cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coupled Surface-Plasmon Modes in Metal-Thin-Film-Vacuum Sandwiches

The normal surface-plasmon modes for a thin-layered plasma bounded on one side by a semi-infinite plasma and on the other side by a vacuum are determined. The characteristic frequencies of the coupled modes resulting from surface oscillations of the plasma-plasma interface and the plasma-vacuum interface are found. The relevance of these results to recent experiments by MacRae, M\"uller, Lander, Morrison, and Phillips is indicated.
Temporal Coding of Intensity of NaCl and HCl in the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract of the Rat

Sensory neurons are generally tuned to a subset of stimulus qualities within their sensory domain and manifest this tuning by the relative size of their responses to stimuli of equal intensity. However, response size alone cannot unambiguously signal stimulus quality, since response size also depends on stimulus intensity. Thus a common problem faced by sensory systems is that response size (e.g., spike count) confounds stimulus quality and intensity. Here, using the gustatory system as a model, we asked whether temporal firing characteristics could disambiguate these axes. To address this question, we recorded taste responses of single neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS, the first central gustatory relay) in anesthetized rats to a range of concentrations of NaCl and HCl and their binary mixtures. To assess the contribution of the temporal characteristics of the response to discrimination among tastants, a family of metrics that quantifies the similarity of two spike trains in terms of spike count and spike timing was used. Results showed that the spike count produced by different taste qualities and different concentrations overlapped in most cells, implying that information conveyed by spike count is imprecise. Multidimensional scaling analysis of taste responses using similarity of temporal characteristics showed that different taste qualities, intensities, and mixtures formed distinct clusters in this “temporal coding” taste space and were arranged in a logical order. Thus the temporal structure of taste responses in single cells in the NTS can simultaneously convey information about both taste quality and intensity.
Coexistence of species competing for shared resources.

Abstract In this paper we develop a mathematical model in which any number of competing species can coexist on four resources which regenerate according to an algebraic relationship. We show that previous attempts to prove that n species cannot coexist on fewer that n resources (the “competitive exclusion principle”) all make use of the very restrictive assumption that the specific growth rates of all competing species are linear functions of resource densities. When this restriction is relaxed, it becomes possible to find situations in which n species can coexist on fewer than n resources. On the basis of this and other observations we conclude that the competitive exclusion principle should be considered to apply only to coexistence at fixed densities.
The personhood of the human embryo.

Arguments against the personhood of the human embryo rely on the lack of personal consciousness in the embryo. However humans have a personal being which must be distinguished from and may even exist independently from personal consciousness. This argument is directly parallel to a famous Socratic argument in which the Prothagorean thesis that "man is the measure of all things" is interpreted. Socrates argues that since we can make errors in our thoughts objects can not simply be no more than we think they are. Just as Socrates distinguished from the being of an object and its being thought by us a distinction can be made between the being of ourselves and our being consciously present to ourselves. The being of a person means that a person is one throughout various conscious states such as recollection immaturity and maturity and this oneness is distinguishable from the plurality of conscious states in which it lives at various times. The being of a person is actualized in the conscious life; conscious life does not constitute the whole person. This being of the person is not a hidden "clump" it is not a "thing" it is not unchangeable throughout the life of the person and yet there is hardly any difference between being entirely annihilated and being forever deprived of consciousness while remaining in existence. The important thing is to understand the unity of being and consciousness in the person without asserting one at the expense of the other. The argument that the human embryo is a person has 2 parts. First since we can exist as persons with very little of the actuality of personal life we can also exist as persons while entirely lacking it. Is there however something absent in the human yet present in the human embryo which prevents it from being a person? The argument is that the capacity of the embryo to twin or recombine proves that it can not possibly be the body of a person. Yet no one doubts that adult Siamese twins are the partially fused bodies of persons who are not in the same way partially fused. This distinction must also be allowed the zygote. In conclusion anyone who contemplates the embryo without pressure of particular interest in having an abortion providing one or performing experiments on embryos will naturally understand that if they are presently embodying their body they have to assume that they were present in their body from the very beginning even before they awoke to consciousness since there is more to themselves as a person than consciousness.
Is there a dc Josephson effect in bilayer quantum Hall systems

We argue on the basis of phenomenological and microscopic considerations that there is no dc Josephson effect in ordered bilayer quantum Hall systems, even at $T\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0$. Instead the tunnel conductance is strongly enhanced, approaching a finite value proportional to the square of the order parameter as the interlayer tunneling amplitude vanishes.
Modeling System Effects in Ballistic Impact into Multi-layered Fibrous Materials for Soft Body Armor

An analytical model is developed to study various ‘system effects’ during impact of a flat-faced, cylindrical projectile into a flexible, multi-layered target with no bonding between layers. Each thin layer is assumed to have in-plane, isotropic, elastic mechanical properties. The model allows variation of the mechanical properties from layer to layer as well as the spacings between the layers in order to study their combined effects on the ballistic performance of the system. In particular, we consider such performance measures as the V50 limit velocity, the number of layers penetrated when impacting below this limit, and the residual projectile velocity after complete penetration above this limit. The V50 performance of the target is found to degrade progressively as the spacings between layers are increased relative to the sum of layer thicknesses without spacing. A second finding is that for a given set of layers with differing mechanical properties, both the V50 and the residual velocity depend on the order of layer placement. A third finding is that among systems with identical layers of a given in-plane tensile strength, the V50 velocity increases with increasing strain-to-failure of the layers. However the relative magnitude of this increase diminishes with increasing target-to-projectile areal density ratio. The model builds on the authors’ previous analysis for impact into a single elastic membrane and the results have important design implications for armor design especially for hybrid material configurations.
Cross-Calibration of Earth Observing System Terra Satellite Sensors MODIS and ASTER

The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emissive and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) are two of the five sensors onboard the Earth Observing System's Terra satellite. These sensors share many similar spectral channels while having much different spatial and operational parameters. ASTER is a tasked sensor and sometimes referred to a zoom camera of the MODIS that collects a full-earth image every one to two days. It is important that these sensors have a consistent characterization and calibration for continued development and use of their data products. This work uses a variety of test sites to retrieve and validate intercalibration results. The refined calibration of Collection 6 of the Terra MODIS data set is leveraged to provide the up-to-date reference for trending and validation of ASTER. Special attention is given to spatially matching radiance measurements using prelaunch spatial response characterization of MODIS. Despite differences in spectral band properties and spatial scales, ASTER-MODIS is an ideal case for intercomparison since the sensors have nearly identical views and acquisitions times and therefore can be used as a baseline of intercalibration performance of other satellite sensor pairs.
A null mutation in the first enzyme of flavonoid biosynthesis does not affect male fertility in Arabidopsis

Flavonoids are a major class of secondary metabolites that serves a multitude of functions in higher plants, including a recently discovered role in male fertility. Surprisingly, Arabidopsis plants deficient in flavonoid biosynthesis appear to be fully fertile. Using RNA gel blot analysis and polymerase chain reaction-based assays, we have shown that a mutation at the 3' splice acceptor site in the Arabidopsis chalcone synthase gene completely disrupts synthesis of the active form of the enzyme. We also confirmed that this enzyme, which catalyzes the first step of flavonoid biosynthesis, is encoded by a single-copy gene. HPLC analysis of whole flowers and stamens was used to show that plants homozygous for the splice site mutation are completely devoid of flavonoids. This work provides compelling evidence that despite the high levels of these compounds in the pollen of most plant species, flavonoids are not universally required for fertility. The role of flavonoids in plant reproduction may therefore offer an example of convergent functional evolution in secondary metabolism.
Perinephric hemorrhage from metastatic carcinoma to the kidney

Retroperitoneal hemorrhage caused by a renal tumor is usually due to a renal cell carcinoma or angiomyolipoma. The authors report a case of computed tomographic (CT) demonstration of renal metastases from choriocarcinoma with an associated perinephric hemorrhage. The CT features indicated the acute nature of the hematoma and its confinement within the extracapsular compartment of the perirenal space.
An RNA-protein code based on replacement data. II. Adjustment and extension

A triplet RNA-protein code based on replacement data has been proposed. New data suggest some revision of coding nucleotides. There is also ample evidence, both new and old, which indicates that the code is highly degenerate, i.e. more than one trinucleotide codes for the same amino acid. It is suggested that in most cases the differences between code words are due to two nucleotides and that the code is degenerate in the third (and only the third) nucleotide.
Conducting business in the Philippines: The case of FedEx

Development of international markets is crucial for firm growth. As world trade has expanded rapidly in recent years, strategic international expansion has become increasingly important. Michael Porter's Determinates of International Country Attractiveness model (“diamond”) has been the standard used to determine “where” firms should expand internationally. These determinants include (1) demand conditions, (2) related and supporting industries, (3) strategy, structure, and rivalry, and (4) factor conditions. Aside from the issue of “where” firms should expand, thinking through “how” firms should develop international positions is equally important in a successful expansion. This paper uses the resource-based view of the firm to explain “how” firms should develop international markets and utilizes FedEx's expansion in the Philippines as an example. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The nonenzymatic glycosylation of DNA by reducing sugars in vivo may contribute to DNA damage associated with aging

Glucose and other reducing sugars have been shown to react nonenzymatically with DNA in vitro in a time and sugar concentration dependent manner. The nonenzymatic glycosylation of DNA in vitro affects both physical and biological properties of the DNA. To further study the nonenzymatic glycosylation of DNA, in vitro and in vivo models have been developed to monitor and analyze DNA modifications as a function of glucose 6-phosphate concentration and the potential effects DNA damage by reducing sugars may play in the biological aging process. In vitro studies have shown that incubation of glucose 6-phosphate and lysine alone is sufficient to form an intermediate which can rapidly react with DNA to form stable adducts. These intermediates, which accumulate over time, can not be inhibited by aminoguanidine or reduced by sodium borohydride. To study the modifications of DNA in vivo by reducing sugars, glycolytic mutant bacteria were used in a model system to monitor plasmid mutations as a function of increased intracellular glucose 6-phosphate levels. These studies have shown that increases in intracellular glucose 6-phosphate levels result in increases in plasmid mutation rates.
Pyridine‐Derived Triflating Reagents: N‐(2‐Pyridyl)‐Triflimide and N‐(5‐Chloro‐2‐Pyridyl)Triflimide

Pyridine-derived triflating reagents: N-(2-pyridyl)-triflimide and N-(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)triflimide product: N-(2-pyridyl)triflimide product: N-(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)triflimide Keywords: sulfonation, N-sulfonation; sulfonation, N-sulfonation
Interpretation of scanning electron microscope measurements of minority carrier diffusion lengths in semiconductors

In scanning electron microscope (SEM) injection measurements of minority carrier diffusion lengths some uncertainties of interpretation exist when the response current is nonlinear with distance. This is significant in epitaxial layers where the layer thickness is not large in relation to the diffusion length, and where there are large surface recombination velocities on the incident and contact surfaces. An image method of analysis is presented for such specimens. A method of using the results to correct the observed response in a simple convenient way is presented. The technique is illustrated with reference to measurements in epitaxial layers of GaAs. Average beam penetration depth may also be estimated from the curve shape.
Angiotensin I Conversion to Angiotensin II Stimulates Cortical Collecting Duct Sodium Transport

Angiotensin (Ang) II directly stimulates epithelial sodium channel activity in the rabbit cortical collecting duct. Because Ang I and converting enzyme analogues might be present in the distal nephron, this raises the possibility of intraluminal generation of Ang II. Conversion of Ang I to Ang II was monitored by Ang II-dependent changes in intracellular sodium concentration as a reflection of sodium transport across the apical membrane. This involved imaging-based fluorescence microscopy with sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate in isolated, perfused, cortical collecting-duct segments from rabbit kidney. Principal and intercalated cells were differentiated by rhodamine-conjugated peanut lectin. Control principal cell intracellular sodium concentration, during perfusion with 25 mmol/L NaCl and zero sodium in the bath plus monensin (10(-5) mol/L) averaged 5.8+/-0.14 mmol/L (n=156). The increase in intracellular sodium concentration, when luminal NaCl was increased from 25 to 150 mmol/L, was elevated by 3.5-fold in the presence of intraluminal Ang I (10(-6) mol/L). Also, the effects of Ang I on sodium transport were not significantly different from the effects of Ang II (10(-9) mol/L). Ang I was used in micromolar concentrations to ensure that there was sufficient substrate available for conversion to Ang II. Inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme with captopril reduced the stimulatory effect of Ang I. These results suggest that intraluminal conversion of Ang I to Ang II can occur in the cortical collecting duct, resulting in enhanced apical sodium entry.
Alcohol use trajectories and the ubiquitous cat's cradle: Cause for concern?

In recent years, trajectory approaches to characterizing individual differences in the onset and course of substance involvement have gained popularity. Previous studies have sometimes reported 4 prototypic courses: (a) a consistently "low" group, (b) an "increase" group, (c) a "decrease" group, and (d) a consistently "high" group. Although not always recovered, these trajectories are often found, despite these studies varying in the ages of the samples studied and the duration of the observation periods employed. Here, the authors examined the consistency with which these longitudinal patterns of heavy drinking were recovered in a series of latent class growth analyses that systematically varied the age of the sample at baseline, the duration of observation, and the number and frequency of measurement occasions. Data were drawn from a 4-year, 8-wave panel study of college student drinking (N = 3,720). Despite some variability across analyses, there was a strong tendency for these prototypes to emerge regardless of the participants' age at baseline and the duration of observation. These findings highlight potential problems with commonly employed trajectory-based approaches and the need to not over-reify these constructs.
Cultivating Research Universities and Industrial Linkages in China: The Case of Shanghai

Summary Evidence in industrialized countries shows that universities can supply the crucial underpinnings of dynamic industrial clusters within metropolitan regions. A key component of China’s recent reforms in the national innovation system is the promotion of university-based research and technology transfer. The primary purpose of this paper is to examine the interactions between two elite universities in Shanghai (Fudan University and Shanghai Jiaotong University) and the metropolitan economy. In particular, it analyzes major institutional changes within the universities and policy changes at local and national levels that have allowed more business engagement. As the universities gain greater autonomy, they are adopting distinctive approaches to commercializing academic research and managing industrial linkages.
A Platelet Activating Factor Antagonist Attenuates the Effects of Testicular Ischemia

AbstractPurpose: Platelet activating factor, a biochemical marker and lipid mediator of ischemic injury, has been demonstrated in several organ systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible role of platelet activating factor in testicular ischemic injury.Materials and Methods: Five groups of 6 male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied, including group 1-nonoperated controls, group 2-sham operated controls, group 3-those that underwent administration of 10 micro g./kg. exogenous platelet activating factor into the left testicular artery, group 4-those that underwent 4 hours of testicular ischemia and group 5-those that received pretreatment with 0.4 mg./kg. of the platelet activating factor antagonist CV-6209 intravenously before 4 hours of testicular ischemia. Ipsilateral and contralateral testes were examined histologically and seminiferous tubular diameters were measured.Results: Exogenous platelet activating factor administration in group 3 and 4 hours of ischemia in group 4 resulted...
Ectopic Expression Screen Identifies Genes Affecting Drosophila Mesoderm Development Including the HSPG Trol

Gastrulation of the embryo involves coordinate cell movements likely supported by multiple signaling pathways, adhesion molecules, and extracellular matrix components. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) have a major role in Drosophila melanogaster mesoderm migration; however, few other inputs are known and the mechanism supporting cell movement is unclear. To provide insight, we performed an ectopic expression screen to identify secreted or membrane-associated molecules that act to support mesoderm migration. Twenty-four UAS insertions were identified that cause lethality when expressed in either the mesoderm (Twi-Gal4) or the ectoderm (69B-Gal4). The list was narrowed to a subset of 10 genes that were shown to exhibit loss-of-function mutant phenotypes specifically affecting mesoderm migration. These include the FGF ligand Pyramus, α-integrins, E-cadherin, Cueball, EGFR, JAK/STAT signaling components, as well as the heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) Terribly reduced optic lobes (Trol). Trol encodes the ortholog of mammalian HSPG Perlecan, a demonstrated FGF signaling cofactor. Here, we examine the role of Trol in Drosophila mesoderm migration and compare and contrast its role with that of Syndecan (Sdc), another HSPG previously implicated in this process. Embryos mutant for Trol or Sdc were obtained and analyzed. Our data support the view that both HSPGs function to support FGF-dependent processes in the early embryo as they share phenotypes with FGF mutants: Trol in terms of effects on mesoderm migration and caudal visceral mesoderm (CVM) migration and Sdc in terms of dorsal mesoderm specification. The differential roles uncovered for these two HSPGs suggest that HSPG cofactor choice may modify FGF-signaling outputs.
Nuclear Winter: Physics and Physical Mechanisms

The basic physics of the environmental perturbations caused by multiple nuclear detonations is explored, summarizing current knowledge of the possible physical, chemical, and biological impacts of nuclear war. Emphasis is given to the impact of the bomb-generated smoke (soot) particles. General classes of models that have been used to simulate nuclear winter are examined, using specific models as examples.
Granular nickel films as cryogenic thermometers

Abstract We have used RF sputtering to prepare a series of granular Ni x (SiO 2 ) 100− x films with nickel concentrations, x, between 60 and 90 atomic percent. The electrical resistivity of such films depends strongly on composition. We find that films with about 65 percent Ni have a temperature dependence suitable for use as cryogenic temperature sensors down to at least 100 mK. In addition, these films are relatively insensitive to magnetic fields. The largest resistance change we measured was about 1.5% in a field of 6 T at 200 mK, corresponding to a 4% temperature shift.
Toward a Psychology of Optimal Human Functioning: What Positive Psychology Can Learn from the “Experiential Turns” of James, Dewey, and Maslow

Past perspectives on optimal functioning and experience are discussed to inform current epistemological debates in humanistic and positive psychology. It is suggested that William James, John Dewey, and Abraham Maslow initiated “experiential turns” in American psychology, or turns toward immediate subjective experience, to explore questions about what makes life fulfilling and meaningful. Furthermore, these turns toward subjectivity were grounded in philosophical initiatives that challenged traditional, positivistic methods in science. The argument presented here is that a deeper appreciation of the benefits and inherent challenges of adopting an experiential perspective may help build a more unified psychology of optimal human functioning and avoid misunderstandings concerning the role of scientific research in humanistic and positive psychology.
The Interrelation of Theory and Economic History

I Do not much hold with ardent debate about method. A historian method is as individual—as private—a matter as a novelist's style. There is good reason for reserve—even reticence—on this subject, except insofar as we seek to share each other's unique professional adventures and to listen occasionally, in a mood of interest tempered with skepticism, to such general reflections as we each would draw from those adventures.
Concepts and Techniques for Ultrasonic Evaluation of Material Mechanical Properties

Reliable performance of advanced, high-strength materials in critical applications depends on assuring that each part placed in service satisfies the conditions assumed in design and life prediction analyses. Reliability assurance requires the availability of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques not only for defect detection but also for verification of mechanical strength and associated properties. Advanced NDE techniques are needed to confirm that metallic, composite, or ceramic parts will not fail under design loads due to inadequate or degraded mechanical strength. This calls for NDE techniques that are sensitive to variations in microstructure, extrinsic properties, and dispersed flaw populations that govern the ultimate mechanical performance of a structure.
Comparison between incoherent and coherent measurements

Several laboratories have demonstrated the superiority of coherent measurements for EMI/EMC (electromagnetic interference/compatibility) test and evaluation over conventional incoherent methods. The author presents an overview of these two methods. After discussing the conventional method and its shortcomings, he describes the advanced coherent method based on the network analyzer and lists its advantages over the conventional method. Beside its distinct advantages, the coherent method is shown to have a much higher integrity and wider dynamic range in tests. Finally, an example is given to compare these two methods. >
Methods of Extension Teaching

Abstract I shall be glad if in this discussion I am successful in impressing upon you three big points in effective extension teaching. These are (1) effective extension teaching influences people to change. This means far more than telling and showing, (2) learning is a habit forming process and extension teaching must be so planned that people form new habits, (3) people will only learn these new habits if they feel that the thing you offer satisfies certain wants. There is need for better extension teaching, for more effective methods. The point of view which must be given increasing recognition is that extension teaching to be effective must do more than merely tell or show people. Effective teaching must definitely influence people, move them to change. Learning is change and only the most skillful teaching will move people to make changes in practices or habits. I cannot argue you into better . . .
PolyCARE: a tool for re-engineering multi-language program integrations

We present a tool that facilitates the comprehension and re-engineering of complex multi-language program integrations (i.e. programs written using multiple programming languages and integrated in a single system). To this end, we classify and formalize program components and their relationships (known as program dependencies) used by different programming languages. Then, a specialized fool called PolyCARE (Poly-paradigmatic Computer-Aided Re-engineering) is introduced which automates the process of detecting and visualizing such dependencies. During the implementation of a prototype version of PolyCARE, it is observed that the combination of the unique characteristics of each individual programming language and paradigm can increase the complexity of program comprehension and re-engineering. For instance, integrating programs written using an object-oriented language that supports inheritance and polymorphism (e.g. C/sup ++/) and a functional language (e.g. Lisp) which uses a recursive style can have a significant impact on program comprehension. Finally, some early experiences from using PolyCARE indicate that its presentation model, transformation mechanisms and partitioning techniques constitute a promising platform for the re-engineering and maintenance of complex integrations of programs.
Formation of organic drops in water

Drop formation from submerged nozzles was studied using liquid-liquid systems of widely varying properties. The data were correlated using a momentum balance and a two-stage process of drop formation. The average agreement between data and correlation was 6.3%.
“They Saw What They Said They Saw”: Sense Knowledge in Early Christian Polemic

A curious parallel exists between two early Christian discussions of prophetic or divine knowledge. Both deal with the Christian problem of sense knowledge about the divine in a thought world dominated by Platonic thinking: how can Christians base their knowledge of the divine upon the reports of the apostles who claim to have seen God in a human shape? The first of these discussions arises from criticisms from outside; Celsus, the second-century Platonist critic of Christianity, calls the Christians a carnal race who say that God is corporeal and has a human form, and complains, “How are they to know God unless they lay hold of him by sense-perception?” (C. Cel. 7.27, 37). The second comes from within the Christian camp, and is to be found in the Clementine Homilies. In this rather enigmatic text Simon Magus, the arch-heretic, accuses Peter in his reliance upon his apostolic experience of “introducing God in a shape,” and opposes to apostolic sense knowledge his own visionary experiences (Hom. 17.3). The examination of these two texts demonstrates that in their common terms and the common shape of their arguments the issue of the knowledge of the apostles was common in Christian polemics. It was also a problem for philosophically minded Christians who would prefer to place the knowledge of God, even if historically mediated by Jesus, in the intelligible knowledge of the soul, rather than in the senses.
Evidence for the holocrine nature of lipoid secretion by avian epidermal cells: A histochemical and fine structural study of rictus and the uropygial gland.

Cells of the avian epidermis (rictus of the chicken), when examined under the light microscope following suitable fat staining, show similarities to epithelial cells of the uropygial gland of chicken and pigeon, an organ which is recognized both morphologically and functionally as a holocrine gland. Evidence thus far from electron microscopic studies strongly suggests that the skin of the bird is also a holocrine gland, although details of cytogenesis and secretion differ somewhat in the two organs.
How to Inform the American Consumer of Healthy Food Choices - Are 'Smart Food Labels'The Proper Tool to Achieve this Goal?

Obesity in the United States continues as a growing epidemic and has the distinction as the second largest cause of premature death. Nearly 129 million adults and nine million children have been considered overweight and obese. Health costs associated with obesity range from “$69 billion dollars to $117 billion dollars on an annual basis.” Should the federal government step up and implement regulations that support the health and welfare of its citizens or should the consumer figure this out?Apparently, the time is more than ripe for the federal government to establish specific rules that address how to accurately and clearly present label information concerning healthy food choices. The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) should develop these rules to assure that food manufacturers depict accurate non-misleading and informative labeling. The FDA was established to protect the public health “by assur[ing] the safety, effectiveness and security of… our nation’s food supply.” The continued role of this federal agency is to ensure that the public obtains “accurate, science-based information they need [in order] to use… foods to improve their health.”
Infrared emission spectroscopy of atmospheric-pressure ball plasmoids

Abstract We report the first (to our knowledge) infrared emission spectra collected from water-based laboratory ball plasmoid discharges. A “ball plasmoid” results from a unique type of pulsed DC plasma discharge in which a sphere of plasma is seen to grow and eventually separate from a central electrode and last for a few hundred milliseconds without an external power source before dissipating. Typical recombination rates for plasmas at ambient conditions are on the order of a millisecond or less, however ball plasmoids have been observed to last a few hundred milliseconds, and there is no explanation in the literature that fully accounts for this large discrepancy in lifetime. The spectra are dominated by emission from water and from hydroxyl radical; PGOPHER was used to fit the experimental spectra to extract rotational temperatures for these molecules. The temperatures of the bending and stretching modes of H2O were determined to be 1900 ± 300 K and 2400 ± 400 K, respectively and the rotational temperature of OH was found to be 9200 ± 1500 K.
Archival Sources for the Study of McCarthyism

McCarthyism is a loaded word, but such a useful one that it should become part of our regular historical discourse. All the available substitutes -the great fear, the red scare, the anticommunist crusade, the grand inquest, the inquisition, the witchhunt -require further explanation. Only McCarthyism is historically specific, situating us right in the middle of the anticommunist political repression of the late 1940s and 1950s. Originally, of course, the term referred to the outrageous behavior of Sen. Joseph McCarthy; but language evolves, and there is no good reason to limit ourselves to such a narrow definition. Even the Random House College Dictionary has a broader one; it calls McCarthyism "the attempt to restrict individual dissent or political criticism by claiming that it is pro-Communistic or unpatriotic.", Still, to use the word in a scholarly context invites controversy. McCarthyism can only refer to McCarthy, critics claim. Those on the left charge that the term conceals the repressive activities of the Truman administration; those on the right that it is used to smear legitimate anticommunism. The explosive nature of what is, after all, only a matter of vocabulary shows how politically sensitive the issue remains, as well as why more research is needed For, until recently, we historians have hobbled our own efforts at understanding McCarthyism by identifying it too narrowly with the career of TailgunnerJoe. Such a definition both limits and trivializes our inquiry, condensing a widespread social and political movement into a bizarre piece of personal pathology. Moreover, limiting McCarthyism to McCarthy forces us to conduct our research according to categories developed during the period we are investigating. Once we expand our definition and view McCarthyism in its broader context, as the movement to eliminate communism from American life during the late 1940s and 1950s, we find ourselves confronting a phenomenon that dominated American politics for nearly a decade and one that, despite its importance, is only beginning to be explored.
Antitumor activity of β-Gal-NONOate on C6 cells

Purpose To evaluate the antitumor effects of β-Gal-NONOate,a novel conjugate of NONOate and galactose,and to clarify its mechanism to act as an antitumor prodrug.Methods With C6/LacZ and C6 cells as in vitro model,β-galactosidase activity of tumor cells was determined through X-Gal staining;NO level in C6/LacZ cells released from β-Gal-NONOate and NONOate was evaluated with Griess assay;antitumor effects of β-Gal-NONOate and NONOate on the two cell lines were estimated by cell counting and MTT(Methylthiazoletetrazolium)assay,respectively.Results NO level released from β-Gal-NONOate in C6/LacZ cells was dependent on its concentration and evidently higher than that from NONOate.And similarly,its antitumor activity to C6/LacZ cells was obviously more powerful than NONOate(P0.05),but it did not exhibit conspicuous cytotoxicity to C6 cells.However,the NO released from C6/LacZ and C6 cells and the effects of NONOate on both kinds of cells have no great difference.Conclusion β-Gal-NONOate was more stable and possessed higher antitumor activity than NONOate.In addition,its action greatly depended on β-galactosidase.β-Gal-NONOate was an effective intracellularly NO release compound,which would be very promising in tumor therapy and relevant research.
Development of a Zika vaccine

Currently, there is no approved vaccine against the Zika virus (ZIKV). However, several organizations are actively developing vaccines using various platforms and technologies. While many of these ...
Selection of Peptide Ligands for Human Placental Transcytosis Systems Using In Vitro Phage Display

Fetal pharmacotherapy generally relies on nonspecific biodistribution of therapeutic agents to the unborn child following drug administration into the maternal circulation system. Physiologically, transfer of polar, high-molecular weight solutes across the placenta is facilitated by a specialized, vesicular transport mechanism termed transcytosis. To develop biotechnology-based drugs such as proteins, DNA, and siRNA as clinically effective therapeutics, transcytosis systems have been evaluated as a promising strategy to augment drug transfer across endothelial and epithelial barriers. Screening of random peptide libraries using phage display is a powerful technology to identify peptide sequences with high affinity for surface proteins on desired target cells. Here, we describe assembly of a diverse, cyclic heptapeptide library on the icosahedral T7 bacteriophage platform. This phage-displayed library of random peptides was used for functional in vitro screens across BeWo cell monolayers to identify peptide ligands that facilitate placental transcytosis of viral particles across this cell culture model of the human trophoblast barrier.
Cancer and male sexual dysfunction.

Many men with cancer develop erectile dysfunction during treatment of their malignancy. Erectile dysfunction in these patients often has multiple causes, both physiologic and psychological. Various treatment options, including
Forty Acres and a Mule? Implications of the Duty to Respect Personal Independence

Respect for ECSO freedom implies limits on how people can go about building community and on the powers government and private individuals can assert over individuals and resources, but it does not conflict with the desire to build a community or a government. The challenge of indepentarianism is to build a community in an area while respecting the personal independence of everyone who happens to be stuck together in the area. This chapter discusses a few of the implications that follow from the respect for ECSO freedom.
Wind Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment

Due to the mounting demand for energy and increasing population of the world, switching from nonrenewable fossil fuels to other energy sources is not an optionit is a necessity. Focusing on a cost-effective option for the generation of electricity, Wind Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment covers all facets of wind energy and wind turbines. The book begins by outlining the history of wind energy, before providing reasons to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. After examining the characteristics of wind, such as shear, power potential, and turbulence, it discusses the measurement and siting of individual wind turbines and wind farms. The text then presents the aerodynamics, operation, control, applications, and types of wind turbines. The author also describes the design of wind turbines and system performance for single wind turbines, water pumping, village systems, and wind farms. In addition, he explores the wind industry from its inception in the 1970s to today as well as the political and economic factors regarding the adoption of wind as an energy source. Since energy cannot be created nor destroyedonly transformed to another formwe are not encountering an energy crisis. Rather, we face an energy dilemma in the use of finite energy resources and their effects on the environment, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels. Wind Energy explores one of the most economical solutions to alleviate our energy problems.
Quantum Percolation in Two Dimensions

We overview the recent work on the transport of a quantum particle through a two-dimensional, disordered network produced by the percolation algorithm. This problem, known as quantum percolation, has been controversial regarding the nature of localization and presence or absence of phase transitions in its transmission behavior.
Cytonuclear incompatibility contributes to the early stages of speciation

Genetic incompatibility is a hallmark of speciation. Cytonuclear incompatibilities are proposed to be among the first genetic barriers to arise during speciation. Accordingly, reproductive isolation (RI) within species should be heavily influenced by interactions between the organelle and nuclear genomes. However, there are few clear examples of cytonuclear incompatibility within a species. Here, we show substantial postzygotic RI in first-generation hybrids between differentiated populations of an herbaceous plant (up to 92% reduction in fitness). RI was primarily due to germination and survival, with moderate RI for pollen viability. RI for survival was asymmetric and caused by cytonuclear incompatibility, with the strength of incompatibility linearly related to chloroplast genetic distance. This cytonuclear incompatibility may be the result of a rapidly evolving plastid genome. Substantial asymmetric RI was also found for germination, but was not associated with cytonuclear incompatibility, indicating endosperm or maternal-zygote incompatibilities. These results demonstrate that cytonuclear incompatibility contributes to RI within species, suggesting that initial rates of speciation could be influenced by rates of organelle evolution. However, other genetic incompatibilities are equally important, indicating that even at early stages, speciation can be a complex process involving multiple genes and incompatibilities.
The Complex Splenectomy

The management of iatrogenic splenic injury in the complex surgical patient involves important decision-making steps. Patients in the appropriate setting who are hemodynamically stable and exhibit no peritoneal signs may undergo a trial of non-operative management (NOM). This includes a period of observation, intensive monitoring, serial abdominal examinations, serial hematocrit measurements, repeat CT imaging with or without the use of angioembolization. Patients who fail NOM, i.e., become hemodynamically unstable, require transfusion of 2 more units of packed red blood cells, develop peritoneal signs, or fail angioembolization require laparotomy. In the convalescing complex surgical patient with physiological derangement, the operation of choice is to perform a splenectomy.
Association between body mass index and pain following transobturator sling.

AbstractWe aimed to prospectively evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and development of postoperative-onset pain in women undergoing transobturator midurethral sling procedures. We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of women undergoing inside-to-out transobturator midurethral sling. At preoperative visit, height, weight, self-reported activity level and baseline pain were documented. At postoperative visits, patients indicated pain location and severity, procedure success, and satisfaction. We used log binomial regression to calculate risk ratios, controlling for potential confounders. For the 129 women included, median age was 50.0 years and BMI was 27.2 kg/m2. Adjusting for age and activity level, overweight and obese women had significantly increased risk of postoperative-onset pain compared to normal BMI women. Overweight women were at 1.70 (95%CI 1.05–2.75) times the risk compared to leaner counterparts, whereas obese women were at 1.76 times the risk (95%CI 1.04–...
A fully parallel content addressable memory design using multi-bank structure

This paper presents a novel technique to reduce the power and latency in content-addressable memories (CAMs). The first technique is to discontinue the unnecessarily subsequent search-line precharge process based on pipelined matchline searching operation. Speed is improved significantly since search-line registers are comparing in parallel. Meanwhile, the power consumption is also significantly reduced by disabling the subsequential match-line and search-line precharge process. The second technique is to improve the speed further by implementing split-path match-line circuit into each match-line segment. Without additional complex peripheral circuits, our proposed design can achieve up to 47.78% reduction in power consumption. At the same time, 95.4% time can be shrunk as compared to Conventional NOR-type Architecture CAM design.
Turnover and Volatility

Active traders hold volatile portfolios. In particular, they hold volatile securities. Trading in volatile securities is not due to rebalancing. Rather, the paper provides support for the hypothesis that a personal trait drives the correlation between turnover and volatility. The propensity to follow the financial news is a candidate trait. Those who follow the news more closely receive more frequent trading stimuli and thus trade more. Moreover, those who follow the news more feel relatively more familiar with, and are thus more willing to bet on, the objects that receive special attention in the news -- volatile securities.
Results from Implementation of Integrated Transportation and Land Use Models in Metropolitan Regions

The general notion that operating agencies should attempt to integrate transportation and land use planning has long been espoused by both practicing planners and scholars. Some of the earliest work on the methodological aspects of this goal, as related to computer modeling of the processes, was sponsored by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration in an attempt to resolve what they then labeled as “the problem of premature obsolescence of highway facilities”. The earliest successful attempt to develop a modeling approach to these issues demonstrated that there were important interactions which most traditional planning methods overlooked (Putman, 1973). At the same time, this early study was unable to resolve important conceptual and computational problems of how to fully implement such integrated, or combined, model approaches. Part of the problem had to do with then available theory, and part with then available computer technology. The general problem had been formulated earlier (Beckmann et al., 1956), but the relevance of that work was not known to the transportation and land use modeling community. In 1973 the cost, at academic computing rates, of just one trip assignment model run was in excess of $200 (US), and most computer runs had to be submitted for overnight processing.
Police Body Cameras: Emotional Mediation and the Economies of Visuality

This paper seeks to think through the ways in which the design elements and affordances of police body-worn cameras interact with overlapping discourses of transparency and technological optimism and contribute to an understanding of the body-worn camera as a neutral technological mediator of fundamentally emotion-laden human interactions. This understanding, which frames not only the camera itself but its resulting video evidence as somehow more clear, more easily read and more neutral elides the contingency of interactions with the police. State power is intimately tied to visuality both in an esthetic sense and in the ability to see and be seen. The centrality of technologies of visuality to projects of social control foreground the importance of control over representational methods. Time and again citizen documentation and photography become characterized as criminal while the acts they capture do not. This power is bolstered by an investment in the neutrality of technologies of surveillance and is simultaneously reinforced by the depiction of victims of police brutality as emotionally volatile and transgressive. Additionally, any discussion of body-worn cameras must contend with the ways in which different people experience space and surveillance differently. By introducing the concept of paradoxical space in conjunction with discourses of surveillance and the elements of body camera design, we are able to understand how emotions become a part of an economy of visuality.