cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated creation of visual routines using genetic programming

Traditional machine vision assumes that the vision system continually recovers a complete, labeled description of the world from the visual field. Many researchers have criticized this model and proposed an alternative model which considers visual perception as a distributed collection of task-specific, context-driven visual routines. Ullman's visual routines model (1984) of intermediate vision describes one way this might be accomplished. To date, most researchers have hand-coded task-specific visual routines for actual implementations of systems requiring simple vision. We propose an alternative approach in which visual routines are created using artificial evolution, a supervised learning approach. We present results from a series of runs on a simple vision problem using real camera data, in which simple Ullman-like visual routines were evolved using genetic programming. Results were accurate and able to generalize.
Unlocking the potential of smart grid technologies with behavioral science

Smart grid systems aim to provide a more stable and adaptable electricity infrastructure, and to maximize energy efficiency. Grid-linked technologies vary widely in form and function, but generally share common potentials: to reduce energy consumption via efficiency and/or curtailment, to shift use to off-peak times of day, and to enable distributed storage and generation options. Although end users are key players in these systems, they tend to be overlooked. Behavioral science is therefore key to engaging end-users and maximizing the impact of smart grid technologies. In this paper, we highlight several ways in which behavioral science can be applied to better understand and engage customers in smart grid systems.
Schistosoma mansoni: Immunoreactivity of Human Sera with the Surface Antigen Sm23

Abstract Sm23, a surface antigen of Schistosoma mansoni, elicits an immune response in patients infected with the parasite, although to a lesser degree than Sj23, the homologue of Sm23 in Schistosoma japonicum. To characterize the host immune response to Sm23, we have expressed full-length Sm23 using the baculovirus expression system and have also expressed the N-terminal 133 amino acids and the 85 C-terminal amino acids by means of the prokaryotic vector pGEX. A total of 70 sera from patients from Sudan and Egypt were examined for α-Sm23 antibodies in an ELISA and in Western blot analysis using both the C-terminal polypeptide and the full-length protein. A subset of these sera was also tested for reactivity with the N-terminal polypeptide. The α-Sm23 antibody titers in infected patients varied widely and were not correlated with egg counts or age of the individuals. Most of the seroreactivity was directed against the C-terminal polypeptide
Is consciousness of perception really separable from perception

Although not the main point of his target article, Block defends the view that perception and awareness of perception could be functions of different brain systems. I will argue that the available data do not support this view, and that Block's defense of the view rests on problematic eonstruals of the “executive system” and of the components of information-processing models.
Cadmium alters the formation of benzo[a]pyrene DNA adducts in the RPTEC/TERT1 human renal proximal tubule epithelial cell line.

Abstract Previously, we demonstrated the sensitivity of RPTEC/TERT1 cells, an immortalized human renal proximal tubule epithelial cell line, to two common environmental carcinogens, cadmium (Cd) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Here, we measured BPDE-DNA adducts using a competitive ELISA method after cells were exposed to 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μM B[a]P to determine if these cells, which appear metabolically competent, produce BPDE metabolites that react with DNA. BPDE-DNA adducts were most significantly elevated at 1 μM B[a]P after 18 and 24 h with 36.34 ± 9.14 (n = 3) and 59.75 ± 17.03 (n = 3) adducts/108 nucleotides respectively. For mixture studies, cells were exposed to a non-cytotoxic concentration of Cd, 1 μM, for 24 h and subsequently exposed to concentrations of B[a]P for 24 h. Under these conditions, adducts detected at 1 μM B[a]P after 24 h were significantly reduced, 17.28 ± 1.30 (n = 3) adducts/108 nucleotides, in comparison to the same concentration at previous time points without Cd pre-treatment. We explored the NRF2 antioxidant pathway and total glutathione levels in cells as possible mechanisms reducing adduct formation under co-exposure. Results showed a significant increase in the expression of NRF2-responsive genes, GCLC, HMOX1, NQO1, after 1 μM Cd × 1 μM B[a]P co-exposure. Additionally, total glutathione levels were significantly increased in cells exposed to 1 μM Cd alone and 1 μM Cd × 1 μM B[a]P. Together, these results suggest that Cd may antagonize the formation of BPDE-DNA adducts in the RPTEC/TERT1 cell line under these conditions. We hypothesize that this occurs through priming of the antioxidant response pathway resulting in an increased capacity to detoxify BPDE prior to BPDE-DNA adduct formation.
Intraarticular Lidocaine Versus Intravenous Analgesic for Reduction of Acute Anterior Shoulder Dislocations A Prospective Randomized Study

We performed a prospective, randomized study to evaluate the use of injected lidocaine as an anesthetic for closed reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocations. Thirty consecutive patients who presented at the emergency department with acute anterior shoulder dislocations were randomly placed in one of two groups. One group received an intraarticular injection of 20 ml of 1% lidocaine and the other group, intravenous injections of morphine sulfate and midazolam. The groups were compared regarding time of reduction maneuver, difficulty of reduction, subjective pain, complications, and total time spent in the emergency department. The lidocaine provided adequate anesthesia and secondary relief of muscle spasm in 15 of 15 (100%) patients. When compared with the intravenous sedation group, the lidocaine group showed no statistically significant difference in time for reduction maneuver, difficulty of reduction, or subjective pain. The lidocaine group had no complications and had a statistically significant shorter emergency department visit when compared with the intravenous sedation group (mean, 78 minutes versus 186 minutes; P = 0.004). Lidocaine provides excellent anesthesia for patients with uncomplicated anterior shoulder dislocations and can be very beneficial when sedation is contraindicated. Lidocaine injections also proved to be cost effective in our institution, reducing total costs by as much as 62%.
Simple approximation for the starting-energy-independent two-body effective interaction with applications to 6Li.

We apply the Lee-Suzuki iteration method to calculate the linked-folded diagram series for a new Nijmegen local [ital NN] potential. We obtain an exact starting-energy-independent effective two-body interaction for a multishell, no-core, harmonic-oscillator model space. It is found that the resulting effective-interaction matrix elements can be well approximated by the Brueckner [ital G]-matrix elements evaluated at starting energies selected in a simply way. These starting energies are closely related to the energies of the initial two-particle states in the ladder diagrams. The exact'' and approximate effective interactions are used to calculate the energy spectrum of [sup 6]Li in order to test the utility of the approximate form.
FAIR TRADE IS COUNTERPRODUCTIVE – AND UNFAIR

Fair trade – paying a price premium for commodities based not on quality but on employment and other conditions – is counterproductive and unfair. It results in consumers getting a lower-quality product. Much of the gain from the price premium goes to the fair-trade bureaucracy rather than to the producer. Fair trade may even, if effective, destroy the banana industry. A better solution for consumers and third-world producers is to abolish all remaining trade barriers.
Iron Nanoparticles Derived from Iron-Complexed Polymethylglutarimide To Produce High-Quality Lithographically Defined Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

A polymer, PMGI, serves as a template to generate uniformly distributed iron nanoparticles with controlled size. These nanoparticles have proven to be excellent catalysts for generating carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The catalyst locations can be defined by a single photolithography step for spatially selective growth of CNTs.
Immunoexpression status and prognostic value of mammalian target of rapamycin and hypoxia-induced pathway members in papillary cell renal cell carcinomas

Dysregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin and hypoxia-induced pathways has been consistently identified in clear cell renal cell carcinomas. However, experience with non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma subtypes is scant. In this study, we evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of upstream (PTEN and phosphorylated AKT) and downstream (phosphorylated S6 and 4EBP1) effectors of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, as well as related cell-cycle proteins (p27 and c-MYC), and a member of the hypoxia-induced pathway (HIF-1α) in 54 patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma treated by nephrectomy. PTEN was lower in tumor than in normal kidney, and loss of PTEN expression was found in 48% of the patients. In tumor tissues, phosphorylated S6, 4EBP1, and HIF-1α were higher than in normal kidney. Conversely, scores of p27 were lower in tumor than in normal kidney. Finally, scores of c-MYC and phosphorylated AKT were similar in tumor and in normal kidney. Overall mortality and cancer-specific mortality were 24% and 11%, respectively. Tumor progression was observed in 17% of the patients. None of the tested biomarkers predicted cancer-specific mortality or tumor progression. As expected, patients with high T-stage tumors had higher hazard ratios for cancer-specific mortality (hazard ratio, 6.9) and tumor progression (hazard ratio, 6.7). Patients with higher Fuhrman grades also had higher risks for cancer-specific mortality (hazard ratio, 11.4) and tumor progression (hazard ratio, 4.5). In summary, our study provides evidence of dysregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin and hypoxia-induced pathways in papillary renal cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry for members of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and for HIF-1α lacked prognostic significance in our cohort.
Analysis of Steady State Conjugate Heat Transfer in a Circular Microtube Inside a Substrate

The steady state heat transfer for laminar flow inside a circular microtube within a rectangular substrate has been investigated. Silicon, Silicon Carbide, and Stainless Steel were the substrates used and Water and FC-72 were the coolants employed. Equations governing the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy were solved in the fluid region. Within the solid wafer, the heat conduction was solved. A thorough investigation for velocity and temperature distributions for different substrates and coolants was performed by varying geometrical dimensions and Reynolds number. At a constant diameter and Reynolds number, for combinations comprising same coolant but different substrates, one with the lowest solid to fluid thermal conductivity ratio (ks /kf ) attains the highest local peripheral average interface temperature. It was found that the Nusselt number is more for a system with Silicon as the substrate and FC-72 as the working fluid and the least for a system with Stainless Steel as the substrate and Water as the working fluid. The lower ks /kf ratio of Stainless Steel-Water combination is the main reason for the lower Nusselt number. With the increase in hydraulic diameter and Reynolds number, the average Nusselt number increased. It was also observed that the maximum temperature of the substrate and hence the outlet temperature of the fluid increased as the Reynolds number decreased.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
First-principles insights into the structure of the incipient magnesium oxide and its instability to decomposition: Oxygen chemisorption to Mg(0001) and thermodynamic stability

In this paper, a detailed density functional theory analysis of oxygen binding to Mg(0001) and subsequent clustering is presented. Oxygen monomer adsorption to Mg(0001) is demonstrated to be subsurface. It is shown that magnesium mediates an attractive oxygen-oxygen interaction which ultimately leads to the formation of hexagonal clusters of O* in the tetrahedral-1 site. The structure, work function, and binding properties of oxygen chemisorbed structures are compared with experiment, which allows the unique identification of the tetrahedral-1 site as the low coverage oxygen binding site and the construction of a picture of the early stages of oxide nuclei formation over magnesium. A model of oxide growth at O*/Mg(0001) is proposed. First-principles thermodynamics analysis is used to describe the surface oxide structures and reveals that surface oxides of intermediate oxygen coverage undergo spinodal decomposition. The thermodynamics of an underlying spinodal create an energetic driving force for decomposition of an oxide surface and renewal of a reactive metal interface that may be important in understanding magnesium corrosion. The implications of the findings are that magnesium unalloyed for oxide behavior will always be highly vulnerable to corrosion. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.87.075450
Three-step preparation and purification of phosphorus-33-labeled creatine phosphate of high specific activity

Rabbit heart mitochondria were used as a source of enzymes for the synthesis of phosphorus-labeled creatine phosphate. This method is based on the coupled reaction between mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial-bound creatine kinase. It is possible to convert more than 90% of the inorganic phosphate (Pi) to creatine phosphate. The method used only small amounts of adenine nucleotides which led to a product with only slight nucleotide contamination. This could be removed by activated charcoal extraction. For further purification, a method for the removal of residual Pi is described.
Adult respiratory distress syndrome following thrombolytic therapy for pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary edema is rare in patients with pulmonary embolism and to our knowledge has not been described in association with thrombolytic therapy. We describe a patient with massive pulmonary embolism in whom the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) developed shortly after a course of streptokinase therapy. The possible association between streptokinase therapy for pulmonary embolism and ARDS should be recognized as streptokinase gains wider clinical use.
White-Tailed Deer Foraging Habitat in Intensively Established Loblolly Pine Plantations

Stand establishment techniques involving multiple herbicide applications are commonly used on industrial pine (Pinus spp.) plantations, raising concern over potential effects on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) forage production. We tested effects of stand establishment intensity on deer forage in 1–5-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations (n = 4) in the East Gulf Coastal Plain of Mississippi using forage biomass and 4 measures of nutritional carrying capacity that reflected crude protein or digestible energy requirements for body maintenance and lactation. We also assessed whether forage biomass combined with a deer use rating effectively indexed nutritional carrying capacity. Treatments were combinations of mechanical site preparation, chemical site preparation (CSP), and herbaceous weed control (HWC). Total forage biomass and forage biomass of grasses and forbs were reduced by broadcast HWC. Forage biomass of vines was reduced both by CSP and by multiple broadcast HWC applications. Maintenance-level carrying capacity estimates were reduced by broadcast HWC; lactation-level estimates were higher in moderate-intensity treatments. We believe the inherently low fertility of this region makes high-quality forage production a more important management priority than increasing forage quantity. Chemical or chemical and mechanical site preparation combined with banded HWC provided the best option for providing both forage quality and quantity in open-canopied, intensively managed pine plantations. Biomass-based indices may be suitable for indexing protein-based maintenance-level carrying capacity in this region, but our results indicated they were not useful for indexing other carrying capacity estimates.
The Critical Potential of Discourse Ethics: Reply to Meehan and Chambers

Simone Chambers' and Johanna Meehan's comments are both thoughtful and thought-provoking, and for this I am quite grateful. I will address Meehan's criticisms first, for these raise questions of overall theoretical strategy. The response to Meehan in turn suggests how we might solve some of Chamber's puzzles. Unlike many of Habermas's commentators, who treat his discourse ethics (DE) primarily as a theory of political justice, in Insight and Solidarity (IS) I consider this theory precisely as a moral theory-which is not to deny its im? plications for a broader critical project. Meehan seems to consider this a du? bious move that engenders a flaw in the book. In fact, Habermas himself presents DE as a general theory of moral objectivity, that is, an account of how moral statements (obligations, prohibitions, and permissions), though distinct from truth claims, can nonetheless have a cognitive content. Specifically, moral norms and judgments can enjoy an intersubjective validity acquired through rational argumentation.1 This account of moral validity incurs certain theo? retical burdens?burdens that Habermas himself willingly accepts and that IS attempts to satisfy. Most obviously, one must define rational argumentation. To this end Habermas develops his principle of universalization (U), which tells us under what conditions consensus on a norm qualifies as rational, that is, expresses an insight into the better argument.2 Notice that in this context "insight" refers, not to the flash experience of hitting on a new idea, but rather to the grasp of the comparative justificatory force of competing arguments. It is at this point that the theoretical difficulties begin, but notice that the central difficulty arises, not from treating DE as a moral theory, but from the argumentation-theoretic idealizations built into U. If we work out the full im? plications of U, "insight into the better argument" can only arise as a joint, intersubjective achievement. Thus U goes beyond the philosophy of the sub? ject: I cannot have an insight that some norm N is morally justified unless you and everyone subject to N have the same insight. This means that moral argu? mentation must be fully reversible and free of all distorting influences?a de? manding idealization. But Habermas sets a still more difficult challenge for discourse ethics: the validity of N can be established only in real discourses *
A comparison of computer routines for the calculation of the tetrachoric correlation coefficient

In calculations of the discriminating-power parameter of the normal ogive model, Bock and Lieberman compared estimates derived from their maximum-likelihood solution with those derived from the heuristic solution. The two sets of estimates were in excellent agreement provided the heuristic solution used accurate tetrachoric correlation coefficients. Three computer methods for the calculation of the tetrachoric correlation were examined for accuracy and speed. The routine by Saunders was identified as an acceptably accurate method for calculating the tetrachoric correlation coefficient.
Increases and decreases in local cerebral glucose utilization in response to GABA agonists

Abstract The effects of systemic administration of muscimol and THIP on local cerebral glucose (LCGU) were examined in unanesthetized rats. LCGU was calculated by the [ 14 C]2-deoxy-D-glucose procedure of Sokoloff et al. GABA agonists produced dose-dependent decreases in LCGU of most brain assayed. Some regions showed no effects, whereas the red nucleus showed an increase. The pattern of LCGU response to GABA agonists did not reflect the known distribution of GABA receptors in the rat brain.
A Great Basin-wide dry episode during the first half of the Mystery Interval?

The existence of the Big Dry event from 14.9 to 13.8 14 C kyrs in the Lake Estancia New Mexico record suggests that the deglacial Mystery Interval (14.5–12.4 14 C kyrs) has two distinct hydrologic parts in the western USA. During the first, Great Basin Lake Estancia shrank in size and during the second, Great Basin Lake Lahontan reached its largest size. It is tempting to postulate that the transition between these two parts of the Mystery Interval were triggered by the IRD event recorded off Portugal at about 13.8 14 C kyrs which post dates Heinrich event #1 by about 1.5 kyrs. This twofold division is consistent with the record from Hulu Cave, China, in which the initiation of the weak monsoon event occurs in the middle of the Mystery Interval at 16.1 kyrs (i.e., about 13.8 14 C kyrs).
Adult attachment and strategic relational communication: Love schemas and affinity‐seeking

This paper reports the results of a study that examined the relationship between love schemas and the strategies used to initiate romantic relationships. We asked participants to recall the affinity‐seeking strategies employed to initiate a romantic relationship and compared those strategies to their self‐reported love schemas. The results indicate that two love schemas—secure and clingy—were positively related to the affinity‐seeking measure. Three love schemas— casual, uninterested, and skittish—were negatively related to the affinity‐seeking measure.
Alignment of microparts using force-controlled pushing

In today's and tomorrow's development of new products, precise positioning and assembly of small parts is of fundamental importance. Often, such tasks require the alignment of the objects with features such as edges or surface structures. In this work, we explore force controlled pushing of microparts on a planar substrate with a micromanipulator. The pushing tool is an AFM cantilever equipped with a piezoresistive force sensor. Its coarse position, as well as the global manipulation strategy, is specified by the human operator. First, we present force measurements during typical pushing operations. Using these measurements, a sensor guided controller is implemented to maneuver the robot locally by detecting events such as hitting an obstacle or changing contact conditions. Using force/position macros, we are able to push the objects precisely to a desired location without exceeding a certain limit force. Experimental results demonstrate the ability of aligning microparts on a horizontal plane with micrometer accuracy relative to each other. For automated assembly applications there are two possibilities: the local controller presented in this paper can be integrated either in a passive global positioning system if the geometry of the problem is well defined. Conversely, a feedback system, e.g., with quantitative computer vision, can be used to cover a larger spectrum of object sizes and shapes.
Vibration isolation using buckled or pre-bent columns—Part 1: Two-dimensional motions of horizontal rigid bar

The use of buckled columns, or pairs of pre-bent columns bonded with a viscoelastic filler, as vibration isolators is analyzed. They support a horizontal rigid bar at its ends, and harmonic vertical motion is applied at the base of the isolators. The displacement transmissibility is analyzed for both symmetric and asymmetric bars. In the latter case, the bar exhibits rotational as well as translational motion. Each column is modeled as an elastica, allowing for large deflections. Small steady-state vibrations about the equilibrium configuration of the system are analyzed. After formulation of the governing equations, a shooting method is utilized to obtain numerical solutions in Mathematica. The transmissibility is plotted as a function of the excitation frequency, and vibration shapes associated with peaks in the transmissibility plots are shown. For the buckled single-column isolators, the effect of the amount of asymmetry of the bar is examined. For the bonded two-column pre-bent isolators, the effects of the filler stiffness, amount of initial curvature, and supported weight are determined. The isolators can be effective for a large range of excitation frequencies.
A direct physical association between ETS and AP-1 transcription factors in normal human T cells

The Ets and AP-1 families of transcription factors bind distinct DNA elements and subserve diverse functions in multiple lymphoid and nonlymphoid cell types. Functionally important Ets and AP-1 binding sites have been identified in a large number of enhancer elements, suggesting important cooperative interactions between these two families of transcription factors. In this report, we have demonstrated a direct physical interaction between Ets and AP-1 proteins both in vitro and in activated human T cells. This interaction is mediated by the binding of the basic domain of Jun to the Ets domain of Ets proteins. Jun, in association with Ets, is capable of interacting with Fos family members to form a trimolecular protein complex. The physical association between Ets-1 and AP-1 proteins is required for the transcriptional activity of enhancer elements containing adjacent Ets and AP-1 binding sites. We conclude that direct physical interactions between Ets and AP-1 transcription factors play an important role in regulating mammalian gene expression.
The association of health literacy with illness and medication beliefs among older adults with asthma.

Abstract Objective Suboptimal health literacy (HL) and asthma beliefs are associated with poor asthma self-management and outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that low HL is associated with inaccurate beliefs. Methods Asthmatics ≥60 were recruited from hospital and community practices in New York, NY and Chicago, IL (n = 420). HL was measured with the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults; validated instruments derived from the self regulation model were used to assess beliefs. The association of beliefs with HL was evaluated with multivariate models. Results Thirty-six percent of patients had low HL; 54% believed they only have asthma when symptoms are present, 29% believed they will not always have asthma and 20% believed that their doctor can cure asthma. HL was associated with beliefs of not having asthma all the time and that asthma can be cured (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.2–2.82; OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.29–3.82, respectively). Patients with low HL were also more likely to be concerned about medication use (β = 0.92, p = .05), despite recognizing their necessity (β = −1.36, p = .01). Conclusions Older asthmatics with low HL endorse erroneous asthma beliefs. Practice implications Health communications for improving self-management behaviors in asthma should employ both health literacy-appropriate strategies and messages to counter illness-related misconceptions.
Identification and Dissection of Ca2+-binding Sites in the Extracellular Domain of Ca2+-sensing Receptor

Ca2+-sensing receptors (CaSRs) represent a class of receptors that respond to changes in the extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) and activate multiple signaling pathways. A major barrier to advancing our understanding of the role of Ca2+ in regulating CaSRs is the lack of adequate information about their Ca2+-binding locations, which is largely hindered by the lack of a solved three-dimensional structure and rapid off rates due to low Ca2+-binding affinities. In this paper, we have reported the identification of three potential Ca2+-binding sites in a modeled CaSR structure using computational algorithms based on the geometric description and surface electrostatic potentials. Mutation of the predicted ligand residues in the full-length CaSR caused abnormal responses to [Ca2+]o, similar to those observed with naturally occurring activating or inactivating mutations of the CaR, supporting the essential role of these predicted Ca2+-binding sites in the sensing capability of the CaSR. In addition, to probe the intrinsic Ca2+-binding properties of the predicted sequences, we engineered two predicted continuous Ca2+-binding sequences individually into a scaffold protein provided by a non-Ca2+-binding protein, CD2. We report herein the estimation of the metal-binding affinities of these predicted sites in the CaSR by monitoring aromatic-sensitized Tb3+ fluorescence energy transfer. Removing the predicted Ca2+-binding ligands resulted in the loss of or significantly weakened cation binding. The potential Ca2+-binding residues were shown to be involved in Ca2+/Ln3+ binding by high resolution NMR and site-directed mutagenesis, further validating our prediction of Ca2+-binding sites within the extracellular domain of the CaSR.
Development of a 1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) Sachet Release System

The partitioning of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) between the gas/polymer matrix was determined for 2 adsorbing agents and 4 sachet materials to estimate the adsorption potential of 1-MCP at 23°C. The release study was performed using a closed system under 2 different environmental conditions, dry air (0% RH) and 90% RH. Sachets made from Tyvek®, paper, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyvinyl acetate (PVA) materials were fabricated to contain silica gel and activated carbon. Activated carbon sachets did not release 1-MCP at either testing condition. Activated carbon had a very strong affinity for 1-MCP. The permeability coefficients of 1-MCP and water in polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate films were determined using a quasi-isostatic method. LDPE sachets containing silica gel had similar 1-MCP release rates at both 0% and 90% RH. PVA sachets containing silica gel had slow release of 1-MCP. The amount of 1-MCP released from PVA sachets containing silica gel at 90% RH was larger than the amount of 1-MCP released at 0% RH. Release of 1-MCP from paper and Tyvek sachets was largely dependent on the sorbate-absorbing ability of the adsorbing agents.
Sub-mega joule laser target designs for direct-drive ignition and moderate gains

We report here exploratory studies of direct-drive target designs that require substantially less than a mega joule of laser energy for ignition and moderate gains. The target physics advantages of the Krypton Fluoride laser are exploited to achieve increased implosion velocities that allow ignition and gain at reduced energy. Use of increased laser irradiance allows use of limited aspect ratio targets. The highest performing designs make use of a short spike prepulse to set up an adiabat that can be favourable to gain. These designs have application in reducing the driver size needed for experimental laser fusion facilities and may be applicable to the gains needed for the energy application.
Distinguishing Judgments About What From Judgments About Why: Effects of Behavior Extremity on Correspondent Inferences and Causal Attributions

Several researchers have reported findings indicating that dispositional inferences and causal attributions differ. This suggests that such findings may reflect a more general difference between correspondent inferences (both dispositional and situational) and causal attributions. Current theory suggests that correspondent inferences are more closely linked to perceived behavior than are causal attributions. If so, then the extremity of behavior should have a greater impact on correspondent inferences than on causal attributions. In support of this hypothesis, our 1st investigation found that perceivers' interpretations of behavior predicted correspondent inferences better than causal attributions. Our 2nd investigation found that a manipulation of the behavior interpretation influenced correspondent inferences but not causal attributions. We discuss implications for current models of attribution.
Radiation effect on incorporation of tritiated valine in chromosomes of Vicia faba.

RECENT work on radiation-induced structural changes in chromosomes has suggested that protein synthesis is a major process involved in the restitution of chromosomal fragments1,2. The work recorded here was undertaken to investigate by means of autoradiography the incorporation of tritiated valine into the structural chromosomal protein of Vicia faba during the post-irradiation period in which chromosomal restitution occurs.
Combat science: the emergence of Operational Research in World War II.

World War II became known as the ‘wizard war’ because the cycles of developing countermeasures and counter-countermeasures to the weapons deployed by all sides drove rapid technological change. However, technological innovation was not the only contribution scientists made to the war effort. Through Operational Research (OR) – the scientific scrutiny of new weapons, their deployment and relative efficiency – scientists also influenced how warfare itself was conducted. This new scientific field emerged in the UK, where it helped to tighten the defense against the Luftwaffe. It quickly spread to other aspects of the military machine, improving both antisubmarine campaigns and bombing strategy. But although this analytical approach to warfare offered military commanders a factual basis on which to base difficult decisions and deal with tactical and strategic uncertainty, it was not without controversy. Indeed, several recommendations that came out of OR sparked disputes over the allocation of resources and strategic priorities.
Are mandatory disclosure decisions made strategically? The case of SAB 74 estimates preceding adoption of FIN 48

Abstract SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 74 (SAB 74, U.S. Securities, 1987 ) requires registrants to provide information about the predicted financial statement effect of an enacted but not yet adopted accounting standard. The objectives of SAB 74 disclosures are to inform users the registrant will be required to adopt a new standard, and to assist users in assessing the impact of adoption on the registrant’s financial statements. Investors find SAB 74 disclosures useful for their decision-making ( Davis-Friday et al., 1999, 2004 ). Some evidence suggests that the SEC also uses such disclosures (SEC, 2005). We investigate whether firms strategically disclose SAB 74 estimates in the context of one recently enacted accounting standard (ASC Topic 740, colloquially “FIN 48”). Our results indicate substantial variation in how companies complied with SAB 74 when adopting FIN 48. For example, we find that less than 20% of companies provide dollar estimates of the standard’s adoption effect. Controlling for other factors, we find that firms that are more tax aggressive and those for which adoption increases tax liabilities are less likely to provide SAB 74 estimates. This suggests that managers likely responded strategically in making their SAB 74 disclosure decisions related to FIN 48 adoption.
Regioselective Syntheses of 2,3,4-Tribromopyrrole and 2,3,5-Tribromopyrrole

2,3,4-Tribromopyrrole (1) and 2,3,5-tribromopyrrole (2) were each synthesized from pyrrole. Spectral data and antifeedant effects for synthetic 1 and the antipredatory chemical defense compound of the marine hemichordate Saccoglossus kowalevskii were in agreement, confirming the structure of the deterrent natural product as 1. Spectral data for 2 differed from synthetic and natural 1.
A qualitative assessment of cross-cultural adaptation of intermediate measures for schizophrenia in multisite international studies.

In this substudy of the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia we examined qualitative feedback on the cross-cultural adaptability of four intermediate measures of functional outcome (Independent Living Scales, UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment, Test of Adaptive Behavior in Schizophrenia, and Cognitive Assessment Interview). Feedback was provided by experienced English-fluent clinical researchers at 31 sites in eight countries familiar with medication trials. Researchers provided feedback on test subscales and items which were rated as having adaptation challenges. They noted the specific concern and made suggestions for adaptation to their culture. We analyzed the qualitative data using a modified Grounded Theory approach guided by the International Testing Commission Guidelines model for test adaptation. For each measure except the Cognitive Assessment Interview (CAI), the majority of subscales were reported to require major adaptations in terms of content and concepts contained in the subscale. In particular, social, financial, transportation and health care systems varied widely across countries—systems which are often used to assess performance capacity in the U.S. We provide suggestions for how to address future international test development and adaptation.
A method for measuring sedimentation and diffusion of macromolecules in capillary tubes by total intensity and quasi‐elastic light‐scattering techniques

Light scattered from a macromolecular solution in a capillary tube is used to determine both the sedimentation and translational diffusion coefficients. The capillary tube is spun in a preparative centrifuge, removed, and placed in a light-scattering photometer equipped with a scanning mechanism. The intensity distribution of scattered light along the tube represents the concentration profile in the tube and provides the measure of boundary migration. The sedimentation coefficient is determined from this measure and the applied centrifugal field. The diffusion coefficient is obtained from a time-autocorrelation analysis of fluctuations in intensity of light scattered from any fixed point of the profile. These coefficients were obtained for two monodisperse systems, R17 bacteriophage and 28s ribosomal rat liver RNA. The molecular weights obtained from ratios of these coefficients are in good agreement with literature values. In the sedimentation analysis, deviations from linearity between boundary displacement and applied field were found to be less than 1%. This precision confirms that the boundary is stable for the capillary geometry even in the absence of a preformed density gradient. The sedimentation coefficients of identical samples were also measured with the Spinco Model E analytical ultracentrifuge; results of the two methods agree to within 4%. As a consequence of the capillary tube geometry and light-scattering detection, sedimentation coefficients can be obtained from sample volumes of less than 100 μl. This detection techniques is thus far demonstrated to be at least an order of magnitude more sensitive than Schlieren optics, thereby useful when uv absorption is not applicable. For diffusion measurements there are also several inherent advantages. The diffusion coefficient is obtained from the identical sample, and scanning provides the capability to measure D from various parts of the sedimentation profiles and thereby directly explore concentration dependence, homogeneity, and integrity of the sample. The capillary tube with a layer of silicone oil over the sample and centrifugation provides an effective method to cleanse the solution and trap all dust.
Dipole aggregation in LiF doped with Be2

Abstract The thermally stimulated depolarization currents technique (TSDC) has been employed for the study of the kinetics of the aggregation of impurity-vacancy ( I – V ) dipoles. This study is based on the time variation of a complex band which peaks around 200 K. It is found that for ageing times up to 150min the clustering seems to follow second-order kinetics.
UMP synthase: the importance of quaternary structure in channeling intermediates

Abstract Mammalian UMP synthases are bifunctional proteins which catalyse the conversion of orotate + P-Rib-PP to OMP and then to UMP. Dimers of UMP synthase channel OMP from one catalytic center to another.
Binuclear Ion Containing Nitrogen as a Bridging Group

A binuclear ion ([NH 3 )5RuN 2 Ru(NH 3 ) 5 ] 5 + is formed by the direct reaction of N 2 with an aqueous solution of (NH 3 ) 5 RuOH 2 2+ at room temperature. The binuclear ion is also formed by the reversible reaction of (NH 3 )5RuOH 2 2+ with (NH 3 ) 5 RuN 2 2+ . Solid [(NH 3 ) 5 RuN 2 Ru(NH 3 ) 5 ] (BF 4 ) 4 has been prepared, and its ultraviolet and infrared spectra are reported.
Cardiac size and motion during water immersion: implications for volume homeostasis.

Abstract Prlor work has shown that head-out water immersion (WI) produces a prompt central hypervolemia, a natriuresis, and a diuresis. To assess If cardiac chamber enlargement modulates these effects, we measured cardiac size, shape, wall motion, and cardiac displacement via serial underwater two-dimensional echocardiography. Six normal volunteers underwent 2.5 hours of WI to the neck, seated, at 34.5° C. Recovery was 30 minutes. The size of both atria increased significantly but transiently during the study ( p p = 0.0020 for right atrium). Both atria returned to baseline size during WI. Moreover, for left atrium there was a small overshoot in recovery. Neither left ventricular nor right ventricular dimensions nor ejection fraction changed significantly. Also, no shape changes were detected, although WI was associated with upward and lateral displacement of the acoustic windows. Correlation coefficlents ( r ) for left atrial, or right atrial size vs urinary excretion of sodium or urine volume size ranged from 0.05 to 0.36. These results, in sum, suggest that strong compensatory mechanisms are counteracting the effect of WI on distended cardiac receptors, and that cardiac receptor activation alone does not constitute the afferent limb of the reflex mediating the renal effects of head-out WI.
Recognition of functional groups in an RNA helix by a class I tRNA synthetase.

RNA helices that recapitulate sequences of the tRNA acceptor stem, including the 3′ NCCA nucleotides, can be substrates for aminoacyl–tRNA synthetases (Frugier et al., 1994; Hamann & Hou, 1995; Martinis & Schimmel, 1995; Quinn et al., 1995). Although the catalytic efficiency of aminoacylation of RNA helices is reduced from that of the full-length parent tRNA, the specificity is maintained. The specific aminoacylation lies in the ability of aminoacyl–tRNA synthetases to recognize functional groups within the RNA helices. Analysis of tRNA–synthetase structures has suggested a general principle (Rould et al., 1989; Ruff et al., 1991; Arnez & Moras, 1997). The class I synthetases, which attach an amino acid initially to the 2′-OH of the terminal ribose, approach the acceptor and NCCA end from the minor groove side. The class II synthetases, which attach an amino acid to the terminal 3′-OH, approach from the major groove side (Arnez & Moras, 1997). The class-specific approach leads to tRNA–synthetase complexes that are near mirror images of each other and provides a structural rationale for the stereochemistries of aminoacylation. We report here the identification of a functional group in the acceptor end of Escherichia coli tRNACys that is important for the class I cysteine–tRNA synthetase. This functional group makes one of the largest energetic contributions to aminoacylation. However, it is located on the major groove side of the acceptor stem. Kinetic analysis of the contribution of this functional group to aminoacylation suggests new features that are not anticipated from the class-specific approach of synthetases.
Emetine binding to ribosomes of Entamoeba histolytica--inhibition of protein synthesis and amebicidal action.

SYNOPSIS After demonstration that emetine is amebicidal by inhibiting protein synthesis, the question arose whether active protein synthesis is required for emetine's amebicidal effect. The answer appears to be “no,” as derived from experiments on intact amebae. Responses were compared for log- and stationary-growth phase amebae. In the latter, protein synthesis is significantly slower, and sensitivity to emetine, i.e. degree of inhibition of protein synthesis, was maintained independently of rate of protein synthesis. Both stages equally bound tritiated emetine to their ribcsomes. Binding of [3H]emetine was not affected by certain drugs that interfere with energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and/or ribosomal function, e.g. dinitrophenol, puromycin, chloroquine, and acriflavin. High concentrations of EDTA combined with puromycin (which disaggregates ribosomes into their subunits) lowered binding by 50%. In chase experiments the ribosomes of intact amebae were prelabeled with [3H]emetine or [3H]isoemetine, then exposed to relatively high concentrations of unlabeled emetine. Labeled isoemetine was displaced almost completely, whereas no displacement of [3H]emetine occurred; evidently, the high stability of the emetine-ribosome binding is due in part to a hydrogen-bonding reaction of the C-1' atom of the emetine molecule with the chain-elongation site. Finally, evidence was obtained that capacity to bind emetine is an index of drug resistance.
Cardiac valve reconstruction and replacement: a brief review.

Surgical methods for improving the function of diseased cardiac valves are valve reconstruction (valvuloplasty) and valve replacement with mechanical prostheses, biologic prostheses, or homograft (donor) valves. Reconstruction is used primarily for incompetent mitral and tricuspid valves and addresses each part of the valve apparatus individually. Annuloplasty rings are often used to restore the size and shape of the valve orifice. Long-term anticoagulation therapy is not necessary. The designs of mechanical prostheses have evolved since the early caged-ball prostheses. Current models are noted for their durability. Patients who undergo implantation of these prostheses must also undergo long-term anticoagulation therapy. Biologic prostheses made from porcine valves or bovine pericardium are not as durable as their mechanical counterparts, but they do not require long-term anticoagulation therapy. Homografts are used in relatively few centers. They have good hemodynamics and do not necessitate long-term an...
The Suppression of the Late After-Potential in Rubidium-Containing Frog Muscle Fibers

The late after-potential that follows trains of impulses in frog muscle fibers is virtually absent when most of the intracellular potassium is replaced by rubidium and the muscle is immersed in rubidium-containing Ringer's fluid. Its amplitude is also reduced in freshly dissected, potassium-containing muscle fibers that are immersed directly in Rb-Ringer's fluid. These findings are discussed in terms of the model for muscle membrane of Adrian and Freygang (1962 a, b) and in relation to the report of Adrian (1964) that Rb-containing muscle fibers do not exhibit the variations in potassium permeability as a function of membrane potential that are found in fibers with normal intracellular potassium concentration immersed in Ringer's fluid.
Detection of Conjunctive Stable Predicates in Dynamic Systems

We present a distributed on-line algorithm for detecting conjunctive stable predicates in dynamic systems. The algorithm consists of a virtual network topology to maintain the causality relationships between distributed events and protocols to check the verification of the predicates over consistent global states. A lazy detection protocol has been developed to minimize the number of messages for the detection. Let $M_c$ be the number of detection messages, then the message complexity of the algorithm is $M_c \le M + n_0$, where $M$ is the number of computation messages and $n_0$ is the number of initial processes the computation starts with. Computation trees are maintained in the virtual network to reduce the detection delay. Suppose that $h_{max}$ is the maximum height of the computation trees. The detection delay is $O(h_{max} + n_0)$. It has been proved that a solution is declared if and only if the global predicate is verified during the progress of the underlying distributed computation.