cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the behavior and duration of residence of adult Chinook salmon in a stratified estuary

The duration of residence, behavior, and thermal experience of adult Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in a stratified lagoon- type estuary over a four-year period was determined using acoustic and radio biotelemetry transmitters and archival temperature tags. Results did not support the hypothesis that adult Chinook salmon would hold extensively and migrate slowly through the estuarine lagoon with return trips to the sea and use of the salt wedge for behavioral thermo-osmoregulation in re- sponse to high summer water temperatures. Passive tidal transport was not observed as predicted and entry from the sea to the estuarine lagoon occurred during all tidal phases suggesting that conserving energy was not a priority for fish during the estuarine phase of their migration. An unexpected finding was that the persistent pursuit pressure of pinnipeds, especially from California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), appeared to negate the suitability of estuarine lagoon as holding habitat. This finding led to the hypothesis that the risk of pinniped predation was primarily re- sponsible for the brief residence (<24 h on average) and rapid migration (mean 1.2 km/h, 0.42 body lengths/s) of adult Chinook salmon in the estuarine lagoon, especially given its relatively small size (7 km). This hypothesis will be difficult to test without exclusion of pinnipeds. Thermal records of fish that retreated back to the sea after tagging suggested that use of the marine river plume could be important for osmotic adaption to allow rapid migration through estuaries, which often contain concentrations of pred- ators anticipating the return of migrating salmon. Alternatively, use of the marine river plume could have occurred independent of predators. Fish retreat- ing back to the sea should be considered a tagging effect as downstream movement commonly occurs when adult salmonids are released after tagging. There was no evidence of any other tagging effects or biased behavior by fish tagged in this study. Regardless of the reasons, the successful migration of fish that held for weeks in the sea after tagging indicates that there could be considerable flexibility in the river entry timing of some salmon stocks. Tagging adult salmonids in the sea as they approach their natal rivers is ideal but the associated logistical challenges
Cytotoxicity mediated by tumor necrosis factor in variant subclones of the ME‐180 cervical carcinoma line: Modulation by specific inhibitors of DNA topoisomerase II

The mechanism of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced cytotoxicity has been investigated using two clonal variants of the ME-180 human cervical carcinoma cell line. The clonal lines were characterized with respect to their expression of TNF receptors, kinetics of cell death, and their ability to communicate intercellularly through gap junctions. The ME-180.4 and ME-180.8 clones were identified by their relative sensitivity to TNF induced lysis in a 24-h assay. The dose of TNF required to kill 50% of the target cells was 60 pM for the sensitive ME-180.4 and 2.5 nM for the ME-180.8. However, when assay times were extended, the dose response for both clones was the same, indicating that a difference in the kinetics of cell death and not absolute TNF sensitivity existed between the ME-180.4 and ME-180.8 clones. Both clones were gap junction deficient as judged by their inability to transfer Lucifer yellow or 6-carboxyfluorescein, a characteristic phenotype of cells sensitive to cytotoxicity by TNF. The level of surface receptor expressed on these clones was nearly identical with a Kd = 0.3 nM and 5,000 binding sites per cell. Measurement of the kinetics of cell death revealed that the time between the addition of TNF and the onset of observed cell death (induction phase) was much shorter for the ME-180.4 (32-55 h) than for the resistant ME-180.8 (55-80 h). Mitomycin C, a DNA alkylating agent, significantly reduced the length of the induction phase for both clones, although the kinetic difference between the clones remained unchanged. Two epipodophyllotoxins, VP-16 and VM-26, which specifically inhibit the rejoining activity of DNA topoisomerase II, showed a 10-100-fold synergistic effect when combined with TNF as shown by isobologram analysis. VM-26 when added to the resistant ME-180.8 clones decreased the length of induction phase and abolished the kinetic difference observed with the ME-180.4 clone. These results indicate that the variance in the TNF response of these two clones was closely associated with DNA topoisomerase II, and suggest that this enzyme may play an important role in TNF mediated cytotoxicity.
Chemical rescue of phosphoryl transfer in a cavity mutant: a cautionary tale for site-directed mutagenesis.

We have explored the ability of a nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) mutant in which the nucleophilic histidine has been replaced by glycine (H122G) to transfer phosphate from ATP to alcohols of varying pKa, size, shape, and polarity. This cavity mutant does indeed act as a primitive alcohol kinase. The rate of its phosphoryl transfer to alcohols varies considerably, with values spanning a ¢¢G ‡ range of 4 kcal/mol, whereas the alcohols have very similar intrinsic reactivities. Analysis of these results suggests that the ability to carry out phosphoryl transfer within the cavity is not a simple function of being small enough to enter the cavity, but rather is a complex function of steric, solvation, entropic, van der Waals packing, and electrostatic properties of the alcohol. In addition, large differences are observed between the reactivities of alcohols within the nucleophile cavity of H122G and the reactivities of the same alcohols within the nucleophile cavity of H122A, a mutant NDPK that differs from H122G by a single methyl group within the cavity. The crystal structures of the two cavity mutants are very similar to one another and to wild-type NDPK, providing no evidence for a structurally perturbed active site. The differences in reactivity between the two mutant proteins illustrate a fundamental limitation of energetic analysis from site-directed mutagenesis: although removal of a side chain is generally considered to be a conservative change, the energetic effects of any given mutation are inextricably linked to the molecular properties of the created cavity and the surrounding protein environment.
Micromechanics Study on Top-Down Cracking:

Top-down cracking is a type of cracking that rivals the severity and prevalence of reflective cracking. It significantly reduces the pavement's quality service life. Yet the nature of top-down cracking has not been completely understood. Recent studies of the causes of top-down cracking have focused on identifying the mechanisms that induce tensile stresses at the surface by applying different combinations of surface tractions and the finite element method. Asphalt concrete is treated as a uniform linear elastic material. A new and different approach is presented for investigating the causes of top-down cracking by means of micromechanics. In this approach, asphalt concrete is viewed as a bonded granular material, and the microstructure, including aggregate particle configuration and mastic stiffness, is considered. Theories that predict the existence of tensile stress under compressive loading were reviewed. Both qualitative and quantitative experimental methods were developed to observe the location of ...
Thoracic radiotherapy variables: influence on local control in small cell lung cancer limited disease.

Abstract In limited small cell lung cancer (LSCLC), the high local failure rate of chemotherapy by itself (60–100%) and with the addition of external beam radiotherapy (approximately 30%) has led to investigation of methods to improve local control. To that end, we integrated Platinum 60 mg/m 2 , d. 1, 22 and Etoposide 120 mg/m 2 , d. 4, 6, & 8; 25, 27 & 29 with concurrent twice-daily 150 cGy (total dose: 4500 cGy). Of 32 consecutively referred patients, 4 with variant histology, 31 were evaluable for toxicity, response, and survival. Two of 4 variant histology patients responded, and 27 of 27 pure small cell responded, p = 0.005. CT scans were inaccurate at forecasting survival. Of 1732 patients considered "positive," 59% of these were survivors; of those considered "negative," 47% were survivors, p = N.S. Radiation portals were volumetrically conservative; the supraclavicular fossa was included infrequently and the contralateral hilum not at all. Local failure occurred in only 127 patients (4%). All four variant patients failed locally, p = 0.001. With a median follow-up of 43 months, the actuarial disease-free survival remains nearly 50%. Variant histology is more predictive of local control than the physical factors of dose or volume.
Applying Voltage Clamp Fluorometry to Track SCN5A Voltage Sensor Movement

Functional eukaryotic Na+ channels are composed of a single monomer with four homologous domains (DI-DIV), each with six transmembrane segments (S1-S6). In each domain, the fourth segment, S4, contains positive charges that transduce changes in voltage into channel gating. Previously, voltage clamp fluorometry (VCF) was applied to track the S4 voltage sensors in the rat muscle sodium channel, rNaV1.4 (Cha et al, Neuron, 1999 22(1):73-87). Our aim was to apply a similar methodology to the human cardiac sodium channel, hNaV1.5, which initiates the cardiac action potential, is the target of numerous anti-arrhythmic drugs and carries >100 mutations that are linked to inherited cardiac diseases. VCF reports on protein motion via an extracellular cysteine that is conjugated with a small fluorescent molecule, in our case tetramethylrhodamine maleimide. Within the extracellular S4 of each NaV1.5 domain, we have identified positions for cysteine substitutions that, when fluorescently tagged, display a voltage-sensitive change in fluorescence. Consistent with motions previously identified in rNaV1.4, and reflecting the role of each domain in gating, initial results show ultra-rapid outward movement of the S4 segments in DI, DII and DIII correlating with activation, but much slower translocation of the DIV S4 that is closer to the time scale of inactivation.
Putting the automation in tape automated bonding

Tape automated bonding processes have been adapted to the development of a fully automated cell. Details of the early cell design and planning are presented, including a discussion of reliability and producibility advantages achievable from the cell and some early problems encountered in the development. Test results from the first demonstration modules are presented along with projections for results considered achievable with the automated cell.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Structure estimation of a moving object using a moving camera: An unknown input observer approach

A state observer is designed for estimating the structure of a moving object with time-varying velocities seen by a moving camera. A nonlinear unknown input observer strategy is used where the object's velocity is considered as an unknown input to the perspective dynamical system. The object is assumed to be moving on a ground plane. The downward-looking camera observing the moving object is also moving (e.g., attached to an air vehicle) with known velocities. The developed method provides the first causal, observer-based structure estimation algorithm for a moving camera viewing a moving object with unknown time-varying object velocities.
Guidance and Control of a Man-Portable Precision Munition Concept

Abstract : The hypothesis of this report is that delivery accuracy of small-diameter spin-stabilized projectiles can be improved through novel guidance and control techniques using low-cost components. A gyroscopically stable projectile equipped with a strap-down detector and rotary actuation assembly is introduced. Flight models are formulated to enable nonlinear simulation. The unique guidance challenges posed by characteristics of spin-stabilized flight dynamics such as limit cycles, center-of-gravity swerve, instability, and practical feedback are illustrated. New guidance and control techniques to circumvent these difficulties are proposed. Modeling, parameter estimation, and stability analysis results underpin control design. Representative feedback, control commands, and flight behaviors from nonlinear simulations demonstrate the efficacy of this guidance approach. Monte Carlo analysis shows more than a factor of two in accuracy improvement of the guided over the ballistic flight. These results indicate that delivery system improvements are achievable in small, gyroscopically stable projectiles containing low-cost guidance elements using integrated control formulations.
Multi-mission Automated Instrument Product Generation Implemented Capabilities

The need for automated instrument product (experiment data records and reduced data records) generation is driven by mission performance requirements such as high data volumes, rapid product turnaround and product complexity combined with the need to keep operational costs low. Historically, missions have independently developed unique capabilities to manage production of critical instrument products with little or no inheritance. This paper discusses the multi-mission automated task invocation subsystem (MATIS), which is a distributed data processing framework for the automated generation of instrument products. It is a workflow manager that executes programs in a specific order and under specific conditions. Building a one-size-fits-all system is impossible because of mission requirements such as product turn-around time, the types and number of products to generate, and system requirements. MATIS is configurable, allowing for specific plug-ins. The implementation approach leveraged off inheritance of existing product generation capabilities, lessons learned from MER (Mars exploration rovers) and Cassini, and integration of applicable open-source software. This software benefits flight projects by lowering development and operations costs, and reducing risks while increasing reliability. It allows "lights-dim" operations support vs. round-the clock system staffing, and lowers the cost of operations (phase E) by allowing more flexibility to add/change product generation requirements and reduces training costs across supported missions. Although implemented to support instrument product generation, other project teams or subsystems requiring timely and reliable execution of programs and applications across all mission phases could utilize these capabilities. MATIS is currently supporting Phoenix in operations. It will also support (Mars Science Laboratory) and Diviner in the coming year.
Consumer Acceptability and Quality Evaluation of Potato Strips Baked in a Radiant Wall Oven

Instrumental and sensory quality of potato strips baked in a radiant wall oven was evaluated and compared to deep-fat fried and conventional oven baked samples. Even though radiant wall oven baked potato strips had one-fourth the fat content of the deep-fat fried samples, there was no significant difference in chroma, cutting and puncture force of radiant wall oven baked and deep-fat fried samples. Consumer acceptability of radiant wall oven baked potato strips was 65.7 and 85.7% before and after revealing the nutrition facts, respectively. Both were lower than acceptability of deep-fat fried samples. However, 36.5% of consumers were willing to purchase radiant wall oven baked samples.
Planned Parenthood takes on Live Action: An analysis of media interplay and image restoration strategies in strategic conflict management

Abstract On February 1, 2011 the nonprofit pro-life organization, Live Action, released an undercover video footage that appeared to show Planned Parenthood clinic staff disregarding the reporting laws and aiding sex traffickers. The videos posted on the Live Action blog and YouTube channel quickly garnered over a million views and placed Planned Parenthood at the forefront of national news. The Federal government intervened and threatened funding to the Title X organization. Planned Parenthood began an all out campaign to repair its image and maintain its funding using social media and controlled online media. While Planned Parenthood aimed to shift attention to the societal need for the organization, Live Action relentlessly attacked it and strived to keep the videos at the forefront of the issue. Both organizations incorporated new media into its strategic communication efforts. Results illustrate public relations theories in practice on new media as organizations aim to manage conflicts while considering new communicative platforms.
Infrared, Raman, and NMR spectra of ethylene episulfoxide

Abstract Vapor and liquid phase infrared spectra (250–4000 cm −1 ) and the liquid phase Raman spectrum of ethylene episulfoxide have been measured. The NMR spectrum has also been obtained experimentally and a theoretical spectrum calculated. The NMR data indicate the molecule belongs to the C s point group, and this structure is supported by preliminary microwave studies. Vibrational assignments are proposed, based on the band contours of the infrared vapor phase spectrum, characteristic group frequencies, and Raman polarization data.
Knowledge management receptivity at a major pharmaceutical company

Knowledge management seems to be an emerging trend in organizations. However, skepticism still exists among many managers as to the true value of undertaking knowledge management initiatives. This article presents a case study of surveying knowledge management receptivity attitudes of senior managers in a major pharmaceutical company. The results are discussed and recommended steps are explored.
CHROMOSOME STUDIES IN ASTERACEAE FROM THE UNITED STATES, MEXICO, THE WEST INDIES, AND SOUTH AMERICA'

Chromosome counts of Asteraceae are reported from Mexico, the United States, the West Indies, Peru, and Bolivia. First counts are reported for 27 species, eight infraspecific taxa, and three interspecific hybrids in Brickellia, Chrysanthellum, Cirsium, Egletes, Erigeron, Flaveria, Gnaphalium, Heterotheca, Hieracium, Hymenothrix, Koanophyllon, Layia, Lessingia, Pectis, Sclerocarpus, Stuessya, Tagetes and Wedelia. Counts are also reported for 196 taxa or hybrids for which chromosome numbers have been published previously. Of these, nine are new numbers. Taxonomic implications of certain counts are discussed. THIS PAPER is a continuation of studies (Keil and Stuessy, 1975, 1977; Keil and Pinkava, 1976, 1979, 1981; Keil, 1977; Pinkava and Keil, 1977) on chromosome numbers in Asteraceae. Vouchered chromosome counts represent both hitherto unreported taxa and taxa for which counts have been published previously. The former counts serve to increase the number of taxa for which cytological data are available and can provide insights into relationships and patterns of evolution. The latter counts provide information about variation in chromosome complements and broaden the geographical sample of the various taxa. METHODS-Immature capitula were killed and fixed in modified Carnoy's fixative [4-6 chloroform: 3 ethanol: 1 glacial acetic acid, v:v: v]. Florets were stained in either iron-acetocarmine or Snow's stain (Snow, 1963) and anthers or whole florets were squashed in a drop of Hoyer's medium in a modification of the methods of Beeks (1955). Chromosome counts and meiotic behavior were ascertained from
Primary alveolar macrophages exposed to diesel particulate matter increase RAGE expression and activate RAGE signaling

Receptors for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) are members of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell-surface receptors implicated in mechanisms of pulmonary inflammation. In the current study, we test the hypothesis that RAGE mediates inflammation in primary alveolar macrophages (AMs) exposed to diesel particulate matter (DPM). Quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting revealed that RAGE was up-regulated in Raw264.7 cells, an immortalized murine macrophage cell line and primary AMs exposed to DPM for 2 h. Because DPM increased RAGE expression, we exposed Raw264.7 cells and primary AMs isolated from RAGE null and wild-type (WT) mice to DPM prior to the assessment of inflammatory signaling intermediates. DPM led to the activation of Rat sarcoma GTPase (Ras), p38 MAPK and NF-κB in WT AMs and, when compared to WT AMs, these intermediates were diminished in DPM-exposed AMs isolated from RAGE null mice. Furthermore, cytokines implicated in inflammation, including IL-4, IL-12, IL-13 and TNFα, were all significantly decreased in DPM-exposed RAGE null AMs compared to similarly exposed WT AMs. These results demonstrate that diesel-induced inflammatory responses by primary AMs are mediated, at least in part, via RAGE signaling mechanisms. Further work may show that RAGE signaling in both alveolar epithelial cells and resident macrophages is a potential target in the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases exacerbated by environmental pollution.
On micropipes and nanopipes in SiC and GaN

Abstract Micropipes in 6H- and 4H-SiC grown by the modified Lely technique, and nanopipes in GaN grown by metal-organic vapour-phase epitaxy on sapphire, have been attributed to Frank's growth dislocations that have an empty core because of their large Burgers vectors. These defects have been called ‘killer defects’, because of their deleterious influence on the electrical properties of high-power devices manufactured from these crystals. In this paper, a formation mechanism for nanopipes and micropipes in these hexagonal semiconductors is proposed.
Charge transfer and the effective Coulomb interaction at metal surfaces

The change in electrostatic potential due to charge transfer on or off a crystal surface is estimated for a number of fcc, bcc, and hcp surfaces and the results are compared with the observed surface-to-bulk core-photoelectron binding-energy shifts. The effective Coulomb interaction associated with such charge transfer can be larger than the intra-atomic interaction term alone and hence larger than the bandwidth for typical transition metals. Some implications for chemisorption and layered structures are noted.
Comparison of output from ORASIS and pixel purity calculations

We compare the results produced by the NRL ORASIS algorithm with those produced by ENVI's Pixel Purity Index. Both procedures attempt to find appropriate estimations of the constituent endmembers.
Performance and Interaction Routines in Multinational Corporation

Research on multinational corporations (MNCs) has neglected routines despite their importance for the process of coordination, and their prominence in organization theory. This paper focuses on three aspects of routinization in MNCs. First, the transmission of routines across cultural boundaries in considered. Second, the focus moves to routine interactions between performance teams in MNCs. Third, I discuss how such routines contribute to the structuring of complex international systems. The conclusion suggests that the MNC may have to recognize that every replica of an existing facility is also an experimental test of taken-for-granted practices.
From epithelium to neuroblasts to neurons: the role of cell interactions and cell lineage during insect neurogenesis

The grasshopper central nervous system is composed of a brain and a chain of segmental ganglia. Each hemiganglion contains about 1000 neurons, most of which can be individually identified by their unique morphology and synaptic connectivity. Shortly after gastrulation the ventral ectoderm becomes a neurogenic region. In each hemisegment, ca. 150 neurogenic ectodermal cells (nECs) give rise to a stereotyped pattern of 30 identified neuroblasts (NBs, neuronal stem cells); the remaining nECs become various non-neuronal cells or die. The 30 NBs then give rise to about 1000 neurons as each NB initiates an invariant lineage, generating a stereotyped chain of ganglion mother cells (GMCs), each of which in turn divides once to generate two identified neurons. We have used a laser microbeam or microelectrode to ablate individual cells in ovo and in vitro at various stages of embryogenesis to study how neuronal diversity and specificity are generated during development. O ur results suggest (i) that cell interactions between ca. 150 equivalent nECs allow 30 cells to enlarge into NBs, the dominant fate in a hierarchy; (ii) the NBs inhibit adjacent nECs and thus cause them to differentiate into various non-neuronal cells; (iii) each NB is assigned its unique identity according to its position of enlargement within the neurogenic epithelium; (iv) each NB then generates its characteristic chain of GMCs by an invariant cell lineage; and (v) each GMC generates a pair of equivalent progeny, the fate of each individual neuron being determined by both its GMC of origin and interactions with its sibling.
The continuity of two functions associated with a maximin problem with connected variables

A function being the sum of two bilinear functions with one and the same first vector argument belonging to a polyhedron and the other two vector arguments belonging to another polyhedron is considered. It is shown that a certain minimum function of this sum and the maximin function of the sum (on the second polyhedron of connected variables) are continuous on corresponding polyhedra, which can be used in solving a maximin problem that is considered in the article.
Determination of the enantiomeric composition of some molecules of pharmaceutical interest by chemometric analysis of the UV spectra of guest-host complexes formed with modified cyclodextrins.

Abstract Multivariate regression modeling techniques (PLS-1 regression modeling) were applied to ordinary UV spectral absorption data obtained on solutions containing inclusion complexes formed between homochiral modified cyclodextrins (methyl-β-cyclodextrin, α-, β-, and γ-carboxymethyl cyclodextrins and α-, β-, and γ-hydroxypropyl cyclodextrins) and four guest molecules of pharmaceutical interest (ephedrine, norephedrine, norepinephrine- l -bitartrate, and tryptophan methyl ester). The PLS-1 regression models were developed by correlating the known enantiomeric composition of laboratory prepared samples with ordinary UV absorption spectral data. The regression models were subsequently validated with laboratory-prepared test sets. The rms percent relative error in the predicted mol fraction of ( 1S, 2R )-(+) - ephedrine , ( 1S , 2R )-(+)-norephedrine, ( R )-(−)-norepinephrine- l -bitartrate, and d -tryptophan methyl ester obtained with the independently prepared test sets was heavily dependent on the host molecule used.
Toeplitzness of products of composition operators and their adjoints

We examine the Toeplitzness of products of composition operators and their adjoints. We show, among other things, that Cϕ⁎Cϕ is strongly asymptotically Toeplitz for all analytic self-maps ϕ of the unit disk, and that CϕCϕ⁎ is Toeplitz if and only if ϕ is the identity or a rotation. Also, we see that CϕCϕ⁎ can exhibit varying degrees of asymptotic Toeplitzness.
Sulfur diagnostic criteria for French prune trees

Abstract One year old Marianna 2624 (Prunus cerasifera X P. munsoniana) trees grafted with French prunes (P. domestica) were grown in the greenhouse in pots containing vermiculite and supplied with graded amounts of sulfate‐sulfur (SO4‐S) to study the methods of evaluating sulfur (S). Tree fresh weight gain was recorded. Leaf samples were analyzed for different S fractions. Chlorophyll concentration of leaves was better than fresh weight gain as an indicator of tree S status. Sulfate in recently matured leaves is a better diagnostic index for prunes than total‐S, organic‐S, or N:S ratio which are not suitable for this purpose. Using chlorophyll as an indicator of growth potential, critical SO4‐S level of recently matured leaves is 97 ppm. Sulfate‐sulfur as a percent of total‐S can also be used as a diagnostic tool. Critical level for this index in the recently matured leaves is 7.85%. External critical S level is 80 μM (8 ppm as SO4).
Data management to enhance long‐term watershed research capacity: context and STEWARDS case study

Water resources are under pressure globally due to growing population, human migration into arid regions, and diverse competing needs. In recent decades, progress in the study of information (informatics) and its manipulation via computer-based tools has stimulated development of data systems in many natural resources disciplines. Such informatics systems provide data storage, access, visualization, perhaps with analysis/modelling tools, and download capacity. Application of database technology can overcome problems of fragmentation, inadequate documentation, and cumbersome manipulation of complex data. Data management was a critical requirement for USDA’s Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) which was established to quantify environmental effects of agricultural conservation practices. Although USDA and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have conducted watershed research since early 20th century, the data have been managed and disseminated independently from each research location, reducing accessibility and utility of these data for policy-relevant, multi-site analyses. To address these concerns, STEWARDS (Sustaining the Earth’s Watersheds—Agricultural Research Data System) was developed to compile, document, and provide access to data from loosely coupled research watersheds. The STEWARDS case study is used to illustrate the role of data management in enhancing ecohydrological research and evolving information technologies available to improve data management from complex ecohydrologic studies. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactive patterning via post-functionalization of polymer brushes utilizing disuccinimidyl carbonate activation to couple primary amines

Abstract Polymer brushes provide an exceptional route to surface functionalization due to their chemical and mechanical robustness, lack of large-area defects, and high density of functional groups. In spite of these benefits, the synthetic difficulty and complex surface structure associated with polymer brushes have hindered their utilization for constructing multifunctional, patterned surfaces. In this contribution we describe the use of a rapid and highly efficient polymer brush post-functionalization technique as a facile method for controlling surface functionality of polymer brushes. Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) brushes are post-functionalized via activation with N , N ′-disuccinimidyl carbonate (DSC) and subsequent coupling to molecules containing α-amine moieties. This post-functionalization effectively tailors surface energy resulting in water contact angles ranging from 40° to 100° using different conjugate molecules. Furthermore, the solvent tolerance, insensitivity to reactant concentration, and rapid reaction time of the aminolysis reaction enable surface energy patterning of the polymer brushes through the use of “reactive” soft lithography. Finally, these surface energy patterns could be “developed” by exposure to gold nanoparticle solutions to yield surfaces with patterned nanoparticle density.
Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance Study of the Growth Characteristics of N-Alkylpyrrole: Organic Monolayers as Nucleation Sites for Ordered Polymer Growth†

The electrochemical polymerization of the n-alkylpyrrole, N-hexadecylpyrrole (HDPy) to form poly(N-hexadecylpyrrole) (PHDPy) was monitored at both a bare gold electrode surface and a gold surface modified with bis(ω-(N-pyrrolyl)-n-undecyl) sulfide (BPUS). The film growth process was monitored by chronoamperometry and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). Both techniques revealed that there is a fundamental difference in the nucleation and growth of the polymer films on the modified versus the unmodified electrode surface. EQCM data revealed that the PHDPy film formed on the BPUS-modified electrode was much denser and grew in a more ordered manner than that formed on the bare gold surface. The film formed on the modified electrode was also found to be more resilient than that formed on the bare gold surface, withstanding repeated cycling in an electrolyte solution. These experiments demonstrate that the surface-confined pyrrole units on the modified electrode serve as specific nucleation site...
Truffle: a self-optimizing runtime system

We present Truffle, a novel framework for implementing managed languages in Java™. The language implementer writes an AST interpreter, which is integrated in our framework that allows tree rewriting during AST interpretation. Tree rewrites incorporate type feedback and other profiling information into the tree, thus specializing the tree and augmenting it with run-time information. When the tree reaches a stable state, partial evaluation compiles the tree into optimized machine code. The partial evaluation is done by Graal, the just-in-time compiler of our Java VM (a variation of the Java HotSpot VM). To show that Truffle supports a variety of programming language paradigms, we present prototype implementations of JavaScript (a dynamically typed programming language) and J (an array programming language).
Effects of deprivation of two essential amino acids on DNA synthesis in Chinese hamster cells.

Abstract The effects of isoleucine deprivation on DNA synthesis were compared with leucine deprivation. Omission of either amino acid prevented entry of G1 cells into S. Cells deprived of isoleucine were able to complete S although the rate of DNA synthesis decreased steadily after deprivation. The effects of leucine deprivation were more drastic and not all cells were able to complete S. It is proposed that isoleucine deprivation results in G1 arrest because S phase cells are less sensitive to its omission than to the omission of other amino acids.
Performance characteristics of active constrained layer damping versus passive constrained layer damping with active control

The shear strains in the visco-elastic cores of beams controlled by Active Constrained Layer Damping (ACLD) treatments are determined and compared with those of beams controlled by Active Control (AC) and conventional Passive Constrained Layer Damping (PCLD) treatments. Such comparison is essential in quantifying the individual contribution of the active and passive damping components, to the overall damping characteristics, when each operates separately and when both are combined to interact in unison as in the ACLD treatments. The comparisons are based on distributed-parameter and finite element models which describe the behavior of beams controlled by ACLD as well as beams treated by AC and PCLD treatments. The distributed-parameter models give closed-form expressions for the energy dissipation characteristics of the ACLD treatments in comparison with those of the AC/PCLD treatments. Also, the finite element models are validated experimentally using visco-elastic cores which are photo-elastic in order to study the distribution of the shear strains inside these cores. The results obtained indicate that the ACLD treatments are capable of developing shear deformations, in the visco-elastic cores, higher than those generated by the AC/PCLD treatments when the ratio of the longitudinal rigidity of the constraining layer to that of the base beam is less than 1. With such enhanced shear deformation capabilities, the ACLD treatments can develop high damping and effective attenuation of the vibration of critical systems as the blades of rotorcrafts.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Scolecophidia (Serpentes) of the Late Oligocene and Early Miocene, North America, and a fossil history overview

Abstract An abundant fossil record of the snake clade Scolecophidia exists in Europe; however, the minute snake is noticeably absent in reports about the North American Paleogene and Neogene. Presented here are four localities from Florida, USA, that contain scolecophidian remains older than the Pleistocene: Thomas Farm (late Early Miocene, Hemingfordian Land Mammal Age, LMA), Live Oak (Oligocene-Miocene transition, latest Arikareean LMA), White Springs 3B (late Arikareean LMA), and Brooksville 2 (Late Oligocene, middle Arikareean LMA). These remains extend their known existence by about 26 m.y. and are now the oldest reported scolecophidian remains in North America. Molecular evidence on extant scolecophidians concludes that these tiny snakes have a Gondwanan origin. Interestingly, the oldest record of a scolecophidian is from Europe (Belgium) and dates back to the middle Paleocene (MP 1–5). The earliest African record of the snake clade comes from the Paleocene-Eocene boundary in Morocco. The clade is apparently absent from Europe and Middle East deposits dating from the latest Eocene through to the latest Oligocene (MP 19–30) and to the Early Miocene (MN 4). A portion of this time is known as the booid ‘Dark Period’ which represents an apparent response to global aridization and cooling. Scolecophidians appear to re-emerge into the southern Eurasian record in the Early Miocene (MN 4) and become widely dispersed throughout Europe and Middle East. The fossil record of these minute snakes is largely absent in southern Asia and South America. It is possible that the current lack of a decent fossil scolecophidian record outside of Europe and Middle East is due mainly to a bias in the methodology to recover fossils; wet sieving sediments through
Droplet‐Based Microreactors for Continuous Production of Palladium Nanocrystals with Controlled Sizes and Shapes

Droplet-based microreactors are used for the continuous production of Pd nanocrystals. Specifically, commercially available polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube and silica capillaries are utilized to fabricate a fluidic device capable of generating water-in-oil droplets. In addition to the feasibility of using such droplets as microreactors for conducting a synthesis, the ability to control the composition and concentration of reagents by adjusting the flow rates is demonstrated; reagents are mixed by periodically pinching the PTFE tube, and nanocrystals are produced with uniform size distribution in a continuous fashion. The capability to tailor the size and shape of the resultant nanocrystals is further demonstrated by introducing the reducing agent and capping agent at different flow rates to control the nucleation and growth processes. The ability to transform a bulk synthesis into a droplet-based system holds great potential for the development of a new route to the high-volume production of nanocrystals.
Synthesising meaning and processing approaches to prosody: performance matters

Words vary in acoustic prominence; for example repeated words tend to be reduced, while focused elements tend to be acoustically prominent. We discuss two approaches to this phenomenon. On the message-based view, acoustic choices signal the speaker's meaning or pragmatics, or are guided by syntactic structure. On the facilitation-based view, reduced forms reflect facilitation of production processing mechanisms. We argue that message-based constraints correlate systematically with production facilitation. Moreover, we argue that discourse effects on acoustic reduction may be at least partially mediated by processing facilitation. Thus, research needs to simultaneously consider both competence (message) and performance (processing) constraints on prosody, specifically in terms of the psychological mechanisms underlying acoustic reduction. To facilitate this goal, we present preliminary processing models of message-based and facilitation-based approaches, and outline directions for future research.
Land tenure, market, and the establishment of forest plantations in Ghana

Abstract This paper presents an empirical study on the relationship among land tenure, market incentives, and forest plantation establishment in Ghana based on a two stage selectivity model. Our results show that the total amount of land owned and/or cultivated by farmers, amount of land owned by farmers outright, and use of government extension services by the farmers have a significant positive influence on plantation establishment. In addition, lands owned outright by farmers and the prices of plantation products have a significant positive effect on silvicultural investment in plantation. These results demonstrate the potential for land market reforms and market incentives in enhancing forest plantation establishment.
Multidimensional Architecture of Love: From Romantic Narratives to Psychometrics.

Romantic love has been explored by writers for centuries revealing multiple emotions and feelings related to this phenomenon. Scientific efforts to understand love began in the mid-twentieth century and greatly advanced the topic in the past few decades. Several instruments measuring love were developed. They are still, however, limited in their scope. The purpose of our study was to explore love’s emotional complexity through discourse analysis of romantic narratives and apply the constructs identified in those narratives to the reality of love relationships. In the first study, the discourse analysis of quotes selected from a representative sample of romantic narratives lead to a comprehensive set of items measuring the variety of love constructs. Second and third studies, utilizing 498 participants of various ages, empirically explored the diversity of love constructs and their architecture. The study brought many constructs to the arena of love research. A hierarchical cluster analysis allowed depicting these dimensions in varying models. Mental representations of love structures varied depending on the participants’ mental complexity and other factors.
The Cumacean Fauna of the Southern California Continental Shelf

[Description et figuration d'une espece de Cumaces appartenant a un nouveau genre et a une nouvelle famille. Discussion taxonomique et defense de la classification de Stebbing (1913). Cette nouvelle espece a ete trouvee sur la cote de Californie du Sud; elle ressemble aux membres de la famille des Lampropidae, mais le mâle possede deux paires de pleopodes, ce qui n'a pas encore ete observe chez les Cumaces qui presentent les autres caracteres generaux des Lampropidae et des Chalarostylidae., Description et figuration d'une espece de Cumaces appartenant a un nouveau genre et a une nouvelle famille. Discussion taxonomique et defense de la classification de Stebbing (1913). Cette nouvelle espece a ete trouvee sur la cote de Californie du Sud; elle ressemble aux membres de la famille des Lampropidae, mais le mâle possede deux paires de pleopodes, ce qui n'a pas encore ete observe chez les Cumaces qui presentent les autres caracteres generaux des Lampropidae et des Chalarostylidae.]
Quality of Life in 650 Lung Cancer Survivors 6 Months to 4 Years After Diagnosis

OBJECTIVE To present the results of a quality-of-life (QOL) assessment performed with the current version of the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) questionnaire in a large single-institutional data set of 650 patients with lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study group included 650 patients with pathologically confirmed primary lung cancer whose conditions were diagnosed and/or treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2001. The QOL assessment was performed using the self-administered LCSS questionnaire (version 2) 6 months to 4 years after the diagnosis of lung cancer. RESULTS The item response rate for all 9 LCSS questions was 94.2% with a minimum of 92.9%. Significant differences in overall QOL by sex ( P =.04), Karnofsky scale ( P P P P =.001) were found, but no significant differences in overall QOL by age ( P =.17) or marital status ( P =.06) were observed. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that QOL in patients with lung cancer at varying times after diagnosis highly correlates with baseline prognostic factors (disease stage, histology, Karnofsky scale, weight loss, and sex).
Visual appearance of matte surfaces

All visual sensors, biological and artificial, are finite in resolution by necessity. As a result, the effective reflectance of surfaces in a scene varies with magnification. A reflectance model for matte surfaces is described that incorporates the effect of macroscopic surface undulations on image brightness. The model takes into account complex physical phenomena such as masking, shadowing, and interreflections between points on the surface, and it predicts the appearance of a wide range of natural surfaces. The implications of these results for human vision, machine vision, and computer graphics are demonstrated with both real and rendered images of three-dimensional objects. In particular, objects with extremely rough surfaces produce silhouette images devoid of shading, precluding visual perception of the object's shape.
Metastasis-Suppressor Genes: A Review and Perspective on an Emerging Field

Metastasis is the most lethal attribute of a cancer. There is a critical need for markers that will distinguish accurately those histologic lesions and disseminated cellswith a high probability of causing clinically important metastatic disease from those that will remain indolent. While the development of new diagnostic markers of metastasis was the initial motivation for many studies, the biologic approach used to identify metastasis-suppressor genes has provided surprising insights into the in vivo mechanisms regulating the formation of metastases. This chapter reviews the evolving view of the mechanisms that regulate metastasis and the importance of metastasis-suppressor genes in this process. The known metastasis-suppressor proteins or genes and the microcell-mediated chromosomal transfer strategy used to identify many of them are reviewed. New evidence for the role of these metastasis-suppressor activities (genes) in regulating the growth of disseminated cancer cells at the secondary site, the potential for the identification of novel therapeutic targets, and the multidisciplinary approach needed to translate this information into clinical tools for the treatment of metastatic disease are discussed.
The E. Donnall Thomas Lecture--apoptosis: "'tis death that makes life live".

Dr. Tak Mak was this year’s honored E. Donnall homas lecturer at the Tandem BMT Meetings, held n February 1, 2003, in Keystone, Colorado. Dr. Mak as contributed a cornerstone of immunology by eluidating the structure and organization of the T-cell eceptor (TCR), a contribution of vital importance to any, if not all, of us in this field. His work now xtends in exciting new directions involving signaling athways in apoptosis. Dr. Mak is consistently idenified by Science Watch as one of the most cited cientists in the world. He completed his undergradate studies at the University of Wisconsin in Madion and obtained his PhD degree from the University f Alberta. Currently, he is the director of the Adanced Medical Discovery Institute in Toronto and is senior scientist of the Ontario Cancer Institute. uring his very distinguished career, Dr. Mak has arnered many awards, including the Gairdner Interational Award and the General Motors Sloan Prize. e is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, rare distinction for non-Americans, and a Fellow of he Royal Society. The following review is a modified ranscribed version of the presentation made by Dr. ak.
Determinants of parental guidance of children's television viewing for a special subgroup: Mass media scholars

This study examines the level and nature of parental guidance regarding revision exercised by mass media scholars. It also focuses On relationship of that guidance to beliefs the scholars here about the effects of television, to characteristics of the scholarship, and to basic demographic information.