cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Thymic Selection, Peptide Diversity Gives and Takes Away

Under normal conditions of positive selection, thymocytes expressing different TCRs may be chosen in different ways. Some will be selected to mature because their TCRs react weakly with a single self-peptide/MHC complex on thymus epithelium. This interaction would be strong enough to rescue the cell from programmed death but not strong enough to signal death by negative selection. In addition, interaction of this set of TCRs with any peptide/MHC complex on any cell type must be insufficient to signal negative selection. A fraction of these thymocytes may be selected by peptide/MHC complexes present at low density, and in this case, the selecting peptide may be similar to a foreign peptide that activates the mature T cell. Other thymocytes may be selected by single peptides represented at higher ligand density, and in this case, a relatedness between the selecting and activating peptide will be hard to recognize (Kersh and Allen 1996xKersh, G.J and Allen, P.M. Nature. 1996; 380: 495–498CrossRef | PubMed | Scopus (273)See all ReferencesKersh and Allen 1996).For other T cells, it may be impossible to assign their selection to a single self-peptide. A collection of different self-peptides (complexed to the same MHC molecule) may provide the positively selecting interaction. This collection of peptide/MHC complexes may not share any easily recognizable common features except as defined by their strength of interaction with this TCR. Deciphering this kind of selection is going to be hard! At this stage we cannot say whether the peptide side chains on a set of selecting peptides directly contribute energy to the interaction with the TCR, or whether the side chains of the peptides keep out of the way of the TCR, allowing it to “touch down” on MHC contacts, as proposed in the peptide avoidance model (Schumacher and Ploegh 1994xSchumacher, T.N and Ploegh, H.L. Immunity. 1994; 1: 721–723Abstract | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (58)See all ReferencesSchumacher and Ploegh 1994). Both versions of selection on a gemisch of self-peptides depend on the involvement of a set of specific self-peptides in the selection of each TCR. The design of an experimental system that distinguishes these two proposals is a challenge for the future.
Correlation of Built-In Potential and I–V Crossover in Thin-Film Solar Cells

Thin-film solar cells often show a crossover between the illuminated and dark I–V characteristics. Several device specific reasons for crossover exist and have been discussed extensively. In this paper, we show that a low contact-to-contact built-in potential can produce a voltage-dependent photocurrent that leads to I–V crossover at a voltage that is almost exactly the device built-in potential. This mechanism can produce crossover in the absence of carrier trapping or recombination. It can be a contributing factor to crossover, but when an anomalously low contact-to-contact built-in potential exists, it can be the dominant factor. Using numerical simulations, we examine a variety of model solar cell structures with low contact-to-contact built-in potential and show a strong correlation of the crossover and built-in potential voltages. These simulations also suggest that a plot of the illuminated minus dark current may help identify when a low $V_{bi}$ is limiting device performance.
Crossing Borders: An Interdisciplinary Course in the "Enlightenment"

In this essay, we present a twofold version of the first team-taught course on the eighteenth century designed by faculty at Clayton State University who plan to develop and teach this course again in the near future. We hope that our explanation of the original course and our projected future version of the course will be useful to scholars who teach in the eighteenth century, as well as to specialists in other historical periods who wish to plan revisions of courses to make them more reflective of current scholarship in gender studies. Authors taught in this course include Benjamin Franklin, Voltaire, Denis Diderot, Helen Maria Williams, and others.
Hemorrhage and resuscitation induce delayed inflammation and pulmonary dysfunction in mice.

Background. It is well known that hemorrhagic shock induces inflammatory changes. Our objective was to study the histologic and biochemical changes in the lung and evaluate alterations in respiratory function after hemorrhage and resuscitation (H/R) in mice. Methods. After 30 min of hemorrhagic shock, mice were resuscitated with shed blood to restore mean arterial blood pressure to baseline. A sham group was anesthetized and instrumented for 30 min, but did not undergo hemorrhage. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were measured and histologic analysis was performed on lung tissue. Pulmonary function was evaluated using whole-body plethysmography (WBP) 1, 3, and 5 days postprocedure. Alveolar function was evaluated by measuring carbon monoxide uptake via gas chromatography 5 days after H/R. Results. Five days after H/R, mice exposed to shock had significantly higher lung MPO levels and showed greater histologic evidence of lung injury. Airway resistance (Penh) in the sham mice was 0.91 ± 0.06 versus 1.21 ± 0.09 in the hemorrhage group (P < 0.01). Alveolar function was significantly decreased in the H/R group (70.8 ± 3.6%) compared with shams (81.6 ± 1.8%) (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Hemorrhage and resuscitation cause delayed biochemical, histologic, and physiologic changes in the lung. These were marked by increased lung MPO, increased neutrophils, and decreased alveolar function. The alterations of pulmonary function and structure were most severe 5 days after H/R.
Correlations for the sticking probability and erosion of particles

Abstract Analysis of particle deposition data from a variety of experiments indicates that the sticking probability for suspended particles depositing on the wall of a pipe is a function of the dimensionless stopping distance. The data are from experiments using uranine-methylene blue particles suspended in air and sand grains suspended in water. The correlations developed for these two experimental conditions are similar, indicating that the effects of the dominant parameters have been accounted for. A correlation for the erosion coefficient is less certain because the experimental conditions from which the correlation was developed are all from similar experiments.
Neurosurgical causes of scoliosis in patients with myelomeningocele: an evidence-based literature review.

Object Scoliosis in children with myelomeningocele occurs frequently and is multifactorial in origin. The aim of this paper is to review the evidence regarding the causal association, if any, between isolated scoliosis and spinal cord tethering, Chiari malformation, or syringomyelia in this population. Methods A Medline search of the English-language literature from 1966 to 2002 was undertaken. All of the pertinent articles that were identified underwent careful review to determine the strength of the evidence supporting the claim that isolated scoliosis in children with myelomeningocele is related to spinal cord tethering, Chiari malformation, or syringomyelia. The strength of the evidence was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence (May 2001). A survey was also sent to practicing pediatric neurosurgeons and the returned responses were evaluated. Conclusions All available studies were classified as Level 4 studies (case series and flawed cohort and case-control studi...
Left ventricular function in exercise-induced hypertrophy in dogs.

Indexes of left ventricular function and diastolic compliance were studied in 10 awake exercise-trained greyhounds with left ventricular hypertrophy. Mean left ventricular to body weight ratio and mean myocardial cell diameter were significantly greater than in normal dogs (8.73 ± 2.7 [standard error of the mean]versus 4.63 ± 0.24 g/kg, P <0.01; and 18.3 ± 0.67 versus 12.5 ± 0.71 μ, P <0.01, respectively). In awake resting animals, 7 to 50 days after implantation of a high fidelity micromanometer and sonomicrometer crystals, left ventricular contractility indexes were similar to those measured previously in normal dogs (maximal derivative of left ventricular pressure [dP/dt] 3,800 ± 250 versus 3,810 ± 330 mmHg/sec, difference not significant; and mean rate of circumferential fiber shortening 1.54 ± 0.12 versus 1.43 ± 0.12 sec−1, difference not significant). During volume loading sufficient to produce a left ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 20 mm Hg, changes in contractility Indexes were similar to those in normal dogs; however, heart rate increased significantly (74 percent, P <0.005) in the trained greyhounds but not in normal dogs. Left ventricular diastolic stiffness did not differ from normal (51.6 ± 3.0 versus 45.9 ± 5.9 mmHg/cm, P <0.01). These findings suggest that left ventricular function in exercise-induced left ventricular hypertrophy is substantially normal.
Literacies at the border: transnationalism and the biliteracy practices of teachers across the US–Mexico border

This article examines the role of transnational literacy practices in the biliteracy development of Mexican–American teachers who grew up on both sides of the US–Mexico borderlands. Through an analysis of literacy narratives and language history maps of bilingual education pre-service teachers, the pre-service teachers recall their memories as transnational immigrant children and the ways in which their unofficial schooling experiences shaped their development of biliteracy outside of school. As most of the case study participants had little or no access to bilingual education beyond the assimilation model, these return trips back and forth afforded them opportunities to maintain their Spanish biliteracy and bicultural identities. These teachers lived in transnational spaces and recall the ways in which growing up on the border shaped their bilingual and biliteracy development.
Etching and aging effects in nanosize Au clusters investigated using high-resolution size-exclusion chromatography

We report experiments using high-resolution size exclusion chromatography (HRSEC), dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy to investigate the effects of aging of Au nanoclusters in the presence of surfactant ligands. We first describe our observations of the role of thiols as etchants to produce clusters in a micelle-free synthesis by reduction of a metal−organic precursor. Clusters with large abundances are identified using HRSEC, and their sizes and optical properties are reported. The smallest, Dc∼ 1 nm molecular sized Au clusters, with approximately 1 closed atomic shell, N ∼ 13 atoms, have nonclassical features in their room temperature absorbance spectra. The other dominant sub-populations also correspond closely to closed-shell structural stabilities. We show that, contrary to the expectation that aging in solution will always broaden the size dispersion and increase the average size (Ostwald ripening), a narrowing of the size dispersion and change in average size can occur w...
The Role of Eicosanoids in Angiotensin-Dependent Hypertension

Many eicosanoids produced in vascular and renal structures are endowed with the ability to influence vascular and renal mechanisms of blood pressure regulation. Eicosanoids subserve both prohypertensive and antihypertensive mechanisms. The development of angiotensin-dependent hypertension in rats is accompanied by increased vascular production of thromboxane A 2 (TXA 2 ) and of lipoxygenase-derived products with the ability to inhibit prostacyclin synthase. As a result of these abnormalities, the activity of pressor mechanisms mediated by TXA 2 and/or prostaglandin (PG) H 2 is increased. The cancellation of TXA 2 - and/or of PGH 2 -mediated pressor mechanisms, after treatment with thromboxane synthase inhibitors or TXA 2 /PGH 2 receptor blockers, lowers blood pressure in rats with angiotensin-dependent hypertension. Inhibitors of lipoxygenase also lower blood pressure in such animals, in part by decreasing the synthesis of lipoxygenase-derived inhibitors of prostacyclin synthase. Thus, the vasodepressor effect of these agents is accompanied by increased vascular formation of PGI 2 and can be prevented by cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Cyclooxygenase-derived eicosanoids, PGE 2 and PGI 2 , also subserve antihypertensive mechanisms in angiotensin-dependent models of hypertension. The level of blood pressure in such models of hypertension reflects, in part, the interplay among prohypertensive and antihypertensive functions subserved by cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoids.
The Impact of Personal Electronic Communications on Work-Life Balance and Cognitive Absorption

E-mail and instant messaging (IM) are essential ingredients of workplace communication. The study examines how the hedonic use of electronic communications influences worklife balance and cognitive absorption. Data collected from white-collar employees in the United States show that work-life balance mediates the relationship between personal e-mail and cognitive absorption, and that personal instant messaging has no impact on work-life balance but has a direct influence on employeesâ€™ cognitive absorption. The findings suggest that work-life balance may eventually increase cognitive absorption and reduce employeesâ€™ productivity. The findings provide insight into how different types of personal communication can influence work-life balance as well as into how to manage non-work-related electronic communications in the workplace.
CONSTRUCTION SACRIFICE AND KIDNAPPING RUMOR PANICS IN BORNEO

This paper analyzes the rumor panics about kidnapping that have been reported by Western observers in Borneo for more than ninety years. This analysis, based on the study of rumor in social psychology, identifies this rumor panic phenomenon as a 'diving rumor' and relates it to the study of folklore. A diving rumor is one that repeatedly erupts and disappears over a long period of time. It is accounted for by the rumor sharing its dominant motif with a well-known legend. The analysis of this Bornean kidnapping rumor panic yields a state government construction sacrifice motif. It is argued that the construction sacrifice is a widespread folklore motif and, as folklore, is related to the construction of an ideology of tribal-state relations. In the context of the sociopolitical stress and cultural conflict marking these relations the rumor panics can be viewed as a sort of ideological warfare. The plausibility of this analysis is supported by an interpretation of the semantics of the rumor. The substantive contents of the rumor are shown to be not only conducive to the construction of an ideology of tribal-state relations, but also, to be expressive of the principles and practices of traditional intertribal relations which were embodied in headhunting. For more than ninety years Western observers in Borneo have reported a curious rumor panic about headhunting and kidnapping that appears sporadically and spreads from society to society. Terror-stricken communities frequently become paralyzed for days or weeks by the special precautions taken to guard against the threat. This paper tries to account for the susceptibility of the Bornean societies to such rumor scares by demonstrating how they illustrate the typical features of rumor theory in psychology and sociology and how their substantive contents express a symbolic logic reflecting cultural meanings or substantial significance. The remarkable faithfulness or reproduction of the details of the rumors over such a long time is the aspect most likely to catch the interest of the thoughtful observer and an appropriate place to begin the inquiry. My interest in kidnapping rumor scares grew from having experienced one during anthropological research among the Mualang of the Belitang Hulu River area of Kalimantan Barat in late 1979. The episode is quite representative of the phenomenon generally, and I will recount it in some detail.
Current-density functional theory of the response of solids

The response of an extended periodic system to a homogeneous field (of wave-vector $q=0)$ cannot be obtained from a $q=0$ time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculation, because the Runge-Gross theorem does not apply. Time-dependent current--density functional theory is needed and demonstrates that one key ingredient missing from TDDFT is the macroscopic current. In the low-frequency limit, in certain cases, density polarization functional theory is recovered and a formally exact expression for the polarization functional is given.
Irreversible Adsorption of Lysozyme to Polishing Marks on Silica

Fluorescence microscopy, in combination with atomic force microscopy (AFM), reveals that rhodamine-labeled lysozyme adsorbs strongly from aqueous solution to polishing marks of nanometer depths on fused silica surfaces. The fluorescence and topographical images correspond closely. Fluorescence intensity varies by as much as 2-fold over the same region where the topography varies over 2.5 nm. Desorption of lysozyme from the surface occurs on rinsing with solutions of increased ionic strength or decreased pH, showing that reducing the Coulombic attraction enhances desorption. Different polishing marks behave differently with respect to desorption: the fluorescence pattern on the surface changes when the ionic strength of the rinsing solution reaches 0.1 M, indicating that some polishing marks are more strongly adsorptive than are others. The desorption depends on pH, which is consistent with the known variation in the charge of silica surface. A superpolished silica photomask, which has significantly fewer...
Boronization in DIII-D

A thin boron film has been applied to the DIII-D tokamak plasma facing surfaces to reduce impurity influx, particularly oxygen and carbon. A direct result of this surface modification was the observation of a regime of very high energy confinement, VH-mode, with confinement times from 1.5 to 2 times greater than predicted by H-mode scaling relation for the same set of parameters. VH-mode discharges are characterized by low ohmic target densities, low edge neutral pressure, and reduced cycling. These conditions have reduced the collisionality, {nu}*, in the edge region producing a higher edge pressure gradient and a significant bootstrap current, up to 30% of the total current. We will describe the edge plasma properties after boronization including reductions in recycling inferred from measurements of {tau}{sup p}*. In particular we will discuss the edge plasma conditions necessary for access to VH-mode including the boronization process and properties of the deposited film.
Detection of two electrons in low-lying continuum states of a single projectile ion resulting from the collision of a 10.7-MeV Ag4+ ion with an Ar gas atom.

Two electrons, excited just above the double-ionization threshold of an Ag[sup [ital q]+] ([ital q]=5,6) core in a single collision of a 0.1-MeV/u Ag[sup 4+] projectile ion with an Ar atom, are detected. The electron detector consists of electrically isolated anode segments located behind a microchannel-plate electron multiplier. A large electrostatic 30[degree] parallel-plate analyzer is used to deflect the two free electrons, which move with approximately the projectile velocity, into the detector. The cross sections for producing final states consisting of a positively charged ionic core and two electrons just above the threshold for double ionization in ion-atom collisions have been measured. The cross sections for producing states with one electron moving with a kinetic energy less than 0.13 eV in the projectile frame and the other moving with somewhat higher kinetic energy are presented.
Distributed Detection Over Multiple Access Channels

We address the design of binary local sensor quantizers for decentralized detection over multiple access channels. Our goal is to minimize the error probability at the fusion center using a single snapshot of local observations. Considering both the synchronized and asynchronous transmissions among sensors, we establish the optimality of a likelihood ratio test for both cases. For the case of asynchronous transmissions, to compensate for the unknown fading channel parameters and transmission delays, we propose a structure consisting of a RAKE receiver and a square-law detector. Simulations results are presented to demonstrate effectiveness of the design procedure.
Direct recoil spectra without interfering scattering spectra: K + on Si(100)

The relative intensities of directly recoiled silicon (Si(DR)) and scattered potassium (K(S)) induced by a 1–4 keV K+ ion beam on a Si(100) single crystal surface have been investigated as a function of incident ion energy, beam incident angle to the surface, and scattering angle along two different crystal azimuthal directions. Time-of-flight spectra of the (S) and (DR) neutrals and ions were obtained by pulsing the primary K+ beam. Under certain scattering conditions the Si(DR)/K(S) intensity ratio for the neutral spectra is very high so that the K(S) spectral peaks are negligible compared to the Si(DR) spectral peaks, providing spectra that consist of (DR) that are free from overlapping (S) peaks. The neutral fraction of Si(DR) is large (−90%) and essentially constant whereas the neutral fraction of K(S) is small (<6.0%) and sensitive to the incident and scattering angles. These trends in the Si(DR)/K(S) ratio as a function of incident angle and scattering angle are described in terms of structural effects such as shadowing and blocking and electron transfer effects such as neutralization of K+. Classical trajectory simulations are used to describe the (S) and (DR) events. The results of these simulations are consistent with the buckled dimer reconstruction model of the Si(100) surface.
Perceived positive outcomes as a mediator between adolescent callous-unemotional traits and antisocial behavior

Abstract This study investigated perceived positive outcomes as a mediator of the relation between callous-unemotional (CU) traits and antisocial behavior (i.e., delinquency, aggression) and the potential moderational influence of anxiety in that model. Participants were 149 adolescents, ages 16–19 years (124 males, 25 females) in a residential setting. Perceived positive outcomes for antisocial behavior mediated the relation between CU traits (callousness and uncaring) and such behaviors. Additionally, anxiety had a moderating effect on the relation between callousness and perception of positive outcomes, and the indirect effect of callousness on antisocial behavior was conditional based on varying levels of anxiety. These results suggest a potential mechanism through which CU traits are associated with adolescent behavioral problems.
Force measurements on the molecular interactions between ligand (RGD) and human platelet αIIbβ3 receptor system

The peptide sequence arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) found in fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, fibronectin, and vitronectin, plays a critical role in platelet adhesion and thrombus formation, when bound to the platelet αIIbβ3 integrin receptor. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we have measured the debonding interaction between an RGD peptide-modified AFM probe tip and a human platelet surface from pN to nN levels of force. The peptide sequence, GSSSGRGDSPA, which contains the biologically active RGDSP sequence with a hydrophilic spacer sequence (GSSSG), was covalently coupled to AFM probe tips. Direct measurements on the debonding force for the RGD ligand – αIIbβ3 platelet receptor system were carried out in Tyrode buffer at room temperature. Our results show three distinct distributions of debonding forces at a loading rate of 12 nN/s, from which we estimate the debonding force for the single ligand–receptor to be ∼93 pN. The results also show evidence for considerable extension in the flexible sample surface during the debonding process, and a linear correlation between the debonding force and the logarithm of the rate of loading. From our analysis, the zero kinetic off-rate Koff(0), the single molecular binding energy Eb, and the transition state xB, assuming rigid binding, were extracted from the data, and estimated to be 22.6 s−1, −2.64×10−20 J and 0.1 nm, respectively.
Effects of phytoestrogens on growth-related and lipogenic genes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Abstract This study determined whether estradiol (E2) or the phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein regulate expression of growth-related and lipogenic genes in rainbow trout. Juvenile fish (5 mon, 65.8 ± 1.8 g) received intraperitoneal injections of E2, genistein, or daidzein (5 μg/g body weight) or a higher dose of genistein (50 μg/g body weight). Liver and white muscle were harvested 24 h post-injection. In liver, expression of vitellogenin (vtg) and estrogen receptor alpha (era1) increased in all treatments and reflected treatment estrogenicity (E2 > genistein (50 μg/g) > genistein (5 μg/g) = daidzein (5 μg/g)). Estradiol and genistein (50 μg/g) reduced components of the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis in liver, including increased expression of IGF binding protein-2b1 (igfbp2b1) and reduced igfbp5b1. In liver E2 and genistein (50 μg/g) affected expression of components of the transforming growth factor beta signaling mechanism, reduced expression of ppar and rxr transcription factors, and increased expression of fatty acid synthesis genes srebp1, acly, fas, scd1, and gpat and lipid binding proteins fabp3 and lpl. In muscle E2 and genistein (50 μg/g) increased era1 and erb1 expression and decreased erb2 expression. Other genes responded to phytoestrogens in a manner that suggested regulation by estrogen receptor-independent mechanisms, including increased ghr2, igfbp2a, igfbp4, and igfbp5b1. Expression of muscle regulatory factors pax7 and myod was increased by E2 and genistein. These data indicate that genistein and daidzein affect expression of genes in rainbow trout that regulate physiological mechanisms central to growth and nutrient retention.
Quantum-mechanical derivation of angular and torsional forces in well-bonded systems.

A quantum-mechanically based method of deriving real-space interatomic potential functions for covalently bonded systems, without broken bonds, is developed. The method focuses on the one-electron energy, which is modeled via a tight-binding Hamiltonian. The potentials are derived via a general formalism based on perturbation theory, using a starting state in which the electrons reside in bond orbitals. The perturbing terms correspond to overlap and Hamiltonian couplings between the bond orbitals and with other occupied and unoccupied states. The interactions are given in terms of simple trigonometric functions, and the parameters of the quantum-mechanical Hamiltonian. A major contribution to the angular forces comes from the overlap between occupied bonding orbitals. Examples are given for model Hamiltonians relevant to phosphorus, carbon, sulfur, and the ethane molecule. The functional forms of the derived potentials are generally similar in form to those assumed in simulations. However, the actual appearance of the potentials is sometimes quite different from that obtained by an empirical fitting to molecular properties. In addition, it is found that the {open_quote}{open_quote}improper{close_quote}{close_quote} torsion terms that are often included in polymer simulations can be replaced by angular terms that are much more physically transparent. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Photon-stimulated ejection of atoms from alkali-halide nanocrystals.

Interband excitation of single alkali-halide nanocrystals, in the form of mass-selected M n±1 X n ± beams (M=K, Cs and X=Br,I), by ultraviolet radiation leads exclusively to halogen-atom emission with large cross section. The final state is a midgap (F-center) state. A pathway consisting of direct ejection of a photoneutralized surface atom is derived from a band picture using the computed energetics of the (3,3,3) nanocrystal M 14 X 13 + . This mechanism is contrasted with photon-stimulated desorption from crystal surfaces, and related to formation of surface defect states and metallized overlayers
A Race, Class, and Gender Analysis of Thriving

Thriving research has been dominated by a psychological perspective. Individuals are typically the unit of analysis and thriving is generally operationalized using psychological measures. This article discusses a race, class, and gender perspective that derives from feminist sociology, as well as its implications for thriving research. This perspective, which focuses on the role of race, class, and gender inequality in organizing social relations, draws attention to the need to recognize that both the likelihood that someone will face a challenge and their ability to thrive in the face of that challenge are determined largely by their location in the social hierarchy. It also demonstrates that distinctions must be made between thriving in the face of the routine challenges of daily life and thriving in the face of challenges that are an extraordinary part of life. Finally, the race, class, and gender perspective has implications for the development of interventions to promote thriving. Each of these issues is elaborated further with illustrations drawn from life history and focus group interviews with and field work conducted among drug-addicted women.
Delivery temperature of heated intravenous solutions during rapid infusion

Warming of intravenous fluids may help to prevent shivering and hypothermia in the surgical patient. Increasing the fluid temperatures to as high as 60 degrees C has been suggested. An in vitro study was performed in which temperature changes following the rapid infusion of heated lactated Ringer's solution within a vein were measured. When 1 L of solution was warmed to 55 degrees C and then was infused over 4 min, local model vein temperatures rose from 37 degrees C to 44 degrees C. This effect of possible regional tissue heating may well occur in vivo. It is known that the rate of human blood cell hemolysis and membrane enzymatic function is affected by temperature. Further efforts need to be directed toward appreciating the effects of warmed intravenous fluids upon intact physiologic preparations and red blood cells.
Characteristics of a Yb-doped superfluorescent fiber source for use in optical coherence tomography

We have used a newly developed Yb-doped high-power fiber source in an optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatus. We have analyzed various properties of interest for OCT measurements such as spectral shape, related gate width, central wavelength, bandwidth, and power output.
Enhancement of spin correlations in ZnTe/MnTe superlattices by Cl doping

The effect of adding Cl impurity on the long-range antiferromagnetic coupling in [ZnTe|MnTe] magnetic semiconductor superlattices has been investigated by neutron diffraction. Superlattices consisting of five atomic planes of ZnTe alternated with ten atomic planes of MnTe[(ZnTe)5|(MnTe)10] have been prepared by molecular-beam epitaxy both with and without Cl added to the MnTe and/or ZnTe layers during deposition. This was motivated by the fact that Cl can form either shallow or deep donor levels in II–VI semiconductors, and that such electronic states can serve to modify magnetic interlayer exchange. Unchlorinated samples showed magnetic correlation lengths of around 225 A (≈5 bilayers) at low temperatures, and the addition of Cl increased the correlation length at 15 K by nearly a factor of 2 to approximately 450 A.
Reliability of statistical associations between genes and disease.

Many statistical associations between a disease and alleles of specific genes have proven to be irreproducible. In part, this irreproducibility can be attributed to a lack of replication before publication and the fact that, until recently, the relationship between statistical significance and various measures of reproducibility was not widely understood. This review proposes a classification system, the Better Associations for Disease and GEnes (BADGE) system, for describing genetic associations. The BADGE classes, first class through fifth class, are based on the P value of the association. A first-class association, with P<2×10−7, is expected to be reproducible even in the absence of other evidence supporting the association. A fifth-class association corresponds to conventional statistical significance (P<5×10−2), which provides almost no assurance of reproducibility. Three intervening classes, described as second-, third-, and fourth-class associations, are defined by P values separated by factors of 20 or 25 from these extremes.
Gaseous Cerenkov Detector Reactor Power Monitor

A small diameter, gaseous Cerenkov detector has been developed for use as a reactor power monitor. Measurements have confirmed its ability to detect power-related high energy prompt gammas while discriminating against a significant flux of low energy fission product decay gammas. Other advantages of the detector are also mentioned.
Transport of exhaled particulate matter in airborne infection isolation rooms.

Abstract The goal of this research was to examine the characteristics of the spatial velocity and concentration profiles which might result in health care workers’ exposure to a pathogenic agent in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR). Computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed for this purpose. This investigation expanded on the work of Huang and Tsao [The influence of air motion on bacteria removal in negative pressure isolation rooms. HVAC & R Research 2005; 11: 563–85], who studied how ventilation conditions impact dispersion of pathogenic nuclei in an AIIR by investigating the airflow conditions impacting dispersion of infectious agents in the AIIR. The work included a careful quality assurance study of the computed airflow, and final simulations were performed on a fine tetrahedral mesh with approximately 1.3×10 6 cells. The 1 μm diameter particles were released from a 0.001225 m 2 area representing the nose and mouth. Two cases were investigated during the current study: continuous exhalation of pathogen-laden air from the patient and expulsion of pathogenic particles by a single cough or sneeze. Slow decay of particle concentration in the AIIR during the single cough/sneeze simulation and tendency for particle accumulation near the AIIR walls observed in the continuous breathing simulation suggest that unintended exposures are possible despite the ventilation system. Based on these findings, it is recommended that extra care be taken to assure proper functionality of personal protective equipment used in an AIIR.
Networking into Academic Discourse

Abstract The rapid diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICT) is having an effect on many aspects of modern life, including on how we write. Real-time chatting, electronic mail, and the World Wide Web are all contributing to new forms of written communication in the 21st century. What significance, though, if any, do these new forms have for the academic writing course? Undergraduate and graduate students alike are still expected to master fairly traditional forms of academic writing, including essays, compositions, and, perhaps eventually, theses, dissertations, and scholarly articles. Does written online communication have any relevance to the process of becoming an academic writer? Many college instructors believe that it does. In this paper, I will examine the experiences of three instructors in Hawaii who have attempted to integrate online communication into their academic writing courses. This examination will emphasize that underlying assumptions of what academic writing constitutes are fundamental in influencing how teachers integrate technology in the classroom. As a preface to discussing the experiences of the three instructors, I will first examine the main trends in conceptions of academic writing.
Strategic planning model for marine oil transportation in the Gulf of Mexico

The development of a comprehensive model of the marine oil transportation in the Gulf of Mexico is presented; it solves for oil flow distribution in a competitive multimodal and multiproduct network on the basis of systemwide optimization. It is a high-level strategic decisionmaking tool that will be used to interface with a risk analysis model, which is under development, to identify weak links in the system and evaluate alternative routing and shipping scenarios. It may also be used to provide suggestions for the designation of lightering zones, which will enable the United States to draw from the general world supply of tanker capacity and reduce oil transportation costs and risks.
Modeling particle-size distribution dynamics during precipitative softening.

A population balance model was developed to simulate simultaneous precipitation and flocculation during precipitative softening. Rate coefficients for nucleation, crystal growth, and flocculation were extracted from experimental particle-size distribution (PSD) data based on changes in the total number and total volume of particles. Three models of flocculation were evaluated: rectilinear, curvilinear, and an empirical size-independent model. Model simulations were compared with experimental PSD data to test which model was most appropriate. The curvilinear precipitative flocculation model was superior when seeded precipitation occurred at moderate mixing intensities ( G=50–100 s−1 ) . However, the curvilinear model overpredicts the formation of very large particles and requires values of the collision efficiency greater than 1.0, suggesting a more complicated dependence of the PSD dynamics on mixing intensity and saturation ratio than presently included in the model. At higher mixing intensities ( G=300...
Top-Down Benchmarking Approach for Estimating Cost of Concept

Due to the highly competitive nature of businesses today, cost estimation forms an important strategic process in making decisions about design and development of new products. The focus is on improving the quality and service of the product at ever reducing costs. In conceptual design phase, engineers need to estimate how much the final products developed from each concept may cost. Estimating cost of the final product is critical in selecting the optimal concept. Majority of the cost estimation techniques used in the industry today concentrate on the parametric estimation. Parametric estimation accurately predicts cost of the final product using historic data about cost drivers. However, if firms are developing new products different from their past product categories, historic data may not be a credible source for parametric cost estimation. In this paper, the authors proposed a top-down benchmarking approach in estimating cost of new products in conceptual design phase. The objective is to construct a cost distribution model for the final product developed from each concept.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF INSTRUCTORS' STYLE OF COMMUNICATION AND SATISFACTION WITH COMMUNICATION IN THE CLASSROOM

Predicting satisfaction with communication in the classroom was examined. Data from 144 undergraduate students indicated that instructors' style of communication predicted their perceptions of satisfaction.
Nonspecific Presentation of a Multiloculated Prostatic Abscess After Transurethral Prostatic Biopsy for Elevated Prostate-specific Antigen Level.

Prostate postbiopsy infectious complications typically present in the form of prostatitis and uncommonly urosepsis. Prostatic abscesses are generally found after multiple bouts of prostatitis and are associated with a clinically septic picture requiring intensive care unit admission and resuscitation. We report the case of a 65-year-old man who presented with prostatic abscess in the setting of nonspecific urinary symptoms after transrectal ultrasonography–guided prostate biopsy. At 4-month follow-up, he is currently free of disease with undetectable prostate-specific antigen level and negative imaging.
Engineering Soybean for Enhanced Sulfur Amino Acid Content

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is an important protein source in human diets and animal rations. Additionally, human consumption of soybean protein is reported to provide specific health benefits. Since methionine and cysteine contents limit the nutritional value of soybean, efforts involving both traditional breeding and genetic engineering have been employed in attempts to increase the presence of these essential amino acids. Traditional breeding has been primarily utilized to increase the total protein content but not to enhance the sulfur amino acid content of soybean. Although mutagenesis in conjunction with traditional breeding is a viable approach for enhancing the sulfur amino acid content of soybean, genetic engineering appears to be a more realistic approach. Introduction of methionine-rich heterologous proteins has resulted in a modest increase of this amino acid in soybean. Either elevating the expression of endogenous methionine-rich proteins or introducing synthetic proteins containing a high percentage of essential amino acids are other possible approaches that may increase the nutritional quality of the seed. Even though considerable progress has been made in enhancing the methionine content of soybean, several obstacles remain. A thorough understanding the sulfur assimilatory pathway in soybean is a prerequisite for improving the sulfur amino acid content. Expression of feedback-insensitive forms of serine acetyl transferase and O-acetylserine (thiol) lyase, two key enzymes in sulfur assimilatory pathway, could lead to an increase in the availability of sulfur amino acids. An adequate supply of sulfur amino acids in developing seeds may facilitate accumulation of sulfur-rich proteins to a level sufficient to meet the nutritional requirement of livestock and poultry.
The mechanism of CO oxidation over Cu(110): Effect of CO gas energy

The effect of the temperature of gas phase CO upon the kinetics of the oxygen titration reaction: COg +Oa → CO2,g, has been studied. It is found that the reaction's rate is independant of CO gas temperature between 300 and 623 K. The activation energy (6.5 kcal/mole), dependence upon CO pressure (first-order), and independence upon oxygen coverage for 0.1 ≤ θo ≤ 0.4 are all independant of the CO gas phase temperature. This result rules out any Eley-Rideal type mechanism whereby CO reacts directly from the gas phase with an oxygen adatom without first being accommodated to the surface temperature in an absorbed state. The result is instead interpretable in terms of a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism.
Clarifying mammalian RISC assembly in vitro

Argonaute, the core component of the RNA induced silencing complex (RISC), binds to mature miRNAs and regulates gene expression at transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. We recently reported that Argonaute 2 (Ago2) also assembles into complexes with miRNA precursors (pre-miRNAs). These Ago2:pre-miRNA complexes are catalytically active in vitro and constitute non-canonical RISCs. The use of pre-miRNAs as guides by Ago2 bypasses Dicer activity and complicates in vitro RISC reconstitution. In this work, we characterized Ago2:pre-miRNA complexes and identified RNAs that are targeted by miRNAs but not their corresponding pre-miRNAs. Using these target RNAs we were able to recapitulate in vitro pre-miRNA processing and canonical RISC loading, and define the minimal factors required for these processes. Our results indicate that Ago2 and Dicer are sufficient for processing and loading of miRNAs into RISC. Furthermore, our studies suggest that Ago2 binds primarily to the 5'- and alternatively, to the 3'-end of select pre-miRNAs.
Selected crotalidae venom properties as a source of taxonomic criteria.

Abstract Intraspecific variations in protein content, protein complexity, and cell lysing ability were demonstrated in the venoms of the copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix mokeson and the rattlesnakes Crotalus atrox and Crotalus scutulatus. The quantitative differences in these venom properties seem to have limited value as taxonomic criteria.
The sociology of ecologically unequal exchange and carbon dioxide emissions, 1960–2005

Abstract The author engages the sociological theory of ecologically unequal exchange to assess the extent to which levels of per capita anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions are a function of the “vertical flow” of exports to high-income nations. Results of cross-national fixed effects panel model estimates indicate that levels of such emissions are positively associated with the vertical flow of exports, and the relationship is much more pronounced for lower-income countries than for high-income countries. Additional findings suggest that the observed relationship for lower-income nations has grown in magnitude through time, indicating that structural associations between high-income and lower-income countries have become increasingly ecologically unequal, at least in the context of greenhouse gas emissions. These results hold, net of various important controls.
CMOS image sensors for sensor networks

We report on two generations of CMOS image sensors with digital output fabricated in a 0.6 ?m CMOS process. The imagers embed an ALOHA MAC interface for unfettered self-timed pixel read-out targeted to energy-aware sensor network applications. Collision on the output is monitored using contention detector circuits. The image sensors present very high dynamic range and ultra-low power operation. This characteristics allow the sensor to operate in different lighting conditions and for years on the sensor network node power budget.
The feasibility of using irreversible electroporation to introduce pores in bacterial cellulose scaffolds for tissue engineering

This work investigates the feasibility of the use of irreversible electroporation (IRE) in the biofabrication of 3D cellulose nanofibril networks via the bacterial strain Gluconacetobacter xylinus. IRE uses electrical pulses to increase membrane permeability by altering the transmembrane potential; past a threshold, damage to the cell becomes too great and leads to cell death. We hypothesized that using IRE to kill the bacteria at specific locations and particular times, we could introduce conduits in the overall scaffold by preventing cellulose biosynthesis locally. Through mathematical modeling and experimental techniques, electrical effects were investigated and the parameters for IRE of G. xylinus were determined. We found that for a specific set of parameters, an applied electric field of 8 to 12.5 kV/cm, producing a local field of 3 kV/cm, was sufficient to kill most of the bacteria and create a localized pore. However, an applied electric field of 17.5 kV/cm was required to kill all. Results suggest that IRE may be an effective tool to create scaffolds with appropriate porosity for orthopedic applications. Ideally, these engineered scaffolds could be used to successfully treat osteochondral defects.