cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Taking the plunge: integrating structural, enzymatic and computational insights into a unified model for membrane-immersed rhomboid proteolysis

Rhomboid proteases are a fascinating class of enzymes that combine a serine protease active site within the core of an integral membrane protein. Despite having key roles in animal cell signalling and microbial pathogenesis, the membrane-immersed nature of these enzymes had long imposed obstacles to elucidating their biochemical mechanisms. But recent multidisciplinary approaches, including eight crystal structures, four computer simulations and nearly 100 engineered mutants interrogated in vivo and in vitro, are coalescing into an integrated model for one rhomboid orthologue in particular, bacterial GlpG. The protein creates a central hydrated microenvironment immersed below the membrane surface to support hydrolysis by its serine protease-like catalytic apparatus. Four conserved architectural elements in particular act as 'keystones' to stabilize this structure, and the lateral membrane-embedded L1 loop functions as a 'flotation device' to position the protease tilted in the membrane. Complex interplay between lateral substrate gating by rhomboid, substrate unwinding and local membrane thinning leads to intramembrane proteolysis of selected target proteins. Although far from complete, studies with GlpG currently offer the best prospect for achieving a thorough and sophisticated understanding of a simplified intramembrane protease.
Labeling, stability and biodistribution studies of 99mTc-cyclized Tyr3-octreotate derivatives.

Introduction To probe the interplay between radiotracer stability and somatostatin receptor affinity, Tyr3-octreotate and six variations of its peptide sequence, for which the Re-cyclized products were previously reported, were radiolabeled with 99mTc and investigated for their in vitro stability.
Collision-free and smooth trajectory computation in cluttered environments

We present a novel trajectory computation algorithm to smooth piecewise linear collision-free trajectories computed by sample-based motion planners. Our approach uses cubic B-splines to generate trajectories that are C2 almost everywhere, except on a few isolated points. The algorithm performs local spline refinement to compute smooth, collision-free trajectories and it works well even in environments with narrow passages. We also present a fast and reliable algorithm for collision checking between a robot and the environment along the B-spline trajectories. We highlight the performance of our algorithm on complex benchmarks, including path computation for rigid and articulated models in cluttered environments.
Are Globalization and Sustainability Compatible? A Review of the Debate between the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the International Forum on Globalization

In March of 2003, the publishers of two books with contrasting perspectives sponsored a public debate about the contents of these books, and the larger issues involved. The lead authors of each of the books participated in the debate: Chad Holliday, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DuPont, for Walking the Talk: The Business Case for Sustainable Development; and John Cavanagh, Director of the Institute for Policy Studies, for Alternatives to Economic Globalization: A Better World Is Possible. These panelists represented not only their books, but also their organizations: Holliday represented the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), of which he is past chairman, while Cavanagh represented the International Forum on Globalization (IFG), of which he is Vice President and a member of its Board of Directors. A review of these two books and a discussion of the issues involved in the debate follow.
Self-similar dynamics of polytropic gaseous spheres

The fundamental equations governing the self-similar dynamics of 'polytropic' gaseous spheres are derived, and the asymptotic solutions are given. The solutions divide into cases with and without 'critical points' in closed analogy with the solar wind solutions of Holzer and Axford (1970). Properties for solutions with critical points are discussed, and their behavior around the critical point is derived explicitly for n = 1. Numerical examples of self-similar solutions for n = 1 and n = 2 - gamma are presented, and the properties of the solutions are discussed.
On the structural synthesis of uncertain systems subjected to environmental loads

A method for structural synthesis of structures with uncertain parameters subjected to uncertain loads is presented. The uncertain system parameters are modelled as random variables with a prescribed joint probability density function, while the loads are modelled as stochastic processes. Constraints are imposed on system reliability. Second-order probabilistic descriptors are combined with approximate extreme response theories to obtain reliability estimates for the system. The total system reliability that accounts for the uncertainties in the system parameters as well as the uncertainties in the loads is considered explicitly in the proposed formulation. Optimization is carried out by generating a sequence of explicit approximate problems. Intermediate design variables and intermediate response quantities are used to enhance the quality of the approximations. Numerical results for an example problem are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the design procedure set forth.
Bureaucracy, publicness and local government expenditures revisited: Comment

The empirical literature on the publicness of local government services has observed no significant degree of publicness. It is difficult to reconcile these findings with Wyckoff's conclusion that bureaucrats prefer pure public goods. Wyckoff's solution is to suggest that bureaucracy has little effect on operating (non-capital) expenditure decisions. This solution, however, conflicts with the empirical findings of numerous local expenditure and wage studies based on bureau supply models. But there is no need to consider this evidence because we have shown that Wyckoff's cost assumptions imply that a median voter regime will also operate at a maximum attainable degree of publicness. Hence, we must either reject Wyckoff's assumptions or conclude that the nature of the services demanded from local government is such that the maximum attainable degree of publicness is close to no publicness at all. In any case, Wyckoff's conclusions are not supported within the context of his own assumptions.
Immunochemical Studies of Bovine and Human Choline‐O‐Acetyltransferase Using Monoclonal Antibodie

: Immunochemical properties of bovine and human choline acetyltransferase (ChAT, EC 2.3.1.6, acetyl-CoA:choline-O-acetyltransferase) were studied using six monoclonal antibodies (AB1, AB5, AB6, AB7, AB8, and AB9) reactive with the enzyme. All antibodies except AB1 bound specifically to two proteins of 68,000 and 70,000 MW on “Western” blots of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels containing human or bovine ChAT. The enzyme was specifically absorbed to immobilized antibody and could not be eluted by low pH and/or high salt concentrations, although the enzyme retained activity on the immunoabsorbent. Pure bovine enzyme consisting of the same two proteins as seen in the Western blotting studies was eluted from immobilized AB1 in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Although active enzyme could not be eluted from immobilized antibodies by standard conditions, various combinations of free and immobilized antibodies were effective in competing off bound enzyme. Free antibody AB1 quantitatively eluted the active enzyme from immobilized AB1. The different capacities of the antibodies to elute enzyme from various immunoabsorbents reflect interesting properties of both the enzyme and the antibodies.
The CARES: a generic measure of health-related quality of life for patients with cancer

In spite of the prevalence of neoplastic disorders as a cause of chronic illness, very few of the currently available generic measures of health-related quality of life or health status have been utilized with cancer patients. In this paper we reviewed our studies with the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES), a cancer-specific measure of rehabilitation needs and quality of life. We present data to demonstrate that the CARES is a generic measure of health-related quality of life, suitable for use in the many different diseases called cancer. The data that form the basis for this paper were collected during a decade of research on the CARES. This paper represents the first discussion of the performance of the CARES across separate cancer sites and phases of the disease. In addition, we demonstrated that the CARES is responsive to changes in health-related quality of life over time. Finally, we will discuss the application of the CARES in clinical and research settings.
On the delocalization of electrons in atoms and molecules

A quantitative measure of the delocalization of electrons from the region inside a sphere of radius R centered on a nucleus to the region exterior to this sphere is the atom delocalization index A(R). A(R) is defined by the double integral of the point-point sharing index I(ζ;ζ') over two distinct volumes: ζ over the interior of a sphere of radius R, and ζ' over the remaining space. This index, as a function of R, has a remarkable shell-like structure with the values of the maxima being close to the number of electrons traditionally assigned to a particular shell times 0.25. The origin of these almost "magic" numbers and the reasons for deviations of these numbers from the simple rule is discussed in terms of simple models of the electronic structure of some light atoms. Results from numerical computations of electronic structure are presented for the atoms Li, Be, Al, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn, Zn, and Au. The distinct shell-like structure of A(R) persists even to the heaviest of these. For atoms with zero total orbital angular momentum, the delocalization index can be split into a sum of noninterfering terms of different single particle angular momenta. These contributions also have distinctive shell-like structures. The maxima of the different angular momentum contributions do not always coincide. A similar decomposition also holds for spin "up" and "down" contributions. The shell-like structure allows for the identification of the spatial region in which the valence electrons lie. The angular momentum contributions can be used to identify the nature of the valence regions. The invariance of the core electron regions and the changes in the valence regions upon bond formation are illustrated by the calculation of the delocalization index for the heavy atoms in CH 4 , NH 3 , H 2 O, and SiH 4 . The identification of the spatial location of the valence regions should aid choosing the location of fixed points when analyzing the behavior of electrons using sharing amplitudes.
Teacher-Directed Decoding Practice with Manipulative Letters and Word Reading Skill Development of Struggling First Grade Students

We compared the effects of two approaches to decoding on the word reading skills of struggling first-grade students: decontextualized, teacher directed decoding practice with manipulative letters and embedded, incidental decoding practice. Participants were 98 students at risk for reading disability. We randomly assigned participants to three groups: (1) treatment, (2) comparison, and (3) control. The treatment group received 30 sessions of small-group instruction using manipulative letters to practice decoding skills. The comparison group received the same small-group reading instruction without the additional decoding practice. The control group did not receive supplemental small-group instruction. Analyses indicated that students who received the additional decoding practice with manipulative letters scored significantly better on phonological awareness, decoding, and word recognition skills than students who received incidental decoding practice.
PRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY OF CATFISH FARMS IN CHICOT COUNTY, ARKANSAS

Technical, allocative, and cost efficiency measures of a sample of small-and medium-sized catfish farms in Chicot County, Arkansas were estimated using a weight-restricted data envelopment analysis technique. A measure of cost efficiency is used to determine operator characteristics, farm practices, and institutional support services that are likely to lead to higher levels of efficiency. Experience of the operators and extension contacts were important factors positively influencing farm level efficiency. Extension services in Chicot County generated about $5.2 million in cost savings among catfish farms or about $2,737 per contact. Importantly, higher cost efficiency of catfish farm efficiency in Chicot County, Arkansas, can be achieved by adjusting inputs used in production to optimal levels rather than by adjusting the scale of operation.
Monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic and hydroxy acids released by sequential treatments of suspended particles and sediments of the Black Sea

Abstract Highly variable mixtures of free and bound monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic and hydroxy acids are present in particulate matter from oxic and anoxic zones of the water column and underlying sediments of the Black Sea. Three pools of acids were obtained by sequential treatment: (1) an organic solvent-extractable free fraction, (2) an OH−-labile fraction released by alkaline hydrolysis of the solvent-extracted material, and (3) a H+-fraction obtained by acid hydrolysis of extracted and base-hydrolysed material. Monocarboxylic acids quantitatively dominated acid distributions in particles and sediments, but hydroxy [α-, β-, ω- and (ω-1)] acids were relatively enriched in particles from the anoxic zone and in sediments, reaching nearly 30% of total acids. β-Hydroxy acids were the most abundant hydroxy acids, being present in all particulate and sediment samples. α-, ω- and (ω-1)-Hydroxy acids were found only in sediments and then at low relative abundances. Distributions of carboxylic and hydroxy acids varied considerably between the three treatments and between oxic-zone particles, anoxic-zone particles, and sediment. Results are discussed in terms of biogeochemical mechanisms of differential production, degradation and preservation.
Transmission of Erwinia stewartii from Plants to Kernels and Reactions of Corn Hybrids to Stewart's Wilt.

Stewart's wilt reactions of 98 food-grade, white corn hybrids, 3 yellow dent corn hybrids, and 23 sweet corn hybrids and infection of kernels by E. stewartii were evaluated in 1998, 1999, and 2000. Stewart's wilt symptoms were rated from 1 (no appreciable spread of symptoms) to 9 (dead plants) following inoculation. The mean Stewart's wilt ratings for the food-grade, white corn and yellow dent corn hybrids were 1.9, 2.4, and 2.9 in 1998, 1999, and 2000, respectively. The mean Stewart's wilt ratings for the sweet corn hybrids were 3.8, 4.2, and 4.6 in 1998, 1999, and 2000, respectively. Hybrids with ratings less than 3 were classified as resistant. Hybrids with ratings between 3 and 4.5 were classified as moderate. Hybrids with ratings greater than 4.5 were classified as susceptible. Ears harvested from each row in 1998 and 1999 were assayed for E. stewartii using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based seed health test. Kernels from 16 hybrids were positive for E. stewartii in 1998. Kernels from 11 hybrids were positive for E. stewartii in 1999. Kernel infection by E. stewartii was affected considerably by the level of host resistance (i.e., reactions of seed parent plants). For hybrids classified as resistant, estimates of kernel infection were 0.024 and 0.0007% in 1998 and 1999, respectively. For hybrids with moderate reactions to Stewart's wilt, estimates of kernel infection were 0.19 and 0.07% in 1998 and 1999, respectively. For hybrids with susceptible reactions to Stewart's wilt, estimates of kernel infection were 11.6 and 7.8% in 1998 and 1999, respectively. Based on high levels of Stewart's wilt resistance in food-grade, white corn hybrids, and low rates of kernel infection by E. stewartii in resistant and moderate hybrids, there is an exceedingly low probability of introducing E. stewartii to areas where it does not occur by transmitting the bacterium in grain of the food-grade, white corn hybrids evaluated in this study. Although all of the kernels harvested in these experiments were produced as grain on open-pollinated F1 hybrids, the rates of kernel infection observed for hybrids with resistant, moderate and susceptible reactions to Stewart's wilt are applicable to seed produced on inbred lines with equivalent Stewart's wilt reactions.
On the effect of the form of the strain energy function on the solution of a boundary-value problem in finite elasticity

Abstract Numerical solutions are given of a boundary-value problem in finite elasticity for a variety of different forms of the strain energy function. It is observed that various materials may be indistinguishable if only uniaxial or biaxial tests are used to characterize them. However, other features of the solutions of various boundary-value problems may differ widely depending upon the form of the strain energy function. The methodology used in the paper may possibly be extended to the important area of numerical characterization of materials.
The effects of labor on infant mortality among small-for-gestational-age infants in the USA.

Objective: To determine whether the presence of labor affects infant mortality among small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants. Methods: Data were derived from the United States national linked birth/infant death data sets for 1995–97. Singleton SGA live births in cephalic presentation delivered at 24–42 weeks' gestation were included. Mortality rates for SGA infants exposed and unexposed to labor were compared, and relative risks (RR) were derived using multivariable logistic regression models, after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results: Of 986 405 SGA infants, 87.4% were exposed to labor. Infants exposed to labor at 24–31 weeks had greater risks of dying during the early neonatal period (RR 1.79-1.86). Decreased risks of late and postneonatal death were observed at all gestational ages in the presence of labor. Conclusions: Exposure to labor is associated with an increased risk of early neonatal death among SGA infants, especially at gestational ages below 32 weeks. Future randomized trial...
Actor-observer differences in perceived locus of control.

Recent literature in attribution theory leads to the prediction that actors will tend to perceive their locus of control as internal. In the present study, a group of adolescents (2 boys, 7 girls) were administered a locus of control scale and were photographed. Based on these photographs, 47 boys and 56 girls in Grade 9 answered the items on the I-E scale according to their perception of these ratees. Compared with ratings made by the observer, actors rated themselves as more internal (t = 5.87, df = 8, p < .001).
AN IMPLICIT TIME-STEPPING SCHEME FOR RIGID BODY DYNAMICS WITH INELASTIC COLLISIONS AND COULOMB FRICTION

In this paper a new time-stepping method for simulating systems of rigid bodies is given which incorporates Coulomb friction and inelastic impacts and shocks. Unlike other methods which take an instantaneous point of view, this method does not need to identify explicitly impulsive forces. Instead, the treatment is similar to that of J. J. Moreau and Monteiro-Marques, except that the numerical formulation used here ensures that there is no inter-penetration of rigid bodies, unlike their velocity-based formulation. Numerical results are given for the method presented here for a spinning rod impacting a table in two dimensions, and a system of four balls colliding on a table in a fully three-dimensional way. These numerical results also show the practicality of the method, and convergence of the method as the step size becomes small.
Scheduling policies, batch sizes, and manufacturing lead times

In this paper we examine the impact of scheduling policies on batch sizing decisions in a multi-item production system. We also investigate the joint effect of scheduling policies and batch sizing decisions on production lead times. In particular we compare the performance of a first-come-first-served (FCFS) policy with that of a group scheduling (GS) policy and study the effect of each on the optimal batch size. We show that a GS policy can lead to significant performance gains, as measured by reduced lead times and higher production rates, relative to the FCFS policy, and characterize conditions under which these gains are realized. We also study the impact of the GS policy on other system operating parameters. In particular we find that using a GS policy eliminates the need for batching, preserves system capacity despite the presence of setups, and accommodates higher product mix variety.These results are shown to be very different from those obtained for the FCFS policy and to have important implications for the management and control of multi-item production facilities.
Renal failure and persistent hypertension in a child prenatally exposed to losartan

Objective â€“ To underline the fetal kidney toxicity of losartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), administered to a woman during pregnancy. Case report â€“ We describe a male infant, prenatally exposed to losartan from week 32 of gestation, born at term by cesarean section due to maternal hypertension and oligohydramnios. The baby was admitted to the NICU of our hospital for anuria; he required peritoneal dialysis and survived the neonatal period. Presently, the child is 24 months old and is affected by severe chronic renal failure, failure to thrive and persistent hypertension. Conclusions â€“ Although ARBs are recommended as first line antihypertensive agents, their administration should be avoided during pregnancy, especially from the second trimester onward. Most fetuses, affected by ARB toxicity, progress to death. The few that survive show serious outcomes. If a pregnant woman is under antihypertensive treatment with ARB, this has to be discontinued and replaced as soon as possible, and especially within the second trimester of pregnancy. Obstetricians should also be alerted of the potential risks of ARB administration beyond the first trimester of gestation.
Collaborative load shedding for media-based applications

The VuSystem is a software-intensive video environment developed on operating systems without real-time features. In the course of our work with this system, interesting questions have been brought up about how resources on a workstation can be best divided between applications, and what resource management features (if any) are required. This paper's main purpose is to outline a rationale for collaborative load shedding and to create an awareness within the operating system community. It also discusses some of our early experiences with simple collaborative load shedding schemes. >
Oral Carnitine Therapy and Insulin Resistance

To the Editor: Ruggenenti et al1 report that oral administration of acetyl-l-carnitine results in a substantial, sustained, and simultaneous improvement in insulin sensitivity and blood pressure in insulin-resistant individuals. Carnitine is essential for mitochondrial import and subsequent β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids and in the sequestration and mitochondrial export of inhibitory acetyl-coenzyme A units as acetyl-carnitine, actions that favor glucose oxidation. Mitochondrial dysfunction associated with incomplete β-oxidation and accumulation of intramyocellular lipids may contribute …
A sparse-matrix canonical-grid method for scattering by many randomly located cylindrical scatterers

We have developed a general methodology of analyzing electromagnetic scattering from one-dimensional and two-dimensional random rough surfaces. The moment-method impedance matrix is decomposed into a banded matrix (l-D) or a sparse matrix (2-D) which represents strong interaction and the remainder of the matrix represents the weak interaction part. The weak interaction matrix represents the far field interaction. For the case of a rough surface, the weak interaction matrix has been further expanded about a flat surface. This results in a translational invariant form for the weak impedance matrix so that the FFT can be applied. It is to be recognized that the flat surface is a canonical grid for a random rough surface scattering problem. We extend the concept to present a sparse-matrix canonical-grid method for dense media scattering.
Laboratory Estimation of Degree-Day Developmental Requirements of Glyptotendipes paripes (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Eggs from field-collected Glyptotendipes paripes Edwards were hatched and the immature life stages individually reared under 11 constant temperatures between 10.0 and 35.0°C (2.5°C increments) in the laboratory. No egg hatch was observed at 10.0°C for up to 30 d. At 35.0°C, egg hatch was normal but the larvae did not survive to second instar. The developmental zero growth was estimated at 9.0°C. Degree-day requirement for G. paripes development from egg to adult was estimated at 717 DD above 9.0°C. No significant difference between development time of males and females was noted and the sex ratio was near 1:1.
Microfinance and Poverty: Evidence Using Panel Data from Bangladesh

Micro-finance supports mainly informal activities that often have low market demand. It may be thus hypothesized that the aggregate poverty impact of micro-finance in an economy with low economic growth is modest or nonexistent. The observed borrower-level poverty impact is then a result of income redistribution or short-run income generation. Khandker addresses these questions using household level panel data from Bangladesh. The findings confirm that micro-finance benefits the poorest and has sustained impact in reducing poverty among program participants. It also has positive spillover impact, reducing poverty at the villate level. But the effect is more pronounced in reducing extreme rather than moderate poverty. This paper - a product of Rural Development, Development Research Group - is part of a larger effort in the group to analyze the impact of targeted programs on the poor.
Empirically revisiting the test independence assumption

In a test suite, all the test cases should be independent: no test should affect any other test’s result, and running the tests in any order should produce the same test results. Techniques such as test prioritization generally assume that the tests in a suite are independent. Test dependence is a little-studied phenomenon. This paper presents five results related to test dependence. First, we characterize the test dependence that arises in practice. We studied 96 real-world dependent tests from 5 issue tracking systems. Our study shows that test dependence can be hard for programmers to identify. It also shows that test dependence can cause non-trivial consequences, such as masking program faults and leading to spurious bug reports. Second, we formally define test dependence in terms of test suites as ordered sequences of tests along with explicit environments in which these tests are executed. We formulate the problem of detecting dependent tests and prove that a useful special case is NP-complete. Third, guided by the study of real-world dependent tests, we propose and compare four algorithms to detect dependent tests in a test suite. Fourth, we applied our dependent test detection algorithms to 4 real-world programs and found dependent tests in each human-written and automatically-generated test suite. Fifth, we empirically assessed the impact of dependent tests on five test prioritization techniques. Dependent tests affect the output of all five techniques; that is, the reordered suite fails even though the original suite did not.
Low energy theory of a single vortex and electronic quasiparticles in a d-wave superconductor

Abstract We highlight the properties of a simple model (contained in our recent work) of the quantum dynamics of a single point vortex interacting with the nodal fermionic quasiparticles of a d-wave superconductor. We describe the renormalization of the vortex motion by the quasiparticles: at T = 0, the quasiparticles renormalize the vortex mass and introduce only a weak sub-ohmic damping. Ohmic (or ‘Bardeen–Stephen’ damping) appears at T > 0, with the damping co-efficient vanishing ∼ T 2 with a universal prefactor. Conversely, quantum fluctuations of the vortex renormalize the quasiparticle spectrum. A point vortex oscillating in a harmonic pinning potential has no zero-bias peak in the electronic local density of states (LDOS), but has small satellite features at an energy determined by the pinning potential. These are proposed as the origin of sub-gap LDOS peaks observed in scanning tunneling microscopic studies of the LDOS near a vortex.
Channels with block interference

A new class of channel models with memory is presented in order to study various kinds of interference phenomena. It is shown, among other things, that when all other parameters are held fixed, channel capacity C is an {\em increasing} function of the memory length, while the cutoff rate R_{0} generally is a {\em decreasing} function. Calculations with various explicit coding schemes indicate that C is better than R_{0} as a performance measure for these channel models. As a partial resolution of this C versus R_{0} paradox, the conjecture is offered that R_{0} is more properly a measure of coding delay rather than of coding complexity.
Management and outcomes for patients with TTP: analysis of 100 cases at a single institution

The advent of plasma exchange has led to a dramatic improvement in the survival of patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), though approximately 10% of patients still die and a third suffer relapses. Clinical features that identify poor risk patients have not been clearly identified. We reviewed 100 patients who were treated for a first episode of TTP at the Cleveland Clinic between 2000 and 2012 to identify factors predictive of poor outcomes. On multivariate analysis, increasing age, especially age > 60 (RR: 7.08, 95% CI: 2.15-23.39, P = 0.002), severe neurological symptoms at presentation (RR: 18.37, 95% CI: I4.19-80.13, P 5% was an independent predictor of adverse renal outcomes (need for dialysis and progression to chronic kidney disease). These variables may be useful for risk stratification and identification of patients who could potentially benefit from early institution of adjunctive therapy.
Secondary ion mass spectrometry of vapor-liquid-solid grown, Au-catalyzed, Si wires.

Knowledge of the catalyst concentration within vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) grown semiconductor wires is needed in order to assess potential limits to electrical and optical device performance imposed by the VLS growth mechanism. We report herein the use of secondary ion mass spectrometry to characterize the Au catalyst concentration within individual, VLS-grown, Si wires. For Si wires grown by chemical vapor deposition from SiCl_4 at 1000 °C, an upper limit on the bulk Au concentration was observed to be 1.7 x 10^16 atoms/cm^3, similar to the thermodynamic equilibrium concentration at the growth temperature. However, a higher concentration of Au was observed on the sidewalls of the wires.
On the polarization and the wavelength dependence of sea echo

Data on radar cross section per unit area \sigma\deg of the sea at 6.3 Gc/s and 35.0 Gc/s and for grazing angles between 1.5\deg and 4.0\deg are reviewed. The data were obtained by simultaneously receiving both horizontally and vertically polarized echo components for transmitted polarizations which were sequentially changed between horizontal and vertical. Results indicate that sea echo is primarily caused by two scattering mechanisms: 1) a wind-dependent fine structure of the sea (presumably ripples) that partly depolarizes and has a scattering cross section which depends on wavelength in accordance with \lambda^{-1} , and 2) a gross structure of the sea (presumably smooth facets between the ripples) that does not depolarize and has a scattering cross section which is independent of wavelength. The cross sections for transmitting and receiving vertical polarization ( \sigma\deg VV ) and for transmitting and receiving horizontal polarization ( \sigma\deg HH ) are caused by the sum of the contributions from the two mechanisms. Therefore, although dependent on sea state and polarization, it seems that \sigma\deg VV and \sigma\deg HH will tend to be independent of wavelength at the lower frequency end of the microwave spectrum and will tend to depend on wavelength in accordance with \lambda^{-1} at the higher end of the spectrum. A comparison of data at 6.3 Gc/s and 35.0 Gc/s and for grazing angles between 1.5\deg and 4.0\deg indicates that the wavelength dependences of \sigma\deg VV and \sigma\deg HH are functions of sea state but are greater than \lambda\deg and are considerably less than \lambda^{-1} .
Path Loss From a Transmitter Inside an Aircraft Cabin to an Exterior Fuselage-Mounted Antenna

The increasing use of mobile electronic devices by passengers and equipment on large aircraft may increase the likelihood of interference with the aircraft's electronic systems. Thus, the "interference path loss" from a transmitting device inside the cabin of such aircraft to the antenna terminals of a victim system of the aircraft is of interest. Full-wave modeling and other deterministic techniques are impractical or undesirable for this purpose due to the potentially large electrical dimensions of the aircraft, as well as the variability of the cabin configuration. An alternative hybrid analysis technique applicable to frequencies above very high frequency is proposed in which one first estimates the power that escapes the cabin using a simple method based on microwave cavity theory. Next, the radiating windows are modeled as magnetic currents on a cylinder modeling the fuselage, and the resulting electric field at the location of the victim antenna is determined using the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction. Finally, the power delivered to the victim antenna is estimated as the coherent sum of fields incident from the windows. This technique yields results consistent with measured results and yields additional physical insight that would be difficult to obtain through measurements or full-wave methods.
A Survey of Adaptive Single Channel Interference Rejection Techniques for Wireless Communications

Tremendous growth in wireless communications has greatly increased loading of the spectrum. Spectrum loading translates into a higher likelihood of users interfering with one another. Interference rejection techniques provide a means of minimizing this multi-user interference, allowing greater usage of available spectrum.
Exploring Volumetrically Indexed Cups.

This article was inspired by a set of 12 cylindrical cups, which are volumetrically indexed; that is to say, the volume of cup n is equal to n times the volume of cup 1. Various sets of volumetrically indexed cylindrical cups are explored. I demonstrate how this children's toy is ripe for mathematical investigation, with connections to geometry, algebra and differential calculus. Students with an understanding of these topics should be able to complete the analysis and related exercises contained herein.
A macroscopic interpretation of Landau damping

Explication physique de l'amortissement de Landau lineaire des oscillations de plasma longitudinales, considerant les equations fluides macroscopiques correspondantes. L'amortissement est du a l'existence de transfert de chaleur (source de production d'entropie) dans le plasma
Mastrovito multiplier for all trinomials

An efficient algorithm for the multiplication in GF(2/sup m/) was introduced by Mastrovito. The space complexity of the Mastrovito multiplier for the irreducible trinomial x/sup m/+x+1 was given as m/sup 2/-1 XOR and m/sup 2/ AND gales. In this paper, we describe an architecture based on a new formulation of the multiplication matrix and show that the Mastrovito multiplier for the generating trinomial x/sup m/+x/sup n/+1, where m/spl ne/2n, also requires m/sup 2/-1 XOR and m/sup 2/ AND gates, However, m/sup 2/-x/sup m/2/ XOR gates are sufficient when the generating trinomial is of the form x/sup m/+x/sup m/2/+1 for an even m. We also calculate the time complexity of the proposed Mastrovito multiplier and give design examples for the irreducible trinomials x/sup 7/+x/sup 4/+1 and x/sup 6/+x/sup 3/+1.
Use of indicator dilution techniques to determine patency of internal mammary artery implants.

Abstract Indicator-dilution indocyanine green dye curves were inscribed by injecting into the internal mammary artery and sampling from the coronary sinus in six patients being studied postoperatively after left internal mammary artery implants. The results were predictable from the internal mammary arteriograms; patients with obvious collateral flow on arteriography had immediate appearance of indocyanine green indicator in the coronary sinus and patients with occluded implants prior to entering the myocardium had only systemic circulation of indocyanine green. One patient with a patent vessel into the myocardium but with no evidence of collateral flow had an early but dispersed curve indicating that some myocardial perfusion was occurring if the implant remained patent but whose arteriograms otherwise pointed to a poor result.
DEVELOPMENT OF A TAKT-TIME PLAN: A CASE STUDY

Takt time is a design parameter used in production settings, be it manufacturing or construction, tuning the rate of work output to the customer’s rate of demand. Recent industry experiments have shown that takt-time planning and execution of construction work can yield significant benefits in regards to time savings, money savings, improved quality, etc. In this paper we describe our actionresearch implementation of takt-time planning by means of a case study on an approximately $2.5 million retrofit of a floor in an operating healthcare facility. We illustrate the takt-time planning process using excerpts from one-on-one meetings with subcontractors on the integrated project delivery team. The commercial terms combined with these subcontractors’ willingness to express flexibility in their means and methods, as well as sequencing of work, made it possible to trade off pains and gains among team members for the sake of optimizing the project’s takt-time plan. We situate the takt-time planning process in the context of the levels of the Last Planner System, comprising Master Scheduling, Reverse Phase Scheduling, Makeready Planning and Commitment Planning. Execution of the take-time plan is underway. We conclude that takt-time planning helps to pose many questions that must be answered in production system design.
Effect of topical latanoprost 0.005% on intraocular pressure and pupil diameter in normal and glaucomatous cats.

Objective To determine the effects of latanoprost on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter (PD) in cats with inherited primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and normal cats. Animals studied and procedures IOP and PD were measured in both eyes (OU) of 12 adult cats (six normal, six PCG), three times per week for 3 weeks prior to, for 3 weeks during, and for 2 weeks following twice-daily treatment with 0.005% latanoprost to the right eye (OD) and vehicle to the left (control) eye (OS). IOP and PD were measured hourly, for 8 h, 1 day prior to, and on the first and last days of treatment. Aqueous humor flow rate (AHF) was determined at baseline and at the end of the treatment phase in six normal cats. Results Mean IOP was significantly lower in treated vs. control eyes of PCG cats, for up to 8 h following a single latanoprost treatment, and a maximal IOP reduction of 63% occurred in treated eyes at 3 h. Latanoprost acutely lowered IOP in cats with PCG, but this effect appeared to diminish over 3 weeks of treatment. AHF was modestly increased in the treated eyes of normal cats after 3 weeks of latanoprost treatment, although IOP was not significantly affected. Latanoprost caused miosis, with rebound mydriasis at 24 h posttreatment, in the treated eyes of all cats. Conclusions Further research is needed to determine the suitability and efficacy of latanoprost treatment for long-term IOP-lowering in cats with PCG or other forms of glaucoma.
Jugular foramen fibromatosis in a 3-month-old male

A 3-month-old male with a chief complaint of episodic choking with feeds and a hoarse cry is presented. Left eye ptosis and asymmetric soft palate elevation were detected on physical examination. Fiberoptic examination showed a left vocal fold paresis and pooling of secretions in the pyriform sinuses. MRI demonstrated an ill-defined lesion at the left jugular foramen extending into the left carotid sheath. A fine needle biopsy revealed spindle shaped cells consistent with fibromatosis. The histopathology of fibromatosis and the differential diagnosis of jugular foramen masses in children will be described. To our knowledge, this represents the earliest reported case of fibromatosis in the jugular foramen.
Properties of Mn-Doped Cu2O Semiconducting Thin Films Grown by Pulsed-Laser Deposition

Abstract Semiconducting oxides offer the potential for exploring and understanding spin-based functionality in a semiconducting host material. Theoretical predictions suggest that carrier-mediated ferromagnetism should be favored for p-type material. Cu2O is a p-type, direct wide bandgap oxide semiconductor that may hold interest in exploring spin behavior. In this paper, the properties of Mn-doped Cu2O are described. Activities focused on understanding Mn incorporation during thin-film synthesis, as well as magnetic characterization. The epitaxial films were grown by pulsed-laser deposition. X-ray diffraction was used to determine film crystallinity and to address the formation of secondary phases. SQUID magnetometry was employed to characterize the magnetic properties. Ferromagnetism is observed in selected Mn-doped Cu2O films, but appears to be associated with Mn3O4 secondary phases. In phase-pure Mn-doped Cu2O films, no evidence for ferromagnetism is observed.
Positive Resists Based on Non-polymeric Macromolecules

Derivatives of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) and Oligosaccharides have been investigated as potential candidates for high resolution resists. POSS materials are cage compounds with defined mono-disperse molecular weights. Oligosaccharides are carbohydrates with defined number of monosaccharide units (2 to10) and may be cyclic or linear. These materials are attractive candidates for molecular resist development because of their commercial availability and the ease with which they can be derivatized. We have developed high resolution positive resists suitable for 193-nm and other emerging lithographic applications based on these materials.
Associations between self-control and dimensions of nicotine dependence: a preliminary report.

Abstract Self-control plays an important role in several health-related behaviors, including cigarette smoking. There is some evidence that individual differences in self-control are negatively associated with overall levels of nicotine dependence but, to our knowledge, finer-grained relationships between these constructs have not been explored. This is an important knowledge gap, as nicotine dependence is thought to be composed of separate dimensions that motivate smoking behavior in relatively unique ways. The goal of this preliminary study was to begin to characterize the potentially nuanced associations between self-control and facets of nicotine dependence using data pooled from two previous studies (n = 282). Specifically, we examined the correlation between self-control and the following dimensions of nicotine dependence: compulsion to smoke due to craving and desire to avoid withdrawal symptoms; preference for smoking over other reinforcers; reduced sensitivity to the effects of smoking; consistency of smoking patterns; and smoking behavior that is rigid and immutable. In line with prior research, self-control was negatively correlated with overall levels of dependence. As predicted, however, self-control was differentially associated with distinct dimensions of nicotine dependence. Specifically, self-control was negatively correlated with the compulsion to smoke due to craving and desire to avoid withdrawal symptoms but positively correlated with the consistency of smoking patterns. Given the potential conceptual and clinical importance of such effects, additional research investigating the role(s) that individual differences in self-control play in addiction to cigarettes would be useful.
Biological Approaches to Mechanistically Understand the Healthy Life Span Extension Achieved by Calorie Restriction and Modulation of Hormones

Calorie restriction and reduced somatotropic (growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1) signaling have a widespread though not universal ability to extend life. These interventions are considered central tools to understanding the downstream events that lead to the increase in healthy life span. As these approaches have been validated, the animals phenotyped, and the mechanisms proposed, many challenges have emerged. In this article, we give several examples and propose several considerations, opportunities, and approaches that may identify major mechanisms through which these interventions exert their effects, and which may lead to drug therapy to increase “health span.”
CD133 expression is not restricted to stem cells, and both CD133 + and CD133 – metastatic colon cancer cells initiate tumors

Colon cancer stem cells are believed to originate from a rare population of putative CD133+ intestinal stem cells. Recent publications suggest that a small subset of colon cancer cells expresses CD133, and that only these CD133+ cancer cells are capable of tumor initiation. However, the precise contribution of CD133+ tumor-initiating cells in mediating colon cancer metastasis remains unknown. Therefore, to temporally and spatially track the expression of CD133 in adult mice and during tumorigenesis, we generated a knockin lacZ reporter mouse (CD133lacZ/+), in which the expression of lacZ is driven by the endogenous CD133 promoters. Using this model and immunostaining, we discovered that CD133 expression in colon is not restricted to stem cells; on the contrary, CD133 is ubiquitously expressed on differentiated colonic epithelium in both adult mice and humans. Using Il10-/-CD133lacZ mice, in which chronic inflammation in colon leads to adenocarcinomas, we demonstrated that CD133 is expressed on a full gamut of colonic tumor cells, which express epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Similarly, CD133 is widely expressed by human primary colon cancer epithelial cells, whereas the CD133- population is composed mostly of stromal and inflammatory cells. Conversely, CD133 expression does not identify the entire population of epithelial and tumor-initiating cells in human metastatic colon cancer. Indeed, both CD133+ and CD133- metastatic tumor subpopulations formed colonospheres in in vitro cultures and were capable of long-term tumorigenesis in a NOD/SCID serial xenotransplantation model. Moreover, metastatic CD133- cells form more aggressive tumors and express typical phenotypic markers of cancer-initiating cells, including CD44 (CD44+CD24-), whereas the CD133+ fraction is composed of CD44lowCD24+ cells. Collectively, our data suggest that CD133 expression is not restricted to intestinal stem or cancer-initiating cells, and during the metastatic transition, CD133+ tumor cells might give rise to the more aggressive CD133(- )subset, which is also capable of tumor initiation in NOD/SCID mice.
Hereditary splenomegaly with hypersplenism

We report seven children with a clinically benign form of primary splenomegaly associated with hematologic evidence of hypersplenism. Five belong to one sibship, the other two are second cousins of each other and of the group of siblings. Splenectomy was performed in five subjects, but pedigree evidence of this autosomal dominant trait tends to indicate that complete clinical resolution occurs normally so that transmitting adults show no splenomegaly or hypersplenism. This appears to be a newly recognized Mende-lian mutation which is evident (“penetrant”) only in childhood, and which may possibly have pleiotropic effects on eye and CNS development.