cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adjustment of geochemical background by robust multivariate statistics

Abstract Conventional analyses of exploration geochemical data assume that the background is a constant or slowly changing value, equivalent to a plane or a smoothly curved surface. However, it is better to regard the geochemical background as a rugged surface, varying with changes in geology and environment. This rugged surface can be estimated from observed geological, geochemical and environmental properties by using multivariate statistics. A method of background adjustment was developed and applied to groundwater and stream sediment reconnaissance data collected from the Hot Springs Quadrangle, South Dakota, as part of the National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) program. Source-rock lithology appears to be a dominant factor controlling the chemical composition of groundwater or stream sediments. The most efficacious adjustment procedure is to regress uranium concentration on selected geochemical and environmental variables for each lithologic unit, and then to delineate anomalies by a common threshold set as a multiple of the standard deviation of the combined residuals. Robust versions of regression and RQ-mode principal components analysis techniques were used rather than ordinary techniques to guard against distortion caused by outliers Anomalies delineated by this background adjustment procedure correspond with uranium prospects much better than do anomalies delineated by conventional procedures. The procedure should be applicable to geochemical exploration at different scales for other metals.
Enhancing the sensitivity of CR-39 detectors to relativistic ions by etching in potassium and sodium hydroxides

Abstract We tested the feasibility of improving the sensitivity of CR-39 plastic detectors to relativistic ions by etching them in a mixture of 6.5N KOH and 6.25N NaOH. We examined the variation in sensitivity with fractional content of KOH in the mixed KOH + NaOH etchant at 60°C, by using a beam of 200 A GeV 32 S at CERN SPS. We find that the detector response reaches a maximum when 6.5N KOH:6.25N NaOH ∼ 1:3 at 60°C. At the peak ratio, the detection threshold of CR-39 is one charge unit lower than those obtained from other etchants. Measurements made with an automated scanning system of etch pits developed in different etchants lead roughly to the same charge resolution σ Z = 0.10 ± 0.02 charge unit for one pair of etch pit measurements in the range 6 ≤ Z ≤ 16 at a sampling distance L s ∼47–57 μ m.
Three-dimensional object reconstruction from multiple views of a stereo-based vision system

This paper describes a stereo-based multi-camera system for complete 3-D information extraction and surface reconstruction of objects in a robot workspace. The system consists of N number of cameras arranged in an N/2 number of periodic stereo pair structure. The common area of a camera pair and the number of cameras are determined based on a linear camera model and a calibration procedure that reguires only three known world points. The construction of the structural description is performed in two stages: (i) the 3-D data from different perspectives are inferred independently using a periodic stereo structure, and (ii) the extracted information from neighboring camera pairs are integrated to reconstruct the complete surface of the object.
Effects of friction stir processing on mechanical properties of the cast aluminum alloys A319 and A356

Abstract Surfaces of A319 and A356 castings were treated by friction stir processing to reduce porosity and to create more uniform distributions of second-phase particles. Dendritic microstructures were eliminated in stir zones. The ultimate tensile strengths, ductilities, and fatigue lives of both alloys were increased by the friction stir processing.
A comparison of CORBA and ada's distributed systems annex

With the recent advent of affordable computers, and the increased computing needs in numerous different fields, distributed computing has become quite popular. Along with this popularity has come several different approaches for creating distributed systems. Ada is fortunate to have multiple approaches available, each distinctively different from each other. One approach is to use a separate middle layer to allow different parts of the Ada distributed program to communicate. The Common Object Request Broker Architecture, or CORBA, uses this approach. Another approach is to use an extension of the language made for the creation of distributed systems, meaning no extra layers need to be added. This language extension approach is used by Ada's Distributed Systems Annex. While both approaches have their merits, CORBA has received much more attention than Ada's Distributed Systems Annex. This paper is the result of an undergraduate research project to examine how easy each approach was, and to see if the extra attention given to CORBA is deserved.
Development of a quantitative chemical ionization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method to detect tuberculostearic acid in body fluids.

Abstract We developed a mass spectral method to verify the detection of free tuberculostearic acid (TSA) by frequency-pulsed electron-capture gas chromatography (FPEC–GC) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, pericardial fluid, ascites fluid and pleural fluid of patients infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis . To obtain satisfactory sensitivity and specificity for comparison of the test using mass spectrometry (MS) in the single ion monitor (SIM) mode to the FPEC–GC test, we developed a specific, sensitive, quantitative chemical ionization mass spectrometry capillary gas chromatography (QCIGC–MS) test. The procedure maximized the molecular ion (i.e., made it the base peak) for increased specificity and sensitivity, and instrument parameters for increased sensitivity. The procedure uses a computerized approach, requiring an internal standard (nonadecanoic acid) for precise measurement of the retention time and quantitation of the molecular ion of TSA. Data from this study suggest that QCIGC–MS analysis could be a valuable tool to confirm FPEC–GC identification of TSA in CSF, serum, and in pleural, ascites, and pericardial fluids.
Influences of the early olfactory environment on the survival, behavior and pituitary‐adrenal activity of caesarean delivered preterm rat pups

In a first experiment, vaginally delivered Day 21 and Caesarean delivered Day 20 and Day 21 rat pups were isolated in the presence of various odorants or no odorant for 1 hr immediately following birth. For Day 20 pups, exposure to novel mint odor resulted in higher mortality during isolation than did exposure to the odor of amnion/placenta. In the preterm pups, whole body corticosterone levels were higher in all isolation treatments than they were immediately following birth. For Day 21 pups, isolation treatments had no effect on corticosterone concentrations, but overall, corticosterone levels were higher following Caesarean section than they were following vaginal delivery. A second experiment replicated the mint odor-induced increase in mortality and revealed a lower activity level in preterm pups exposed to mint odor than in those exposed to the odor of amnion/placenta. Mechanical movement of the pups during exposure eliminated the effects of mint odor on mortality and activity. There was a positive correlation between corticosterone concentrations and pup activity during isolation. These results demonstrate potent influences of seemingly minor changes in early sensory stimulation on the preterm pup. The paradigm might provide a useful animal model for studying the effects of variations in ambient stimulation on premature infants.
Beta Sheets, Mutations, and Orthomolecular Inhibitors, Oh My: A Comparison of Beta-Sheet Production Across Mutants and the Effects of B17 on Inhibition of Fibril Formation

Beta-sheet fibril deposits are a crucial hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Characterized by accumulations of highly toxic beta-sheet structures, fibril tangles disrupt synaptic function causing impaired memory. Amassing toxicity results in neuronal degradation and ultimately complete brain death. Beta-amyloid research focuses on one region of the 40-42 amino acid length beta-amyloid known as “KLVFFA”; this region, from residues 16-21, is believed to be the single, shortest, and most important contributor to beta-sheet formation. However, these theories overlook the crucial portion of the peptide, at residues 23-28, containing an ionic interaction inducing a hair pin turn. This potential rate limiting step in the folding of beta-amyloid provides new insight into the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Cleavage at residues 22 and 35 excludes the effect of “KLVFFA” and limits secondary folding interactions of the N-terminus after 35. Spectral analysis of the Wild Type WT Aβ22-35 lays ground work for various single point mutations within the shorter fragment. Aβ-E22G and Aβ-D23N, also known as the Arctic mutation and Iowa mutation respectively, are characterized by faster accumulation of amyloid fibrils. Beta-sheet production occurs rapidly, but can be observed by the implementation of ATR-IR spectroscopy focusing on signature chemical shifts in the amide one and amide two regions within the peptide. Second, pentamaric binding of multiple secondary beta structures to Congo-Red dye solution confirms the production of beta-sheets via UV/Vis. Moreover, time dependant TEM imaging of the WT revealed the presence of fibrils, demonstrating the importance of studying this shorter fragment. Suppression of fibril formation by the addition of concentrated orthomolecular compounds could yield therapeutic techniques or possibly even a cure for Alzheimer's disease.
Equity in the distribution of health and welfare services: can we rely on the state to reverse the 'inverse care law?'.

Abstract It has been suggested that the fiscal crises experienced in many industrial nations has been made worse by the drain on the state's economy of an ever-growing welfare state. Proposals to decentralize funding for health and welfare services, and to rely more on local, private, and ‘grass roots’ services, have been received enthusiastically. The question raised in this paper is whether the shift away from provision by the state will bring about a more or less equitable distribution of resources. The paper considers the spatial distribution of treatment services for two groups of the population who have become largely dependent on the state: namely, the mentally ill and alcoholics. The results suggest that as the federal government withdraws from the provision of services, neither the states nor the localities can be relied on to guarantee a minimum level of services to the truly needy. In the case of alcoholism services there is also some question about whether ‘grass-roots’ provision would be sufficiently responsive to the distribution of needs.
Android+Sphero: teaching mobile computing and robotics in a single course (abstract only)

Implications of using robotics and mobile computing in the curriculum extend far beyond motivation and engagement because skills in these areas can help students be more successful at the workplace. Our approach to teaching both subjects in one course focuses on using Sphero, a small ball-shaped wireless robot that can be controlled and programmed using an Android or iOS device via a Bluetooth link. Workshop participants will experience several hands-on projects that are offered to student in an Android+Sphero course, which culminates in a robot racing competition. This workshop is intended for high school and college faculty interested in mobile computing and/or robotics courses, projects, or activities. More information is available at http://www.cs.ccsu.edu/~stan/sigcse13/. Laptop recommended.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide downregulates the expression of IL-2 but not of IFNγ from stimulated murine T lymphocytes

Abstract The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has been previously reported to inhibit T cell proliferation. Here we report on the effect of VIP on IL-2 and on IFNγ production by murine T lymphocytes stimulated with mitogens (ConA), or activated through the antigen-specific T cell receptor. VIP inhibited IL-2 production by either unfractionated spleen cells, or by purified CD4+ T cells in a dose-dependent manner. The effect was specific, since structurally related peptides such as secretin and glucagon had little or no inhibitory effect. VIP induced a rapid increase in intracellular cAMP in CD4+ T cells, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of VIP could be mediated through the induction of cAMP. Northern blots showed that VIP downregulated IL-2 mRNA, indicating the occurrence of a transcriptional regulatory event. In contrast with its effect on IL-2, VIP did not affect IFNγ production by either mitogen-stimulated normal T lymphocytes, or by the L12R4 murine T cell line which produces IFNγ in response to PMA stimulation.
Role of calcium in nitric oxide-induced cytotoxicity: EGTA protects mouse oligodendrocytes.

Active nitrogen species are overproduced in inflammatory brain lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). NO has been shown to mediate the death of oligodendrocytes (OLs), a primary target of damage in MS. To develop strategies to protect OLs, we examined the mechanisms of cytotoxicity of two NO donors, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on mature mouse OLs. Nitrosonium ion (NO+) rather than NO. mediates damage with both SNAP and SNP, as shown by significant protection with hemoglobin (HbO2), but not with the NO. scavenger PTIO. SNAP and SNP differ in time course and mechanisms of killing OLs. With SNAP, OL death is delayed for at least 6 hr, but with SNP, OL death is continuous over 18 hr with no delay. Relative to NO release, SNP is more toxic than SNAP, due to synergism of NO with cyanide released by SNP. SNAP elicits a Ca2+ influx in over half of the OLs within min. Further, OL death due to NO release from SNAP is Ca2+-dependent, because the Ca2+ chelator EGTA protects OLs from killing by SNAP, and also from killing by the NONOates NOC-9 and NOC-18, which spontaneously release NO. SNP does not elicit a Ca2+ influx, and EGTA is not protective. In comparison to the N20.1 OL cell line (Boullerne et al., [1999] J. Neurochem. 72:1050-1060), mature OLs are (1) more sensitive to SNAP, (2) much more resistant to SNP, (3) sensitive to cyanide, but not iron, and (4) exhibit a Ca2+ influx and EGTA protection in response to NO generated by SNAP.
Relatedness and Inbreeding Avoidance: Counterploys in the Communally Nesting Acorn Woodpecker

Acorn woodpeckers (Melanerpes formicivorus) live in family groups within which more than one female may lay eggs communally in a single nest. Communally nesting females are usually closely related and share evenly in nesting activities. Although birds of either sex may breed in their natal territory, reproductive inhibition of offspring by the presence of their parent of the opposite sex and dispersal by unisexual sibling units ensure that inbreeding between close relatives is rare.
Quantification of digoxin by enzyme immunoassay: synthesis of a maleimide derivative of digoxigenin succinate for enzyme coupling.

We synthesized the m-maleimidobenzoyl derivative of digoxigenin-3-0-succinate (through a p-phenylenediamine bridge) as a hapten derivative directed towards coupling to sulfhydryl groups of β-galactosidase. Prepared enzyme conjugate had about 97% of the enzyme labeled with the hapten derivative while retaining full enzyme activity. The enzyme immunoassay for digoxin we prepared showed a maximum sensitivity of 30 pg per assay (c.v.=3%) with minimal cross-reaction with digotoxin (3.8%). Our method for hapten conjugation to β-galactosidase is highly efficient and is simple and easily replicated.
Subunit III of the chloroplast ATP-synthase can form a Ca2+-binding site on the lumenal side of the thylakoid membrane

Subunit III, the 8 kDa component of the chloroplast CF0 H+ channel, was isolated and purified from pea thylakoids for the purpose of studying its Ca2+-binding properties. After n-butanol extraction and ether precipitation, HPLC purification was accomplished using a poly(styrenedivinylbenzene) column which removes lipid and protein contaminations. The main components of protein contamination were two hydrophobic proteins of near 4 kDa molecular mass, psaI and psbK gene products associated with PSI and PSII reaction centers, respectively. Purified subunit III as well as the unfractionated organic-solvent soluble preparation were used in a 45Ca2+-ligand blot assay known to detect high affinity Ca2+-binding sites in proteins. Polypeptides were separated with SDS-PAGE and were transferred onto PVDF membranes. Treatment of the membrane with 45CaCl2 in the presence of 10-fold excess of MgCl2 and 200-fold excess KCl led to the labeling of only the 8 kDa polypeptide. The Ca2+ binding was inhibited after derivatizing aqueously exposed carboxyl groups with a water soluble carbodiimide plus a nucleophile, after de-formylation of the N-terminal methionine, or with a subsequent treatment with La3+. Ca2+ binding was maximum at pH 7.5–8.5 and was greatly decreased at acidic pH. Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide treatment (no nucleophile was added) of thylakoid membranes, which derivativizes the hydrophobically located Glu-61, decreased the electrophoretical mobility of isolated subunit III but did not inhibit the Ca2+ binding. The data indicate that the carbonyl group of the formylated N-terminal Met-1 and probably the carboxyl group of the subunit III C-terminal Val-81 provide some of seven essential oxygen ligands normally required for defining a Ca2+-binding site in proteins. It is probable, but not yet established that an oligomeric form of subunit III polypeptides is essential for forming the Ca2+-binding site. Based on the accepted models for the hairpin conformation of the subunit III, it does seem clear that the Ca2+-binding site can form on the lumenal side of the membrane in the functional CF0 structure.
Creep fracture experiments with planar sapphirecopper interfaces stressed in tension

Abstract Planar interfaces between sapphire and copper were prepared by diffusion bonding. Constant load experiments with these specimens exhibited a threshold strees for creep-fracture. The magnitude of the threshold stress was small, about 2–4 MPa, and it decreased with increasing temperature. Above the threshold the fracture surfaces were featureless and fracture appeared to have occurred by crack propagation. The estimates of a threshold stress intensity for crack propagation yielded values of only 0.01–0.02 MPa √m. In experiments carried out below the threshold stress, cavitation was observed at the interface. The cavities nucleated very quickly with a spacing of about 2–5 μm. However, the rate of cavity growth slowed considerably with time. Thus, while the early growth rate was faster than an equivalent measurement in copper-copper bicrystals, the cavity growth rate became slower than copper-copper as time progressed. We suggest that, initially, diffusion occurs quickly at the coppersapphire interface, but then a spinel or an intermetallic type reaction layer slows the diffusion rate.
Regenerative biology: a historical perspective and modern applications

Chronic diseases are both common and deadly. Due to the limitations of conventional therapies for chronic diseases such as advanced heart failure and diabetes mellitus, recent interest has been directed towards regenerative medicine. In this review, we examine the history of regenerative biology and emphasize the dynamic and multidisciplinary growth of this field. We highlight the spectrum of adult tissues that have a remarkable regenerative capacity (i.e., skeletal muscle) versus those that have a more limited regenerative capacity (i.e., heart). We further emphasize the use of relevant contemporary models for the study of regenerative biology (i.e., pancreatic regeneration), which highlight both the challenges for this field of study and the potential for regenerative medicine, including the use of cell-based strategies, to revolutionize medical therapies for chronic diseases.
Acid-Base Transport in Isolated Rabbit Duodenal Villus and Crypt Cells

Background: Duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion is an important first line of defense against gastric acid. Studies in the ileum indicate that the secretion originates from the crypt cells, whereas villus cells are mainly absorptive. Data on acid/base transporters along the crypt-villus axis in duodenal epithelia are not available. It was our purpose to identify and compare acid/base transporters in isolated mammalian duodenal villus and crypt cells. Methods: The proximal duodenum of rabbits was excised, and duodenal epithelial cells were isolated in five fractions by a modified calcium chelation technique. Intracellular pH (pHi) was measured with a pH-sensitive dye and dynamic fluorescence ratio imaging. Results: In both villus and crypt cells incubated in Hepes buffer, removal of Na+ or addition of amiloride decreased basal pHi and pHi recovery after intracellular acidification, indicating an Na+/H+ exchanger in both cell types. In both cell types acid extrusion rates in bicarbonate-buffered Ringer's...
Questioning the Motives of Technical Communication and Rhetoric: Steven Katz's “Ethic of Expediency”:

By emphasizing the negative meanings of words, ignoring variations in translations, and quoting out of context, Steven B. Katz has argued in an influential article that an ethic of expediency . . . underlies technical communication and deliberative rhetoric, and by extension writing pedagogy and practice based on it. Katz's assertion misrepresents the motive of technical communication and its pedagogy, and it brings discredit to the professions of technical communication and the teaching of technical communication. His attempt to discredit the motive of technical communication is part of a two-millennia-long contest for status between intellectuals and the working classes, and it creates unnecessary mistrust at a time in history when people must focus even more on cooperating socially in order to sustain democratic cultures and our physical environment for future generations.
Glc7p Protein Phosphatase Inhibits Expression of Glutamine-Fructose-6-phosphate Transaminase from GFA1

Inhibitor-1 (I-1) is a specific inhibitor of protein phosphatase-1 (PP1). We assayed the ability of I-1 to inhibitSaccharomyces cerevisiae PP1, Glc7p, in vivo. Glc7p like other PP1 catalytic subunits associates with a variety of noncatalytic subunits, and Glc7p holoenzymes perform distinct physiological roles. Our results show that I-1 inhibits Glc7p holoenzymes that regulate transcription and mitosis, but holoenzymes responsible for meiosis and glycogen metabolism were unaffected. Additionally, we exploited a genetic screen for mutants that were dependent on I-1 to grow. This scheme can identify processes that are negatively regulated by Glc7p-catalyzed dephosphorylation. In this paper I-1-dependent gfa1 mutations were analyzed in detail. GFA1 encodes glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase. One or more phosphorylated proteins activate GFA1 transcription because the pheromone response and Pkc1p/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways positively regulate GFA1 transcription. Our findings show that an I-1-sensitive Glc7p holoenzyme reduces GFA1transcription. Therefore, GFA1 is a member of a growing list of genes that are negatively regulated by Glc7p dephosphorylation.
HIV Expression in Surgical Specimens

We determined the HIV-1 RNA and Gag p24 protein expression in gastrointestinal tract-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), deep lymph nodes (LNs), and inflammatory lesions, acquired during surgery on HIV-infected patients. Surgically excised gastrointestinal tract specimens, LNs, and cervices removed from HIV-1-infected patients for various clinical conditions were studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for Gag p24 HIV protein and in situ hybridization (ISH) for HIV-specific RNA. Fragments of some specimens were also submitted in glutaraldehyde for TEM analysis. Germinal centers (GC) in the GALT had at least as much HIV RNA and p24 protein deposited on their follicular dendritic cell (FDC) networks as did GC in LNs draining or associated with areas of inflammation or ulceration. The level of viral expression in the deep LNs, e.g., mesenteric and retroperitoneal, was at least equivalent to that seen in superficial LNs, i.e., inguinal, axillary, and cervical, and tonsils and adenoids. HIV expressing T and B lymphocytes and macrophages were seen in GALT and LNs. Virus-expressing mononuclear cells (MNC) were also seen in inflammatory lesions such as gastrointestinal ulcers and acute appendicitis. Abundant virus was seen in the cervix of patients with and without cancer and in LNs of patients with metastatic cancer. Individual and clusters of mature HIV particles were identified by TEM in LN GC and in GALT. Gastrointestinal tract lymphoid tissue, inflammatory lesions, and deep LNs showed levels of HIV RNA and Gag p24 protein expression in the range seen in superficial LNs.
Did the Twelfth Century Discover the Individual

Did the twelfth century discover the individual? For a number of years now medievalists have claimed that it did. Indeed, over the past fifty years, in what Wallace Ferguson calls ‘the revolt of the medievalists’, scholars have claimed for the twelfth century many of the characteristics once given to the fifteenth century by Michelet and Burckhardt. As a result, standard textbook accounts now attribute to the twelfth century some or all of the following: ‘humanism’, both in the narrow sense of study of the Latin literary classics and in the broader sense of an emphasis on human dignity, virtue and efficacy; ‘renaissance’, both in the sense of revival of forms and ideas from the past (classical and patristic) and in the sense of consciousness of rebirth, and historical perspective; ‘the discovery of nature and man’, both in the sense of an emphasis on the cosmos and human nature as entities with laws governing their behaviour and in the sense of a new interest in the particular, seen especially in the ‘naturalism’ of the visual arts around the year 1200. In the past fifteen years, however, claims for the twelfth century have increasingly been claims for the discovery of ‘the individual’, who crops up–with his attendant characteristic ‘individuality’—in many recent titles. In the area of political theory, Walter Ullmann has seen the individual emerging in the shift from subject to citizen. Peter Dronke, Robert Hanning and other literary critics have argued for the emergence of the individual both as author and as hero of twelfth-century poetry and romance. And, in the area of religious thought, R. W. Southern, Colin Morris and John Benton have called to our attention a new concern with self-discovery and psychological self-examination, an increased sensitivity to the boundary between self and other and an optimism about the capacity of the individual for achievement.
Low-Power High-Throughput LDPC Decoder Using Non-Refresh Embedded DRAM

The majority of the power consumption of a high-throughput LDPC decoder is spent on memory. Unlike in a general-purpose processor, the memory access in an LDPC decoder is deterministic and the access window is short. We take advantage of the unique memory access characteristic to design a non-refresh eDRAM that holds data for the necessary access window, and further improve its access time by trading off the excess retention time. The resulting 3T eDRAM cell is designed to balance wordline coupling to reliably retain data for a fast access. We integrate 32 5x210 non-refresh eDRAM arrays in a row-parallel LDPC decoder suitable for the IEEE 802.11ad standard. Memory refresh is eliminated and random access is replaced with a simple sequential addressing. With row merging and dual-frame processing, the 1.6 mm 2 65 nm LDPC decoder chip achieves a peak throughput of 9 Gb/s at 89.5 pJ/b, of which only 21% is spent on eDRAMs. With voltage and frequency scaling, the power consumption of the LDPC decoder is reduced to 37.7 mW for a 1.5 Gb/s throughput at 35.6 pJ/b.
Slip-enhanced electrokinetic energy conversion in nanofluidic channels

We investigate theoretically the influence of hydrodynamic slip at the surface of a nanofluidic channel on the efficiency with which electrokinetic phenomena can be used to convert hydrostatic energy to electrical power. Slip is introduced by applying the Navier boundary condition to the pressure-driven and the electro-osmotic components of the fluid velocity. A strong enhancement in the efficiency is predicted for increasing slip length due to the resulting decrease in the fluidic impedance and increase in the streaming conductance. These effects are moderated by a decrease in the electrical impedance, which promotes dissipation. The maximum efficiency approaches 100% as the slip length diverges, and a potentially practical 40% efficiency is expected for a moderate 30 nm slip length in a 10 nm high channel. Recently reported slip lengths for carbon nanotube filters suggest that efficiencies above 70% and high power densities might be achieved in a graphitic system.
An ATP-driven efflux pump is a novel pathogenicity factor in rice blast disease.

Cells tolerate exposure to cytotoxic compounds through the action of ATP-driven efflux pumps belonging to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of membrane transporters. Phytopathogenic fungi encounter toxic environments during plant invasion as a result of the plant defense response. Here we demonstrate the requirement for an ABC transporter during host infection by the fungal plant pathogen Magnaporthe grisea. The ABC1 gene was identified in an insertional mutagenesis screen for pathogenicity mutants. The ABC1 insertional mutant and a gene-replacement mutant arrest growth and die shortly after penetrating either rice or barley epidermal cells. The ABC1-encoded protein is similar to yeast ABC transporters implicated in multidrug resistance, and ABC1 gene transcripts are inducible by toxic drugs and a rice phytoalexin. However, abc1 mutants are not hypersensitive to antifungal compounds. The non-pathogenic, insertional mutation in ABC1 occurs in the promoter region and dramatically reduces transcript induction by metabolic poisons. These data strongly suggest that M.grisea requires the up-regulation of specific ABC transporters for pathogenesis; most likely to protect itself against plant defense mechanisms.
Inkjet Printing of Electrically Conducting Micron-Wide Lines and Transparent Conducting Films by Edge-Enhanced Twin-Deposition

Roll-to-roll manufacturing holds the potential to rapidly and cheaply produce electronic devices in a flexible format as well as to effectively scale up production of emerging nanotechnologies. Developing scalable techniques for the efficient and effective use of solution-processed functional material is a significant factor in realizing the potential of roll-to-roll manufacturing. We present a novel inkjet deposition process developed to rapidly deposit arrays of micron-wide lines of silver nanoparticles for use as an optically transparent and electrically conducting film. The technique involves jetting a controlled number of space-overlapped drops of a dilute nanoparticle silver ink onto a substrate to form a long stable ink rivulet with two parallel and pinned edges. Subsequently, nanoparticles deposit preferentially at the two parallel rivulet edges due to edge-enhanced evaporation of the solvent. The final result is a twin-deposit of parallel continuous nanoparticle lines, each with a characteristic width less than 5μm and height less than 300 nm. The twin lines are separated by a predominantly particle-free region with the spacing between the lines ranging from 100 μm to 600 μm, where the spacing is a function of ink, substrate, and printing conditions. The effect of substrate surface and jetting parameters on nanoparticle line morphology is presented. Arrays of such lines have been printed and evaluated as potential transparent conducting films, showing an effective sheet resistance of ∼5 Ω/□. This edge-enhanced twin-deposition technique has the potential for rapid, material-efficient, and lithography-free patterned deposition of functional material for use in roll-to-roll manufacturing.
Identification of candidate mitochondrial RNA editing ligases from Trypanosoma brucei

Most mitochondrial genes of Trypanosoma brucei do not contain the necessary information to make translatable mRNAs. These transcripts must undergo RNA editing, a posttranscriptional process by which uridine residues are added and deleted from mitochondrial mRNAs. RNA editing is believed to be catalyzed by a ribonucleoprotein complex containing endonucleolytic, terminal uridylyl transferase (TUTase), 3' uridine-specific exonucleolytic (U-exo), and ligase activities. None of the catalytic enzymes for RNA editing have been identified. Here we describe the identification of two candidate RNA ligases (48 and 52 kDa) that are core catalytic components of the T. brucei ribonucleoprotein editing complex. Both enzymes share homology to the covalent nucleotidyl transferase superfamily and contain five key signature motifs, including the active site KXXG. In this report, we present data on the proposed 48 kDa RNA editing ligase. We have prepared polyclonal antibodies against recombinant 48 kDa ligase that specifically recognize the trypanosome enzyme. When expressed in trypanosomes as an epitope-tagged fusion protein, the recombinant ligase localizes to the mitochondrion, associates with RNA editing complexes, and adenylates with ATP. These findings provide strong support for the enzymatic cascade model for kinetoplastid RNA editing.
Centered OWA Operators

We introduce the idea of centered OWA operators. We define these as OWA operators that give preference to argument values that lie in the middle between the largest and the smallest. An important class of these using Gaussian type weights is investigated in considerable detail. We describe a number of different examples of centered OWA operators.
STIMULATION OF OVULATION IN THE RABBIT TRIGGERED BY SYNTHETIC LRF

A single intravenous injection of synthetic LRF with no other hormonal pretreatment, regularly stimulates ovulation in virgin adult rabbits. The minimal dose active in all animals appears to be 200 ng/Kg body weight.
Stress-induced hematopoietic failure in the absence of immediate early response gene X-1 (IEX-1, IER3)

Expression of the immediate early response gene X-1 (IEX-1, IER3) is diminished significantly in hematopoietic stem cells in a subgroup of patients with early stage myelodysplastic syndromes, but it is not clear whether the deregulation contributes to the disease. The current study demonstrates increased apoptosis and a concomitant decrease in the number of hematopoietic stem cells lacking this early response gene. Null mutation of the gene also impeded platelet differentiation and shortened a lifespan of red blood cells. When bone marrow cells deficient in the gene were transplanted into wild-type mice, the deficient stem cells produced significantly fewer circulating platelets and red blood cells, despite their enhanced repopulation capability. Moreover, after exposure to a non-myeloablative dose of radiation, absence of the gene predisposed to thrombocytopenia, a significant decline in red blood cells, and dysplastic bone marrow morphology, typical characteristics of myelodysplastic syndromes. These findings highlight a previously unappreciated role for this early response gene in multiple differentiation steps within hematopoiesis, including thrombopoiesis, erythropoiesis and in the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell quiescence. The deficient mice offer a novel model for studying the initiation and progression of myelodysplastic syndromes as well as strategies to prevent this disorder.
In vitro wrinkle formation via shape memory dynamically aligns adherent cells

Surface wrinkling of materials offers a simple yet elegant approach to fabricating cell culture substrates with highly ordered topographies for investigating cell mechanobiology. In this study we present a tunable shape memory polymer (SMP) bilayer system that is programmed to form, under cell compatible conditions, wrinkles with feature sizes on the micron and sub-micron length scale. We found that with increasing deformation fixed into the SMP substrate, wrinkled topographies with increasing amplitudes, decreasing wavelengths, and increasing degree of wrinkle orientation were achieved. Analysis of the cellular response to previously wrinkled (static) substrates revealed that cell nuclear alignment increased as SMP deformation increased. Analysis of the cellular response to an actively wrinkling substrate demonstrated that cell alignment can be controlled by triggering wrinkle formation. These findings demonstrate that the amount of deformation fixed (and later recovered) in an SMP bilayer system can be used to control the resulting wrinkle characteristics and cell mechanobiological response. The tailored and dynamic substrate functionality provided by this approach is expected to enable new investigation and understanding of cell mechanobiology.
The Roles of Government and Private Enterprise in German Industrial Growth, 1870–1914

The problem to which this paper addresses itself may be posed as follows: What part in bringing about the phenomenally rapid industrial growth of Germany between about 1890 and 1914 was played by governmental activities; what part was played by the private enterprise of businessmen; and what was the relative importance of each?
The effect of sintering dopant incorporation in modified chemical vapor deposition

To determine the role of the diffusion of dopant (phosphorus, germanium, and fluorine) into silica particles and through the voids of porous soot during sintering, initially uniform soot layers are created with a stationary torch and then sintered at different rates, dopant partial pressures, and temperatures. The layer structure seen in modified chemical vapor deposition preforms is formed initially by gas phase thermal gradients during particle formation, but diffusion during sintering severely modifies the dopant level and slightly increases the concentration gradient within each layer. >
Outcome of unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation in 40 children with Hurler syndrome.

Long-term survival and improved neuropsychological function have occurred in selected children with Hurler syndrome (MPS I H) after successful engraftment with genotypically matched sibling bone marrow transplantation (BMT). However, because few children have HLA-identical siblings, the feasibility of unrelated donor (URD) BMT as a vehicle for adoptive enzyme therapy was evaluated in this retrospective study. Forty consecutive children (median, 1.7 years; range, 0.9 to 3.2 years) with MPS I H received high-dose chemotherapy with or without radiation followed by BMT between January 27, 1989 and May 13, 1994. Twenty-five of the 40 patients initially engrafted. An estimated 49% of patients are alive at 2 years, 63% alloengrafted and 37% autoengrafted. The probability of grade II to IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 30%, and the probability of extensive chronic GVHD was 18%. Eleven patients received a second URD BMT because of graft rejection or failure. Of the 20 survivors, 13 children have complete donor engraftment, two children have mixed chimeric grafts, and five children have autologous marrow recovery. The BM cell dose was correlated with both donor engraftment and survival. Thirteen of 27 evaluable patients were engrafted at 1 year following URD BMT. Neither T-lymphocyte depletion (TLD) of the bone marrow nor irradiation appeared to influence the likelihood of engraftment. Ten of 16 patients alive at 1 year who received a BM cell dose greater than or equal to 3.5 x 10(8) cells/kg engrafted, and 62% are estimated to be alive at 3 years. In contrast, only 3 of 11 patients receiving less than 3.5 x 10(8) cells/kg engrafted, and 24% are estimated to be alive at 3 years (P = .05). The mental developmental index (MDI) was assessed before BMT. Both baseline and post-BMT neuropsychological data were available for 11 engrafted survivors. Eight children with a baseline MDI greater than 70 have undergone URD BMT (median age, 1.5 years; range, 1.0 to 2.4 years). Of these, two children have had BMT too recently for developmental follow-up. Of the remaining six, none has shown any decline in age equivalent scores. Four children are acquiring skills at a pace equal to or slightly below their same age peers; two children have shown a plateau in learning or extreme slowing in their learning process. For children with a baseline MDI less than 70 (median age, 2.5 years; range, 0.9 to 2.9 years), post-BMT follow-up indicated that two children have shown deterioration in their developmental skills. The remaining three children are maintaining their skills and are adding to them at a highly variable rate. We conclude that MPS I H patients with a baseline MDI greater than 70 who are engrafted survivors following URD BMT can achieve a favorable long-term outcome and improved cognitive function. Future protocols must address the high risk of graft rejection or failure and the impact of GVHD in this patient population.
Advanced semiconductor lasers: Phonon engineering and phonon interactions

This account presents theoretical results on the tailoring of carrier scattering by polar-optical phonons in novel quantum-well lasers such as the tunneling injection laser and the quantum cascade laser. These scattering rates are tailored by engineering semiconductor heterostructures on a scale sufficiently small that both the phonon amplitudes and the phonon envelopes are modified by dimensional confinement. As background information on the properties of confined phonons, this account provides a brief survey of phonon confinement effects in dimensionally-confined structures.
Effects of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis on larval development in three species of bivalve mollusc from Florida.

Abstract The effects of Karenia brevis (Wilson clone) on larval survival and development of the northern quahog, Mercenaria mercenaria , eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica and bay scallop, Argopecten irradians , were studied in the laboratory. Larvae were exposed to cultures of whole and lysed cells, with mean total brevetoxin concentrations of 53.8 and 68.9 μg L −1 , respectively. Survival of early (3-day-old) larvae was generally over 85% for all shellfish species at K. brevis densities of 100 cells ml −1 or less, and not significantly different between whole and lysed culture. At 1000 cells ml −1 , survival was significantly less in lysed culture than whole culture for both M. mercenaria and C. virginica . Survival of late (7-day-old) larvae in all three species was not significantly affected by K. brevis densities of 1000 cells ml −1 or less. At 5000 cells ml −1 , however, survival was reduced to 37%, 26% and 19% for A. irradians , M. mercenaria and C. virginica , respectively. Development of C. virginica and M. mercenaria larvae was protracted at K. brevis densities of 1000 cells ml −1 . These results suggest that blooms of K. brevis , and particularly their associated brevetoxins, may have detrimental consequences for Florida's shellfisheries by disrupting critical larval processes. Special attention should be paid to blooms of K. brevis where these shellfish occur naturally or where aquaculture and restoration activities are either ongoing or planned.
Multiscale damping model for polymeric composites containing carbon nanotube ropes

A novel multiscale model is developed for describing the damping characteristics of polymeric composites containing aligned or randomly oriented carbon nanotube (CNT) ropes. This is the first known model of damping behavior of CNT-based composites incorporating length scales from atomic to structural. The shear strengths at the inter-tube and tube—resin interfaces are calculated using molecular dynamics simulations of nanotube pull outs. The calculated shear strengths are then applied to a micro-mechanical damping model in which the composite is described as a three-phase system composed of a resin, a resin sheath acting as a shear transfer zone, and a CNT rope. The resin is modeled as a viscoelastic material using a three-element standard solid model. The concept of stick-slip motion is used to describe the load transfer behavior between carbon nanotubes in a rope as well as between nanotubes and the surrounding sheath. Energy dissipation from the viscoelastic polymer matrix and from the stick-slip motio...
Carbon and its isotopes in mid-oceanic basaltic glasses

Sample surface carbon, mantle carbon dioxide in vesicles, and mantle carbon dissolved in glasses, are the three carbon components evident in the 11 mid-oceanic basalts presently analyzed. The total carbon content may be controlled by the depth of the shallowest ridge magma chamber, and carbon isotopic fractionation accompanies magma degassing. Using He-3 and carbon data for submarine hydrothermal fluids, the present day midoceanic ridge carbon flux is approximately estimated to be 1.0 x 10 to the 13th g C/yr, requiring 8 Gyr to accumulate the earth's present crustal carbon inventory.
Message Modeling for the Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS)

The Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS) is a standard for sensing, control, and computational communication of components for unmanned systems. This paper presents a modeling environment capable of producing a domain-specific prototype of the software necessary for inter-computer communications. A metamodel is used to provide the domain-specific modeling language to model both the messages used in JAUS, and the shell interfaces for components that transmit and receive those messages. The produced artifacts are C and C++ code that can be used in unmanned systems and simulations of such systems, including tests that validate the structure and behavior of the generated code. The generated code is compatible with standard JAUS implementations, and is validated using the Open JAUS open source API and framework. Future work describes the second spiral of features and behaviors (currently in the design phase). The case study and test environment for the software generated by this project is an autonomous ground vehicle, modeled on a Ford Escape Hybrid that is used in laboratory experiments.
Structure Elucidation and Chemistry of Catharanthus Alkaloids II. Isolation and Partial Structure of Catharine, a Dimeric Indole Alkaloid From C. Zanceus and C. Roseus

A continuing study of Catharanthus lanceus alkaloid fractions, in a search for new antineoplastic alkaloids, has led to the isolation of Catharine, a dimeric indole alkaloid found previously only in the related C. roseus . High resolution mass spectrometric measurements have shown that Catharine has the formula C 46 H 54 N 4 O 10 and is made up of a vindoline moiety and an alkaloid moiety with a molecular formula of C 21 H 23 N 2 O 4 .