in the choice array related to the sample. As none of the possible choices matched the sample stimulus on any concrete level, correct responses required an abstract mental association. Both the verbal and non-verbal hemisheres performed the task at a high level of proficiency in all subjects. It was further noted that both commissurotomy and normal subjects experienced difficulty in articulating the involved abstract relationship when asked to do so under a free vision condition. The results demonstrate that the right hemisphere, lacking a highly developed language system, can nevertheless support sophisticated cognitive processing at an abstract level, and further suggest that the associative process is not necessarily language-mediated in either hemisphere.
The collar plexus of subcutaneous thermoregulatory veins in the pigeon, Columba livia; its association with esophageal pulsation and gular flutter

Heat stressed pigeons dissipate heat by panting and gular flutter which is associated with upper esophageal pulsation; these activities depend on evaporative cooling and convection from mucosal surfaces. The collar plexus, an unusual subcutaneous system of erectile veins, is the specialized vascular apparatus that seems to serve as the heat exchanger for gular flutter and upper esophageal pulsation. The collar plexus lies between the dermis and a deeper muscle sheet, extending from the head to the thoracic inlet in mature pigeons. The slightly filled plexus is inconspicuous, resembling an ordinary venous bed, and consists of thick-walled veins having small lumina, similar to arteries. When moderately-filled, the veins of the plexus distend and abruptly transform into “beaded” veins with contorted, sacculated expansions separated by constricted segments.
An approach to ordering optimizing transformations

As an approach to deriving an application order of optimizing transformations, a framework is developed for examining the interactions of the transformations. The framework is based on an axiomatic specification technique and includes both pre-conditions and post conditions that must exist before and after applying optimizations. For a selected set of optimizations, the framework is used to determine those interactions among the optimizations that can create conditions and those that can destroy conditions for applying other optimizations. From these interactions, an application order is derived to obtain the potential benefits of the optimizations that can be applied to a program. In some cases, the ordering of a pair of optimizations is unambiguous in that one optimization can either create or destroy the conditions for the other. In the few cases where there is a cyclic interaction, the ordering is resolved based on the perceived importance of the two optimizations.
The fine structure of Methylococcus capsulatus

Abstract The fine structure of Methylococcus capsulatus is described. Particular emphasis is focused on the intracytoplasmic membrane system which is organized as a stacked array of flattened saccules. Each saccule is limited by a 75 A unit membrane and lies in close apposition to adjacent saccules. Methylococcus capsulatus is an obligate methylotroph whose sole source of carbon and energy is methane (or methanol). In this study methane oxidation is demonstrated for the first time in a cell-free system. Work is in progress to determine the cellular organelles which constitute the particulate fraction responsible for methane oxidation. The possible role of the intracytoplasmic membranes in energy transfer is considered in relation to the functions of stacked membrane arrays in other animal, plant and bacterial systems.
Intermediate and high-mass ion beams from a 10-cm Duopigatron

Experimental studies of a 10-cm Duopigatron as a source of argon, krypton, and xenon ion beams are reported. Source plasma instabilities are examined, and the mass dependence of oscillation frequencies and instability onset conditions are determined. Arc current and density oscillations are found to be associated with ion acoustic fluctuations with frequencies scaling as 1/M1/2. Langmuir probe measurements within the source plasma double layer are used to indicate the physical mechanism responsible for the observed large-amplitude are current shifts. Ion beams have been extracted at energies up to 18 kV, and drain currents up to 540 mA for argon, 440 mA for krypton, and 520 mA for xenon have been achieved with source plasma densities in the range 1011–1012 cm–3. Excellent agreement with existing theoretical models has been obtained in the mass and density dependence of the extraction current, as well as the voltage at which transition from space-charge limited to ion saturation emission occurs.
Statistically Comparing Three Optical Cd Measurement Systems

ABSTRACT The rapid technological change in the VLSI industry has resulted in a constant upgrading of measurement equipment. One question to be asked is whether the upgrades recommended really improve the measurement system. Precise measurement equipment is one of the most important components in the next generation of VLSI technology. A systematic approach to measurement equipment upgrades in one micron technology can save much grief and remove uncertainty. In order to compare three optical CD measurement systems simultaneously, a statistically designed systematic approach was employed. The major contributors of variation were identified and quantified. The precision of each optical CD system was then compared. Findings from the study showed the upgraded system reduced variability associated with machine repeatability by a third, but only reduced overall measurement variation by a tenth.The same methods used here can apply in most cases where one piece of equipment is evaluated or several are compared. Vendor claims can be easily tested through the approach described. Reductions in measurement variation associated with an upgrade can be actually quantified allowing management to weigh benefits against costs.
Reconstruction of alveolar ridge and jaw defects resulting from gunshot wounds.

Summary Reconstruction and rehabilitation of acquired defects of the oral cavity is an important dental service. Severe deformities of the jaws may result secondary to gunshot wounds of the oral-facial region. New advaces in soft and hard tissue surgical reconstruction can be of great benefit to the patient when coupled with prosthetic rehabilitation. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the incidence of gunshot wounds in the civilian population in the United States, and those of the mouth and jaws are relatively common-place. Gunshot wounds to the face and jaws may cause gross destruction of tissues. Although immediate definitive treatment of wounds reduces the mutilating effect, a significant number of patients require extensive reconstructive procedures. In addition, prosthetic rehabilitation is almost always needed. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review some recent advances in reconstruction of the maxilla and mandible following gunshot injuries.
At Odds: Reconciling Experimental and Theoretical Results in High School Physics.

For this experiment, students are divided into 2 groups and presented with a static equilibrium forcebalance problem to solve. One group works entirely experimentally and the other group theoretically, using Newton's laws. The groups present their seemingly dissimilar results and must reconcile them through discussion.
Nonlinear slope-dependent sediment transport in cinder cone evolution

Sediment flux on transport-limited hillslopes is well known to vary nonlinearly with slope, diverging as the angle of stability is approached. To date, however, no study has validated the precise form of the nonlinear slope-dependent transport model over geologic time scales in a non-steady-state landform. In this paper, we show how cinder cones can be used to validate the nonlinear transport model using Lathrop Wells cinder cone in Nye County, Nevada, as a type example. Cinder cones are well suited for this purpose because they can be radiometrically dated and their angles of stability can be constrained by measurement of subsurface contacts between primary fallout and overlying colluvial deposits reworked from upslope. Forward model results with a generalized, nonlinear transport model characterized by diffusivity, κ and nonlinear exponent, n , show that the evolution of the cone rim and base are most sensitive to κ while the cone midpoint is most sensitive to n . Analyses of the full cone shape, therefore, permit the two model parameters to be independently inferred if the cone age and angle of stability are independently known. Results for Lathrop Wells imply that n = 2 in the generalized, nonlinear transport model, which is consistent with Roering et al.9s (1999) widely used form of that model.
Self-Report Naps in Irregular Work Schedules

Few studies have examined napping in irregular work schedules such as those experienced by freight locomotive engineers. The current study examined the effect of napping in irregular work schedules on sleep length and three subjective measures: ability to go to sleep, ability to stay asleep, and a feeling of being well-rested upon awakening. One hundred and seventy-nine freight engineers completed a 14-d activity log, providing information on sleep times and subjective evaluations of sleep. The results indicated that days with naps resulted in significantly more total sleep but less sleep in the main sleep period of the day. The days with naps also resulted in somewhat more difficulty with going to sleep, staying asleep and with feeling well-rested upon awakening. It is important to note, however, that when examining the days with naps, nap length was not significantly correlated with main sleep time, ability to go to sleep, ability to stay asleep, or feeling well-rested upon awakening. These results suggest that napping may be useful when working irregular work schedules if the engineer is willing to accept a slight decrease in ability to go to sleep, stay asleep, and feeling rested.
Recent Language Research and Some Language Teaching Principles

The underlying assumption of this article is that linguistic and communication research can support principles on which to base revisions in the content and method of language teaching. The article first reviews the results of research in language acquisition, interfactional analysis, pragmatic, repair, error, and social and affective factors. Four general principles are then extracted from this research, principles relating to acquisition activities in the classroom, the importance of affective factors, the communicative capacity of learners, and the nature and treatment of error.
TU‐G‐BRA‐05: Optimization of Normal Tissue Sparing through Ion Selection

The variable radiobiological effect (RBE) of heavier ions like carbon make it challenging to compare dose distributions across different ions. Comparisons must be made between the isoeffective dose, the product of the dose with the RBE, requiring the use of a model that can predict how RBE changes across different ions. This presentation will discuss Geant4 simulations of parallel opposed beams of protons, helium, lithium,beryllium,carbon, and neon ions incorporating a microdosimetric model of RBE. The beams are constructed to give a homogeneous isoeffective dose to a treatment volume in the center of a water phantom for tissues covering a range of cobalt equivalent alpha/beta ratios from 1 to 20 Gy. Normal tissue isoeffective doses are then compared for different ions across the range of normal tissue and target tissue radiosensitivities. The ion type yielding the optimal normal tissue sparing is found to be highly dependent on the alpha/beta ratio of both the normal and target tissue. For instance, the calculated isoeffective dose to normal tissue at a 5 cm depth varies by almost a factor of 5 for carbon ions, ranging from a factor of 2 less than the isoeffective dose of a similar proton treatment to a factor of 2 greater. The heavier ions such as carbon are superior in cases where the alpha/beta of the target tissue is low and the alpha/beta normal tissue is high. However, lighter ions such as lithium and beryllium appear to offer dose advantages similar to carbon but with considerably less normal tissuedose when the alpha/beta in the target tissue is high and the alpha/beta in the normal tissue is low. Learning objectives 1. To understand the variation of isoeffective doses to normal tissues across ion types for a simple parallel opposed treatment. 2. To understand the dependency of isoeffective doses to normal tissues on the combination of both normal tissue radiosensitivity and target tissue radiosensitivity.
Meta‐analysis of diabetes patient education research: Variations in intervention effects across studies

Data from a previously reported meta-analysis of diabetes patient education literature were reanalyzed to determine the influence of study/subject characteristics, such as study quality and age of subjects, on patient outcomes. Patient knowledge and self-management skills, weight loss, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and psychological outcomes were analyzed as outcome variables. Seventy-three relevant published and unpublished studies were located. Patient education appeared to be more effective in younger patients, particularly for the knowledge outcome. For all patients, glycosylated hemoglobin levels improved between 1 and 6 months postintervention, but decreased to 1-month levels after 6 months. Length of the educational intervention did not appear to influence outcomes. More rigorous, experimental research designs tended to produce more conservative effect size estimates. Implications for diabetes patient education are discussed.
Vel isoimmunization in pregnancy

Summary A pregnancy complicated by Vel isoimmunization is presented. Despite known immunoglobulin G component and significant titer rise, hemolytic disease of the newborn was not present. The maternal and neonatal significance of Vel sensitization is discussed. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1990;162:1071-2.)
Parametric dependencies of high-diffraction-order achromatized aplanatic configurations that employ circular or crossed-linear diffractive optical elements

The parametric relationships of achromatized transmissive and reflective diffractive optical elements (DOEs) are explored for a number of configuration classes as a function of diffraction order, focal ratio, wavelength, and field angle. The necessity for blazing high-diffraction-order DOEs is elucidated. The ray image sizes are presented in dimensionless imaging space and thus are applicable to any size of optical system. Several aplanatic configurations are evaluated.
The surface properties of zirconium phosphate gels

The effect of composition on the surface properties of zirconium phosphate gels was investigated to determine the mechanism by which ions are selectively sorbed and exchanged on this solid. Electrophoretic mobility studies show that pH is potential determining for zirconium phosphate and that the zero-points-of-charge of these compounds vary significantly with composition. Adsorption measurements demonstrate that K+ and Li+ are attracted electrostatically to the surface of the solid only when the solid is negatively charged. On the other hand, ions which form insoluble phosphates, such as Ag+, are chemisorbed even when the solid is positively charged.
Infrared laser photoisomerization of 2-fluoroethanol in argon

Abstract Different products result from single-photon IR photolysis of 2-fluoroethanol in solid argon depending upon the vibrational mode that is excited. Irradiation of the OH stretch causes an interconversion of the two most stable isomers T 1 and G g . Irradiation of one CH stretch results in the formation of significant yields of the less stable G 1 and T g isomers. The isomers of 2-fluoroethanol can be photooriented in argon by IR irradiation.
Potential Game Model to Detect Holes in Sensor Networks

Identifying sensor holes is one of the important subjects in wireless sensor networks. Holes happen when one or more sensors are not functioning or few sensors are missing during deployment in any designated area. The presence of holes hinders the information flow in sensor networks. Different coverage models are developed recently and very few or no attempt was made to detect the sensor holes using game models. This paper presents the potential game model for detecting holes in sensor networks.