cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disequilibrium partial melting experiments on the Leedey L6 chondrite: Textural controls on melting processes

A series of experiments were designed to investigate the textural and compositional changes that take place during disequilibrium partial melting of chondritic material. Chips of the L6 chondrite, Leedey, were heated at 1200 degreesC and log fO(2) = IW-1 for durations of 1 h to 21 days. We observed a progression of kinetically-controlled textural changes in melt and restite minerals and changes in the liquidus mineralogy in response to factors such as volatile loss. During the course of the experiments, both olivine and orthopyroxene recrystallized at different times. Rare relic chondrules could still be identified after 21 days. The silicate melts that form are very heterogeneous, in terms of both major and trace element chemistry, reflecting heterogeneity of the localized mineral assemblage, particularly with respect to phosphates and clinopyroxene. Metal-sulfide melts formed in short-duration runs are also heterogeneous. The experimental data are relevant to aspects of the genesis of primitive achondrites such as the acapulcoites. The observed textures are consistent with a model for acapulcoite petrogenesis in which silicate melting was limited to only a few volume percent of the chondritic source rock. The experiments are also relevant to the behavior of chondritic material that has been partially melted in an impact environment.
Direct-detection DWDM and information transmission using infrared acousto-optic femtosecond pulse shaping

AOM-based pulse shaping permits precise spectrum slicing, which is useful for DWDM-based architectures. In essence, this method uses microsecond-duration radiofrequency pulses to completely control the spectra of femtosecond laser pulses, hence achieves dramatic temporal data compression. A multiple color sources from a mode-locked laser simplify the system design and operation. We demonstrated the AOM pulse shaper as the modulator and a CCD camera with 256 pixels as the receiver. The spectrum of a 200 fs Erbium Doped Fiber Laser (EDFL) pulse was dispersed across the AOM’s aperture (FWHM was 35 nm) and was then modulated in a conventional pulse shaper. We tested 87 channels with channel-spacing of 0.41 nm using a 518-MHz modulator, and 120 channels with channel-spacing of 0.29 nm using a 148-MHz modulator (in each case a 0.1 nm guard band was used). Starting from the original pulses, this modulation creates time slots of 43 ps and 63.4 ps respectively. The equivalent speed of the transmission will be 2.0 Tb/s and 1.9 Tb/s in a highly multiplexed system. The spectral efficiencies achieved in this experiment were ~46%, approaching the theoretical limit of 50% for On-Off Keying (OOK) modulation. A benchmark image was successfully sent over the test bed.
An inverse for the Jaumann derivative and some applications to the rheology of viscoelastic fluids

By using a generalization of the matrizant of matrix calculus, it is shown how one can construct formally an inverse, or integral, for the well-knownJaumann derivative of continuum mechanics. Some applications to fluid rheology are then considered. First, it is shown that this integral provides, via theBoltzmann super-position principle, a generalization of Oldroyd's quasi-linear fluid model, which is related to the molecular model ofBueche. Explicit expressions for the stresses arising in a general laminar shear flow are then derived for this model. Secondly, it is indicated how the operation can be used with rheological equations which are nonlinear in the deformation-rate, but quasi-linear in stress, to solve explicitly for the stress in terms of kinematic quantities. As an example, a rheological equation for suspensions of viscoelastic spheres in aNewtonian fluid is treated.
The stellar radiation field and the ionization of H and He in the local interstellar medium

Detailed photoionization calculations for the local interstellar medium (LISM) are presented based on constraints imposed by H I column density estimates derived from IUE and Copernicus data toward nearby B stars and hot white dwarfs. It is found that the nearby hot white dwarfs dominate the stellar contributions to the EUV radiation field. Considering stellar contribution to the EUV background alone, the resulting lower limits to the hydrogen and helium fractional ionization in the local diffuse cloud, at the sun, are 0.091 and 0.089, respectively. This result is insensitive to the absorbing geometry of the local cloud. The comparable ionizations of H and He near the sun are due to the lack of absorption from photospheric helium in the hot DA white dwarfs, to the difference in optical depths at wavelengths shortward of the H I and He I ionization edges, and to the fact that the hydrogen ionization controls the electron number density. The derived H and He ionization limits have important implications for the interpretation of the He I and H I backscattering results, for which uncertainties in charge-exchange interactions occurring in or near the heliopause reflect additional significant uncertainties in determining the ionization in the LISM.
Proportional counting of tritium gas generated by polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis

The combination of an Ir/Pt PEM electrolyzer with a 1 L flow-through gas proportional counter was characterized for the quantification of tritium in water. The goal of the detection system is to quantify at concentrations below the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primary drinking water standard (740 Bq/L) with minimal expendables. The detector operating voltage, efficiency, background count rate of the passively shielded counter were measured in order to calculate the minimum detectable concentration of the detection system. The electrolyzer fractionation factor β e value deduced from the measurement of gas phase activity concentrations generated from tritium aqueous standards was found in good agreement with literature values.
Photoluminescence of 1-D copper(I) cyanide chains: a theoretical description.

Solid copper(I) cyanide occurs as extended one-dimensional chains with interesting photophysical properties. To explain the observed luminescence spectroscopy of CuCN, we report a series of computational studies using short bare and potassium-capped [Cun(CN)n+1] − (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7) chains as CuCN models. On the basis of TD-DFT calculations of these model chains, the excitation transitions in the UV spectrum are assigned as Laporte-allowed π−π transitions from MOs with Cu 3dπ and CN π character to empty MOs with Cu 4p and CN π* character. Transitions between the HOMO (3dz) and LUMO (Cu 4p and CN π*) are symmetry forbidden and are not assigned to the bands in the excitation spectrum. The emission spectrum is assumed to arise from transitions between the lowest triplet excited state and the ground-state singlet. The lowest energy triplet for the model networks has a bent structure due to distortions to remove the degeneracies in the partially occupied MOs of the linear triplet. The S0−T gap for the ...
COLLECTION OF INERTIALESS PARTICLES ON SPHEROIDS AND SPHERES WITH ELECTRICAL FORCES AND GRAVITATIO

Collection efficiencies are predicted for the capture of fine, incrtialess, charged particles on a single spheroidal collector in a gaseous flow field by the action of coulombic and external electric field forces and gravity. With the flow and external fields parallel to the axis of symmetry, collection efficiencies for spheroidal collectors are found by determining particle trajectories. For three-dimensional nonsymmetric systems resulting from the flow being at an arbitrary angle to both the axis of symmetry and the external fields, collection efficiencies are found by determining particle fluxes to the collector. For single force cases, particle deposition is independent of collector geometry and, for point panicles, is the same for all stationary incompressible flows. Using a cellular model of flow around a sphere, droplet density in wet scrubbers is shown to have little hydrodynamic effect on single droplet collection efficiencies.
Influence of Expert and Peer upon Negro Mothers of Low Socioeconomic Status

Summary The effectiveness of a white expert (psychologist) and that of a peer in influencing Negro mothers of low socioeconomic status were compared. Each subject was given advice by the expert after her young child had been evaluated by him. Subjects then received a positive, neutral, or negative opinion of the expert's advice from a confederate peer. Results indicated that the expert was more effective than the peer. While both sources had a significant immediate effect, the expert was also significantly influential in having subjects act after having left the testing situation. It was concluded that expertness was the strongest factor, even though other factors like race and referent-group membership might have worked against it.
Experimental demonstration of temporal-waveform-controlled spatial routing of optical beams by spatial-spectral filtering.

We present what is to our knowledge the first experimental demonstration of temporal-waveform-controlled spatial routing of optical beams. In our simple implementation of the routing process, a single optical beam consisting of a train of temporally structured optical pulses generates a number of directionally distinct output beams—a separate output beam for each distinct temporal waveform present in the input beam. This redirection is effected through diffraction from spatial–spectral gratings preprogrammed into a frequency-selective material.
The hemoglobin of ascaris body walls

Abstract The hemoglobin of the body wall of the parasitic nematode, Ascaris lumbricoides , L., has been purified. The sedimentation coefficient, s 20, w is 3.1 S. The molecular weight, deduced from sedimentation equilibrium by the method of Yphantis, is 37 000. The molecular weight per heme group, deduced from amino acid analysis, is 35 000, and there is therefore 1 heme group per molecule. The amino acid composition of the body-wall hemoglobin differs from that of the hemoglobin found in the perienteric fluid. The absorption spectrum of the hemoglobin and several of its derivatives are presented. In general they resemble those of perienteric fluid hemoglobin although many maxima are shifted about 2 mμ toward the red. The ferrous derivatives each display maxima at 614–624 mμ, which are not artifacts since they may be seen in the surviving intact body wall.
High performance nonlinear optical chromophores

Both the linear and nonlinear optical properties of our newly designed high temperature electrooptic chromophores are discussed. In addition to the charge separated mechanism for the new chromophores, isomer effects are equally important in determining the optical properties of the new class.
PAR1 thrombin receptor-G protein interactions. Separation of binding and coupling determinants in the galpha subunit.

Signal transfer between the protease-activated PAR1 thrombin receptor and membrane-associated heterotrimeric G proteins is mediated by protein-protein interactions. We constructed a yeast signaling system that resolves domain-specific functions of binding from coupling in the Gα subunit. The endogenous yeast Gα subunit, Gpa1, does not bind to PAR1 and served as a null structural template. N- and C-terminal portions of mammalian Gi2and G16 were substituted back into the Gpa1 template and gain-of-function assessed. The C-terminal third of G16, but not of Gi2, provides sufficient interactions for coupling to occur with PAR1. The N-terminal two-thirds of Gi2 also contains sufficient determinants to bind and couple to PAR1 and overcome the otherwise negative or missing interactions supplied by the C-terminal third of Gpa1. Replacement of the N-terminal α-helix of Gi2, residues 1–34, with those of Gpa1 abolishes coupling but not binding to PAR1 or to βγ subunits. These data support a model that the N-terminal αN helix of the Gα subunit is physically interposed between PAR1 and the Gβ subunit and directly assists in transferring the signal between agonist-activated receptor and G protein.
Stress-corrosion of Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V in methanol + HCl solutions

Abstract Pitting potentials derived from polarization data for Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V in CH3OH, CH3OH + HCl, and CH3OH + HCl + H2O media correlate well with the s.c.c. results. The order of magnitude of activation energy for the temperature dependent stress-corrosion cracking process is in good agreement with a diffusion controlled reaction, either involving hydrogen diffusion or a mass transport limited reaction involving Cl−. Controlled potential experiments are consistent with an electrochemical mechanism. Thus, corrosion along an anodic path involving the Cl− ion is concluded to be the mechanism of cracking of the alloy in CH3OH-HCl environments.
The role of the supervisor in successful adjustment to work with a disabling condition: Issues for disability policy and practice

Results from an investigation of the role of supervisors in the process of adjusting to work with a disabling condition are presented. Workers with disabling conditions were interviewed about the responsiveness of their workplaces to their needs. Analyses showed that successful adjustment to work was related to the ability to complete job requirements, get along with others at work, see a future at work and feel good about work. Many supervisory behaviors were associated with these factors including the extent to which supervisors treat workers fairly, allow workers to participate in decisions related to their work and utilize the workers' skills. Implications for the development of workplace policy and disability management efforts are discussed.
Utility of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy for critically ill pediatric patients: A systematic review

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic yield, therapeutic efficacy, and rate of adverse events related to flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) in critically ill children. METHODS: We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, OVID, and EMBASE databases through July 2014 for English language publications studying FFB performed in the intensive care unit in children < 18 years old. We identified 666 studies, of which 89 full-text studies were screened for further review. Two reviewers independently determined that 27 of these studies met inclusion criteria and extracted data. We examined the diagnostic yield of FFB among upper and lower airway evaluations, as well as the utility of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). RESULTS: We found that FFB led to a change in medical management in 28.9% (range 21.9%-69.2%) of critically ill children. The diagnostic yield of FFB was 82% (range 45.2%-100%). Infectious organisms were identified in 25.7% (17.6%-75%) of BALs performed, resulting in a change of antimicrobial management in 19.1% (range: 12.2%-75%). FFB successfully re-expanded atelectasis or removed mucus plugs in 60.3% (range: 23.8%-100%) of patients with atelectasis. Adverse events were reported in 12.9% (range: 0.5%-71.4%) of patients. The most common adverse effects of FFB were transient hypotension, hypoxia and/or bradycardia that resolved with minimal intervention, such as oxygen supplementation or removal of the bronchoscope. Serious adverse events were uncommon; 2.1% of adverse events required intervention such as bag-mask ventilation or intubation and atropine for hypoxia and bradycardia, normal saline boluses for hypotension, or lavage and suctioning for hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: FFB is safe and effective for diagnostic and therapeutic use in critically ill pediatric patients.
Pressor response to angiotensins I and II and renin in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride.

THE decapeptide angiotensin I is converted to an octapeptide angiotensin II by a plasma enzyme named the converting enzyme1. Bumpus et al.2 proposed the liver as a probable site of synthesis for the plasma enzyme, but it has recently been reported that angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II in the vascular bed of the lung3. These investigators3 postulated that “the converting enzyme may be located on or in the pulmonary cells”.
Modeling Signal Transduction from Protein Phosphorylation to Gene Expression

Background: Signaling networks are of great importance for us to understand the cell's regulatory mechanism. The rise of large-scale genomic and proteomic data, and prior biological knowledge has paved the way for the reconstruction and discovery of novel signaling pathways in a data-driven manner. In this study, we investigate computational methods that integrate proteomics and transcriptomic data to identify signaling pathways transmitting signals in response to specific stimuli. Such methods can be applied to cancer genomic data to infer perturbed signaling pathways. Method: We proposed a novel Bayesian Network (BN) framework to integrate transcriptomic data with proteomic data reflecting protein phosphorylation states for the purpose of identifying the pathways transmitting the signal of diverse stimuli in rat and human cells. We represented the proteins and genes as nodes in a BN in which edges reflect the regulatory relationship between signaling proteins. We designed an efficient inference algorithm that incorporated the prior knowledge of pathways and searched for a network structure in a data-driven manner. Results: We applied our method to infer rat and human specific networks given gene expression and proteomic datasets. We were able to effectively identify sparse signaling networks that modeled the observed transcriptomic and proteomic data. Our methods were able to identify distinct signaling pathways for rat and human cells in a data-driven manner, based on the facts that rat and human cells exhibited distinct transcriptomic and proteomics responses to a common set of stimuli. Our model performed well in the SBV IMPROVER challenge in comparison to other models addressing the same task. The capability of inferring signaling pathways in a data-driven fashion may contribute to cancer research by identifying distinct aberrations in signaling pathways underlying heterogeneous cancers subtypes.
Tomographic Reconstruction of Label Images from a Few Projections

Abstract Our aim is to produce a tessellation of space into small voxels and, based on tomo-graphic projections, assign to each one of them a label from a small predetermined set. The traditional approach first assigns to each voxel a gray value based on the projections and then thresholds this gray value image to obtain the label image. There are problems with this approach. For example, in electron microscopy of macromolecules at high resolution (small voxels) the ranges of atom densities corresponding to different labels greatly overlap, and so the label image has to be of low resolution in order to be reliable. Another difficulty is that, due to the destructive nature of the electron microscope, only a few projections can be taken. We propose to overcome such difficulties by first postulating some low level prior knowledge (in electron microscopy this would be based on the general nature of macromolecules) regarding the underlying distribution of label images, and then estimating directly a particular label image based on this prior distribution together with the projections. Here we report on our early experiments aimed at evaluating this approach.
Assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of a Positive Psychology-based self-help book

The current article discusses the potential utility of self-help books as a means of disseminating positive psychological interventions, and presents data comparing a positive psychology-based self-help book with a cognitive-behavioral self-help book and a self-monitoring control condition. We studied college freshmen (N=58), and argue that this population is a particularly appropriate target for well-being intervention. Outcome measures included both indices of efficacy (depressive symptoms and life satisfaction) and effectiveness (e.g. the extent to which participants found their assigned activities to be meaningful). The two book groups outperformed the control and were equivalently efficacious at reducing depressive symptoms; on life satisfaction, positive self-help outperformed cognitive-behavioral, but only at 6-month follow-up. Positive self-help was also superior to cognitive-behavioral self-help on indices of effectiveness. Possibilities for future directions are discussed, with an emphasis on the realities of practical dissemination to both college students, and to the general public.
MASSIVE VECTOR MULTIPLET COUPLED TO SUPERGRAVITY

The Lagrangian and transformation laws for a globally and locally supersymmetric massive vector multiplet are presented. The multiplet consists of a massive vector field, two massive Majorana spinor fields, and a massive real pseudoscalar field. The Lagrangian for the locally supersymmetric theory turns out to be polynomial in the fields.
Group communication in Amoeba and its applications

Unlike many other operating systems, Amoeba is a distributed operating system that provides group communication (i.e. one-to-many communication). The authors discuss design issues for group communication, Amoeba's group system calls, and the protocols to implement group communication. To demonstrate that group communication is a useful abstraction, they describe a design and implementation of a fault-tolerant directory service. They discuss two versions of the directory service: one with non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) and one without NVRAM. They give performance figures for both implementations.
Engaging parents in the family check-up in middle school: longitudinal effects on family conflict and problem behavior through the high school transition.

Abstract Purpose Adolescence is a time of significant developmental change. During this period, levels of problem behavior that had been relatively innocuous may escalate in the company of peers, with simultaneous reductions in parental monitoring and involvement. In this article, we report the results of a randomized controlled trial of the Family Check-Up (FCU), a family-centered, school-based intervention designed to forestall the escalation of adolescent problem behavior by promoting and motivating skillful parenting through the transition to high school. Methods In this study, 593 ethnically diverse families were randomized to be offered the FCU when their youth were in seventh and eighth grades of middle school. We used complier average causal effect analysis to examine change in family conflict, antisocial behavior, involvement with deviant peers, and alcohol use from sixth through ninth grades. Results Analyses revealed that when compared with a matched control group, youths whose parents had engaged in the FCU demonstrated significantly lower rates of growth in family conflict ( p = .052), antisocial behavior, involvement with deviant peers, and alcohol use. Discussion Our results extend current research on the FCU and provide support for theory that links family conflict with a variety of youth problem behavior. These results and the extant research on the FCU suggest that traditional school-based service delivery models that focus on the individual child may benefit from a shift in perspective to engage parents and families.
OPTIMAL INVENTORIES: THE SQUARE ROOT RULE AND PROFIT MAXIMIZATION

Inventory models are usually based on the existence of transaction costs and explain inventories from efficiency considerations alone. The simplest model involves a “square root rule” where inventory varies with the square root of its determinants. Accounting for profit maximizing behavior relaxes those rigid results and alters their interpretation. The analysis integrates inventory demand theory with the neoclassical theory of the firm and industry.
An analytical approach to academic department location in a multi-campus university†

Abstract An educational institution faced with the operation of several campuses with which to accomplish its many functions also is typically faced with transportation, class scheduling and lost student time as problems directly related to the multi-campus operation. A model using an implicit enumeration approach with bounds on the objective function values is developed with the objective to determine the optimal allocation of indivisible academic departments to each of the several campuses. This allocation minimizes a constructed measure of operating costs while satisfying space availability constraints. Solutions for a three campus and fifty-seven department case are presented.
Permanent lithium‐induced cerebellar toxicity: Three cases and review of literature

Lithium can have toxic effects on the central nervous system that are both acute and chronic. Uncommonly, a long-lasting cerebellar syndrome follows acute toxicity. The mechanism of cerebellar injury is not well understood. We present 3 cases of this syndrome, with video demonstrating the typical features of this syndrome.
Mouse Models of Lung Cancer

Human lung cancer is responsible for approximately 30% of all cancer deaths worldwide with >160,000 deaths in the United States alone annually. Recent advances in the identification of novel mutations relevant to lung cancer from a myriad of genomic studies might translate into meaningful diagnostic and therapeutic progress. Towards this end, a genetic model animal system that can validate the oncogenic roles of these mutations in vivo would facilitate the understanding of the pathogenesis of lung cancer as well as provide ideal preclinical models for targeted therapy testing. The mouse is a promising model system, as complex human genetic traits causal to lung cancer, from inherited polymorphisms to somatic mutations, can be recapitulated in its genome via genetic manipulation. We present here a brief overview of the existing mouse models of lung cancers and the challenges and opportunities for building the next generation of lung cancer mouse models.
Interaction of Murine BiP/GRP78 with the DnaJ Homologue MTJ1

The activity of Hsp70 proteins is regulated by accessory proteins, among which the most studied are the members of the DnaJ-like protein family. BiP/GRP78 chaperones the translocation and maturation of secreted and membrane proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. No DnaJ-like partner has been described so far to regulate the function of mammalian BiP/GRP78. We show here that murine BiP/GRP78 interacts with the lumenal J domain of the murine transmembrane protein MTJ1 (J-MTJ1). J-MTJ1 stimulates the ATPase activity of BiP/GRP78 at stoichiometric concentrations. The C-terminal tail of BiP/GRP78 is not required for the interaction with J-MTJ1, leaving the function of this portion of the molecule still unclear. Physical interactions between J-MTJ1 and BiP/GRP78 are stable and can be abolished by a single histidine → glutamine substitution in the highly conserved HPD motif shared by all DnaJ-like proteins. The J-MTJ1 fragment, but not the mutant J-MTJ1:H89Q fragment, stimulates the ATPase activity ofEscherichia coli DnaK, although at a higher concentration than its genuine partner DnaJ. Full-length DnaJ does not stimulate BiP over the range of concentrations investigated. These results indicate that the J domain of MTJ1 is sufficient for its interaction with BiP/GRP78 and cannot be substituted by E. coli DnaJ.
Cultural Consumption in the Fine and Popular Arts Realms

In this paper, we review recent sociological research dealing with the consumption of culture produced in the fine and popular arts realms. Most of the initial theoretical developments in the study of culture consumption were intended to explain audience segmentation in the fine arts realm under the ‘cultural capital’ paradigm developed by Pierre Bourdieu. This paradigm shift has led to the current dominance of the ‘omnivore thesis’ in the sociology of taste. The consumption of popular culture, however, remained for a long time dominated by the Birmingham ‘resistance’ and ‘subculture’ paradigms developed in the 1970s. Recent popular arts consumption research has moved beyond the limitations of the subculture paradigm by incorporating the theoretical legacy of the cultural capital paradigm in order to account for patterns in audience and producer differentiation in popular arts ‘scenes’. This has brought the study of popular and fine arts culture consumption under a single conceptual framework after a long period of theoretical disengagement.
Design of a Simultaneous Center-Fed X/Ka-Band SATCOM Reflector Antenna with Replacable C-Band Option

A 1.5m tri-band (C-, X- and Ka-band) center-fed SAT-COM terminal has been designed for shipboard applications. The terminal has two independent replaceable feeds; C-band and simultaneous X/Ka-band. Offset prime-focus and dual-reflector designs are optimum from a performance standpoint for a reflector of this electrical size, however the scarcity of real estate and other mechanical considerations on shipboard drives the design to a center-fed type. Of the available center-fed reflector types, a shaped ring-focus configuration was chosen since the ring-focus reflector has several advantages over Cassegrain/Gregorian types for reflectors in this electrical size range. The reflector antenna shape is derived numerically utilizing GO shaping techniques while the feeds are designed using the BOR MoM and PO methods. The resulting antenna has been constructed and tested, and results are presented.
Wintering Shorebird Assemblages and Behavior in Restored Tidal Wetlands in Southern California

Habitat restoration can partially compensate for the extensive loss of coastal wetlands, but creation of functional habitat and assessment of restoration success remain challenging tasks. To evaluate wintering shorebird use of restored coastal wetlands, we quantified shorebird assemblages and behavior of selected focal species at five restored sites and paired reference sites in Mugu Lagoon, southern California, United States. The Shannon–Wiener index of species diversity (for all birds in order Charadriiformes) was higher in the restored than in the reference portion of three of the five sites, higher in the reference portion of a fourth site, and similar between reference and restored areas of the fifth site. Species diversity was lower in sites closer to man-made structures. The four most abundant species groups across the five sites were selected for detailed analysis of site use and behavior: Willets (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus), Marbled Godwits (Limosa fedoa), Dowitchers (Limnodromus spp.), and Sandpipers (Calidris spp.) (Western, Least, and Dunlin). Each focal species group exhibited distinct site preferences, and densities in restored sites were often as high or higher than in reference sites. Willets and Dowitchers preferred habitats with more extensive tidal flats, a characteristic of restored sites. Godwits and Sandpipers preferred heterogeneous habitats with a mix of water and tidal flats. Most birds were engaged in feeding activities during the ebb tides surveyed, and there were no apparent differences in behavior between reference and restored sites. Though not all restored sites were used equally by all species, the creation of multiple restored sites with varied habitat characteristics attracted a diverse assemblage of shorebirds and may have contributed to the integrity of the regional wetland landscape.
Geo-Policy Barriers and Rural Internet Access: The Regulatory Role in Constructing the Digital Divide

A combination of geography, public policy, and commercial investment in information infrastructure combines to create geo-policy barriers that in turn structure the ability of rural citizens to access the Internet. A statistical study of 208 rural telephone exchanges in Texas combined with case studies from rural counties explores the impact of distance and policies aimed at enabling rural telephone connection on the presence of Internet service providers. Market territories, including exchange areas and LATAs, and the distance requirements of expanded local calling policy in Texas can both help and hinder Internet access in remote areas.
Shock-induced dispersion of ventricular repolarization: implications for the induction of ventricular fibrillation and the upper limit of vulnerability.

Shock-induced Dispersion and VF Induction. Introduction: Shock-induced dispersion of ventricular repolarization (SIDR) caused by an electrical field stimulus has been suggested as a mechanism of ventricular fibrillation (VF) induction: however, this hypothesis has not been studied systematically in the intact heart. Likewise, the mechanism underlying the upper (ULV) and lower (LLV) limit of vulnerability remains unclear. Methods and Results: In eight Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts, monophasic action potentials were recorded simultaneously from ten different sites of both ventricles. Truncated biphasic T wave shocks were randomly delivered at various coupling intervals and strengths, exceeding the vulnerable window, ULV, and LLV. SIDR, defined as the difference between the longest and shortest postshock repolarization times, was 64 ± 15 msec for sbocks inducing VF. SIDR was 41 ± 17 msec for shocks delivered above the ULV, and 33 ± 14 and 27 ± 8 msec for shocks delivered 10 msec before and after the vulnerable window, respectively (all P < 0.01 vs VF-inducing shocks). Although SIDR was larger for shocks delivered below the LLV(93 ± 24 msec, P < 0.01 vs VF-inducing shocks), the repolarization extension was significantly smaller for shocks below the LLV (10.3%± 3.9% vs 16.3%± 4.9%, P < 0.01). Conclusion: SIDR is influenced by the shock timing and intensity. Large SIDR within the vulnerable window and an SIDR decrease toward its borders suggest that SIDR is essential for VF induction. The decrease in SIDR toward greater shock strengths may explain the ULV. Small repolarization extension for shocks below the LLV may explain why these shocks, despite producing large SIDR, fail to induce VF.
Single cell detection capability of an optofluidic spectroscopic biosensor

Biological cells inside an optofluidic cavity modify the optical cavity modes, providing a probe for optical properties of the cells that can be used to detect and differentiate single cells. Transmission spectra of single biological cells including yeast cells and human blood cells as well as polystyrene spheres in a microfluidic Fabry-Perot cavity fabricated on glass substrates are measured and exhibit cell-type specific features attributed to higher order transverse modes. A method for spectral correlation is also presented to verify the preliminary results of the single cell spectra. The correlation calculation demonstrates that the method is able to differentiate some types of single cells
Potential Use of Statins to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Objective:To review the published literature evaluating the effectiveness of statin therapy for preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery,Data Sources:A MEDLINE search was performed (1950–October 2007) using the search terms statins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, coronary artery bypass graft, cardiac surgery, and atrial fibrillation,Study Selection and Data Extraction:All articles published in English describing or evaluating the use of statins in humans to prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) were included. Additional pertinent articles were identified from reference lists.Data Synthesis:POAF is a common complication following CABG surgery that is associated with significant morbidity. Current preventive strategies include the use of β-blockers and antiarrhythmic drugs such as amiodarono and Sotalol. Accumulating evidence suggests that statins may also reduce the risk of POAF. Numerous studies in nonsurgical cardiovascular patients have found reduce...
Fluxless non-eutectic joints fabricated using gold-tin multilayer composite

Fluxless bonding processes using two different noneutectic gold-tin (Au-Sn) multilayer composites to fabricate high quality solder joints have been successfully achieved. In contrast to the well-known eutectic solders of 80 wt. % Au and 20 wt. % Sn commonly selected by the packaging industry, we have adopted a substantially cost-effective strategy by purposely designing and constructing our solder joints to be predominantly tin-rich instead, rather than relying extensively on gold as a major ingredient. In research two designs were implemented; one with compositions of 80 at. % Sn (70.54 wt. % Sn) and 20 at. % Au (29.46 wt. % Au), and another with 95 at. % Sn (91.82 wt. % Sn) and 5 at. % Au (8.18 wt. % Au). The bonding process temperatures chosen for constructing 80Sn-20Au and 95Sn-5Au joints are 285/spl deg/C and 225/spl deg/C, respectively. Once produced, both types of joints were examined using the combination of X-ray microfocus imaging and scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) to confirm the bonding quality and the results obtained are nearly void-free. To study the microstructure and composition of the samples the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) detector were conducted on the joint cross sections and the solder thickness of 3.9 and 2.1/spl mu/m were uniformly identified throughout from 80Sn-20Au and 95Sn-5Au joints, respectively. Furthermore, the EDX data obtained have consistently shown that a mixture of AuSn, AuSn/sub 2/, and AuSn/sub 4/ intermetallics were spotted from the 80Sn-20Au sample joints, while AuSn/sub 2/ and AuSn/sub 4/ embedded in /spl beta/-Sn matrix were discovered from 95Sn-5Au specimens. In addition, the shear tests conducted on the samples unequivocally suggest the shear strength of each joint measured is actually greater than the die itself. Finally, the re-melting temperatures of 80Sn-20Au and 95Sn-5Au solder specimens ranging from 275 to 281/spl deg/C and 214 to 220/spl deg/C, respectively, were also experimentally determined.
Intrathylakoid pH in Isolated Pea Chloroplasts as Probed by Violaxanthin Deepoxidation.

Light-driven violaxanthin deepoxidation was measured in isolated pea (Pisum sativum) chloroplasts without ATP synthesis (basal conditions) and with ATP synthesis (coupled conditions). Thylakoids stored in high salt (HS) or low salt (LS) storage medium were tested. In previous experiments, HS thylakoids and LS thylakoids were related to delocalized and localized proton coupling, respectively.Light-driven deepoxidase activity was compared to the pH dependence of deepoxidase activity established in dark reactions. At an external pH of 8, light-driven deepoxidation indicated effective pH values close to pH 6 for all reaction conditions. Parallel to deepoxidation, the thylakoid lumen pH was estimated by the fluorescent dye pyranine.In LS thylakoids under coupled conditions the lumen pH did not drop below pH 6.7. At pH 6.7, no deepoxidase activity is expected based on the pH dependence of enzyme activity. The results suggest that deepoxidation activity is controlled by the pH in sequestered membrane domains, which, under localized proton coupling, can be maintained at pH 6.0 when the lumen pH is far above pH 6.0. The extent of violaxanthin conversion (availability), however, appeared to be regulated by lumenal pH. Dithiothreitol-sensitive nonphotochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence was dependent on zeaxanthin and not related to lumenal pH. Thus, zeaxanthin-dependent quenching[mdash]known to be pH dependent[mdash]appeared to be triggered by the pH of localized membrane domains.
Transport and fate of atrazine and lambda-cyhalothrin in an agricultural drainage ditch in the Mississippi Delta, USA

Drainage ditches are integral components of agricultural production landscape, yet their contaminant mitigation capacity has been scarcely examined. If ditches are indeed capable of contaminant mitigation, then their use may serve as an alternative agricultural best management practice (BMP). A 50 m portion of an agricultural drainage ditch, located in the Mississippi Delta Management Systems Evaluation Area (MDMSEA), USA, was amended with a mixture of water, atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) (herbicide) and lambda-cyhalothrin (-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl-3-(2chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl)-2,2-dimethyl cyclopropanecarboxylate) (insecticide), simulating a storm runoff event. Pesticide amendment was achieved using a diffuser to disperse the mixture at an inflow point along the ditch (designated as “0 m”). Pesticide concentrations in water, sediment, and plants were monitored for 28 days. One hour following initiation of simulated runoff, mean percentages of atrazine concentrations measured in water and sediment were 37 and 2%, respectively, while mean percentages of lambda-cyhalothrin concentrations in water and sediment were 12 and 1%, respectively. Atrazine and lambda-cyhalothrin mean percentage concentrations in plants (Polygonum(water smartweed), Leersia(cutgrass), and Sporobolus (smutgrass)) were 61 and 87%, respectively. Therefore, plants serve as an important site for pesticide sorption during runoff events. Aqueous concentrations of both pesticides decreased to levels which would not elicit non-target toxicological effects by the end of the 50 m portion of the drainage ditch. This research provides fundamental answers concerning the capability of vegetated agricultural drainage ditches to mitigate pesticide-associated storm water runoff. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Lnk inhibits Tpo-mpl signaling and Tpo-mediated megakaryocytopoiesis

Thrombopoietin (Tpo) is the primary cytokine regulating megakaryocyte development and platelet production. Tpo signaling through its receptor, c-mpl, activates multiple pathways including signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3, STAT5, phosphoinositide 3-kinase–Akt, and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The adaptor protein Lnk is implicated in cytokine receptor and immunoreceptor signaling. Here, we show that Lnk overexpression negatively regulates Tpo-mediated cell proliferation and endomitosis in hematopoietic cell lines and primary hematopoietic cells. Lnk attenuates Tpo-induced S-phase progression in 32D cells expressing mpl, and Lnk decreases Tpo-dependent megakaryocyte growth in bone marrow (BM)–derived megakaryocyte culture. Consistent with this result, we found that in both BM and spleen, Lnk-deficient mice exhibited increased numbers of megakaryocytes with increased ploidy compared with wild-type mice. In addition, Lnk-deficient megakaryocytes derived from BM and spleen showed enhanced sensitivity to Tpo during culture. The absence of Lnk caused enhanced and prolonged Tpo induction of STAT3, STAT5, Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways in CD41+ megakaryocytes. Furthermore, the Src homology 2 domain of Lnk is essential for Lnk's inhibitory function. In contrast, the conserved tyrosine near the COOH terminus is dispensable and the pleckstrin homology domain of Lnk contributes to, but is not essential for, inhibiting Tpo-dependent 32D cell growth or megakaryocyte development. Thus, Lnk negatively modulates mpl signaling pathways and is important for Tpo-mediated megakaryocytopoiesis in vivo.
Ecological Speciation: The Role of Disturbance

Ecological speciation occurs in saturated floras as well as in unsaturated floras. Whereas much consideration has been given to ecological divergence in open habitats, the process of niche shifting in highly competitive environments hardly has been discussed. I propose that ecological speciation in relatively saturated communities is facilitated by disturbance, which relaxes the competitive pressures on populations entering a new habitat. Disturbance affords marginally adapted immigrants an opportunity to become established and form reproducing populations. These populations then may respond to local selective pressures for greater adaptedness, thereby placing them on a speciation trajectory. This conceptual model is bolstered by the role of disturbance in facilitating the invasion of communities by new entities, as is well documented in the literature on alien species.
Knee Kinematics During Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury as Determined From Bone Bruise Location

Background:The motions causing noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury remain unclear. Tibiofemoral bone bruises are believed to be the result of joint impact near the time of ACL rupture. The locations and frequencies of these bone bruises have been reported, but there are limited data quantifying knee position and orientation near the time of injury based on these contusions.Hypothesis:Knee position and orientation near the time of noncontact ACL injury include extension and anterior tibial translation.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Magnetic resonance images of 8 subjects with noncontact ACL injuries were acquired within 1 month of injury and were subsequently analyzed. All subjects exhibited bruises on both the femur and tibia in both medial and lateral compartments. The outer margins of bone and the bone bruise surfaces were outlined on each image to create a 3-dimensional model of each subject’s knee in its position during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI position). Numer...
RIE Plasma and ETCH Mechanisms

Three independent models are presented: One for determining the plasma density and target sheath voltage, one for silicon etching using CF4plus O2, and one for RIE etching of silicon dioxide. In most dry etching techniques the target and plasma voltages play a large role. In this paper, the dc and rf mechanisms which determine the plasma density, and thus the target voltage, are presented. The mechanisms used are: 1) secondary electron ionization in the sheath, 2) secondary electron ionization in the plasma, 3) ionization by tertiary electrons, 4) I2R heating of the plasma electrons, and 5) sheath heating of plasma electrons. An equivalent circuit for an rf discharge is presented, and the relationship between the plasma voltage and target sheath voltage are discussed. The mechanisms used to model silicon etching include chemical etching, ion enhanced etching and diffusion of reactive species. Laser induced fluorescence data from G. S. Selwyn will be discussed. These data show spatial resolution of a reactive species in an RIE plasma and show the diffusion effects. The ion-enhanced etching effect for SiO2, shows a much stronger voltage dependence than that for Si, which is almost independent of voltage. Data from G. Fortuno show that the voltage dependence for SiO2 is similar to that of sputtering. The mechanisms used to model SiO2 etching include the work by G. Fortuno (1985) and that by B. N. Chapman and V. J. Minkiewicz (1978).
Nanodisco balls: control over surface versus core loading of diagnostically active nanocrystals into polymer nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles of complex architectures can have unique properties. Self-assembly of spherical nanocrystals is a high yielding route to such systems. In this study, we report the self-assembly of a polymer and nanocrystals into aggregates, where the location of the nanocrystals can be controlled to be either at the surface or in the core. These nanospheres, when surface decorated with nanocrystals, resemble disco balls, thus the term nanodisco balls. We studied the mechanism of this surface loading phenomenon and found it to be Ca2+ dependent. We also investigated whether excess phospholipids could prevent nanocrystal adherence. We found surface loading to occur with a variety of nanocrystal types including iron oxide nanoparticles, quantum dots, and nanophosphors, as well as sizes (10–30 nm) and shapes. Additionally, surface loading occurred over a range of polymer molecular weights (∼30–3000 kDa) and phospholipid carbon tail length. We also show that nanocrystals remain diagnostically active after loadin...