cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microphysical simulations of new particle formation in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere

Abstract. Using a three-dimensional general circulation model with sulfur chemistry and sectional aerosol microphysics (WACCM/CARMA), we studied aerosol formation and microphysics in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) as well as the middle and upper stratosphere based on three nucleation schemes (two binary homogeneous schemes and an ion-mediated scheme related to one of the binary schemes). Simulations suggest that ion-mediated nucleation rates in the UTLS are 25 % higher than its related binary scheme, but that the rates predicted by the two binary schemes vary by two orders of magnitude. None of the nucleation schemes is superior at matching the limited observations available at the smallest sizes. However, it is found that coagulation, not nucleation, controls number concentration at sizes greater than approximately 10 nm. Therefore, based on this study, processes relevant to atmospheric chemistry and radiative forcing in the UTLS are not sensitive to the choice of nucleation schemes. The dominance of coagulation over other microphysical processes in the UTLS is consistent with other recent work using microphysical models. Simulations using all three nucleation schemes compare reasonably well to observations of size distributions, number concentration across latitude, and vertical profiles of particle mixing ratio in the UTLS. Interestingly, we find that we need to include Van der Waals forces in our coagulation scheme to match the UTLS aerosol concentrations. We conclude that this model can reasonably represent sulfate microphysical processes in the UTLS, and that the properties of particles at atmospherically relevant sizes appear to be insensitive to the details of the nucleation scheme. We also suggest that micrometeorites, which are not included in this model, dominate the aerosol properties in the upper stratosphere above about 30 km.
Thermal, mechanical and chemical effects in the degradation of the plasma-deposited α-SiC:H passivation layer in a multilayer thin-film device

Amorphous, hydrogenated silicon carbide (α-SiC:H) deposited by a plasma-enhanced-chemical-vapour-deposition (PECVD) process has been used as the topmost passivation layer in a multilayer thin-film device, namely, a thermal ink-jet printhead. Normal operations of the device involve rapid heating of the multilayer structure at several kHz, repetitively forming vapour bubbles that grow and collapse in an otherwise liquid environment. During such operations, the α-SiC:H layer is subjected to a variety of thermal, mechanical and chemical stresses that are detrimental to its integrity. It is found that thermally activated failures may occur when the multilayer structure is driven for extended periods of time or by pulses of excessive magnitude or duration, or when the α-SiC:H film is so thick as to store excessive elastic energy due to large differential thermal expansion effects. It is also found that severe mechanical (namely, cavitation) effects associated with bubble collapse cause early device failures if the surface of the device is exposed to an unlimited liquid reservoir; however, such adverse effects are greatly mitigated by the presence of a nozzle plate in the vicinity of the top surface. Finally, it is shown that high pH and various chemicals tend to etch the α-SiC:H thin film through an oxidation-dissolution process, removing the passivating material rapidly and leading to device failures.
A new method for obtaining aposymbiotic hydra using trimethoprim as a bleaching agent.

Abstract A method for obtaining aposymbiotic hydra is described. It consists of growing symbiotic hydra for 7 days in 80 μg/ml of trimethoprim and then for another 7 days in 200 μg/ml and removing the newly formed buds that are symbiont-free. The aposymbiotic clones of hydra obtained grow normally and can reestablish symbiosis with algae easily.
Materials-theory-based device modeling for III-nitride devices

The III-nitride materials are recognized as very promising candidates for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices for the visible and ultraviolet spectral ranges as well as for high-frequency electronic devices operating at high power levels and in caustic environments. At present, device quality materials preparation is making rapid progress and some devices have been successfully demonstrated and even commercialized. However, much of the basic materials, characterization data that is readily available in more conventional technologies is still lacking for the III-nitride materials. In this paper, a materials-theory-based device modeling methodology that is suitable for this unique situation of accelerated device exploration is discussed. EXamples of ultraviolet photodetectors in which the materials- theory-based device modeling technique has been used for device design and data analysis are presented.
Synthesis, plasma clearance, and in vitro stability of protein containing a conjugated indium-111 chelate

A new bifunctional chelating agent, N′-(p-diazoniumbenzyl)-N,N N″,N″-diethylenetri-aminetetraacetic acid (DTTA) was synthesized. The compound as coupled to methyl p-hydroxybenzimidate and the resulting azoimidate was attached to lysine residues of monomeric human serum albumin (HSA) via the amidination reaction. Blood clearnace of111In-labelled DTTA conjugated to HSA (AAHSA) in rabbits was biphasic. The first phase has a clearance indistinguishable from that of125I-labeled HSA. During the second phase, the111In-labeled AAHSA was cleared more rapidly so that between 24 hours and 48 hours the percent of the injected dose of111In-labeled AAHSA in the blood was significantly lower than that of125I-labeled HSA. Highly conjugated111In-labeled AAHSA (0.9 DTTA/HSA) showed accelerated clearance at 24 and 48 hours compared to lightly conjugated protein (<0.9 DTTA/HSA). As a result we postulate that the level of conjugation is the critical parameter controlling the blood clearance.
Sky Brightness Measurements at Haleakala, 1955-2002

Measurements of the brightness of the clear daytime sky at Haleakala, Maui are presented for the interval 1955 through 2002. The observations are made near the direction of the Sun, where forward scattering off aerosols dominates the sky brightness. The Haleakala summit at 3054 m is normally above the inversion layer. The Haleakala sky is dark; the observed brightness per airmass has a median of 10 millionths of the solar disk and a mode of 5 millionths, with Rayleigh scattering contributing 1 millionth. There is no demonstrable long-term trend in the data.
Atomistic modeling of nanocrystalline ferromagnets

A model nanocrystalline ferromagnet is investigated at the atomistic level using numerical simulations. The nanocrystalline microstructure is constructed using methods of stochastic optimization and Voronoi construction. The atomic structure of the grains is obtained by molecular dynamics. Nanostructures obtained in this way are characterized by the log–normal grain size distribution and the coordination number of defects at grain boundaries. An Ising model is employed to model the magnetic properties of nanostructured cobalt films with strong perpendicular anisotropy. Particular attention is paid to the effects of the grain boundary structure. We consider J∼exp(−αr) on the grain boundary, where α is a parameter that represents grain boundary effects. The dependences of the Curie temperature, coercivity, and hysteresis loop on the grain-isolated parameter α are investigated.
Exchange of Coarse Orange pottery in the Middle Classic Tuxtla Mountains, Southern Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract This research seeks to elucidate the role of large and intensive ceramic production industries located at the Classic period center of Matacapan in the Tuxtla Mountains, Southern Veracruz, Mexico. Arnold et al. [Arnold III, P.J., Kneebone, R.R., Santley, R.S., Pool, C.A., 1993. Intensive ceramic production and Classic-period political economy in the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico. Ancient Mesoamerica 4(2), 175–191] have suggested that the specialized pottery production at Comoapan, the largest production locality at Matacapan, supplied the region with ceramics. This production locality overwhelmingly specialized in manufacturing Coarse Orange jars, which are found in many parts of the region. The current authors employed instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and petrographic point-counting analysis on Coarse Orange sherds sampled from 44 localities in the southwestern Tuxtlas to examine the distribution of this important ware. The use of these techniques partitioned the sample into two major compositional groups. These groups formed eastern and western zones of production and exchange that partly overlapped. Three minor Coarse Orange paste recipes were also identified, these are considered to be locally produced variants of the ware. From the compositional data, and supplementary evidence of ceramic production from survey and excavation, we argue that Comoapan traded some ceramics of the CO1 composition to sites along the Catemaco River and into the southern Tuxtlas foothills. These jars were exchanged to all levels of the settlement hierarchy, which may indicate market exchange. Furthermore, the other paste recipes (CO1a, CO2, CO2a, and CO3) were not produced at Matacapan. Group COP6 was a special recipe made only at an attached production locality in the administrative district of Matacapan. We conclude the paper with a methodological consideration that advocates the use of both point mineralogical and bulk chemical techniques to more accurately interrogate compositional data.
Pirandello's parable: Right you are (if you think you are)

In this early masterpiece Pirandello creates a paradigm of (1) the “lesson” or themes of his later works, (2) the relationship of the characters and the design of the plays, (3) a key image. This study examines the idiomatic key image and its use in two later plays as well as its function in this unique parable.
Educational and personal characteristics of four different types of learning- and grade-oriented students

Abstract To discover personal and educational characteristics of learning- (LO) and grade-oriented (GO) students, over 200 subjects were divided into four groups: high LO-high GO; high LO-low GO, low LO-high GO, and low LO-low GO. All students completed the 16 PF, Myers-Briggs (M-B), Levenson Locus of Control (LOC), Achievement Anxiety (AAT), and Survey of Study Habits and Attitudes (SSHA) tests. Results indicated that H-L students produced highest scores on factors B, I, M, and Q1 of the 16 PF; scale N of M-B; scale I of LOC; the facilitative scale of AAT; and all scales of SSHA. They scored lowest on Q4 of the 16 PF, on scale S of M-B, on the debilitating scale of AAT, and on scale C of LOC. Students in the L-H groups scored lowest on scales I, M, and Q1 of the 16 PF, on scale N of M-B, on scale I of LOC, on the facilitating scale of AAT, as well as on all scales of SSHA. They scored highest on scale S of M-B and tied for highest on scale Q4 of the 16 PF. Students in the H-H group scored lowest on scales B, I, and Q4 of the 16 PF as well as on scale I of M-B and highest on scale E of M-B, on AAT (debilitating), and on scale C of LOC. Finally, students in the L-L group tied for highest on the 16 PF scale Q4 and on scale I of M-B and lowest on scale E of M-B and scale I of LOC. Results were discussed in terms of the personal and educational resources each student brings to the college environment and the way(s) in which these resources are used in coming to terms with the specifics of that situation.
On achieving the state's household recycling target : A case study of Northern New Jersey, USA

In recent times, the State of New Jersey (USA) has been making attempts at promoting recycling as an environmentally friendly means of attaining self-sufficiency at waste disposal, and the state has put in place a 50% recycling target for its municipal solid waste stream. While the environmental benefits of recycling are obvious, a recycling program must be cost effective to ensure its long-term sustainability. In this paper, a linear programming model is developed to examine the current state of recycling in selected counties in Northern New Jersey and assess the needs to achieve the state's recycling goal in these areas. The optimum quantities of waste to be sent to the different waste facilities, which include landfills, incinerators, transfer stations, recycling and composting plants, are determined by the model. The study shows that for these counties, the gap between the current waste practices where the recycling rate stands at 32% and the state's goal can be bridged by more efficient utilization of existing facilities and reasonable investment in expanding those for recycling activities.
Vegetation-infiltration relationships across climatic and soil type gradients

[1] The enhancement of infiltration capacity in the presence of vegetation is well documented in arid ecosystems where it can significantly impact the water balance and vegetation spatial organization. To begin progress toward developing a theory of vegetation-infiltration interactions across a wide spectrum of climate regimes, three key questions are addressed: (1) Does vegetation also enhance infiltration capacity in mesic to hydric climates, and if so, what processes contribute to this enhancement? (2) Is there a canonical relationship between vegetation biomass and infiltration rate? and (3) How does the vegetation-infiltration feedback evolve across climatic gradients? To address these three questions, new field data examining biomass-infiltration relationships in different vegetation types in a humid climate and on loamy soils are combined with a meta-analysis of biomass-infiltration relationships from nearly 50 vegetation communities spanning a climatic gradient from hyperarid deserts to the humid tropics and representing a full spectrum of soil types. Infiltration capacity increased as a power law function of aboveground biomass in water-limited ecosystems, but vegetation biomass was not significantly correlated to infiltration capacity in humid climates. Across a climatic gradient from xeric to hydric, the slope of the power law relationship between aboveground biomass and infiltration capacity decreased.
Improving Multimodel Forecasts of the Vertical Distribution of Heating Using the TRMM Profiles

Abstract Recently the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) project office made available a new product called the convective–stratiform heating (CSH). These are the datasets for vertical profiles of diabatic heating rates (the apparent heat source). These observed estimates of heating are obtained from the TRMM satellite’s microwave radiances and the precipitation radar. The importance of such datasets for defining the vertical distribution of heating was largely the initiative of Dr. W.-K. Tao from NASA’s Goddard Laboratory. The need to examine how well some of the current cumulus parameterization schemes perform toward describing the amplitude and the three-dimensional distributions of heating is addressed in this paper. Three versions of the Florida State University (FSU) global atmospheric model are run that utilize different versions of cumulus parameterization schemes; namely, modified Kuo parameterization, simple Arakawa–Schubert parameteri...
Citation counts and social comparisons: Scientists' use and evaluation of citation index data

Data from samples of biochemists and sociologists show that nearly all are familiar with citation indexes and that the two groups are equally likely to have used a citation index for bibliographic purposes. We develop three hypotheses from social comparison theory to account for variation in use and evaluation of citation counts as indicators of scientific achievement: (1) more highly cited scientists will more often use and more highly evaluate citation counts as indicators of scientific achievement than will less cited scientists, (2) these relationships will be stronger for sociologists than for biochemists, and (3) sociologists as a whole will more often use and more highly evaluate citation counts than biochemists. Finally, among sociologists, we hypothesize that those primarily interested in quantitative research areas will use and favor citation counts more than those with primarily qualitative or theoretical interests. Our data support all but one of these hypotheses. We also report unexpected differences in use and evaluation of citation counts by sex and departmental prestige.
Phase-shifting masks: automated design and mask requirements

In this paper we present a computationally viable algorithm for the rapid design of phase- shifting masks for arbitrary two-dimensional patterns. Our approach is based on the construction of a class of optimal coherent approximations to partially coherent imaging systems described by the Hopkins model. We show that for partially coherent imaging systems with coherence factor (sigma) <EQ 0.5, the associated approximation error in the image is quite small (< 10%). A fast iterative algorithm is used to generate (suboptimal) phase- shifting masks using the approximate imaging system model. The computational effort required per iteration is O(N log N), where N is the number of discrete image points considered. Analytical results related to practical requirements for phase-shifting masks are also presented. These results address questions related to the number of discrete phase levels required for arbitrary patterns, and provide some insight into alternative phase-shifting strategies. A number of phase-shifting mask design examples are also discussed.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Genetic Variability for Phytic Acid Phosphorus and Inorgaic Phosphorus in Seeds of Soybeans in Maturity Groups V, VI, and VII

Phytic acid (PA; myo-inositol 1,2,3.4,5,6 hexakisphosphate) in soybean [Glycine max (L.) merr.] meal is a major source of P in animal excreta, a serious environmental pollutant. Genetic mutants in which seed PA is reduced by 60% have been developed. The objectives were to assess (i) natural variation in seed PA-P and inorganic phosphorus (P i ) concentrations in soybean breeding lines and cultivars of Maturity Groups (MGs) V, VI, and VII; (ii) genotype × environment (G × E) interactions for P i and PA-P, and (iii) relations among PA-P, P i , and seed protein concentrations. Three sets of cultivars and breeding lines were tested separately in two or three environments. Variation among lines was highly significant, ranging from 3.77 to 5.07 g kg -1 PA-P and from 0.19 to 0.37 g kg -1 P i . The G × E interactions were highly significant for P i concentration, but significant variation for PA-P concentration was observed only among cultivars, not across environments nor as G x E interactions. Rank correlation coefficients for P i concentrations between environments were large (0.65-0.88), suggesting that the G × E interactions were due to differences in average P i concentration in various environments. Variation in seed protein was highly significant in all three sets, but protein was not correlated with PA-P and was correlated with P i (r = 0.56) only in the MG V breeding lines test. Therefore, genetic relationships between protein and either PA-P or P i could not be established. Significant natural genetic variation indicates that PA level of potential adapted parents may be useful in breeding low-PA soybeans.
Design and test of reliable high strength ingressive polycrystalline silicon microgripper arrays

We present the design and validation of a micromachined gripper array that enables reliable transmission of forces of at least 14 mN. The gripper is constructed with polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon), a brittle material, and is compatible with polysilicon surface micromachining. Two ingressive snap-and-lock array designs are presented. After developing design guidelines, it is shown that the first gripper array is functional. However, a risk remains that the gripper array rather than the tensile bar that it grips in its intended application fails. Therefore, an improved geometry is designed and it is shown that it is robust with respect to failure. Scanning confocal Raman imaging directly confirms that the local peak tensile stresses in the robust gripper array are approximately 50% of the lower bound material strength, and also resolves a 25% stress variation across the array.
Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of a novel ruthenium carbonyl cluster containing tri-O-benzyl-d-glucal as a chiral carbohydrate ligand

Abstract A chiral carbohydrate ligand 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl- d -glucal (L) reacts with the cluster triruthenium dodecacarbonyl Ru3(CO)12 giving a novel chiral cluster Ru3(μ-H)2(CO)9(L-2H) (I) that shows fluxional behavior at room temperature. The reaction of Ru3(μ-H)2(CO)9(L-2H) (I) with triphenylphosphine and diphenylphosphinoethane (dppe) gives two new clusters Ru3(μ-H)2(CO)7(L-2H)(PPh3)2 (II) and Ru3(μ-H)2(CO)7(L-2H)(dppe) (III). The new compounds I, II and III have been characterized by a combination of elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, infrared and variable temperature NMR spectroscopy.
Bank-to-Turn Control for a Small UAV using Backstepping and Parameter Adaptation

Abstract In this research we consider the problem of path following control for a small fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Assuming the UAV is equipped with an autopilot for low level control, we adopt a kinematic error model with respect to the moving Serret-Frenet frame attached to a path for tracking controller design. A kinematic path following control law that commands heading rate is presented. Backstepping is applied to derive the roll angle command by taking into account the approximate closed-loop roll dynamics. A parameter adaptation technique is employed to account for the inaccurate time constant of the closed-loop roll dynamics during actual implementation. The path following control algorithm is validated in real-time through a high-fidelity hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) environment showing the applicability of the algorithm on a real system.
Stimulation- and calcium-dependence of vesicle attachment sites in the presynaptic membrane: a freeze-cleave study on the lamprey spinal cord.

Abstract Vesicle attachment sites (VAS) were identified in presynaptic profiles of aldehyde-fixed, freeze-cleaved spinal cord of the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus . The numbers of VAS per profile increased significantly after incubation in high K in the presence of Ca, but not in high K, Ca-free fluid. Similarly, electrical stimulation increased the number of VAS above control values. Plasmalemmal vesicles were observed much less frequently, but they also increased after the two types of stimulation. These results support the hypothesis that VAS represent a morphologically distinct stage in the release of transmitter. Other structures identified were unique large particles in glial membranes bordering the surface of the cord and gap junctions at some synapses of large axons.
Attempts to Produce Vitamin Deficiency Diseases by Feeding Compounds Related Structurally to Vitamins

SummaryIn contrast to the findings with bacteria, pantothenic acid deficiency of mice and of hamsters was not produced by the feeding of the sulfur analog of pantothenic acid (N-(β,β-dimethyl-α,γ-dihydroxybutyryl)-taurine). Similarly, the feeding of pyridine-3-sulfonic acid did not produce symptoms of nicotinic acid deficiency.
Characteristics of patients undergoing hysterectomy for failed endometrial ablation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for menorrhagia. High success rates are documented with >90% of patients experiencing satisfaction. However, adequate relief after endometrial ablation is not obtained in a cohort of patients. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of patients for whom endometrial ablation fails due to persistent symptoms, causing them to choose hysterectomy for definitive treatment. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent hysterectomy for persistent menorrhagia, pain, or both, who previously had endometrial ablation. We reviewed medical records including pathology reports from hysterectomy. We compared demographics to a group previously studied at our institution that were identified as satisfied 5 years after ablation. RESULTS The number of patients in our study group was 51 (n = 51). Median age of patients was 39 (range 29-50) years. Average body mass index was 31 (range 19-47) kg/m(2). Average parity was 1.9. Sixty-nine percent underwent tubal ligation. The majority were nonsmokers (75%). Ninety-six percent were Caucasian. Compared with the previously studied satisfied group, the only statistically significant difference was age. Of 51 patients, 11 (22%) noted pelvic pain as their chief concern. Menorrhagia was the chief concern in 22 (43%). Eighteen patients (35%) complained of both. The most common diagnosis was endometriosis, which was identified in 35 patients (68%). Leiomyomata were present in 33 patients (64%). Adenomyosis was identified in 22 patients (43%). CONCLUSIONS Patients who present for hysterectomy after endometrial ablation have a high rate of endometriosis, adenomyosis, and leiomyomata, with endometriosis being the most common finding.
Effects of short photoperiod on ATPase activities in the testis of the immature Siberian hamster.

The effects of changes in photoperiod length upon body weight; spleen, thymus, and testis weights; testis protein content; testis cation pump enzyme activities; and plasma testosterone were studied in the developing Siberian hamster, Phodopus sungorus. Male hamsters were exposed to a cycle of 16L:8D (long-day), until Day 18 when half were switched to a lOul4D (shortday) cycle, until killed 0, 2, 4, 7, 10, 12, or 15 days later. Body weight and relative testis weight (expressed as percentage of body weight) increased steadily during the first week of exposure. After 10 days, the long-day hamsters consistently weighed more (p < 0.05). Relative testis weights in the short-day group began to decrease (p < 0.005) within 10 days and continued to decline. Testis homogenate K�-pNPPase- (as a measure of Na’�K�-ATPase) and Mg’�-pNPPase-speciflc activities closely paralleled testis weight, with the short-day animals (p < 0.05) differing after 10 days. Plasma testosterone levels remained below adult levels through exposure Day 15, but were relatively lower (p <0.05) in the short-day group after 10 days. Spleen weights were similar for the long- and short-day groups. The short-day group had larger thymus weights after 12 days (p < 0.05), but thymus enzyme activities did not differ between the two groups. We conclude that cation pump activities In the Siberian hamster testis are significantly affected by changes in photoperiod length.
Understanding the Social Epidemiology of Drug Abuse and HIV/AIDS

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is pleased to provide this special issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine on “Understanding the Social Epidemiology of Drug Abuse and HIV/AIDS.” Understanding the social epidemiology of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS is a central part of the mission of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and particularly of NIDA's Division of Epidemiology, Services, and Prevention Research (DESPR). Achieving this mission requires an abiding dedication to improving the nation's public health, and NIDA does this in large part by promoting integrated approaches to understand interactions between individuals and their environments that give rise to problems associated with drug abuse and addiction.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine among family practice patients in South Texas

Americans spend $27 billion out of pocket every year on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).1 Nearly all CAM users see physicians for health care,2–4 but few mention their use of CAM to their doctors.5–7 The “typical” CAM user is a young woman of European descent with higher than average income and education.5,7–9 However, Keegan reported that many low-income Latinos use folk practitioners such as the curandero (healer), the yerbero (herbalist), the sobador (masseur), or practices such as spiritual healing rather than treatments offered by health clubs or health food stores.6 These patterns of CAM use are different than those of the majority population and deserve closer scrutiny.
The polymerizing system: Vinyl acetate–diphenyl

The polymerization of vinyl acetate in the presence of diphenyl has been studied. A chain transfer constant for diphenyl of 6.4 × 10−4 was obtained from conventional kinetic analysis and Pn data. This value is in reasonable agreement with values obtained from an estimation of the combined diphenyl residues in the corresponding polyvinyl alcohols by ultraviolet spectroscopy. The conclusion, that diphenyl behaves in this system predominantly as a transfer agent and not as a comonomer, is supported by an evaluation of the data in terms of a kinetic scheme for retarded polymerization. Retardation of the rate of polymerization of vinyl acetate is observed in the presence of diphenyl and it is on this basis that abstraction of hydrogen from diphenyl as being the transfer step is discarded in favor of addition of the vinyl acetate radical chain to diphenyl. The ultraviolet dichroism of an oriented polyvinyl alcohol film containing combined diphenyl residues is presented.
Rapid optical determination of β-lactamase and antibiotic activity

Background: The absence of rapid tests evaluating antibiotic susceptibility results in the empirical prescription of antibiotics. This can lead to treatment failures due to escalating antibiotic resistance, and also furthers the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. This study reports a rapid optical method to detect β-lactamase and thereby assess activity of β-lactam antibiotics, which could provide an approach for targeted prescription of antibiotics. The methodology is centred on a fluorescence quenching based probe (β-LEAF – β-Lactamase Enzyme Activated Fluorophore) that mimics the structure of β-lactam antibiotics. Results: The β-LEAF assay was performed for rapid determination of β-lactamase production and activity of β-lactam antibiotic (cefazolin) on a panel of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC strains and clinical isolates. Four of the clinical isolates were determined to be lactamase producers, with the capacity to inactivate cefazolin, out of the twenty-five isolates tested. These results were compared against gold standard methods, nitrocefin disk test for β-lactamase detection and disk diffusion for antibiotic susceptibility, showing results to be largely consistent. Furthermore, in the sub-set of β-lactamase producers, it was demonstrated and validated that multiple antibiotics (cefazolin, cefoxitin, cefepime) could be assessed simultaneously to predict the antibiotic that would be most active for a given bacterial isolate. Conclusions: The study establishes the rapid β-LEAF assay for β-lactamase detection and prediction of antibiotic activity using S. aureus clinical isolates. Although the focus in the current study is β-lactamase-based resistance, the overall approach represents a broad diagnostic platform. In the long-term, these studies form the basis for the development of assays utilizing a broader variety of targets, pathogens and drugs.
Effects of self-heating-induced negative output conductance in SOI circuits

Numerous authors have observed that self-heating can lead to negative output conductance in SOI MOSFETs. To date little consideration has been given to the effects of such behavior on circuit operation. This paper presents a first-order analysis of self-heating effects on circuits, and demonstrates through simulation and analysis that self-heating can cause even simple circuits to exhibit complicated nonlinear behavior. Heat-flow analysis shows that thermal resistances in contemporary SOI technologies are large enough that such effects are possible in practical circuits. >
Effectiveness of Garlic for the Control of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) on Residential Properties in Western Connecticut.

We conducted field trials to evaluate the ability of a garlic juice-based product to control or suppress nymphal activity of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, at residential properties in Connecticut in 2009, 2010, and 2011. The product was applied at a rate of 0.2 g AI/m2. Percent control of nymphal densities achieved by the spray treatment at 6, 11, and 18 d postspray for the 3 yr was 37.0, 59.0, and 47.4%, respectively. Differences between nymphal densities were greatest during the first post-spray sampling period. While garlic may require multiple applications for the suppression of tick activity, this product could provide a minimal-risk option for the short-term control of nymphal I. scapularis in the residential landscape.
Mineralization of desorption-resistant 1,4-dichlorobenzene in wetland soils

Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the biologically mediated, aerobic mineralization of both freshly added and artificially aged, desorption-resistant 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB). The adsorption and desorption of 1,4-DCB isotherms were established in three wetland soils using decant-refill batch techniques. Significant nonlinearity and hysteresis were observed in the isotherms with a hysteresis index ranging from 0.11 (relatively low hysteresis) in a marsh soil to 2.26 (relatively high hysteresis) in a bottomland hardwood soil from the Petro Processor (PPI) Superfund site. Mineralization of freshly added 1,4-DCB was observed in all three soils without lag after the addition of a 1,4-DCB degrading culture. Mineralization curves were plotted above theoretical lines predicted from a first-order model assuming instantaneous desorption, indicating that the microbial population had access to sorbed 1,4-DCB. In separate experiments, mineralization of artificially aged, desorption-resistant 1,4-DCB was also observed. Mineralization curves in these studies also indicated that the microbial population could directly access sorbed 1,4-DCB. The extent and rate of mineralization of desorption-resistant 1,4-DCB decreased significantly, including rate constants decreasing from approximately 0.01 d-1 in the freshly added treatments to approximately 0.002 d-1 in the desorption-resistant treatments. Although sorption/desorption partitioning helped explain mineralization patterns in the treatments with freshly added 1,4-DCB, no differences were observed in mineralization curves in the desorption-resistant treatments between soils with widely varying sorption/desorption properties.
Hypercortisolemia increases plasma interleukin-10 concentrations during human endotoxemia--a clinical research center study.

Hypercortisolemia directly before the administration of endotoxin (LPS) to normal humans completely prevents the release of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor, whereas hypercortisolemia 12 h to 7 days before the injection of LPS is associated with enhanced tumor necrosis factor release. To determine the effect of elevated cortisol levels on the secretion of the antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10), 23 healthy men were given iv LPS (lot EC-5; 2 ng/kg) alone or in combination with a continuous iv infusion of hydrocortisone (3 micrograms/kg.min) for 6 h immediately before or 6, 12, or 144 h before LPS injection. LPS induced a monophasic increase in plasma IL-10 concentrations that peaked after 2 h (162 +/- 27 pg/mL; P < 0.0001). In subjects who were infused with hydrocortisone directly before LPS administration, IL-10 concentrations were much higher (1784 +/- 331 pg/mL; P < 0.0001 vs. LPS only), whereas hypercortisolemia 6, 12, or 144 h before LPS injection did not influence LPS-i...
Key issues in information systems management

The results from a five-part Delphi survey of chief IS executives and corporate general managers indicate the most critical information systems management issues and consensus on their importance. The research project is the second in a series of such studies conducted by the Society for Information Management and the MIS Research Center at the University of Minnesota. The research confirmed the expected in some areas and revealed surprises in other areas. While strategic planning continued to top all issue sin importance, many changes have occurred since 1983. Three new issues have joined the top ten issues in importance. Also, the rank order of several issues in the top ten has shifted. Survey results are discussed in terms of the differing views of IS executives and corporate general managers. A review of how these views have changed over time is also presented. A number of conclusions are drawn about managing information systems and about the changing nature of the IS executive's job.
Interprocedural Load Elimination for Dynamic Optimization of Parallel Programs

Load elimination is a classical compiler transformation that is increasing in importance for multi-core and many-core architectures. The effect of the transformation is to replace a memory access, such as a read of an object field or an array element, by a read of a compiler-generated temporary that can be allocated in faster and more energy-efficient storage structures such as registers and local memories (scratchpads). Unfortunately, current just-in-time and dynamic compilers perform load elimination only in limited situations. In particular, they usually make worst-case assumptions about potential side effects arising from parallel constructs and method calls. These two constraints interact with each other since parallel constructs are usually translated to low-level runtime library calls. In this paper, we introduce an interprocedural load elimination algorithm suitable for use in dynamic optimization of parallel programs. The main contributions of the paper include: a) an algorithm for load elimination in the presence of three core parallel constructs -- async, finish, and isolated, b) efficient side-effect analysis for method calls, c) extended side-effect analysis for parallel constructs using an Isolation Consistency memory model, and d) performance results to study the impact of load elimination on a set of standard benchmarks using an implementation of the algorithm in Jikes RVM for optimizing programs written in a subset of the X10 v1.5 language. Our performance results show decreases in dynamic counts for getfield operations of up to 99.99%, and performance improvements of up to 1.76x on 1 core, and 1.39x on 16 cores, when comparing the algorithm in this paper with the load elimination algorithm available in Jikes RVM.
Dispersion of solutes in porous media

A recently introduced theory of solute transport in porous media is tested by comparison with experiment. The solute transport is predicted using an adaptation of the cluster statistics of percolation theory to critical path analysis together with knowledge of how the structure of such percolation clusters affects the time of transport across them. Only the effects of a single scale of medium heterogeneity are incorporated, and a minimal amount of information regarding the structure of the medium is required. This framework is used to find effectively the distributions of solute velocities and travel distances and thus generate arrival time distributions. The comparison with experiment focuses on the dispersivity (the ratio of the second to the first moment of the spatial solute distribution). The predictions of the theory in the absence of diffusion are verified by comparing with over 2200 experiments over length scales from a few microns to 100 km. At larger length scales (centimeters on up) about 95% of the data lie within our predicted bounds. At smaller length scales approximately 99.8% of the data lie where we predict. These comparisons are not trivial as the typical values of the dispersivity increase by ten orders of magnitude over ten orders of magnitude of length scale. Noteworthy is that the classical advection-dispersion (ADE) equation predicts that the dispersivity should be independent of length scale! This agreement with experiment requires rethinking of the relevance of diffusion and multi-scale heterogeneity and would also appear to signal the complete inappropriateness of using the classical ADE or any of its derivatives to model solute transport.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF MITOTIC SPINDLE ELONGATION IN MAMMALIAN CELLS IN VITRO Direct Microtubule Counts

The mitotic spindle of many mammalian cells undergoes an abrupt elongation at anaphase. In both cultured rat kangaroo (strain PtK1) and Chinese hamster (strain Don-C) fibroblasts, the distance from pole to pole at metaphase doubles during anaphase and telophase. In order to determine the organization and distribution of spindle microtubules during the elongation process, cells were fixed and flat embedded in Epon 812. Selected cells were photographed with the phase-contrast microscope and then serially sectioned perpendicular to the major spindle axis. Microtubule profiles were counted in selected sections, and the number was plotted with respect to position along the spindle axis. Interpretation of the distribution profiles indicated that not all interpolar microtubules extended from pole to pole. It is estimated that 55–70% of the interpolar microtubules are overlapped at the cell equator while 30–45% extend across the equator into both half spindles. This arrangement appeared to persist from early anaphase (before elongation) until telophase after the elongation process. Although sliding or shearing of microtubules may occur in the spindle, such appears not to be the mechanism by which the spindle elongates in anaphase. Instead, our data support the hypothesis that spindle elongation occurs by growth of prepositioned microtubules which "push" the poles apart.
Terrain maps displaying hill-shading with curvature

ARTICLE I NFO Many types of maps can be created by neighborhood operations on a continuous surface such as provided by a digital elevation model. These most commonly include first derivatives slope or aspect, and second derivatives planimetric or profile curvature. Such variables are often used in geomorphic analyses of terrain. First derivatives also provide subtle enhancements to hill-shaded maps. For example, some maps combine oblique and vertical illumination, with the latter reflecting variations in slope. This study illustrates how second derivative maps, in conjunction with hill-shading, can cartographically enhance topographic detail. A simple conic model indicates that image-tone edges where slope or aspect varies by less than 0.5° are visible on curvature maps. Hill-shaded images combined with curvature enhance the continuity of naturally occurring tonal edges, especially in strongly illuminated areas. Variations in planimetric and profile curvature seem to be especially effective at highlighting convergent and divergent drainages and variations in erosion rate between or within sedimentary units, respectively. Shading curvature with consideration given to illumination models can add detail to hill-shaded terrain maps in a manner similar to cognitive models employed by map viewers.
Synchronization Control of Space Voltage Vector Controlled Multi-PMSM Based on Adjacent Cross-Coupling

In this paper permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) which is a multi-variable, nonlinear and high coupling system has a good performance adopting the strategy of field-oriented control (FOC) and space vector PWM (SVPWM). Furthermore, multi-PMSM synchronous driving system is established on employing adjacent cross-coupling strategy (ACC). In addition, a variable structure control with an integral sliding surface and exponential reaching law is designed for speed controller. Comparing with traditional PI controlled multi-PMSM system the results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control.
Rpm2p, a protein subunit of mitochondrial RNase P, physically and genetically interacts with cytoplasmic processing bodies

The RPM2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae codes for a protein subunit of mitochondrial RNase P and has another unknown essential function. We previously demonstrated that Rpm2p localizes to the nucleus and acts as a transcriptional activator. Rpm2p influences the level of mRNAs that encode components of the mitochondrial import apparatus and essential mitochondrial chaperones. Evidence is presented here that Rpm2p interacts with Dcp2p, a subunit of mRNA decapping enzyme in the two-hybrid assay, and is enriched in cytoplasmic P bodies, the sites of mRNA degradation and storage in yeast and mammalian cells. When overexpressed, GFP-Rpm2p does not impact the number and size of P bodies; however, it prevents their disappearance when translation elongation is inhibited by cycloheximide. Proteasome mutants, ump1-2 and pre4-2, that bypass essential Rpm2p function, also stabilize P bodies. The stabilization of P bodies by Rpm2p may occur through reduced protein degradation since GFP-Rpm2p expressing cells have lower levels of ubiquitin. Genetic analysis revealed that overexpression of Dhh1p (a DEAD box helicase localized to P bodies) suppresses temperature-sensitive growth of the rpm2-100 mutant. Overexpression of Pab1p (a poly (A)-binding protein) also suppresses rpm2-100, suggesting that Rpm2p functions in at least two aspects of mRNA metabolism. The results presented here, and the transcriptional activation function demonstrated earlier, implicate Rpm2p as a coordinator of transcription and mRNA storage/decay in P bodies.
Comments: The ACGME Milestones: Assessments, Roadmaps, or Both?

Two recent articles from the Journal of Graduate Medical Education presented conflicting perspectives on the definition and roles of milestones. Bartlett and colleagues1 demonstrated advantages to using milestone-based assessment of their trainees. Conversely, Colbert et al2 contended that milestones are “not assessments.” Rather, they describe the milestones as “developmental markers on the path to independent practice.” Are the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education milestones assessments or not? More importantly, does it matter?
The Political Obstacles to the Control of Cigarette Smoking in the United States

The opportunity to affect significantly the consumption of cigarettes in the United States through government action appears quite limited. Fifty million Americans smoke cigarettes. The United States is a leading producer of tobacco leaf and utilizes a price support system which is designed to protect tobacco growers. The industry is profitable and politicaly well connected. Several states are important producers of tobacco while others benefit from the excise tax imposed on cigarettes. The opposition to smoking is relatively weak and divided. Nevertheless, the tobacco industry worries about the future market for cigarettes.
Truth in Religious Experience

The title of this presentation brings into close proximity two words that have not always rested easily together. At times, the words truth and religion have given the appearance of belonging together, but just as often they have resisted each other’s company, and have vied with each other for a place of pre-eminence. Each might reasonably claim that it is the word which has most frequently driven human beings to love, to war, to forgiveness, to heroic and grand actions. Each might make a reasonable claim of being the word which is most difficult for human beings to understand fully. Each of the two can find a multitude of supporters if it wants to tell the other word what place it should or should not have in human discourse and human affairs.