cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
US aid and substitution of human rights violations

This paper examines the relationship between US aid and human rights violations in autocracies. It argues that autocratic leaders do not want to lose aid owing to their poor human rights records, a...
Understanding the Long-Run Decline in Interstate Migration: Online Appendix

This appendix contains eight sections. Section 1 gives technical details of how we calculate standard errors in the CPS data. Section 2 discusses changes in the ACS procedures before 2005. Section 3 examines demographic and economic patterns in migration over the past two decades, in more detail than in the main paper. Section 4 examines the cross-sectional variance of location-occupation interactions in earnings when we define locations by MSAs instead of states. Section 5 describes alternative methods to estimate the variance of location-occupation interactions in income. Section 6 measures the segregation of industries across states and of occupations and industries across MSAs. Section 7 gives technical details on the use of SIPP and census data to calculate repeat and return migration rates. Section 8 discusses transition dynamics in the model.
The Enterprise Schema

All four types of enterprise metadata discussed in chapter 1 are integrated in the metadatabase; which itself is constructed as an independent database to support the organic architecture of EIM. Therefore, the metadatabase calls for a schema for itself — the schema of the enterprise metadata. A particular metadata representation method is developed to facilitate this task and is referred to as the Global Information Resources Dictionary (GIRD) model. With this design, the generic concept of a metadatabase is made particular to provide certain unique functionalities critical to an EM. Based on the GIRD model, the metadatabase is also capable of serving as the global schema for the enterprise integrating multiple databases. A global schema designed this way possesses unique properties and advantages over the traditional designs of muti-databases, which all rely on schema integration methods that are connective in nature rather than fusing and hence are difficult to evolve.
OIG still cracking down on use of modifier 25.

This issue's question focuses on the recent crack down on modifier 25 claims and what it could mean for your practice. Find out the answer to this pressing question.
Enzymes of the clostridial purine fermentation: Serine hydroxymethyltransferase

Serine hydroxymethyltransferase has been partially purified from lyophilized cells of Clostridium cylindrosporum. An apoenzyme free of pyridoxal phosphate was prepared by chromatography of the enzyme on DEAE-cellulose in the absence of the cofactor. The activity of the enzyme was dependent on the addition of catalytic amounts of pyridoxal phosphate in addition to the substrates. No compound was found that would substitute for l-serine in the enzymic reaction. (±)-Tetrahydropteroate and (-)-tetrahydropteroyltriglutamate, a naturally occurring form of the cofactor, can replace (±)-tetrahydrofolate in the reaction. The enzyme showed the maximum activity in media at pH values between 6.8 and 7.4. The enzymic product formed, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate, was shown to have a positive sign of rotation. The enzyme is inhibited by pyridoxamine phosphate and the inhibition could be reversed by incubation with pyridoxal phosphate.
The Treatment of Juvenile Fibromyalgia with an Intensive Physical and Psychosocial Program

Objective To assess the short-term and 1-year outcomes of children with fibromyalgia treated with intensive physical and occupational therapy (PT/OT) and psychotherapy. Study design Children with fibromyalgia seen at a tertiary care hospital were treated with 5-6 hours of intensive PT/OT daily and at least 4 hours of psychosocial services weekly. All medications used for fibromyalgia were discontinued. Children underwent standardized testing, including a visual analog scale for pain; the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Performance, Second Edition; the Bruce treadmill protocol; the Functional Disability Inventory; the Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire, adolescent version; and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Teen Report, at 3 time points: at program entry, at the end of the intensive program, and 1 year after the end of the program. Results Sixty-four children (median age, 16 years; 95% Caucasian; 94% female; median duration of symptoms, 21 months) were studied. The mean pain score decreased significantly from program entry to the end of the program (from 66 of 100 to 25 of 100; P = .001). At the 1-year follow-up, 33% reported no pain. All measures of function on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Performance, Second Edition improved significantly and remained at that level or continued to improve over the subsequent year. The mean Bruce treadmill protocol time first increased from 588 seconds to 801 seconds ( P P = .005), which is at the 90th percentile for age and sex. All Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire, adolescent version subset scores improved significantly initially and were stable or improved at 1 year, as did the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Teen Report total score. Conclusion Children with fibromyalgia can be successfully treated without medications with a very intensive PT/OT and psychotherapy program. They have significantly improved pain and function by subject report and objective measures of function.
One Dimensional Cold Rolling Effects on Stress Corrosion Crack Growth in Alloy 690 Tubing and Plate Materials

Stress corrosion crack-growth experiments have been performed on cold-rolled alloy 690 materials in simulated PWR primary water at 360°C. Extruded alloy 690 CRDM tubing in two conditions, thermally treated (TT) and solution annealed (SA), was cold rolled (CR) in one direction to several reductions reaching a maximum of 31% and tested in the S-L orientation. High stress corrosion cracking (SCC) propagation rates (~8x10−8 mm/s) were observed for the 31%CR alloy 690TT material, while the 31%CR alloy 690SA exhibited 10X lower rates. The difference in intergranular SCC susceptibility appears to be related to grain boundary carbide distribution before cold rolling. SCC growth rates were found to depend on test temperature and hydrogen concentration. Tests were also performed on two alloy 690 plate heats, one CR to a reduction of 26% and the other to 20%. SCC growth rates at 360°C were similar to that measured for the 31%CR alloy 690TT CRDM tubing. Comparisons will be made to other results on CR alloy 690 materials.
3D tag with improved read range for UHF RFID applications using Additive Manufacturing

In this paper a 3D tag antenna geometry is proposed for UHF RFID systems. Two antennas were built over different dielectric materials with similar properties using both Direct Digital Manufacturing and traditional photolithography and copper etching. The impedance matching between the antenna arms and the passive RFID integrated circuit was accomplished with the H-slot matching technique with a simulated 10 dB return loss bandwidth that allows the tag to operate in the American and European ISM RFID bands of 902–928 MHz and 864–868 MHz, respectively. The antennas were compared to commercially available tags in size, weight and read distance, showing a read range improvement of 136% (for a threshold power of 30 dBm) with respect to the best tag tested. A reduction in length of 78 % with respect to a planar 2D model was also achieved. The radiation patterns were measured, showing an omni-directional beam pattern.
The one-filter Keefe clarinet tonehole

Two "one-filter" scattering junctions are derived which provide very accurate models of woodwind toneholes in the context of a digital waveguide model. Because toneholes in the clarinet possess only one resonance and/or anti-resonance within the audio band, a second-order digital filter suffices.
Outcome and Reproductive Function After Chemotherapy for Ovarian Dysgerminoma

PURPOSE: To review the outcome for all patients with ovarian dysgerminoma treated at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center who received bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) and to assess the menstrual and reproductive function of those who received conservative treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical information was abstracted from the medical record. Patients completed a detailed questionnaire about menstrual and reproductive function; those who did not return the questionnaire were interviewed by telephone. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were identified as having been treated with BEP chemotherapy for pure ovarian dysgerminoma from January 1984 to January 1998. Their median age was 19.5 years (range, 7 to 32 years). Sixteen patients underwent fertility-sparing surgery in the form of unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. At a median follow-up time of 89 months, 25 (96%) of the 26 patients remained continuously disease-free. One patient apparently developed a second primary dysgerminoma in her remaining ovary ...
Anaphylaxis in Association with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Heparin is almost universally used as an anticoagulant during hemodialysis. Rare but serious side effects of heparin therapy include heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and anaphylaxis, and these may lead to significant mortality and morbidity if left unrecognized. We are reporting a patient who developed HIT followed by an anaphylactoid reaction. This 8-year-old girl with Joubert's syndrome developed end-stage renal disease secondary to nephronophthisis. She had a Permacath double-lumen hemodialysis catheter placed in the right internal jugular vein and was started on hemodialysis using an Asahi B10 65 Dialyzer on 1/28/03. The platelet count at that time was 246 × 103/mL. Beef lung heparin was used for anticoagulation. She was admitted for living related donor renal transplant on 2/10/03 but was found to be thrombocytopenic with a platelet count of 49 × 103/mL. The transplant was postponed, a sepsis work-up was performed, and she was started on antibiotics pending culture results. Hemodialysis was continued with heparin anticoagulation, and despite an improvement in the platelet count she had an acute anaphylactoid reaction 2 days later. The reaction occurred 20 min after starting her hemodialysis treatment and presented as acute onset of bronchospasm, agitation, and chest discomfort. She improved with nebulized albuterol and subcutaneous epinephrine. A review of her records revealed that she had received 6 hemodialysis treatments. The platelet count on 2/3/03, after 3 hemodialysis treatments, had been 242 × 103/mL and on 2/8/03 after 5 treatments the platelet count was 72 × 103/mL. HIT with anaphylaxis was suspected. Heparin was discontinued and the platelet count had returned to normal within 2 days. The diagnosis was confirmed by a positive heparin-associated antibody test. While HIT is recognized as a complication in 1–5% of patients treated with heparin and has been well described in the literature, we could only find 2 reported cases of heparin-induced anaphylaxis and in both cases there was accompanying thrombocytopenia. This patient further illustrates a possible linkage between these two phenomena. HIT is an important cause of thrombocytopenia in a patient on hemodialysis and continued exposure to heparin may induce anaphylaxis.
Mesoscale Momentum Budget in a Midlatitude Squall Line: A Numerical Case Study

Abstract A mesoβ-scale momentum budget and its effect on larger-scale mean flow in a midlatitude mesoscale convective system are investigated using a numerical simulation of an intense squall line that occurred during 10–11 June 1985 PRE-STORM. It is found that the momentum generation normal to the line associated with the latent heating and cooling contributes most significantly to the momentum budget and determines the mesoβ-scale internal structure and evolution of the squall line. The momentum generation along the line contributes to the initial development of a mesovortex but has little effect on the final vertical structure of the along-line flow. Both vertical and horizontal momentum advection have significant contributions, particularly to the vertical mixing of the along-line flow; and this component of the horizontal momentum is locally transported down-gradient. It is also found that for midlatitude convective systems, convectively generated downdrafts can play as prominent a role as updrafts i...
Ground-state hyperfine measurement in laser-trapped radioactive 21 Na

We have measured the ground-state hyperfine splitting between the ${3S}_{1/2} F=2,m=0$ and ${3S}_{1/2} F=1,m=0$ levels of ${}^{21}\mathrm{Na}.$ The measurement was performed with microwave spectroscopy on 40 000 radioactive ${}^{21}\mathrm{Na}$ atoms ${(t}_{1/2}=22 \mathrm{sec})$ collected in a magneto-optical trap on-line at the 88-in cyclotron at LBNL. The transition was excited with microwaves directed at the atoms and detected with resonant probe fluorescence light. The splitting ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{HFS}}$ in a zero magnetic field was determined to be 1 906 471 870\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}200 Hz.
Thermionic and Photo-Excited Electron Emission for Energy-Conversion Processes

This article describes advances in thermionic and photoemission materials and applications dating back to the work on thermionic emission by Guthrie in 1873 and the photoelectric effect by Hertz in 1887. Thermionic emission has been employed for electron beam generation from Edison’s work with the light bulb to modern day technologies such as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The photoelectric effect has been utilized in common devices such as cameras and photocopiers while photovoltaic cells continue to be widely successful and further researched. Limitations in device efficiency and materials have thus far restricted large-scale energy generation sources based on thermionic and photoemission. However, recent advances in the fabrication of nanoscale emitters suggest promising routes for improving both thermionic and photo-enhanced electron emission along with newly developed research concepts, e.g., photonically enhanced thermionic emission. However, the abundance of new emitter materials and reduced dimensions of some nanoscale emitters increases the complexity of electron emission theory and engender new questions related to the dimensionality of the emitter. This work presents derivations of basic two and three-dimensional thermionic and photoemission theory along with comparisons to experimentally acquired data. The resulting theory can be applied to many different material types regardless of composition, bulk and surface structure.
The role of prolonged thrombolytic infusions and transesophageal echocardiography in thrombosed prosthetic heart valves: Case Report and review of the literature

Thrombolytic therapy for prosthetic heart valve thrombosis has recently been receiving increased attention and is now frequently used an alternative to high-risk surgery. A case is presented describing a novel thrombolytic therapy regimen with emphasis on the role of transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosis and management. A complete review of the literature is presented.
Modern sedimentary environments in a large tidal estuary, Delaware Bay

Abstract Data from an extensive grid of sidescan-sonar records reveal the distribution of sedimentary environments in the large, tidally dominated Delaware Bay estuary. Bathymetric features of the estuary include large tidal channels under the relatively deep (> 10 m water depth) central part of the bay, linear sand shoals (2–8 m relief) that parallel the sides of the tidal channels, and broad, low-relief plains that form the shallow bay margins. The two sedimentary environments that were identified are characterized by either (1) bedload transport and/or erosion or (2) sediment reworking and/or deposition. Sand waves and sand ribbons, composed of medium to coarse sands, define sites of active bedload transport within the tidal channels and in gaps between the linear shoals. The sand waves have spacings that vary from 1 to 70 m, amplitudes of 2 m or less, and crestlines that are usually straight. The orientations of the sand waves and ribbons indicate that bottom sediment movement may be toward either the northwest or southeast along the trends of the tidal channels, although sand-wave asymmetry indicates that the net bottom transport is directed northwestward toward the head of the bay. Gravelly, coarse-grained sediments, which appear as strongly reflective patterns on the sonographs, are also present along the axes and flanks of the tidal channels. These coarse sediments are lag deposits that have developed primarily where older strata were eroded at the bay floor. Conversely, fine sands that compose the linear shoals and muddy sands that cover the shallow bay margins appear mainly on the sonographs either as smooth featureless beds that have uniform light to moderate shading or as mosaics of light and dark patches produced by variations in grain size. These acoustic and textural characteristics are the result of sediment deposition and reworking. Data from this study (1) support the hypothesis that bed configurations under deep tidal flows are functions of current velocity, sediment size, and depth; (2) suggest criteria that could be used to distinguish between open estuarine tidal deposits in the geologic record; and (3) provide a guide to future utilization of the bay floor.
The LEARn model: an epigenetic explanation for idiopathic neurobiological diseases.

Neurobiological disorders have diverse manifestations and symptomology. Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, manifest late in life and are characterized by, among other symptoms, progressive loss of synaptic markers. Developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum, appear in childhood. Neuropsychiatric and affective disorders, such as schizophrenia and major depressive disorder, respectively, have broad ranges of age of onset and symptoms. However, all share uncertain etiologies, with opaque relationships between genes and environment. We propose a ‘Latent Early-life Associated Regulation’ (LEARn) model, positing latent changes in expression of specific genes initially primed at the developmental stage of life. In this model, environmental agents epigenetically disturb gene regulation in a long-term manner, beginning at early developmental stages, but these perturbations might not have pathological results until significantly later in life. The LEARn model operates through the regulatory region (promoter) of the gene, specifically through changes in methylation and oxidation status within the promoter of specific genes. The LEARn model combines genetic and environmental risk factors in an epigenetic pathway to explain the etiology of the most common, that is, sporadic, forms of neurobiological disorders. Molecular Psychiatry (2009) 14, 992–1003; doi:10.1038/mp.2009.82
C 1 Quintic Splines on Type-4 Tetrahedral Partitions

Starting with a partition of a rectangular box into subboxes, it is shown how to construct a natural tetrahedral (type-4) partition and associated trivariate C1 quintic polynomial spline spaces with a variety of useful properties, including stable local bases and full approximation power. It is also shown how the spaces can be used to solve certain Hermite and Lagrange interpolation problems.
Pain Mechanisms in Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive surgery designed to reduce tissue damage. The pleural and peritoneal anatomy can develop nocioceptive afferent impulses. Common pain pathways are described, and therapeutic options based on physiology are discussed. The underlying anatomical basis of the pain pathway is described.
Investigation of solvatochromism in the low-lying singlet states of dithienyl polyenes

Abstract To understand the low-lying singlet states of dithienyl polyenes, we investigated the solvatochromism of a series of α,ω-di(2-dithienyl 3,4-butyl) polyenes having n =1–5 double bonds. Absorption and emission spectra were collected in a series of aprotic solvents. The absorption energy dispersion effect sensitivity increased smoothly with n , reaching asymptotic behavior as n approached 5. The emission energy had less solvent sensitivity. The trends gave evidence for the existence of a 1 B ∗ u absorbing state and a 1 A ∗ g emitting state. We observed sensitivity of the absorbing and emitting states to solute–solvent electrostatic interactions, suggesting the dithienyl polyenes had a polar ground state conformation.
Plant Uptake and Determination of Arsenic Species in Soil Solution under Flooded Conditions

Previous studies have not identified the different As species present in soil systems and determined if effective differences exist between As species with respect to plant parameters such as growth rate and As uptake. This study determined the species and concentrations of As present in soil solution of flooded soils and correlated them to As concentration, P concentration, an growth rate of plants grown in treated soils. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) was grown in two soils treated with 0, 5, 25, 35, and 45 mg As kg{sup -1} soil added as either Na-arsenate or Na-arsenite. Soil solution samples and plant samples were collected over a period of 60 d. The As concentration of rice plants best correlated to the mean soil solution arsenate concentration in a Beaumont clay (fine, montmorillonitic, thermic Entic Pelludert) and to the mean soil solution arsenite concentration in a Midland silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, thermic Typic Ochraqualf). In both soils, plant P concentration was best correlated to the amount of As added to the soil rather than any soil solution As concentration. Plant weight was best correlated to the mean soil solution arsenate concentration in both soils. The rate of As uptake by plants increased asmore » the rate of plant growth increased. Plants grown in soils treated with As had higher rates of As uptake for similar rates of growth when compared with plants in untreated soils. However, growth per unit of As uptake was higher for plants in untreated soils than plants in As treated soils. 31 refs., 8 figs., 5 tabs.« less
Metal-non-metal transition in polyacetylene

Abstract We have studied a simple model of a nearly half-filled quasi-one-dimensional electron gas with both short-range electron-electron repulsion and retarded (phonon-mediated) attraction. We find that, as a function of doping (deviation from half-filling), there is the possibility of a transition from a (spinless) soliton state at low dopant concentration to a metallic state at higher concentration. Remarkably, we find that the metallic state is well approximated as a highly anisotropic non-interacting electron gas. These results are used to understand the metal-non-metal transition that has been observed in polyacetylene.
Application of density-functional theory to atomic resonances

Density-functional theory in the local-spin-density approximation has been applied to calculate the energy positions of low-lying resonance (autoionization) states of neutral atoms and positive ions. This method is very convenient for a quick, approximate prediction of excitation energies in collision experiments.
Innovations in the Teaching of Behavioral Sciences in the Preclinical Curriculum

In problem-based learning curricula, cases are usually clustered into identified themes or organ systems. While this method of aggregating cases presents clear advantages in terms of resource alignment and student focus, an alternative “hidden cluster” approach provides rich opportunities for content integration. The author describes such a model, with report on the extent of integration of behavioral science content across all cases. First-, second- and third-year students were shown to have no significant difference in the percentage of behavioral science learning issues they generated. Due to the growing need to integrate behavioral science concepts into all areas of medical education, a better understanding of programs’ successes in this area seems warranted
Src kinase pathway is involved in NFAT5-mediated S100A4 induction by hyperosmotic stress in colon cancer cells

S100A4 is associated with the progression of many types of cancers as well as several nonmalignant conditions. However, how it is regulated by intracellular signaling and/or at the transcriptional level has not been extensively studied. We recently demonstrated that S100A4 is partially regulated by nuclear factor in activated T cell 5 (NFAT5) downstream of integrin α6β4. NFAT5 is a mammalian osmotic regulator. To study the regulation of S100A4 by NFAT5 in a more readily inducible model, colon cancer cells were subjected to hyperosmotic stress. We found that S100A4 is induced in a subset of colon cancer cell lines, and the ability to induce S100A4 depends on the methylation status of S100A4. The osmotic stress response elements were identified in the first intron region of S100A4 by S100A4 luciferase reporter assays. Depletion of NFAT5 by small interfering RNA abolished S100A4 induction. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that NFAT5 is induced to bind to the first intron region. Inhibition of Src kinase pathways reduced S100A4 induction by affecting NFAT5 transactivation and protein levels. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to study the function of S100A4 induction in colon cancer cells under the condition of hyperosmotic stress; the results suggest that S100A4 induction contributes to cell survival. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that hyperosmotic stress induces S100A4 through NFAT5, and Src and chromatin remodeling are involved. In addition, the induction of S100A4 contributes to cell survival. Given that the gastrointestinal tract is periodically exposed to hyperosmotic stress, this study may uncover a novel signaling pathway that could contribute to GI cancer progression.
Holes in the ocean: Filling voids in bathymetric lidar data

The mapping of coral reefs may be efficiently accomplished by the use of airborne laser bathymetry. However, there are often data holes within the bathymetry data which must be filled in order to produce a complete representation of the coral habitat. This study presents a method to fill these data holes through data merging and interpolation. The method first merges ancillary digital sounding data with airborne laser bathymetry data in order to populate data points in all areas but particularly those of data holes. What follows is to generate an elevation surface by spatial interpolation based on the merged data points obtained in the first step. We conduct a case study of the Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida and produced an enhanced digital elevation model in the ocean with this method. Four interpolation techniques, including Kriging, natural neighbor, spline, and inverse distance weighted, are implemented and evaluated on their ability to accurately and realistically represent the shallow-water bathymetry of the study area. The natural neighbor technique is found to be the most effective. Finally, this enhanced digital elevation model is used in conjunction with Ikonos imagery to produce a complete, three-dimensional visualization of the study area.
Studies on the immunological cross-reactivity and physical properties of fatty acid synthetases☆

Abstract Fatty acid synthetase enzymes were purified from the liver, mammary gland, and adipose tissue of rats and the liver and mammary gland of mice. The enzymes from the liver and mammary gland of the same species have similar molecular weights and and dissociate into subunits at comparable rates. Rabbit antisera were prepared against the fatty acid synthetase from the lactating rat mammary gland. Cross-reactivity between different fatty acid synthetases was determined by immunodiffusion and immunoprecipitin tests. No differences in immunological cross-reactivity could be detected in liver, mammary gland, and adipose enzymes from the same species; fatty acid synthetases from the rat and mouse gave reactions of incomplete identity. Partially purified fatty acid synthetases from pigeon liver and rabbit mammary gland did not react with the antiserum. It is concluded that the immunochemical approach is useful in determining the degree of resemblance between fatty acid synthetases from different species. Within a given species, the liver and mammary gland fatty acid synthetases seem to be very similar, if not identical, proteins.
Destruction of hydrocarbons in non-thermal, ambient-pressure, capillary discharge plasmas

Abstract This present work investigates the effectiveness of non-thermal diffuse plasmas for the destruction of environmental contaminants that are present in trace concentrations in respirable atmospheres. Parametric studies were carried out using three atmospheric-pressure capillary plasma reactors of varying geometry. Volatile aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, at concentrations of up to several hundred parts per million (ppm), were used as prototypical compounds for these studies. Parameters studied included the reactor volume, the species residence time, the specific energy input, and the influent contaminant concentration. Moreover, the dependence of the overall destruction efficiency on specific energy, contaminant type, and presence of other contaminants in well-defined contaminant mixtures was evaluated. By-product formation during the plasma chemical destruction was assessed by monitoring the concentration of gaseous nitrogen and carbon oxides, namely, NO x (NO, NO 2 ) and CO x (CO, CO 2 ). Carbon mass balances were used to assess the possibility of complete contaminant destruction leading to mineralization. Systematic trends are highlighted and show that the destruction efficiency increases with specific energy, but tends to level off at values of specific energy that are compound dependent. An inverse relationship between the maximum destruction efficiency of a particular compound and its ionization energy was found for chemically similar compounds.
The Microwave Spectrum of Cyclopentadienyl Vanadium Tetracarbonyl, a Fluxional Molecule

Abstract The microwave spectrum of the symmetric-top, transition metal complex n5-C5H5V(CO)4 was measured in the 3-11 GHz range using a Flygare-Balle-type spectrometer. The molecular parameters obtained from the spectra are B = 640.429(5) MHz, eqQ(51V) = −4.77(6) MHz, and DJ = 0.17(4) kHz. Approximately one-half of the measured transition frequencies did not fit the pattern expected for a symmetric-top, rigid rotor with quadrupole coupling and are believed to be due to the effects of a low-frequency vibrational mode. In addition, the line centers for the rotational transitions which were fit to the symmetric-top model showed systematic deviations of approximately ± 20 kHz. It is proposed that these two anomalies are due to low-frequency CO bending modes which result in deviations from the C4ν symmetry of the V(CO)4 group.
Homeotic Evolution in the Mammalia: Diversification of Therian Axial Seriation and the Morphogenetic Basis of Human Origins

Background Despite the rising interest in homeotic genes, little has been known about the course and pattern of evolution of homeotic traits across the mammalian radiation. An array of emerging and diversifying homeotic gradients revealed by this study appear to generate new body plans and drive evolution at a large scale. Methodology/Principal Findings This study identifies and evaluates a set of homeotic gradients across 250 extant and fossil mammalian species and their antecedents over a period of 220 million years. These traits are generally expressed as co-linear gradients along the body axis rather than as distinct segmental identities. Relative position or occurrence sequence vary independently and are subject to polarity reversal and mirroring. Five major gradient modification sets are identified: (1)–quantitative changes of primary segmental identity pattern that appeared at the origin of the tetrapods ; (2)–frame shift relation of costal and vertebral identity which diversifies from the time of amniote origins; (3)–duplication, mirroring, splitting and diversification of the neomorphic laminar process first commencing at the dawn of mammals; (4)–emergence of homologically variable lumbar lateral processes upon commencement of the radiation of therian mammals and ; (5)–inflexions and transpositions of the relative position of the horizontal septum of the body and the neuraxis at the emergence of various orders of therian mammals. Convergent functional changes under homeotic control include laminar articular engagement with septo-neural transposition and ventrally arrayed lumbar transverse process support systems. Conclusion/Significance Clusters of homeotic transformations mark the emergence point of mammals in the Triassic and the radiation of therians in the Cretaceous. A cluster of homeotic changes in the Miocene hominoid Morotopithecus that are still seen in humans supports establishment of a new “hominiform” clade and suggests a homeotic origin for the human upright body plan.
A Data Mining Framework for Monitoring Nuclear Facilities

Nuclear proliferation is a major national security concern for many countries, especially to the United States. With more understanding and availability of nuclear technologies, and increasing persuasion of nuclear technologies by several new countries, it is increasingly becoming important to monitor the nuclear proliferation activities. For the past three years, we have been developing data mining algorithms to semantically annotate nuclear facilities and identify changes in man made structures using very high resolution images. In this paper, we summarize the recent progress and allude the audience to new opportunities.
Electric field dependence of d/sub h/ in lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate ceramics

The hydrostatic piezoelectric coefficient d/sub h/, in the 0.9PMN-0.1PT ferroelectric relaxor composition was studied as a function of the electric bias field at 500 Hz using a laser interferometer. It was found that d/sub h/ approaches a very large value of approximately 300 pC/N and then saturates at an electric bias field of approximately 3.5 kV/cm. The voltage coefficient and the sensitivity were also found to be comparable to and larger than, respectively, those in lead zirconate-titanate (PZT) ceramics despite a high dielectric constant in the relaxor material. Unlike the d/sub 33/ and d/sub 31/ piezoelectric coefficients, d/sub h/ did not, under the experimental conditions, depend on electric bias field in a manner predicted by the phenomenological theory. >
Formation of an impurity band and its quantum confinement in heavily doped GaAs:N

Quantum confinement in ${\mathrm{GaAs}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{N}}_{x}/\mathrm{GaAs}$ quantum wells $(0.009lxl0.045)$ is studied using electroreflectance measurements. Formation of an impurity band due to heavy nitrogen doping and the quantum confinement of an electron belonging to such an impurity band have been demonstrated. The formation of an impurity band results in an unusual variation in the electron effective mass with nitrogen doping.
A theoretical study of the interfacial properties of supercooled water

We investigate theoretically the interfacial properties of supercooled water, both with respect to the vapor−liquid and, for the first time, for the hypothesized low-temperature liquid−liquid transition. We use the van der Waals theory of interfaces, together with two closely related microscopic models of waterlike associating fluids. We find that the predicted interfacial tension associated with the vapor−liquid transition is 2 orders of magnitude larger than the corresponding liquid−liquid transition, and we explain this result largely in terms of the very different ranges of densities spanned by each transition. Anomalous behavior in the temperature dependence of the vapor−liquid interfacial tension is predicted in all cases. We obtain good agreement with experimental values for the thickness and tension of the vapor−liquid interface.
Implications of recent MZ,W and neutral-current measurements for the top-quark mass.

The implications of precise new Z- and W-mass and weak-neutral-current data for the top-quark and Higgs-boson masses are analyzed. It is found that (a) ${\mathrm{sin}}^{2}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathrm{W}}$=0.226\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005 for arbitrary ${m}_{t}$ and for all ${M}_{H}$1 TeV; (b) ${m}_{t}$210 GeV at 90% C.L.; (c) ${m}_{t}$g40 GeV at 90% C.L., even if the direct lower limit ${m}_{t}$g78 GeV does not apply; and (d) there is no constraint on the Higgs-boson mass.
Electron-scattering mechanisms in single-crystal K3C60.

The temperature-dependent resistivity of single-crystal ${\mathrm{K}}_{3}$${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ is studied from the point of view of electron-electron and electron-phonon scattering. The electron-phonon analysis suggests that conventional electron-phonon coupling would be sufficient to account for the superconductivity, with contributions to the coupling from both high-frequency intraball and low-frequency interball modes. The resistivity was also compared to a quadratic temperature dependence, suggestive of electron-electron scattering at anomalously high temperatures.
A Mathematical Roller Derby.

(1992). A Mathematical Roller Derby. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 23, No. 5, pp. 396-401.
Correctable noise of quantum-error-correcting codes under adaptive concatenation

We examine the transformation of noise under a quantum error correcting code (QECC) concatenated repeatedly with itself, by analyzing the effects of a quantum channel after each level of concatenation using recovery operators that are optimally adapted to use error syndrome information from the previous levels of the code. We use the Shannon entropy of these channels to estimate the thresholds of correctable noise for QECCs and find considerable improvements under this adaptive concatenation. Similar methods could be used to increase quantum fault tolerant thresholds.
Nucleotide Sequence for a Novel Duck Alpha‐Globin Gene

Nucleotide sequence analysis of a recombinant cDNA for a duck alpha-globin gene indicates a gene with novel features and evolutionary history. The duck alpha-globin double-stranded cDNA, treated with S1 nuclease and tailed with poly(dC), was inserted into the PstI restriction endonuclease site of pBR322 tailed with poly(dG). Nucleotide sequence analysis of the resulting recombinant cDNA indicates that it contains the translated region and all of the 3′ untranslated region for an alpha-globin gene. The sequence was determined by procedures designed especially for rapid analysis of pBR322 (PstI site) recombinant cDNAs. This duck globin has sequences related to the chicken alpha-A globin in some regions but in other regions it is more closely related to another alpha globin found in anemic chickens.
Variations in shoreface progradation and ravinement along the Texas coast, Gulf of Mexico

Shoreface architecture, evolution (mid-Holocene to present) and depths of transgressive ravinement were examined from Sabine Pass, at the Texas–Louisiana border, to South Padre Island, near the Texas–Mexico border, using 30 shoreface transects. Shoreface transects extend out to 16-m water depth, each created from an echo-sounding profile and, on average, seven sediment cores. The shoreface is composed of three broad sedimentological facies: the upper shoreface, composed almost entirely of sand; the proximal lower shoreface, composed of sand with thickly to medium-bedded (50–10 cm) mud; and the distal lower shoreface, composed dominantly of mud with medium- to thinly bedded (20–3 cm) sand. Shoreface architecture and evolution is extremely variable along the Texas coast. Shoreface gradients increase from 2·25 m km–1 in east Texas to 3·50 m km–1 in south Texas. Shoreface sands coarsen towards south Texas. East and south Texas shoreface deposits are thin and retrograding whereas central Texas shoreface deposits are thicker and prograding. Central Texas is characterized by stacked shoreface successions, whereas in east Texas, lower shoreface sands are preserved only in offshore banks. Preservation of shoreface deposits is low in south Texas. Although eustatic fluctuations and accommodation space have a strong impact on overall mid-Holocene to present shoreface evolution and preservation potential, along-strike variations in sediment supply and wave energy are the main factors controlling shoreface architecture. The transgressive ravinement surface varies from –6 to –15 m along the Texas coast.
The role of solvent and morphology on miscibility of methanofullerene and poly(3-hexylthiophene)

Abstract A bicontinuous, percolating bulk heterojunction morphology is integral to organic polymer solar cells. Understanding the factors affecting the miscibility of photovoltaic polymers with a fullerene electron acceptor molecule is a key to controlling the morphology. Starting from discreet pure phases – a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C 61 -butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bilayer film – the evolution of the P3HT–PCBM interface was studied with particular attention to the role of residual solvent in P3HT on PCBM interdiffusion. This investigation shows that in the bilayer geometry PCBM can rapidly diffuse into amorphous P3HT, but phase separation is maintained if the P3HT layer is cast from a very volatile solvent or if it is annealed prior to casting the PCBM overlayer to complete the bilayer geometry.
Model-data assimilation of multiple phenological observations to constrain and predict leaf area index

Our limited ability to accurately simulate leaf phenology is a leading source of uncertainty in models of ecosystem carbon cycling. We evaluate if continuously updating canopy state variables with observations is beneficial for predicting phenological events. We employed ensemble adjustment Kalman filter (EAKF) to update predictions of leaf area index (LAI) and leaf extension using tower-based photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and moderate resolution imaging spectrometer (MODIS) data for 2002-2005 at Willow Creek, Wisconsin, USA, a mature, even-aged, northern hardwood, deciduous forest. The ecosystem demography model version 2 (ED2) was used as the prediction model, forced by offline climate data. EAKF successfully incorporated information from both the observations and model predictions weighted by their respective uncertainties. The resulting. estimate reproduced the observed leaf phenological cycle in the spring and the fall better than a parametric model prediction. These results indicate that during spring the observations contribute most in determining the correct bud-burst date, after which the model performs well, but accurately modeling fall leaf senesce requires continuous model updating from observations. While the predicted net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 precedes tower observations and unassimilated model predictions in the spring, overall the prediction follows observed NEE better than the model alone. Our results show state data assimilation successfully simulates the evolution of plant leaf phenology and improves model predictions of forest NEE.
Direct Measurement and Chemical Speciation of Top Ring Zone Liquid During Engine Operation

The present manuscript consists of proof of concept experiments involving direct measurements and detailed chemical speciation from the top ring zone of a running engine. The work uses a naturally aspirated single cylinder utility engine that has been modified to allow direct liquid sample acquisition from behind the top ring. Samples were analyzed and spectated using gas chromatographic techniques. Results show that the liquid mixture in the top ring zone is neither neat lubricant nor fuel but a combination of the two with unique chemical properties. At the tested steady state no-load operating condition, the chemical species of the top ring zone liquid were found to be highly dependent on boiling point, where both low reactivity higher boiling point fuel species and lubricant are observed to be the dominant constituents. The results show that at least for the tested condition, approximately 25% of the top ring zone is comprised of gasoline fuel like molecules, which are dominated by high octane number aromatic species, while the remainder of the liquid is comprised of lubricant like species.
Ingarden’s Phases, Bergson’s Durée Réelle, and William James’ Stream: Metaphoric Variants or Mutually Exclusive Concepts on the Theme of Time

It was not by chance or accident that the problem of time was one among the myriad of problems to which Roman Ingarden addressed himself. In his incessant search for a discerning delineation of the world as it is mediated through our consciousness he simply could not elude the lived experiences of time. Irrespective of whether the objects of this world were enduring in time, whether they were processes or events, and whether their mode of existence was absolute, temporal, ideal or purely intentional, Ingarden, a phenomenologist like his mentor Husserl, had to conceive of them as constituted in the temporal phases of our consciousness.1 These objects, he concluded, are but instances of perceivedness (Wahrgenommenheiten) in the flowing present (die fliessende Gegenwart), grasped and retained through the lived experience, such as an act of judgment, enjoyment, observation and the like. In other words, In-garden’s concern with time was an essential part of his overall ontological and phenomenological inquiry into the contents of our consciousness.
Direct Determination of Mercury at 0.2 ppm Level by Flame AA Using a Thermospray Atomizer and a Circular Burner

Abstract A circular flame atomizer system using a quartz T flame adapator has been developed for the direct determination of mercury. A thermospray nebulizer was used as a sample introduction device to the atomizer. This design gave a sensitivity (1% absorption) of 0.20 ppm and detection limits of 10 ppb at 1.0 mL/min solvent flow at 253.7 nm. The absolute sensitivity was 25 ng and absolute detection limits was 1.5 ng.
Mutations in erupted, the Drosophila Ortholog of Mammalian Tumor Susceptibility Gene 101, Elicit Non-Cell-Autonomous Overgrowth

The reproducible pattern of organismal growth during metazoan development is the product of genetically controlled signaling pathways. Patterned activation of these pathways shapes developing organs and dictates overall organismal shape and size. Here, we show that patches of tissue that are mutant for the Drosophila Tsg101 ortholog, erupted, cause dramatic overproliferation of adjacent wild-type tissue. Tsg101 proteins function in endosomal sorting and are required to incorporate late endosomes into multivesicular bodies. Drosophila cells with impaired Tsg101 function show accumulation of the Notch receptor in intracellular compartments marked by the endosomal protein Hrs. This causes increased Notch-mediated signaling and ectopic expression of the Notch target gene unpaired (upd), which encodes the secreted ligand of the JAK-STAT pathway. Activation of JAK-STAT signaling in surrounding wild-type cells correlates with their overgrowth. These findings define a pathway by which changes in endocytic trafficking can regulate tissue growth in a non-cell-autonomous manner.
Chemical alteration of microchannel-plate EUV quantum efficiency

We report upon our continued investigation of a chemical treatment method for improving the quantum detection efficiency and gain of photon counting microchannel plate detectors for vacuum UV and soft x-radiation. The process improved MCP quantum detection efficiency for approximately 100-1200 angstrom radiation by a factor of 1.5-2. The performance results of DIP treated microchannel plates are summarized.
Electron dynamics in slowly modulated crystals: theorems of power and adiabatic drifting

Abstract We discuss electron dynamics in crystals which are modulated slowly in space and time. The equations of motion for the center-of-mass position and crystal momentum of a wave packet involve Berry phase terms between every pair of these variables plus time. We derive general theorems about the time evolution of energy and adiabatic drifting of position and crystal momentum. Together with a semiclassical quantization rule, these results enable us to derive the pattern of band splitting in one-dimensional quasiperiodic systems. The effect of external electromagnetic fields on electron dynamics in a modulated crystal is also discussed.