cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convenient syntheses of dibenzo[c,p]chrysene and its possible proximate and ultimate carcinogens: in vitro metabolism and DNA adduction studies.

Dibenzo[c,p]chrysene (DB[c,p]C) is the only hexacyclic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon having two fjord regions, both in different chemical environments. Its environmental presence and relative tumorigenic potency are not known due to the lack of synthetic standards. We report here the synthesis of dibenzo[c,p]chrysene (1), its proximate carcinogens, i.e., trans-1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydro-DB[c,p]C (2) and trans-11,12-dihydroxy-11,12-dihydro-DB[c,p]C (3), and possible ultimate carcinogens, i.e., anti-trans-1,2-dihydroxy-3,4-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-DB[c,p]C (4) and anti-trans-11,12-dihydroxy-13,14-epoxy-11,12,13,14-tetrahydro-DB[c,p]C (5). The syntheses of 1 and the appropriately methoxy-substituted DB[c,p]C (12 and 27), key intermediates for the synthesis of its proximate and ultimate metabolites, were tried first using a Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. However, the cyclization of olefins (10 and 11) gave poor yields of the desired products. An alternate method was thus developed employing a photochemical ...
Arboviruses from western Utah, USA, 1967-1976.

An arbovirus survey was made of 7 areas in western Utah. From 215,150 pooled specimens of mosquitoes and the biting midge Culicoides variipennis , 307 arboviruses were isolated. One was an alphatogavirus (western equine encephalitis), 256 were California serogroup, and 50 were Bunyamwera serogroup (35 Main Drain, 9 Lokern, and 6 Cache Valley) viruses. Aedes dorsalis accounted for 47% of the total pooled specimens but represented 91% of all California serogroup viruses, 64% of which were from Blue Lake where Ae. dorsalis constituted 84% of the pooled mosquitoes. Ditto Dunes accounted for 66% of the Main Drain viruses, most of which were from Psorophora signipennis . Most Lokern viruses were from C. variipennis from Fish Springs and Callao, and most Cache Valley viruses were from Culiseta inornata from Hickman Canyon. Precipitin results on 347 blood-engorged mosquitoes and on the biting midge indicated that for all feedings, 47% were by Ae. dorsalis and 48% were on rabbits.
The Future of the Scholarly Journal

THE SCHOLARLY JOURNAL IS ONE OF THE foundations of the academy.1 The ideal has been that the most recent advances and insights in the sciences, the humanities, the social sciences, and the professions are distributed without political or proprietary encumbrance through journal publication. A free flow of information provides the broad base from which each scholar has the greatest opportunity to advance his or her field. This format fosters the
The importance of diagonal dominance in the iterative solution of equations generated from the boundary element method

The unsymmetric matrix equations generated from the boundary element method (BEM) can be solved iteratively, with convergence to the correct solution guaranteed, if the boundary element system of equations can be first transformed into an equivalent, diagonally dominant system. A transformation is presented which selectively annihilates terms in the coefficient matrix of the system Ax = b until an equivalent, row diagonally dominant system, if available, is obtained. The new, row diagonally dominant system is well suited for use with Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel point iterative equation solvers. The diagonal dominizing transformation presented in this work is not suitable for large systems of equations but is useful as a research tool for studying the importance of diagonal dominance in the iterative solution of equations generated from the BEM. A simple Laplacian problem is used to examine the structure of the BEM equations and to introduce the diagonal dominizing transformation. The importance of diagonal dominance is shown by comparing iterative convergence of positive-definite, symmetric positive-definite and diagonally dominant systems of BEM equations obtained from a plane strain elasticity problem.
Recent Advances in the Development of a Long-Text-Input Keystroke Biometric Authentication System for Arbitrary Text Input

This study focuses on the development and evaluation of a new classification algorithm that halves the previously reported best error rate. Using keystroke data from 119 users, closed system performance was obtained as a function of the number of keystrokes per sample. The applications of interest are authenticating online student test takers and computer users in security sensitive environments. The authentication process operates on keystroke data windows as short as 1/2 minute. Performance was obtained on 119 test users compared to the previous maximum of 30. For each population size, the performance increases, and the equal error rate decreases, as the number of keystrokes per sample increases. Performance on 14, 30, and 119 users was 99.6%, 98.3%, and 96.3%, respectively, on 755-keystroke samples, indicating the potential of this approach. Because the mean population performance does not give the complete picture, the varied performance over the population of users was analyzed.
Spectroscopic Characterization of Fulvic Acid Under Different Cover Crop Systems

Abstract Fulvic acids (FAs) are an important dynamic component of soils that may be affected by soil management. Carbon‐13 cross‐polarization total sideband suppression nuclear magnetic resonance (CP‐TOSS 13C NMR) was used to examine the effect of cover crop systems on the characteristics of fulvic acid fractions. FA was isolated from soils with the following treatments: 1) vetch/rye, 2) rye alone, and 3) check (no cover crops) with varying nitrogen fertilizers. Preliminary NMR results indicate that FA from the rye alone system both with and without nitrogen fertilizers contains less aliphatic carbon (0–108 ppm) than that from the other two treatments. Based on the elemental composition analysis result, C∶N ratio of FA from rye alone cover with or without nitrogen fertilizer is lower than FA from vetch/rye cover system. These data suggest that farming systems affect the FA compositions.
Measurements of the depth of loose and loosely bonded material on the lunar surface based on Ranger VII, VIII and IX photographs

Abstract Depth measurements of loose (or loosely bonded) material are obtained for the three impact areas of Ranger VII, VIII and IX by making use of rilles or multiple dimple formations assumed to be caused by loose material draining or crumbling into underground cavities.
Molecular virology: Was the 1918 flu avian in origin?

Arising from: J. K. Taubenberger et al. Nature 437, 889–893 (2005); see also communication from Gibbs and Gibbs ; Taubenberger et al. reply Taubenberger et al.1 claim that the 1918 influenza virus was derived from an avian source and adapted to humans shortly before the pandemic. However, we do not believe that this conclusion, which has been widely disseminated in the popular press and in scientific journals2,3,4, is supported by their phylogenetic evidence.
Initiation of DNA replication in mammalian cells and its inhibition by reovirus infection

Abstract We have studied the initiation of DNA replication in mammalian cells in tissue culture, using DNA fiber autoradiography to analyze initiation events occurring during 10 or 30-minute [ 3 H]thymidine labeling periods. The mean distance between initiation sites varies in cells from different mammalian species. In mouse L cells, functioning initiation sites are distributed in clusters. The modal interval between individual sites is 40 to 50 μm, and the sites do not appear to occur at regular intervals. Initiation events appear partially synchronized in autoradiograms from DNA fibers spread over any one microscopic field of the autoradiographic slide (0.16 mm 2 ), suggesting that such events occur in bursts over topographically contiguous regions of DNA. In cells infected with reovirus, a cytocidal RNA virus that markedly inhibits overall DNA replication in infected L cells, the distance between initiation sites labeled during a ten-minute pulse is increased. This indicates that the frequency of initiation events over localized regions of DNA is reduced by reovirus infection.
Critical issues in construct validation: Comment on Boyle and Lennon (1994)

In a recent article in this journal, Boyle and Lennon (1994) examined the reliability and validity of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). However, several methodological and conceptual limits of their study suggest numerous alternative interpretations of their data. Methodological problems include a confounding of age and clinical status in their study, their inclusion of invalid PAI profiles, and use of an unusual sample for their purposes. Conceptual issues raised address the nature of a moderator variable, the interpretation of coefficient alpha, the stability of psychopathology, and the application of factor analysis to address construct validation issues.
NGO capacity and environmental governance in Central and Eastern Europe

Following the fall of state socialism in Central and Eastern Europe, it was envisioned that environmental NGOs would be integral to democratic process by engaging in environmental decision making and policy implementation in the national and sub-national arenas. It was with this goal in mind that domestic and international agencies, governments, and foundations worked to build their administrative, technical and strategic capacities. Although a number of studies have examined environmental NGOs in the region, and the relationship between capacity building efforts and engagement in environmental governance, they focus on a small subset of organizations. To gain a better understanding of developmental trends and engagement in governance processes, a survey was conducted of the population of environmental NGOs in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. The results suggest that two clusters of organizations have emerged. The first cluster consists of a small cadre of highly professionalized and internationalized organizations that engage in policymaking in the international and national arenas. The second cluster of NGOs tends to sponsor activities and take action on behalf of their members and provide environmental and government support services at the local level. Although the former cluster is comprised of well-capacitated organizations, NGOs in latter group often are overlooked by agencies, governments and foundations, even though they make important contributions to environmental governance.
Short‐term systematic errors in global forecasts: their estimation and removal

We have found spatial and temporal coherencies in the departures of short-range-forecasts from observed and analysed geopotential fields, which can be used diagnostically and as the basis for adjustment of forecast products. We identify characteristics of the differences between forecast and observed, and forecast and analysed values, and we demonstrate the significant impact on forecast accuracy which may be gained through the routine estimation and removal of these discrepancies. The removal of these discrepancies in the data assimilation step of the forecast cycle was found to have little impact, in contrast with the effect of direct correction of forecast products in conjunction with post processing. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1990.00001.x
A review of the effectiveness and acceptability of the female condom for dual protection

The female condom remains the sole female-initiated method of dual protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV. We reviewed published data on the effectiveness and acceptability of the female condom for protection against pregnancy and infection. Overall, use of the female condom is low and several barriers hinder the wider adoption of the use of the method. Research on effectiveness has focussed on pregnancy, STIs and biological markers of semen exposure. Although the data available suggest that female condoms (or a mixture of female and male condoms) may provide similar degrees of protection against pregnancy and STIs as do latex male condoms alone, this conclusion has not been demonstrated and thus comparative research is urgently needed.
The Conservative Member of Parliament as Lobbyist for Constituency Economic Interests

Interviews undertaken in the House of Commons with 70 backbench Conservative MPs in 1983–84 examined the extent to which they pursue their own localized industrial policy strategies as part of their efforts to maintain constituency electoral support. This involves lobbying efforts directed toward ministers in support of local industries, either in defence of jobs, in promotion of new jobs, or in a variety of quests for government benefits or relaxation of restrictions. It was found that 36 of the 70 Conservative MPs could be classified as ‘constituency lobbyists’, reflecting interview evidence that they consider lobbying on behalf of local industries to be a normal and important part of their representative role as MPs. The hypothesis that vulnerable constituencies—vulnerable in both political and economic terms—would be represented by constituency lobbyists was tested through the construction of an index of constituency ‘security’. It was found that the more secure the constituency, the less likely is th...
Complications in Breast Surgery

Most breast operations are categorized as low-morbidity procedures, but a variety of complications can occur in association with diagnostic and multidisciplinary management procedures. Some of these complications are related to the breast itself, and others are associated with axillary staging procedures. This article first addresses some general, nonspecific complications (wound infections, seroma formation, hematoma). It then discusses complications that are specific to particular breast-related procedures: lumpectomy (including both diagnostic open biopsy and breast-conservation therapy for cancer), mastectomy; axillary lymph node dissection, lymphatic mapping/sentinel lymph node biopsy, and reconstruction.
Generalizing thermodynamic properties of bulk single-walled carbon nanotubes

The enthalpy and Gibbs free energy thermodynamical potentials of single walled carbon nanotubes were studied of all types (armchairs, zig-zags, chirals (n>m), and chiral (n<m)). Bulk values of these thermodynamic potentials were obtained using a previously demonstrated robust method based on semi-empirical PM3 calculations and an extrapolated cluster approach. Those values were used to study the relationship between the thermodynamic potentials and the diameter of the nanotube. Results of this study led to the proposal of a single equation for the thermodynamical potential of ΔHAB298 K or ΔGAB298 K (assembly of nanotubes from atoms) versus the chiral vector indexes n and m for any given nanotube. The equations show a good level of accuracy in predicting thermodynamic potentials for practical applications.
Acceptance of Waste-Minimization Practices by Construction Management Students

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptance of a model of construction and demolition waste-minimization practices by construction management senior students. This approach assumed students can informally influence construction industry opinions, making their decisions vital to future construction-management education standards. The capstone class of the bachelor's degree program of one of the foremost construction management programs in the country was the sample chosen to study. It was found that a majority of the students were knowledgeable about all of the practices and had favorable opinions based on that knowledge. Most had tried more than half of the practices on a limited basis and decided they would use the practices based on these trials. The largest part of the students did not have experience applying a good number of the practices; however, almost all of those with this experience would continue to use all the practices. Identifying successful trial and application experie...
Global Estimates for Singular Integrals of the Composition of the Maximal Operator and the Green's Operator

We establish the Poincare type inequalities for the composition of the maximal operator and the Green's operator in John domains.
Progress in the reprogramming of somatic cells

Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into nearly all types of cells in the body. This unique potential provides significant promise for cell-based therapies to restore tissues or organs destroyed by injuries, degenerative diseases, aging, or cancer. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology offers a possible strategy to generate patient-specific pluripotent stem cells. However, because of concerns about the specificity, efficiency, kinetics, and safety of iPSC reprogramming, improvements or fundamental changes in this process are required before their effective clinical use. A chemical approach is regarded as a promising strategy to improve and change the iPSC process. Dozens of small molecules have been identified that can functionally replace reprogramming factors and significantly improve iPSC reprogramming. In addition to the prospect of deriving patient-specific tissues and organs from iPSCs, another attractive strategy for regenerative medicine is transdifferentiation-the direct conversion of one somatic cell type to another. Recent studies revealed a new paradigm of transdifferentiation: using transcription factors used in iPSC generation to induce transdifferentiation or called iPSC transcription factor-based transdifferentiation. This type of transdifferentiation not only reveals and uses the developmentally plastic intermediates generated during iPSC reprogramming but also produces a wide range of cells, including expandable tissue-specific precursor cells. Here, we review recent progress of small molecule approaches in the generation of iPSCs. In addition, we summarize the new concept of iPSC transcription factor-based transdifferentiation and discuss its application in generating various lineage-specific cells, especially cardiovascular cells.
Ultralow-Power Optical CDR for Integrated Photovoltaic Energy-Harvesting Sensors

Energy storage elements and electromechanical timing references, such as crystals, can dominate energy-autonomous wireless sensor node volume at the 1-mm3 scale. This brief proposes a clock-data recovery circuit that receives power from integrated photovoltaics and extracts clock and data signals from optical data input. A prototype fabricated in 90-nm CMOS was tested over a VDD range of 150-500 mV, and it supports maximum data rates from 15 kb/s to 4 Mb/s while dissipating 51 nW-3.5 μW. A software implementation of the conjugate gradient method running on an ultralow-power embedded microcontroller was investigated for its potential to compensate for jitter when the recovered clock is used to sample a sensor input. The output signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio of an analog-to-digital converter can be improved by up to 16-28 dB for an estimated microcontroller power consumption of 15 μW.
Systems of independent Markov chains

Abstract We consider infinite systems of independent Markov chains as processes on the space of particle configurations. The main results involve characterizations of the possible limiting distributions for these processes, and necessary and sufficient conditions for convergence to these limits. The form of some of the results depends in an important way on whether the underlying Markov chain is recurrent or transient. In the null recurrent case, for example, we find that every limiting distribution is a Cox process, while this is not necessarily true in the transient case.
Dialyzable Currents of Injury in Potassium Intoxication Resembling Acute Myocardial Infarction or Pericarditis

A byproduct of experience with the artificial kidney was the detection of reversible electrocardiographic "currents of injury" in patients with electrolyte imbalance. These changes occurred irrespective of anatomic alterations and resembled the changes of acute pericarditis or myocardial infarction. The electrolyte basis for the "current of injury" was established by the prompt abolition of the RS-T segment elevations, when the electrolyte imbalance was corrected by means of artificial hemodialysis.
Electrostatic dust detector for fusion devices with improved sensitivity

Abstract Methods to measure the inventory of dust particles and to remove dust if it approaches safety limits will be required in next-step tokamaks such as ITER. An electrostatic dust detector, based on a fine grid of interlocking circuit traces, biased to 30 or 50 V, has been developed for the detection of dust on remote surfaces in air and vacuum environments. Gaining operational experience of dust detection on surfaces in tokamaks is important, however the level of dust generated in contemporary short-pulse tokamaks is comparatively low and high sensitivity is necessary to measure dust on a shot-by-shot basis. We report on modifications in the detection electronics that have increased the sensitivity of the electrostatic dust detector by a factor of up to 120, – a level suitable for measurements on contemporary tokamaks.
Radiation chemistry of poly(propylene oxide)

Atactic, isotactic, and optically active poly(propylene oxides), PPOx, were irradiated with both γ-rays and electron beams. Up to a dose of 37 Mrad no change could be detected in the optical activity. G values for hydrogen evolution decreased as compared to polypropylene in about the same ratio as G(H2) of polyoxymethylene decreased as compared to polyethylene. G values for crosslinking and scission, estimated by means of gelation theories of Saito and Inokuti, were found to be greater for isotactic than for atactic PPOx. The behavior of transient infrared and ultraviolet absorption bands is discussed. Intrinsic viscosity data indicate a rapid initial chain degradation whereas CO gas and OH group production is linear with dose. Evidence for the conversion of one type of free radical to another on heating an irradiated sample from 77°K to room temperature is based on the behavior of transient infrared and ultraviolet absorption bands.
Youth and the House of God

1 A report of the 1953 meetings of the Los Angeles, California, Chapter of the Religious Education Association
Detection of prey by Calanus pacificus: Implications of the first antennae1

Calanus pacificus, normally regarded as a passive filter-feeding copepod, displays active predatory behavior when fed with copepod nauplii. Larger nauplii are selectively preyed upon, even though they are better able to avoid capture than small nauplii. The involvement of the first antennae in the remote detection of motile prey is suggested by the experimental result that amputation of the antennae sharply reduces predatory feeding rates without affecting filter feeding.
Modeling and control of particulate processes and application to poly-silicon production

Abstract The population balance is used to develop a model and control system strategies for poly-silicon production in a fluidized bed reactor (FBR). An energy function is developed to study the stability property of particle growth. An analytical expression for the stationary distribution function is derived and compared with simulation and experimental results. The distribution is stable if the seed particles are sufficiently large. A novel discretization scheme solves the population balance equations. We demonstrate the equivalence of the continuous and discretized population balance. An equivalent stability condition for the discretized population balance is derived using Tellegen's theorem. Finally we design an inventory control system to control the particle size distribution. The zero-dynamics, i.e. the dynamics of particle phase, are asymptotically stable if the seed particles are sufficiently large.
Elemental analysis in normal and cataractous human lens tissue.

Abstract A detailed study is described which involves the employment of neutron activation analysis for the concentration of Br, Cd, Cl, Co, Cu, Fe, Ir, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Sb, Se and Zn in combined lens capsule and epithelium, cortex and nucleus. This study represents the first attempt in evaluating 17 elements at their concentration levels in lens tissue fractions at different age levels. Normal human lenses ranged in age groups from 0 – 5, 10 – 20, 50 – 60, 70 – 85 years. For cataractous lenses, age groups 40 – 55, 60 – 75 and 80 years and over were studied. Essential elements were found to decrease with age, and cataractogenesis. Suspected elements of biological function gave variable results, whereas nonessential elements increased with age and in cataractogenesis.
A Thickness Gauge for Ceramic Coatings

An instrument has been developed for the purpose of measuring the thickness of protective coatings of ceramic materials applied on nonmagnetic metal bases. This instrument provides a nondestructive method of measurement and can be used on metallic backings having a wide range of electrical conductivities. Also, the thickness measurement refers to a restricted area and is, therefore, applicable to curved surfaces. Although this instrument was developed primarily for the measurement of the thickness of ceramic coatings on turbine blades and other high-temperature parts of aircraft power plants, it should be generally useful in thickness measurements of paint, plastic, and other nonconducting films.
The Early Development of Intentional Memory Behavior

A conceptualization of intentional behavior is presented stressing the problem of diagnosis. The conceptual considerations are translated into methodological requirements for the study of intentional
Long-term outcome of multiple ipsilateral renal tumours found at the time of planned nephron-sparing surgery.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate patients with multiple ipsilateral renal tumours and to determine outcomes of nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) and radical nephrectomy (RN), as the treatment of unrecognized sporadic multifocal tumours at NSS presents a surgical dilemma. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 104 patients had surgery between 1970 and 2003 for sporadic multiple ipsilateral renal tumours, at least one of which was renal cell carcinoma (RCC); 114 were treated with RN and 26 with NSS. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS More patients treated with NSS had a solitary kidney than those undergoing RN (six, 23%, vs none, P < 0.001). Seventeen of the 114 having RN died from RCC at a median (range) of 3.4 (0.25–10.3) years after RN. The estimated 5-year CSS was 90.5%. There was metachronous recurrence in nine patients at a median of 5.6 (1–14 ) years after. Two of the 26 patients having NSS died from RCC at 1 and 6 years after NSS; the 5-year CSS was 95.8%. There was local or metachronous recurrence in three patients at 7 months to 6 years after surgery; all three were alive at the last follow-up. In 26 (23%) of the 114 patients treated with RN, only one tumour was RCC. CONCLUSION Patients undergoing either RN or NSS for multiple ipsilateral renal tumours have a favourable CSS. A planned NSS is safe if small satellite lesions are resectable.
Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 and the Acute and Long-Term Response to 3,4-(±)-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

3,4-(±)-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) is a ring-substituted amphetamine derivative with potent psychostimulant properties. The neuropharmacological effects of MDMA are biphasic in nature, initially causing synaptic monoamine release, primarily of serotonin (5-HT). Conversely, the long-term effects of MDMA manifest as prolonged depletions in 5-HT, and reductions in 5-HT reuptake transporter (SERT), indicative of serotonergic neurotoxicity. MDMA-induced 5-HT efflux relies upon disruption of vesicular monoamine storage, which increases cytosolic 5-HT concentrations available for release via a carrier-mediated mechanism. The vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is responsible for packaging monoamine neurotransmitters into cytosolic vesicles. Thus, VMAT2 is a molecular target for a number of psychostimulant drugs, including methamphetamine and MDMA. We investigated the effects of depressed VMAT2 activity on the adverse responses to MDMA, via reversible inhibition of the VMAT2 protein with Ro4-1284. A single dose of MDMA (20 mg/kg, subcutaneous) induced significant hyperthermia in rats. Ro4-1284 (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) pretreatment prevented the thermogenic effects of MDMA, instead causing a transient decrease in body temperature. MDMA-treated rats exhibited marked increases in horizontal velocity and rearing behavior. In the presence of Ro4-1284, MDMA-mediated horizontal hyperlocomotion was delayed and attenuated, whereas rearing activity was abolished. Finally, Ro4-1284 prevented deficits in 5-HT content in rat cortex and striatum, and reduced depletions in striatal SERT staining, 7 days after MDMA administration. In summary, acute inhibition of VMAT2 by Ro4-1284 protected against MDMA-mediated hyperthermia, hyperactivity, and serotonergic neurotoxicity. The data suggest the involvement of VMAT2 in the thermoregulatory, behavioral, and neurotoxic effects of MDMA.
Repeated reading and vocabulary-previewing interventions to improve fluency and comprehension for struggling high-school readers

Using an adapted alternating treatments design, this study compared the effects of two intervention conditions on the reading fluency, comprehension, and comprehension rate of six high-school students reading below grade level. Students were repeatedly exposed to repeated reading (RR), repeated reading and vocabulary previewing (RR + VP), and no intervention control conditions. Dependent variables were assessed at the end of experimental sessions by using practiced passages. Both interventions had positive effects on reading performance as compared to the control condition. Results indicated that the RR + VP condition led to the greatest improvements in reading fluency for all participants. The RR + VP condition led to the highest reading comprehension levels for three participants, and the RR + VP and RR conditions resulted in similar comprehension levels for the other three participants. For five participants, reading comprehension rate was greatest under the RR + VP condition. Discussion focuses on future directions for research on reading interventions for high-school students. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SN1987C in Mrk 90 = UGC 4438: Evolution of a Type “IIn” to a Type IIP?

Abstract We describe three optical spectra and four photometric observations of SN1987C. The light curve is best described by a Type II-P template. The first spectrum of SN1987C, at day 53, is similar to spectra of other members of the “Type IIn” subclass. Spectra at 80 and 231 days appear essentially identical to late-time spectra of normal Type II-P supernovae. The data provide clues to suggest that at least this example of a “IIn” object was a hidden Type II-P supernova during its early evolution. We believe that we have observed the effects of a transition from emission dominated by the kinetic energy of an expanding shell to emission dominated by the radioactive decay of synthesized isotopes. As far as we know, this is the first time such a transition has been observed.
Conscious vision for action versus unconscious vision for action

David Milner and Melvyn Goodale's dissociation hypothesis is commonly taken to state that there are two functionally specialized cortical streams of visual processing originating in striate (V1) cortex: a dorsal, action-related "unconscious" stream and a ventral, perception-related "conscious" stream. As Milner and Goodale acknowledge, findings from blindsight studies suggest a more sophisticated picture that replaces the distinction between unconscious vision for action and conscious vision for perception with a tripartite division between unconscious vision for action, conscious vision for perception, and unconscious vision for perception. The combination excluded by the tripartite division is the possibility of conscious vision for action. But are there good grounds for concluding that there is no conscious vision for action? There is now overwhelming evidence that illusions and perceived size can have a significant effect on action (Bruno & Franz, 2009; Dassonville & Bala, 2004; Franz & Gegenfurtner, 2008; McIntosh & Lashley, 2008). There is also suggestive evidence that any sophisticated visual behavior requires collaboration between the two visual streams at every stage of the process (Schenk & McIntosh, 2010). I nonetheless want to make a case for the tripartite division between unconscious vision for action, conscious vision for perception, and unconscious vision for perception. My aim here is not to refute the evidence showing that conscious vision can affect action but rather to argue (a) that we cannot gain cognitive access to action-guiding dorsal stream representations, and (b) that these representations do not correlate with phenomenal consciousness. This vindicates the semi-conservative view that the dissociation hypothesis is best understood as a tripartite division.
AN ANALYSIS OF PORTFOLIO REVISION STRATEGIES UTILIZING VARIABLE REVISION INTERVALS

This paper investigates portfolio revision with an emphasis on the decision of when to revise. A statistical technique based on the sequential analysis of the time series of portfolio return relatives determines when revision is to occur. The technique detects changes in the time series which are an indication that the underlying generating process of the time series has changed and that the portfolio should be, if necessary, revised. Thus, the length of the revision interval is variable and a function of the data. The statistical technique is utilized in conjunction with three portfolio revision strategies. These three revision strategies are compared to a buy and hold policy over three nonoverlapping, 12-year investment horizons. The basis of comparison is the net terminal values which include adjustments for transaction costs and taxes. The sensitivity of the statistical technique to its parameters is also analyzed.
Fluence-dependent transmission in CaF 2 including correlation with thermally stimulated current

Calcium fluoride exhibits a fluence dependent transmission behavior at the 193 nm excimer laser wavelength of interest for photolithography applications. The transmission as a function of fluence is determined using a 193 nm excimer laser based transmission measurement system. Different transmission decay rate and saturation level is observed and correlated with structural defects and impurities. Thermally stimulated current measurements are applied to identify defects and correlate the relative concentration of mobile anion vacancies with fluence dependent transmission.
Reinterpretation of the effect of haloperidol and ethanol on insulin secretion.

We were unable to confirm the report of haloperidol induced dose-dependent inhibition of insulin and glucagon release from the isolated canine pancreas. The possibility that the inhibition was caused by ethanol, previously used as the solvent for haloperidol, was tested. Infusion of ethanol at increasing concentrations (15.8 to 252 mmol/l) caused a progressive inhibition of insulin (-17±1 to -69 ±2%) and glucagon (-13±3 to -67±3%) secretion, using a perfusate containing 200 mg/dl glucose and 2.65 mmol/l calcium. Haloperidol (5 to 20 μmol/l) dissolved in ethanol (252 mmol/l) did not augment the inhibitory effects of ethanol. At a low calcium concentration (1.3 mmol/l) ethanol further inhibited insulin secretion (-83 ± 2%) with no additional inhibition by 20 μmol/l haloperidol (-80±3%). At a high calcium concentration (8.8 mmol/l) the inhibitory effect of ethanol on insulin or glucagon secretions was diminished and variable. This strongly suggests that the inhibition of insulin and glucagon secretion previously attributed to haloperidol was caused by the ethanol solvent.
Global capitalism and the crisis of humanity

William Robinson's (2014) Global capitalism and the crisis of humanity is the product of an ambitious undertaking that seeks to elaborate on and apply the theory of global capitalism in relation to...
Self-calibration of wafer scanners using an aerial image sensor

To improve both the versatility and stability of leading edge wafer scanners, the functionality of an integrated aerial image sensor has been expanded. The system performance of current wafer scanners is a strong function of the quality of image formation of the projection lens. Current wafer scanners use aerial image sensors for best image plane calibration, illumination telecentricity calibration, coma aberration calibration, and distortion calibration. The aerial image sensor is used not only for a scanner's self-calibration but also during the projection lens manufacturing purposes. The slit-scan type aerial image sensor is used for measurement of the intensity distribution of the aerial images. This type of the image sensor can detect the intensity distribution of the aerial image from 110nm L/ S to 6micrometers L/ S. Therefore this aerial image sensor covers most aerial image measurement requirements. In this paper we will focus on the aerial image measurement for self-calibration purposes and their actual performances. We evaluate the actual performance of illumination telecentricity and coma aberration measurement. Evaluation is based upon not only measurement repeatability but also its agreement with resist image measurement results.
Isothermal Bias of the “Filter Ratio” Method for Observations of Multithermal Plasma

An early result from the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) was that the EUV filter ratios for many narrow coronal loops (widths of a few arcseconds) were found to cluster within the small range 0.50-1.70, as functions of position along loop length. The most common interpretation is that the temperature along the loop is in fact nearly constant with a value between 1.1 and 1.3 MK. This interpretation has resulted in a class of TRACE loop models with heating close to the footpoints. We analyze the filter ratio method to show that the constant TRACE 195 A/173 A ratios can be reproduced by multithermal differential emission measures (DEMs) along the line of sight over a wide range of peak temperatures, so long as the distribution is relatively flat and spans the temperature response of both channels. Furthermore, in the limit of flat (i.e., very multithermal) DEMs, the filter ratio method is biased toward the ratio of the integrals of the temperature response functions. This result is general to any measurement of intensity ratios that are formed over a nonzero temperature range (e.g., narrow passbands and ion emission lines).
Do symbiotic bacteria subvert host immunity

The mammalian intestine is home to dense and complex indigenous bacterial communities. Most of these bacteria establish beneficial symbiotic relationships with their hosts, making important contributions to host metabolism and digestive efficiency. The vast numbers of intestinal bacteria and their proximity to host tissues raise the question of how symbiotic host-bacterial relationships are established without eliciting potentially harmful immune responses. In light of the varied ways in which pathogenic bacteria manipulate host immunity, this Opinion article explores the role of immune suppression, subversion and evasion in the establishment of symbiotic host-bacterial associations.
Phenindione solubility in mixed organic solvents: analysis of the role of specific hydrogen and non-hydrogen bonding interactions

Abstract Phenindione, 2-phenyl-1,3-indanedione, exists predominantly in its diketo (I) rather than its enol (II) form in hydrocarbon solvents. Basic molecules interact with phenindione in cyclohexane resulting in formation of a tautomeric enol-complex (III). The solubility of hydrogen bond donor molecules in the presence of bases can often be defined by specific “chemical” or hydrogen bond interactions. In the present study the solubility of phenindione in cyclohexane in the presence of increasing concentrations of a number of dipolar bases, cosolvents, was studied. The purpose was to see if the increased solubility of phenindione in the presence of the bases was predictable from an earlier independently, spectrophotometrically determined hydrogen bonding interaction constants. In the presence of strong bases the solubility was predicted well by the increased presence of the enol-complex: however, in the presence of weak bases it was obvious that the non-specific “chemical” and/or “physical” effects were also operative.
AN EXTERNAL MILITARY PRESENCE, TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFER, AND STRUCTURAL CHANGE*

SUMMARY The rapidity of technological change within a country is functionally related to a nation's propensity to borrow technology. Japan, with a celebrated propensity to borrow western technology, has, in the post World War H period, again made impressive gains, based in large part, on borrowed technology. The United States military presence in Japan has been an important transmission belt making possible much of this technological transfer, and consequent structural change. This research points to basic conclusions that the impact of an external military is far from the negative image popularly conceived. A military presence endowed with a higher technical civilization can initiate a fillip to a recipient country's structural evolution. Moreover, military aid, contrary to the often made negative contrast with economic aid, has long-term dynamic effects in the transfer of higher level technology which can shift production functions significantly over time. Implications of the United States military presence also can obtain for other countries as well, but with varying levels of intensity depending on the country's national propensity to borrow technology, and other strategic factors.
Synthesis of nonlinear continuous controllers for verifiably correct high-level, reactive behaviors

Planning robotic missions in environments shared by humans involves designing controllers that are reactive to the environment yet able to fulfill a complex high-level task. This paper introduces a new method for designing low-level controllers for nonlinear robotic platforms based on a discrete-state high-level controller encoding the behaviors of a reactive task specification. We build our method upon a new type of trajectory constraint which we introduce in this paper, reactive composition, to provide the guarantee that any high-level reactive behavior may be fulfilled at any moment during the continuous execution. We generate pre-computed motion controllers in a piecewise manner by adopting a sample-based synthesis method that associates a certificate of invariance with each controller in the sample set. As a demonstration of our approach, we simulate different robotic platforms executing complex tasks in a variety of environments.
Hashimoto’s encephalopathy: documentation of mesial temporal seizure origin by ictal EEG

Hashimoto's encephalopathy is a chronic relapsing and remitting encephalopathy associated with antithyroid antibodies. Seizures are a frequent manifestation, but are not well characterized in the literature with respect to their onset. We describe a 48-year-old patient with recurrent encephalopathy and seizures, and elevated antithyroid antibodies. One seizure was documented with video-EEG monitoring using scalp and sphenoidal electrodes. The ictal discharge originated in the left mesial-basal temporal region. MRI showed an increased T2 signal in the white matter of the centrum semiovale, but no temporal pathology. Symptoms resolved after treatment with prednisone and azathioprine. Hashimoto's encephalopathy should be considered in patients with unexplained encephalopathy and seizures, including those originating in the temporal lobe.
Alcohol cues impair learning inhibitory signals in beer drinkers.

BACKGROUND: Models of drug addiction emphasize the reciprocal influence of incentive-motivational properties of drug-related cues and poor impulse control resulting in drug use. Recent studies have shown that alcohol-related cues can impair response inhibition. What is unknown is whether these cues also disrupt learning of inhibitory associations. METHODS: Participants performed a conditioned inhibition (CI) task and were required to learn that a neutral image was a conditioned inhibitor when presented in the context of either an alcohol image intended to draw their attention away from the to-be-trained inhibitor, or a control condition in which the alcohol image was absent. After training, subjects in each condition rated the likelihood that the neutral image would signal the outcome. Eye tracking was used to verify that attention to the neutral image was in fact reduced when the alcohol image was present. RESULTS: Compared with controls those trained in the alcohol image condition reported a greater likelihood that the presence of the inhibitor would be followed by the outcome and thus were less able to acquire CI. Measures of eye tracking verified that attention to the alcohol cue was associated with this maladaptive behavior. CONCLUSIONS: When alcohol cues are present, there is a reduced ability to learn that such information is irrelevant to an outcome, and this impairs ones' ability to inhibit perseveration of a response. This has implications for persistence of a drinking episode. Language: en
Matrixboot: A Fortran Program to Bootstrap Pearson Correlations Computed from Data Matrix Input

Researchers have demonstrated that the bootstrap method of nonparametric inference is an acceptable alternative for conducting significance tests for correlations when the usual parametric procedures are not warranted. MATRIXBOOT is a FORTRAN program which computes and bootstraps correlations using two square-data matrices as input. The program constructs a distribution of 1000 correlations and computes summary statistics on the distribution. Summary statistics include the mean, standard deviation, and median. The program also computes and reports both 95% and 99% confidence intervals using an algorithm developed by Strube in 1988. The method is less subject to Type I error than are previous methods.
Comparison of dielectric barrier discharge, atmospheric pressure radiofrequency-driven glow discharge and direct analysis in real time sources for ambient mass spectrometry of acetaminophen

Abstract Three plasma-based ambient pressure ion sources were investigated; laboratory constructed dielectric barrier and rf glow discharges, as well as a commercial corona discharge (DART source). All were used to desorb and ionize a model analyte, providing sampling techniques for ambient mass spectrometry (MS). Experimental parameters were optimized to achive highest signal for acetaminophen as the analyte. Insight into the mechanisms of analyte desorption and ionization was obtained by means of emission spectrometry and ion current measurements. Desorption and ionization mechanisms for this analyte appear to be identical for all three plasma sources. Emission spectra differ only in the intensities of various lines and bands. Desorption of solid analyte requires transfer of thermal energy from the plasma source to sample surface, in the absence of which complete loss of MS response occurs. For acetaminophen, helium was the best plasma gas, providing 100- to 1000-fold higher analyte response than with argon or nitrogen. The same trend was also evident with background ions (protonated water clusters). MS analyte signal intensity correlates with the ion density (expressed as ion current) in the plasma plume and with emission intensity from excited state species in the plasma. These observations support an ionization process which occurs via proton transfer from protonated water clusters to analyte molecules.
Innovation and Invention in Canada

This paper compares innovation survey data with invention data as recorded by patents (and, therefore, the basis of the Yale Technology Concordance), presenting input–output tables for both data sets. We describe and compare the intersec-toral flows of technology from the industry of manufacture (IOM) to the sector of use (SOU); compare patent-to-innovation ratios by industry; and present correlations between innovation, invention and R&D by industy. One significant conclusion is that, while innovation and invention data are highly correlated in the IOM, they diverge on the SOU, especially in certain key industries that we identify.