cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance Modeling and Algorithm Characterization for Robust Image Segmentation

This paper presents a probabilistic framework based on Bayesian theory for the performance prediction and selection of an optimal segmentation algorithm. The framework models the optimal algorithm selection process as one that accounts for the information content of an input image as well as the behavioral properties of a particular candidate segmentation algorithm. The input image information content is measured in terms of image features while the candidate segmentation algorithm's behavioral characteristics are captured through the use of segmentation quality features. Gaussian probability distribution models are used to learn the required relationships between the extracted image and algorithm features and the framework tested on the Berkeley Segmentation Dataset using four candidate segmentation algorithms.
Investigation of the component reactions of oxidative demethylation of sterols. Metabolism of 4 -hydroxymethyl steroids.

Abstract The metabolism of 4α-hydroxymethyl sterols by rat liver microsomes has been studied. Oxidation of the 4α-hydroxymethyl group to a carboxylic acid requires oxygen and reduced pyridine nucleotide. On the other hand, anaerobic dehydrogenation to the carboxylic acid is very slow. Thus, in sharp contrast to earlier suggestions, it appears that oxidation of the hydroxymethyl group is catalyzed by microsomal mixed function oxidases. Oxidations of 4α-hydroxymethyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol and 4β-methyl-4α-hydroxymethyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol may be catalyzed by the same liver microsomal system. Furthermore, the properties of the oxidases that catalyze formation of 4α-carboxylic acids from 4α-methyl and 4α-hydroxymethyl groups are very similar.
Chemistry of boranes—II: Decaborane derivatives based on the B10H12 structural unit

Abstract The variety of possible compounds based on the B10H12 structural unit has been demonstrated with further examples of B10H12·2base derivatives, including those in which one or both of the base moieties are univalent anions. Chemical evidence for the isostructural relationships of the neutral and charged derivatives is largely based on the facile conversion of the unique B10H12·(CH3)2S to B10H12·2base and to B10H12CN·(CH3)2S−. Spectral evidence also supports the isostructural relations and suggests that B10H15O−(B10H12·H·H2O−) may also belong to this class. B10H12·(CH3)2 S and B10H13− also appear to be isostructural.
Diagnostic tools for mixing models of stream water chemistry

[1] Mixing models provide a useful null hypothesis against which to evaluate processes controlling stream water chemical data. Because conservative mixing of end-members with constant concentration is a linear process, a number of simple mathematical and multivariate statistical methods can be applied to this problem. Although mixing models have been most typically used in the context of mixing soil and groundwater end-members, an extension of the mathematics of mixing models is presented that assesses the “fit” of a multivariate data set to a lower dimensional mixing subspace without the need for explicitly identified end-members. Diagnostic tools are developed to determine the approximate rank of the data set and to assess lack of fit of the data. This permits identification of processes that violate the assumptions of the mixing model and can suggest the dominant processes controlling stream water chemical variation. These same diagnostic tools can be used to assess the fit of the chemistry of one site into the mixing subspace of a different site, thereby permitting an assessment of the consistency of controlling end-members across sites. This technique is applied to a number of sites at the Panola Mountain Research Watershed located near Atlanta, Georgia.
G. S. Vaiana Memorial Lecture

The bicentennial of the Palermo Astronomical Observatory gives us the opportunity to honor the memory of Professor Giuseppe Vaiana who certainly will rank among its most distinguished Directors. It is an especially poignant occasion for me because Pippo (as he was known to his friends) was not only a close scientific collaborator in the early days of X-ray astronomy and for almost 30 years thereafter, but also a close personal friend.
Patient Provider Communication and Reproductive Health

The prevalence among youth aged 15–19 ever having sexual intercourse has decreased from 1991–2007. However, the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBS) of AYA in the United States reports 48% of this population has had sexual intercourse [1]. Along with these rates of sexual activity, 28% of adolescents who have requested pregnancy tests at local health departments had already used a home pregnancy test [2]. Considering these high rates of sexual activity in teens in conjunction with the public health risk of adolescent pregnancies [3] and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [4], the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provide professional guidelines stressing the responsibility of health professionals to offer comprehensive reproductive health services such as sex education, counseling, and contraceptive awareness [5, 6]. These guidelines are consistent with research that sex education results in lower rates of sexual activity, increased contraceptive use, and fewer adolescent pregnancies [7, 8].
Three‐dimensional saline infusion vaginography for sonographic assessment of the anterior vaginal wall and pelvic floor descent

Ultrasound has been recognized as an important tool for pelvic floor evaluation. A main limitation of the two-dimensional transvaginal examination is in delineation of the posterior vaginal compartment and its relation to the cervix. We describe the use of three-dimensional saline infusion vaginography as a complementary technique for the assessment of the vaginal wall and pelvic floor descent. We present several cases that demonstrate the advantages of this technique in overcoming the limitations inherent in current approaches. The improved imaging obtained by this technique enabled us to measure pelvic floor parameters and assist in evaluating pelvic floor dysfunction.
Community Access to Child Health and State Policy

This remarkable treatise by Dr Vince Hutchins and associates recounts the laying of each brick (milestone) in the foundation of child health advocacy for the new millennium. Indeed, the advocacy of the 21st century calls for direct pediatrician involvement and leadership in community initiatives to improve children's access to health care to ensure that every child has a medical home and all other services needed to promote optimal health and well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has wisely assimilated, organized, and resourced the infrastructure necessary to support individual members in their practice of community pediatrics. The AAP's partners, collaborators, and sponsors in this effort (The Maternal and Child Health Bureau, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Dyson Foundation, The Partnership for Children, Wyeth Lederle Vaccines) have provided resources, guidance, and support for each fundamental step. The engineers of the evolution of Community Access to Child Health, or CATCH, (Drs Porter, Rushton, and Walter Campbell) have masterfully directed each evolving process. The blueprint for the entire “House of Community Pediatrics” lies … Address correspondence to Vince L. Hutchins, MD, MPH, National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health, 2000 15th St N, Suite 701, Arlington, VA 22201.
Evidence of functional trimeric chlorophyll a/c2-peridinin proteins in the dinoflagellate Symbiodinium

The chlorophyll a-chlorophyll c2-peridinin-protein (apcPC), a major light harvesting component in peridinin-containing dinoflagellates, is an integral membrane protein complex. We isolated functional acpPC from the dinoflagellate Symbiodinium. Both SDS-PAGE and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis quantified the denatured subunit polypeptide molecular weight (MW) as 18kDa. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and blue native gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) were employed to estimate the size of native acpPC complex to be 64-66kDa. We also performed native ESI-MS, which can volatilize and ionize active biological samples in their native states. Our result demonstrated that the native acpPC complex carried 14 to 16 positive charges, and the MW of acpPC with all the associated pigments was found to be 66.5kDa. Based on these data and the pigment stoichiometry, we propose that the functional light harvesting state of acpPC is a trimer. Our bioinformatic analysis indicated that Symbiodinium acpPC shares high similarity to diatom fucoxanthin Chl a/c binding protein (FCP), which tends to form a trimer. Additionally, acpPC protein sequence variation was confirmed by de novo protein sequencing. Its sequence heterogeneity is also discussed in the context of Symbiodinium eco-physiological adaptations.
Oil Films on Electroplated Gold Contact Surfaces

This study was performed to quantify the amount of oil applied to Au electroplated sample sufaces and to support friction and wear studies performed to determine the optimum metallurgy and lubricant coverage of such samples. An oil coating technique was developed that was gravimetrically reproducible. Polarized light microscopy was used to measure oil thickness on these surfaces and document by photomacrograph the type of oil coverage present. It was determined that the type of oil coverage is influenced by the distance between the asperities of the Au electroplated surface with a secondary dependency on their shape. As oil coverage of these electroplated surfaces can be discontinuous, a method to quantify the equivalent thickness of this oil film as if it had been continuous was developed. Also a model was developed to relate surface parameters to the thickness of the oil layer.
Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Sediments of Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron

The history of petroleum contamination of Saginaw Bay is given by a 60 cm core recording sediment accumulation over the last two centuries. Aliphatic hydrocarbon concentrations average 385 μgm/gm in modern sediments and progressively decrease from 10 cm to 40 cm in the core to average 30 μgm/gm in sediments deposited before 1876. An unresolved complex mixture of hydrocarbons diagnostic of petroleum represents about 90 percent of the total concentration in all core sections deposited over the last 100 years. In older sediment, this decreases but still comprises 40 percent of the total at the bottom of the core. These patterns indicate a large input of nonbiogenic hydrocarbons which has accumulated in the sediments of Saginaw Bay. While a portion of these may originate from natural sources, such as forest fires and erosion of ancient sediments, we conservatively estimate that 2 to 4 X 104 Tonne of petroleum hydrocarbons have been introduced to Saginaw Bay since the 1870s.
Effects of increasing oxygen availability on bicycle ergometer endurance performance.

In order to test the effects of increasing oxygen availability on bicycle ergometer endurance performance, 26 subjects completed two criterion endurance performance tests of 6'min duration, (designed to elicit 115% of [Vdot]O2max) while breathing either room air or 100% oxygen. It was hypothesised that if oxygen availability is a limiting factor in endurance performance, one would expect increased work output in the hyperoxic condition, Hyperoxic conditions that do not result in increased work performance would support the cell as limiting. The results of the present study support the oxygen transport theory as the major limiting factor in aerobic endurance performance. Subjects turned substantially more pedal revolutions (17[sdot]3 revs :p < 0[sdot]01) and had significantly higher oxygen uptakes (650 to 780 cm3 greater: p < 0[sdot]01) in the 100% oxygen condition. In addition, there were no differences in estimated cardiac output between the two conditions while there were substantial differences in the ...
How does public policy impact cervical screening and vaccination strategies

Objectives To examine the current approaches to cervical screening and points to consider for improving HPV vaccination acceptance and uptake in the US.
Bal31 sensitivity of micronuclear sequences homologous to C4A4G4T4 repeats in Oxytricha nova

Abstract The sequence similarity and functional equivalence of telomeres from macronuclear linear DNA molecules in Oxytricha and telomeric sequences of true mitotic/meiotic chromosomes suggest that the ( C 4 A 4 C 4 A 4 ) n ( G 4 T 4 )n sequences found at macronuclear telomeres may also function as micronuclear telomeres in Oxytricha . In this study, radioactively labeled (C 4 A 4 ) n have been hybridized to micronuclear DNA samples that have been treated with the enzyme Bal 31, which has double-stranded exonuclease activity. A time course of digestion shows that approximately 50% of the micronuclear sequences that hybridize to a C 4 A 4 probe disappear with mild digestion by Bal 31, suggesting that these sequences are telomeric. The remainder of the hybridizing sequences are not degraded any more rapidly than the total genomic DNA. All of the C 4 A 4 G 4 T 4 sequences that can be detected by hybridization of C 4 A 4 probes to Southern-blotted restriction enzyme digests of micronuclear DNA occur in regions of the genome that are highly resistant to restriction enzyme digestion and show a clustering of sites reminiscent of telomeres in other organisms. We propose that the micronuclear C 4 A 4 hybridizable sequences that are Bal 31 resistant may be located near the telomere and within telomere-associated repetitive sequences that are immediately internal to telomeric ( Bal 31 sensitive) C 4 A 4 hybridizeable sequences.
Engineering in Context: Engineering in Developing Countries

This paper is the beginning of a handbook geared toward engineering students who want to work in developing countries in a socially responsible manner. The paper discusses socially responsible engineering in the field of development assistance. It suggests that actual contributions to the development process of a country happen when the engineer truly listens to the desires of those he/she is attempting to serve. Included in the paper are examples of developmental projects that have been successful and ones that have failed to reach their intended goals. The reasons for these successes and failures are examined. As well, examples of engineers combining social responsibility and their engineering skills in developing countries are given. Issues such as policy, appropriate technology, working conditions in developing countries, culture, participation, women engineers, education, and ethics are also explored. This paper is intended to stimulate a discussion about the role of engineers from industrialized countries in the Third World.
Effects of Reduction Treatment on Fracture Properties of Cerium Oxide

The reduction treatment effects on the flexural strength and the fracture toughness of ceria were evaluated at room temperature. The results reveal that the flexural strength decreases significantly after reduction under very low oxygen partial pressures; however, in contrast, fracture toughness is increased by 30%–40% when the oxygen partial pressure was decreased to 10−20–10−22 atm range. The large microcracks and the surface tensile stresses developed upon reduction treatment and cooling process are responsible for the decreased strength. The enhancement in toughness is also discussed in terms of internal stresses, microcrack toughening, and crack deflection mechanisms.
Chemical Compositions and Antioxidant/Anti-inflammatory Activities of Steam Distillate from Freeze-Dried Onion (Allium cepa L.) Sprout

Freeze-dried onion sprout was steam-distilled, and the distillate was extracted with dichloromethane (volatile sample). Water sample I was obtained from the residual aqueous solution in the extractor. The filtrate and the methanol extract of filtrand from the residual aqueous solution in the steam distillation flask were named water sample II and methanol sample, respectively. Among the total of 71 components identified in the volatile sample, 24 were sulfur-containing compounds, which comprised 36.87% of the total volatile chemicals identified. The volatile sample inhibited hexanal oxidation for 40 days by >99% at levels >100 microg/mL. The volatile sample and water sample II exhibited moderate antioxidant activity in a malonaldehyde/gas chromatography assay and thiobarbituric acid assay, whereas water sample I did not show appreciable activity. The volatile sample, water sample I, and water sample II exhibited anti-inflammatory activity with a dose-related response in the lipoxygenase inhibitor screening assay. However, the methanol sample did not show appreciable activity in either antioxidant or anti-inflammatory tests. The results suggest that onion sprouts can be an excellent food source.
A Linear Parameter-varying Framework for Adaptive Active Microgravity Isolation

This paper presents a novel approach to the design of adaptive active vibration isolation systems using linear parameter-varying (LPV) control techniques. The proposed LPV controller is scheduled based on the relative position of the vibrating system, as well as a parameter that characterizes the harshness of the base motion. By scheduling on relative position, the controller is able to shift its focus from a “soft” setting to a “stiff” setting depending on the need for acceleration minimization or relative displacement reduction. An outer loop that is scheduled based on a parameter that quantifies base motion harshness controls the way in which the system transitions between the “soft” and “stiff” settings. Parameter-dependent weighting functions are used to achieve these objectives. A single degree-of-freedom rack-level microgravity vibration isolation model is used to demonstrate the proposed adaptive design framework. The objective is to provide stringent closed-loop isolation characteristics and at t...
Coupled BEM and FEM Analysis of Functionally Graded Material Layers

ABSTRACT This study presents the development of a boundary element method (BEM) capable of including functionally graded materials in order to capture the correct behavior of the underfill material in electronic packages. In order to take advantage of the salient features of both FEM and BEM, this study also couples the BEM solution with the conventional FEM solution while satisfying the continuity of displacements and equilibrium of tractions along the interfaces.
Line Edge Roughness Metrology Using Atomic Force Microscopes

Line edge roughness (LER) measurements using two types of atomic force microscopes and three types of tips are compared. Measurements were made on specially prepared samples with inscribed edge roughness of different amplitudes and wavelengths. The spatial wavelengths and amplitudes each instrument was able to measure are compared. Techniques on checking the noise level of LER measuring instruments are highlighted.
Molecular markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer.

Molecular probes for lung cancer have greatly increased the understanding of the biology of this disease and the preneoplastic changes that precede it. They have confirmed and extended the clinical, pathologic, and biologic reasons for the primary division of lung cancers into small cell and non-small cell lung cancer types. Many molecular changes are present in lung cancers and involve dominant oncogenes and recessive growth regulatory genes. Clinical application of these markers will aid diagnosis, classification, and clinical management
Dynamical Models in the Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy of Peptides

A brief description of the signals in multidimensional infrared spectroscopy is given with emphasis on the various types of experiments that can be done, what they measure, and their relationship to other kinds of resonant nonlinear optical experiments. The predictions from Bloch dynamics and responses including spectral diffusion are discussed. Experiments with the amide-I transitions of N-methylacetamide and the alanine dipetide show that Bloch dynamics are inadequate, but for small values of waiting times can give a reasonable description of the 2D spectra. Both single frequency and dual frequency 2D experiments that excite both the amide-I and amide-II modes are reported.
A lattice Boltzmann based implicit immersed boundary method for fluid-structure interaction

The immersed boundary method is a practical and effective method for fluid-structure interaction problems. It has been applied to a variety of problems. Most of the time-stepping schemes used in the method are explicit, which suffer a drawback in terms of stability and restriction on the time step. We propose a lattice Boltzmann based implicit immersed boundary method where the immersed boundary force is computed at the unknown configuration of the structure at each time step. The fully nonlinear algebraic system resulting from discretizations is solved by an Inexact Newton-Krylov method in a Jacobian-free manner. The test problem of a flexible filament in a flowing viscous fluid is considered. Numerical results show that the proposed implicit immersed boundary method is much more stable with larger time steps and significantly outperforms the explicit version in terms of computational cost.
Thyroid Hormone Regulates Hepatic Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in a PPARα-dependent Manner

Thyroid hormone has profound and diverse effects on liver metabolism. Here we show that tri-iodothyronine (T3) treatment in mice acutely and specifically induces hepatic expression of the metabolic regulator fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Mice treated with T3 showed a dose-dependent increase in hepatic FGF21 expression with significant induction at doses as low as 100 μg/kg. Time course studies determined that induction is seen as early as 4 h after treatment with a further increase in expression at 6 h after injection. As FGF21 expression is downstream of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), we treated PPARα knock-out mice with T3 and found no increase in expression, indicating that hepatic regulation of FGF21 by T3 in liver is via a PPARα-dependent mechanism. In contrast, in white adipose tissue, FGF21 expression was suppressed by T3 treatment, with other T3 targets unaffected. In cell culture studies with an FGF21 reporter construct, we determined that three transcription factors are required for induction of FGF21 expression: thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ), retinoid X receptor (RXR), and PPARα. These findings indicate a novel regulatory pathway whereby T3 positively regulates hepatic FGF21 expression, presenting a novel therapeutic target for diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A Study of Boilover in Liquid Pool Fires Supported on Water. Part II: Effects of In-depth Radiation Absorption

Abstract This study is the continuation of a previous study (Part I) on boilover of liquid fuels supported on water. Previously we designed a small-scale pool-fire apparatus and tested seventeen different (single and multicomponent) liquid fuels on water. Based on this established data, in this paper we describe a one-dimensional model to predict the time required for the water sublayer to start to boil (TWSB). The model includes the unsteady term in the thermal energy equation, along with conduction and in-depth absorption of radiation terms. To fully implement the model, radiation absorption was measured for toluene and Alberta Sweet crude oil as a function of fuel-layer thickness. The model calculation predicts the formation of inverse temperature profiles in the liquid due to the effect of in-depth absorption. Occurrence of the predicted Rayleigh convection in the fuel layer is confirmed using holographic inter-ferometry, and its effect on TWSB is estimated by comparing the model calculations with the...
Note on 't Hooft's Hamiltonian in two-dimensional quantum chromodynamics

The Hamiltonian of 't Hooft in two-dimensional quantum chromodynamics, defined as a natural Friedrichs extension, is shown to have a purely discrete spectrum with eigenvalues approaching infinity.
URINARY TESTOSTERONE: A METHOD UTILIZING COLUMN CHROMATOGRAPHY.

A new modification of Allen's color reaction, with certain advantages over other methods reported, is described for the determination of urinary testosterone. Isolation and good recovery are achieved by using column chromatography only. The location of testosterone in the chromatographic fractions was verified using 1,2-3H-testosterone. This color reaction is shown to be sensitive, specific and reproducible. This process has been used to establish the amount of testosterone in the urine of a variety of subjects.
ENZYME HISTOCHEMISTRY OF RABBIT AORTA, IN SPONTANEOUS LESIONS AND AFTER ACUTE EXERCISE.

Summary1. The activities of succinic dehydrogenase, nonspecific esterase, cholinesterase, glucose-6-phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, cytochrome oxidase, DPN diaphorase, TPN diaphorase, phosphorylase and leucine aminopeptidase in the frozen sections of adrenal, liver, kidney, lung, spleen, pancreas, heart, striated muscle, small arteries and aorta of acutely exercised and sedentary rabbits were studied histochemically. 2. There were no enzymatic changes attributable to the acute exercise in any organs. 3. TPN diaphorase is present in the intima, medial muscle fibers and adventitia of the aorta. 4. Phophorylase is present in the medial muscle fibers of the aorta. 5. Leucine aminopeptidase is absent in all parts of the aorta. 6. In the spontaneous lesions, TPN diaphorase and phosphorylase are decreased as the medial muscle fibers are degenerated.
Extracting first science measurements from the southern detector of the Pierre Auger observatory

Abstract The world's largest cosmic-ray detector is nearing completion in the remote Pampas of Argentina. This instrument measures extensive air-showers with energies from 10 18 to 10 20 eV and beyond. A surface detector array of area 3000 km 2 records the lateral distribution of charged particles at ground level. A fluorescence detector overlooking the surface detector records the longitudinal light profiles of showers in the atmosphere to make a calorimetric energy measurement. A “test beam” for the fluorescence detector is generated by a calibrated laser near the array center. This talk will focus on detector characterizations essential to the first science results that have been reported from the observatory. Plans to construct a larger instrument in the northern hemisphere will also be outlined.
Translator's Introduction

In China before 1949, the management of surface flows of water for irrigation was commonly carried out by local hierarchical professional associations. These associations were one of the few aspect...
Oxidation of silicon carbide in a wet atmosphere

The effects of water vapour on oxidation of pressureless-sintered silicon carbide containing alumina as a densifying aid were studied in a wet air flow with 10, 20, 30 and 40vol% H2O at 1300° C for 100h. The oxidation kinetics were determined in a wet air flow with 20 vol % H2O and in a dry air flow at 1300° C for times up to 360 h. The weight gain on oxidation showed an increasing tendency with increasing water vapour content. Water vapour in the atmosphere strongly influenced oxidation and accelerated the reaction. Oxidation in a wet atmosphere proceeded in a diffusion-controlled manner, in the same process as that for the dry atmosphere. No remarkable differences were noticed in the microstructure of the oxide layer and the surface roughness between the samples oxidized under the four wet conditions, but the surface roughness increased with increasing oxidation time. Water vapour evidently accelerated the devitrification of amorphous silica and promoted oxidation. Oxidation in a wet atmosphere (10 to 40 vol % H2O for 100 h and 20 vol % H2O up to 360 h) had a slight degrading effect on the flexural strength. The microstructure or surface roughness of the oxide layer formed during oxidation presumably had very little effect on the room-temperature strength.
Quantification of O-glycosylation stoichiometry and dynamics using resolvable mass tags

Mechanistic studies of O-GlcNAc glycosylation have been limited by an inability to monitor the glycosylation stoichiometries of proteins obtained from cells. Here we describe a powerful method to visualize the O-GlcNAc–modified protein subpopulation using resolvable polyethylene glycol mass tags. This approach enables rapid quantification of in vivo glycosylation levels on endogenous proteins without the need for protein purification, advanced instrumentation or expensive radiolabels. In addition, it establishes the glycosylation state (for example, mono-, di-, tri-) of proteins, providing information regarding overall O-GlcNAc site occupancy that cannot be obtained using mass spectrometry. Finally, we apply this strategy to rapidly assess the complex interplay between glycosylation and phosphorylation and discover an unexpected reverse 'yin-yang' relationship on the transcriptional repressor MeCP2 that was undetectable by traditional methods. We anticipate that this mass-tagging strategy will advance our understanding of O-GlcNAc glycosylation, as well as other post-translational modifications and poorly understood glycosylation motifs.
A signature for the Lorenz instability in quantum optics

The time averaged output power of a Lorenz laser in the self-pulsing and chaotic regime has been numerically examined. The results indicate that the change in average power when unstable behavior occurs are of the order of 1-5 percent. This negligible change could serve as an additional signature of the Lorenz instability in quantum optics.
Linearity of summation of synaptic potentials underlying direction selectivity in simple cells of the cat visual cortex

Intracellular recordings from simple cells of the cat visual cortex were used to test linear models for the generation of selectivity for the direction of visual motion. Direction selectivity has been thought to arise in part from nonlinear processes, as suggested by previous experiments that were based on extracellular recordings of action potentials. In intracellular recordings, however, the fluctuations in membrane potential evoked by moving stimuli were accurately predicted by the linear summation of responses to stationary stimuli. Nonlinear mechanisms were not required.
On the absolute configurational stability of bromonium and chloronium ions

Halonium ions have long been established as the critical intermediates in halogenation and halofunctionalization of alkenes. Although these workhorse reactions have been extensively studied mechanistically and employed synthetically, the paucity of enantioselective variants is striking. A central problem in the development of catalytic enantioselective halofunctionalizations is the reversible formation of halonium ions and the facile olefin-to-olefin transfer. In this report, configurationally defined and enantiomerically enriched bromonium and chloronium ions are generated (by solvolysis of enantiomerically enriched precursors) and shown to be intercepted intermolecularly with high enantio- and diastereospecificity by various nucleophiles. Most importantly, the stereospecificity of capture is not significantly eroded in the presence of olefins.
Quasienergy formalism for photoionization in intense radiation and magnetic fields

Abstract A practical non-perturbative method is presented for the treatment of photoionization of atoms in the presence of a magnetic field. By use of the dilatation transformation appropriate for the Stark—Zeeman operator and the L 2 -discretization of the atomic continuum, the shifted and broadened quasienergy states can be located and photoionization or multiphoton ionization rates determined as a function of arbitrary photon and magnetic field intensities.
Validity of the Career Factors Inventory

The present study examined the construct and concurrent validity of the Career Factors Inventory (CFI; Chartrand, Robbins, & Morrill, 1989). The CFI, along with the Career Choice Status Inventory (Savickas, 1993), the Vocational Identity Scale (VIS; Holland, Daiger, & Power, 1980), and the Career Development Inventory—Adult Form II (CDI-A; Super, Zelkowitz, & Thompson, 1975), were completed by 227 college students. Strong support for the CFI's construct validity was provided by a principal components analysis showing four components that paralleled the four scales in the inventory and correlations in the expected direction with age and year in school. Evidence in support of the CFI's concurrent validity was provided by correlations in the expected direction with career decidedness, vocational identity, and career development.
Epinions Advisors as Technical Editors Using Politeness Across Levels of Edit

This study examines how, in the realm of social media, Epinions Advisors voluntarily perform a role similar to that of a technical editor. Specifically, the study examines Advisors' use of politene...
Soil Organic Matter Mineralization after Compost Amendment

The addition of composts and manures to soils has often resulted in increased plant yields that are not obviously related to the nutrients in the added organic material. A study was conducted to determine if compost additions to soil resulted in increased mineralization of soil organic matter (SOM). The organic matter of a Sassafras sandy loam soil (fine-loamy, siliceous, mesic Typic Hapludult) was labeled with C by incubating uniformly labeled wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw with the soil through a minimum of 60 wetting-drying cycles during 2 yr. A municipal solid waste-biosolids compost (MSWC) or a biosolids compost (BC) was added to the labeled soil or to acid-washed sand and incubated for 1440 h. Decomposition of MSWC was low with 95% of the compost-C remaining in sand or soil after 1440 h. Ninety-two percent of BC-C remained in sand and 86% remained in soil after 1440 h. Total and 14 CO 2 data indicated that neither compost stimulated SOM decomposition. Municipal solid waste-biosolids compost reduced slightly SOM decomposition at 545 and 715 h. The soil, however, stimulated BC decomposition. Nitrogen mineralization of the BC + soil mixture was greater than soil alone, and the N apparently came from the compost. The benefits from addition of BC to Sassafras soil was not attributed to increased mineralization of SOM.
Comparative study of high voltage IGBTs with enhanced conductivity modulation

A new device structure for enhancing conductivity modulation in the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) is numerically studied. An N-type hole barrier layer and a deep P+ plug emitter tie are added to the conventional IGBT structure. It is observed that the addition of the P+ plug alone results in a reduction in switching power losses and no change in V CE (sat), however the avalanche breakdown voltage (BV) and short circuit ruggedness of the device are improved. A further 0.4 V improvement in V CE (sat) is observed when the P+ plug is implemented in conjunction with an N hole barrier. This is accomplished without the usual degradation of BV and ruggedness normally associated with other N hole barrier structures. The design space of the new IGBT structure is thoroughly characterized using 2-D TCAD simulation.
Touch Among Children at Nursery School

Naturalistic observations of touching behaviors were conducted among 33 preschool children, ranging from 3 to 64 months of age. Touch was coded for direction (received/initiated), type, body area touched, responses to touch, and purpose. Infants received significantly more touch than older children. Preschool children engaged in touching behaviors similar to those observed among adults. Touch involved “vulnerable body parts” more often among toddlers than among preschoolers. ‘Negative’ responses to being touched occurred more often among toddlers than among preschoolers, and task‐related touch occurred less often in the preschool than in the toddler and infant classes.
Examining bromate ion removal by GAC through RSSCT and pilot-scale columns

The ozonation of water containing bromide ion leads to the formation of bromate ion, a suspected human carcinogen. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has recently set a drinking water standard for bromate ion of 10 μg/L. Granular activated carbon was examined through rapid small-scale column (RSSCT) and pilot-scale experiments for bromate ion removal using treated surface water. Adsorption followed by chemical reduction were found to be the removal mechanisms of bromate ion. Removal rates were higher at lower pH levels. The RSSCT provided a good approximation of pilot-scale test performance, although breakthrough of pilot -scale experiments preceded those of RSSCT experiments, which may be attributed to biological or biofilm activity in pilot-scale columns.
Chemical design of inorganic nanowires, nanotubes and nanowire networks

Inorganic nanowires are expected to play a central role in the re-engineering of products with applications in composites, thin films, nanodispersions, energy conversion devices, sensors, nanoelectronic devices and optics. The synthesis of materials at the nanoscale might also help in the discovery of new phases with interesting properties. However, the synthesis strategies for inorganic nanowires is quite limited and have not reached the level of maturity needed for either bulk manufacturing or for controlling nanowire characteristics such as sub 10 nm diameters and different growth directions. In this regard, we report several synthesis strategies that potentially offer in-situ control over the resulting nanowire characteristics such as size, growth direction and an ability to form two-dimensional networks. The techniques described here could be scaled up easily for bulk production of various nanostructures. Our preliminary results suggest that the nanowires form stable dispersions in both organic and aqueous solvents compared to nanoparticles of the same material.
Duration of follow-up to diagnose hypospadias urethroplasty complications.

Abstract Objective We report the time when hypospadias urethroplasty complications (UC) were diagnosed postoperatively. Methods The time UC occurred after primary distal and proximal TIP and TIP reoperations was obtained from prospectively maintained databases in consecutive patients. UC included fistulas, glans dehiscences, meatal stenoses, neourethral strictures and diverticula. Results Of 125 UC, 64% were diagnosed at the first postoperative visit and 81% were encountered within the first year after repair. Median time for diagnosis was 6 months (1.5–95) for fistulas, meatal stenoses/urethra strictures, and diverticulum, versus 2 months (1 week–24 months) for glans dehiscence. Conclusions The majority of UC are diagnosed at the first postoperative visit or within the first year following TIP hypospadias repair. Glans dehiscences are most often apparent by 2 months, whereas most fistulas and other UC are found by 6 months. After 1 year, 14 boys without UC have to be followed indefinitely to diagnose each additional complication.
Biotinyl-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase preparation, kinetics, and modulation by avidin

The kinetics of free glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH), biotinylated G-6-PDH, and biotinylated G-6-PDH complexed with avidin were investigated. The kinetics of the free enzyme were consistent with a sequential rather than a ping-pong mechanism. The kinetics of the biotinylated enzyme were similar to that of the free enzyme, but the kinetic constants were different; theK m value for NADP was halved, whereas theK m for G-6-P decreased only slightly. In the presence of avidin, theK m of biotinylated G-6-PDH for G-6-P nearly doubled whereas theK m for NADP did not change significantly. Avidin complexed with biotinylated G-6-PDH inhibited the enzyme from acting. Based upon these reactions, it was possible to devise assays for either free biotin or free avidin using biotinylated G-6-PDH as the indicator enzyme. Concentrations of biotin between 40 and 60 mg/mL, or of 25-95 Μg/mL of avidin could be measured within 2 min through the use of biotinylated G-6-PDH.
Repeated adjustment of delegated powers and the history of eminent domain

In representative democracies, citizens delegate powers. Not surprisingly, citizens react angrily when the delegated powers are misused (i.e., used so as to decrease social welfare). Perhaps more puzzlingly, citizens sometimes repeatedly delegate the same power (e.g., surveillance of citizens, conscription), and then repeatedly react with anger to its misuse. To study this phenomenon, we model a stylized public that repeatedly adjusts the set of powers it delegates to politicians. The public obtains new information each period, forecasts rationally (but not perfectly) the benefits and costs of delegation, and infers the likelihood with which a court will correct politicians’ misuses of delegated powers. We use the model to explore the history of eminent domain in the United States—a history characterized by periodic public backlash. The model and historical discussion illuminate the nature of public responses to judicial rulings—explaining why the public may react by adjusting the scope of delegated powers, even if a ruling merely upholds a well-established precedent.
Coronary stenting for aortocoronary dissection following balloon angioplasty

We report a case of coronary dissection following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in which the dissection extended antegrade as well as retrograde into the aortic root. Emergent stenting was able to seal the dissection entry point, resulting in restoration of normal coronary flow and diminution in the degree of aortic dissection.
Stage-specific regulation of protein phosphorylation in Leishmania major

Abstract We investigated whether there are changes in protein phosphorylation or protein kinase activities during the life cycle of Leishmania major . Using a kinase renaturation assay, we detected several leishmanial kinases at each stage of the life cycle. In particular we identified a 50-kDa kinase that is active in procyclic and metacyclic parasites but is inactive in amastigotes. An in vitro phosphorylation assay demonstrated that the pattern of serine and threonine phosphorylated proteins was regulated during the leishmanial life cycle; specifically changes in the phosphorylation of a 108-, a 62-, a 52- and a 49-kDa protein were detected. We present evidence that suggests that changes in phosphorylation of the 108-, 62- and 52-kDa proteins are due to the activity of one or more amastigote specific phosphatases. No differences were detectable in the relative ratios of phosphorylation on serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues in lysates from the different stages. In addition, the pattern of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins in lysates from the different L. major developmental stages was similar as detected with a commercial antibody to phosphotyrosine. A 37-kDa phosphorylated protein reacted strongly with the antibody and comigrated with a 37-kDa protein identified in the in vitro phosphorylation assay. Our results support the hypothesis that protein phosphorylation plays an important role in signal transduction pathways in Leishmania major .
Discovery of novel inhibitors targeting enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase in Plasmodium falciparum by structure-based virtual screening

There is a dire need for novel therapeutics to treat the dangerous malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Recently, the X-ray crystal structure of enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (ENR) in complex with triclosan has been determined and provides an opportunity for the rational design of novel inhibitors targeting the active site of ENR. Here we report the discovery of several compounds by virtual screening and their experimental validation as high potency PfENR inhibitors.
LIF measurements and chemical kinetic analysis of methylidyne formation in high-pressure counter-flow partially premixed and non-premixed flames

We report quantitative, spatially resolved, linear laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements of methylidyne concentration ([CH]) in laminar, methane–air, counter-flow partially premixed and non-premixed flames using excitation near 431.5 nm in the A–X (0,0) band. For partially premixed flames, fuel-side equivalence ratios (ϕB) of 1.45, 1.6 and 2.0 are studied at pressures of 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 atm. For non-premixed flames, the fuel-side mixture consists of 25% CH4 and 75% N2; measurements are obtained at pressures of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12 atm. The quantitative CH measurements are compared with predictions from an opposed-flow flame code utilizing two GRI chemical kinetic mechanisms (versions 2.11 and 3.0). LIF measurements of [CH] are corrected for variations in the quenching rate coefficient by using major species concentrations and temperatures generated by the code along with suitable quenching cross sections for CH available from the literature. A pathway analysis provides relative contributions from important elementary reactions to the total amount of CH produced at various pressures. Key reactions controlling peak CH concentrations are also identified by using a sensitivity analysis. For the partially premixed flames, measured CH profiles are reproduced reasonably well by GRI 3.0, although some quantitative disagreement exists at all pressures. Two CH radical peaks are observed for ϕB=1.45 and ϕB=1.6 at pressures above 3 atm. Peak CH concentrations for the non-premixed flames are significantly underpredicted by GRI 3.0. The latter agrees with previously reported NO concentrations, which are also underpredicted in these same high-pressure counter-flow diffusion flames.
Tension in Tubulovesicular Networks of Golgi and Endoplasmic Reticulum Membranes

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi have robust bidirectional traffic between them and yet form distinct membrane compartments. Membrane tubules are pulled from large aggregates of ER or Golgi by microtubule motors to form ER tubulovesicular networks or Golgi tubules both in vivo and in vitro. The physical properties of membranes are critical for membrane traffic and organelle morphology. For example, tension applied to membranes can create tethers, drive membrane flow, and set the diameter of the tubules. Here, we formed ER and Golgi membrane networks in vitro and used optical tweezers to measure directly, for the first time, the membrane tensions of these organelles to clarify the possible role of tension in membrane flow. We report that higher forces are needed to form tethers from ER (18.6 ± 2.8 pN) than from Golgi (11.4 ± 1.4 pN) membrane tubules in vitro. Since ER tubules are smaller in diameter than Golgi tubules, it follows that Golgi networks have a lower tension than ER. The lower tension of the ER could be an explanation of how Golgi tubules can be rapidly drawn into the ER by tension-driven flow after fusion, as is observed in vivo.
Global and local planarization of surface roughness by chemical vapor deposition of organosilicon polymer for barrier applications

Particulates and asperities on the surface of plastic substrates limit the performance of the current protective barrier coatings for flexible electronics. By applying a smoothing layer to the substrate, prior to barrier deposition, permeation is reduced. While application of smoothing layers from the liquid-phase application and curing of acrylate monomers is well known, reports of planarization achieved by vapor deposition are quite limited. In the current work, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of a flexible smoothing layer, requiring no curing, is implemented in the same reactor chamber and from the same organosilicon monomer used for depositing the multilayer barrier stack. The process similarity between the smoothing and barrier layer deposition steps has the potential to lower the overall cost of the process and to improve interfacial properties, such as adhesion between the smoothing layer and the barrier stack. The current methods adapts and combines features of two well established methods for...