cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second hyperpolarizability of ethynyl-linked azobenzene molecular wires.

A series of oligomers consisting of ethynyl-linked azobenzene units was prepared using Pd-catalyzed cross coupling. The linear and nonlinear optical properties of the oligomers were investigated. The molecular second hyperpolarizability, γ, followed the power law γ ∝ n2.12±0.05 (n is the number of repeat units) for unusually large molecular lengths exceeding 360 conjugated bonds (>49 nm). The exceptional exciton delocalization length is attributed to the rigidity of the conjugated backbone.
Identification of Free Oscillations Spectral Peaks using the Excitation Criterion

A new method for identification of free oscillations spectral peaks was developed. It requires observations of free oscillations at many stations and the knowledge of the source mechanism. It consists of the following steps: First the theoretical amplitude and phase of the mode that we want to identify, let us say 5s26, is computed for each of the observing stations. A laterally homogeneous Earth mode, a double-couple point source and a step function as source time function are assumed. The source mechanism is derived from the fist motion of P wave. A factor of n is then added to the observed spectra of those stations where the theoretical phase of 5536 is n, leaving the spectra of the remaining stations unchanged (the theoretical phase of a spectral peak with respect to the origin time can only be 0 or n). In this way the phase of the 5326 peaks at all stations becomes the same (zero). For all other modes the phase will be zero at some stations and Zat others. Finally the spectra are vectorially summed. Through this summation, the peaks of all modes other than 5s26 cancel each other. If properly excited, &6 will clearly dominate the spectrum resulting from summation. This method was applied to the free oscillations excited by the deep shock which occurred on 1972 July 31, in Colombia, South America. Fundamental and higher modes were uniquely identified. An example of identification of 5 s modes on the colatitudinal component is shown in Fig. 1. Observations from 60 stations were used in this case. The excitation criterion renders identifications unbiased by personal judgement; it is not critically dependent on the assumed Earth model; it can be applied to short length records; and it has made it possible to identify peaks even at periods below 100 s and for modes with low Q.
The Role of Purchasing and Materials Management in Total Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction

Total quality management (TQM) is both a philosophy and a set of guiding principles that represent the foundation for continuous organizational improvement. TQM is the application of not only quantitative methods but also human resource management principles to improve the materials and services supplied to an organization, all the processes within that organization, and the degree to which the needs of customers are met. The research discussed in this article integrates the concepts, ideas, and findings that have emerged from ongoing multi-phase studies of purchasing's role in TQM. From this research, sponsored by the Center for Advanced Purchasing Studies (CAPS), the investigators have developed several ideas about what purchasing organizations should do to attain total quality management goals.
METHODS TO MEASURE (ε′/ε) TO THE LEVEL OF ~ 10−4 AT A Φ FACTORY

We describe the simulation of experiments for order to determine the sensitivity to e′/e parameters. Current theoretical estimates suggest that e′/e should be below 10−3 if the t quark mass is above 100 GeV. We show how measurements with a Φ factory operating in the range ℒ~2×1032 to 1033cm−2sec−1 can be used to improve the current world value of Re(e′/e). We also show how improvements on the value of Im(e′/e) (potentially a CPT violation) can be made, and how backgrounds can be studied using the channel .
Uncertainty modeling with Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Systems in mobile robotics

Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Systems (IT2 FLSs) have been commonly attributed with the capability to model and cope with dynamic uncertainties. However, the interpretation of this uncertainty modeling using the IT2 FLSs have been rarely addressed or taken into consideration during the design of the respective fuzzy controller. This paper extends the previously proposed method for incorporating the experimentally measured input uncertainty into the design of the IT2 FLS. Two novel uncertainty quantifiers are proposed to track the uncertainty modeling throughout the inference process: the antecedent uncertainty and the consequent uncertainty quantifiers. Further, the new IT2 FLS design method was used to design a wall-following navigation controller for an autonomous mobile robot. It is demonstrated that the new IT2 FLS design offers improved uncertainty modeling, when compared to classical design methodologies. It was shown that the modeled input uncertainty is more accurately reflected in the system output as the geometry of the type-reduced interval centroid. This uncertainty model provides valuable information about the uncertainty associated with the output decision and can be used for more informer decision making.
Miniaturized Photonic Sensors with Fiber Lasers

This manuscript and accompanying talk will describe a range of miniature photonic sensors that have been developed based on fiber laser strain sensor technology. These include hydrophones, inertial and magnetic field sensors.
Detection of galactosyltransferase using chemically modified piezoelectric quartz

Abstract In this report a piezoelectric crystal (quartz crystal microbalance) was used to detect the enzyme galactosyltransferase. A circular hole was etched in the piezoelectric's gold electrode and glucosamine covalently attached to the surface of the exposed quartz. Separate colorimetric testing showed that the glucosamine surface densities were in agreement with those found in the affinity chromatography literature and were estimated at 1.0 μmol/m2. The modified surface was exposed to a drop of test solution containing excess galactosyltransferase and cofactors sufficient to trap analyte in an enzyme—substrate complex on the surface of the crystal. The piezoelectric was removed from solution, dried and the frequency changes caused by the attraction of the enzyme recorded. Shifts in the resonant frequency of the crystal indicated that a complex between surface-bound glucosamine, Mn(II), UDP (uridine 5-diphosphate) and enzyme formed when the crystal was exposed to the liquid phase, but a complicating background signal existed from non-specific adsorption of enzyme, buffer and cofactors. It was also discovered that etching the piezoelectric electrode caused a degradation in crystal Q. In addition, an environmental chamber was constructed for the determination of crystal frequencies. An average drift rate of 0.05 Hz/h was achieved with a reproducibility of frequency measurement for an individual crystal at ±5 Hz.
Sublethal effects of zinc and municipal effluents on larvae of the red abalone Haliotis rufescens

Experiments were conducted to develop a sensitive sublethal toxicity test protocol to determine the toxicity of municipal wastewater effluents to larvae of the red abalone Haliotis rufescens. In multiple tests, fertilized abalone embryos were exposed for 48 h to dilutions of a reference toxicant, zinc sulfate, and to dilutions of primary-and secondary-treated effluents. The resulting veliger larvae were examined microscopically for larval shell abnormalities. In a longer flowthrough experiment, abalone were exposed for the entire larval phase, from the two-cell stage through metamorphosis, to compare zinc effects on metamorphosis with zinc effects on short-term larval shell development. Dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity and temperature were measured daily in test solutions, and zinc concentrations were verified by chemical analysis. “No observed effect concentrations” (NOECs) for zinc were 39±2.1 μg l-1 in three 48 h exposures, and 19 μg l-1 for the 9 d exposure through metamorphosis. Median effect concentrations (EC50s) were 68±6.9 μg l-1 in 48 h tests and 50 μg l-1 in the 9 d test. Abalone larvae were affected at lower concentrations of primary than of secondary effluent.
First-passage approach for permeable traps.

Many reactive processes in complex materials involve absorption of diffusing molecules. Recently, there has been interest in particle interaction with partially absorbing (or permeable) traps. Here, we present a simple and efficient method for accounting for the non-diffusion-limited reaction of particles when the flux of particles to the trap is governed by surface permeability. The trapping probability is determined from a one-dimensional Green’s function, which results in a simple algebraic expression. This expression, which applies in the region immediately adjacent to the trap, is then used with a first-passage approach far from the trap. When applied to a suspension of permeable traps, the method is seen to give accurate results over the concentration range. The method is applied to the competition of reactive particles in a suspension of permeable spheres with a reactive continuous phase.
Novel analogs of the σ receptor ligand BD1008 attenuate cocaine-induced toxicity in mice

Abstract Previous studies have shown that BD1008 (N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethylamine) and related analogs attenuate the toxicity and stimulant effects of cocaine through antagonism of σ receptors. In the present study, six analogs of BD1008 (UMB 98–103) were synthesized and evaluated in receptor binding and behavioral studies. Competition binding studies confirmed that all six compounds have high affinity for σ1 receptors, moderate affinity for σ2 receptors, and low to negligible affinity for monoamine transporters, opioid, N-methyl- d -aspartate, dopamine, and 5-HT receptors. In behavioral pharmacological studies, pretreatment of mice with UMB 100, UMB 101, or UMB 103 significantly attenuated cocaine-induced convulsions and lethality. Together with earlier studies, the data suggest that analogs of BD1008 are promising medication development leads for reducing the toxicity of cocaine.
An absolute charge sensor of fluid electrification measurements

A new instrument, the Absolute Charge Sensor (ACS), has been developed that measures the net charge density entrained in a fluid flow, independent of the fluid's electrical properties, velocity, and any electrification processes within the instrument. Through a shielded sampling probe, the ACS periodically transfers a small volume of charged fluid to an electrically isolated Faraday cage with no fluid exiting. The charge density is calculated from the known filling flow rate and either the current or voltage, respectively measured by low or high impedance electrometers connected to the electrically isolated Faraday cage. The ACS overcomes the ambiguity in current or voltage measurements of probes placed into the fluid flow where it is impossible to separate contributions from impacting charge in the flow from charge separated at the probe interface by the very charge generation and transport processes that are under study. The instrument is typically operated to measure charge densities as low as a few mu C/m/sup 3/ using a sampling flow rate of 0.18 cm/sup 3/ with a sampling period on the order of 1 min. A Couette charger apparatus that simulates flow electrification processes in transformers and fuel pumps has been used to test the ACS using transformer oil or gasoline. Result show good correlation between the ACS and continuous flow measurements. >
Aspiration efficiency of a thin-walled probe at right angles to the wind

Abstract A new experimental system was recently developed for the rapid acquisition of data for aerosol sampler aspiration efficiency, and was applied in this latest work to the experimental study of thin-walled probes oriented at 90° to the freestream. Previous experimental studies from the 1980s, backed up by a physical model, suggested that aspiration efficiency for this orientation ( A 90 ) may be uniquely described as a function of St R 1 / 2 (where St is the Stokes number for particle motion in the region of the sampler entry, and R is the ratio of the freestream air velocity to the average air velocity across the plane of the sampler inlet). But in this new work the experimental system was sufficiently selective as to allow detection of an additional dependency on R not revealed by the previous work. It is proposed that this additional dependency is associated with effects associated with the non-uniformity of the airflow distribution across the plane of the test sampler at such extreme orientations, derived from the inertia of the air motion as it approaches the sampler. One result of such non-uniformity is to reduce the effective cross-sectional area of the inlet as R increases. The experimental results suggest that A 90 is now better described as a unique function of St R 1 / 4 (instead of St R 1 / 2 ). Such new insights into the basic physical behavior of a simple aerosol sampling scenario may be useful in helping to explain some aspects of the performances of more complicated aerosol samplers like those used in practical occupational and environmental air sampling situations.
Perceptions of Family Relationship Factors and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents: What Roles Do Parents and Gender Play?

The association of adolescents’ perceptions of family relationships and adolescent depressive symptoms was investigated using a sample of 2,918 youth participating in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. Boys showed fewer depressive symptoms than girls, as hypothesized. In general, adolescents’ perceptions of family relationships were negatively related to depressive symptoms. Mother support of father predicted depressive symptoms for girls only, whereas father support of mother predicted depressive symptoms for boys only. These findings contradict previous research that suggested family functioning is more related to outcomes of adolescent girls than boys. Suggestions for future research and implications for marital and family therapists are discussed.
Hindered diffusion in agarose gels: test of effective medium model

The diffusivities of uncharged macromolecules in gels (D) are typically lower than in free solution (D infinity), because of a combination of hydrodynamic and steric factors. To examine these factors, we measured D and D infinity for dilute solutions of several fluorescein-labeled macromolecules, using an image-based fluorescence recovery after photobleaching technique. Test macromolecules with Stokes-Einstein radii (rs) of 2.1-6.2 nm, including three globular proteins (bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin, lactalbumin) and four narrow fractions of Ficoll, were studied in agarose gels with agarose volume fractions (phi) of 0.038-0.073. The gels were characterized by measuring the hydraulic permeability of supported agarose membranes, allowing calculation of the Darcy permeability (kappa) for each gel sample. It was found that kappa, which is a measure of the intrinsic hydraulic conductance of the gel, decreased by an order of magnitude as phi was increased over the range indicated. The diffusivity ratio D/D infinity, which varied from 0.20 to 0.63, decreased with increases in rs or phi. Thus as expected, diffusional hindrances were the most severe for large macromolecules and/or relatively concentrated gels. According to a recently proposed theory for hindered diffusion through fibrous media, the diffusivity ratio is given by the product of a hydrodynamic factor (F) and a steric factor (S). The functional form is D/D infinity = F(rs/k1/2) S(f), where f = [(rs+rf)/rf]2 phi and rf is the fiber radius. Values of D/D infinity calculated from this effective medium theory, without use of adjustable parameters, were in much better agreement with the measured values than were predictions based on other approaches. The strengths and limitations of the effective medium theory for predicting diffusivities in gels are discussed.
Underplanting cherrybark oak ( Quercus pagoda Raf.) seedlings on a bottomland site in the southern United States

We initiated a study on a bottomland site in the southern United States to examine the effects of Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunberg) control and seedlings of two root classes on survival and growth of underplanted cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) seedlings. Three honeysuckle control treatments were assigned to nine 0.5-ha plots in a stand harvested to 30% residual stocking. Treatments included a spring 1997 herbicide application (Escort®, metsulfuron-methyl), a similar application in the late summer of 1997, and a control (no herbicide application). In 1998, half of each treatment plot was planted with seedlings having four or more first-order lateral roots > 1 mm in diameter, while the other half of each plot received seedlings with fewer than four lateral roots. Four years after treatment, the early season application reduced honeysuckle biomass 60% relative to the other treatments, but we did not observe a survival or growth response by underplanted seedlings. Three years after establishment, seedlings that initially had four or more lateral roots were 16% taller and 18% larger in root-collar diameter than seedlings in the other class, but these differences were primarily due to initial size differences maintained through the study period. Over all treatments, oak seedlings averaged 87% survival while showing a 300% increase in height and a 170% increase in root-collar diameter 3 years after planting. Our results suggest that partial stand harvesting followed by underplanting may be a viable approach for establishing cherrybark oak reproduction on bottomland sites of the southern United States.
Electrophysiologic in-vitro effects of cocaine and its metabolites

We studied the in-vitro electrophysiologic effects of equimolar concentrations of cocaine and its metabolites on rat cardiac tissues. The effects on the sinus node rate were studied in spontaneously active sinoatrial preparations. The order of magnitude of the effects was: ethylcocaine > cocaine > benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester > ecgonine. The effects of cocaine and ethylcocaine were not additive. The actions of cocaine and ethylcocaine on membrane potentials were studied in papillary muscles driven at 5 Hz. Both compounds depressed to similar degrees the resting potential and the amplitude of the action potential, and increased the duration of the action potential. Simultaneous exposure to the two drugs did not result in effects greater than those of ethylcocaine or cocaine alone. It is concluded that (a) cocaine and its metabolites depressed the sinus node rate. Only cocaine and ethylcocaine exerted actions that may be of clinical significance. (b) Ethylcocaine had an effect greater than that of cocaine on the sinus node rate, and similar to that of the parent compound on ventricular membrane potentials. Thus, ethylcocaine may play a significant role in the cardiac electrophysiologic actions of cocaine, when the latter is used in combination with ethanol. (c) The effects of cocaine and ethylcocaine were not additive.
Design Optimization of a Cartesian Parallel Manipulator

This paper introduces a new 3-DOF translational parallel manipulator named the Cartesian Parallel Manipulator (CPM). The manipulator consists of a moving platform that is connected to a fixed base by three limbs. Each limb is made up of one prismatic and three revolute joints and all joint axes are parallel to one another. In this way, each limb provides two rotational constraints to the moving platform and the combined effects of the three limbs lead to an over-constrained mechanism with three translational degrees of freedom. The manipulator behaves like a conventional X-Y-Z Cartesian machine due to the orthogonal arrangement of the three limbs. Two actuation methods are analyzed. However, the rotary actuation method is discarded because of the existence of singularities within the workspace. For the linear actuation method, there exists a one-to-one correspondence between the input and output displacements of the manipulator. However, each limb structure is exposed to a relatively large moment about an axis perpendicular to the prismatic joint axis. In order to compensate for this shortcoming, a method to maximize the stiffness is suggested. Finally, a numerical example of the optimal design is presented.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Protein composition of liver cyst fluid from the BALB/ c-cpk/+ mouse model of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease

Cysts arising from hepatic bile ducts are a common extra-renal pathology associated with polycystic kidney disease in humans. As an initial step in identifying active components that could contribute to disease progression, we have investigated the protein composition of hepatic cyst fluid in an orthologous animal model of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, heterozygous (BALB/c-cpk/+) mice. Proteomic analysis of cyst fluid tryptic digests using LC-MS/MS identified 303 proteins, many of which are consistent with enhanced inflammatory cell processes, cellular proliferation, and basal laminar fibrosis associated with the development of hepatic bile duct cysts. Protein identifications have been submitted to the PRIDE database (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/pride), accession number 9227.
The development of regional collaboration for resource efficiency: A network perspective on industrial symbiosis

Abstract Industrial symbiosis (IS) improves regional sustainability through inter-firm collaboration for more efficient use of materials and energy. Drawing on the literature of IS and complex networks, this paper proposes three forming processes of IS networks corresponding to different institutional settings – preferential growth under self-organization, homogeneous growth under coordination and facilitation, and random pairing under planning and policy promotion. We examine the growth of IS networks and the impact of promotional institutions by analyzing a diverse sample of 15 IS networks including 204 firms. Additional illustrations of by-product and utility networks are provided for the cases of Kalundborg (Denmark) and Kwinana (Australia). The results suggest that preferential growth is a dominant process widely held in self-organized IS networks, indicating an enduring disparity of firms’ capabilities in building IS. Firm-organized coordination as well as government facilitation and promotion tend to change the preferential growth to a more homogeneous one, by improving the capabilities of previously disadvantaged firms. The improvement of disadvantaged firms and non-preferential growth under facilitation and promotion call for the overall symbiotic opportunities to be explored more thoroughly, and render the IS system more resilient in a region. This effect of policy promotion, however, may take time to change the IS system, and may be diminished in utility exchanges and in areas with fewer, undiversified firms, due to technical difficulties and lack of opportunities to expand an existing IS network. Policy-making and planning should take into consideration the local industry composition and context, as well as other cost associated with the policies to determine the appropriate extent of promotion and incentives.
Glyconutrients and perception, cognition, and memory.

Neuropsychological tests were administered to 62 college students to assess the influence of glyconutrients on perception, cognition and memory in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced studies. Participants were given both a glyconutritional supplement and a control substance prior to testing. In Exp. 1, a Same-Different visual discrimination task, Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, and the Stroop test were administered. In Exp. 2, simple and complex working-memory capacity were measured. Participants receiving the supplement performed significantly more accurately on the visual discrimination task and the first session of the simple working-memory test.
Differential expression of N-cadherin distinguishes a subset of metastasizing desmoplastic melanomas

Summary Desmoplastic melanoma is a variant of spindle cell melanoma considered at low risk for distant metastases when compared with other forms of melanoma. The emphasis in the differential diagnosis of desmoplastic melanomas has been placed mostly in distinguishing it from scars and other benign spindle cell proliferations. In contrast, recognizing a subset of desmoplastic melanomas with higher metastatic potential has proven more difficult. We studied the expression of N-cadherin in 21 desmoplastic melanomas. The expression of N-cadherin was examined by immunohistochemistry using archive material and a mouse anti–N-cadherin monoclonal antibody previously shown to react in routinely processed paraffin-embedded tissues. Of 21 cases, N-cadherin was strongly positive in 10, only weakly or focally positive in 3, and negative in 8. Seven of 21 patients had distant metastases, and N-cadherin was strongly positive in 6 of those 7 cases. In contrast, only 1 of 11 patients within the group of N-cadherin–negative or weakly positive tumors had distant metastases. Our results show that strong N-cadherin expression in desmoplastic melanoma correlates with distant metastases and potentially more aggressive behavior. In contrast, desmoplastic melanomas with low metastatic potential are mostly negative or only focally positive for N-cadherin. The data suggest that N-cadherin may be a useful marker in recognizing a subset of desmoplastic melanoma with higher metastatic potential.
Proton magnetic resonance and conformational energy calculations of repeat peptides of tropoelastin A permutation of the hexapeptide

Abstract The conformation of a hexapeptide sequence occurring in tropoelastin is discussed from the results obtained using a combined approach of theoretical conformational energy calculations on HCO-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly-OMe and 1H NMR studies on t-Boc-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly-OMe in a dilute solution of methanol. Both studies have reasonable concurrence with respect to the preferred conformation of the hexapeptide and an analysis of the combined results suggests that the hexapeptide is stabilized by a β-turn involving the Ala1,iC=O and Val4,iNH groups and a γ-turn involving Gly5,iC=O and Gly3,iNH groups. A weaker interaction between Gly3,iC=O and Gly5,iNH groups is also found to be possible. Conformational features of the first valyl residue in the sequence Val-Ala-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly and the last valyl residue in Ala-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly-Val are compared and found to have similar torsion angles. The implications of such a similarity are discussed with respect to the conformation of the polyhexapeptide.
Controlled hypotension with sodium nitroprusside: anesthesiologist versus computer.

Computer systems developed for the automatic control of blood pressure have been previously shown to induce hypotension with sodium nitroprusside more rapidly and accurately than can be done with manual control. We compared the performance of a computer controller with performances by 10 anesthesiologists during challenges to homeostasis similar (or analogous) to those occurring during a surgical procedure. Hypotension was induced in 10 mongrel dogs and maintained for 2 hours, either by an anesthesiologist or by the computer controller. Challenges to homeostasis, were given during the 2-hour period. The computer brought the mean arterial pressure to the desired value in an average of 4.1 minutes compared with 6.3 minutes for the anesthesiologists, but this difference was not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between the computer and the anesthesiologists for 25 performance criteria. The anesthesiologists performed better during two imposed hypertensive perturbations by turning off the sodium nitroprusside sooner when the pressure rapidly decreased. In general, the computer controller performed as well as experienced anesthesiologists who devoted full attention to the control of blood pressure.
The Golgi-Associated Protein GRASP Is Required for Unconventional Protein Secretion during Development

During Dictyostelium development, prespore cells secrete acyl-CoA binding protein (AcbA). Upon release, AcbA is processed to generate a peptide called spore differentiation factor-2 (SDF-2), which triggers terminal differentiation of spore cells. We have found that cells lacking Golgi reassembly stacking protein (GRASP), a protein attached peripherally to the cytoplasmic surface of Golgi membranes, fail to secrete AcbA and, thus, produce inviable spores. Surprisingly, AcbA lacks a signal sequence and is not secreted via the conventional secretory pathway (endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi-cell surface). GRASP is not required for conventional protein secretion, growth, and the viability of vegetative cells. Our findings reveal a physiological role of GRASP and provide a means to understand unconventional secretion and its role in development.
Ultraviolet And Visible Brdf Data On Spacecraft Thermal Control And Optical Baffle Materials

Bidirectional scattering functions of numerous optical baffle materials and of spacecraft thermal control coatings and surfaces are presented. Measurements were made at 254 nm and at 633 nm. The coatings and surfaces include high-reflectance white paints, low-reflectance optical blacks, thermal control blankets, and various conversion coatings on aluminum.
Solution Structure of the IIAChitobiose-HPr Complex of the N,N′-Diacetylchitobiose Branch of the Escherichia coli Phosphotransferase System

The solution structure of the IIA-IIB complex of the N,N′-diacetylchitobiose (Chb) transporter of the Escherichia coli phosphotransferase system has been solved by NMR. The active site His-89 of IIAChb was mutated to Glu to mimic the phosphorylated state and the active site Cys-10 of IIBChb was substituted by serine to prevent intermolecular disulfide bond formation. Binding is weak with a KD of ∼1.3 mm. The two complementary interaction surfaces are largely hydrophobic, with the protruding active site loop (residues 9–16) of IIBChb buried deep within the active site cleft formed at the interface of two adjacent subunits of the IIAChb trimer. The central hydrophobic portion of the interface is surrounded by a ring of polar and charged residues that provide a relatively small number of electrostatic intermolecular interactions that serve to correctly align the two proteins. The conformation of the active site loop in unphosphorylated IIBChb is inconsistent with the formation of a phosphoryl transition state intermediate because of steric hindrance, especially from the methyl group of Ala-12 of IIBChb. Phosphorylation of IIBChb is accompanied by a conformational change within the active site loop such that its path from residues 11–13 follows a mirror-like image relative to that in the unphosphorylated state. This involves a transition of the φ/ψ angles of Gly-13 from the right to left α-helical region, as well as smaller changes in the backbone torsion angles of Ala-12 and Met-14. The resulting active site conformation is fully compatible with the formation of the His-89-P-Cys-10 phosphoryl transition state without necessitating any change in relative translation or orientation of the two proteins within the complex.
Identification of the L‐Band in InxGa1−xP/In)0.5Al0.5P Multiple Quantum Wells from High Pressure Measurement

High pressure photoluminescence measurements used to study the band structure of the InxGa1−xP/In0.5Al0.5P (x ⩽ 0.48) multiple quantum wells revealed that in narrow-lattice-matched and highly tensile strain structures the L1c band is the lowest conduction band state. The L1c minimum was identified as it shifted with pressure at a rate of (60 ± 5) meV/GPa, considerably smaller than that of the direct gap Γ1c states.
Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 1: A Rare, but treatable, cause of severe hypotonia in infancy

Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 1 is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by an inactivating mutation of the 25-hydroxyvitamin-D-1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) gene. Clinical presentation is characterized by early onset of severe rickets and can include severe hypotonia. Here, we report a 16-month-old white male who presented with severe muscle weakness, failure to thrive, renal tubular dysfunction, and skeletal deformities, including osteopenia and multiple fractures. At presentation, he had severe hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and elevated alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone levels, although normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. DNA sequencing of the CYP27B1 gene revealed a novel mutation in exon 2 (c286_300de115) and a previously reported mutation in exon 7 (c.1166G>A). Once calcitriol therapy was initiated, the patient showed significant improvement in muscle strength and linear growth. Serum calcium, phosphorous, and alkaline phosphatase returned to normal range. Organic aciduria...
The Dimensions of Common Factors in Counseling.

Common factors is a concept that offers an explanation as to what makes counseling effective. Evidence from outcome studies has implications for training and practice. The particular purpose of this paper is to review the components of a popular model of common factors, the evidence supporting them, and subsequent implications for counselor educators and practitioners. The author specifies the parameters of clinical decision-making within the common factors model and discusses the limits of relational factors in counseling.
Group sequential analyses for the mean function of a repeated measure process

In many clinical trials, treatment efficacy is based upon response to a biological marker that is measured repeatedly during the course of follow-up. However, in some of these trials it is not clear, a priori, how treatment effects on the marker may manifest themselves or what kinds of effects are clinically meaningful and/or acceptable. It is, therefore, desirable to allow flexibility in design and monitoring process by not prespecifying a stopping rule or even the parameter on which inferences will be based. Using the more general results in Hu and Lagakos, this paper extends the idea of the repeated confidence intervals for a parameter (Jennison and Turnbull) to repeated confidence bands for the mean function of a repeated measure process. We illustrate the approach and some considerations in its application with the results of a recent AIDS clinical trial.
A critique of Suppes' theory of probabilistic causality

An analysis of causality has been particularly troublesome, and thus mostly ignored, by those who believe the world is indeterministic. Patrick Suppes has attempted to give an account of causality that would hold in both deterministic and indeterministic worlds. To do this, Suppes uses probability relations to define causal relations. The main problems facing a probabilistic theory of causality are those of distinguishing between genuine and spurious causes as well as direct and indirect causes. Suppes presents several definitions of different types of causes in an attempt to capture the distinction between genuine and spurious causes and direct and indirect causes. It is my claim that Suppes' definitions fail to distinguish among genuine and spurious causes and direct and indirect causes. To support this claim I will give some counterexamples to Suppes' theory. I will then modify some of Suppes' definitions in a natural manner, and show that even with modification they are still prone to counterexamptes. The main thrust here is that Suppes' account of causation is intrinsically defective. I believe that there is no way to differentiate genuine from spurious causes or direct from indirect causes using only probability relations; thus no minor modifications of Suppes' definitions will be sufficient to resolve these difficulties. While presenting counterexamples to Suppes' definitions, I will also try to explain in principle why each particular example is a counterexample to Suppes' theory. After presenting these counterexamples, I will introduce the idea of an interactive fork and use it to argue that the basic intuition around which Suppes built his theory is faulty. In the last section of the paper I will discuss the more fundamental issue of whether all positive causes must raise the probabilities of their effects. Although this issue lies at the heart of most probabilistic accounts of causality, it has largely been ignored in the literature. I hope to show that we are not justified in believing that positive causes always raise the probability of their effects and that more discussion is needed on this important subject.
Physical properties of an alumino-silicate waste form for cesium and strontium

Abstract Nuclear fuel reprocessing will be required to sustain nuclear power as a baseload energy supplier for the world. New reprocessing schemes offer an opportunity to develop a better strategy for recycling elements in the fuel and preparing stable waste forms. Advanced strategies could create a waste stream of cesium, strontium, rubidium, and barium. Some physical properties of a waste form containing these elements sintered into bentonite clay were evaluated. We prepared samples loaded to 27% by mass to a density of approximately 3 g/cm 3 . Sintering temperatures of up to 1000 °C did not result in volatility of cesium. Instead, the crystallinity noticeably increased in the waste form as temperatures increased from 600 to 1000 °C. Assemblages of silicates were formed. Significant water evolved at approximately 600 °C but no other gases were generated at higher temperatures.
DNA amplification from pin-mounted bumble bees (Bombus) in a museum collection: effects of fragment size and specimen age on successful PCR

Historic data in the form of pinned specimens in entomological collections offer the potential to determine trends in genetic diversity of bumble bees (Bombus). We screened eight microsatellite loci in pinned bumble bee specimens from the U. S. National Pollinating Insects Collection. We tested three species (Bombus appositus, Bombus huntii and Bombus occidentalis) representing three subgenera of bumble bees (Subterraneobombus, Pyrobombus and Bombus sensu stricto) respectively. Bombus occidentalis is a species of particular concern for conservation biologists. Single mid-legs of ninety-six individuals from each species were assayed to determine microsatellite amplification success rates of historic material in a museum collection. Microsatellite alleles amplified in specimens up to 101 years old, but the rate of amplification success was significantly lower in material over 60 years of age. Loci with shorter allele sizes amplified more frequently than relatively longer alleles in samples from all age classes. We correlate the age of specimens to the age at which loci fail to amplify and discuss potential impacts of using certain markers for population genetic studies of museum specimens.
Epstein-Barr Virus Entry

One of the many conundrums of herpesvirology is why a herpesvirus is so profligate in its use of four or more envelope glycoproteins for entry into a cell when other viruses can manage very well with only one or two. Profligacy does, however, have its advantages. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), originally
Wireless internet competition: Municipal wireless vs. 3G mobile service

With an emphasis on creating ubiquitous Internet access to bridge the digital gap between location and access speed, the refinement of wireless technologies has it so that cities can reap the socio-economic benefits of the Internet. The 3r generation (3G) and wireless fidelity (WiFi) are the two main wireless technologies which access Internet using wireless devices. Some major cities in the U.S. have either deployed or have future plans to roll-out city-wide broadband wireless network using WiFi technology. Even if 3G and WiFi have different origins and features, they will become competing wireless Internet access services in the near future. In this paper, using a game theory, the authors build a competition model of 3G and WiFi and demonstrate which technology will have a better market position and what an optimal pricing strategy is through equilibrium analysis. The authors found that in the equilibrium analysis, WiFi could have a better market position in the future. On the other hand, by using a higher pricing strategy, the profit of 3G providers would be higher than that of WiFi providers. Finally, the municipal WiFi could be useful as a public Internet access method and prove to be competitive in this market with its attractive low pricing.
Plasma Polymerization of Tetrafluoroethylene. III. Capacitive Audio Frequency (10 kHz) and AC Discharge

The plasma polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) is studied in a capacitively coupled system with internal electrodes using a 10 kHz (af) and a 60 Hz (ac) source. The emphasis is on identifying conditions that are compatible with continuous coating of plasma polymer on a substrate moving through the center of the interelectrode gap. Operation at a pressure below 100 mTorr is most favorable for deposition of a substantial portion of the plasma polymer on this substrate. Plasma polymer deposited in this way is characterized by ESCA and by deposition rate data and compared to that deposited using rf power in both capacitively and inductively coupled systems. The polymers found in all systems are broadly similar and completely different from conventional poly(TFE). The distribution of power density in the various systems has been identified and compared. This is accomplished by using the known susceptibility of fluorine-containing polymers (including plasma polymer) to a high-power plasma as a probe of plasma power density within the interelectrode gap in the capacitively coupled system. The most active zone of the af or ac plasma is close to the electrode at a plasma pressure of approximately 40 mTorr. The use of a magnetic field leads to an intense localized glow such that etching by active fluorine atoms occurs at a specific locus on the electrode. By contrast, the low-pressure rf capacitively coupled glow discharge is the mildest of those investigated, and its most active zone is further from the electrode and much more diffusely localized by a magnetic field.
Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis of Contaminant Concentrations in Water Distribution Systems

Sensitivity analysis is used to determine how a system state or a model output changes due to a change in the value of a system parameter or a model input. We present the adjoint approach for determining the sensitivity of the concentration of a contaminant in a water distribution system to a change in a system parameter such as the location of the source of contamination, the reaction rate of the contaminant, and others. With the adjoint method, the sensitivity of the model output to any number of parameters can be obtained with one simulation of the adjoint model. If the number of parameters of interest exceeds the number of model outputs for which the sensitivity is desired, the adjoint method is more efficient than traditional direct methods of calculating sensitivities. We develop the adjoint equations for water quality in a water distribution system, verify the adjoint-based sensitivity equation using an analytical example, and demonstrate the numerical calculation of adjoint sensitivities using EPANET.
Monotonic and Cyclic Fatigue Behavior of High-Performance Ceramic Fibers

Monotonic and cyclic fatigue behavior of single fibers or fiber fabrics are of significant interest, since fiber assemblies or fiber-reinforced composite materials in structural applications are often subjected to cyclic loading. Studying the cyclic fatigue behavior of fibers is particularly difficult because of their small diameter (∼10 μm) and high aspect ratio. In this paper, we report results of monotonic tension and tension–tension fatigue behavior of two sol–gel-derived ceramic fibers: Al2O3–SiO2–B2O3 (Nextel 312) and Al2O3 (Nextel 610). Nextel 312 exhibited a great deal of variability in tensile strength, reflected by a Weibull modulus of 4.6, versus Nextel 610, which had a Weibull modulus of 10.5. Our experiments showed clearly that cyclic loading was more damaging than static loading and, thus, resulted in a lower cyclic fatigue life compared with static loading. The fracture behavior under fatigue loading was distinctly different from that under monotonic loading. It is believed that processing-induced flaws acted as crack initiation sites, and that the cyclic loading induced subcritical cracking, followed by coalescence of cracks immediately prior to failure.
Interval Finite Element Analysis of Structural Dynamic Problems

We analyze the frequency response of structural dynamic systems with uncertainties in load and material properties. We introduce uncertainties in the system as interval numbers, and use Interval Finite Element Method (IFEM). Overestimation due to dependency is reduced using a new decomposition for the stiffness and mass matrices, as well as for the nodal equivalent load. In addition, primary and derived quantities are simultaneously obtained by means of Lagrangian multipliers that are introduced in the total energy of the system. The obtained interval equations are solved by means of a new variant of the iterative enclosure method resulting in guaranteed enclosures of relevant quantities. Several numerical examples show the accuracy and efficiency of the new formulation.
Interests of Men and Women

Resume Les interěts des deux sexes different d'une facon signifiante. C'est egalement vrai pour les eleves des deux sexes dans le college, les etudiants universitaires des deux sexes, et les adultes, principalement dans ce cas des maris et des femmes. Une echelle M-F (masculinite-femininite) mesure de telles differences avec le Test d'Interět Professionnelle. Quoiqu'il y ait une tres grande difference entre les resultats moyens de l'interět des mǎles et des femelles, il y a cependant quelque empietement entre les distributions. Un pour cent des mǎles donne un resultat egal ou superieur a celui du vingt-cinquieme percentile des femelles, deux pour cent des mǎles donnent un resultat egal ou superieur au median des femelles et sept pour cent donnent un resultat egal ou superieur au soixante-quinzieme percentile. Les femmes empietent sur la distribution des hommes seulement de la moitie de ces chiffres. Les garcons collegiens montrent un interět plus masculin que les etudiants masculins de l'universite, et ce...
Rafts defined: a report on the Keystone symposium on lipid rafts and cell function

The recent Keystone Symposium on Lipid Rafts and Cell Function (March 23-28, 2006 in Steamboat Springs, CO) brought together biophysicists, biochemists, and cell biologists to discuss the structure and function of lipid rafts. What emerged from the meeting was a consensus definition of a membrane raft: " "Membrane rafts are small (10-200 nm), heterogeneous, highly dynamic, sterol- and sphingolipid-enriched domains that compartmentalize cel- lular processes. Small rafts can sometimes be stabilized to form larger platforms through protein-protein and protein- lipid interactions." " This definition helps to clarify current thinking in a field that has been plagued by the heteroge- neous and sometimes ephemeral nature of its subject.— Pike, L. J. Rafts defined: a report on the Keystone sympo- sium on lipid rafts and cell function. J. Lipid Res. 2006. 47: 1597-1598.