cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Choline and betaine aldehyde oxidation by rat liver mitochondria.

Abstract 1. The question of the ability or inability of rat liver mitochondria to oxidize externally added or internally generated betaine aldehyde has been reexamined. Well washed mitochondria were demonstrated to contain approx. 7% of the post-nuclear betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase as an integral component. The enzyme is approximately equally distributed between the inner membrane and the intermembrane plus matrix fractions. Significantly, none was found in the outer membrane fraction. The mitochondrial enzyme was shown to be functional under all the conditions tested; betaine aldehyde generated within the mitochondria by choline oxidation or added externally was oxidized to betaine in significant amounts. 2. The stoichiometry for the complete oxidation of choline or externally added betaine aldehyde was confirmed to be 2 and 1 moles, respectively, of O 2 utilized per mole of substrate added. Depending on the reaction conditions employed, considerable variation in the relative amount of choline oxidase and betaine aldehyde oxidase activities of mitochondria was observed when they were allowed to oxidize only a portion of the choline added. The necessity of measuring the contribution of betaine aldehyde oxidase in studies of choline oxidase is discussed. 3. Reasons for the discrepancies in the literature concerning the ability of mitochondria to oxidize betaine aldehyde are discussed.
Enhanced Singlet Oxygen Generation from a Porphyrin–Rhodamine B Dyad by Two‐Photon Excitation through Resonance Energy Transfer

Mitochondrial-targeting photosensitizers have been associated with effective photodynamic responses. However, most photosensitizers absorb light between 400 and 700 nm, where light penetration through tissues is limited. Two-photon excitation is a rational approach to improve light penetration through tissues. In this report, the two-photon photophysical properties of a porphyrin-rhodamine B conjugate (TPP-Rh), previously demonstrated to target the mitochondria, were evaluated. The properties studied included: two-photon absorption (TPA) cross sections (σ2 ); resonance energy transfer (RET) kinetics and dynamics; and singlet oxygen generation. The conjugation of Rh B to TPP-OH approximately doubled the σ2 of TPP-Rh at 800 nm (40 ± 4 GM) compared with the parent porphyrin, TPP-OH (16 ± 4 GM). Furthermore, the rate of DPBF oxidation by singlet oxygen generated from TPP-Rh was twice as fast compared with that from TPP-OH (73 % versus 33% in 10 min) following two-photon excitation at 800 nm. In addition, a significantly stronger luminescence signal was detected from TPP-Rh, than from TPP-OH at 1270 nm, following two-photon excitation. This study indicates that conjugating photosensitizers to Rh B could provide greater TPA at the near-infrared range in addition to preferential mitochondrial accumulation for improved photodynamic responses.
Cardiac Device Implantation in the United States from 1997 through 2004: A Population-based Analysis

OBJECTIVE Use of cardiac devices has been increasing rapidly along with concerns over their safety and effectiveness. This study used hospital administrative data to assess cardiac device implantations in the United States, selected perioperative outcomes, and associated patient and hospital characteristics.
Determination of the decomposition kinetics of hydrazine using a single-pulse shock tube

The rate of decomposition of carefully purified hydrazine has been measured by a single-pulse shock-tube method over the temperature range 970 o to 1120 o K, and the pressure range 2.3 to 8.6 atm, at a concentration of about 1 mole per cent in argon. The experimental data on reaction order, activation energy, and stoichiometry, together with kinetic and thermochemical considerations, lead to the conclusion that the decomposition kinetics obey a simple nouchain mechanism. Possible chain mechanisms are examined in detail and found to be at variance with the observations. By making use of some recent data of Michel and Wagner, a high-pressure limiting rate constant, k∞ =10 13.0 exp (−54 kcal/RT) sec −1 , is obtained for the reaction N 2 H 4 →2 NH 2 , over the temperature range 970 o to 1550 o K. Thus D (H 2 N−NH 2 ) is determined to be 54 kcal, with an uncertainty of about 2 kcal. At low pressures, approximately six effectively classical oscillators appear to contribute energy to the unimolecular decomposition of N 2 H 4 . An apparent activation energy of ca 36 kcal is predicted for the second-order flame reaction, in agreement with experiments.
Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy in 33 horses (1993-2000)

A retrospective study of the medical records of 33 horses was performed to determine the clinical and diagnostic abnormalities associated with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy. Data collected from medical records included signalment, presenting complaints, history, physical examination findings, laboratory data, results of diagnostic imaging studies, and treatments. Follow-up information was obtained from a review of case records; by telephone conversation with the owner, veterinarian, or trainer; or by both methods. Of 33 horses with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy, 29 presented with facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) deficits and 23 presented with vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) deficits. Guttural pouch endoscopy was more reliable than radiography for diagnosis. Of horses with unilateral clinical signs, 22.6% actually had bilateral disease. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography identified the lesions in all horses in which these tests were performed. Of 30 horses for which follow-up information was obtained, 20 (67%) were alive. Eight horses were euthanized and 1 died because of problems associated with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy. Nineteen of 20 surviving horses (95%) were considered by the owner or trainer to be suitable for athletic use. Twelve surviving horses (60%) had residual facial nerve deficits; 11 horses (55%) had residual vestibulocochlear nerve deficits. Horses with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy have a fair prognosis for return to some type of athletic function, but there is risk of acute death. The majority of horses would be expected to have some residual cranial nerve dysfunction, and it could take a year or longer for maximal improvement to occur.
Temporal variables of four-beat, stepping gaits of gaited horses

Abstract Gaited horse breeds perform a variety of four-beat stepping gaits that are recognized and distinguished by the sequence and timing of the footfalls and by the limb support sequences during the stride. The popularity of the gaited horse breeds is increasing and accurate descriptions of limb kinematics are needed both to define the performance characteristics of the different gaits and to assist in identifying gait pathologies. The objective of this study was to measure the temporal stride variables of 16 four-beat stepping gaits using frame-by-frame analysis. The gait sequences used for analysis were selected by the breed associations as being representative of correct performance of each gait. The results showed that all gaits were classified as symmetrical. A regular four-beat rhythm was present in the classic fino, coon rack, marcha picada, mountain pleasure rack, paso llano, rocky mountain rack, style rack, road gait, and toelt. An irregular rhythm with diagonal couplets characterized the fox trot, marcha batida, paso corto, and paso largo, while lateral couplets were found in the running walk, curly rack, and sobreandando. Three distinct limb support sequences were identified, with only the marcha batida demonstrating a period of quadrupedal support. Hind limb stance was longer than forelimb stance in the paso corto, paso largo, style rack, and running walk.
The Research We Need in Religious Education: Four Facets

It is tempting to respond to the question of what research is needed in religious education by saying, “Everythingi” Although religious education as an academic discipline can be viewed as over one...
Nuclear data sheets for A = 135

Abstract Nuclear data are compiled for the ten known members of the A = 135 mass chain, and decay schemes and adopted level properties are presented. This compilation is based on approximately 150 references available through April 1974. Nine drawings are included which present in pictorial form the bulk of the adopted values. Adopted level-property summaries and tabular listings of experimental data for each member of the A-chain follow the drawings. A discussion of the decay scheme for each nuclide is given in the Data Sheet section. Included in this compilation is a substantial amount of unpublished data which was available only through private communications, laboratory reports, and conference proceedings as of April 1974. While these data are the best currently available, they are subject to change before publication. The unpublished data presented include data on the decays of 135I, 135Xe, 135Ce, 135Pr, and 135Nd, and on the levels of 135La, 135Ce, 135Pr, and 135Nd from (HI, xnγ) reaction studies.
Repertoire of Epitopes Recognized by Serum IgG from Humans Vaccinated with Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Glycoprotein D

ABSTRACT The results of a clinical trial of a subunit vaccine against genital herpes were recently reported (R. B. Belshe, P. A. Leone, D. I. Bernstein, A. Wald, M. J. Levin, J. T. Stapleton, I. Gorfinkel, R. L. Morrow, M. G. Ewell, A. Stokes-Riner, G. Dubin, T. C. Heineman, J. M. Schulte, C. D. Deal, N. Engl. J. Med. 366: 34–43, 2012, doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1103151). The vaccine consisted of a soluble form of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) glycoprotein D (gD2) with adjuvant. The goal of the current study was to examine the composition of the humoral response to gD2 within a selected subset of vaccinated individuals. Serum samples from 30 vaccine recipients were selected based upon relative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titers against gD2; 10 samples had high titers, 10 had medium titers, and the remaining 10 had low ELISA titers. We employed a novel, biosensor-based monoclonal antibody (MAb)-blocking assay to determine whether gD2 vaccination elicited IgG responses against epitopes overlapping those of well-characterized MAbs. Importantly, IgGs from the majority of gD2-immunized subjects competed for gD binding with four antigenically distinct virus-neutralizing MAbs (MC2, MC5, MC23, and DL11). Screening of patient IgGs against overlapping peptides spanning the gD2 ectodomain revealed that about half of the samples contained antibodies against linear epitopes within the N and C termini of gD2. We found that the virus-neutralizing abilities of the 10 most potent samples correlated with overall gD-binding activity and to an even greater extent with the combined content of IgGs against the epitopes of MAbs MC2, MC5, MC23, and DL11. This suggests that optimal virus-neutralizing activity is achieved by strong and balanced responses to the four major discontinuous neutralizing epitopes of gD2. IMPORTANCE Several herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) subunit vaccine studies have been conducted in human subjects using a recombinant form of HSV-2 glycoprotein D (gD2). Although several distinct, well-characterized virus-neutralizing epitopes on gD2 are targeted by murine monoclonal antibodies, it is not known whether the same epitopes are targeted by the humoral response to gD2 in humans. We have developed a novel, biosensor-based competition assay to directly address this important question. Using this approach, we identified epitopes that elicit strong humoral responses in humans, as well as other epitopes that elicit much weaker responses. These data provide new insight into the human response to known neutralizing gD2 epitopes and reveal characteristics of this response that may guide future vaccine development.
Boron neutron capture therapy demonstrated in mice bearing EMT6 tumors following selective delivery of boron by rationally designed liposomes.

The application of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) following liposomal delivery of a 10B-enriched polyhedral borane and a carborane against mouse mammary adenocarcinoma solid tumors was investigated. Unilamellar liposomes with a mean diameter of 134 nm or less, composed of an equimolar mixture of cholesterol and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and incorporating Na3[1-(2′-B10H9)-2-NH3B10H8] in the aqueous interior and K[nido-7-CH3(CH2)15-7,8-C2B9H11] in the bilayer, were injected into the tail veins of female BALB/c mice bearing right flank EMT6 tumors. Biodistribution studies indicated that two identical injections given 24 h apart resulted in tumor boron levels exceeding 67 µg/g tumor at 54 h—with tumor/blood boron ratios being greatest at 96 h (5.68:1; 43 µg boron/g tumor)—following the initial injection. For BNCT experiments, tumor-bearing mice were irradiated 54 h after the initial injection for 30 min with thermal neutrons, resulting in a total fluence of 1.6 × 1012 neutrons per cm2 (±7%). Significant suppression of tumor growth was observed in mice given BNCT vs. control mice (only 424% increase in tumor volume at 14 d post irradiation vs. 1551% in untreated controls). In a separate experiment in which mice were given a second injection/irradiation treatment 7 d after the first, the tumor growth was vastly diminished (186% tumor volume increase at 14 d). A similar response was obtained for mice irradiated for 60 min (169% increase at 14 d), suggesting that neutron fluence was the limiting factor controlling BNCT efficacy in this study.
Ion-surface interaction to study ion-induced capture and emission of polarized electrons: Novel means to investigate surface magnetism

Abstract The electron spin polarization (ESP) at surfaces of bulk and thin film ferromagnetic materials has been investigated using electron capture spectroscopy (ECS), which probes the ESP of the topmost surface layer. At surfaces of PtMnSb, Tb and Fe 80 B 20 , we find nonzero ESP due to long-ranged or short-ranged ferromagnetic order. The sign of the ESP at surfaces of the Heusler alloy PtMnSb is in agreement with recent band structure calculations. At surfaces of the rare-earth Tb, we find that, contrary to bulk behavior, long-ranged ferromagnetic order exists far above the bulk Curie temperature ( T Cb = 220 K) up to a surface Curie temperature T Cs = 248 K. At surfaces of the spin glass Fe 80 B 20 , we find, in agreement with ECS data, that the ESP of ion-induced emitted polarized secondary electrons is extremely sensitive to the cleanness of the topmost surface layer.
Adolescent Sexual Debut A Case for Studying African American Father-Adolescent Reproductive Health Communication

African American adolescents mature earlier and have their sexual debut (first voluntary penile-vaginal penetration) earlier in adolescence and thus are at a disproportionately greater risk for more sexual partners, STIs, unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and adolescent motherhood and fatherhood despite rate reductions for other adolescents over approximately the past 20 years. Although the focus of most studies has been mothers' influence in adolescents' reproductive health, fathers' influence has been found to make a difference. However, the influence of African American fathers' reproductive health communication has not been addressed. Not only could much be revealed in exploring the influence of African American fathers' reproductive health communication, but these findings could guide interventions, thus reducing African American adolescents' reproductive health morbidity.
Hope and positive religious coping as predictors of social justice commitment

The present study tested a theoretical model of dispositional hope and positive religious coping as unique predictors of social justice commitment over and above impression management in a sample of graduate students (N = 214) in helping professions at an Evangelical Protestant university in the USA. This empirical study utilised a cultural psychology approach with a theoretical framework developed from (a) an earlier cultural psychology study of hope and social justice using the social philosophies of Martin Luther King, Jr, Cornel West, and Paulo Freire and (b) several liberation and Pietistic theologians. Results supported the discriminant validity hypothesis with dispositional hope and positive religious coping each predicting social justice commitment over and above a measure of spiritual impression management. Implications are considered for contextually sensitive training and future empirical and interdisciplinary research on social justice commitment.
Advocacy Organizations and the Field of Youth Services: Ongoing Efforts to Restructure a Field:

The field of youth services has undergone many changes in the past few decades, and advocacy organizations play a pivotal role in reconceptualizing this field by promoting better and more coordinated services to youth in need. This article examines how advocacy organizations bring about new conceptions of youth, influence the organization of the field, and ultimately change the way public policy addresses youth’s needs. The authors first describe the field of youth services, a highly fragmented field that has historically focused on youth as problems and targets for intervention. Next, they describe the current reform movement that instead promotes positive youth development. Focusing on the concept of restructuration, they then highlight some of the ways in which three advocacy organizations in San Francisco and Oakland, California, influence the field, and they propose early indicators that suggest how this field is being reorganized.
ATOC/Pioneer Seamount cable after 8 years on the seafloor: Observations, environmental impact

A study was conducted on the impacts of the presence of the Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate (ATOC)/Pioneer Seamount cable on the benthos from nearshore waters adjacent to its origin at Pillar Point Air Force Station in Half Moon Bay, California to its terminus 95 km along its length on Pioneer Seamount. The coaxial Type SD cable was installed, unburied on the seafloor in 1995. Thirteen sites along the cable route were surveyed using the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) ROVs Ventana and Tiburon equipped with cable-tracking tools. Quantitative comparisons of biological communities and seafloor features between cable and control sites were performed at nine stations. Forty-two hours of video footage and 138 push cores were collected over 15.1 km of seafloor. Approximately 12.1 km of the cable was observed (13% of the cable route). This study documents the appearance and condition of the cable and the underlying seafloor, and the effects of the cable on biological communities along its route. Limited self-burial of the cable has occurred during the 8-year deployment, particularly over the continental shelf and upper slope. Cable strumming by nearshore wave action has incised rocky siltstone outcrops. Several observations of kinks and snags in the cable on the upper slope (∼240 m depth) suggest contact with trawling gear. Few changes in the abundance or distribution of benthic fauna were detectable from video observations (epifaunal) and sediment core samples (infauna). Of 17 megafaunal groups and 19 infaunal taxa, no tests evaluating the overall effect of the cable were statistically significant. While these results indicate that the biological impacts of the cable are minor at most, three megafaunal groups exhibited cable-related changes at one or more stations. Actiniarians (sea anemones) colonized the cable when it was exposed on the seafloor, and were therefore generally more abundant on the cable than in surrounding, sediment-dominated seafloor habitats. Some fishes were also more abundant near the cable, apparently due to the higher habitat complexity provided by the cable. The study also documents general changes in the benthos across the Central California continental margin.
The effects of albuterol on sulfur dioxide-induced bronchoconstriction in allergic adolescents

Ten allergic subjects with exercise-induced bronchospasm were studied to determine whether albuterol could prevent sulfur dioxide (SO 2 )-induced bronchoconstriction. Albuterol or placebo (180 μg) were administered by metered-dose inhaler 20 minutes before a 10-minute exposure to SO 2 or clean air during moderate exercise on a treadmill at an exercise level that by itself did not produce exercise-induced bronchospasm. Pulmonary functions (FEV 1 and total respiratory resistance [R T ] were measured before the drug, after the drug, and after exposure to SO 2 or clean air. Albuterol treatment produced significant bronchodilation and also prevented SO 2 -induced bronchoconstriction. Following SO 2 inhalation after placebo, FEV 1 decreased 15% ( p T increased 50% ( p 2 inhalation after albuterol treatment, neither FEV 1 or R T changed significantly. We conclude that albuterol, a β 2 -agonist, inhibits SO 2 -induced bronchoconstriction. This result suggests that the adrenergic nervous system or mast cell degranulation are involved in SO 2 -induced bronchoconstriction.
A Multi-Institution Look at College Students Seeking Counseling: Nature and Severity of Concerns

This study provides information about students seeking counseling (N = 3,844) at 9 institutions of higher education. The K-PIRS, an empirically validated measure, was used to assess 7 problem areas (mood difficulties, learning problems, food concerns, interpersonal conflicts, career uncertainties, self-harm indicators, and addiction issues). Forty-two percent of students presented with multiple problems, and most reported that their concerns interfered with their academic (87%) and social (90%) functioning. A majority of students (61%) were in a stage of contemplation when seeking counseling. Only 24% were in a stage of action. There were small differences in problem scores by participants' gender, ethnicity, year in school, type of residence, work status, previous treatment, and use of psychiatric medication. Implications are discussed for counseling practitioners working with college students.
Chemoradiation treatment strategies for localized sarcoma: conventional and investigational approaches.

Current chemoradiation treatment strategies have largely evolved out of the experience reported by Eilber and colleagues from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The favorable local control rates they reported using intra-arterial doxorubicin-based concurrent chemoradiation have been confirmed by several other groups with some groups reporting local control rates in excess of 95% with this approach. This has led to further studies designed to evaluate: 1) the optimal route for chemotherapy administration—intra-arterial vs. intravenous, 2) the possible advantage of protracted infusion of the radiosensitizer vs. brief infusion, 3) the efficacy of other intravenous and oral radiation sensitizers, and 4) the efficacy of sequential chemoradiation using multi-agent chemotherapy alternating with radiotherapy. The results of these investigations are reviewed as the basis for ongoing research evaluating chemoradiation strategies for the treatment of patients with localized sarcoma. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 17:66–71, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A computer program for the calculation of amino acid analysis data.

Abstract A program has been written for the computation of the data from amino acid analysis. This program will accept data both from integrators and from the hand calculation method. The program is written in a common language and is divided into two parts so as to convert the analytical data from the amino acid analyzer into several useful forms as desired. The first part calculates amino acid analysis of protein hydrolyzates and the second part calculates the composition of peptides.
Potential Surfaces for Unimolecular and Bimolecular Gas Phase Reactions of BHmCln Calculated at the G2 Level of Theory

Transition structures and reaction paths for the BHmCln system have been characterized at the MP2(full)/6-31G(d) level of theory; heats of reaction and barriers have been computed at the G2 level of theory. Calculations show that the insertion reactions of BHmCln into H2 and HCl (m + n = 0, 1, 2) occur by highly distorted, non-least motion transition states, with barriers that increase with chlorine substitution on boron. Hydrogen abstraction from BH and BH3-nCln by chlorine proceeds with little or no barrier by a linear transition state. By contrast, BH3-nCln + H → BH2-nCln + H2 occurs by an addition−elimination path via a tetracoordinate intermediate. Likewise, BH2-nCln + X → BH1-nCln + HX or BH2-nCln-1 + XCl (X = H, Cl) are also addition−elimination processes. Abstraction of Cl from BCl and BH3-nCln by H is endothermic and occurs by a bent transition state.
Habitat selection and association of stream insects: a multivariate analysis

SUMMARY. Habitat selection and interspecies associations of stream insects were evaluated from a set of quantitative benthos samples and habitat measurements (velocity, depth, substrate, quantities of fine and leafy detritus) from a mountain stream. Substrate was characterized by an in situ grid method which effectively describes the size and distribution of the larger surficial materials within each sample unit. A principal components ordination of samples as characterized by abundance data over all species accounted for 54% of the total variance in three dimensions but implied continuous rather than discrete faunal change with habitat. Gradients in the habitat could not be identified with real confidence. Canonical correlation analysis identified three significant habitat-fauna interactions. The first corresponded to the gradient from eroding to depositing substrates and included detritus abundance, the second distinguished areas of fine from leafy detritus and the third appeared to include velocity-stone size interactions. A graphical technique based on ordination of physical data and clustering of associated species adequately summarized the distribution of five Ephemerella mayflies. The multivariate and interactive nature of stream bottom environments is discussed for problems involving prediction and experimental design and control.
The influence of decoupling voltages on the performance of synchronous current controllers in induction motor drives

The paper discusses the design of the current controllers for the induction motor (IM) drive where field oriented control is done in the rotor flux synchronous reference frame. The most common current control method is to use PI controllers alone – this is easy to implement and works well in most cases. A better scheme is to use decoupling compensation voltages in addition to the PIs, however, this is more difficult to implement and the decoupling voltages are often omitted. The paper compares the two current control schemes. The influence of the feed-forward decoupling voltages on the performance of the current loops is investigated in torque control mode and speed control mode. The theoretical findings are validated by simulations and experimental results.
Investigation of Cr(III) hydrolytic polymerisation products by capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

Abstract The development of a new method for the determination of Cr(III) hydrolytic polymerisation products using capillary electrophoresis–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CE–ICP-MS) is described. The results indicate that CE–ICP-MS can be used to separate and detect monomeric and polymeric Cr(III) species. The various species migrate through the capillary at a rate proportional to their equilibrium distribution, which is dictated by the solution pH, metal ion concentration and ageing period. In general, the data suggest that the relative mobility follows the order trimer>dimer>monomer. The experimentally determined speciation shows a good qualitative agreement with that described in the literature. Independent confirmation of the presence of polymeric Cr(III) species was performed by ionspray mass spectrometry.
Role of the Pineal Gland in the Control of Annual Reproductive Behavioral and Physiological Cycles in the Red-Sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis):

Red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) exhibit a dissociated re productive pattern in nature: Male snakes court and mate with females after emergence from hibernation, when the gonads are regressed and not producing gametes or sex steroid hor mones. The proximate environmental cues used for timing this behavior appear to be the onset of warm ambient temperatures after prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Pinealectomy blocks the normal onset of vernal courtship behavior in red-sided garter snakes. In the present study, snakes captured in the spring or the fall were pinealectomized in different seasons (i.e., spring or fall) prior to the onset of hibernation. Upon emergence, only 1 of 36 sham-operated animals failed to exhibit courtship behavior; 4 of 29 pinealectomized animals exhibited some courtship behavior, but none reached criterion. No animals courted 18 weeks after emer gence, and plasma testosterone levels were similar in pinealectomized and sham-operated animals, indicating t...
The analysis of SEQUOYAH fluctuation signals by ‘unusual’ methods

Abstract This paper describes the analysis of fluctuation signals from a nuclear reactor. The methods of analysis differ from the usual Fourier transform methods and include digital filtration, envelope generation by the use of Hilbert transforms, deconvolution, cepstrum analysis, autocovariances and simulation. These techniques are applied to an investigation of the characteristics of the envelope time-series of the signals from the SEQUOYAH reactor in the frequency range of 5.44–7.44 Hz—the core-barrel oscillation frequency. The results show that the core barrel oscillates with a high degree of damping and that the motion is caused by δ-function-like stimuli and that each stimulus consists of an initial stimulus followed by one or more subsequent stimuli (echoes) at defined time intervals. It is suggested that these stimuli are caused by contact between the core barrel and the pressure vessel.
Diffuse Atomic and Molecular Gas Near IC 443

We present an analysis of results on absorption from Ca II, Ca I, K I, and the molecules CH{sup +}, CH, C{sub 2}, and CN that probes gas interacting with the supernova remnant IC 443. The 11 directions sample material across the visible nebula and beyond its eastern edge. Most of the neutral material, including the diatomic molecules, is associated with the ambient cloud detected via H I and CO emission. Analysis of excitation and chemistry yields gas densities that are typical of diffuse molecular gas. The low-density gas probed by Ca II extends over a large range in velocities, from -120 to +80 km s{sup -1} in the most extreme cases. This gas is distributed among several velocity components, unlike the situation for the shocked molecular clumps, whose emission occurs over much the same range but as very broad features. The extent of the high-velocity absorption suggests a shock velocity of 100 km s{sup -1} for the expanding nebula.
Impurity-bound small polarons in ZnO: Hybrid density functional calculations

Hybrid density functional calculations are performed to study the electronic and optical properties of substitutional Li and Na in ZnO. Our calculations correctly show hole localizations at neutral ${\text{Li}}_{\text{Zn}}^{0}$ and ${\text{Na}}_{\text{Zn}}^{0}$, which lead to the formation of small polarons as observed experimentally. This is in contrast to previous local-density and generalized gradient calculations that showed delocalized holes. The calculated localization energies are, however, still noticeably smaller than the available experimental values. Our analysis of the discrepancies suggests that further improvement of the theory and a refinement of the experimental values are both required.
Robust Distributed Least-Squares Estimation in Sensor Networks with Node Failures

Algorithms are studied for distributed least-squares (DLS) estimation of a scalar target signal in sensor networks. Due to the observation locality and the limited sensing ability, the individual sensor estimates are far from being reliable. To obtain a more reliable estimate of the target signal, the sensors could collaborate by iteratively exchanging messages with their neighbors, to refine their local estimates over time. Such an iterative DLS algorithm is investigated in this paper with and without the consideration of node failures. In particular, without sensor node failures it is shown that every instantiation of the DLS algorithm converges, i.e., consensus is reached among the sensors, with the limiting agreement value being the centralized least-squares estimate. With node failures during the iterative exchange process, the convergence of the DLS algorithm is still guaranteed; however, an error exists between the limiting agreement value and the centralized least-squares estimate. In order to reduce this error, a modified DLS scheme, the M-DLS, is provided. The M-DLS algorithm involves an additional weight compensation step, in which a sensor performs a one-time weight compensation procedure whenever it detects the failure of a neighbor. Through analytical arguments and simulations, it is shown that the M-DLS algorithm leads to a smaller error than the DLS algorithm, where the magnitude of the improvement dependents on the network topology.
Defects and Disorder: Probing the Surface Chemistry of Heterogenite (CoOOH) by Dissolution Using Hydroquinone and Iminodiacetic Acid

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) results show a strong crystal-chemical dependence on the mode of dissolution of synthetic heterogenite (CoOOH) particles via ligand-assisted dissolution using iminodiacetic acid (IDA) and reductive dissolution using hydroquinone (H2Q). Dissolution, using H2Q (10 μM to 2 mM) and IDA (10 μM to 2 mM), of synthesized heterogenite particles (37 mg/L) was examined in order to evaluate morphology evolution as a function of dissolution agent concentration. No evidence for redox reactions was observed in experiments using IDA, and no aqueous complexes of Co(II) or Co(III) with H2Q or benzoquinone, the oxidation product of H2Q, in experiments using H2Q were detected. As-synthesized heterogenite particles are micron-size hexagonal plates (aspect ratio, ∼1/30) constructed of crystallographically oriented ∼5 nm primary particles, or they are single ∼21 nm or ∼10 nm unattached heterogenite platelets (aspect ratio, ∼1/7 and ∼1/3, respectively). In experiments usin...
The afterlife of digital identity

The death of a user challenges many of the assumptions we hold for social network sites, social media, and digital identity architecture. Death provides a natural breaching experiment that violates core design assumptions about the relationship between users, their accounts, and related data. By studying death in the context of social media, my work aims to understand how people interact with and experience digital identity systems. It demonstrates limitations and provides insight into how social computing systems can better support the entirety of our lives -- including when those lives come to an end.
The RelA NF-κB subunit and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) cooperate to transactivate the c- myc promoter in mammary cells

The RelA NF-κB subunit and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) cooperate to transactivate the c- myc promoter in mammary cells
Detection of amplitude modulation with squeezed light for sensitivity beyond the shot-noise limit

An improvement in precision beyond the limit set by the vacuum-state or zero-point fluctuations of the electromagnetic field is reported for the detection of amplitude modulation encoded on a weak signal beam. The improvement is achieved by employing the squeezed light from an optical parametric oscillator to reduce the level of fluctuations below the shot-noise limit. An increase in signal-to-noise ratio of 2.5 dB relative to the shot-noise limit is demonstrated.
Holocene age of the Yuha burial: direct radiocarbon determinations by accelerator mass spectrometry.

The view that human populations may not have arrived in the Western Hemisphere before about 12,000 radiocarbon yr BP1,2 has been challenged by claims of much greater antiquity for a small number of archaeological sites and human skeleton samples. One such site is the Homo sapiens sapiens cairn burial excavated in 1971 from the Yuha desert, Imperial County, California3–5. Radiocarbon analysis of caliche coating one of the bones of the skeleton yielded a radiocarbon age of 21,500±1,000 yr BP4, while radiocarbon and uranium series analyses of caliche coating a cairn boulder yielded ages of 22,125±400 and 19,000±3,000 yr BP, respectively5. The late Pleistocene age assignment to the Yuha burial has been challenged by comparing the cultural context of the burial with other cairn burials in the same region6, on the basis of the site's geomorphological context and from radiocarbon analyses of soil caliches.7,8 In rebuttal, arguments in defence of the original age assignment have been presented9,10 as well as an amino acid racemization analysis on the Yuha skeleton indicating an age of 23,600±2,600 yr BP11. The tandem accelerator mass spectrometer at the University of Arizona has now been used to measure the ratio of 14C/13C in several organic and inorganic fractions of post-cranial bone from the Yuha H. sapiens sapiens skeleton. Isotope ratios from six chemical fractions all yielded radiocarbon ages for the skeleton of less than 4,000 yr BP. These results indicate that the Yuha skeleton is of Holocene age, in agreement with the cultural context of the burial, and in disagreement with the previously assigned Pleistocene age of 19,000–23,000 yr.
Electrical resistivity of silica glasses

Abstract Many investigators report non-Arrhenius temperature dependencies of the electrical resistivity of fused silica in which the logarithm of resistivity plotted against the reciprocal of the absolute temperature exhibits a positive deviation from linearity at high temperature. Non-Arrhenius behavior originates from glass-electrode interaction and dc resistivity estimated using the ac impedance analysis with appropriate precautions exhibits classical Arrhenius behavior in the temperature range of 200–500°C.
Net yield of OH, CO, and O3 from the oxidation of atmospheric methane

Abstract The methane oxidation chain (MOC) is the sequence of reactions initiated by the reaction of a CH4 molecule with an OH radical, which results in the net production (or destruction) of OH, CO and O3. We have developed the yield coefficient method to calculate, as functions of latitude and altitude, the monthly average net yield of OH, CO and O3 from the MOC. These yield coefficients are then used to estimate the monthly average production rates of these species from the MOC. Globally, the MOC results in a net annual loss of about 0.22 molecules of OH for every methane molecule destroyed. The average annual yield of CO from the MOC is about 0.82 molecules of CO per molecule of methane destroyed (∼ 550 Tg CO y−1). The methane oxidation chain also produces about 1.15 molecules of ozone for every molecule of methane destroyed. The seasonal cycles, spatial distributions and even the signs of the OH, O3 and CO yield coefficients are sensitive to the assumed input distributions of OH, HO2 and NOx. The recent re-measurement of the reaction rate of OH+CH4 (Vaghjiani and Ravishankara, 1991, Nature350, 406–409) suggests that the entire MOC may be running slower than previously thought. The effect of this new measurement is to reduce the global annual average production rates of CO and O3 by about 23%.
Response latency, confidence, and ROCs in auditory signal detection

Response latencies were obtained from 10 Ss in auditory signal-detection experiments. The response latencies were inversely related to certainty that a signal was (or was not) presented. The S’s decision criterion was found to have an influence on response latency, which was consistent with the hypothesis that stimuli close to the current criterion elicit longer response latencies than stimuli more distant from the criterion. Comparisons among receiver operating characteristics derived from binary decisions, from the latencies of binary decisions, and from confidence ratings show that response latencies and binary decisions together yield more information about the stimulus than does the binary decision alone. However, the increment in information gained from the measurement of response latencies is in general (though not for every S) smaller than that gained by shifting from yes-no responses to a confidence-rating procedure.
Evolution of nano-fingers in epitaxial Mn-doped Ba(Zr,Ti)O3 thin films driven by {110} twin boundaries

We report on the evolution of twin-coupled nanofinger structures in epitaxial Mn-doped Ba(Zr,Ti)O3 films on a (001) MgO substrate. XRD studies showed that the films are highly c-axis oriented epitaxial films. TEM and high-resolution TEM studies showed that Mn:BZT films present a pseudo-cubic perovskite structure composed of an epitaxial layer near the interface followed by the formation of twin-coupled nanofingers. The epitaxial grains and the twin-couple domains coexist by sharing their {111} or {110} plane as a common plane. The transition from the epilayer to nanofingers is accomplished by alternatively introducing {111} and {110} plane twin boundaries. This particular process results in gradual reduction of the lateral size of the epitaxial grains and eventually drives the epitaxial structure into twin-coupled nanofingers. The possible atomic structure models for the {110} plane twin boundary are discussed.
The catalytic function of the Rev1 dCMP transferase is required in a lesion-specific manner for translesion synthesis and base damage-induced mutagenesis

The Rev1-Polf pathway is believed to be the major mechanism of translesion DNA synthesis and base damage-induced mutagenesis in eukaryotes. While it is widely believed that Rev1 plays a non-catalytic function in translesion synthesis, the role of its dCMP transferase activity remains uncertain. To determine the relevance of its catalytic function in translesion synthesis, we separated the Rev1 dCMP transferase activity from its non-catalytic function in yeast. This was achieved by mutating two conserved amino acid residues in the catalytic domain of Rev1, i.e. D467A/E468A, where its catalytic function was abolished but its non-catalytic function remained intact. In this mutant strain, whereas translesion synthesis and mutagenesis of UV radiation were fully functional, those of a site-specific 1,N 6 -ethenoadenine were severely deficient. Specifically, the predominant A!G mutations resulting from C insertion opposite the lesion were abolished. Therefore, translesion synthesis and mutagenesis of 1,N 6 -ethenoadenine require the catalytic function of the Rev1 dCMP transferase, in contrast to those of UV lesions, which only require the non-catalytic function of Rev1. These results show that the catalytic function of the Rev1 dCMP transferase is required in a lesion-specific manner for translesion synthesis and base damage-induced mutagenesis.
Two days of pulsatile GnRH infusion beginning 4 days before weaning in sows initiates a wave of follicular growth that is not sustained after weaning

Abstract Intervals to estrus and ovulation in weaned sows depend partially on the diameter of ovarian follicles at weaning. The objective was to determine if follicular diameter in sows could be increased by a 48 h period of GnRH infusion before weaning and whether this pre-weaning growth would advance follicular development after weaning. The posterior vena cava was cannulated in eight sows at 10 ± 1 day after farrowing. Sows were randomly assigned to receive intravenous treatment with either 2 mL of GnRH (1 μg/mL; n = 4) or 2 mL of saline ( n = 4) every 0.5 h for 48 h beginning 94 h before weaning. The average follicular diameter and the number of follicles within diameter classes were determined daily by ultrasonography. Serum LH concentrations increased on the first infusion day but serum LH was equal to control on the last infusion day ( P P P P
The impact of neuropathic pain on health-related quality of life: Review and implications

A number of high-quality studies have recently been published that examine the association between neuropathic pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The current review identified 52 such studies in patients with six neuropathic pain conditions associated with lesions of either the peripheral (postsurgical neuropathic pain associated with breast and amputation surgery, postherpetic neuralgia, and painful diabetic neuropathy) or central (poststroke pain, spinal cord injury pain, multiple sclerosis pain) nervous system. The results provide strong evidence that the presence and severity of neuropathic pain are associated with greater impairments in a number of important HRQoL domains. However, the evidence also indicates that this impact varies somewhat as a function of the HRQoL domain being considered and that different measures of HRQoL are differentially sensitive to the effects of neuropathic pain. The findings have important implications for the selection of HRQoL domains and measures to use in clinical trials and in clinical research on HRQoL in persons with neuropathic pain and suggest that a biopsychosocial (as opposed to a primarily biomedical) approach would be appropriate for understanding and treating neuropathic pain.
Picosecond laser studies of the solvent-dependent nonradiative pathways in near-IR fluorescent dyes: implications on their use in ultrasensitive analysis

Photophysical investigations using steady-state and picosecond, time-resolved fluorescence techniques on several NIR polymethine dyes were performed in order to elucidate solvent- dependent nonradiative pathways.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The recognition of parvovirus capsids by antibodies

Abstract The parvoviruses are small, non-enveloped icosahedral viruses which infect many animals, including vertebrates and arthropods. Vertebrate parvoviruses can be classified into the autonomous and the adeno-associated viruses — the autonomous parvoviruses have been examined in detail for antigenic structure. The protective immunity against parvoviruses in animals appears to be primarily antibody-mediated. The capsid of the autonomous parvoviruses is assembled from two proteins, VP1 and VP2, which overlap in sequence, with VP1 having additional N-terminal residues. Empty capsids can be assembled from VP2 alone. The structures of canine parvovirus (CPV) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) have been solved to better than 3·5 A resolution, and the structure of human parvovirus, B19, has been solved to 8 A resolution. In each case the T = 1 icosahedron is made up to 60 copies of a structural motif common to VP1 and VP2, consisting of an eight-stranded anti-parallel β-barrel. The surface of the capsid is made up primarily of large elaborate loops which connect the β-strands that make up the barrel. Antigenic epitopes have been mapped utilizing escape mutants, natural variants, peptide analysis and by expression of viral proteins. In CPV two major antigenic determinants were defined by escape mutant analysis, while peptide analysis revealed antigenic determinants in many different regions of the capsid protein, including the amino terminus of VP2. Neutralizing epitopes of B19 were found by peptide analysis in the VP1-unique region and in sequences common to VP1 and VP2. Other antigenic, but non-neutralizing, epitopes were found in the VP1–VP2 junction, as well as various other parts of the VP2 protein. The binding of a Fab derived from one neutralizing anti-CPV Mab has been examined by cryo-electron microscopy image reconstruction, which showed that 60 copies of the Fab were bound per virion. The Fab footprint covered approximately 796 A 2 of the capsid surface, in a region where escape mutations to that Mab had been previously shown to cluster. The mechanism of neutralization was not clear, but could involve interference with cell attachment, cell entry or uncoating during the process of cell infection.