cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A predictive coarse-grained model for position-specific effects of post-translational modifications.

Abstract Biomolecules undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), resulting in the formation of multicomponent protein-RNA membraneless organelles in cells. However, the physiological and pathological role of post-translational modifications (PTMs) on the biophysics of phase behavior is only beginning to be probed. To study the effect of PTMs on LLPS in silico, we extend our transferable coarse-grained model of intrinsically disordered proteins to include phosphorylated and acetylated amino acids. Using the parameters for modified amino acids available for fixed-charge atomistic force fields, we parameterize the size and atomistic hydropathy of the coarse-grained-modified amino acid beads and, hence, the interactions between the modified and natural amino acids. We then elucidate how the number and position of phosphorylated and acetylated residues alter the protein’s single-chain compactness and its propensity to phase separate. We show that both the number and the position of phosphorylated threonines/serines or acetylated lysines can serve as a molecular on/off switch for phase separation in the well-studied disordered regions of Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) and DDX3X, respectively. We also compare modified residues to their commonly used PTM mimics for their impact on chain properties. Importantly, we show that the model can predict and capture experimentally measured differences in the phase behavior for position-specific modifications, showing that the position of modifications can dictate phase separation. In sum, this model will be useful for studying LLPS of post-translationally modified intrinsically disordered proteins and predicting how modifications control phase behavior with position-specific resolution.
Source/Drain Extension Doping Engineering for Variability Suppression and Performance Enhancement in 3-nm Node FinFETs

In this article, variability suppression and performance enhancement through source/drain extension (SDE) module engineering is demonstrated in 3-nm node fin field-effect transistors (FinFETs). The process variabilities induced by different modules are systematically quantified in 3-nm node FinFETs using fully calibrated technology computer-aided design (TCAD) tools. With experimentally characterized geometry parameters and their variation ranges, the fin and the SDE module are identified as the main variability sources. The unique device performances induced by the realistic fin and SDE modules are interpreted. Previously developed for performance enhancement in 7- and 10-nm node FinFETs, 3-D SDE doping profile engineering can effectively reduce fin and SDE module-induced variabilities by $4.0\times $ ( $2.7\times $ ) and $1.8\times $ ( $2.1\times $ ) in 3-nm node n-(p-)FinFETs, respectively. In addition, the precise control of the vertical SDE profile enables a new dimension for design optimization. An optimization methodology for the 3-D SDE doping profile is demonstrated, achieving a 7% (10%) ON-state current enhancement in 3-nm node n-(p-)FinFETs.
“The Gifts of the Hurricane:” Reimagining Post-María Puerto Rico through Comics

Although the media framed Hurricanes Irma and Maria and their aftermath as a tragedy, and indeed it was, a small literary canon has emerged that explores the storms as an opportunity to rethink Puerto Rico’s future. The aftermath of the hurricanes impacted cultural production two-fold; by forcing writers to engage with climate change, while also rethinking the colonial relationship that Puerto Rico has with the United States. Looking specifically at selections from English- and Spanish-language comic anthologies Ricanstruction (2018), Puerto Rico Strong (2018) and Nublado: Escombros de Maria (2018) as well as single-author graphic novels like Maria and Temporada (2019), I explore how authors used Hurricane Maria as a catalyst to reimagine and recreate a more autonomous future for the island through decolonial imaginaries, a notion laid out by Emma Perez. Despite their different approaches to Puerto Rico’s future, the comics’ commonality lies in counter-narratives that espouse community values, indigeneity, innovation, and reclamation of nature as a means to confront hardship. Together they produce alternative modalities for transcending the vulnerabilities of debilitating disasters brought on by climate change. They offer a return to pre-colonial values combined with new technologies to empower the island to break from the United States and withstand future storms.
The Impact of Body Mass Index on Physical Activity and Cardiac Workload

BackgroundHaving an abnormal body mass index (BMI) adversely affects cardiac workload and level of physical activity. ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between cardiac workload, physical activity, Sex, and BMI. MethodsThe number of steps taken per day (Steps) and minutes per week spent in targeted heart rate zones were collected from primarily first and second year university students (n = 1,801; 62% female) over a standard, 15-week long semester. Other data collected included BMI, Sex, Age, and Class Standing. Sex differences in BMI, Steps, and training heart rate zone (heart rates above 50% of max) minutes (THR) were evaluated, correlations between the study parameters were analyzed, and one-way ANOVA was used to test between competing models. The values p < .05 were considered statistically significant. ResultsStatistically significant (p < .05) differences between males and females were found for Steps, THR, and BMI. Males were more physically active but spent 18% less time with heart rates above 50% of max. Students who had abnormal BMI values, both low and high, experienced greater cardiac workload (p < .05), even though they were found to be less physically active (p < .05). ConclusionOur study revealed that university students with abnormal BMI values experienced greater cardiac workload, even though they are less physically active. Thus, physical fitness and healthy lifestyle interventions should also include underweight students in addition to students who are overweight or obese.
Socio-economic and socio-cultural foundations of voter support for far-left and far-right parties

Support for far-left and far-right political parties has been on the rise across advanced democracies in recent years. This political polarization originates from a series of crises facing countrie...
What is a good death? A choice experiment on care indicators for patients at end of life.

Context Health systems should aim to deliver on what matters most to patients. With respect to end of life (EOL) care, knowledge on patient preferences for care is currently lacking. Objective To quantify preference weights for key EOL care indicators. Methods We developed a discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey with 13 key indicators related to patients' experience in the last 6 weeks of life. We fielded the survey to a web-panel of caregiver proxies for recently deceased care recipients. We obtained 250 responses in each of 5 countries: India, Singapore, Kenya, the UK and the US. Latent-class analysis was used to evaluate preference weights each indicator within and across countries. Results A 2-class latent-class model was the best fit. Class 1 (average class probability = 64.7%) preference weights were logically ordered and highly significant, while Class 2 estimates were generally disordered, suggesting poor data quality. Class 1 results indicated health care providers' ability to control patients' pain to desired levels was most important (11.5%, 95% CI: 10.3-12.6%), followed by clean, safe, and comfortable facilities (10.0%, 95% CI: 9.0-11.0%); and kind and sympathetic health care providers (9.8%, 95% CI: 8.8-10.9%). Providers' support for non-medical concerns had the lowest preference weight (4.4%, 95% CI: 3.6-5.3%). Differences in preference weights across countries were not statistically significant. Conclusions Results reveal that not all aspects of EOL care are equally valued. Not accounting for these differences would lead to inappropriate conclusions on how best to improve EOL care.
Reforming History: Turkey’s Legal Regime and Its Potential Accession to the European Union

For the past decade, Turkey and the European Union (EU) have had serious discussions about Turkey's possible entrance into the EU. The intensity of these talks, however, has always been tempered by Turkey's extremely questionable human rights practices. The most marked aspects of this record are the country's treatment of the Kurdish minority and its quashing of political dissent through the heavyhanded use of its legal system. In this note, I will argue that, despite Turkey's increasing political and economic stature in the world, it will not be able to gain entry into the EU until it is able to sufficiently address these human rights problems to the satisfaction of the EU and the international community in general.
Procedure-specific surgical site infection incidence varies widely within certain National Healthcare Safety Network surgery groups.

Background The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) classifies surgical procedures into 40 categories. The objective of this study was to determine surgical site infection (SSI) incidence for clinically defined subgroups within 5 heterogeneous NHSN surgery categories. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study using the longitudinal State Inpatient Database. We identified 5 groups of surgical procedures (amputation; bile duct, liver or pancreas [BILI]; breast; colon; and hernia) using ICD-9-CM procedure codes in community hospitals in California, Florida, and New York from January 2009-September 2011 in persons aged ≥18 years. Each of these 5 categories was classified to more specific surgical procedures within the group. The 90-day SSI rates were calculated using ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. Results There were 62,901 amputation surgeries, 33,358 BILI surgeries, 72,058 breast surgeries, 125,689 colon surgeries, and 85,745 hernia surgeries in 349,298 people. The 90-day SSI rates varied significantly within each of the 5 subgroups. Within the BILI category, bile duct, pancreas, and laparoscopic liver procedures had SSI rates of 7.2%, 17.2%, and 2.2%, respectively ( P Conclusion The 90-day SSI rates varied widely within certain NHSN categories. Risk adjustment for specific surgery type is needed to make valid comparisons between hospitals.
The Possible Role of PeP Weak Interactions in the Early History of the Earth

The p(pe− v)d, reaction (Q = 1.442 MeV) is examined in view of the possible Gamow Factor Cancellation (GFC) theorized by Kim and Zubarev (1995). The lifetime for the pep reaction in a metal hydride environment, such as FeH in the core of the earth, was calculated to be 2.54E(+12) yrs. The duration of the earth’s melting and degassing prior to the formation of the oceans can be calculated using the present ratio D/H = 1.5E(−4) for the oceanic value, the pep lifetime in Fe and the primordial ratio of D/H = 2.6E(−5). The time interval was calculated to be 630 ± 160 million years, yielding an oceanic formation age of 3.92 billion years ago. The d(pe−, v)t, reaction (Q = 5.474 MeV) was also examined in view of the subsequent decay of tritium to 3He and its possible role as a radiochronometer.
Holocene to Pliocene tectonic evolution of the region offshore of the Los Angeles urban corridor, southern California

[1] Quaternary tectonism in the coastal belt of the Los Angeles urban corridor is diverse. In this paper we report the results of studies of multibeam bathymetry and a network of seismic reflection profiles that have been aimed at deciphering the diverse tectonism and at evaluating the relevance of published explanations of the region's tectonic history. Rapid uplift, subsidence in basins, folds and thrusts, extensional faulting, and strike-slip faulting have all been active at one place or another throughout the Quaternary Period. The tectonic strain is reflected in the modern physiography at all scales. Los Angeles (LA) Basin has filled from a deep submarine basin to its present condition with sediment impounded behind a large sill formed behind uplifts near the present shoreline. Newport trough to the south-southeast of LA Basin also accumulated a large volume of sediment, but remained at midbathyal depths throughout the Period. There is little or no evidence of Quaternary extensional tectonism in either basin although as much as 6 km of subsidence, which mainly occurred by sagging, has been recorded in places since the middle Miocene. The uplifts include folded and thrust faulted terranes in the Palos Verdes Hills and the shelves of Santa Monica and San Pedro Bays. The uplifted areas have been shortened in a southwest-northeast direction by 10% or slightly more, and some folds are reflected in the bathymetry. Two large adjacent midbathyal basins, Santa Monica and San Pedro, show strong evidence of subsidence and slight west-northwest extension (10%) during the same time folding was taking place in the uplifts. The tectonic boundaries between uplifts and basins are folded, normal faulted, reverse-faulted, and strike-slip faulted depending on location. The rapid Quaternary uplift and subsidence, along with the filling of LA Basin, have produced a reversal in the regional physiography. In the early Pliocene, LA Basin was a submarine deep, Palos Verdes and the shelves comprised a northeast basin slope, and the present offshore basins and Catalina Island formed an emergent or shallowly submerged shelf. Since extensional, compressional, and lateral strains are all locally in evidence, simple notions that this part of southern California underwent a change from Miocene transtension to Quaternary transpression fail to explain our observations.
Students' Attitudes toward Science as Predictors of Gains on Student Content Knowledge: Benefits of an After-School Program.

High-quality after-school programs devoted to science have the potential to enhance students' science knowledge and attitudes, which may impact their decisions about pursuing science-related careers. Due to the unique nature of these informal learning environments, an understanding of the relationships among aspects of students' content knowledge acquisition and attitudes toward science may aid in the development of effective science-related interventions. We investigated the impact of a semester-long after-school intervention utilizing an inquiry-based infectious diseases curriculum (designed for use after-school) on 63 urban students' content knowledge and aspects of their attitudes towards science. Content knowledge increased 24.6% from pre- to posttest. Multiple regression analyses indicated suggested that the "self-directed effort" subscale of the Simpson-Troost Attitude Questionnaire - Revised best predicted increases in students' science content knowledge. The construct "science is fun for me" served as a suppressor effect. These findings suggest that future after-school programs focusing on aspects of attitudes toward science most closely associated with gains in content knowledge might improve students' enthusiasm and academic preparedness for additional science coursework by improving student attitudes towards their perceptions of their self-directed effort.
Histone Demethylase LSD1 Is a Folate-Binding Protein

Methylation of lysine residues in histones has been known to serve a regulatory role in gene expression. Although enzymatic removal of the methyl groups was discovered as early as 1973, the enzymes responsible for their removal were isolated and their mechanism of action was described only recently. The first enzyme to show such activity was LSD1, a flavin-containing enzyme that removes the methyl groups from lysines 4 and 9 of histone 3 with the generation of formaldehyde from the methyl group. This reaction is similar to the previously described demethylation reactions conducted by the enzymes dimethylglycine dehydrogenase and sarcosine dehydrogenase, in which protein-bound tetrahydrofolate serves as an accepter of the formaldehyde that is generated. We now show that nuclear extracts of HeLa cells contain LSD1 that is associated with folate. Using the method of back-scattering interferometry, we have measured the binding of various forms of folate to both full-length LSD1 and a truncated form of LSD1 in free solution. The 6R,S form of the natural pentaglutamate form of tetrahydrofolate bound with the highest affinity (K(d) = 2.8 μM) to full-length LSD1. The fact that folate participates in the enzymatic demethylation of histones provides an opportunity for this micronutrient to play a role in the epigenetic control of gene expression.
A proposed super-fast scheme for instant-detect-instant-kill of a ground-to-air missile

When we apply the newly developed LPED (local polar edge detection) image processing method to a binary IR-image which contains a special meteorite-like streak produced by the enemy SAM, the image processing speed can be even enhanced further if another novel preprocessing scheme is used. This novel preprocessing scheme is achieved by taking the advantage of the characteristic geometry of the meteorite-like target into consideration. That is, we only take the clustered high temperature image points making the shape of a slender cylinder ended with a broom-like exhaust fume into consideration. Then we can spatial-filter or pre-extract the cylinder by its geometrical property before we apply the LPED method. This will then result in a super-fast detection, super-fast tracking and super-fast targeting on the CM (center of mass) point of the cylinder. This CM point is just the “heart” of the flying missile. Incorporating this targeting system with a high power laser gun through the use of a Wollaston prism, an air-borne instant detect-instant-kill SAM killer system may then be constructed.
The public scholarship: Reintegrating Boyer's four domains

The authors argue for integrating Boyer's four domains through the pursuit of public scholarship.
Advanced (Hg,Cd)Te Photodiodes For Infrared Applications

This paper discusses four types of (Hg,Cd)Te photodiodes developed recently at the Honeywell Radiation Center: 1. 2.06μm (Hg,Cd)Te avalanche photodiodes 2. 10.64m (Hg,Cd)Te photodiodes 3. High D* 10.6μm photodiodes with RoA products of 0.7 ohm-cm2 4. Thermoelectrically cooled 10.64m photomixers The 2.064m avalanche photodiodes were developed for the Q-switched Ho:YLF laser. The structures exhibited avalanche gains from 9 to 36. The 10.6μm photodiodes have average quantum efficiencies of 30 percent. This program has produced 5 element linear arrays with 250μm x 250μm elements, 17μm spacing and 350 MHz bandwidth. RoA products as high as 0.7 ohm-cm2 have also recently become possible in 10.64m (Hg,Cd)Te photodiodes. 10.6μm diodes operating at 170°K with a 6-stage thermoelectric cooler have high quantum efficiency (20%) and moderate D* and are suitable for direct detection or heterodyne applications requiring 100 MHz bandwidth.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Identification of an ovalbumin-like protein in egg-white of turtle and alligator

1. 1. Egg-white proteins from Pseudemys scripta and Alligator mississippiensis do not exhibit a rapid migrating protein in high concentration equivalent to bird ovalbumin when electrophoresed in starch and non-denaturing polyacrylamide. 2. 2. Egg-white proteins of both reptiles had a lightly staining band of 45,000 molecular mass. 3. 3. When blotted to nitrocellulose membrane after denaturing (sodium dodecyl sulfate) polyacrylamide electrophoresis, and treated with polyclonal anti-bodies directed toward ovalbumin, an immunostaining reaction occurred with this protein from P. scripta and alligator. 4. 4. An ovalbumin-like protein, based on molecular mass and immunological similarities, occurs in eggs of these reptiles although its presence was not detectable by native protein electrophoresis.
New insight into explosive volcanic eruptions: Connecting crystal-scale chemical changes with conduit-scale dynamics

Explosive volcanic eruptions may be triggered by processes in the conduit, including P-T variations, volatile loss, and crystal growth. These unobserved processes may be inferred via textural and chemical examination of eruptive products. Juvenile clasts were examined from vulcanian explosions of the Soufriere Hills volcano. Here we show that secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) depth profiling into plagioclase phenocrysts provides a nearly continuous record of magma ascent from chamber to surface via high-resolution (~10 nm) chemical profiles of decompression-induced crystal growth. Changes in lithium concentration allow quantification of crystal growth rates, which range from 2 × 10 −8 mm/s to 7 × 10 −8 mm/s. Anorthite variations suggest conduit temperature increases of 50 to 100 °C, assuming contemporaneous overpressures approaching 20 MPa. These data demonstrate a new means of constraining conduit conditions preceding explosive volcanic eruptions.
A generalized morphological skeleton transform using both internal and external skeleton points

The morphological skeleton transform (MST) is a leading morphological shape representation scheme. In the MST, a given shape is represented as the union of all the maximal disks contained in the shape. The concept of external skeleton points and external maximal disks has been used for shape description and characterization purposes. In this paper, we develop a generalized morphological skeleton transform that combines the concepts of internal and external maximal disks into a unified framework. In this framework, a shape is described in terms of disk components that need to be added as well as disk components that need to be removed. The procedures and formulae describing the extraction of the disk components and the reconstruction of the original shape from these components are developed. The correctness of the procedures and formulae is established. This new framework seems to provide a more powerful and more natural way of modeling the approximation and reconstruction of binary shapes using primitive shape components.
Interferometry with entangled atoms

A quantum gravity-gradiometer consists of two spatially separated ensembles of atoms interrogated by pulses of a common laser beam. The laser pulses cause the probability amplitudes of atomic ground-state hyperfine levels to interfere, producing two, motion-sensitive, phase shifts, which allow the measurement of the average acceleration of each ensemble, and, via simple differencing, of the acceleration gradient. Here we propose entangling the quantum states of atoms from the two ensembles prior to the pulse sequence, and show that entanglement encodes their relative acceleration in a single interference phase which can be measured directly, with no need for differencing.
Coarse-Grained Model of Cooperative Chloroplast Transport in Moss

Organelle motility is essential for the functioning of the eukaryotic cell. Actively modifying intracellular structures allows cells to change and adapt to different conditions. One of these cellular structures is the microtubule cytoskeleton, which is comprised of polarized filaments that function as tracks to transport cargo via molecular motors. Recent studies have revealed the importance of cooperative transport in living cells. In the moss Physcomitrella patens, reorganization of the chloroplasts is critical to adapt to changes in light quality and intensity. In this work, we performed detailed analysis of the transport of chloroplasts in protonemal moss cells, and showed that their transport is facilitated by molecular motors and the microtubule cytoskeleton. Our findings were recapitulated using coarse-grained modeling of this cargo transport over different microtubule network topologies. Our simulations include a detailed description of motor and microtubule dynamics, in the presence of thermal fluctuations. Our modeling sheds light into the molecular mechanisms at play in the photo-relocation response of chloroplasts in moss.
A highly sensitive hexachromium monitor using water core optical fiber with UV LED

A simply structured, cheap hexachromium monitor was developed. The monitor is based on UV/VIS absorption technique. A 2-m long water core optical fiber was employed as a long path length sample cell and a UV light emitting diode (LED) was used as a light source. The emission profile of the UV LED fits very well with the absorption spectrum of chromate ions in water. Therefore, the light-dispersing element, which is usually used in an optical spectrometer, is not necessary in this monitor design. The water core fiber as a long path length makes the monitor highly sensitive for hexachromium detection. This monitor is specific for hexachromium detection without interference from tri-valence chromium ions. A detection limit of 0.1 ng Cr(VI) ml−1 was obtained with this simple monitor.
Ricœur's Freud

Ricoeur’s reading of Freud is one of the most comprehensive, perceptive and judicious explications of Freudianism—one that begins with his early “Project” of 1895 and culminates with the last book that Freud published, Moses and Monotheism. Ricoeur is successful in exposing some of the weaknesses in Freud, and even more importantly, why we need to move beyond Freud. I am deeply sympathetic with his claim that there is a dialectical relationship between a hermeneutics of suspicion and a restorative hermeneutics of meaning—and that they are integral to each other. And I also think he is successful in showing how, if we relentlessly pursue the logic of Freud’s thinking, we are led beyond Freud. But, even though he gives some indications of how such dialectic is to be developed, this remains a task (an Aufgabe ) that lies before us.
Effect of ciprofloxacin combined with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim prophylaxis on the incidence of urinary tract infections after kidney transplantation.

Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common after kidney transplantation, with limited data to guide antibiotic prophylaxis. Methods Retrospective single-center study comparing sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim 800/160 mg (SMZ/TMP) daily for 30 days followed by Monday, Wednesday, Friday for an additional 5 months (Group 1) versus SMZ/TMP Monday, Wednesday, Friday for 6 months plus ciprofloxacin 250 mg twice daily for 30 days (Group 2) on UTI incidence after kidney transplantation. Results There were 106 and 130 patients in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Demographics and transplant characteristics were well matched, except for more patients in Group 2 on corticosteroid maintenance. At 1 year, more patients in Group 1 developed UTIs (23.6% vs. 10.8%; P=0.01) and the mean time to first UTI was shorter (96.6±79.5 vs. 168±89.7 days; P=0.01). UTIs caused by Enterococcus species were higher in Group 2 (28.6% vs. 4%; P=0.047) with enteric gram-negative bacilli accounting for the remaining infections. There was a similar incidence of enteric gram-negative antibiotic resistance to SMZ/TMP (75% vs. 80%; P=1.00) and ciprofloxacin (16.7% vs. 30%; P=0.39) in Groups 1 and 2. For Groups 1 and 2, the proportion of first UTIs requiring hospitalization was 48.9% vs. 40.6%, respectively (P=0.62). Female gender was a UTI risk factor (hazard ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.78-6.8; P=0.0003). Conclusions The addition of a 30-day course of ciprofloxacin lowered the incidence of UTI; randomized prospective studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach.
Dimensional regularization and renormalization of Coulomb gauge quantum electrodynamics

Abstract Quantum electrodynamics is renormalized in the Coulomb gauge with covariant counter terms and without momentum-dependent wave-function renormalization constants. We show how to dimensionally regularize non-covariant integrals occuring in this gauge, and prove that the “minimal” subtraction prescription excludes non-covariant counter terms. Motivated by the need for a renormalized Coulomb gauge formalism in certain practical calculations, we introduce a convenient prescription with physical parameters. The renormalization group equations for the Coulomb gauge are derived.
Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Observations of Intervening O VI Absorption Line Systems in the Spectrum of PG 0953+415* ** ***

We present Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) observations of the intergalactic medium toward the bright QSO PG 0953+415 (zem = 0.239). The FUSE spectra extend from 905 to 1187 A and have a resolution of 25 km s-1, while the STIS spectra cover 1150-1730 A and have a resolution of 7 km s-1. Additional STIS observations at 30 km s-1 are obtained in selected wavelength ranges. An O VI system at z = 0.06807 is detected in H I Lyα, Lyβ, Lyγ, O VI λλ1031.93, 1037.62, N V λλ1238.82, 1242.80, C IV λλ1548.20, 1550.77, and C III λ977.02. The observed column densities can be modeled as a low-density intervening gas with a metallicity of 0.4 times solar in photoionization equilibrium with the ionizing extragalactic background radiation. The best fit is achieved with an ionization parameter, log U = -1.35, which implies nH ~ 10-5 cm-3 and a path length of ~80 kpc through the absorbing gas. H I Lyα absorption at z = 0.14232 spans a velocity range of 410 km s-1 with the strongest components near 0 and 80 km s-1 in the z = 0.14232 rest frame. In this system, O VI λλ1031.93, 1037.62 absorption is strong near 0 km s-1 and not detected at 80 km s-1. C III λ977.02 absorption is marginally detected at 80 km s-1 but is not detected at 0 km s-1. The observations place constraints on the properties of the z = 0.14232 system but do not discriminate between collisional ionization in hot gas versus photoionization in a very low density medium with an ionization parameter log U > -0.74. The z = 0.06807 and 0.14232 O VI systems occur at redshifts where there are peaks in the number density of intervening galaxies along the line of sight determined from WIYN redshift measurements of galaxies in the ~1° field centered on PG 0953+415. We combine our observations of PG 0953+415 with those for other QSOs to update the estimate of the low-redshift number density of intervening O VI systems. Over a total unobscured redshift path of Δz = 0.43, we detect six O VI systems with rest-frame equivalent widths of the O VI λ1031.93 line exceeding 50 mA, yielding dN/dz = 14 for z = 0.09. This implies a low-redshift value of the baryonic contribution to the closure density of the O VI systems of Ωb(O VI) > 0.002 h, assuming that the average metallicity in the O VI systems is 0.1 solar.
On using an incremental scheduler for human exploration task scheduling

As humankind embarks on longer space missions farther from home, the requirements and environments for scheduling the activities performed on these missions are changing. As we begin to prepare for these missions it is appropriate to evaluate the merits and applicability of the different types of scheduling engines. Scheduling engines temporally arrange tasks onto a timeline so that all constraints and objectives are met and resources are not overbooked. Scheduling engines used to schedule space missions fall into three general categories: batch, mixed-initiative, and incremental. This paper presents an assessment of the engine types, a discussion of the impact of human exploration of the moon and Mars on planning and scheduling, and the applicability of the different types of scheduling engines. This paper pursues the hypothesis that incremental scheduling engines may have a place in the new environment; they have the potential to reduce cost, to improve the satisfaction of those who execute or benefit from a particular timeline (the customers), and to allow astronauts to plan their own tasks
Cloud Base Levels for Jupiter and Venus and the Heteromolecular Nucleation Theory

For purified binary gas mixtures like NH3-H2O or HCl-H2O, partial pressures appreciably greater than the two saturation partial pressures are needed to condense the gas mixture into small solution droplets (homogeneous heteromolecular nucleation). Thus without foreign nuclei, clouds are not as easily formed as in the theories of Lewis; the latter should be valid only if large condensation nuclei are available. We calculate here from classical homogeneous heteromolecular nucleation theory the threshold partial pressures necessary to achieve droplet nucleation for the gas mixtures NH3-H2O (Jupiter), HCl-H2O (Venus), H2SO4-H2O (Venus), and C2H5OH-H2O (laboratory).
A Role for 14-3-3τ in E2F1 Stabilization and DNA Damage-induced Apoptosis

Genotoxic stress triggers apoptosis through multiple signaling pathways. Recent studies have demonstrated a specific induction of E2F1 accumulation and a role for E2F1 in apoptosis upon DNA damage. Induction of E2F1 is mediated by phosphorylation events that are dependent on DNA damage-responsive protein kinases, such as ATM. How ATM phosphorylation leads to E2F1 stabilization is unknown. We now show that 14-3-3 tau, a phosphoserine-binding protein, mediates E2F1 stabilization. 14-3-3 tau interacts with ATM-phosphorylated E2F1 during DNA damage and inhibits E2F1 ubiquitination. Depletion of 14-3-3 tau or E2F1, but not E2F2 or E2F3, blocks adriamycin-induced apoptosis. 14-3-3 tau is also required for expression and induction of E2F1 apoptotic targets, such as p73, Apaf-1, and caspases, during DNA damage. Together, these data demonstrate a novel function for 14-3-3 tau in the regulation of E2F1 protein stability and apoptosis during DNA damage.
The effect of prolonged corticotropin therapy for rheumatic fever on the exchangeable sodium content and body weight.

Serial measurements of the body weight and the exchangeable sodium content were made in young patients with acute rheumatic fever who were being treated with large doses of corticotropin. All but one subject developed the clinical signs of hyperadrenalism. Eight of the 11 subjects showed at least a 20 per cent increase in body weight which could not be explained on the basis of the changes in exchangeable sodium content. This change in body composition is thought to be due primarily to an increase in total body fat.
5,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid in Podocarpus nagi seed oil

Eicosatrienoic acid, the unique constituent acid ofPodocarpus nagi seed oil is characterized as all-cis-5,ll,14-eicosatrienoic acid. Bicosadienoic acid found in the same oil is shown to becis,cis-11,14-eicosadienoic acid.
The accuracy of measurements of intrauterine pressure during labor: a statistical analysis.

Abstract For nine patients undergoing labor, the intrauterine pressure of each contraction after rupture of the membranes was recorded by three separated catheters. The resultant data are statistically analyzed by a variety of methods. The main effects of contractions and catheters and the interaction between these effects are examined by the analysis of variance. Components of variance due to each of these three sources and due to random error are estimated. The standard deviation that would be expected had only one catheter been employed is then estimated to lie between 5 and 10 mm Hg. Differences in this last measure of variability are shown to be statistically significant among the nine patients. Finally, a graphical method is used to illustrate the variability of measurement as recorded by different catheters measuring the same contraction.
Size Discrimination Of Features On CT Images

Observers rated the likelihood that two circular features on a CT image differed in size, or the likelihood that a ring was present on a CT image. The ring features were produced by subtracting the image profiles of the two disks that had to be distinguished. Since a physical cross-correlator used the same formal calculations on the image pixel values in both tasks, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the size discrimination task could be predicted from the values of SNR in the ring discrimination task. The 15 sets of images in both tasks studied three levels of feature contrast for discrimination with the relative difference in the disks' diameters adjusted to vary observers' performance over a measureable range. Indices of performance accuracy, as estimated from observers' ROC curves, were well predicted by assuming that they were proportional to the calculated values of Task SNR. The fitted constants of proportionality were similiar in both the size-discrimination (0.470) and ring-detection (0.556) tasks. Thus the human. observer's processing of image information in both the size-discrimination and ring-detection tasks was similar to, but less efficient than, that of the physical cross-correlator.
Dynamic Reoptimization of a SNAC Controller for Velocity Tracking in a Nano Array

Online trained neural networks have become popular in designing robust and adaptive controllers for dynamic systems with uncertainties in their system equations because of their universal function approximation property. The uniqueness of the method proposed in this work is that the online function approximating network can be used to re-optimize in real time an existing Single Network Adaptive Critic (SNAC) based optimal controller that has already been designed for a nominal system. The controller redesign is carried out in two steps: (i) synthesis of an online neural network that captures the unknown functions in the plant equations on-line (ii) re-optimization of the existing optimal SNAC controller to drive the states of the plant to a desired reference by minimizing a predefined cost function. The neural network weight update rule for the online networks has been derived using Lyapunov theory that guarantees both the stability of the error dynamics as well as boundedness of the weights. This approach has been applied to control the frictional dynamics of a nano-scale array of particles to track a predefined value of average sliding velocity. Here, the system is in an output feedback form where all states are not available for measurement. This is a significant step towards optimal control of systems at nano levels. Numerical results from simulation studies are presented.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Computer modeling of partially coherent B.C.C.:H.C.P. boundaries

Abstract A modeling study of partially coherent b.c.c.:h.c.p. coherent boundaries, using a computer-aided graphical technique, has been made for parallel pairs of low index planes in the presence of specified lattice orientation relationships. Three well-known lattice orientation relationships between the b.c.c. and h.c.p. phases, each of which was also slightly perturbed in various ways, were utilized. All of the planar interfaces thus formed which were based upon parallel pairs of low index planes can be described by two arrays of parallel misfit dislocations. The possibility of replacing one array of misfit dislocations with an array of structural ledges was then analyzed. In the presence of near-Burgers orientation relationships, the most probable structural ledges were found to have (1 1 00) h.c.p. //(2 11 ) b.c.c. terraces with risers 2, 4 or 6 atomic layers high. This type of structural ledge has a Burgers vector of 1/12[111] b.c.c. , which lies in the terrace plane, associated with its riser. Thus it can replace a set of a -type misfit dislocations; hence only a single set of c -type misfit dislocations is now necessary on the terrace of structural ledges. This types of structural ledge was also found to step down along the lattice invariant line in order to accommodate simultaneously the misfit normal to the terrace plane. Further, the possibility of structural ledges with (1101) h.c.p. //(110) b.c.c. terrace was also discerned in the presence of near-Potter orientation relationships.
Imaging of Langmuir-Blodgett films of C60 by scanning tunneling microscopy and transmission electron microscopy

Abstract C 60 forms very rigid insoluble films at the air-water interface (collapse pressure Π c =62.5 mN/m). The “area per molecule” A o =21.6 A 2 (at Π c ) are smaller than that of a single C 60 molecule, and suggest 4 to 7.5 C 60 molecules piled atop each other, per “monolayer”. C 60 can be transferred as Langmuir-Blodgett films on glass and HOPG, and Langmuir-Schaefer films on a Cu grid. By ellipsometry of an LB multilayer, the thickness is about 2 molecules per “monolayer”. STM shows a slightly distorted {013} projection of an face-centered cubic (FCC) pattern of roundish, atomically unresolved peaks, with a cell constant of 14.2 A. The HRTEM micrographs and a selected-area electron diffraction pattern show that, at optimum crystallinity, the C 60 molecules pack in an FCC pattern with a=14.20(5) A. No hexagonal structures were found.
PDGF: ophthalmology's next great target

Chorioretinal vascular conditions are among the leading causes of blindness in industrialized societies. Blocking the effects of VEGF stabilizes vision in the majority of eyes and moderately improves (>15 letters) vision in approximately one-third of patients. Unfortunately, some patients fail to respond to therapy and withdrawal of treatment usually leads to worsening vision. PDGF promotes pericyte coverage of neovascular vessels and confers vascular stability with resistance to anti-VEGF therapy. Though pre-clinical evidence suggests that anti-PDGF monotherapy of pathological neovascularization is ineffective, combining anti-VEGF and anti-PDGF agents promotes the regression of ocular neovascularization. Monthly injections of both ranibizumab (an anti-VEGF antibody fragment) and E10030 (fovista, an anti-PDGF aptamer) in patients with exudative AMD results in gains that exceed those of ranibizumab monotherapy (+10.6 vs +6.5 letters; p = 0.019) and causes significant shrinkage of the neovascular complex. E...
Role of surface diffusion in electromigration phenomena

Electromigration (EM) phenomena are generally and quite accurately attributed to electron flow enhanced grain boundary diffusion processes. However, there is clear evidence in the literature and in the work that will be presented, that surface or interface diffusion phenomena also contribute to electromigration damage (EMD) in Al, Cu, and alloy films. Most of this evidence comes from transmission and scanning electron microscope experiments carried out on samples that have experienced the latter stages of EMD stressing. Evidence for surface or interface diffusion occurs in hillock formation and annealing, film thinning, voiding and island formation, and regrowth-healing events on current reversal. The implications of these results in attempting to reduce EMD in microelectronic metallizations are presented.
A MADYMO model of near-side human occupants in side impacts.

Abstract The protection of automotive occupants against broadside collisions is of current interest due to the implementation of a new Federal standard on side impact. There is controversy as to the validity of the standard, the best criterion to assess injury to the thorax and the type and manner in which padding should be used. Although it has been shown in a series of 17 cadaveric tests that paper honeycomb can reduce thoracic injuries dramatically, there are still concerns regarding the loss of air space between the door and the occupant due to the presence of the padding and regarding the loss of protection for the thorax when there is no engagement of the shoulder with the intruding side structure of the car. This paper describes the development of a three-dimensional rigid body model to simulate cadaveric experiments carried out at Wayne State University. Model parameters were chosen to yield human-like responses at the level of the shoulder, thorax, abdomen and pelvis. The model was then used to study the effect of padding on injury parameters related to the nearside occupant when a relatively thick padding is used (up to 100 mm). It was also used to study the increase in force on the thorax when shoulder engagement is lost. Laboratory tests were conducted with full shoulder engagement but in the field most cars have a low beltline (window sill) which effectively eliminates shoulder contact if the arms are outstretched in a normal driving posture. If a sufficiently soft padding was used, the model did not predict an increase in thoracic force level or any of the injury parameters.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Improved bounds for harmonic-based bin packing algorithms

Abstract The modified harmonic bin packing algorithm, and Hu and Kahng's unnamed algorithm, are variations of the harmonic bin packing algorithm which are still on-line and run in linear time, but use linear rather than constant working storage to lower the asymptotic performance bound from 1.6910 to 1.612 and 1.6066, respectively. In this paper, further improvements lower the bound to 1.5888. It then is shown that improvements of the type introduced in this paper only can do as well as 1.5874, and hence that additional significant improvements to this particular approach are impossible. Finally, some ideas on how a better algorithm might operate are discussed.
Simulation modeling and statistical classification of escarpment planforms

Nearly horizontal sedimentary sequences are typically eroded into escarpments capped by resistant rock layers. These escarpments record in planform the spatial variation in erosional processes. Simulation models have been constructed of scarp development by three processes, scarp backwasting, fluvial erosion, and groundwater sapping, acting singly or in combination. Scarp backwasting produces planforms characterized by broad, shallow reentrants and sharply pointed headlands. Fluvial erosion creates dendritic, sharply terminated canyons which gradually widen downstream because of superimposed backwasting. Groundwater sapping produces weakly branched canyons of nearly constant width with generally rounded headwalls. A number of morphometric variables are measured on natural and simulated scarps as well as lava flows, glacially eroded mountain fronts, and eroded tabular igneous intrusions. A discriminant analysis is able to classify 478 of these planforms into 9 categories with 87% accuracy.
Early Proterozoic Microfossils and Penecontemporaneous Quartz Cementation in the Sokoman Iron Formation, Canada

Early Proterozoic microfossils from the Sokoman Iron Formation, northeastern Canada, are indistinguishable from those of the Gunflint Formation in both morphology and inferred community structure. The contemporaneity of the Sokoman assemblage with the Bitter Springs-like cyanobacteria of the Belcher Supergroup indicates that differences between the two major types of early Proterozoic microbiotas are primarily ecological and not temporal (evolutionary) in nature. In arenaceous iron formations, microfossils are restricted to peloids and are absent from pore-filling silica interpreted as cement. Cemented arenaceous intraclasts indicate that some of the silica was penecontemporaneous, and the abundance of minus-cement porosity in arenaceous iron formations demonstrates that early (pre-compaction) cementation was common.
Sample dispersion for segmented flow in microchannels with rectangular cross section.

Hydrodynamic dispersion in microchannels can be significantly reduced by segmentation with a second immiscible phase. We address the effect of microchannel cross section on the dispersion of analytes in a segmented gas−liquid flow of alternating bubbles and liquid segments. Channels of square or nearly square cross section are considered. A significant fraction of the liquid surrounds the bubbles and wets the channel walls in the form of films or menisci. This stagnant fraction of the liquid remains when gas and liquid segments flow by, and it is connected to the liquid within the liquid segments by diffusion only and it effectively increases dispersion. We design and fabricate a microchip with integrated analyte injection and detection to investigate the effects of the influence of the stagnant liquid in segmented flow through square microchannels on the analyte bandwidth. The measured data and a corresponding model confirm the experimental trends and suggest operating conditions at which the unwanted ef...
Productivity Change in British Pig Iron, 1870–1939

I. Introduction, 281. — II. The total productivity measure, 283. — III. A check on the measure, 286. — IV. Had Britain reached the limits of productivity change? 290. — V. Implications and conclusions, 295.