cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moving USAID forward.

R. Shah's powerful editorial “Breakthroughs for development” (22 July, p. [385][1]) underscores the proud history of America's scientific and engineering contributions to development around the world. Many were privately funded and led; many were stimulated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Yet USAID has drifted from its past strengths. Shah bluntly states that “budget cuts and shifting mandates pulled the agency's focus away from emphasizing science and technology.” He implicitly refers to blizzards of congressional earmarks and to USAID's deliberate and consistent de-emphasis on science over the past 30 years. Observers have repeatedly criticized these trends and recommended exactly what Shah now sees as a priority. For example, 20 years ago, in 1992, the Carnegie Commission on Science, Technology, and Government argued for a new strategy for USAID and advocated “critical roles for science and technology” ([ 1 ][2]). Just 5 years ago, in 2007, the Bipartisan Congressional-Presidential HELP Commission called for a new unit in USAID, similar to the creative projects of the Defense Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency, that would invest $50 million per year of “patient capital”—i.e., federal government funding for innovative long-range research (dubbed “patient” because it may not yield immediate results) ([ 2 ][3]). The reports sat on shelves. No administration took the initiative. Little changed, and the defects Shah cites became worse. One objection to vigorous U.S. science and technology cooperation is that developing countries such as China and India become competitors as they flourish with economic growth powered by science. However, such countries also become larger markets for U.S. exports and more capable partners in global goals, such as protecting public health. As the Congress weighs paths to prudent austerity in the overall federal budget, the scientific, medical, and engineering foundations of programs in foreign assistance are as important as such foundations are in defense. Let us move USAID out of its late-20th-century ruts and into the 21st century's frontiers. Shah deserves our help. 1. [↵][4] Carnegie Commission on Science, Technology, and Government, “Partnerships for global development: The clearing horizon” (Carnegie Corporation of New York, New York, 1992). 2. [↵][5] 1. M. K. Bush, 2. C. Adelman, 3. L. Hindery , “Beyond assistance: The HELP commission report on foreign assistance reform” (HELP Commission Act PL 108-199, Washington, DC, 2007). [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/333/6041/385.short [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #ref-2 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [5]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2 in text"
Misconceptions revisited: A final comment

Abstract Although Songer-Nock's reanalysis of her data is consistent with our earlie comments, her reply indicates that some of her misconceptions persist.
Sampling Leaves of Young Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Plants for Glycoalkaloid Analysis

Earlier attempts to measure potato (Solanum tuberosum) leaf glycoalkaloids indicated variability among similar plants, suggesting that a single small sampling of a young plant might not be a reliable measure of composition. It was also suggested that freeze-dried leaf samples might be less variable than fresh ones. In the present work, variability was minimized by comparing single leaves from the same stem position of each plant. Comparisons involving other leaves indicated that the glycoalkaloid content was not constant with respect to either time or position on the stem. In addition, the possible influence of differences in growing conditions at different times suggests that repeated plantings should include a known variety as a control to which other plants are compared. Variability was reduced by calculating glycoalkaloid concentrations on a dry weight rather than fresh weight basis. The method of drying the samples, however, had no influence on the variability of data. These considerations should be generally applicable to the sampling of replicate leaves of any plant for analysis of any components.
Campaign Finance Laws and Political Efficacy: Evidence from the States

The decline of political efficacy and trust in the United States is often linked to the rise of money in politics. Both the courts and reform advocates justify restrictions on campaign donations and spending as necessary for the improvement of links between the government and the governed. We conduct the first test of whether campaign finance laws actually influence how citizens view their government by exploiting the variation in campaign finance regulations both across and within states during the last half of the 20th century. Our analysis reveals no large positive effects of campaign finance laws on political efficacy. Public disclosure laws and limits on contributions from organizations are in some cases associated with modest increases in efficacy, but public financing is associated with a similarly modest decrease in efficacy. ∗Previous versions of this paper were presented at the 2003 Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association and 2003 Annual Meeting of the Midwest Political Science Association. We thank Barry Burden, Dick Niemi, the editors, and anonymous reviewers for helpful comments. Thanks also to Matt Jacobsmeier and Matt Stiffler for research assistance. †Department of Political Science, University of Rochester, Harkness Hall, Rochester, NY 146270146; 585-273-4779; david.primo@rochester.edu; Fax: 585-271-1616 ‡Department of Economics and Truman School of Public Affairs, University of Missouri, 118 Professional Building, Columbia, MO 65211; 573-882-5572; milyoj@missouri.edu; Fax: 573-882-2697
Update on the management of the pregnant patient with antiphospholipid antibody

Management of the pregnant patient with antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) is reviewed, with emphasis on recent randomized controlled clinical trials. These support the use of subcutaneous heparin and low dose aspirin, current standard therapy for women with aPL and a history of fetal loss. Prednisone is rarely used due to high risk of maternal and fetal morbidity. Intravenous immunoglobulin may represent an important additional therapy for women who fail aspirin and heparin. Patients with a history of thrombosis require full, therapeutic anticoagulation during pregnancy. Recommendations are less clear for newly described antibodies to phospholipid-binding protein, for low titer antibodies, and for infertility treatment in the setting of aPL.
Determinants of Pay‐as‐You‐Go Financing of Capital Projects: Evidence from the States

Although states have long practiced pay-as-you-go in financing their capital projects as a supplement to debt, academia has paid scarce attention to pay-go financing. This study fills in the niche by providing empirical evidence on what determines the use of pay-go in financing capital projects. It develops a model that considers the preferences of both voters and politicians when they make capital financing decisions in a given institutional setting. The empirical results suggest that the use of pay-go is affected by a state's income level, its economic conditions, the presence of a divided government, as well as its budgetary institutions.
Unbiased methods for population-based association studies.

Large, population-based samples and large-scale genotyping are being used to evaluate disease/gene associations. A substantial drawback to such samples is the fact that population substructure can induce spurious associations between genes and disease. We review two methods, called genomic control (GC) and structured association (SA), that obviate many of the concerns about population substructure by using the features of the genomes present in the sample to correct for stratification. The GC approach exploits the fact that population substructure generates “over dispersion” of statistics used to assess association. By testing multiple polymorphisms throughout the genome, only some of which are pertinent to the disease of interest, the degree of overdispersion generated by population substructure can be estimated and taken into account. The SA approach assumes that the sampled population, although heterogeneous, is composed of subpopulations that are themselves homogeneous. By using multiple polymorphisms throughout the genome, this “latent class method” estimates the probability sampled individuals derive from each of these latent subpopulations. GC has the advantage of robustness, simplicity, and wide applicability, even to experimental designs such as DNA pooling. SA is a bit more complicated but has the advantage of greater power in some realistic settings, such as admixed populations or when association varies widely across subpopulations. It, too, is widely applicable. Both also have weaknesses, as elaborated in our review. Genet. Epidemiol. 21:273–284, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of Dilute Solid Solutions of Iron and of Nickel on the Nuclear Resonance ofCo59

The nuclear resonance spectra of Co/sup 58/ in solid solutions contalning small amounts of iron or nickel are studied. It is proposed that the observed resonant frequencies of the solutions come about as a combination of effects: direct cobalt atom --solute atom interactions, spin polarization of conduction electrons by solute atoms, and stacking faults between coexistent hexagonal and face-centered cubic cobalt crystals. (T. F.H.)
Linking order fulfillment performance to referrals in online retailing: An empirical analysis

Referral management for online retailers is a strategically important activity, as referrals offer a highly cost-effective method of customer acquisition. In fact, online customers mention referrals as the second-most common reason for choosing to shop at a particular retailer, second only to search engine suggestions. However, while online retailers are able to improve their visibility on search engines through focused keyword insertions, they are often unable to pinpoint the drivers of referral behavior among their customers. The current research examines the relationship between two key dimensions of online retailing: order fulfillment cycle times and referral behavior. Employing a theory of customer appraisal and empirically testing the ensuing model using structural equation modeling, we find that excellent order fulfillment is instrumental in generating referrals for the online retailer, even after factoring in product quality.
Cosmogonic Myth and 'Sacred History'

It is not without fear and trembling that a historian of religion approaches the problem of myth. This is not only because of that preliminary embarrassing question: what is intended by myth? It is also because the answers given depend for the most part on the documents selected by the scholar. From Plato and Fontenelle to Schelling and Bultmann, philosophers and theologians have proposed innumerable definitions of myth. But all of these have one thing in common: they are based on the analysis of Greek mythology. Now, for a historian of religions this choice is not a very happy one. It is true that only in Greece did myth inspire and guide epic poetry, tragedy and comedy, as well as the plastic arts; but it is no less true that it is especially in Greek culture that myth was submitted to a long and penetrating analysis, from which it emerged radically ‘de-mythicised’. If in every European language the word ‘myth’ denotes a ‘fiction’, it is because the Greeks proclaimed it to be such twenty-five centuries ago. What is even more serious for an historian of religion: we do not know a single Greek myth within its ritual context. Of course this is not the case with the paleo-Oriental and Asiatic religions; it is especially not the case with the so-called ‘primitive’ religions. As is well known, a living myth is always connected with a cult, inspiring and justifying a religious behaviour. None of this of course means that Greek myth should not figure in an investigation of the mythical phenomenon. But it would seem unwise to begin our kind of inquiry by the study of Greek documents, and even more so to restrict it to such documents. The mythology which informs Homer, Hesiod and the tragic poets represents already a selection and an interpretation of archaic materials, some of which had become almost unintelligible. In short, our best chance of understanding the structure of mythical thought is to study cultures where myth is a ‘living thing’, where it constitutes the very ground of the religious life; in other words, where myth, far from indicating a fiction, is considered to reveal the truth par excellence.
A laboratory procedure for copperplating rubber base impressions.

Summary A method for producing electroformed copper dies from rubber base impressions has been described. Castings made by the use of such dies have met the standards set by several critical dentists.
Optical Diffusion Tomography With Large Data Sets

We discuss image reconstruction algorithms for diffuse optical tomography that allow utilization of extremely large data sets. Image reconstruction is performed with experimental data obtained with the use of a CCD camera-based noncontact imager. We demonstrate that more than 10 7 measurements can be acquired and utilized. This is two orders of magintude or more larger than the data sets which are typically used in diffuse optical imaging.
Estimates for secondary electron emission and desorption yields in grazing collisions of gold ions with beam pipes in the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider: Proposed mitigation

Grazing collisions with the stainless steel beam pipes of gold ions, the so-called ``halo scraping,'' result in large secondary electron emission and surface molecular desorption yields in the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Here we estimate electron emission yields as function of incidence angle, we show that desorption rates will follow a similar angular dependence at small angles, and we propose a simple approach to mitigate these effects.
The Nonisothermality and Extent of Galactic Diffuse Hot Gas toward Markarian 421

Diffuse hot gas can be traced effectively by its X-ray absorption and emission. We present a joint analysis of these tracers to characterize the spatial and temperature distributions of the Galactic hot gas along the sight line toward the nearby bright active galactic nucleus Mrk 421. We also complement this analysis with far-UV O VI absorption observations. We find that the observed absorption line strengths of O VII and O VIII are inconsistent with the diffuse background emission-line ratio of the same ions, if the gas is assumed to be isothermal in a collisional ionization equilibrium state. But all these lines as well as the diffuse keV broadband background intensity in the field can be fitted with a plasma with a power-law temperature distribution. We show that this distribution can be derived from a hot gaseous disk model with the gas temperature and density decreasing exponentially with the vertical distance from the Galactic plane. The joint fit gives the exponential scale heights as ~1.0 and 1.6 kpc and the middle plane values as 2.8 × 106 K and 2.4 × 10-3 cm-3 for the temperature and density, respectively. These values are consistent with those inferred from X-ray observations of nearby edge-on galaxies similar to our own.
Plasticity effects in dynamically loaded nickel aluminide bicrystals

Abstract This work is concerned with achieving an improved understanding of the role of material strength effects during interactions of shock waves with grain boundaries. To this end, experiments have been performed using nanosecond laser shocks of nickel aluminide bicrystals at tens of GPa. Velocity histories were measured along a line on the free surface of the bicrystals and used to characterize the material behavior. Unstable plastic flow in 〈 1 0 0 〉 grains was seen to occur when loaded above 700 m s−1 free surface velocity. Observations of the grain boundary region showed that a smooth transition occurred between the elastic precursors in both grains as well as the plastic waves (when plastic flow is evident). Futhermore, the length of the transition zone across the boundary was observed to be larger than the projection of the boundary, indicating that refraction of the incident wave resulted in the initiation of transmitted and reflected waves. A model is developed to explain the experimentally observed behavior. The model describes the scattering of elastic–plastic waves off of grain boundaries in crystalline materials where slip is the active deformation mechanism. Reflected elastic release waves and transmitted plastic waves scattering at large angles (i.e. 56° for the transmitted wave) from the boundary are predicted for the case of an incident plastic wave propagating along 〈 1 1 1 〉 and impacting a 45° inclined boundary, which appears to be consistent with the experimental VISAR records. The case of an incident 〈 1 0 0 〉 plastic wave could not be treated since the incident polarization vector is either parallel or perpendicular to the operative slip vectors in NiAl.
Feeding adaptations in the hairs and tongues of nectar-feeding bats.

Scales on the hairs of pollinating bats spread out at an angle to the main hair shaft. In contrast, the hairs of most bats not associated with plants are relatively smooth. Both megachiropteran and microchiropteran flower-feeding bats show this divaricate scale structure which may aid in the collection of a heavy coating of pollen. Some of the pollen is transferred to subsequent flowers, but most is groomed from the fur and ingested as the only reliable nitrogen source for the bat. The tongues of nectar-feeding bats also show structural modifications which allow efficient uptake of the carbohydrate fraction of the diet. Structural specializations of the hairs and tongue are analogous to those seen in other nectar-feeding animals.
Measurement of cerebral blood flow by volume-selective 19F NMR spectroscopy.

A stimulated echo sequence was used to obtain 19F NMR spectra from within a 4-ml voxel in a cat brain. The time dependence of the 19F NMR signal from an inert gas (CHF3) was used to calculate the blood flow in the voxel. The position of the voxel was selected using a 1H MR image. © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.
Current Therapy of Retrolental Fibroplasia: Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retrolental fibroplasia, frequently referred to now as the "retinopathy of prematurity," has shown an increased incidence in recent years. This is apparently due to advances in neonatal care, which have resulted in a four- to five-fold improvement in the survival of the extremely low birthweight infants and it is these infants who are at the highest risk of developing retrolental fibroplasia. The use of large supplements of vitamin E, a known antioxidant, is discussed along with other forms of therapy.
Spanish-speaking children's use of verbal inflection in comprehension

Abstract This paper examines children's use of verbal agreement in comprehension in two varieties of Spanish with the goal of determining how the input affects their behavior. Both dialects are identical in allowing null subjects and having rich verbal morphology in contrast to English. The dialects differ however in that in Chilean Spanish a phonological lenition process affects the realization of second person singular /-s/. In Mexican Spanish, no such variation is found for the second singular. The results indicate that children acquiring languages with rich verbal morphology use agreement in comprehension in much the same way as children acquiring a language with less robust agreement. Moreover, we find that variable input for the second singular marker affects acquisition.
Regional Variations of Blood Pressure Environment or Genes

According to data obtained from cross-sectional surveys, only minor and inconsistent regional differences in hypertension prevalence have been observed in the United States. A recent report from the CARDIA study, however, documents impressive regional differences in changes of blood pressure in a cohort at each of four sites followed periodically over 7 years.1 Compared with Chicago, Minneapolis, and Oakland, although there were no regional differences at baseline, the highest incidence and prevalence of elevated blood pressure at 7 years was observed in Birmingham. These regional differences in blood pressure and in change of blood pressure over time suggest hypotheses about environmental contributions to elevated blood pressure. The potential significance of the relatively high blood pressures in Birmingham is highlighted by an increased relative risk of stroke mortality that has persisted in the southeastern United States for more than five decades, despite the overall nationwide decline in stroke mortality.2 Although the specific geographic boundaries may be changing somewhat, the southeastern region of the United States has been referred to as the Stroke Belt. Factors that account for the existence of the Stroke Belt have not been clearly defined, and it has been suggested that geographic variation in hypertension prevalence does not account for the large geographic variation of stroke occurrence or stroke mortality.3 However, the percentage of hypertensive individuals with diastolic pressures ≥115 mm Hg is higher in the Southeast than in any other region of the United States, and increased rates of hypertensive heart disease have also been observed in the Stroke Belt.4 5 Results of the CARDIA cohort, followed longitudinally, lend further credence to the hypothesis that elevated blood pressure is an important contributor to increased stroke mortality in the southeastern United States. The CARDIA data also document marked racial and sex variations in incidence …
Stimulation-dependent phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase in rat corpus striatum

Incubation of rat corpus striatal synaptosomes with 32PO4 led to a time-dependent incorporation of 322P into tyrosine hydroxylase. Depolarization of the synaptosomes with elevated [K+]0 increased 32P incorporation into tyrosine hydroxylase. The depolarization-dependent increase in 32P incorporation into tyrosine hydroxylase occurred rapidly (<15 sec), persisted in the presence of elevated [K+]0 (up to 120 sec), required the presence of [Ca++]0, and was associated with serine (but not threonine or tyrosine) residues. After limit tryptic digestion of the 32P-tyrosine hydroxylase, several phosphopeptides were separated by HPLC, and elevated [K-]0 increased 32P incorporation into two of these phosphopeptides. Thus, depolarization of dopaminergic terminals from the rat corpus striatum increased the phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase, and the increase in phosphorylation appeared to occur at multiple sites. Multiple-site phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase has been previously shown in peripheral catecholaminergic tissues. However, substantial differences in the elution profiles of tyrosine hydroxylase phosphopeptides from striatal synaptosomes and from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were observed. Thus, qualitative differences in the regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase may exist among the many catecholaminergic systems.
Parameterization of the Planetary Boundary layer for Use in General Circulation Models1

Abstract The surface stress and fluxes of heat and moisture are parameterized for use in numerical models of the general circulation of the atmosphere. The parameterization is designed to be consistent with recent advances in knowledge of both the planetary boundary layer and the surface layer. A key quantity throughout is the height, h, of the planetary boundary layer, which appears in the governing stability parameter, a bulk Richardson number. With upward heat flux, a time-dependent prediction equation is proposed for h that incorporates penetrative convection and vertical motion. Under stable conditions, h is assumed to depart from the neutral value and to become nearly proportional to the Monin-Obukhov length. The roughness length, Zo, is incorporated in the combination h/zo, and the parameterization is consistent with h/zo affecting only the wind component in the direction of the surface velocity. The direction of the surface wind and stress is derived in a manner consistent with the known value of ...
Structural defects in Si-doped III-V Nitrides

Transmission electron microscopy has been used to study undoped and Si-doped InGaN/GaN layers. The doped layers show formation of extrinsic dislocation loops. These defects are not formed in the undoped samples. The highly Si-doped layers show failure of selective photoelectrochemical wet-etching used for device fabrication. This loss of etching selectivity is attributed to Si-induced defects evenly distributed in the InGaN layers and their vicinities.
Absolute photoionization cross-sections of selected furanic and lactonic potential biofuels

Abstract Absolute photoionization cross sections of the molecules γ-butyrolactone (GBL), γ-valerolactone (GVL), α-angelicalactone (AAL), and γ-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (GMGB), including partial ionization cross sections for dissociative ionization, are measured. The experiments are carried out using photoionization mass spectrometry (PIMS) at the Advanced Light Source, and an orthogonal extraction time-of-flight spectrometer is used for mass analysis. Photoionization of furan, 2-methyl furan (2-MF), and 2,5-dimethyl furan (2,5-DMF) is also investigated to confirm the accuracy of our measurements, which show a good agreement of the absolute partial photoionization cross sections with literature values. CBS-QB3 calculations of adiabatic ionization energies (AIE) and appearance energies (AE) agree well with the experimental results.
A cigarette smoking intervention for substance-abusing adolescents

Tobacco use is prevalent among youth with alcohol and other drug problems, yet this issue has been afforded limited research or clinical attention. To this end we developed a behavioral cigarette smoking intervention designed specifically for substance-abusing youth. The present article outlines the empirical and theoretical basis for the intervention, followed by a detailed description of assessment procedures and treatment content. In addition, preliminary data are described that provide initial support for the feasibility and utility of tobacco intervention in the context of adolescent substance abuse treatment.
Iteration methods for calculating self-consistent fields in semiconductor inversion layers

Abstract Two new methods for attaining convergence in self-consistent field calculations are described. They have been applied to semiconductor inversion layers at finite temperature.
Fractional crystallization in granites of the Sierra Nevada: How important is it?

Although compositional variation in zoned calc-alkalic plutons is often ascribed to crystal fractionation, diagnostic large-scale field evidence of crystal accumulation in these slowly cooled bodies is generally missing. In many plutons, however, small-scale crystal cumulates have been preserved as layered schlieren and in microcosm may allow an assessment of the importance of crystal fractionation in their host pluton9s development. Small, widely separated patches of schlieren in the Tuolumne Intrusive Series, Yosemite National Park, California, formed as cumulates. Their darkest layers show high concentrations of magnetite, sphene, biotite, horn-blende, and zircon, and have unusually fractionated major and trace element compositions (FeO >33%; Al 2 O 3 in chondrites ∼750; Zr ∼2000 ppm). The layers define smooth trends on major and trace element Al 2 O 3 variation diagrams that diverge strongly from patterns for the main-sequence rocks of the Tuolumne Series and granitoids throughout the Sierra Nevada. Removal of such cumulates from any main-sequence magma would produce Al-rich evolved rocks, not the Al- poor felsic rocks of the pluton. The findings suggest that fractional crystallization did not produce the dominant chemical patterns seen in the Tuolumne and similar Sierra Nevada granites.
Development of a standardized process improvement protocol to address elevated health care-associated infection rates on an incented quality scorecard

This practice forum report details a standardized improvement process that was created both to improve patient outcomes related to various hospital-acquired infections and to address leadership concerns related to incented quality metrics. A 3-year retrospective review identified common issues to guide future interventions and confirmed that this methodology reduced the rate of recurrent infections across the health care system. Process tool samples are provided.
Algorithmic rationality: adding cost of computation to game theory

We summarize our work on a general game-theoretic framework for reasoning about strategic agents performing possibly costly computation. In this framework, many traditional game-theoretic results (such as the existence of a Nash equilibrium) no longer hold. Nevertheless, we can use the framework to provide psychologically appealing explanations to observed behavior in well-studied games (such as finitely repeated prisoner's dilemma and rock-paper-scissors).
Meaning of an individual "Feynman path"

In this article we give an operational meaning to an individual "Feynman path." In other words, we describe a process of dense measurements, made in temporal sequence, which check whether the particle moves along any given trajectory in space-time. We show that in this process the two assumptions of the space-time formulation of quantum mechanics, are realized: (a) The weight that the particle moves along a trajectory that has been checked by this process is the same for all trajectories, and in fact, we show that the particle follows, with probability 1, the trajectory that is being checked. (b) A phase is systematically accumulated, so that, at the end of this process, the state is multiplied by the familiar factor $\mathrm{exp}[(\frac{i}{\ensuremath{\hbar}})\ensuremath{\int}L\mathrm{dt}]$. As an immediate extension of the above formalism, we suggest a setup that measures the relative phase between any two trajectories. Finally, our approach points toward the possibility of extending the Feynman formalism in order to cover more general Hamiltonians.
Inductive effects of diphenylphosphoryl moieties on carbazole host materials: Design rules for blue electrophosphorescent organic light-emitting devices

We show that the inductive electron-withdrawing effect of diphenylphosphoryl (Ph2P═O) groups lowers both the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) of a carbazole chromophore. This improves electron injection from a cathode without affecting the high triplet exciton energy (ET ≈ 3.0 eV) of the host material. Three new carbazole derivatives, 3,6-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)-9-ethylcarbazole (PO10), 3,6-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)-9-phenylcarbazole (PO9), and N-(4-diphenylphosphoryl phenyl) carbazole (MPO12), were investigated as host materials in blue phosphor-doped organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs). Photophysical characterization showed all three carbazole derivatives exhibit monomer UV fluorescence (367−385 nm) in solution and contributions from molecular aggregates or excimers in solid-state films (378−395 nm). The polar MPO12 derivative exhibited solvatochromism and had the highest propensity for aggregate formation in the solid state. Testing of OLEDs using PO9, PO10, an...
Metabolic transformations and incorporation of labeled alanine in liver tissue.

Abstract Alanine-1-C 14 has been incubated with surviving liver slices, and the amount of activity incorporated in the protein at varying time intervals has been measured. Alanine, glutamic acid, and serine have been isolated from liver protein hydrolyzates by two methods, and the activity of each has been determined. The data support earlier findings that a portion of the activity is present as serine, although on the basis of estimated molar concentrations of the three acids, the amount of conversion does not appear great. A sufficient amount of conversion to other amino acids does take place to suggest that an essential amino acid might serve more satisfactorily as a measure of protein synthesis.
A Plea to Graduate Departments.

The competitive job market—now facing prospective college teachers of foreign languages—calls for both better preparation in teaching and for improved documentation of pedagogical qualifications in the placement file.
On-wafer device characterization with non-contact probes in the THz band

We present a novel approach for on-wafer device characterization in the THz band. A non-contact method eliminating the need for physical contact with test wafer is proposed. Non-contact method is based on radiative coupling of Network Analyzer's test ports into coplanar environment of monolithic device (DUT) through integrated planar THz antennas. Broadband butterfly-shaped antennas are used to ensure that the characterization setup is not limited by the bandwidth of the non-contact probes. Calibration is carried out using open and short terminations with different lengths. Initial results based on the full wave simulations demonstrate the broadband and efficient coupling capability of non-contact THz probes as well as the functionality of different terminations for calibration purposes.
Beef Cow Numbers, Crop Acreage, and Crop Policy

Land use shifts between cropland and pasture affect the demand for beef cow inventories because economically viable cow-calf enterprises are pasture-based. Econometric analysis indicates an inverse relationship of −36.6 thousand head of beef cows per million acre change in harvested cropland. Curtailment of the expansion phase of the current cattle cycle and subsequent declines in cow numbers is in part attributable to large acreages converted from pasture to cropland in the early 1980s. Conversely, crop policies which encouraged reconversion to pasture would stimulate rebuilding beef cow numbers and increase beef supply.
Prechemotherapy alterations in brain function in women with breast cancer

Despite clinical reports of cognitive deficits associated with cancer chemotherapy, the underlying brain mechanisms are not clear. This research examined selective attention and working memory using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in women before chemotherapy for localized breast cancer. Patients were tested with an established selective attention and working memory task during fMRI. Compared with healthy controls, patients showed (a) bilateral brain activation in high-demand task conditions with recruitment of additional components of attention/working memory circuitry, and (b) less accurate and slower task performance. Results indicate compromised cognitive functioning before any chemotherapy and raise key questions for further research.
Application of cat's-eye retroreflector in micro-displacement measurement

The performance of a cat's-eye retroreflector in interferometric micro-displacement measurements is discussed. Based on paraxial calculations, approximate equations of the wavefront distortion and the measurement error caused by the displacement itself are derived. The capability for nanometer scale error compensation is suggested.
Relativistic Path Integral as a Lattice-based Quantum Algorithm

We demonstrate the equivalence of two representations of many-body relativistic quantum mechanics: the quantum lattice-gas method and the path integral method. The former serves as an efficient lattice-based quantum algorithm to simulate the space-time dynamics of a system of Dirac particles.
A study on coherency strain and precipitate morphology via a discrete atom method

Morphological evolution of coherent precipitates is studied by means of a discrete atom method under a plane strain condition with a purely dilatational misfit. The method is predicated upon Hookean atomic interactions and Monte Carlo diffusion and makes no assumption of a specific precipitate shape. Precipitates having elastic constants different from those of the matrix phase are treated in both isotropic and anisotropic elastic systems. Shape evolution is examined under the condition of a constant precipitate size and an isotropic interfacial energy. The results show that in general, an elastically soft precipitate tends to have an equilibrium morphology of low symmetry such as a plate, whereas a hard particle tends to take up a shape of high symmetry such as a circle. Morphological evolution proceeds through dynamic activities of coherency-induced interfacial waves whose wavelength depends upon the difference in elastic constants, precipitate geometry, anisotropy, and diffusion temperature. Coherency-induced interfacial waves seem to be responsible for the protrusions often observed along elastically hard directions in γ′ particles of Ni-base superalloys and also to be a source for fresh ledges for growthvia the ledge mechanism. For a highly nonequilibrium precipitate, first splitting followed by coalescence appears to be a common feature in achieving its equilibrium morphology.
Targeting Epigenetically Deregulated miRNA by Nutraceuticals: Focusing on Cancer Prevention and Treatment

In recent years, the epigenetic alterations, especially the regulation of microRNA (miRNA), have received much attention in the context of tumor development and progression. High level of oncogenic miRNAs and low expression of tumor-suppressive miRNAs are commonly observed in cancer cells. These aberrant expressions of miRNAs are intimately associated with tumor development and progression. The expression level of miRNAs could be controlled by epigenetic regulations. The hypermethylation at the promoter region of a tumor-suppressive miRNA could cause decreased expression of miRNA via the blockade of transcriptional elements. The histone modification could also indirectly cause reduced expression of tumor-suppressive miRNAs, resulting in the high expression of oncogenes. Interestingly, emerging evidences have demonstrated that several non-toxic natural agents known as nutraceuticals including isoflavone, curcumin, resveratrol, and 3,3′-diindolylmethane could significantly decrease the level of DNA hypermethylation in the promoter of miRNAs or modulate histone, leading to the alteration of miRNA expression which is believed to be associated with inhibition of tumor development and progression. Therefore, administration of these nutraceuticals combined with conventional chemotherapeutics could be a promising therapeutic strategy for fighting the war against cancers.
Disruption of filamentous actin diminishes hormonally evoked Ca2+ responses in rat liver

Previous studies have suggested a role for the actin cytoskeleton in hormonally evoked Ca2+ signaling in the liver. Here, we present evidence supporting a connection between filamentous actin (F-actin) organization and the ability of vasopressin and glucagon to increase cytosolic free-Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) levels. F-actin was disrupted in hepatic cells by perfusion of rat liver with cytochalasin D. Epifluorescence microscopy of subsequently isolated cells showed reduced cortical fluorescent phalloidin staining in cytochalasin D-treated liver cells. Cytochalasin D pretreatment of liver cells reduced the vasopressin-stimulated elevation of [Ca2+]i by 60% and of glucagon by 50%. Experiments performed on cytochalasin D-treated cells using Mn2+ as an indicator of Ca2+ influx quenched fura-2 fluorescence signals following vasopressin administration. This indicates that a structurally intact cortical F-actin web is not a prerequisite for the influx of calcium. Therefore, the attenuation of the increase in cytosolic calcium observed in cytochalasin D-treated liver cells was likely caused either by the depletion of the calcium store by treatment with cytochalasin D or by the need for an intact cytoskeletal structure for its release. Because the resting level of calcium did not change in cells exposed to cytochalasin D, the latter is likely. The reduced [Ca2+]i response may be the mechanism by which cytochalasin D pretreatment inhibits vasopressin-induced metabolic effects. Cytochalasin D pretreatment also decreased the ability of glucagon to stimulate gluconeogenesis and reduced the stimulation of O2 uptake usually observed following glucagon administration. In conclusion, these results suggest that the hormonal elevation of [Ca2+]i and resultant activation of specific metabolic pathways require normal F-actin organization.
Integral representations of finite transformation groups I

Soit X un G-espace ou G est un groupe fini. Les groupes d'homologie et de cohomologie H * (X;R) et H * (X;R) admettent une structure induite de RG-module, ou R est un anneau commutatif muni de l'identite. On etudie les proprietes homologiques de tels modules
Lithium containing chalcogenide single crystals for neutron detection

Abstract Lithium containing semiconductor-grade chalcogenide single crystals were grown using the vertical Bridgman method. The source material was synthesized from elementary precursors in two steps, (i) preparing the metal alloy LiIn or LiGa, and (ii) reaction with chalcogen – Se or Te. In a number of experiments, enriched 6 Li isotope was used for synthesis and growth. The composition and structure of the synthesized materials was verified using powder X-Ray diffraction. The energy band gaps of the crystals were determined using optical absorption measurements. The resistivity of LiInSe 2 and LiGaSe 2 , obtained using current–voltage measurements is on the order of 10 8 –10 11 Ω cm. Photoconductivity measurement of a yellow LiInSe 2 sample showed a peak in the photocurrent around 445 nm. Nuclear radiation detectors were fabricated from single crystal wafers and the responses to alpha particles, neutrons and gammas were measured and presented. It suggests that this material is a promising candidate for neutron detection applications.
Effects of core perturbations on the structure of the sun

The effects of perturbing the inner part of the solar core where the hydrogen abundance has been partially depleted by nuclear burning are investigated. Small regions are mixed within the core and the evolution of the resulting luminosity and radius perturbations is followed. The sensitivity of the solar luminosity and radius to mixing events of different sizes and at different locations in the core is determined and several relationships between the luminosity and radius perturbations are examined to see if the value of one of these perturbations can be inferred from a measurement of the other. It is found that any core perturbation which alters the hydrostatic structures will immediately affect the solar luminosity and radius. The behavior of these perturbations depends on the location of the mixing event within the core. Mixing events cannot produce the decrease in the solar radius without leading to a homogeneous evolution of the solar core and/or to a prohibitively large change in the solar luminosity.
A Noisy Paracrine Signal Determines the Cellular NF-κB Response to Lipopolysaccharide

Nearly identical cells can exhibit substantially different responses to the same stimulus. We monitored the nuclear localization dynamics of nuclear factor kB (NF-kB) in single cells stimulated with tumor necrosis factor–a (TNF-a) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cells stimulated with TNF-a have quantitative differences in NF-kB nuclear localization, whereas LPS-stimulated cells can be clustered into transient or persistent responders, representing two qualitatively different groups based on the NF-kB response. These distinct behaviors can be linked to a secondary paracrine signal secreted at low concentrations, such that not all cells undergo a second round of NF-kB activation. From our single-cell data, we built a computational model that captures cell variability, as well as population behaviors. Our findings show that mammalian cells can create “noisy” environments to produce diversified responses to stimuli.
Experimentally Scoping the Range of UAS Sense and Avoid Capability

The problem of “sense and avoid” for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is genuinely multi-dimensional: there is a wide range of UAS sizes, speeds, and maneuverability, and the missions for which these UAS will be used. Couple this with the variety of sensors that might be used for sense and avoid, which have widely varying capabilities to measure distance or angle to an obstacle, as well as closing rate and time to collision. Most sensors are not able to provide all required information about the geometry of an encounter. Using a combination of sensors offers one possible solution. We are investigating the concept that there may be a variety of possible sensor solutions for each separate, individual UAS capability or mission. By studying the breadth of UAS types and missions, we are evaluating the limits to the capabilities of sensors and sensor combinations. Correspondingly, there may be particular UAS capabilities (such as very fast but un-maneuverable) for which there is currently no feasible sense and avoid solution. This paper reports on the progress of this multi-dimensional evaluation. We have scoped the dimensions for evaluating UAS capabilities and the capabilities of sensors. We are experimentally evaluating sensor parameters on a variety of aircraft to validate the specified capabilities. We are analyzing the resulting body of knowledge for what kinds of sense and avoid capabilities might be suitable for various types of UAS.
Reducing register ports for higher speed and lower energy

The key issues for register file design in high-performance processors are access time and energy. While previous work has focused on reducing the number of registers, we propose to reduce the number of register ports through two proposals, one for reads and the other for writes. For reads, we propose bypass hint to reduce register port requirements by avoiding unnecessary register file reads for cases where values are bypassed. Current processors are unable to avoid these unnecessary reads due to timing constraints. For writes, we use register file banking. Current banking schemes assign different banks to instructions that are renamed together, which does not necessarily avoid conflicts among instructions that writeback together. We use decoupled rename, a technique which separates dependence and physical tagging of register operands. Decoupled rename allows us to perform physical register allocation just before writeback, avoiding bank conflicts. Our results show that combining bypass hint and write banking, our 1-cycle register file with 6 read ports, and two 4-write-ported banks achieves a 9% processor energy-delay savings over a system using a perfectly-pipelined, 2-cycle register file with 16 read ports and 8 write ports.
Laboratory Monitoring of Heparin Therapy: Partial Thromboplastin Time or Anti-Xa Assay?

The activated partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is the principal method by which laboratories monitor unfractionated heparin therapy. A review of the experimental basis for heparin monitoring by the PTT reveals significant shortcomings of the assay. The availability of anti-Xa heparin assays on automated coagulation analyzers presents a seemingly logical alternative because the PTT therapeutic range is derived from anti-Xa measurements of plasma from heparinized patients. The anti-Xa assay is not susceptible to many of the preanalytical interferences affecting the PTT, and adoption of anti-Xa monitoring would eliminate the need for validating a PTT therapeutic range. However, anti-Xa heparin monitoring has not been rigorously validated by clinical outcomes studies, and decreasing clinical use of unfractionated heparin makes it unlikely that such data is forthcoming. Nonetheless, many laboratories may find themselves in the position of being unable to continue to validate their PTT therapeutic ranges according to current recommendations and accreditation requirements.
Ixodes scapularis tick serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) gene family; annotation and transcriptional analysis.

Background Serine proteinase inhibitors (Serpins) are a large superfamily of structurally related, but functionally diverse proteins that control essential proteolytic pathways in most branches of life. Given their importance in the biology of many organisms, the concept that ticks might utilize serpins to evade host defenses and immunizing against or disrupting their functions as targets for tick control is an appealing option.