cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factorization of operators II: A nonlinear Volterra method for numerical solution of linear Fredholm equations

Factorization of integral operators is studied as a method for solving Fredholmequations. It is concluded that, by factorization, linear Fredholm equations can be effectively replaced by nonlinear Volterra equations. As a byproduct of the investigation, constructive proofs are obtained for existence and uniqueness of solutions to certain nonlinear systems of Volterra equations in two independent variables. Numerical examples are given.
The effects of incomplete insurance markets and trading costs in a consumption-based asset pricing model

Abstract Incomplete financial markets, coupled with undiversifiable idiosyncratic shocks, have the potential to explain a number of asset pricing puzzles. We study a model in which agents have access to a limited set of securities markets, while facing aggregate and individual uncertainty. Trade is limited by the presence of transactions costs, borrowing constraints, and short sales constraints. We find a systematic relation between the extent and type of market frictions, and their implications for asset prices and consumption policy. With trading costs or binding borrowing constraints, the risk-free rate falls and the risk premium rises relative to the complete markets case, and the term structure exhibits a positive forward premium. However, with costless access to either the stock or bond market, agents effectively smooth out transitory income shocks, and equilibrium asset prices resemble those in the complete markets case.
Lipid-Mediated Delivery of Oligonucleotide to Pulmonary Endothelium

Pulmonary endothelium plays an important role in the maintenance of normal pulmonary physiology and its dysfunction is involved in a number of pulmonary diseases. Correction of endothelial dysfunction via antisense oligodeoxyonucleotides (ODN) is dependent on the development of a delivery vehicle that can efficiently deliver the ODN to pulmonary endothelium with minimal toxicity. To this end, we have developed a lipidic vector (LPD) that is composed of 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) liposomes, protamine, and ODN. This formulation is highly efficient in delivering ODN to the lung via the vascular route. The efficiency of delivery is a function of lipid composition and of the charge ratio between lipid and ODN. Immunofluorescence staining of BrdU-labeled ODN suggested efficient accumulation of ODN in the alveolar capillary region. Transmission electron microscopy of immunogold localization of BrdU-labeled ODN confirmed that pulmonary endothelial cells were indeed targeted by the vector. Furthermore, this formulation is associated with minimal proinflammatory cytokine response and other hematologic toxicities when the ODN lack a potent unmethylated CpG motif. Pretreatment of mice with LPD containing an ODN against intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) significantly decreased ICAM-1 expression in the lung following LPS challenge. These results provide a basis for lipid-mediated delivery of ODN for the treatment of pulmonary diseases.
Evidence for the presence of two fundamentally different, age-independent characteriological types within unselected runs of male alcohol and drug abusers.

Analyses of the MAC Scale scores of male substance abusers evidence the presence ot two fundamentally different, age-independent characterological types within unselected runs of male alcohol and drug abusers. Examination of those items which best accomplish this discrimination indicates that the members of the majority type (approximately 85%, on average, over several studies) have disorders of character, while the members of the minority type (approximately 15%, on average, over several studies), are introverted neurotics. Since both types are also present, but in roughly opposite proportions, in the self-depictions of the members of unselected runs of nonsubstance-abusing male psychiatric outpatients, it is evident that neither type is comprised only of substance abusers.
Atomistic and continuum modeling of mechanical properties of collagen: Elasticity, fracture, and self-assembly

We report studies of the mechanical properties of tropocollagen molecules under different types of mechanical loading including tension, compression, shear, and bending. Our modeling yields predictions of the fracture strength of single tropocollagen molecules and polypeptides, and also allows for quantification of the interactions between tropocollagen molecules. Atomistic modeling predicts a persistence length of tropocollagen molecules ξ ≈ 23.4 nm, close to experimental measurements. Our studies suggest that to describe large-strain or hyperelastic properties, it is critical to include a correct description of the bond behavior and breaking processes at large bond stretch, information that stems from the quantum chemical details of bonding. We use full atomistic calculations to derive parameters for a mesoscopic bead-spring model of tropocollagen molecules. We demonstrate that the mesoscopic model enables one to study the finite temperature, long-time scale behavior of tropocollagen fibers, illustrating the dynamics of solvated tropocollagen molecules for different molecular lengths.
Enthalpy of formation of uranium tetrachloride

The enthalpy of formation of uranium tetrachloride, UCl 4 (s), has been determined from measurements of the enthalpies of solution of uranium metal and of UCl 4 (s) in 4 M and 6 M HCl containing added Na 2 SiF 6 and combined with the enthalpy of formation of aqueous HCl of corresponding concentration. The necessity of making the measurements in the absence of dissolved oxygen is emphasized. The weighted mean of the two sets of measurements gives Δ H ° f (UCl 4 ,s,298 K) = −(243.4 ± 0.7) kcal mol −1 . This result was compared with that obtained by a series of measurements including the enthalpies of solution of UO 2 (s) and UCl 4 (s) in sulfuric acid solutions. (The details of the reaction scheme are given in the text.) These latter measurements lead to a value for the enthalpy of formation of UCl 4 (s) of −(244.0 ± 1.0) kcal mol −1 . The weighted average of the two determinations gives Δ H ° f (UCl 4 ,s,298 K) = −(243.6 ± 0.6) kcal mol −1 .
Measurement of Aqueous Foam Rheology by Acoustic Levitation

An experimental technique is demonstrated for acoustically levitating aqueous foam drops and exciting their spheroidal modes. This allows fundamental studies of foam-drop dynamics that provide an alternative means of estimating the viscoelastic properties of the foam. One unique advantage of the technique is the lack of interactions between the foam and container surfaces, which must be accounted for in other techniques. Results are presented in which a foam drop with gas volume fraction phi = 0.77 is levitated at 30 kHz and excited into its first quadrupole resonance at 63 +/- 3 Hz. By modeling the drop as an elastic sphere, the shear modulus of the foam was estimated at 75 +/- 3 Pa.
Mapping of the resistance genes of the R plasmid NR1

The drug resistance genes on the r-determinants component of the composite R plasmid NR1 were mapped on the EcoRI restriction endonuclease fragments of the R plasmid by cloning the fragments using the plasmid RSF2124 as a vector. The sulfonamide (Su) and streptomycin/spectinomycin (Sm/Sp) resistance genes are located on EcoRI fragment G of NR1. The expression of resistance to mercuric ions (Mer) requires both EcoRI fragment H and I of NR1. The expression of chloramphenicol (Cm) and fusidic acid (Fus) resistance requires EcoRI fragments A and J of NR1. The kan fragment of the related R plasmid R6-5 can substitute for EcoRI fragment J of NR1 in the expression of Cm and Fus resistance. The structural genes for Cm and Fus resistance appear to be a part of an operon whose expression is controlled by the same promoter.
A phenomenological analysis of pion photoproduction

Abstract Data on single pion photoproduction in the resonance region have been fitted with a model used previously by one of the authors (RLW). In updating the older fit a considerable amount of new data has been incorporated, the energy range has been extended to a total c.m. energy W = 2.0 GeV, and the procedure followed in making the fit has been changed so as to make greater use of the computer. In the model used for the analysis the pion photoproduction amplitude is composed of three parts: (1) the electric Born approximation, (2) Breit-Wigner resonances, and (3) additional “background” contributions in the lower partial waves. The electromagnetic couplings of many of the π N resonances with masses below 2 GeV have been determined in the analysis, and the results are compared to quark model predictions.
Gastroparesis After Lung Transplantation. Potential Role in Postoperative Respiratory Complications

Background We observed an unexpectedly high incidence of postoperative gastroparesis among lung and heart-lung transplant recipients. Purpose To identify the incidence of GI complications and to describe the clinical profiles of patients who developed symptomatic gastroparesis after lung transplantation. Patients and methods Retrospective study of GI symptoms and complications identified during 3 years of follow-up of 38 adult lung and heart-lung transplant recipients. Results Sixteen of 38 patients (42%) reported one or more GI complaint and received a specific GI diagnosis. Nine of 38 patients (24%) complained of early satiety, epigastric fullness, anorexia, nausea, or vomiting. Gastroparesis was suspected when endoscopic evaluation revealed undigested food in the stomach after overnight fast and symptoms could not be attributed to peptide disease or cytomegalovirus gastritis. Delayed gastric emptying was confirmed by gastric scintigraphy. Mean gastric empty (t1/2) was 263 +/- 115 min (normal Conclusion Symptomatic gastroparesis is a frequent complication of lung or heart-lung transplantation that may promote microaspiration into the lung allograft.
Lithium Complexes of N-Confused Porphyrin

Presented herein are the first lithium complexes of the porphyrin isomer N-confused porphyrin and its 21-N-methylated variant. In both cases, the macrocycle acts as a monoanionic ligand, and the internal C-H bond is retained upon metalation. In the presence the coordinating solvent tetrahydrofuran, pseudo-five-coordinate complexes are generated; in the absence of solvent, the axial positions remain vacant.
Underfill optimization under accelerated temperature cycling and drop-impact loading for stacked packages using finite element modeling

An array of accelerated temperature cycling (ATC) finite element (FE) simulations using ANSYS™, and drop-impact finite element simulations using LS DYNA™, are used to find the optimum elastic modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for a stacked chip scale package. For the ATC simulations, Anand's constitutive model with properties for Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5 (SAC305) and tin-lead eutectic (Sn63Pb37) are used for the solder joint. The strain energy density is used as a damage parameter to determine the number of thermal cycles to failure. Tri-linear elastic-plastic models are used for the solder joint properties in the drop-impact simulations. The maximum normal stress in the solder joints is used as damage parameter for the drop-impact simulations. Simulations show that the optimum underfill material has an elastic modulus of 2 GPa and a CTE of 25 ppm/K.
Contingent Valuation and the Public Interest in Privately Owned Cultural Property

(2004). Contingent Valuation and the Public Interest in Privately Owned Cultural Property. The Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society: Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 222-234.
An ecological perspective on the effects of violence on children

This special issue of The Journal of Community Psychology contains a series of first-rate research reports on the community, family, and individual dynamics of violence and trauma in the lives of children and youth. Many of the authors are genuine pioneers in this field, and their work is both informative and thought provoking. From settings in the United States—e.g., Illinois, Oregon, Iowa, and New York—to countries around the world—e.g., Chile, Canada, Palestine, and England—these researchers have brought their considerable skills and talents to bear in understanding how context shapes the processes through which violence and trauma shape development. Reading their work stimulates some thoughts on my part. These thoughts are the focus of this commentary. The authors of an excellent edited volume on the mental health issues of children in war entitled their book Minefields in Their Hearts ~Apfel & Simon, 1996!. This image captures the basic truth that war presents children and youth with serious developmental challenges, challenges that if unmet can lead to disaster. This much is clear. Children have been involved directly in the prosecution of war in extraordinary and increasing numbers throughout the 20th century. UNICEF estimates that whereas in 1900 the ratio of civilian to military casualties was about 1:9, in recent decades this pattern has reversed, and now stands at approximately 8:1 ~civilians to solders!. Children constitute a significant proportion of these civilian casualties. This shift reflects the changing nature of war. The technology of war-making increasingly emphasizes anti-personnel weapons that do not target specific individuals, and indiscriminate bombing and shelling, while the strategy of war increasingly emphasizes attacks on civilian infrastructure ~whether it be in the saturation bombing of “conventional war” or the struggle for the “hearts and minds” of the population characteristic of insurgency-counter insurgency operations!. An understanding of the impact of war on children and youth is practically important in a large number of societies around the world, including countries which do not have overt war within their borders but do accept numerous refugees coming
Homogenization and lowering of 18O/16O in mid-crustal rocks during extension-related magmatism in eastern Nevada

Abstract The oxygen isotope systematics of Tertiary volcanic rocks of east-central Nevada and of plutonic and metamorphic rocks of the Ruby Mountains-East Humboldt Range core complex provide complementary evidence for major18O-depletion and 18O/16O homogenization of mid-crustal rocks during metamorphism and magmatism. The δ18O value of crustal source material for silicic volcanic rocks decreased from between +9 and +11‰ to between +7 and +8‰ over ∼ 5 Ma. Mid-crustal metasedimentary and granitic rocks in the East Humboldt Range have δ18O values very similar to the volcanic rocks and values are lower and more homogeneous at deeper structural levels. Exchange with deep-seated mantle-derived igneous rocks, or fluids derived therefrom, is the most plausible18O-depletion mechanism. Intrusion of these mafic magmas promoted crustal melting and fluid migration. Homogenization of 18O/16O resulted from migration of high-temperature fluids and melts at mid-crustal levels, and was less effective at higher structural levels where the crust was dominated by less permeable carbonate rocks.
DSAC: integrity for outsourced databases with signature aggregation and chaining

Database outsourcing is an important trend which involves data owners farming out their data management needs to an external service provider. One important requirement is to maintain the integrity and authenticity of outsourced data. Whenever an outsourced database is queried, the corresponding query reply must be demonstrably authentic. Furthermore, a reply must include a proof of completeness to convince the querier that no data matching the query predicate(s) has been omitted. In this paper, we suggest new techniques in support of efficient authenticity and completeness guarantees of such query replies.
Rapidly Fatal Nasal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma: Orbital and Ocular Adnexal Presentations

Nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) is an aggressive malignancy that may initially present with orbital and/or ocular adnexal symptoms. We describe the case of a 27-year-old female with nasal NKTL, who initially presented with epiphora and died 4 months thereafter.
The Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee

The Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee, an organization of the Federal government, more commonly referred to as the IRAC, will have been in active continuous existence for 23 years this summer. It is composed of the representatives of twelve government agencies, their alternates, and a small secretariat. Five of these agencies are represented on the organization's technical subcommittee, its only standing committee. The IRAC came into existence June 1, 1922. The author provides the history of the IRAC, its relationship to other agencies, its internal organization, and the principles it follows in the conduct of its work.
Cloud-Point Behavior of Poly(ethylene-co-20.2 mol %-1-Butene) (PEB10) in Ethane and Deuterated Ethane and of Deuterated PEB10 in Pentane Isomers

High-pressure phase behavior data are reported for statistically random poly(ethylene-co-20.2 mol %-1-butene) (PEB10) in ethane and deuterated ethane from ambient temperature to 155 °C and pressure...
Bearings and seals for cryogenic fluids

Lubricating mechanism, cage design, and heat generation of ball bearings for liquid hydrogen turbopumps, and design factors of contact seals for liquid fluorine pumps
Effect of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on 3α-Hydroxysteroid Oxidoreductase of Testicular Germ Cells and Prostate of the Rat

On incubation with testosterone (T), nonflagellate germ cells of rat testis produced dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5a-androstane-3cs, I 7�I-diol (3o-diol). When the concentration of T was adjusted to 0.1 �zM (its level in rete testis fluid), 4-androstene-3, 17-dione (A) and DHT accumulated during the first 30 mm; during the subsequent 90 mm, A declined and 3&-diol accumulated, DHT remaining at almost constant level. Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA, 5 pM) abolished 3s-diol production, but allowed DHT to accumulate at linear rates. Separation of nonflagellate germ cells by velocity gradient sedimentation yielded spermatocytes and spermatids as major fractions. On incubation with 0.1 pM T, the spermatocytes produced A and DHT; the spermatids, although metabolizing T at lower rates, produced relatively large amounts of 3cs-diol. In the presence of T in physiological concentration, MPA did not inhibit Scs-reductase or 1 713-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase of germ cells. It abolished 3o-diol formation in the spermatids, allowing DHT to accumulate in equivalent amounts. The action of MPA as a specific inhibitor of 3o-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase without effect on Scs-reductase was also observed in rat prostate extracts when
Expanded Metabolic Reconstruction of Helicobacter pylori (iIT341 GSM/GPR): an In Silico Genome-Scale Characterization of Single- and Double-Deletion Mutants

Helicobacter pylori is a human gastric pathogen infecting almost half of the world population. Herein, we present an updated version of the metabolic reconstruction of H. pylori strain 26695 based on the revised genome annotation and new experimental data. This reconstruction, iIT341 GSM/GPR, represents a detailed review of the current literature about H. pylori as it integrates biochemical and genomic data in a comprehensive framework. In total, it accounts for 341 metabolic genes, 476 intracellular reactions, 78 exchange reactions, and 485 metabolites. Novel features of iIT341 GSM/GPR include (i) gene-protein-reaction associations, (ii) elementally and charge-balanced reactions, (iii) more accurate descriptions of isoprenoid and lipopolysaccharide metabolism, and (iv) quantitative assessments of the supporting data for each reaction. This metabolic reconstruction was used to carry out in silico deletion studies to identify essential and conditionally essential genes in H. pylori. A total of 128 essential and 75 conditionally essential metabolic genes were identified. Predicted growth phenotypes of single knockouts were validated using published experimental data. In addition, in silico double-deletion studies identified a total of 47 synthetic lethal mutants involving 67 different metabolic genes in rich medium.
INHIBITION OF RESPIRATORY VIRUS INFECTION BY LOCALLY APPLIED INTERFERON

Abstract In-vitro studies showed several strains of influenza and rhinoviruses to be as sensitive to the antiviral action of human interferon as a known interferon-sensitive virus, provided that a yield-reduction assay was used. In volunteers, a single day of prophylaxis with intranasal interferon only slightly delayed the onset of an influenza-B infection, and did not prevent the illness or reduce its severity. However, by using a greater daily dosage of interferon and combining a day of prophylaxis with 3 days of treatment, a statistically significant prevention of clinical symptoms and virus-shedding was achieved after challenge of volunteers with rhinovirus 4.
Quantum effects of electrons and holes in the MOSFET inversion layer

Based on the study of mobility degradation due to the gate field, two different mechanisms of the quantum effects are proposed for inversion carriers: i) the quantization of inversion carriers and the populating of the upper sub-bands, which tend to increase the dependence of mobility on the gate field; and ii) the quantum mechanical channel broadening, which tends to decrease the dependence of mobility on the gate field. Experimental data for electrons and holes at 25 and 125°C will be reported and analyzed.
An empirical assessment of user affectivity predispositions

Much research has been done on the construct of user satisfaction over the past 20 years. In fact, user satisfaction is probably the most studied construct in information systems research. Despite this attention, reported results have been inconclusive and sometimes contradictory. Is it possible that something else is occurring in this relationship that has not been modeled lit past studies? Perhaps user dispositional traits are confounding the results? Is it possible that users are predisposed to be either satisfied or dissatisfied in a way that has nothing to do with the system itself? To assess this question subjects were given a negative affectivity instrument. Following this, a laboratory experiment was staged in which students were subjected to a contrived software application. Then, tests were made to determine any correlation between a user's negative affectivity and his or her perception of the information system. This paper investigates the impact that user predispositions have on how users perceive information systems.
Impact of a Short-Term Nutrition Education Child Care Pilot Intervention on Preschool Children's Intention To Choose Healthy Snacks and Actual Snack Choices

Abstract Background: Novel interventions within child care settings are needed for childhood obesity prevention. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a short-term nutrition education pilot intervention on preschool-age children's snack food choices. Methods: Children ages 3–5 years (n = 49) from one child care setting participated in a short-term nutrition education intervention (nine 30-minute interactive lessons) taught over a 2-week period. Pre-post assessments included snack knowledge and snack preference questionnaires and an observed snack selection trial to allow children to choose between a healthy and unhealthy snack choice similar to the current food environment. Children's height and weight were measured and BMI z-scores calculated. Parental reports of demographics and child's food preferences were also collected at baseline. Results: Children significantly improved their preference of healthier snacks (p = 0.03) and the ability to distinguish them (p = 0.03) from other snacks. ...
Local Structure of Alkaline-Earth Boroaluminate Crystals and Glasses: II, 11B and 27Al MAS NMR Spectroscopy of Alkaline-Earth Boroaluminate Glasses

11B and 27Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectra of alkaline-earth boroaluminate glasses show that the structure of these glasses are far more complicated than previously thought. The relative concentrations of 3- and 4-coordinated boron vary as found by previous investigators using continuous-wave NMR methods, but the 27Al NMR spectra indicate the presence of Al in 4-, 5-, and 6-fold coordination, in contrast to previous assignments. Analysis of the data based on local charge balance considerations provides a qualitative model that correctly predicts compositional variations of the NMR peak intensities and 27Al chemical shifts for a wide range of boroaluminate glass compositions.
FUSION PRODUCTS OF ${\mathfrak s} {\mathfrak l} _N$ SYMMETRIC POWER REPRESENTATIONS AND KOSTKA POLYNOMIALS

where Mλ,μ is a multiplicity space on which g acts trivially, of dimension Kλ,μ which can be computed from the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients or the Littlewood-Richardson rule. The Schur-Weyl duality concerns the case where μ = (1) for all i. In that case, there is an action of the symmetric group SN on the tensor product by permutation of factors, which centralizes the action of sln. In this case, Mλ,{1,...,1} ' Wλ is the irreducible Specht module of the symmetric group. In the case when μ = (μi) are single-part partitions, Mλ,μ is not an SN -module but its dimension is known to be the Kostka number Kλ,μ. Here, μ = (μ1, ..., μm), where without loss of generality we order μi ≥ μi+1. The Feigin-Loktev fusion product, inspired by the definition of the fusion action of the affine algebra ĝ on conformal blocks of WZW models in conformal field theory, is a g-equivariant grading on the tensor product
Filtering for Attitude Estimation and Calibration

Attitude estimation refers to the process of estimating the current attitude state of a system from a set of measured observations. The state estimation problem involves finding the best estimate of the true system state using a dynamic model and measurements that are both corrupted with random noise of known statistics. The variables to be estimated are usually collected into a state vector, which typically includes other variables in addition to the attitude. For example, star tracker measurements can be combined with a kinematics model, which is propagated using gyroscopic measurements.
Practical Localized Network Coding in Wireless Mesh Networks

In this paper, BFLY-a practical localized network coding protocol for wireless mesh networks-is proposed. To supplement forwarding packets in classical networks, intermediate wireless nodes code packets from different sources, so that each transmission's information content is increased. Prior work allowed intermediate nodes to code (i.e, XOR) packets such that the recipient of the coded message must decode the message before forwarding. BFLY, however, allows intermediate recipients to, in addition to XOR-ing, forward coded packets; and thus further exploits network coding opportunities in multihop wireless networks. BFLY utilizes knowledge of local topologies and source route information in packet headers. We have developed network coding modules in ns-2 that facilitate simulations with large networks. Simulation studies show that BFLY can increase overall network throughput by a factor of 1.2 - 2 and reduce end-to-end latency.
Exact equivalent networks for piezomagnetic plate transducers and resonators

Piezomagnetism is a linear effect relating mechanical and magnetic variables, and is represented by an axial, third-rank, time-antisymmetric tensor. Circuit descriptions over the years have aptly represented its axial nature by means of gyrators, but these have been confined to single-mode representations. We consider the one-dimensional case of simple thickness modes of piezomagnetic plates. Exact multi-mode networks are given for both thickness and lateral excitation. These representations cover biased magnetostrictive plates and stacks as well. When symmetry is present, e.g., resonators with traction-free surfaces, the networks simplify considerably.
Mouse Sperm Protein sp56 Is a Component of the Acrosomal Matrix

Previously, we identified the guinea pig sperm acrosomal matrix glycoprotein AM67 and demonstrated that it is most closely related to mouse sperm sp56, initially reported to be a cellsurface protein. On the contrary, our studies demonstrated that sp56 is an intra-acrosomal component. Based upon the homology between guinea pig AM67 and mouse sp56, we hypothesized that sp56 was part of the acrosomal matrix, a structure that had yet to be demonstrated to exist in mouse sperm. In this paper, we show that sp56 first appeared in late meiotic cells and accumulated during spermiogenesis, the haploid stage of spermatogenic cell development. Using affinity-purified anti-peptide antisera, we determined that the molecular weight of sp56 in cauda epididymal sperm approximated that of guinea pig AM67 (;67 000 Mr) and that sp56 was present in a high molecular weight, disulfide-linked complex. The forms of sp56 in pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids had higher molecular weights than was found for the sperm form; the size differences were apparently due to alterations in carbohydrate side chains. The sp56 complex could not be solubilized by the nonionic detergent Triton X-100 but remained associated with the dorsal surface of the mouse sperm head, demonstrating that sp56 is a component of the mouse sperm acrosomal matrix.
An imperative for climate change planning: tracking Earth's global energy

Planned adaptation to climate change requires information about what is happening and why. While a long-term trend is for global warming, short-term periods of cooling can occur and have physical causes associated with natural variability. However, such natural variability means that energy is rearranged or changed within the climate system, and should be traceable. An assessment is given of our ability to track changes in reservoirs and flows of energy within the climate system. Arguments are given that developing the ability to do this is important, as it affects interpretations of global and especially regional climate change, and prospects for the future.
A graphene-based physiometer array for the analysis of single biological cells

A significant advantage of a graphene biosensor is that it inherently represents a continuum of independent and aligned sensor-units. We demonstrate a nanoscale version of a micro-physiometer – a device that measures cellular metabolic activity from the local acidification rate. Graphene functions as a matrix of independent pH sensors enabling subcellular detection of proton excretion. Raman spectroscopy shows that aqueous protons p-dope graphene – in agreement with established doping trajectories, and that graphene displays two distinct pKa values (2.9 and 14.2), corresponding to dopants physi- and chemisorbing to graphene respectively. The graphene physiometer allows micron spatial resolution and can differentiate immunoglobulin (IgG)-producing human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells from non-IgG-producing control cells. Population-based analyses allow mapping of phenotypic diversity, variances in metabolic activity, and cellular adhesion. Finally we show this platform can be extended to the detection of other analytes, e.g. dopamine. This work motivates the application of graphene as a unique biosensor for (sub)cellular interrogation.
Experimentally determined Si isotope fractionation between silicate and Fe metal and implications for Earth's core formation

Abstract Stable isotope fractionation amongst phases comprising terrestrial planets and asteroids can be used to elucidate planet-forming processes. To date, the composition of the Earth's core remains largely unknown though cosmochemical and geophysical evidence indicates that elements lighter than iron and nickel must reside there. Silicon is often cited as a light element that could explain the seismic properties of the core. The amount of silicon in the core, if any, can be deduced from the difference in 30 Si/ 28 Si between meteorites and terrestrial rocks if the Si isotope fractionation between silicate and Fe-rich metal is known. Recent studies (e.g., [Georg R.B., Halliday A.N., Schauble E.A., Reynolds B.C., 2007. Silicon in the Earth's core. Nature 447 (31), 1102–1106.]; [Fitoussi, C., Bourdon, B., Kleine, T., Oberli, F., Reynolds, B. C., 2009. Si isotope systematics of meteorites and terrestrial peridotites: implications for Mg/Si fractionation in the solar nebula and for Si in the Earth's core. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 287, 77–85.]) showing (sometimes subtle) differences between 30 Si/ 28 Si in meteorites and terrestrial rocks suggest that Si missing from terrestrial rocks might be in the core. However, any conclusion based on Earth–meteorite comparisons depends on the veracity of the 30 Si/ 28 Si fractionation factor between silicates and metals at appropriate conditions. Here we present the first direct experimental evidence that silicon isotopes are not distributed uniformly between iron metal and rock when equilibrated at high temperatures. High-precision measurements of the silicon isotope ratios in iron–silicon alloy and silicate equilibrated at 1 GPa and 1800 °C show that Si in silicate has higher 30 Si/ 28 Si than Si in metal, by at least 2.0‰. These findings provide an experimental foundation for using isotope ratios of silicon as indicators of terrestrial planet formation processes. They imply that if Si isotope equilibrium existed during segregation of Earth's core-forming metal and silicate mantle, there should be an isotopic signature of Si in the core. Our experiments, combined with previous measurements of Si isotope ratios in meteorites and rocks representing the bulk silicate Earth, suggest that the formation of the Earth's core imparted a high 30 Si/ 28 Si signature to the bulk silicate Earth due to dissolution of ~ 6 wt% Si into the early core.
An Analysis of Peripheral Blood and Salivary Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Function, Circulating Immune Complex Levels and Oral Status in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

In an earlier case report, we described a 28-year-old man with active Crohn's disease and rapidly progressive alveolar bone loss, who presented with enhanced peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte activity as assessed by phagocytosis and lysis of a target bacterium. To assess the significance of this finding, peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) from thirty patients with active or inactive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were examined for spontaneous and stimulated hexose monophosphate shunt (HMS) activity. Analysis revealed the PMN from active IBD patients displayed greater metabolic activity than PMN from inactive IBD patients, which in turn were more active than PMN from normal subjects. Since circulating immune complex (CIC) levels might be of importance in the in vivo activation of PMN, analysis of serum CIC levels via polyethylene glycol 6000 precipitation was carried out. This indicated that active IBD patients had higher levels of CIC activity then inactive IBD patients. Ten of these patients were evaluated for spontaneous HMS activity by salivary PMN. As compared to controls, comparable numbers of salivary PMN from IBD patients displayed an average of 45% less activity than control salivary PMN. Analysis of the oral status of 10 IBD patients referred to the Peter Bent Brigham Dental Clinic indicated that two patients had overt oral pathoses apparently attributable to IBD. These two patients also had the highest CIC levels observed in the 30 serum samples tested.
The Morphogenesis of the Zebrafish Eye, Including a Fate Map of the Optic Vesicle

We have examined the morpho- genesis of the zebrafish eye, from the flat optic vesicle at 16 hours post fertilization (hpf) to the functional hemispheric eye at 72 hpf. We have produced three-dimensional reconstructions from semithin sections, measured volumes and areas, and produced a fate map by labeling clus- ters of cells at 14 -15 hpf and finding them in the 24 hpf eye cup. Both volume and area increased sevenfold, with different schedules. Initially (16 -33 hpf), area increased but volume remained constant; later (33-72 hpf) both increased. When the volume remained constant, the presumptive pigmented epithelium (PE) shrank and the pre- sumptive neural retina (NR) enlarged. The fate map revealed that during 14-24 hpf cells changed layers, moving from the PE into the NR, probably through involution around the margin of the eye. The transformation of the flat epithelial layers of the vesicle into their cup-shaped counterparts in the eye was also accompanied by cellular rear- rangements; most cells in a cluster labeled in the vesicle remained neighbors in the eye cup, but oc- casionally they were separated widely. This de- scription of normal zebrafish eye development pro- vides explanations for some mutant phenotypes and for the effects of altered retinoic acid. Dev Dyn 2000;218:175-188. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Distribution of potato tuber proteins during development

This study reports the distribution of two major tuber proteins, patatin and the 22-kilodalton (kD) protein and their mRNAs, in developing potato plants grown in the field under two diverse locations. Patatin was present at the highest levels in root tissue of all cultivars examined, excluding tubers. Root patatin mRNA accumulated from 10 to 20% of that of tubers. Patatin levels varied in leaf and stem tissue, depending on the cultivar and developmental stage. The banding pattern of the root and stem patatin proteins resolved on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was distinct from the tuber form, while the patatin transcript detected in root and stem mRNA from these tissues was approximately the same size as the tuber transcript. The 22-kD protein was detected in roots, stems, and leaves with slight quantitative differences among cultivars. Excluding tubers, the greatest and most consistent levels of this protein type occurred in leaf tissue. It was concluded that both tuber proteins can be expressed to detectable levels in nontuber tissues and that levels of accumulation seem to be affected by genotype (cultivar) and environmental factors, as well as stage of development.
Non-invasive ultrasonic instrument for counter-terrorism and drug interdiction operations - the acoustic inspection device (AID)

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a portable, battery-operated, handheld ultrasonic device that provides non-invasive container interrogation and material identification capabilities. The technique governing how the acoustic inspection device (AID) functions, involves measurements of ultrasonic pulses (0.1 to 5 MHz) that are launched into a container or material. The return echoes from these pulses are analyzed in terms of time-of-flight and frequency content to extract physical property measurements (the acoustic velocity and attenuation coefficient) of the material under test. The AID performs an automated analysis of the return echoes to identify the material, and detect contraband in the form of submerged packages and concealed compartments in liquid filled containers and solid-form commodities. This device utilizes a database consisting of material property measurements acquired from an automated, ultrasonic fluid characterization system called the Velocity-Attenuation Measurement System (VAMS). Both prototype technologies are discussed here. This manuscript describes the functionality, capabilities and measurement methodology of the technology as it relates to the material property measurements and homeland security applications.
Improved Growth in Young Children with Severe Chronic Renal Insufficiency Who Use Specified Nutritional Therapy

Growth in children with chronic renal failure caused by polyuric, salt-wasting diseases may be hampered if ongoing sodium and water losses are not corrected. Twenty-four children were treated with polyuric chronic renal insufficiency (CRI; creatinine clearance <65 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)) with low-caloric-density, high-volume, sodium-supplemented feedings. Subsequent growth was compared with that of children in two control groups: a national historic population control from the US Renal Data System database (n = 42), and a literature control (n = 12). Members of the three groups were 81 to 96% white, and 58 to 70% were boys. Obstructive uropathy and dysplasia were the cause of CRI in 92% of the treatment group, 75% of the literature control group, and 30% of the population control group. Treatment effect was assessed in a multivariate, retrospective analysis of the height standard deviation score (SDS), simultaneously controlling for the severity of disease by renal replacement therapy, primary cause of CRI, and initial height SDS. The change in SDS (Delta SDS) for height by regression analysis at 1 yr was significantly greater by +1.37 in the treatment group versus the population control (P = 0.017). The 2-yr height Delta SDS by regression analysis adjusted for creatinine clearance was significantly greater by +1.83 in the treatment group versus the literature control (P = 0.003). Nutritional support with sodium and water supplementation can maintain or improve the growth of children with polyuric, salt-wasting CRI. This inexpensive intervention may delay the need for renal replacement therapy, growth hormone treatment, or both in many of these children and may be used in any clinical setting.
Does Apoptosis Play a Role in Varicella Zoster Virus Latency and Reactivation

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is an exclusively human highly neurotropic alphaherpesvirus. To date, VZV has been shown to induce apoptosis, primarily through the intrinsic pathway in different cell types, except for neurons in which the virus becomes latent. This review summarizes current studies of varicella-induced apoptosis in non‑neuronal cells. Future studies are proposed to determine whether apoptosis is terminated prematurely or even begins in neurons that are non-productively infected with VZV.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) And One University Application

Internet telephony is emerging as an inexpensive alternative to the high costs of long distance and transcontinental calls. Colleges and universities may also benefit from this technology shift. This paper addresses the impact of new Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies and the business conditions moving consumers to consider the new technologies. Two models: technology push and market pull, identify the stakeholders in the move to VoIP technologies. The models are discussed and applied to the needs of a college campus providing traditional and nontraditional education delivery methods.
Data sharing or resource contention: toward performance transparency on multicore systems

Modern multicore platforms suffer from inefficiencies due to contention and communication caused by sharing resources or accessing shared data. In this paper, we demonstrate that information from low-cost hard-ware performance counters commonly available on modern processors is sufficient to identify and separate the causes of communication traffic and performance degradation. We have developed SAM, a Sharing-Aware Mapper that uses the aggregated coherence and bandwidth event counts to separate traffic caused by data sharing from that due to memory accesses. When these counts exceed pre-determined thresholds, SAM effects task to core assignments that colocate tasks that share data and distribute tasks with high demand for cache capacity and memory bandwidth. Our new mapping policies automatically improve execution speed by up to 72% for individual parallel applications compared to the default Linux scheduler, while reducing performance disparities across applications in multiprogrammed workloads.
The Boy and the Soldier, Companions in Robbe-Grillet's Labyrinth

Near the conclusion of Alain Robbe-Grillet's In the Labyrinth, the unnamed doctor's voice fades into that of another voice, presumably the undisguished narrator's, which evaluates briefly the roles of several characters in the haunting story: the role of the unnamed boy, the first mentioned in the enumeration, is called "primordial," translated merely as "significant" by Richard Howard— "significant," the narrator pointedly adds, because the boy is indirecdy responsible for the death of the unnamed soldier (p. 269).' Such a small reminder coming from a narrator who is, to say the least, not given to offering explicit advice on what is or is not important in his text is unusual and noteworthy. Commentators on the novel, however, have alluded only in passing to this "significant" child, and therefore I wish to consider here, in an inductive manner, the prominence and the nature of his role. More generally, perhaps the following remarks will help to explain why Labyrinth is for me, and I hope for others, Robbe-Grillet's most memorable text.
The Helicopter Case and the Jurisprudence of Jurisdiction

This is a comprehensive study of the Supreme Court's 1984 Helicopteros case, written at the time. Helicopteros was a precursor of such later transnational jurisdiction cases as Asahi, Goodyear, and Nicastro. This paper's detailed analysis of "the Helicopter Case" can now be read in application to these more current cases. In the course of its argument, the paper works through much of the jurisprudence of jurisdiction -- that is, jurisdiction over the person of the defendant -- and becomes a detailed critique of this jurisprudence, identifying and documenting the fallacies behind the Court's thinking, and the Court's consequent missteps. Although transnational litigation presents special problems, much of this case study is intended to be of use in thinking about the jurisprudence of jurisdiction in interstate litigation as well.
Global and Out of Control

Multinational bankruptcy cases have tremendous potential for forum shopping because changing forum country also changes the law that will determine the debtor's remedies and the creditors' priorities. That potential has been held in check by the multinational companies' need that the courts of other countries recognize the decree of the forum court. Thus, the need for recognition is the lynchpin that holds forum shopping largely in check. Many of the world's leading bankruptcy professionals are now seeking to eliminate the recognition requirement by adopting universalist laws and regulations. This paper briefly describes three such efforts. First, the European Union has adopted a regulation, effective in 2002, requiring EU countries to recognize multinational bankruptcies filed in the debtor's home country (provided that country is in the EU). Second, UNCITRAL has promulgated, and the U.S. is about to adopt, a Model Law that encourages recognition of multinational bankruptcies filed in the debtor's home country. Third, the American Law Institute has promulgated Principles of Cooperation in Transnational Insolvency Cases that, when combined with the Model Law, make recognition of home country multinational bankruptcies effectively mandatory. This paper was initially published as Chapter 8 of Courting Failure: How Competition for Big Cases Is Corrupting the Bankruptcy Courts (2005). Other chapters of the book describe forum shopping and court competition in and to the U.S. This paper describes rampant forum shopping and court competition in European Union cases since the adoption of the regulation. It predicts that worldwide rampant forum shopping and court competition will result from the adoption of the Model Law, and explains how that will occur. Universalist bankruptcy laws lead to forum shopping because multinational companies do not have home countries in any meaningful sense and, to the extent that they do, they can easily change them to gain legal advantage over their creditors. The paper speculates that some universalists are deliberately seeking to throw the international bankruptcy system into chaos in order to force countries to rapidly harmonize their laws (which will reduce the incentives for forum shopping). What the Universalists have not anticipated, however, is the potential for a race to the bottom as courts and countries compete for the multibillion dollar business of multinational bankruptcy.
Herpes Simplex and NMDA Encephalitides

Investigators at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, report 2 male patients, an infant and adult, with confirmed herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) and anti-NMDA receptor antibody encephalitis.