cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multivariate calibration of spectral data using dual-domain regression analysis

To date, few efforts have been made to take simultaneous advantage of the local nature of spectral data in both the time and frequency domains in a single regression model. We describe here the use of a novel chemometrics algorithm using the wavelet transform. We call the algorithm dual-domain regression, as the regression step defines a weighted model in the time-domain based on the contributions of parallel, frequency-domain models made from wavelet coefficients reflecting different scales. In principle, any regression method can be used, and implementation of the algorithm using partial least squares regression and principal component regression are reported here. The performance of the models produced from the algorithm is generally superior to that of regular partial least squares (PLS) or principal component regression (PCR) models applied to data restricted to a single domain. Dual-domain PLS and PCR algorithms are applied to near infrared (NIR) spectral datasets of Cargill corn samples and sets of spectra collected on batch chemical reactions run in different reactors to illustrate the improved robustness of the modeling.
Methyl-CpG binding proteins in the nervous system

Classical methyl-CpG binding proteins contain the conserved DNA binding motif methyl-cytosine binding domain (MBD), which preferentially binds to methylated CpG dinucleotides. These proteins serve as transcriptional repressors, mediating gene silencing via DNA cytosine methylation. Mutations in methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) have been linked to the human mental retardation disorder Rett syndrome, suggesting an important role for methyl-CpG binding proteins in brain development and function. This mini-review summarizes the recent advances in studying the diverse functions of MeCP2 as a prototype for other methyl-CpG binding proteins in the development and function of the vertebrate nervous system.
Glycosylation of Human Glomerular Basement Membrane Collagen: Increased Content of Hexose in Ketoamine Linkage and Unaltered Hydroxylysine-O-Glycosides in Patients with Diabetesd

To study the glycosylation of glomerular basement membrane collagen (GBMC) in diabetes, kidneys were obtained at autopsy from 5 patients with insulin-requiring diabetes of long duration and diabetic complications, and from 5 control subjects. Glomeruli were prepared by sieving and collagen was isolated by limited pepsin proteolysis followed by salt precipitations. Amino acid analyses of the collagen preparations, after acid hydrolysis, indicated a composition consistent with that of type IV collagen. No differences in the relative contents of various amino acids, and in particular, 3-hydroxyproline, 4-hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, were noted between diabetic and control samples. Non-enzymatic glucosylation was assessed by measuring hexose in ketoamine linkage with thiobarbituric acid after conversion to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. In 4 of the 5 patients studied, glucosylation values exceeded the mean +2 S. D. of the controls; in the fifth subject glucosylation was in the high normal range. No correlation...
Pupillography response to methadone challenge: aid to diagnosis of opioid dependence.

Abstract Diagnostic pupillography, under blind conditions, produced constrictions greater than 0.75 mm in 25 opioid addicts and no change or dilation in 82 others. Placebo use produced no constrictions in 99 subjects. Methadone test dose pupillography provides significant information useful in diagnosing opioid dependence and is more acceptable to addicts than naloxone testing.
Tensor-scale-based diffusive filtering of medical images

Medical imaging techniques often suffer from low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)/signal-to-contrast ratio (CNR). Filtering is an effective technique commonly used to improve the SNR/CNR. A fundamental difficulty in filtering is its smearing effect on important structures along with the suppression of noise. Anisotropic diffusion attempts to partially arrest smoothing across boundaries, which are recognized by high gradients. Improvements to this approach were demonstrated by bringing local "object scale" into the framework that effects intense filtering inside homogeneous regions while constricting the process inside regions containing fine details. A major drawback of previously used spherical object scale concept is its failure to recognize structural orientation and anisotropy. Therefore, the method failed to smooth along an edge or a thin elongated structure. Recently, the notion of tensor scale (in short, t-scale)-a local morphometric descriptor-has been introduced that provides a unified description of local structure size, orientation, and anisotropy. At any point its t-scale is the parametric representation of the largest ellipse (ellipsoid in 3D) centered at that point and contained inside the same homogeneous region. In this paper, a new anisotropic diffusive filtering method is presented, wherein at any location, along any direction, the degree of filtering is governed by t-scale that restricts filtering across boundaries and fine structures while encouraging smoothing along edges or elongated structures. Results of applications of the proposed method on several phantoms and real medical images are presented and its effectiveness is evaluated by comparing it with both spherical scale-based and ordinary diffusive filtering.
A new class of potent thrombin inhibitors that incorporates a scissile pseudopeptide bond

A synthetic hirudin peptide analog corresponding to N alpha-acetyl [D-Phe45, Arg psi(COCH2)47, Gly48]desulfo hirudin45-65 (P79) was synthesized. Comparative kinetic studies showed that while recombinant hirudin (HV2) is a slow-tight binding inhibitor, P79 behaves as a classical competitive inhibitor of human alpha-thrombin (Ki = 3.7 +/- 0.3 x 10(-10) M) and bovine alpha-thrombin (1.8 +/- 0.7 x 10(-9) M). P79 showed saturable inhibition of plasma APTT. The P1' subsite of P79 is isosteric with the glycine residue of the natural thrombin substrate fibrinogen, but is proteolytically stable due to the incorporation of a ketomethylene pseudopeptide bond. The model active site-directed tripeptide [D-Phe-Pro-Arg psi(COCH2)CH2COOCH3, P79L] corresponding to the amino terminal of P79 also binds competitively to the active site of alpha-thrombin and inhibited the proteolysis of a tripeptidyi substrate with a Ki = 17.9 +/- 2.1 microM (human) and 10.3 +/- 3.6 microM (bovine) alpha-thrombin. NMR experiments indicated that P79L and the corresponding amino terminal residues of P79 occupy a mutually exclusive binding site on bovine alpha-thrombin while the carboxyl terminal tail of the latter adopts a similar bound conformation as the fragment hirudin55-65 which is known to interact with the 'anion' exosite. Taken together these results provide conclusive evidence that the high antithrombin activity of N alpha-acetyl[D-Phe45, Arg psi(COCH2)47, Gly48]desulfo hirudin45-65 stems from the concurrent interaction with the catalytic site and the putative 'anion' exosite through its respective NH2- and COOH-terminal recognition sites.
The Positivity of the Pressure in Thomas Fermi Theory

We prove the positivity of the pressure and compressibility for neutral systems in the Thomas-Fermi theory of molecules. Our results include some new properties of the Thomas-Fermi potential and a proof that the kinetic energy is superadditive.
Long-Run Exchange Rate Modeling: A Comment on MacDonald

IN HIS excellent survey of long-run modeling of exchange rates, MacDonald (1995) raises some controversial issues that are frequently encountered in the literature on the extensively researched purchasing power parity (PPP) hypothesis. These issues are: (1) the distinction between absolute and relative PPP; (2) Cassel's PPP and commodity arbitrage; and (3) testing the properties of proportionality and symmetry. This note provides some brief comments on these issues. Let us start with the first issue. Following Frenkel (1978), economists distinguish between the two versions of PPP by specifying the former in levels (MacDonald's equation (17)) and the latter in first differences (the stochastic version of MacDonald's equation (4)). However, if the variables underlying MacDonald's equation (17) (exchange rate and prices) are integrated of order one, and if they are cointegrated, then the equation that supposedly represents relative PPP will be misspecified because it does not contain an error correction term. If an error correction term is included, the distinction will not be between absolute and relative PPP, but rather between long-run and short-run PPP. Moreover, a first-difference specification is problematic because it represents efficient markets PPP under rational expectations. The problem here is that efficient markets PPP predicts that the real exchange rate follows a random walk, implying that conventional PPP does not hold. Hence, an econometrically valid first-difference model should be interpreted to indicate the failure of conventional PPP since the model is based on the assumption that it does not hold.
Carbon Monoxide: An Endogenous Modulator of the Nitric Oxide–Cyclic GMP Signaling System

Abstract Carbon monoxide (CO) is an activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase and is implicated as a neuronal messenger. CO production, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, and guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) levels were quantitated in cerebellar granule cell cultures. Metabolic labeling experiments enabled the direct measurement of neuronal CO production in vitro. CO production is significant, and peaked during early stages of culture. NOS activity and cGMP levels synchronously increased as cells matured. Whereas inhibition of NOS depleted cGMP in mature cultures, inhibitors of CO production potentiated the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated cGMP increase. Exogenous CO at similar concentrations to endogenous levels blocked the NO-mediated cGMP increase. These results directly demonstrate that endogenous neuronal CO production is high and indicate that while NO is the major regulator of cGMP in these neurons, CO may modulate the NO–cGMP signaling system.
The effect of sex on heritability estimates of body weight determined from data on individually tagged rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract Heritabilities were estimated for body weights of individually tagged rainbow trout weighed ten times from 159 to 740 days post-fertilization. Parameter estimates were obtained for two data sets; one data set included records for all fish while the other contained only records for fish of known sex. Sex had a significant (P
Influence of the addition of cerophyl® on the Selenastrum capricornutum diet of the cladoceran Ceriodaphnia dubia

A study of the green alga Selenastrum capricornutum and Cerophyl® was conducted to characterize the mixture as food for Ceriodaphnia dubia. The addition of an aqueous extract of Cerophyl to Selenastrum capricornutum resulted in consistently greater survival, growth, and productivity of Ceriodaphnia dubia cultured and tested in reconstituted hard water. Several supplemental foods, including yeast-Cerophyl-Trout Chow® (YCT), were tested with, or in addition to, Selenastrum capricornutum. Analysis of the protein, carbohydrate, and lipid content of the algae-plus-Cerophyl feeding suspension indicated that the addition of the aqueous extract of Cerophyl increased the protein concentration of the feeding suspension 30% and the carbohydrate concentration 50%. The amount of lipid contained in the Cerophyl extract was less than the detection limit of the method used for analysis. Treatment of the aqueous extract of Cerophyl for the removal of the protein and lipid components of the Cerophyl had no effect on the growth and productivity of Ceriodaphnia dubia when compared to those of the organisms fed an unaltered mixture of algae plus Cerophyl. The bacteria associated with the Selenastrum capricornutum cultures, the algae-plus-Cerophyl feeding suspension, the Ceriodaphnia dubia mass cultures, and the individual beakers in which isolated Ceriodaphnia dubia was tested were enumerated. The bacteria associated with the algae-Cerophyl feeding suspension were shown to play a role in the diet of Ceriodaphnia dubia during the first 4 to 5 d of 7-day tests. However, substituting bacteria for Cerophyl in the algal feeding suspension fed to Ceriodaphnia dubia did not result in the same level of survival, growth, and productivity.
Norovirus Narita 104 Virus-Like Particles Expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana Induce Serum and Mucosal Immune Responses

Narita 104 virus is a human pathogen belonging to the norovirus (family Caliciviridae) genogroup II. Noroviruses cause epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. To explore the potential of developing a plant-based vaccine, a plant optimized gene encoding Narita 104 virus capsid protein (NaVCP) was expressed transiently in Nicotiana benthamiana using a tobacco mosaic virus expression system. NaVCP accumulated up to approximately 0.3 mg/g fresh weight of leaf at 4 days postinfection. Initiation of hypersensitive response-like symptoms followed by tissue necrosis necessitated a brief infection time and was a significant factor limiting expression. Transmission electron microscopy of plant-derived NaVCP confirmed the presence of fully assembled virus-like particles (VLPs). In this study, an optimized method to express and partially purify NaVCP is described. Further, partially purified NaVCP was used to immunize mice by intranasal delivery and generated significant mucosal and serum antibody responses. Thus, plant-derived Narita 104 VLPs have potential for use as a candidate subunit vaccine or as a component of a multivalent subunit vaccine, along with other genotype-specific plant-derived VLPs.
Amenably ordered inverse semigroups

A partially ordered inverse semigroup S is said to be left amenably ordered if for each a, b ~ S, a < b implies ala ~ b-lb. Any inverse semigroup is amenably ordered, on both sides, under the natural partial order < defined by a ~< b if and only if a = eb for some idempotent e in S. On the other hand amenably ordered inverse semigroups have been considered by Blyth and McFadden in the context of regular Dubreil-Jacotin semigroups and Bosbaeh has considered such semigroups as division ordered semigroups. In this paper, we consider the structure of left amenably ordered inverse semigroups in detail. Particular emphasis is placed on those in which the imposed partial order extends the natural partial order. If E is any semilattice then TE the semigroup of isomorphisms between principal ideals of E can be turned into a left amenably ordered inverse semigroup. In general, the imposed partial order is different from the natural partial order and, if E is a chain, TE is a ^-semilatticed semigroup. It is shown that every left amenable partial order on an inverse semigroup S, which extends the natural partial order, can be described by means of a cone, analogous to that used to describe the partial order in a lattice ordered group. The order structure of those left amenable partially ordered inverse semigroups is investigated and it is shown that if such a semigroup is v-semilatticed and the imposed partial order extends the natural partial order then it is a lattice ordered semigroup S in which the mapping a ~-+ a-aa is a lattice homomorphism onto the idempotents, which form a distributive lattice. Under various hypotheses, it is shown that S is also a distributive lattice. It is shown that amenable partial orders on an inverse semigroup S which extend the natural partial order are determined by cones contained in the centralizer of the idempotents of S. If such a partial order is up directed then S is a semilattice of groups and the structure of S is determined in detail. These results generalize and extend results of Bosbach on amenably ordered inverse semigroups. Throughout the paper we shall assume familiarity with the theory of inverse semigroups which is described in Clifford and Preston, "Algebraic Theory of Semigroups," Vol. 1, 2, Math Surveys 7, Amer. Math. Soc., Providence, R.I., 1961, 1967 or Howie," An Introduction to Semigroup Theory," Academic Press, London, 1976.
Assessment of Nematic Guest-Host Systems for Application to Integrated Liquid Crystal Displays

Abstract An optimized configuration of the nematic guest-host effect is described in which a 90° twist cell is used. In order to assess the suitability of nematic guest-host systems for use in integrated displays in which a significant dc voltage may appear across the liquid crystal, several dye/host systems were tested with up to 1.5V dc superimposed on the normal 5V r.m.s. drive signal. Degradation was monitored by measurement of tilt, clearing point and absorbance. One system tested showed no significant degradation after 9 × 103 hr. Excellent correlation was observed between stability of a dye/host system in a driven display and the reversibility of the reduction of the dye in acetonitrile solution at a platinum electrode.
Integrating Human Behavior Modeling and Data Mining Techniques to Predict Human Errors in Numerical Typing

Numerical typing errors can lead to serious consequences, but various causes of human errors and the lack of contextual clues in numerical typing make their prediction difficult. Human behavior modeling can predict the general tendency in making errors, while data mining can recognize neurophysiological feedback in detecting cognitive abnormality on a trial-by-trial basis. This study suggests integrating human behavior modeling and data mining to predict human errors because it utilizes both 1) top-down inference to transform interactions between task characteristics and conditions into a general inclination of an average operator to make errors and 2) bottom-up analysis in parsing psychophysiological measurements into an individual's likelihood of making errors on a trial-by-trial basis. Real-time electroencephalograph (EEG) features collected in a numerical typing experiment and modeling features produced by an enhanced human behavior model (queuing network model human processor) were combined to improve error classification performance by a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier. Integrating EEG and modeling features improved the results of LDA classification by 28.3% in keenness ( d ′) and by 10.7% in the area under ROC curve (AUC) from that of using EEG only; it also outperformed the other three benchmarking scenarios: using behaviors only, using apparent task features, and using task features plus trial information. The AUC was significantly increased from using EEG along only if EEG + Model features were used.
Dorian, Motorola, and Me

My days with Dorian were few, informative, enlightening, and fun. I ‘‘apprenticed’’ under him and delivered his materials at Motorola, as scripted by their training staff, in the 1980s.
Solvent Control of the Soft Angular Potential in Hydroxyl−π Hydrogen Bonds: Inertial Orientational Dynamics

Ultrafast polarization and wavelength selective IR pump−probe spectroscopy is used to measure the inertial and long time orientational dynamics of π-hydrogen bonding complexes. Inertial orientational relaxation is sensitive to the angular potential associated with the hydrogen bond. The complexes studied are composed of phenol-OD (hydroxyl hydrogen replaced by deuterium) and various π-base solvents with different electron donating or withdrawing substituents (chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, benzene, toluene, p-xylene, mesitylene, 1-pentyne). The different substituents provide experimental control of the hydrogen bond strength. The inertial orientational relaxation of the complexes, measured at the center frequency of each line, is independent of the hydrogen bond strength, demonstrating the insensitivity of the OD inertial dynamics, and therefore the H-bond angular potential, to the hydrogen bond strength. OD stretch absorption bands are inhomogeneously broadened through interactions with the solvent. The hy...
Capnography activation is improved by better ventilator interface ergonomics

In critical care, capnography is recommended [1]. Upon intubation this is important to rapidly confirm endotracheal tube position. Often capnography is built into critical care ventilators, but as these are frequently used for non-invasive ventilation it is necessary that this monitoring may be switched off and on. We postulated that the ease with which this could be done would relate to the ergonomic design of the ventilation interface and compared the Drager Evita 4 and Drager V500. The Evita 4 has a button hidden within the alarm limits section, whereas on the V500, which has locally configurable interface, this had been placed on the main screen.
Modulation schemes for five-phase to three-phase AC-AC matrix converters

The AC-AC matrix converters are pulse-width modulated using either a carrier-based or space vector modulation techniques. This paper presents these two approaches as they relate to the non-square 5 × 3 converter design targeted for a five-phase voltage source providing real and active powers for three-phase power systems found in high power applications such as on-board ship power systems. It is desirable to be able to synthesize the three-phase voltages with minimum harmonics and the highest voltage gain possible. Furthermore, the input power factor of the converter is to be variable, even to be unity. These goals are achieved with the determined modulation schemes. Computer simulations are given to validate the analytic modulation methods set forth, to demonstrate the waveform synthesis and the achievement of the unity input power factor.
Imaging Gas Counters for X- and Gamma Ray Astronomy

Gas-filled detectors, such as proportional counters, have long been used in x-ray astronomy. They are robust, relatively easy to fabricate, and can provide large collecting areas with reasonable spatial and energy resolution. Despite coming of age in the 50’s and 60’s, their versatility is such that they are still planned for future missions. A vigorous development program, led mostly by the high energy physics community, has ensured continued improvements in proportional counter technology. These include multistep counters, microstrip technologies and optical avalanche chambers. High fill-gas pressures and the use of suitable converters permit operation up to 100s of GeV. The current status of imaging gas-filled detectors will be reviewed, concentrating on the lower energy region (< 100 keV) but also briefly covering higher energy applications up to the GeV region. This review is not intended to be exhaustive and draws heavily on work currently in progress at MSFC.
Treatment of gastric varices with partial splenic embolization in a patient with portal vein thrombosis and a myeloproliferative disorder.

Treatment of gastric varices with partial splenic embolization in a patient with portal vein thrombosis and a myeloproliferative disorder
The adenovirus that causes hemorrhagic disease of black-tailed deer is closely related to bovine adenovirus-3

DNA sequence data was obtained from an adenovirus previously shown to be the cause of a distinctive, fatal hemorrhagic disease of black-tailed deer in California. A 256 base fragment of the viral hexon gene was amplified by PCR from purified adenovirus preparations. The amplicon then was cloned and sequenced. Phylogenetic relationships with other mammalian adenoviruses were also determined. Although sequence analysis of this portion of the hexon gene indicates that the black-tailed deer adenovirus is closely related to bovine adenovirus-3, the biologic properties of the two viruses are clearly distinct.
Ultra-high-field MRI real-time imaging of HSC engraftment of the bone marrow niche

The bone marrow (BM) undergoes extensive remodeling following irradiation damage. A crucial part of restoring homeostasis following irradiation is the ability of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to home to and engraft specialized niches within the BM through a remodeling BM vascular system. Here we show that a combination of ultra-high-field strength magnetic resonance imaging (17.6 T, MRI) coupled with fluorescent microscopy (FLM) serves as a powerful tool for the in vivo imaging of cell homing within the BM. Ultra-high-field MRI can achieve high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) images (28 × 28 × 60 μm3) of the BM in live mice, sufficient to resolve anatomical changes in BM microstructures attributed to radiation damage. Following intra-arterial infusion with dsRed-expressing BM cells, labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxides, both FLM and MRI could be used to follow initial homing and engraftment of donor HSC to a limited number of preferred sites within a few cell diameters of the calcified bone—the endosteal niche. Subsequent histology confirmed the fidelity and accuracy of MRI to create non-invasive, high-resolution 3D images of donor cell engraftment of the BM in living animals at the level of single-cell detection.
The plight of Blacks in America today

This article examines the historic plight, current status, and future challenges of Blacks in the United States within the contexts of education, housing, employment, poverty, crime and the legal system. It is concluded that the Reagan administration legacy of a “colorblind society”, social program cutbacks, and Supreme court appointments dealt a devastating blow to opportunity and progress for Blacks and that the current and future challenges will require a concerted effort, concern and involvement by all sectors of society.
The Upper Atmosphere of the Earth

Interest in the upper atmosphere of the earth has continued to mount rapidly in recent years although during the war period much of the interest was veiled or diverted. Now a sharp stimulus has occurred because devices, such as the V-2 rocket, are available which are able to reach great heights and thereby to provide means of direct experimentation at great heights. It is my plan here to describe briefly present knowledge of the atmosphere up to the ionosphere and to mention the not inappreciable contributions which the V-2 rocket experiments have made already.
Lytic peptides with improved stability and selectivity designed for cancer treatment

Lytic peptides are a group of membrane-acting peptides, which have excellent activity to drug-resistant cells. In this study, the stability and tumor selectivity of newly designed pH-activated lytic peptides were studied. We found that despite varied secondary structures, pH-induced structure changes could not be directly linked to the activity and pH sensitivity of peptides. On the contrary, formation of aggregates had great impacts on peptide binding and insertion into the lipid bilayer of cell membrane. It was found that the pH controlled peptide aggregation and dissolution was responsible for the pH-dependent membrane lysis activity of peptides. One peptide (PTP-7c) formed stable amyloid fibrils, which did not completely dissolve under acidic conditions. As a result, PTP-7c had the lowest membrane lysis and cell killing activities among tested lytic peptides. As solid tumors have consistently low extracellular pHs, peptides with acid-activation features showed improved selectivity to cancer cells. In addition, self-assembled lytic peptides were found to become more stable and showed dramatically increased half lives (up to 11 h) in human plasma. These new lytic peptides with good stability and acid-activated cell lysis activity will have wide biomedical applications especially for the treatment of cancers in which drug resistance has developed.
Inhibition of hydrogen ion reduction at a platinum electrode by tin hydrous oxide film formation

Abstract Evidence is presented for inhibition of hydrogen ion reduction in acidic halide media at a platinum electrode in the presence of tin. This inhibition is traced to a film of tin hydrous oxide formed when hydrogen ion is reduced, causing the pH to increase in the vicinity of the electrode, and allowing hydrolytic precipitation to occur. The film was investigated employing voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and spectrophotometry. The stability of the film and its effect on other electrode reactions was examined, and a mechanism for its formation proposed.
The effect of self-attribute relevance on how self-esteem moderates attitude change in dissonance processes ☆

An experiment was conducted to examine the conditions under which self-esteem operates as an expectancy, as a resource, or does not influence cognitive dissonance processes. Based on the self-standards model of dissonance (Stone & Cooper, 2001), it was predicted that following a high-choice counter-attitudinal behavior: (a) priming positive self-attributes that were relevant to the discrepant behavior would cause participants with high self-esteem to report more attitude change as compared to participants with low self-esteem, (b) priming positive self-attributes that were irrelevant to the behavior would cause participants with high self-esteem to report less attitude change as compared to participants with low self-esteem, and (c) priming neutral self-attributes would eliminate self-esteem moderation of attitude change. The results of the attitude change measure supported the predictions. The discussion explores different processes by which the accessibility of cognitions about the self mediate dissonance arousal and reduction.
NiSi2 precipitation in nickel-implanted silicon films

We report on the formation of nickel silicide in nickel‐implanted amorphous silicon thin films. We have found that during annealing, precipitates of NiSi2 form in the interior of the film. This is in contrast with results for interfacial reactions between nickel films and silicon, where the first phases to appear are Ni2Si and NiSi on amorphous silicon, and Ni2Si on crystalline silicon. We suggest that these results reflect differences in surface energies and their effects on silicide nucleation.
Probing the cyclic transition state in the reaction O(3P)+alkyl iodides to form HOI: electronic, steric and thermodynamic factors influencing the reaction pathway

Electronic, steric and thermodynamic factors governing the reaction of O(3P) with alkyl iodides to yield HOI are probed by time-resolved Fourier transform infrared emission spectroscopy. The reaction to produce HOI is known to proceed through a cyclic 5-membered transition state. Steric effects are examined by studying the nascent vibrational distribution of the HOI product in the reactions of O(3P) with cyclopentyl iodide and cyclohexyl iodide. Little effect of steric hindrance is observed with either of these reactants. A CF3 electron withdrawing group on the carbon in the β-position to the iodine atom, probed by studying the precursor CH2ICH2CF3, weakens the C–H bond participating in the cyclic transition state and therefore diminishes the partitioning of vibrational energy into the HOI product. The cyclic 5-membered transition state occurs not only with saturated hydrocarbon chains, but also when either the H atom or the I atom is abstracted from an olefinic carbon site to yield an allene or acetylene product. This is explored by probing the reactions of O(3P) with CH2CHI and CH2CHCH2I, vinyl and allyl iodide, respectively. The energetic driving force for these reactions is the formation of the carbon–carbon multiple bond in the corresponding product. If a strongly doubly bound product pathway is not available, such as in the reaction of O(3P) with trimethyliodosilane, (CH3)3SiI, the reaction exothermicity is not sufficient to form vibrationally excited HOI. Preferential reaction through a 5-membered cyclic transition state to abstract an H atom from a carbon atom, rather than through a 6-membered ring by abstraction of an H atom from an oxygen atom, appears to be the mechanism in the reaction of O(3P) with 2-iodoethanol, CH2ICH2OH.
Patterns of diversification and genetic population structure of small mammals in Taiwan

Taiwan is a mountainous island off the coast of the Asian continent. The island is located on the continental shelf and rises to an elevation of nearly 4000 m. It became an island approximately 4 million years ago and has been connected to the continent more than once since its emergence. Therefore, the elevational zonation of two Taiwanese pairs of congeners in the rodent genera Apodemus and Niviventer can be explained by one of two competing hypotheses. One hypothesis assumes that speciation of the two congeners occurred in situ after an ancestral species migrated from the continent. In contrast, the second hypothesis argues the zonation resulted from separate incursion events during the connections. The phylogenetic analyses, which are based on electrophoretic allozyme data, reject the first of these hypotheses. Furthermore, genetic population structure and gene flow of three species of Taiwanese rodents (Apodemus semotus, Niviventer culturatus and Microtus kikuchii) are studied in relation to their patterns of elevational distribution. The genetic structure of A. semotus and N. culturatus, which have extensive elevational distribution, is rather homogeneous and no genie discontinuity or cline in allele frequency was detected. Gene flow among subpopulations for these two species is rather substantial; therefore, the potential isolating effect imposed by deep river valleys is minimal. Conversely, isolation of populations of M. kikuchii on different mountaintops is quite complete as mirrored by the high level of genie differentiation and low gene flow.
Are schizophrenics with abnormal dexamethasone suppression test results a distinct subgroup

Nonsuppression on the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) in schizophrenics has been reported by three independent groups. To elucidate the significance of this finding a schizophrenic cohort was tested on a wide range of parameters: computed tomography (CT), electroencephalography (EEG), the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery (HRB), platelet monoamine oxidase activity (MAO), serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase levels (DBH), premorbid personality adjustment, response to medication and family history of mental illness. Our results indicate that DST nonsuppressing and DST suppressing schizophrenics are no different on any of these measures, lending support to the notion that DST nonsuppression in schizophrenics is a random and changing event.
How Late-Life Depression Affects Cognition: Neural Mechanisms

Late-life depression is a major health problem and a significant cause of dysfunction that warrants closer evaluation and study. In contrast to younger depressed patients, most depressed older adults suffer more severe variants of the disorder, including significant cognitive impairments. These cognitive changes add to the severity of symptoms and disability that older depressed patients face and likely reflect compromise of certain neural circuits, linking cognitive impairment to late-life depression. Studies examining clinical correlates, neuropsychological testing, and functional and anatomic imaging have yielded a clearer understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits in late-life depression. This article discusses cognitive impairment in geriatric depression and how developing a better understanding of its neural correlates may lead to improved understanding and outcome of this specific disorder.
Positronium-Brönsted site interaction in silica-alumina catalysis

Abstract The lineshapes of Doppler-broadened positron annihilation radiation were determined at different acidity content of a silica-alumina catalyst. Analysis of the results together with those obtained from temperature programmed desorption and infrared spectra demonstrated that positronium atoms are selectively oxidized by surface protons and do not react with Lewis acid sites. A mechanism for the oxidation reaction is proposed.
Basic and Clinical Immunology of Siglecs

Siglecs are cell-surface proteins found primarily on hematopoietic cells. By definition, they are members of the immunoglobulin gene super-family and bind sialic acid. Most contain cytoplasmic tyrosine motifs implicated in cell signaling. This review will first summarize characteristics common and unique to Siglecs, followed by a discussion of each human Siglec in numerical order, mentioning in turn its closest murine ortholog or paralog. Each section will describe its pattern of cellular expression, latest known immune functions, ligands, and signaling pathways, with the focus being predominantly on CD33-related Siglecs. Potential clinical and therapeutic implications of each Siglec will also be covered.
Simplified non-looping functional loop technique for HDR brachytherapy

The loop technique has been employed in interstitial implantation of head and neck cancers for decades. However, cable-driven afterloading sources may be unable to negotiate the curve of the loop. The technique allows separate afterloading of each catheter ensuring a good dose distribution to the surface of the implanted structure.
A nonlinear compaction model for fibrous preforms

Abstract Based on the mechanics of porous media and physical insight gained from experimental observation, a model for predicting the nonlinear compaction of fibrous preforms in the resin transfer molding process is developed. A key physical constant — namely, preform bulk compressibility — is proposed to establish the relationship between the applied pressure and the preform bulk volume. The preform bulk compressibility is a function of fiber volume fraction and five parameters — the initial fiber volume fraction, the final (maximum attainable) fiber volume fraction, the initial pore volume compressibility, the fiber compressibility, and an empirical index. Results of compaction experiments on plain-woven fabric preforms and unidirectional non-woven materials support the validity of the model. Excellent agreement between theory and experiments has been obtained. The present model provides for fibrous preforms a nonlinear constitutive law whose coefficients can be physically interpreted.
Local semianalytic geometry

This paper treats the theory of semianalytic function germs over real closed fields more general than ℝ. An ordered field is microbial if it has a non-zero element whose powers converge to zero. The fields we treat are direct limits of countable microbial subfields. We define local rings of analytic function germs algebraically and use the Weierstrass preparation theory to prove an Artin-Lang property. We end by relating seminash functions to abstract semialgebraic functions on the real spectrum of the local rings.
A $3 Trillion Challenge to Computational Scientists: Transforming Healthcare Delivery

Engineering human health and healthcare delivery is one of the most significant open frontiers for progress by computational scientists. This article focuses on the opportunities and challenges of Big Data in transforming healthcare delivery.
Diarylcyclopentendione Metabolite Obtained from a Preussia typharum Isolate Procured Using an Unconventional Cultivation Approach

An uncommon 2,5-diarylcyclopentenone compound, preussidone (1), and a new biphenyl compound, 1′,5-dimethoxy-3,5′-dimethyl-2,3′-oxybiphenyl-1,2′-diol (4), together with two known biphenyl compounds, 5-methoxy-3,5′-dimethyl-2,3′-oxybiphenyl-1,1′,2′-triol (2) and cyperin (3), were obtained from a Preussia typharum isolate that was procured using a panel of unconventional media formulations. The structures of the new compounds were established by NMR and mass spectrometry, while the absolute configuration of 1 was assigned by quantum chemical ECD and VCD calculations. The antimicrobial and DPPH radical scavenging activities of 1–4 were tested. Compounds 2 and 4 exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activities that were comparable to the positive control ascorbic acid.
The Duty to Take Care: President Obama, Public Administration, and the Capacity to Govern

President Barack Obama inherited many challenges as he entered the White House. One of the most important obligations he faced was the constitutional duty to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” Meeting that commitment has been rendered more difficult because Obama seems not to have recognized that the people and organizations of the executive branch are facing a crisis in the capacity to govern. This essay argues that no matter how talented President Obama may be in public policy or on the stump, he likely will not accomplish his constitutional duty unless he engages that capacity crisis.
ReMembering Mother: Reconstituting Voice and Identity Through Narrative With Alzheimer's Patients

This is the story of a mother and a daughter, now informed by the mother's worsening dementia. Identities, memories, and subjectivities are interwoven in this narrative reflection exploring the continuing, influential, and rich relationship between the mother, Mom; her daughter, Deborah; and the relatives, friends, and colleagues—both past and present—who have helped build and maintain these identities. Narratives (Bochner, 2000; 2001; Carr, 1986; Davis, 2008), memories (Connerton, 1995, 2011; Davis, 2003; Romano, 2004), and identities (Gergen, 1971, 1991) are created, revised, and reconstituted through reflexivity in consideration of the other (Madison, 2012).
A Blood Chemistry Profile for Lake Trout

Abstract A blood chemistry profile for lake trout Salvelinus namaycush was developed by establishing baseline ranges for several clinical chemistry tests (glucose, total protein, amylase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, calcium, and magnesium). Measurements were made accurately and rapidly with a Kodak Ektachem DT60 Analyzer and the Ektachem DTSC Module. Blood serum was collected from both laboratory-reared lake trout (1978 and 1986 year-classes) and feral spawning trout from Lake Michigan and then analyzed in the laboratory. No clinically significant differences were found between samples analyzed fresh and those frozen for 1 or 6 weeks. The ranges in chemistry variables for feral lake trout were generally wider than those for laboratory-reared lake trout, and significant differences existed between male and female feral lake trout for several tests. Blood chemistry profiles also varied seasonally on fish sampled repeatedly.
Measurement of residual stress and elastic modulus of polycrystalline 3C-SiC films deposited by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Residual stress and in-plane biaxial modulus of polycrystalline 3C-silicon carbide (poly-SiC) films are studied using bulk and surface micromachined microstructures. The poly-SiC films are deposited on 100-mm-diameter (100) silicon wafers in a high-throughput, low-pressure chemical vapor deposition furnace at 1173 K using dichlorosilane (SiH 2 Cl 2 ) and acetylene (C 2 H 2 ) precursors at deposition pressures from 61 to 666 Pa. The resulting 0.5 to 2.7 μm films are highly textured, (111) oriented, polycrystalline 3C-SiC. Suspended diaphragms of these films are fabricated by standard wet chemical bulk micromachining of the silicon substrate from the back side. The load-deflection technique is used to extract the residual stress and in-plane biaxial modulus. For the center slot position in the boat, the films' residual stress changes from high (e.g., 726 MPa) to a relatively lower (e.g., 265 MPa) tensile stress as the deposition pressure increases from 61 to 333 Pa at fixed precursor flow rates. The average biaxial modulus of the films is 482 GPa; accordingly, the average Young's modulus is 401 GPa, assuming a Poisson's ratio of 0.168. However, the poly-SiC diaphragms fabricated from films deposited in the 380 to 666 Pa pressure range buckle due to compressive residual stress. Therefore, micro strain gauges are also fabricated and used to measure compressive residual strains in these films, which are − 0.032% at 500 Pa and − 0.024% at 666 Pa. Using 401 GPa as Young's modulus, these correspond to residual stresses of − 129 MPa and − 98 MPa, respectively.
Individual variations in hippocampal dentate degeneration following adrenalectomy

Corticosterone appears to have two markedly different effects on cells of the hippocampus in rats. On one hand, elevated levels of corticosterone contribute to the degeneration of pyramidal cells. On the other hand, elimination of corticosterone by adrenalectomy may cause degeneration of dentate granule cells (Sloviter, Valiquette, Abrams, Ronk, Sollas, Paul, & Neubort, 1989). However, the latter response is variable. Low levels of corticoids from accessory adrenal tissue not consistently detectable by radioimmunoassay may provide sufficient hormone to maintain granule cell viability. We describe simple measures that predict which individual adrenalectomized rats have degeneration of the granule cell layer. Body weight gain after adrenalectomy is positively correlated with granule cell layer area at sacrifice 3 months after surgery. Also, short-term loss of body weight when saline drinking water is replaced with tap water predicts the degree of degeneration of the granule cell layer. These observations may aid further study of this striking effect of adrenal hormones on brain anatomy.
Short day lengths affect perinatal development of the male reproductive system in the Siberian hamster, Phodopus sungorus.

The Siberian hamster, Phodopus sungorus, breeds seasonally. In the laboratory, seasonal breeding can be controlled by photoperiod, which affects the duration of nightly melatonin secretion. Winterlike, short day lengths induce gonadal regression in adult animals, and pups born and maintained in short days undergo pubertal gonadal development later than animals born into long days. However, to date there have been no reports of gestational photoperiod affecting fetal development of reproductive systems. The spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) and its target muscles, the bulbocavernosus (BC) and levator ani (LA), compose a sexually dimorphic, androgen-sensitive neuromuscular system involved in male reproduction. The SNB neuromuscular system was studied in male Siberian hamsters maintained from conception in short-day (8 h light, 16 h dark; 8L:16D) versus long-day (16L:8D) conditions. On the day of birth, and at postnatal(PN) days 2 and 18, the BC/LA muscles of hamsters gestated and raised in the sho...
Study by the isotopic antiglobulin technique of a cross-reacting murine antibody produced by immunization with a syngeneic SV40 tumor.

Tumor line SV-AL/N, derived from SV40 transformation of an embryonic cell line, was employed to immunize syngeneic mice, and the resultant antisera were investigated with the modified isotopic antiglobulin assay. A single specificity was detected in the antiserum, which reacted strongly with an antigen present on SV40-transformed lines. However, the antigen was also present on cells derived from the same embryonic line as SV-AL/N but transformed instead either spontaneously or by polyoma virus. The antigen was present on one non-transformed syngeneic embryonic line and may have been present in low concentration in a non-transformed syngeneic fibroblast line; it was not detected in several methylcholanthrene-induced lines. Antiserum derived from multiple immunizations with irradiated syngeneic fetuses reacted weakly in a similar pattern. The results suggest that the antigen detected is present in the host genome in occult form, and is derepressed by several processes, perhaps including embryogenesis.
The quantification of amino acids in seawater using thin-layer chromatography and fluorimetry

Abstract Through the use of dansyl chloride, thin-layer chromatography, and fluorimetry, the dissolved free amino acid composition of estuarine water samples has been quantified. The fluorescent agent, dansyl chloride, is sensitive to both amino and imino acids, and a complex mixture of the dansyl compounds can be separated by using two-dimensional thin layer chromatography. At low concentrations, the fluorescence: concentration ratio is strictly a Beer-Lambert relation, while at higher concentrations it appears to fit an exponential curve. Compounds which contain the simple amino group as well as additional reactive groups have slope relations of more than one, relative to glycine.