cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Deoxyribonucleic Acid and Histone on the Nuclear Ribosomal Incorporation System

IT is generally recognized that the role of DNA in protein synthesis is to provide a template for the transcription of messenger RNA which in turn translates the genetic code into amino-acid sequences. Holland and McCarthy1–3 and Naora4,5 have reported a direct stimulation of labelled amino-acid incorporation in vitro by denatured DNA with ribosomal systems of E. coli and calf thymus nuclei. This stimulatory effect on amino-acid incorporation by DNA does not involve enhanced RNA synthesis1,2,4 and is apparently catalysed by the pH 5 fraction (ref. 4). Such an effect implies that single stranded DNA may participate in the processes of protein synthesis as a direct template and messenger. In order to investigate this phenomenon further and to test the possible effect of histone on the ribosomal incorporation system, investigations were carried out using materials prepared from the calf thymus. This report presents the results showing that the ammo-acid incorporation of calf thymus ribosomal system is markedly stimulated by native but not by heat denatured DNA, and is inhibited by histone, particularly the lysine-rich histone fraction.
GFP-Moesin Illuminates Actin Cytoskeleton Dynamics in Living Tissue and Demonstrates Cell Shape Changes during Morphogenesis in Drosophila

Moesin, ezrin, and radixin (MER) are components of the cortical actin cytoskeleton and membrane processes such as filopodia and microvilli. Their C-terminal tails contain an extended region that is predicted to be helical, an actin binding domain, and a region(s) that participates in self-association. We engineered an in vivo fluorescent actin binding protein (GFP-moe) by joining sequences that encode the jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) to sequences that encode the C-terminal end of the sole Drosophila MER homolog, moesin [Moesin-like gene product, referred to previously as the D17 MER-like protein; Edwards et al., 1994, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91, 4589], and Dmoesin [McCartney and Fehon, 1996, J. Cell Biol. 133, 843]. Transgenic flies expressing this fusion protein under control of the hsp70 promoter were generated and used for analysis of cell shape changes during morphogenesis of various developmental stages and tissues. Following heat shock, high levels of stable fusion protein are produced by all somatic tissues. GFP-moe localizes to the cortical actin cytoskeleton, providing a strong in vivo marker for cell shape and pattern during epithelial morphogenesis. The protein also becomes highly enriched in pseudopods, microvilli, axons, denticles, the border cell process, and other membrane projections, potentially by binding to endogenous moesin as well as actin. We show that GFP-moe can be used to examine the development and behavior of these dynamic structures in live specimens. We observe a bright green fluorescent, presumably actin-rich, polar cell proboscis that inserts itself into the forming micropyle and appears to maintain an opening for sperm passage around which the chorion is formed. We also confirm the existence of an actin-rich purse string at the leading edge of the lateral epidermis and provide a dynamic analysis of its behavior as it migrates during dorsal closure. Observations of embryos, larvae, and pupae show that GFP-moe is also useful for labeling the developing nervous system and will be a good general marker of dynamic cell behavior during morphogenesis in live tissues and demonstrate that fusion of a subcellular localization signal to GFP greatly increases its utility as a cell marker.
Chemotherapy of the terminal phase of chronic myelocytic leukemia with combinations of colchicine derivatives and purine analogs

Abstract Forty-six patients in the terminal phase of chronic myelocytic leukemia were treated with combinations of desacetylmethylcolchicine or trimethylcolchicinic acid and 6-mercaptopurine or 6-thioguanine. The drugs were taken by mouth, in dosages intended to avoid severe granulocytopenia. The combinations were generally well tolerated and platelet and granulocyte counts were usually above life-threatening levels, permitting 57% of the patients to be treated principally as out-patients. Complete hematologic and clinical response was achieved in six patients (13%) and partial response was obtained in 18 (39%). There were no karyotypic remissions. Median survival for the 24 responders was 8 months, while that for the 22 patients who had no response or only minor improvement was 4 months. Survival was as good among patients with partial remission as among those with complete response.
Synaptic plasticity, place cells and spatial memory: study with second generation knockouts

Abstract The use of genetically engineered mice has been a major development in neuroscience research. Genetic engineering is an undoubtedly powerful technique; however, the value of this approach has been debated, particularly in relation to its use to probe the underlying bases of complex behaviors, such as memory. A recent new development of the technique is the ability to target a specific gene knockout to a particular subregion or even to specific and limited cell types of the mouse brain. An example of this approach is the knockout of the NMDAR1 gene in only CA1-pyramidal cells of the hippocampus. The resulting animals can be tested by several methods, including in vivo multielectrode recording during behavioral tasks. The data provide strong evidence in favor of the notion that NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity at CA1 synapses is required for both the acquisition of spatial memory and the formation of normal CA1 place fields. This relationship suggests that robust place fields may be essential for spatial memory.
Measuring the stare-in-the-crowd effect: a new paradigm to study social perception

Social perceptual ability plays a key role in successful social functioning. Social interactions demand a number of simultaneous skills, one of which is the detection of self-directed gaze. This study demonstrates how the ability to accurately detect self-directed gaze, called the stare-in-the-crowd effect, can be studied using a new eye-tracking paradigm. A set of images was developed to test this effect using a group of healthy undergraduate students. Eye movements and pupil size were tracked while they viewed these images. Participants also completed behavioral measures about themselves. Results show that self-directed gaze results in significantly more looking by participants. Behavioral predictors of gaze behaviors were not identified, likely given the health of the sample. However, correlations with variables are reported to explore in future research.
The immunomodulatory effects of gentamicin, imipenem, piperacillin and amphotericin B on LAK effector function in vitro.

An understanding of the immunomodulating effects of anti-microbial regimens on recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) induced peripheral leukocyte function, i.e. lymphokine-activated killer (LAK)-cell efficacy, would be clinically useful in the selection of commonly employed bone marrow transplantation (BMT) antibiotics to avoid post-transplant complications and optimize anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-tumor therapies. In this report we evaluated the modulatory effects of a number of antibiotics used in BMT on LAK-cell cytotoxicities, in vitro. Our data showed that, even at serum trough titer, amphotericin B was significantly (P≤0.05) immunostimulatory, whereas gentamicin, imipenem, and piperacillin, individually, were significantly (P≤0.05) immunosuppressive. Statistical analysis detected no modulation due to aztreonam, amikacin, cotrimoxazole, or ceftazidime, or any of the six cephalosporins tested at molar equivalent concentration. We conclude that certain antibiotics may be more suitable for infection prone BMT hosts.
The Belief in Reincarnation Among the Igbo of Nigeria1

The modern Igbo of Nigeria, even when adhering to the Christian religion, have preserved many features of Igbo traditional religion. The belief in reincarnation seems to be particularly strong. The Igbo believe that reincarnation usually occurs within the same immediate or extended family. They try to identify the reincarnated ancestor by means of birthmarks, statements a child makes when it becomes able to speak, and behavioral resemblances between the child and the deceased person of whom it is the presumed reincarnation. Oracles are frequently consulted to make or confirm an identification. The Igbo believe that deceased persons inhabit a discarnate realm, but they conceive this as an undesirable limbo from which discarnate souls are eager to return to a new terrestrial life. The Igbo concept of reincarnation includes belief in a group of souls called ogbanje who are born, die in early life, and are reborn in the same family, often repeatedly.
A collaborative approach to teach modeling and control of smart actuators in the mechanical engineering curriculum

In this article, we describe a collaborative approach to develop, integrate, and assess a teaching module on smart actuators specifically designed to embed topics in nano/bio technology into the undergraduate mechanical engineering (ME) curriculum. The collaboration involves three universities, each focusing on one specific aspect of the module. The module consists of lectures and laboratory activities that cover modeling and control of smart actuators for courses such as system dynamics, controls, and mechatronics. The integration of smart actuators — such as piezoelectric, shape memory alloy (SMA), and magnetostrictive based devices — into the ME curriculum is important because these devices are the workhorse in a multitude of nano and bio technologies. Thus, these devices play a critical role in the emerging areas, analogous to the benefits of the electric motor at the macroscale. But contrast to the well established coverage of the electric motor in the ME curriculum, modeling and control of smart actuators has yet to be systematically presented in core ME courses. The contribution of this article is presenting the systematic development, integration, and assessment of a teaching module on smart actuators. We first describe the design of lecture components using the piezo actuator as an example. The lecture materials cover core concepts within the framework of dynamics and controls, such as electromechanical coupling, dynamic response, nonlinear input-output behavior, and PID feedback control technique for high-precision positioning. Afterwards, we describe the development of a hands-on laboratory experiment designed to expose students to the basics of experimental modeling of the piezo actuator. The platform is also suited for basic control applications, and an example is presented to illustrate the application of piezo actuator control for high-precision positioning. The paper concludes with a discussion on how the module will be implemented and assessed at the three participating universities.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Nonlinear elastic effects in graphite/epoxy: An analytical and numerical prediction of energy flux deviation

Abstract Manipulating acoustic wave propagation through a material have several interdisciplinary applications. Here we predict shift in energy flux deviation for acoustic waves propagating in unidirectional graphite/epoxy due to applied normal and shear stresses using both an analytical model, using acoustoelastic continuum theory, and a finite element discrete numerical model. The acoustoelastic theory predicts that the quasi-transverse (QT) wave exhibits larger shifts in energy flux deviation compared to quasi-longitudinal (QL) or the pure transverse (PT) due to an applied shear stress for fiber orientation angle ranging from 0° to 60°. Due to an applied shear stress the QT wave exhibits a shift in energy flux deviation at 0° fiber orientation angle as compared to normal stress case where the flux deviation and its load induced shift are both zero. A finite element model (FEM) is developed where equations of motion include the effect of nonlinear elastic coefficients. Element equations were integrated in time using Newmark’s method to determine the shift in energy flux deviations in graphite/epoxy for different loading cases. The energy flux shift of QT waves predicted by FEM for fiber orientation angles from 0° to 60° for applied shear stress case is in excellent agreement with acoustoelastic theory. Because energy shift magnitudes are not small, it is possible to experimentally measure these shifts and calibrate shifts with respect to load type (normal/shear) and magnitude.
Intercorrelation of laterality indices.

Abstract Five previously proposed laterality indices were found to correlate very highly with each other in both a verbal dichotic listening task and a word recognition task, despite large individual differences in overall accuracy. In the dichotic listening task, all of the laterality indices were positively correlated with overall accuracy; that is, accuracy increased as the magnitude of the laterality effect increased. In the word recognition task, however, no consistent relationship was found between laterality and accuracy.
If It Rained Knowledge

The author applies an economic theory of ordinary knowledge-street-level epistemology-to the popular understanding of science. Street-level theory is essentially economic and pragmatic. If it is very costly to learn something, you are less likely to learn it. If you need to know it, you are more likely to find out about it (although what you find out might be wrong). For most of what you know, you essentially rely on others as sources (some of these others might be "experts," but many are not). In general, the ordinary person does not need to know modern physics and cannot be expected to. But most of us generally need medical knowledge on occasion, and we can be expected to go in quest of it. Our primary task in seeking medical knowledge, however, is to settle on whom we count as relevant experts.
The Long-term Results of Aortic Valve Replacement

Reliable aortic valve replacement was one of the most significant advances in the treatment of cardiac disease in this century. It allowed, for the first time, a reliable and reproducible method to palliate the symptoms of aortic stenosis and regurgitation and significantly improved long-term survival over that after medical treatment. Sporadic attempts at aortic valve replacement had been conducted in the late 1950s, but the pioneering work of Harken et al, 1 followed by the final development of a reliable device by Starr, Edwards, and coworkers, 2 opened the era of successful aortic valve replacement. We review the prognosis of patients following aortic valve replacement with aortic stenosis and regurgitation with and without associated procedures and evaluate the various types of bioprosthetic and prosthetic valves in current use, presenting advantages and disadvantages of each type of replacement device.
Abstract PR4: Incomplete inhibition of phosphorylation of 4EBP1 is a mechanism for KRAS driven resistance to the ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitor PP242 in colorectal cancer

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates cell growth by integrating nutrient and growth factor signaling and has been strongly implicated in cancer. But mTOR is not an oncogene, and which tumors will be resistant and sensitive to new ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitors now in clinical trials remains unknown. We screened a panel of 357 human cancer cell lines to identify common markers of resistance and sensitivity to the mTOR inhibitor PP242. Analysis by tissue of origin and genetic mutation revealed colorectal origin as the most statistically significant marker for resistance to therapy, while KRAS and PI3K mutations were the most significant genetic markers for resistance and sensitivity respectively. Notably, KRAS mutations are overrepresented in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. Within CRC cell lines, those with KRAS mutations were most resistant to PP242 while those with other mutations were more sensitive; cell lines with co-mutation of PI3K and KRAS had intermediate sensitivity. Immunoblot analysis of the signaling networks downstream of mTOR revealed that the degree of cellular growth inhibition induced by PP242 was directly correlated with inhibition of phosphorylation of the translational repressor eIF4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1), but not ribosomal protein S6. We were able to recapitulate these observations using a pair of KRAS mutant isogenic cell lines differing only by a PI3K mutation. PP242 treatment of the PI3K mutant cell line increased the observed inhibition of 4EBP1 phosphorylation and improved the drug response. In an efficacy trial of PP242 in primary CRC xenograft tumors, resistance to inhibition of 4EBP1 phosphorylation was again observed in KRAS mutant tumors and these tumors responded poorly compared to KRAS WT controls. We show that, in the absence of PI3K co-mutation, KRAS mutations are associated with resistance to PP242 and that this is specifically linked to changes in the 4EBP1 phosphorylation state in both CRC cell lines and primary patient xenografts. This proffered talk is also presented as Poster A35 .
Ambiguity and legitimate peripheral participation in the creation of scientific documents

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on a qualitative study of data management and recordkeeping in the research sciences and their roles in information creation and professional identity formation.Design/methodology/approach – The study uses ethnographic fieldwork data in an academic laboratory to examine documentation practices as a part of the trajectory of scientific professionalization. The article examines ethnographic fieldnotes and medical records as cognate areas that provide insight into the topic.Findings – The paper argues that scientific recordkeeping is essential for learning to balance professional standards and personal knowledge, establishing comfort with ambiguity, and can be a process marked by ritual, anxiety, and affect. The article does this by discussing the creation of record from data, tacit knowledge as part of that process, and the process of legitimate peripheral participation (LPP).Research limitations/implications – The qualitative nature of the study suggests the...
Electrically conductive reticulated carbon composites

This paper reports a new type of electrically conductive composite which offers advantageous properties and controlled processing. These new composites consist of a conductive open-celled, low-density, microcellular, carbonized foam filled with a nonconductive polymer or resin. The open-celled nature of the carbon foam provides a porous three-dimensional reticulated carbon structure. The large continuous-void volume can be readily filled with an insulating polymer or resin resulting in a three-dimensional conductive composite material. 9 refs., 3 figs.
The enlarged prostate: a brief history of its surgical treatment.

Harry Herr is known to all of us as a world leader in urological oncology, and we have all learned from his thoughtful approach to the subject and from his surgical excellence. What many might not know is that he is also a specialist in the history of urology, and indeed is in charge of that section of the Journal of Urology. He writes here about the surgical treatment of the enlarged prostate, which should form the starting point of future lectures on the management of BPH.
INTERMEDIATE COUPLING IN THE N = 29 and Z = 29 NUCLEI.

Levels are calculated for the $N=29$ and $Z=29$ nuclei, ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{51}$, ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{53}$, ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{55}$, ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{61,63,65}$. The model used is the intermediate-coupling model with quasivibrational core, as developed by True and Thankappan. A pattern search routine is used to fit the five parameters to the levels and stripping strengths. Except for the case of ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{53}$, levels and strengths are fitted fairly well. In particular, in ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{55}$ we identify the states at 1.917 and 2.051 MeV as ${\frac{3}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${\mathrm{\textonehalf{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ states, respectively. $B(E2)$ values for transitions to the ground state are calculated, and the comparison with data for ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{63}$ and ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{65}$ shows good agreement. However, there are no experimental $B(E2)$ data available for the other nuclei.
Plant ash as a natural fertilizer

Abstract Ash leaching studies showed that plant ash acts like a time release fertilizer under natural conditions of moistening and drying, and freezing and thawing. Ash from hot burns (surface soil >300°C) released more nutrients than ash from light burns (
Quantitative in Vivo Iontophoretic Studies

□ An experimental methodology was developed to evaluate the physicochemical basis for in vitro-in vivo correlations in iontophoretic delivery situations. This experimental methodology can be used to quantitatively evaluate the extent of interaction between chemical permeation enhancers and iontophoresis for drug delivery. The inherent advantages of using Ag/AgCI electrodes are fully exploited to control pH and minimize depletion of permeant during prolonged periods of iontophoresis.
Relationship of Clinical Presentation to Time to Antibiotics for the Emergency Department Management of Suspected Bacterial Meningitis

Study hypothesis: The acuity and specificity of the clinical presentation of bacterial meningitis are significantly associated with the time to antibiotic administration. Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: Seven hundred-bed university and 1,000-bed community hospital. Participants: One hundred twenty-two children and adults primarily evaluated in the emergency department and admitted with the diagnosis of suspected bacterial meningitis. Methods: The ED chart was reviewed for demographic, historical, physical examination, and time data and sequence of interventions. In addition, we categorized patient presentations as "sick" or not and as "classic" or not based on the following predetermined definitions. A "sick" presentation was defined as at least two of the following: temperature of more than 40 C, lethargic or comatose mental status, hypotension, or tachycardia. A "classic" presentation was defined as temperature of more than 39 C and at least one of the following: nuchal rigidity, bulging fontanelle, or abnormal mental status. Association of clinical variables and management practices to time to antibiotics was analyzed by analysis of variance and regression. Results: The geometric mean time from ED registration until antibiotic initiation was 2.7 hours (range, 0.5 to 18 hours). Clinical factors that were associated independently with less time to antibiotics (hours less, P value) were a history of vomiting (0.5 hour, P = .06), no history of headache (0.8 hour, P = .01), hypotension (1.0 hour, P = .02), a bulging fontanelle (0.9 hour, P = .01), and a "sick presentation" (0.5 hour, P = .06). Management scenarios in which antibiotics were not administered until after return of results of computed tomography head scan or laboratory cerebrospinal fluid analysis and the practice of initiation of antibiotics on the ward compared with in the ED were associated independently with even greater delays (1.7 to 1.8 hours, P
Studying spatial gradients of signaling proteins in mitotic spindles with time-integrated multipoint moment analysis

The organization of the mitotic spindle is orchestrated by the activities of multiple signaling proteins, such as the GTPase Ran. It has been proposed that the Ran pathway produces a cascade of events which gives rise to spatial gradients in the behavior of soluble proteins, which in turn produce spatial gradients in microtubule behaviors important for spindle assembly. Previous experiments have directly demonstrated the existence of gradients around the spindle in the upstream components of the Ran pathway, but it is still unclear if there are significant gradients in the downstream soluble components in this pathway. We recently developed a method, TIMMA, time-integrated multipoint moment analysis, a multipoint form of fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy capable of quantitatively measuring the concentration, diffusion coefficient, and molecular brightness of soluble proteins throughout live cells. We are using TIMMA to characterize the behaviors of the upstream and downstream components of the Ran pathway in live mitotic cell to test the validity of the Ran gradient model.
Neurosurgical decision making: personal and professional preferences

OBJECT Physicians are often solicited by patients or colleagues for clinical recommendations they would make for themselves if faced by a clinical situation. The act of making a recommendation can alter the clinical course being taken. The authors sought to understand this dynamic across different neurosurgical scenarios by examining how neurosurgeons value the procedures that they offer. METHODS The authors conducted an online survey using the Congress of Neurological Surgeons listserv in May 2013. Respondents were randomized to answer either as the surgeon or as the patient. Questions encompassed an array of distinct neurosurgical scenarios. Data on practice parameters and experience levels were also collected. RESULTS Of the 534 survey responses, 279 responded as the “neurosurgeon” and 255 as the “patient.” For both vestibular schwannoma and arteriovenous malformation management, more respondents chose resection for their patient but radiosurgery for themselves (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). ...
What’s wrong with the philosophy of language?

The unsuitability of the positivist’s view of natural language has led many philosophers to reject this approach and to turn instead to a careful study of the details of a natural language. But the approach known as ordinary-language philosophy has been rightly criticised by the positivists as lacking in systematicity and theoretical orientation. One must agree with the positivist’s charge against the ordinary-language philosopher that any account of a natural language which fails to provide a specification of its formal structure is ipso facto unsatisfactory. For it is upon this structure that the generative principles which determine the syntactic and semantic characteristics of a natural language depend. These principles determine how each and every sentence of the language is structured and how sentences and expressions are understood. It is his failure to appreciate the significance of the systematic character of the compositional features of languages which accounts for the ordinary- language philosopher’s disregard of the study of sentences and sentential structure.
The role of visual experience in knowledge of spatial layout

Adventitiously blinded, congenitally blind, and sighted adults made relative distance judgments in a familiar environment under three sets of instructions—neutral with respect to the metric of comparison, euclidean (straight-line distance between landmarks), and functional (walking distance between landmarks). Analysis of error scores and multidimensional scaling procedures indicated that, although there were no significant differences among groups under functional instructions, all three groups differed from one another under euclidean instructions. Specifically, the sighted group performed best and the congenitally blind group worst, with the adventitiously blind group in between. The results are discussed in the context of the role of visual experience in spatial representation and the application of these methods for evaluating orientation and mobility training for the blind.
Introduction of human DNA into mouse eggs by injection of dissected chromosome fragments.

A procedure has been developed for introducing exogenous DNA into mouse eggs by injection of chromosome fragments. Chromosome fragments were dissected from human metaphase spreads and microinjected into the pronuclei of fertilized mouse eggs. Many of the injected eggs subsequently exhibited normal pre- and postimplantation development. Embryos obtained from eggs injected with centromeric fragments retained human centromeric DNA as demonstrated by in situ hybridization analysis. From eggs injected with noncentromeric fragments, a mouse was obtained whose tail tissue exhibited the presence of human DNA. This procedure should facilitate incorporation of very large (more than 10 megabases) DNA fragments into cells and embryos without the need for cloned sequences.
Weights and hematology of wild black bears during hibernation.

We compared weights and hematological profiles of adult (>3-yr-old) female black bears (Ursus americanus) during hibernation (after 8 January). We handled 28 bears one to four times (total of 47) over 4 yr of varying mast and berry production. Mean weight of lactating bears was greater (P < 0.0001) than that of non-lactating females. White blood cells (P < 0.05) and mean corpuscular volume (P = 0.005) also differed between lactating and non-lactating bears. Hemoglobin (P = 0.006) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P = 0.02) varied among years; values were lowest during 1975, following decreased precipitation and the occurrence of a second year of mast and berry crop shortages in a three-year period. Significant (P < 0.05) interaction between reproductive status (lactating versus non-lactating) and study year for hemoglobin, red blood cells, and packed cell volume, and increased mean corpuscular volume, suggested a greater nutritional challenge for lactating females compared to non-lactating fe...
Resolution And Accuracy, Ambiguity And Anomaly For Range-Spread Speckle Targets

Coherent laser radars used for 3-D imaging and aerosol/pollutant sensing collect target returns which comprise a range-spread speckle process. This paper addresses a class of waveform design/waveform evaluation problems for such radars. The maximum-likelihood (ML) processors and Cramer-Rao (CR) performance bounds are developed for short pulse, chirped pulse, sinusoidal amplitude-modulated pulse, and sinusoidal frequency-modulated pulse wave-forms. All four of these waveforms are shown to have nearly identical ultimate range accuracies. However, range accuracy is not the only performance criterion of interest; range resolution, ambiguity, and anomaly must also be considered. Analysis and discussion of some of these aspects of waveform selection are included in the paper.
Laser probing of III-V semiconductor growth on Si(100)

Investigations of III-V semiconductor growth by laser probing of the gas phase constituents represents a potential new technique for monitoring and improving molecular beam epitaxy . Laser-induced fluorescence (LJF) detection methods have now been devised to measure directly the number density of Ga and In atoms and As2 dimer species during the deposition and growth. The studies here are applied to the early stages of growth of 111-V materials on Si(100). Additional techniques may be employed in the future to detect species such as As 4 , P 4 , and other minor dopants in various molecular forms. Laser detection is used here to make measurements on scattering and sticking coefficients, the rates and energetics of desorbing species, and state-resolved accommodation. Important islanding behavior is detected by measurements of the kinetics for certain constituents in the presence of others. These techniques will be of value in devising practical in situ optical diagnostics for molecular beam epitaxy of III-V semiconductor devices.
A simple method for the removal of thiols on gold surfaces using an NH4OH–H2O2–H2O solution

The removal behavior of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiol molecules on a gold substrate by an NH4OH–H2O2–H2O solution was studied using attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Furthermore, the impact of the concentration of NH4OH and H2O2 in the solution and reaction temperature on the SAM removal rate and efficiency was explored. The SAM removal rate and efficiency were significantly influenced by the concentration of NH4OH rather than H2O2. The solution containing the 2 : 1 molar ratio of NH4OH : H2O2 among three different solutions showed the highest removal rate and efficiency in the removal of 11-mercapto-1-undecanol. The increase in the reaction temperature resulted in the enhancement on the SAM removal rate, but it led to the fast delamination of the gold layer. These results may be useful in the regeneration of sensor surfaces relying on gold/thiol chemistry. SCANNING 30: 000–000, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plastic deformation of aluminum under repeated loading

The plastic deformation behavior of high purity (99.999 pct) polycrystalline and single crystal aluminum under repeated stressing was investigated by studying the creep behavior. The creep behavior under repeated stressing (cyclic creep) was compared with the static creep behavior at identical peak stresses. The influence of such experimental variables as the applied stress, the amplitude of cyclic stress, the test temperature and the static creep rate prior to stress cycling were systematically examined. The most important experimental observation in this study was that the cycling of the creep stress could either enhance or retard the creep deformation, depending upon the combination of the experimental variables. The experimental variable that had the most significant influence on the cyclic creep behavior was the applied stress; the enhancement of the creep rate was observed above a threshold stress, while the cyclic stress retarded the creep deformation at lower stresses. The threshold stress was found to depend sensitively on temperature. The implications of the threshold stress were examined by an analysis of the work-hardening behavior.
Relative influence of sincere, insincere, and neutral symbolic models ☆

Abstract The study investigated how the sincerity of models affects their influence, using a delay-of-reward paradigm. Subjects were 40 fifth and sixth graders (ages 9 and 10 years, respectively), selected for delayed gratification patterns. In the experimental manipulation, sincerity or insincerity was explicitly attributed to the model or, in a neutral-model condition, no information about the model's sincerity was given. Subjects then observed the symbolically presented model's immediatereward choices, opposed to their own preferences. Immediately after treatment, children in all model conditions and in a fourth, no-model control group responded to a second delay-preference test. It was found that the influence of models varied substantially as a function of experimentally attributed sincerity. Insincere models had considerably less effect than sincere and neutral models, who provoked substantial and equivalent changes. Insincere models did not evoke significantly different change than occurred in the control group. A postexperimental inquiry showed the experimental manipulation had affected perceptions of the model's sincerity and liking for the model, with the insincere model rated considerably lower than the sincere and neutral models. The relevance of cognitive appraisal in observational learning was discussed.
Stark effect produced frequency shifts in the helium-neon laser

Charged-particle diffusion theory of the positive column of a gas discharge predicts the establishment of a radial electric field, which by the second-order Stark effect produces a shift of the atomic line center in a single-frequency helium-neon laser. These frequency shifts are estimated with a simple theory. The results are: i) the atomic line center is a function of radial position in the discharge tube; ii) the magnitude of the frequency shift is proportional to ( T_{e}/R)^{2} (where T e is the electron temperature and R is the tube radius); iii) the pressure dependence of the shift is via changes in T e ; and iv) the frequency shifts are independent of discharge current.
Border versus Boundary at La Frontera

In this essay I discuss the complex and evolving situation at La Frontera, the US – Mexico border. I do so in light of my current research on the intervention of edges in human experiences. In that research, I distinguish several basic types of edge, such as rims, frames, and margins. Two of these types are of particular relevance to the circumstance at La Frontera: borders and boundaries. I identify certain primary differences between these two kinds of edge in order to illuminate the earlier history of La Frontera as well as what is now happening at this vexed site. I take up issues of mapping the border, the nature of the borderline, borderlands, and especially the presence of the massive wall that has been constructed along considerable portions of La Frontera. Implications for basic issues of being versus becoming in matters of society and space conclude the piece.
Neutron-deutron differential cross section at 26.5 MeV

Abstract The angular distributions of 26.5 MeV neutrons scattered elastically by deuterons between 90° and 166° (C.M.) were measured by using charged particle telescopes. The absolute n-d cross section ( of ≈ 5% precision ) was obtained by normalizing to the precision n-p cross section. Within the errors, the magnitude of the minimum cross section was found to be in agreement with that of the proton-deuteron differential cross section at the same energy and in disagreement with some recent results.
Organopolysiloxanes containing group IV organometallic substituents in the side chains

In an attempt to increase the intermolecular attraction between polyorganosiloxane chains and rings, polar groups have been introduced into methyl groups attached to the silicon atoms. To avoid the usual weakening of the CSi bond by negative polar substituents, positive substituents of the type (CH3)3M (where M is Si, Ge, or Sn) were employed in this study. Cyclic trimers and extended linear polymers were prepared, both from the pure polar-substituted monomers and from mixtures of these monomers with octamethyltetrasiloxane. Intermolecular attraction was estimated by measuring viscositities and activation energies of viscous flow. The preparations also were compared in these respects with pure dimethylsiloxanes and with neopentylsiloxanes. The results show that intermolecular attraction is increased by the positive polar substitutents, and that the CSi bond is rendered more stable toward OH− attack by such positive substituents than by negative. More detailed analysis indicates that the effects of the groups on the viscosity of the polymers depends on: (1) the dipole attraction of the polar groups, (2) the bulk or steric effect of the enlarged group, and (3) the effect of the metal M upon the ease of rotation of the methyl groups (the characteristically free intramolecular motion of silicon polymers). The trends of these effects oppose each other in the CSiGeSn series, and so limit the observed increase of viscosity.
Molecular simulation study of speciation in supercritical aqueous NaCl solutions

Abstract Molecular simulation of dilute NaCl aqueous solutions are performed to study the thermodynamics and kinetics of Na+/Cl− speciation at high temperature. Using the SPC, the Pettitt-Rossky, and the Fumi-Tosi models for the water-water, the ion-water, and the ion-ion interactions respectively, we determine the enthalpy and volume of association at the reduced conditions of Tr =1.05 and ϱr = 1.5, and compare with the corresponding predictions of a recent correlation based on conductance measurements at high temperature. The forward and backward (transition state theory) kinetic rate constants for the interconversion between contact and solvent-shared ion pair configurations along the reduced isotherm of Tr = 1.05, and the transmission coefficient at Tr = 1.05 and ϱr = 1.0 are assessed by simulation and compared with the corresponding quantities at ambient conditions.
A method for defining monsoon onset and demise in the southwestern USA

The southwestern USA is subject annually to an inflow of atmospheric moisture in association with the North American monsoon, which is a summertime shift in the atmospheric circulation stretching from the Caribbean Sea, to Mexico, and into the southwestern USA. There are currently no regional criteria used to define the temporal aspect of the annual monsoon season in the southwestern USA, and only a single local definition. A regionalized definition of the annual timing of the monsoon season would seem to be a greater representation of the synoptic-scale effects of the monsoon rather than individual definitions at point locations across the region. The research presented here outlines a method for defining the annual onset and demise of the regional monsoon season of the southwestern USA, and assesses the results through comparisons with a method currently used at one location within the region and with atmospheric composites from historic data. Using hourly dew-point temperature data at five surface stations and daily precipitation data for 193 stations across the southwestern USA for June through to October for a 52 year period, daily humidity and precipitation threshold values indicative of monsoon moisture are established. The first and last occurrences of both humidity and precipitation sustained for a synoptic period of 3 days mark the annual onset and demise of the monsoon season, whereas all days in between that meet the humidity and precipitation thresholds are categorized as ‘monsoon days’. Results show good agreement with sample historic data for the sole local definition within the region, and atmospheric composites indicate a likelihood of accurate representation of monsoon onset and demise across the region. The significance of accurate onset and demise dates is apparent in the intimate relationship between seasonal precipitation across the region and the length of the monsoon season. Based upon the procedure, a historic monsoon season database was constructed for the southwestern USA for use in climatological, meteorological, and case-study analyses. Copyright  2004 Royal Meteorological Society.
Accentuate the Negative

Our interest in this paper is to drive a wedge of contention between two different programs that fall under the umbrella of “experimental philosophy”. In particular, we argue that experimental philosophy’s “negative program” presents almost as significant a challenge to its “positive program” as it does to more traditional analytic philosophy.
Labels and event processes in the Asbestos operating system

Asbestos, a new operating system, provides novel labeling and isolation mechanisms that help contain the effects of exploitable software flaws. Applications can express a wide range of policies with Asbestos's kernel-enforced labels, including controls on interprocess communication and system-wide information flow. A new event process abstraction defines lightweight, isolated contexts within a single process, allowing one process to act on behalf of multiple users while preventing it from leaking any single user's data to others. A Web server demonstration application uses these primitives to isolate private user data. Since the untrusted workers that respond to client requests are constrained by labels, exploited workers cannot directly expose user data except as allowed by application policy. The server application requires 1.4 memory pages per user for up to 145,000 users and achieves connection rates similar to Apache, demonstrating that additional security can come at an acceptable cost.
Fracture anisotropy The role of fracture-stiffness gradients

Fractures in rock cause seismic anisotropy because they are oriented mechanical discontinuities that may occur in sets with preferred orientations. However, anisotropy from orientation can be altered or masked by gradients in stress and fluids. Such gradients in stress occur naturally in the Earth or are induced through anthropogenic activities. For instance, stress increases with depth in the Earth because of lithostatic forces, and in a given region, local gradients in horizontal stresses can arise through the tectonic history of the region (e.g., folding, faulting, etc.). In addition, gradients in fluid distributions as well as pore pressures occur when fluids are either injected or withdrawn from a rock formation.
Exploring personality the natural way: An inquiry into open-ended self-descriptions.

A content coding system was developed for people's open-ended self-descriptions. Self-descriptive statements of N = 174 individuals were classified into content clusters based on similarity of mean...
Tactile spatial sensitivity and anisotropy

A gap detection task was examined for its usefulness as a measure of tactile spatial sensitivity and as a measure of anisotropy. In Experiment 1, sensitivity was measured with a gap detection task both with and without a latex glove at three locations on the hand: the fingerpad, fingerbase, and palm. Results showed that sensitivity varied as a function of location and was correlated with changes in the density of innervation of the primary afferent fibers. In accord with other measures of spatial sensitivity, the glove had a moderate effect on sensitivity in the gap detection task. The results both with and without the glove were more similar to those obtained using another measure of spatial sensitivity, the grating orientation task, than to those obtained using the smooth-grooved task, which is considered an intensive measure. In Experiments 2-4, anisotropy was examined using the gap detection and grating orientation tasks, as well as the smooth-grooved task. Locations on the index finger, palm, and arm were tested. Results indicated that anisotropy was revealed only by tasks that relied on spatial cues. The differences between spatial sensitivity measured in the proximal-distal orientation as compared with the lateral-medial orientation varied by location and were as much as 2.35/1. The results are discussed in terms of what they may reveal about the underlying mechanisms responsible for tactile anisotropy.
Interventional Uroradiologic Procedures

ABSTRACT Fifteen years ago, most genitourinary procedures were performed only in ORs. Advances in imaging and minimal access surgery (MAS) techniques offer patients a choice between open surgical procedures that often require lengthy hospital stays or interventional uroradiologic procedures that can be performed on an outpatient basis. Percutaneous nephrostomy procedures are one of the most common interventional uroradiologic procedures performed in radiology departments today. A percutaneous nephrostomy tube is passed under fluoroscopic guidance through the skin and into the renal pelvis to drain urine for patients with obstructions above their bladders or with strictured or nonfunctional ureters. These MAS procedures are safe and cost-effective and usually can be performed with IV conscious sedation and local anesthesia. AORN J 66 (Aug 1997) 286–294.
Solar tracking system with linear regression error correction

A motor driven two-axis mount combined with PC-based solar position and correction software provides highly accurate tracking of the sun. The system includes ta two-axis mount driven by servo motors with optical encoder position indication; servo amplifiers; a personal computer equipped with a two-axis motor controller; software for calculating solar position; and error correction software. The optical encoders have a resolution of 0.1 arcseconds per step, and the solar position software agrees to within 1.25 arcminutes with US Naval Observatory calculations of solar position. The error correction software applies linear regression via singular value decomposition to a series of manual tracking corrections. The regression creates a best-fit compensation for misalignment of the mount. Tests with simulated random correction errors show that the correction algorithm can achieve accuracy within two times the standard deviation of the manual correction errors. This accuracy was maintained following final manual correction for test periods as long as 54 hours. Various tracking options allow the user to scan repeatedly across the solar disc, track a position offset from the sun, or reflect the solar image into another instrument.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.