cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of large area nanostructures with surface modified silica spheres

Abstract Surface modification of silica spheres with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate (TMSPM) has been performed at ambient condition. However, the FTIR spectra and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images show no evidence of the surface modification. The reaction temperatures were varied from 60 to 80 °C with various reaction periods. Small absorption shoulder of the C O stretching vibration was at 1700 cm −1 , and slightly increased with the increase of the reaction time at 60 °C. The clear absorption peak appeared at 1698 cm −1 for the spheres reacted for 80 min at 70 °C and shifted toward 1720 cm −1 with the increase the reaction time. Strong absorption peak showed at 1698 cm −1 and shifted toward 1725 cm −1 with the increase of the reaction time at 80 °C. The spheres were dispersed to methanol and added photoinitiator (Irgacure-184). The solution was poured to a patterned glass substrate and exposed to the 254 nm UV-light during a self-assembly process. A large area and crack-free silica sphere film was formed. To increase the mechanical stability, a cellulose acetate solution was spin-coated to the film. The film was lift-off from the glass substrate to analyze the surface nanostructures. The surface nanostructures were maintained, and the film is stable enough to use as a mold to duplicate the nanopattern and flexible.
Effects of vascularization on lymphocyte/tumor cell dynamics: Qualitative features

By adapting a pre-existing model to include the effects of Vascularization within a tumor or multicell spheroid, a predator-prey system describing the cell populations of a solid tumor and reactive lymphocytes is formulated. The paper serves as a review of the minimal deterministic approach to tumor-host immune system interactions while examining, in a qualitative manner, the modifications to the dynamics induced by a simple representation of the vascularized tumor. In addition, the possibility of limit-cycle behavior is studied by regarding each of six parameters present in the model as a bifurcation parameter. Thus, in principle, well-defined and periodic oscillations in both lymphocyte and tumor cell populations may occur under appropriate circumstances; whether or not such oscillations are sustainable by the host, and their stability, amplitude and period depend on aquisition of more quantitative information concerning the relevant parameter ranges.
The clinical and histologic appearance of HIV-associated gingivitis

Human immunodeficiency virus-associated gingivitis (HIV-G) has been described recently as a clinical entity in HIV-infected patients. However, little is known about the etiology and pathogenesis of this condition. We report a case of HIV-G in a 32-year-old man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The histology of the clinically involved gingiva revealed the absence of an inflammatory cell infiltrate. This report provides an initial description of the histologic changes occurring in HIV-G.
Structural and functional analysis of intra-articular interzone tissue in axolotl salamanders

Summary Objective Knowledge of mechanisms directing diarthrodial joint development may be useful in understanding joint pathologies and identifying new therapies. We have previously established that axolotl salamanders can fully repair large articular cartilage lesions, which may be due to the presence of an interzone-like tissue in the intra-articular space. Study objectives were to further characterize axolotl diarthrodial joint structure and determine the differentiation potential of interzone-like tissue in a skeletal microenvironment. Design Diarthrodial joint morphology and expression of aggrecan, brother of CDO (BOC), type I collagen, type II collagen, and growth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) were examined in femorotibial joints of sexually mature (>12 months) axolotls. Joint tissue cellularity was evaluated in individuals from 2 to 24 months of age. Chondrogenic potential of the interzone was evaluated by placing interzone-like tissue into 4 mm tibial defects. Results Cavitation reached completion in the femoroacetabular and humeroradial joints, but an interzone-like tissue was retained in the intra-articular space of distal limb joints. Joint tissue cellularity decreased to 7 months of age and then remained stable. Gene expression patterns of joint markers are broadly similar in developing mammals and mature axolotls. When interzone-like tissue was transplanted into critical size skeletal defects, an accessory joint developed within the defect site. Conclusions These experiments indicate that mature axolotl diarthrodial joints are phenotypically similar to developing synovial joints in mammals. Generation of an accessory joint by interzone-like tissue suggests multipotent cellular differentiation potential similar to that of interzone cells in the mammalian fetus. The data support the axolotl as a novel vertebrate model for joint development and repair.
Detection of S2 chemiluminescence in solid Ar using a solid-state photomultiplier

Abstract We have developed a spectrometric system based on a single-photon counting solid-state photomultiplier (SSPM). The SSPM can count single photons from the visible (400 nm) into the infrared (28 μm) with a high quantum yield. We have used the visible photon counting abilities in order to develop proper amplification, electronics circuitry and optical methods for the SSPM, so that we may apply them to infrared studies in the future. Here we present a test study; we have recorded the B″ 3 Π u →X 3 Σ g − transitions of S 2 , created from the reactions of sulfur atoms in solid argon.
Joint optimal placement of PMU and conventional measurements in power systems

We consider the problem of joint optimal placement of Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) and conventional measurements to ensure full observability in power systems. The problem is first formulated as a nonlinear integer programming problem and then recast in to an equivalent integer linear programming (ILP) problem by introducing auxiliary variables and constraints. The ensuing ILP problem is solved for the IEEE 14, 57 and 118 bus systems considering zero-injection buses. The results provide a far more economical solution to system observability compared to those obtained solely with PMU placement.
Transfer of polarized radiation in self-absorbed synchrotron sources. II - Treatment of inhomogeneous media and calculation of emergent polarization

As an extension of previous treatments of polarized radiation transfer in homogeneous synchrotron sources, a transfer procedure is derived, based on the coupled-wave formulation, which allows consideration of inhomogeneous sources. It is shown that plasma characteristic wave eccentricities in a source must be fairly large unless Faraday rotation per absorption depth is very large, and that coupling between characteristic waves can be strong in inhomogeneous self-absorbed sources. Calculations are made of the polarized radiation emergent from a source with a boundary of finite thickness. It is found that neglect of propagation effects in the source boundary introduces no significant errors at optically thin frequencies, but that below the self-absorption turnover the emergent polarization may depend significantly upon such effects. In particular, the sign of the circular polarization and the linear polarization position angle depend upon the absorption depth in the boundary region.
Use of 5alpha-reductase inhibitors to prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia disease.

A histologic change in the prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a normal part of aging. However, BPH disease, defined here as a life-altering urinary condition caused by BPH requiring prompt medical intervention, is a serious medical disorder associated with major complications, surgical intervention, and severe lifestyle interference. BPH disease is preventable. The rationale for BPH disease prevention rests on four pillars of evidence: (1) BPH disease generally is a progressive disorder; (2) complications and severe lifestyle interference from BPH disease are common and serious; (3) men at greatest risk of BPH disease can be identified using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level higher than 1.5 ng/mL as a surrogate marker for an enlarged prostate; and (4) 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) reduce the primary androgen responsible for prostate growth (dihydrotestosterone), shrink the prostate, and arrest the disease process regardless of symptom status. Thus, we now can identify men with an enlarged prostate at risk for BPH disease who may be candidates for preventive therapy with 5ARIs, regardless of urinary symptoms or bother.
The Passage of Tritiated Piperidine into the Central Ganglia and Other Tissues of the Snail

A long-lasting distribution of exogenous piperidine in snails with reduced excretion was studied. The doses of tritiated piperidine used here elevated the reported endogenous concentrations by 3% to 300%. During the two-month experiment the exogenous piperidine was not appreciably metabolized. The central ganglia were found to be among the organs with the lowest concentration of exogenous piperidine. They contained significantly less labeled piperidine than the liver, kidney, heart, foot, albumen gland, mantle and intestine. The concentration of exogenous piperidine in the central ganglia increased with time, after 16 days reaching about twice the initial concentration found on the first day after administration. There was a blood-brain barrier for piperidine in the snail, maintaining about five times higher concentration in the blood for more than two months. The origin of endogenous piperidine in the snail central ganglia is discussed using the data on distribution of exogenous piperidine.
Inhibitors of myelination: ECM changes, CSPGs and PTPs

Abstract After inflammation-induced demyelination, such as in the disease multiple sclerosis, endogenous remyelination often fails. However, in animal models of demyelination induced with toxins, remyelination can be quite robust. A significant difference between inflammation-induced and toxin-induced demyelination is the response of local cells within the lesion, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia/macrophages, and NG2 + cells, which respond to inflammatory stimuli with increased extracellular matrix (ECM) protein and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) production and deposition. Here, we summarize current knowledge of ECM changes in demyelinating lesions, as well as oligodendrocyte responses to aberrant ECM proteins and CSPGs after various types of demyelinating insults. The discovery that CSPGs act through the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (PTPσ) and the Rho-ROCK pathway to inhibit oligodendrocyte process extension and myelination, but not oligodendrocyte differentiation (Pendleton et al., Experimental Neurology (2013) vol. 247, pp. 113–121), highlights the need to better understand the ECM changes that accompany demyelination and their influence on oligodendrocytes and effective remyelination.
ARE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS INFLUENCING INPUT INTENSITY

program crops are examined. Calculus-derived inferences are contrasted for participating and nonparticipating producers. The effects of unfreezing farm program yields are also examined. An empirical extension of the methodology is presented using dynamic programming as a means of capturing the stochastic elements of the issue. Slightly higher optimal variable input levels per acre are identified for the participating and the unfrozenyield scenarios, over the nonparticipating scenarios. Factors affecting differences in optimal input use include expected net harvest price, curvature of the production function, input, cost, and the discount rate.
UV-B dose/dose-rate responses of seasonally abundant copepods of Puget Sound

Refinements in modeling stratospheric processes and recent observational data have generated estimates of moderate future reductions in total global ozone. Nevertheless, considerable uncertainty and concern remain about whether or not the resulting increases in incident solar UV-B could increase the risk of harmful biological effects. The UV-B dose/dose-rate thresholds for five species of copepods collected at the surface in Puget Sound were determined and compared to previously studied zooplankton groups. Generally, species appearing later in the spring and summer were less UV-B sensitive. The UV-B daily-dose and dose-rate thresholds for the five species of copepods, while apparently less than present median incident levels, range from above to below estimated present and future subsurface (1 m) UV-B levels. A separate experiment with a relatively large copepod, Calanus pacificus, in which above and below threshold UV-B dose-rates were administered with various levels of photoreactivating light(UV-A and visible light), indicated the presence of photorepair and its full activation at relatively low intensity. To improve estimates of the extent to which present and predicted UV-B levels affect local populations of copepods and zooplankton, it is essential to more fully understant the natural conditions or processes which influence the composition and intensity of the UV irradiation these animals receive.
Endovascular Treatment of Occlusive Lesions of the Subclavian and Innominate Arteries

Technical success is defined as less than 20% residual stenosis depicted by posttreatment digital subtraction angiography (DSA), without dissection or extravasation. Hemodynamic success is defined as the absence of bilateral brachial blood pressure difference and the availability of adequate inflow artery for the scheduled bypass procedure. Clinical success is defined as the resolution of the symptoms. Patency of the treated vessel (or segment) during follow-up is better demonstrated by means of imaging such as DSA. The use of other imaging methods such as magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or color Doppler ultrasound are limited because of the presence of the metallic stent or the deep location of the treated segment. The indirect methods recommended for the lower extremity arterial endovascular procedures, such as ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements, are not applicable for subclavian and innominate artery interventions [40]. As a result, many published reports use clinical criteria to evaluate the patency of the treated vessel. Primary patency is defined as the uninterrupted vessel patency with no procedure performed on the treated segment. Secondary patency is defined as whenever maintenance of patency requires a secondary intervention.
Success and failure in goal attainment as a mood induction procedure

The experimental study of mood and affect requires the manipulation of mood experiences. There are some problems regarding the use of certain types of success and failure mood induction procedures and how they actually induce the desired mood. The authors hypothesized that success and failure in goal attainment would lead to desired differences in positive and negative affect. Results indicate that success in attaining a goal led to more positive affect and less negative affect, while failure in goal attainment resulted in less positive affect and more negative affect. These results demonstrate that goal-setting situations are viable ways to explore affective reactions and support success and failure in goal attainment as a method to induce desired moods.
Control of two coordinated robots in motion

When two coordinated robot touch a same object, the three form a closed kinematic chain mechanism. When the chain is in motion, the position and orientation of the two robots must satisfy a set of holonomic equality constraints for every time instant. In addition, when the joint velocities and accelerations of one robot is planned, that of the second robot are determined through two more sets of constraints. Based on the constraint conditions, the joint torques can be computed from the dynamic equations of the robots. The computed torques serves as control inputs to the two robots to generate their coordinated motions as planned.
A Thin-Film Piezoelectric Microactuator Optically Powered via an Integrated Micro-Solar Cell

A novel optically powered microactuator is developed via the integration of a thin film piezoelectric microactuator with a micro-solar cell on the same chip. The integrated microactuator has an overall area of 2×2 mm2 and is less than 0.25 mm in thickness. The paper presents the details of fabrication and preliminary experimental results confirming the optical actuation. The solar cell is fabricated by doping a n-type dopant in a p-type silicon wafer. The thin film piezoelectric microactuator is fabricated alongside the solar cell via the solgel method. The microactuator prototypes are tested for optical actuation under low light intensities in the range 0.1-1.26 W/m2 , and corresponding center point displacements of the actuators and the photovoltages output by the solar cells are measured. An unpoled microactuator prototype produced a maximum displacement of 31 nm corresponding to an input light intensity 1.26 W/m2 .Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Time Allocation Decisions In Two-Parent Families

Economists have postulated an explicit decision-making rule, the maximization of utility, which is followed in the face of scarce resources. In this paper we formulate a model with which we can empirically test the decision-making hy pothesis of utility maximization. The model also takes into account the simul taneous nature of decisions about time allocation for husband and wife, and purchases of goods and services. The empirical test of the decision-making hy pothesis involves estimating a system of demand equations for household goods and time. Once estimated, the results are examined for conformation with the results implied by the decision-making hypothesis. We find substantial support for the postulated decision-making hypothesis.
Fasting Might Not Be Necessary Before Lipid Screening: A Nationally Representative Cross-sectional Study

There are barriers to fasting lipid screening for at-risk children. Results of studies in adults have suggested that lipid testing might be reliably performed without fasting. OBJECTIVE: To examine population-level differences in pediatric lipid values based on length of fast before testing. METHODS: We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Sur- vey (1999 -2008) to examine total cholesterol (TC), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and triglyceride cholesterol components on the basis of the period of fasting. Young children fasted for varying times before being tested, and children older than 12 years were asked to fast; however, adherence was variable. We used ordi- nary least-squares regression to test for differences in lipid values that were based on fasting times, controlling for weight status, age, race, ethnicity, and gender. RESULTS: TC, HDL, LDL, or triglyceride values were available for 12 744 children. Forty-eight percent of the TC and HDL samples and 80% of the LDL and triglyceride samples were collected from children who had fasted 8 hours. Fasting had a small positive effect for TC, HDL, and LDL, resulting in a mean value for the sample that was 2 to 5 mg/dL higher with a 12-hour fast compared with a no-fast sample. Fasting time had a negative effect on triglycerides ( 0.859; P.02), which resulted in values in the fasting group that were 7 mg/dL lower. DISCUSSION: Comparison of cholesterol screening results for a non- fasting group of children compared with results for a similar fasting group resulted in small differences that are likely not clinically impor- tant. Physicians might be able to decrease the burden of childhood cholesterol screening by not requiring prescreening fasting for these components. Pediatrics 2011;128:463-470
Role of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes in Biotransformation

The cytochrome P450 system catalyzes the insertion of an oxygen atom into CH and NH bonds, the epoxidation of π bonds, and the addition of an oxygen atom to the electron pairs of nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus atoms. These basic reactions are often followed by spontaneous reactions that yield the final isolated metabolites. Other types of cytochrome P450-catalyzed reactions occasionally occur. In virtually all cases, however, the resulting products are more polar, more readily conjugated, and more readily excreted. Lipophilic compounds that do not have functions suitable for conjugation and are not susceptible to CYP oxidation are difficult to eliminate. Keywords: cytochrome P450; carbon hydroxylation; nitrogen hydroxylation; epoxidation; nitrogen oxidation; aromatic hydroxylation; NIH shift; 2,4,5,2′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl; carbon–carbon bond cleavage; P450 catalytic cycle; ferryl intermediate; sulfur oxidation; desulfuration
Nucleic Acid Synthesis in Oceanic Microplankton from the Drake Passage, Antarctica: Evaluation of Steady-State Growth

Differential uptake of [3H]adenine and [3H]thymidine, and incorporation of tritium label into proteins, RNA and DNA as a function of depth, indicate that surface microplankton incorporated most of the assimilated radioisotopes into nucleic acids. Growth processes for deep-sea microplankton were shifted towards higher rates of [3H]-adenine incorporation into RNA compared to rates of thymidine incorporation into DNA. Deep-sea microplankton also diverted a larger portion (up to 80%) of the assimilated tritium into biosynthetic pathways for amino acid and eventual incorporation into proteins. These results imply that protein synthesis is vital for deep-sea microplankton where populations may be stressed by low levels of available nutrients. The rates at which microplankton incorporated [3H]adenine into RNA and DNA, and [3H]thymidine into DNA, suggest that oceanic microplankton are in a transient state of balanced growth, i.e. between two steady-state growth conditions, irrespective of potential growth rates. Our results support the hypothesis that oceanic microplankton are in various growth states.
KSA Antigen Ep-CAM Mediates Cell–Cell Adhesion of Pancreatic Epithelial Cells: Morphoregulatory Roles in Pancreatic Islet Development

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are important mediators of cell–cell interactions and regulate cell fate determination by influencing growth, differentiation, and organization within tissues. The human pancarcinoma antigen KSA is a glycoprotein of 40 kD originally identified as a marker of rapidly proliferating tumors of epithelial origin. Interestingly, most normal epithelia also express this antigen, although at lower levels, suggesting that a dynamic regulation of KSA may occur during cell growth and differentiation. Recently, evidence has been provided that this glycoprotein may function as an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM). Here, we report that Ep-CAM exhibits the features of a morphoregulatory molecule involved in the development of human pancreatic islets. We demonstrate that Ep-CAM expression is targeted to the lateral domain of epithelial cells of the human fetal pancreas, and that it mediates calcium-independent cell–cell adhesion. Quantitative confocal immunofluorescence in fetal pancreata identified the highest levels of Ep-CAM expression in developing islet-like cell clusters budding from the ductal epithelium, a cell compartment thought to comprise endocrine progenitors. A surprisingly reversed pattern was observed in the human adult pancreas, displaying low levels of Ep-CAM in islet cells and high levels in ducts. We further demonstrate that culture conditions promoting epithelial cell growth induce upregulation of Ep-CAM, whereas endocrine differentiation of fetal pancreatic epithelial cells, transplanted in nude mice, is associated with a downregulation of Ep-CAM expression. In addition, a blockade of Ep-CAM function by KS1/4 mAb induced insulin and glucagon gene transcription and translation in fetal pancreatic cell clusters. These results indicate that developmentally regulated expression and function of Ep-CAM play a morphoregulatory role in pancreatic islet ontogeny.
Recovery of Particles from the Pleural Cavity Using Agarose Casts: A Novel Method for the Determination of Fiber Dose to the Rat Pleura

AbstractA method to quantitatively recover fibers from the rat pleural cavity was developed. Rats were treated with a known number of glass fibers by intrapleural instillation. Free and cell-associated fibers in the pleural cavity were trapped within an agarose gel cast when an agarosel/detergent solution was instilled into the pleural cavity and allowed to harden. This cast was removed and liquefied, and the fibers were collected by centrifugation and quantitated by phase microscopy. Histologic examination of the pleural surfaces revealed specific lysis of the overlying mesothelial cells, with sparing of the subadjacent alveoli. Approximately 90% of the fibers were recovered from the pleural cavity when 1 × 103 to 1 × 106 fibers were instilled. The number of fibers present at specific locations, on the order of 0.5-1 mm2 in area, of the pleura was also determined following the instillation of fibers. Fibers were found at all sites sampled and were found more frequently in association with the parietal su...
On the possible increase in local tumour control probability for gliomas exhibiting low dose hyper-radiosensitivity using a pulsed schedule

Using modelling, we have developed a treatment strategy for gliomas exhibiting low dose hyper-radiosensitivity (HRS) that employs both a reduced dose-rate and pulsed treatment dose delivery. The model exploits the low dose hypersensitivity observed in some glioma cell lines at low radiation doses. We show, based on in vitro data, that a pulsed delivery of external beam radiation therapy could yield significant increases in local control. We therefore propose a pulsed delivery scheme for the treatment of gliomas in which the daily treatment fraction is delivered using 0.20 Gy pulses, separated by three minutes for a time-averaged dose-rate of 0.0667 Gy/min. The dose per pulse of 0.2 Gy is near or below the transition dose observed in vitro for four of the five glioma cell lines we have studied. Using five established glioma cell lines our modelling demonstrates that our pulsed delivery scheme yields a substantial increase in tumour control probability (TCP).
Palm: an integrated parallelism enhancement environment with static-dynamic scheduling

While everyone agrees that algorithm, compiler, and architecture should operate hand in hand to produce the most efficient parallel code, a unified research effort leading to an environment that a user can quickly use to map a 'dusty deck' as well as software in newer languages to an efficient code for a variety of commercial compilers and architectures, has been lacking. The authors have undertaken an integrated approach leading to an environment that may be used for both important classes of architectures: shared memory, and private memory MIMD machines in a language independent manner. Various utilities permit measurement of potential parallelism in an algorithmic step, perform source code modification to assist the compiler in utilizing the embedded parallelism, and tune the code to a specific architecture. The Static Dynamic Scheduler, which is a part of the environment estimates the processor requirements of basic blocks of given program and allocates the processors partially at compile time and partially at run time, to obtain a good tradeoff between speedup and utilization. >
IceCube Neutrinos: from Oscillations to PeV-Energy Events

With IceCube and its low-energy extension DeepCore, a neutrino detector with an energy reach from tens of gigaelectronvolt to exaelectronvolt has been commissioned. It measures the atmospheric neutrino spectrum from the lower energies where neutrinos oscillate to energies as large as 100 TeV with a statistic of more than 100,000 events per year. The initial results suggest that IceCube can measure the oscillation parameters in an energy range that exceeds existing observations by 1 order of magnitude, thus opening a new window on neutrino physics. We emphasize the search for sterile neutrinos particularly relevant to cosmology. We also discuss the first observation of (PEV) petaelectronvolt-Energy events that cannot be accommodated by the flux anticipated by extrapolation of the present atmospheric neutrino measurements.
Control of a polyphase induction generator/induction motor power conversion system completely isolated from the utility

Two squirrel cage induction machines interconnected via a 20 kHz parallel resonant high frequency (HF) AC link and associated switching pulse density modulated (PDM) power converters are investigated, one operating as a generator and the other as a motor. No capacitors are used for the excitation of the generator or motor. Instead, the real power of the generator is controlled so as to maintain the proper link voltage and match the power between the input and output, Current regulated PDM converters operating via field oriented controllers are used to control both machines. A zero voltage switching technique is utilized with the associated PDM converters. Low harmonic distortion waveforms have been obtained both at the input and output due to the high 40 kHz switching frequency. Link voltage build-up and excitation of the generator by an initial charging circuit, power matching between input and output, and peak link voltage regulation techniques are investigated. Both computer simulations and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system. >
Limiting the potential for intraspecific competition: regulation of Trioza eugeniae oviposition on unexpanded leaf tissue

Summary 1. Trioza eugeniae (Homoptera: Triozidae) females oviposit pre- ferentially on the margin of young, incompletely expanded Syzygium paniculatum leaves. As the density of eggs on the leaf increases, females will oviposit on the surface of the leaf blades. 2. The survivorship of eggs laid on the abaxial leaf midrib and near the abaxial leaf margin was significantly greater than that of eggs laid on the leaf margin. 3. Controlled environment studies demonstrated that maximum carrying capacity for T. eugeniae nymphs on a fully expanded leaf is approximated closely by the number of eggs that can be laid on the margin of a young, unexpanded leaf. 4. In field populations, nymphal densities fell below the hypothetical carrying capacity calculated from laboratory studies on 71% of the leaves examined. 5. The leaf margin appears to be a proximal cue used by ovipositing females for resources available to developing nymphs. Females that limit oviposition to available leaf margins appear to improve the probability of survival of their progeny through reduced intraspecific competition.
Optical transmission of graphite and potassium graphite intercalation compounds

The results of an optical transmission study through ∼ 1000 A thick flakes of graphite and the potassium graphite intercalation compounds KC8 and KC24 in the photon energy range of 1–5.5 eV are reported. Structure in the transmission spectra associated with the Drude minimum, the threshold for inter-π-band and the graphitic M-point absorption are observed. The transmission spectra are found to be consistent with the dielectric function ∊(ω) obtained from previous reflectance studies. The influence of the electronic absorption in the quasi-two-dimensional carbon π bands on the general form of the transmission spectra of graphite intercalation compounds is also shown.
Wavelength performance of holographic optical elements

A comprehensive treatment is presented for the diffraction efficiencies of transmission holographic elements and cascade lenses when subject to broad spectral and field angle detunings. Experimental measurements are made in support of our theory on holographic optical elements fabricated in bleached silver-halide emulsions and in dichromated gelatin. The theory of holographic grating diffraction efficiency is studied through two approaches. A numerical treatment based on the theory of thin grating decomposition is implemented and shown to be in close agreement with other theories. Additionally, a more approximate approach is pursued in which the volume grating is treated as a phased array of scatterers. The latter approach leads to closed-form formulas in addition to a simple physical picture of volume effects. It is found that three-element cascades can exhibit spectral and field angle bandwidths essentially as broad as two-element cascades and that these bandwidths are in excess of 2300 A and 7° respectively.
Inexpensive Electronic Water Level Recorders for Hydrologic Studies

Hydrologic investigations typically involve the collection of water level measurements at discrete points in space and time. The high cost of commercial electronic recorders can be a burden. We have developed an inexpensive (∼$200) electronic water level recorder consisting of a Motorola microcontroller, a clock, memory, pressure transducers, and associated circuitry. The instrument is powered by a 6-V battery. These devices, each capable of monitoring up to eight channels of analog input, are presently providing continuous monitoring of nested piezometers, tide gauges, and rain gauges in hydrologic studies at the Savannah River site and the North Inlet (South Carolina) Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site. The instruments can be custom tailored to record water levels at any specified time interval, or whenever the water level changes by a specified amount, and can store up to 32,000 water level observations. These instruments have been used to conduct slug tests and can be configured to monitor observation wells for pumping tests. Simplicity of construction and availability of components offer hydrologists an inexpensive but reliable method of water level recording. Several examples of the use of this instrumentation in diverse hydrologic settings are described.
Tobacco Cessation Counseling Training in US Entry-Level Physical Therapist Education Curricula: Prevalence, Content, and Associated Factors

Background The US Public Health Service (USPHS) recommends tobacco cessation counseling (TCC) training for all health care professionals. Within physical therapist practice, smoking can have adverse effects on treatment outcomes in all body systems. In addition, people with physical disabilities have a higher smoking prevalence than the general population, creating a strong need for tobacco cessation among physical therapy clientele. Therefore, TCC training is an important component of entry-level physical therapist education. Objective The aims of this study were: (1) to determine need for TCC training within entry-level physical therapist education and (2) to identify potential barriers to implementation of USPHS guidelines in the academic environment. Design A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. Methods Directors or academic coordinators of clinical education from entry-level physical therapist programs (N=204) were surveyed using an online instrument designed specifically for this study. Data regarding program and faculty characteristics, tobacco-related training content, and faculty opinions toward TCC in both physical therapist practice and education were analyzed descriptively. Results The response rate was 71%. A majority (60%) of programs indicated inclusion of tobacco-related training, most commonly 1 to 2 hours in duration, and of these programs, 40% trained students in the implementation of USPHS clinical guidelines for TCC. Limitations Data analyses were constrained by limited or missing data in some areas. A single faculty member completed the survey for each program. Conclusions There is a need for TCC training in entry-level physical therapist education. Inclusion may be facilitated by addressing perceived barriers toward TCC as a component of physical therapist practice and promoting the relevance of TCC as it relates to intended outcomes of physical therapy interventions.
Loops, tails and trains: A simple model for structural transformations of grafted adsorbing neutral polymer brushes.

The structure of grafted adsorbing polymers on surfaces is described as a statistical ensemble of loops generated by an one-dimensional random walk perpendicular to the surface. The configuration of each chain is considered as a succession of closed loops ended by an open loop (a tail). The probability of formation of each individual loop is the product between the probability of first return to the surface and a Boltzmann factor containing the free energy of the Flory–Huggins kind, which is approximated by the minimum free energy of all possible configurations of that loop. At high grafting densities, the attractive interactions between monomers and surface control the fraction of polymer belonging to either closed loops or tails, hence the formation of a stretched grafted brush. At low grafting densities, the increase of that interaction above a critical value generates an abrupt collapse of the brush on the surface. Whereas for long polymers (with more than about 100 Kuhn segments), the structure of the brush can be determined, in general, only via Monte-Carlo sampling, it is argued that the two structural transitions indicated above can be well predicted by simple approximations.
Removing the Master Script Benjamin Banneker “Re-Membered”

Master-scripted “agreed-upon versions of knowledge” are hegemonic constructions that derail the process of recording the past. In the earliest grades, children are introduced to such topics as expl...
Investigating sources of gaseous oxidized mercury in dry deposition at three sites across Florida, USA

Abstract. During 2009–2010, the State of Florida established a series of air quality monitoring stations to collect data for development of a statewide total maximum daily load (TMDL) for mercury (Hg). At three of these sites, located near Ft. Lauderdale (DVE), Pensacola (OLF), and Tampa Bay (TPA), passive samplers for the measurement of air Hg concentrations and surrogate surfaces for measurement of Hg dry deposition were deployed. While it is known that Hg in wet deposition in Florida is high compared to the rest of the United States, there is little information on Hg dry deposition. The objectives of the work were to: (1) investigate the utility of passive sampling systems for Hg in an area with low and consistent air concentrations as measured by the Tekran® mercury measurement system, (2) estimate dry deposition of gaseous oxidized Hg, and (3) investigate potential sources. This paper focuses on Objective 3. All sites were situated within 15 km of 1000 MW electricity generating plants (EGPs) and major highways. Bi-weekly dry deposition and passive sampler Hg uptake were not directly correlated with the automated Tekran® system measurements, and there was limited agreement between these systems for periods of high deposition. Using diel, biweekly, and seasonal Hg observations, and ancillary data collected at each site, the potential sources of Hg deposited to surrogate surfaces were investigated. With this information, we conclude that there are three major processes/sources contributing to Hg dry deposition in Florida, with these varying as a function of location and time of year. These include: (1) in situ oxidation of locally and regionally derived Hg facilitated by mobile source emissions, (2) indirect and direct inputs of Hg from local EGPs, and (3) direct input of Hg associated with long range transport of air from the northeastern United States. Based on data collected with the surrogate surface sampling system, natural background dry deposition for Florida is estimated to be 0.03 ng m−2 h−1. Deposition associated with mobile sources is 0.10 ng m−2 h−1 at TPA and DVE, and 0.03 ng m−2 h−1 at OLF. Long range transport contributes 0.8 ng m−2 h−1 in the spring. At DVE ~0.10 ng m−2 h−1 is contributed directly or indirectly from local point sources. We also suggest based on the data collected with the Tekran® and passive sampling systems that different chemical forms of GOM are associated with each of these sources.
Characterization of Protein-Protein Interactions Critical for Poliovirus Replication: Analysis of 3AB and VPg Binding to the RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase

Two critical interactions within the poliovirus RNA replication complex are those of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 3D with the viral proteins 3AB and VPg. 3AB is a membrane-binding protein responsible for the localization of the polymerase to the membranous vesicles at which replication occurs. VPg (a peptide comprising the 3B region of 3AB) is the 22-residue soluble product of 3AB cleavage and serves as the protein primer for RNA replication. The detailed interactions of these proteins with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 3D were analyzed to elucidate the precise roles of 3AB and VPg in the viral RNA replication complex. Using a membrane-based pull-down assay, we have identified a binding “hot-spot” spanning residues 100 to 104 in the 3B (VPg) region of 3AB which plays a critical role in mediating the interaction of 3AB with the polymerase. Isothermal titration calorimetry shows that the interaction of VPg with 3D is enthalpically driven, with a dissociation constant of 11 μM. Mutational analyses of VPg indicate that a subset of the residues important for 3AB-3D binding are also important for VPg-3D binding. Two residues in particular, P14 and R17, were shown to be absolutely critical for the binding interaction. This work provides the direct characterization of two binding interactions critical for the replication of this important class of viruses and identifies a conserved polymerase binding sequence responsible for targeting the polymerase.
Connectional Specificity in the Cat's Retinogeniculate System

The establishment of normal patterns of retinogeniculate projections in cats is the end-product of the operation of at least three guidancehecognition mechanisms. First, topographic order must be retained in the central maps of visual space. Second, inputs from the two eyes must segregate from each other and target their appropriate lay- ers in the lateral geniculate nucleus. Finally, specific cell classes in the retina must stabilize contacts with func- tionally matched geniculate neurons. These processes are ordered temporally, and may permit the specification of accurate retinogeniculate connections using a minimum of molecular gradients and markers.
1955: kinetin arrives: the 50th anniversary of a new plant hormone.

Fifty years ago, scientists from the Botany and Biochemistry departments at the University of Wisconsin announced the isolation, crystallization, characterization, and synthesis of 6-furfurylaminopurine ([Miller et al., 1955a][1], [1955b][2], [1956][2]), a plant hormone in a class now referred to as
A synthetic route to human insulin using isoacyl peptides.

The chemical synthesis of insulin has been a longstanding challenge, mainly because of the notorious hydrophobicity of the A chain and the complicated topology of this 51-mer peptide hormone consisting of two chains and three disulfide bonds. Reported herein is a new synthetic route utilizing the isoacyl peptide approach to address the hydrophobicity problems. The incorporation of isoacyl dipeptide segments into both A and B chains greatly improved their preparation and purification, and the RP-HPLC recovery of the chain ligation intermediates. The new route affords human insulin with a yield of 68 % based on the starting purified A chain and an overall yield of 24 % based on the substitution of the resin used for the preparation of A chain. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the most efficient route of human insulin chemical synthesis reported to date.
Detrital zircon U-Pb provenance of the Colorado River: A 5 m.y. record of incision into cover strata overlying the Colorado Plateau and adjacent regions

New detrital zircon U-Pb age distributions from 49 late Cenozoic sandstones and Holocene sands (49 samples, n = 3922) record the arrival of extra-regional early Pliocene Colorado River sediment at Grand Wash (western USA) and downstream locations ca. 5.3 Ma and the subsequent evolution of the river’s provenance signature. We define reference age distributions for the early Pliocene Colorado River (n = 559) and Holocene Colorado River (n = 601). The early Pliocene river is distinguished from the Holocene river by (1) a higher proportion of Yavapai-Mazatzal zircon derived from Rocky Mountain basement uplifts relative to Grenville zircon from Mesozoic supra crustal rocks, and (2) distinctive (∼6%) late Eocene–Oligocene (40–23 Ma) zircon reworked from Cenozoic basins and volcanic fields in the southern Rocky Mountains and/or the eastern Green River catchment. Geologic relationships and interpretation of 135 published detrital zircon age distributions throughout the Colorado River catchment provide the interpretative basis for modeling evolution of the provenance signature. Mixture modeling based upon a modified formulation of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic indicate a subtle yet robust change in Colorado River provenance signature over the past 5 m.y. During this interval the contribution from Cenozoic strata decreased from ∼75% to 50% while pre-Cretaceous strata increased from ∼25% to 50%. We interpret this change to reflect progressive erosional incision into plateau cover strata. Our finding is consistent with geologic and thermochronologic studies that indicate that maximum post–10 Ma erosion of the Colorado River catchment was concentrated across the eastern Utah–western Colorado region.
Dimension and Codimension One

A large part of classical algebraic geometry has to do with geometry “in codimension one”: results about points in curves, curves in surfaces, and so forth. The commutative algebra of codimension one is correspondingly rich. In this chapter we digress from the presentation of dimension theory and use the results of Chapters 9 and 10 to analyze some codimension-1 phenomena. In particular, we shall study “invertible” modules; give a criterion for and some consequences of normality, including a bit of the theory of Dedekind domains; study the length of a one-dimensional ring modulo a principal ideal; and prove that the integral closure of a one-dimensional Noetherian domain is Noetherian.
Copper aluminum mixed oxide (CuAl MO) catalyst: A green approach for the one-pot synthesis of imines under solvent-free conditions

Abstract Activated carbon templated Copper Aluminum mixed oxide (CuAl MO) catalysts have been synthesized and studied for direct imine formation by oxidative coupling of alcohols and amines under solvent free conditions. Among the catalysts, CuAl MO20%C (catalyst synthesized by adding 20% activated carbon) shows the best activity and selectivity for this reaction. Here, air is used as the oxidant which is considered as the most economical and green oxidant among different oxidizing agents. Pyridine adsorption results confirmed that the presence of higher number of Lewis acidic sites enhances the catalytic activity of the material. Various alcohol and amine substrates were readily converted into the corresponding imines in good to excellent yields. According to catalytic activity studies and TG-MS data, surface oxygen availability and facile reversibility of oxygen readsorption on the surface account for the superior activity and high durability of the CuAl MO20%C catalyst. The regenerated catalyst showed 92% conversion with 100% selectivity even after the 4th reuse.