cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sediment indicators of meromixis: comparison of laminations, diatoms, and sediment chemistry in Brownie Lake, Minneapolis, USA

Meromixis has several powerful effects on lakes, yet there is no single definitive sediment indicator of meromixis. In this study three sediment indicators of meromixis were compared in Brownie Lake, Minneapolis, Minnesota, a small eutrophic lake that became meromictic around 1925. The results show that in Brownie the onset of laminations and changes in the iron to manganese ratio most likely occurred before the development of permanently anoxic bottom water and that changes in the diatom assemblage occurred later, most likely only when meromixis was well developed.
Two-dimensional model of bipolar PopZ polymerization in caulobacter crescentus

The asymmetric location of proteins is crucial to the Caulobacter cell cycle. At cell division, the landmark protein PopZ is located at the old ends of the newborn cells, and later in the cell cycle PopZ adopts a bipolar pattern in the predivisional cell. The polar localization of PopZ plays a determining role in the intracellular location of certain key cell cycle regulators and in tethering the replicated chromosome to the two ends of the cell. PopZ polymerizes at the poles of a Caulobacter cell by a self-organizing mechanism. Experiments demonstrate that popZ gene replication is indispensable in forming bipolar PopZ patterns. Hence, to study the mechanism of PopZ bipolarity, we propose a model of spatiotemporal organization in two spatial dimensions, based on a Turing mechanism of pattern formation in coordination with chromosome replication and segregation. We explore PopZ patterns on domains of different shapes and different locations of popZ genes. Both deterministic and stochastic simulations capture the observed variations in the location and timing of PopZ polymerization.
Case report: Recurrent heart failure with preserved ejection fraction but markedly elevated BNP in a 51-year-old female on hemodialysis with oversized AV fistula

We hereby report a case that appeared to have had recurrent clinical heart failure secondary to high-output state due to oversized arteriovenous fistula. Patient started to have dyspnea on exertion approximately 4 months after the creation of the fistula, and subsequently had two episodes of heart failure exacerbation. On both occasions, she had normal left ventricular systolic function as demonstrated by echocardiogram. The shunt was estimated to be as large as 1.9 L/min. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were markedly elevated. To our knowledge, this is the first case in which BNP level was reported and used in the diagnosis of high-output heart failure.
II—Jonathan Dancy: Moral Perception

I start by examining Robert Audi's positive suggestions about moral perception, and then attempt to point out some challengeable assumptions that he seems to make, and to consider how things might look if those assumptions are abandoned.
Spontaneous Separation of Epiretinal Membranes

• Three patients had spontaneous separation of an epiretinal membrane from the macular region. Two of the patients had had argon laser photocoagulation of peripheral retinal lesions three to four months earlier. Vitreous contraction, which had led to the fundus conditions that required photocoagulation, may have created alterations in the vitreous or in the membrane itself, which enhanced the peeling of the membranes. Although photocoagulation may sometimes worsen macular puckers, the presence of an epiretinal membrane near the macula should not be considered an absolute contraindication to peripheral fundus photocoagulation when the pathologic process that is to be coagulated has a substantially worse prognosis if left untreated.
Characterizing the microscopic physics near moving contact lines using dynamic contact angle data

Directly probing the fluid flow and liquid-vapor interface shape in the microscopic immediate vicinity of the moving contact line can only be accomplished in very specific and isolated cases. Yet this physics is critical to macroscopic dynamic wetting. Here we examine the microscopic (or inner) physics of spreading silicone fluids using data of macroscopic dynamic contact angle versus Capillary number Ca=U mu/sigma. This dynamic contact angle is precisely defined so that it can be related back to the microscopic behavior through detailed theory. Our results indicate that the parameters describing the inner region have a detectable dependence on spreading velocity when this velocity exceeds a critical value. This dependence is not scaled (i.e., the data are not collapsed) by Ca, which suggests that an additional time scale must be present in the model of the inner region.
Comments on “Biases in Stratospheric and Tropospheric Temperature Trends Derived from Historical Radiosonde Data”

Randel and Wu (2006, hereafter RW) examine time series of differences between microwave sounding unit (MSU) channel-4 [lower stratosphere (LS)] equivalent radiosonde temperature observations and actual MSU LS satellite data and find many abrupt shifts in those difference series. They conclude that the radiosonde data, although previously adjusted for homogeneity by Lanzante et al. [2003a (hereafter LKS), 2003b], still have large inhomogeneities after 1979 that produce unrealistically large cooling trends in the tropical stratosphere. They also suggest that those inhomogeneities extend into the troposphere and could significantly affect tropospheric trends in the Radiosonde Atmospheric Temperature Products for Assessing Climate (RATPAC; Free et al. 2005) dataset, which is based on the LKS adjustments. Their paper raises several questions addressed in the following sections.
Optical characterization of diffuser-input standard irradiance meters

Standards quality irradiance meters have been developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to realize a detector based spectral irradiance scale. The design criteria and the optical and radiometric characterization of diffuser-input irradiance meters are discussed. The input geometry optimization is described for a broad-band InGaAs irradiance meter when measuring a 2856 K incandescent light source. The directional responsivity of the fabricated InGaAs and Si irradiance meters matches the cosine function with a maximum deviation of 0.15% within a 12 degree(s) field-of-view. Irradiance from sources of different sizes (incident beams with different f/numbers) can be measured over a wavelength range of 350 nm to 1800 nm.
Critical Issues in Detecting Viable Listeria monocytogenes Cells by Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR

Rapid and specific detection of viable Listeria monocytogenes cells, particularly in processed foods, is a major challenge in the food industry. To assess the suitability of using RNA-based detection methods to detect viable cells, several sets of PCR primers and florescent probes were designed targeting the 16S rRNA, internalin A, and ribosomal protein L4 genes. One-step real-time reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR assays were conducted using RNAs extracted from control and heat-treated L. monocytogenes samples. The cycle threshold values were significantly higher in heat-treated cells than in controls. However, real-time RT-PCR amplification signals were still detected even in samples stored at room temperature for 24 h after lethal treatments, and the intensity of the signals was correlated with the cell population. The 16S rRNA molecules were the most stable of the three targets evaluated, and the impact on detection efficacy of the relative positions of the PCR primers within the target genes was limited under the experimental conditions. These results suggest that real-time RT-PCR assays have advantages over conventional PCR assays for assessing viable L. monocytogenes cells, but the results are affected by the stability of the RNA molecules targeted. These findings could have a major impact on interpretation of RNA-based detection data and gene expression studies.
CO2 pneumoperitoneum does not enhance tumor growth and metastasis: study of a rat cecal wall inoculation model.

INTRODUCTION: Although many studies have evaluated the effects of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on port site recurrence, little is known about its outcome on tumor growth and metastasis. The effect of pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide on cecal tumor growth and metastasis was compared with laparotomy using a rat colon cancer cell line. METHODS: Time Course Study: Fifty WF/BN F1 hybrid rats were inoculated with 2,000,000 WB2054M5 tumor cells into the cecal wall and explored two to ten weeks after injection. Main Study: 152 rats were randomly assigned either to 6-mmHg CO2 pneumoperitoneum (30 minutes) or 4-cm laparotomy (30 minutes) two weeks after tumor inoculation and were explored four weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Time Course Study: Thirty-seven (95 percent) of the surviving rats developed a cecal wall tumor, and there was progressive tumor growth and metastasis over the ten-week period. At six weeks, metastasis occurred to the liver in 25 percent, to the lung in 38 percent, and to the lymph node in 63 percent, and peritoneal seeding occurred in 38 percent; this time period was chosen for the main study. Main Study: At the time of treatment (2 weeks), 124 rats were eligible for randomization. One hundred two rats survived the six-week period (50 pneumoperitoneum, 52 laparotomy) and were killed. There were no differences between the CO2 pneumoperitoneum and laparotomy groups regarding cecal tumor growth (1.043vs. 0.894 g) and metastases to the liver (32vs. 37 percent), lung (34vs. 17 percent), lymph node (84vs. 77 percent), and wound or port (20vs. 23 percent). CONCLUSIONS: A cecal wall inoculation model mimics the natural cascade of colon cancer growth and metastasis. CO2 pneumoperitoneum did not affect the tumor growth and metastasis to the liver and other organs when compared with laparotomy in this model.
Pediatric-based smoking cessation intervention for low-income women: A randomized trial

Background Continued high rates of smoking among socioeconomically disadvantaged women lead to increases in children's health problems associated with exposure to tobacco smoke. The pediatric clinic is a "teachable setting" in which to provide advice and assistance to parents who smoke. Objective To evaluate a smoking cessation intervention for women. Design Two-arm (usual care vs intervention) randomized trial. Setting Pediatric clinics serving an ethnically diverse population of low-income families in the greater Seattle, Wash, area. Intervention During the clinic visit, women received a motivational message from the child's clinician, a guide to quitting smoking, and a 10-minute motivational interview with a nurse or study interventionist. Women received as many as 3 outreach telephone counseling calls from the clinic nurse or interventionist in the 3 months following the visit. Participants Self-identified women smokers (n = 303) whose children received care at participating clinics. Main Outcome Measure Self-reported abstinence from smoking 12 months after enrollment in the study, defined as not smoking, even a puff, during the 7 days prior to assessment. Results Response rates at 3 and 12 months were 80% and 81%. At both follow-ups, abstinence rates were twice as great in the intervention group as in the control group (7.7% vs 3.4% and 13.5% vs 6.9%, respectively). The 12-month difference was statistically significant. Conclusions A pediatric clinic smoking cessation intervention has long-term effects in a socioeconomically disadvantaged sample of women smokers. The results encourage implementation of evidence-based clinical guidelines for smoking cessation in pediatric practice.
The effect of heat processing, gamma radiation, and ultraviolet radiation on the anaphylactogenic properties of milk.

Abstract Molecular alteration in proteins has been accomplished with extensive heat treatment, ultraviolet irradiation in the absence or presence of photosensitizer, and gamma radiation. Alteration in the anaphylactogenic properties of raw skimmed milk protein, when tested on milk-sensitized guinea pigs, was observed by all three methods. Measurements made of the contractions on excised uterine strip from milk-sensitized guinea pigs produced by a challenge with gammairradiated milk revealed that a 9.30 megarad sample produced a response which was 85 per cent of that produced by raw skimmed milk. A lower radiation dose of 5.58 megarads produced a contraction which was 93 per cent of that produced by raw skimmed milk. The mean lethal shocking doses (LD 50 values) for gamma-irradiated milk samples at radiation doses of 0.456, 2.79, 5.58, and 9.30 megarads were, respectively, 29 ± 4, 64 ± 11, 602 ± 270, and 1,157 ± 422 mcg. of protein nitrogen when injected into milk-sensitized guinea pigs. The LD 50 value for 90° C. milk heated for thirty-five minutes was 347 ± 99 mcg. protein nitrogen. The LD 50 value for ultraviolet-irradiated milk without photosensitizer (hematoporphyrin) was 228 ± 52, and with hematoporphyrin added it was 1,272 ± 299 mcg. of protein nitrogen. The LD 50 value for control or raw skimmed milk in all experiments ranged from 24 to 37 mcg. of protein nitrogen. Using treatment-response curves, 9.30 megarad gamma-irradiated milk was found to be equivalent to an 89° C. heat-treated milk. Electrophoretic patterns and viscosity measurements have been made on gamma-irradiated milk protein. The significance of the three methods of processing on the alteration of the allergenicity of milk protein has been discussed.
Surface segregation of branched polyethyleneimines in a thermoplastic polyurethane

Abstract Hyperbranched polyethyleneimines were modified with methacrylated fluorosurfactants and aliphatic epoxides to provide a library of macromolecules with controlled chain ends and residual amine functionality. These materials were co-dissolved with a thermoplastic polyurethane-ether and the blends were subsequently deposited as films cast from solution. The surface chemistry of the cast films was determined using angle resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AR-XPS) and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS). Experimental results indicate that the modified hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) concentrate at the air–polymer interface. Furthermore, HBPs that were complexed to polyoxometalates (POMs) using electrostatic interactions also exhibited surface segregation in cast polymer films, resulting in ca. 10-fold increase of metal at the film surface relative to the known bulk concentration. Results from XPS and RBS examination of the films are consistent with surface segregation of the HBP–POM hybrids, exhibiting increased metal, fluorine, and nitrogen content near the surface of the film, as well as significant changes in wetting behavior. This study indicates that modified HBPs may be used to selectively transport inorganic species such as polyoxometalates to polymer film surfaces.
Development and evaluation of a unity-based, kinect-controlled avatar for physical rehabilitation

This paper presents our work in developing a 3D Avatar representation of a physical therapist, to guide the rehabilitation process of patient, while the therapist is not physically present. We describe our development approach, and assess the motion accuracy of an avatar that moves according to joint tracking input coming from Microsoft's Kinect, while the therapist showcases the exercises. It is found that there is a strong correlation between the velocities of the Kinect and avatar joints, enough to make a system with high potential for real-world application.
Synthesis and characterization of polymeric ionic liquid poly(imidazolium chloride-1,3-diylbutane-1,4-diyl)

Polymeric ionic liquid poly(imidazolium chloride-1,3-diylbutane-1,4-diyl) with imidazolium cation groups built into the main chain was prepared using two different routes in 92–95% yield, and characterized by FT-IR, 1H, 13C NMR, TGA, and elemental analysis. The first method involved the heating of neat 1-(4-chlorobutyl)-1H-imidazole, whereas the second method involved the heating of an equimolar mixture of 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)-bis-imidazole and 1,4-dichlorobutane.
Asymmetric NMR spectra of weakly coupled nuclei: A common characteristic in the 13C NMR spectra of [U-13C]-labeled molecules and in natural abundance protoncoupled 13C spectra

Typically encountered proton-decoupled spectra of [U-13C]-labeled molecules or proton-coupled spectra of natural abundance or singly labeled molecules contain many nuclei which satisfy the weak coupling approximation. The spectra of such nuclei are frequently highly asymmetric and often appear to exhibit the skewed intensity distribution characteristic of strongly coupled spins. Analysis of typical cases indicates that such effects arise in the presence of at least one moderately strong coupling interaction in the spin system (Jδν ∼ 1/3), and the apparent intensity asymmetry reflects small differences in the spacing of unresolved components of the observed resonance. This effect is analogous to the case of ‘virtual coupling’ in which weakly coupled spins cannot be analyzed as first order spectra; however; the ABX spin system which generally serves as a model for such systems does not predict the existence of spectral asymmetry for the X resonances. Prediction of this asymmetry requires a spin system of at least four spins with at least ABMX complexity, and can be treated generally using the effective Hamiltonian approach of Poeple and Schaefer.
Surface deformation due to loading of a layered elastic half-space: a rapid numerical kernel based on a circular loading element

SUMMARY This study is motivated by a desire to develop a fast numerical algorithm for computing the surface deformation field induced by surface pressure loading on a layered, isotropic, elastic half-space. The approach that we pursue here is based on a circular loading element. That is, an arbitrary surface pressure field applied within a finite surface domain will be represented by a large number of circular loading elements, all with the same radius, in which the applied downwards pressure (normal stress) is piecewise uniform: that is, the load within each individual circle is laterally uniform. The key practical requirement associated with this approach is that we need to be able to solve for the displacement field due to a single circular load, at very large numbers of points (or ‘stations’), at very low computational cost. This elemental problem is axisymmetric, and so the displacement vector field consists of radial and vertical components both of which are functions only of the radial coordinate r. We achieve high computational speeds using a novel two-stage approach that we call the sparse evaluation and massive interpolation (SEMI) method. First, we use a high accuracy but computationally expensive method to compute the displacement vectors at a limited number of r values (called control points or knots), and then we use a variety of fast interpolation methods to determine the displacements at much larger numbers of intervening points. The accurate solutions achieved at the control points are framed in terms of cylindrical vector functions, Hankel transforms and propagator matrices. Adaptive Gauss quadrature is used to handle the oscillatory nature of the integrands in an optimal manner. To extend these exact solutions via interpolation we divide the r-axis into three zones, and employ a different interpolation algorithm in each zone. The magnitude of the errors associated with the interpolation is controlled by the number, M, of control points. For M= 54, the maximum RMS relative error associated with the SEMI method is less than 0.2 per cent, and it is possible to evaluate the displacement field at 100 000 stations about 1200 times faster than if the direct (exact) solution was evaluated at each station; for M= 99 which corresponds to a maximum RMS relative error less than 0.03 per cent, the SEMI method is about 700 times faster than the direct solution.
Block Island fault: A Paleozoic crustal boundary on the Long Island platform

A major fault cutting through most of the crust can be identified and mapped on the Long Island platform using multichannel seismic reflection profiles and magnetic data. The fault, here called the Block Island fault (BIF), strikes north-northeast, dips westward at low angle, and does not resemble the thin-skinned thrust faulting observed in the foreland of the Appalachians. The BIF is located within the hinterland of the Appalachian mountain belt in the collision zone between Africa and North America. We present several interpretations but favor one in which the fault originated as an east-verging mid–late Paleozoic thrust fault, possibly related to the collision of Avalon or Meguma with North America. It was probably reactivated during early Mesozoic continental breakup and again in the Late Cretaceous and Tertiary, causing the steeply dipping postrift New Shoreham fault to form, either as an antithetic (normal) or splay (reverse) fault.
STORY SEQUENCE ANALYSIS OF FAMILY TATS.

Summary One hundred twenty-six three-member families were asked to produce conjointly three TAT stories based on nine cards, which were scored by the Arnold system of Story Sequence Analysis. There were 50 families with normal children, 44 with emotionally maladjusted, 16 with schizophrenic, and 16 with delinquent children. Analysis of the results revealed that the Arnold score successfully differentiated normal from abnormal families, but that the three abnormal groups did not differ from each other. The last set of TAT cards given was the most effective.
Co-encapsulation of anti-BMP2 monoclonal antibody and mesenchymal stem cells in alginate microspheres for bone tissue engineering

Recently, it has been shown that tethered anti-BMP2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can trap BMP ligands and thus provide BMP inductive signals for osteo-differentiation of progenitor cells. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop a co-delivery system based on murine anti-BMP2 mAb-loaded alginate microspheres encapsulating human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs); and (2) investigate osteogenic differentiation of encapsulated stem cells in alginate microspheres in vitro and in vivo. Alginate microspheres of 1 ± 0.1 mm diameter were fabricated with 2 × 10(6) hBMMSCs per mL of alginate. Critical-size calvarial defects (5 mm diameter) were created in immune-compromised mice and alginate microspheres preloaded with anti-BMP mAb encapsulating hBMMSCs were transplanted into defect sites. Alginate microspheres pre-loaded with isotype-matched non-specific antibody were used as the negative control. After 8 weeks, micro CT and histologic analyses were used to analyze bone formation. In vitro analysis demonstrated that anti-BMP2 mAbs tethered BMP2 ligands that can activate the BMP receptors on hBMMSCs. The co-delivery system described herein, significantly enhanced hBMMSC-mediated osteogenesis, as confirmed by the presence of BMP signal pathway-activated osteoblast determinants Runx2 and ALP. Our results highlight the importance of engineering the microenvironment for stem cells, and particularly the value of presenting inductive signals for osteo-differentiation of hBMMSCs by tethering BMP ligands using mAbs. This strategy of engineering the microenvironment with captured BMP signals is a promising modality for repair and regeneration of craniofacial, axial and appendicular bone defects.
Smoking status as a vital sign.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted this study to determine if a smoking status stamp would prompt physicians to increase the number of times they ask, advise, assist, and arrange follow-up for African-American patients about smoking-related issues.
Presentation duration and false recall for semantic and phonological associates

Two experiments examined false recall for lists of semantically and phonologically associated words as a function of presentation duration. Veridical recall increased with long exposure durations for all lists. For semantically associated lists, false recall increased from 20-250 ms, then decreased. There was a high level of false recall with 20 ms durations for phonologically associated lists (47 and 44% for Experiments 1 and 2, respectively), which declined as duration increased. In Experiment 2, for lists presented at 20 and 50 ms rates, false recall given zero correct recall was observed frequently, suggesting that conscious recollection of studied words was not necessary for phonological false memory. Differences between phonologically and semantically associated lists were consistent with a feature integration model based on automatic initial processing of phonetic features of words.
Nondilute diffusion from first principles: Li diffusion in Li x TiS 2

We investigate Li diffusion in the favorable intercalation compound ${\text{Li}}_{x}{\text{TiS}}_{2}$ as a function of Li concentration, $x$, from first principles. We find that Li ions hop between neighboring octahedral interstitial sites of the ${\text{TiS}}_{2}$ host by passing through an adjacent tetrahedral site. The migration barriers for these hops are significantly reduced when the end points belong to a divacancy. We use a cluster expansion within kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to describe the configuration dependence of the migration barriers and predict a diffusion coefficient that varies by several orders of magnitude with Li concentration, exhibiting a maximum close to $x=0.5$. The kinetic Monte Carlo simulations predict that diffusion is mediated predominantly by divacancies. We also find that the migration barriers depend strongly on the $c$-lattice parameter, which decreases as Li ions are removed from ${\text{Li}}_{x}{\text{TiS}}_{2}$.
Curve-Fitting Method For The Measurement Of The Resolution Of Digital Image Input Devices

A simple method to measure the resolution of digital image input devices is reported. The method, called the curve-fitting method (CFM), is based on a Gaussian impulse response model for the devices and a curve-fitting technique. The advantage of the CFM over the contrast transfer function (CTF) method is its great convenience, especially when a local measurement is intended. The average time of the measurement, which is made by running a curve-fitting program, is about 15 s.
Vibration and Coupling Phenomena in Asymmetric Disk-Spindle Systems

This paper analytically treats the free vibration of coupled, asymmetric disk-spindle systems in which both the disk and spindle are continuous and flexible. The disk and spindle are coupled by a rigid clamping collar. The asymmetries derive from geometric shape imperfections and nonuniform clamping stiffness at the disk boundaries. They appear as small perturbations in the disk boundary conditions. The coupled system eigenvalue problem is cast in terms of extended eigenfunctions that are vectors of the disk, spindle, and clamp displacements. With this formulation, the eigenvalue problem is self-adjoint and the eigenfunctions are orthogonal. The conciseness and clarity of this formulation are exploited in an eigensolution perturbation analysis. The amplitude of the disk boundary condition asymmetry is the perturbation parameter. Exact eigensolution perturbations are derived through second order. For general boundary asymmetry distributions, simple rules emerge showing how asymmetry couples the eigenfunctions of the axisymmetric system and how the degenerate pairs of axisymmetric system eigenvalues split into distinct eigenvalues. Additionally, properties of the formulation are ideal for use in modal analyses, Ritz-Galerkin discretizations, and extensions to gyroscopic or nonlinear analyses.
Dosuperior teachers employ systematic instructional planning procedures? A descriptive study

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which a group of superior elementary and secondary school teachers employed systematic instructional planning practices. The research method employed was a multicase design in which nine teachers (five secondary and four elementary) from a single school district were studied. Qualitative data in the form of written surveys and face-to-face interviews were collected and analyzed. Results revealed that most of the teachers' planning activities centered around six types of decisions. When the teachers' planning activities were compared with a systematic approach to instructional planning, the two approaches were found to be different in several important ways: the teachers did not place much emphasis on specifying objectives, creating objectives-based tests, or making other instructional decisions in light of objectives. Implications for teaching preservice teachers about systematic planning are discussed.
Kernicterus and central pontine myelinolysis in a 14‐year‐old boy with fulminating viral hepatitis

An adolescent boy with severe viral hepatitis and elevated unconjugated bilirubin was diagnosed postmortem to have kernicterus and central pontine myelinolysis. This association has not been reported previously.
Studies in imitative behavior: A generalization of the rashevsky model; Its mathematical properties

This paper is based on N. Rashevsky's theory of imitative behavior, the underlying idea being that performance of one reaction by a given individual produces an increased stimulation (or tendency) toward the same reaction in other individuals. For simplicity, consideration is limited to cases in which each individual may choose only between two (or two main categories of) reactions, denoted byA andB in the following. However, upon suggestion from Dr. Rashevsky and certainly in better agreement with actual facts, the strength of imitative interaction is assumed to vary from individual to individual. More precisely, if Ψi denotes the additional excitation caused by imitation in theith individual,PAi the probability for performance of reactionA, andPBi the probability for performance of reactionB by theith individual, we postulate that\(\frac{{d\psi _i }}{{dt}} = \sum\limits_{\begin{array}{*{20}c} {k = 1} \\ {k \ne i} \\ \end{array} }^N {a'_{ik} P_{A_k } - } \sum\limits_{\begin{array}{*{20}c} {k = 1} \\ {k \ne i} \\ \end{array} }^N {\beta '_{ik} P_{B_k } - \alpha _i \psi _i } (i = 1,2, . . . N) ,\) where the constants αik′ and βik′ (coefficients of imitative interaction) measure the amount of imitative influence exerted by thekth individual upon theith,N being the total number of individuals in the population. The term — αi Ψi accounts for the spontaneous decay of excitation, and the quantities αik′ and αik′ are assumed to benon-negative. The expressions forPAi andPBi are obtained from H. D. Landahl's theory of conflicting stimuli; they depend non-linearly on the values Ψi.
Probing Heterogeneous Electron Transfer at an Unbiased Conductor by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy in the Feedback Mode

The theory of the feedback mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy is extended for probing heterogeneous electron transfer at an unbiased conductor. A steady-state SECM diffusion problem with a pair of disk ultramicroelectrodes as a tip and a substrate is solved numerically. The potential of the unbiased substrate is such that the net current flow across the substrate/solution interface is zero. For a reversible substrate reaction, the potential and the corresponding tip current depend on SECM geometries with respective to the tip radius including not only the tip−substrate distance and the substrate radius but also the thickness of the insulating sheath surrounding the tip. A larger feedback current is obtained using a probe with a thinner insulating sheath, enabling identification of a smaller unbiased substrate with a radius that is approximately as small as the tip radius. An intrinsically slow reaction at an unbiased substrate as driven by a SECM probe can be quasi-reversible. The standard rate c...
Wave mixing and instabilities in cosmic-ray-modified shocks and flows

Wave mixing equations describing the interaction of short-wavelength sound waves and entropy waves in two-fluid cosmic ray hydrodynamics in a non-uniform, large-scale, background flow in one Cartesian space dimension are investigated. The wave interaction coefficients depend on large-scale gradients in the background flow, and consist of two physically distinct components. The first component consists of wave-damping terms due to the diffusing cosmic rays, plus squeezing instability terms associated with the large-scale cosmic ray pressure gradient. These effects were first investigated by Drury and Dorfi in a study of the propagation of short-wavelength WKB sound waves in cosmic-ray-modified flows and shocks. The second component describes gas dynamical wave mixing effects due to gradients of the gas entropy S and the gas dynamical Riemann invariants (R ± ) of the background flow. A Green function solution is used to illustrate the coupling of the backward and forward sound waves for the case of uniform background flow, in which the coupling coefficients depend on the parameter α = a 2 c /2κ, where a c is the cosmic-ray 'sound speed' and κ is the hydrodynamical cosmic-ray diffusion coefficient. Analytical WKB approximation methods and numerical simulations are used to investigate the modifications of the cosmic ray squeezing instability by wave mixing in cosmic-ray-modified shocks and pressure balance structures. Astrophysical applications to instabilities in supernova remnant shocks are discussed.
Production of COx-free hydrogen for fuel cells via step-wise hydrocarbon reforming and catalytic dehydrogenation of ammonia

The stringent COx-free hydrogen requirement for the current low temperature fuel cells has motivated the development of COx-free hydrogen production alternatives to the conventional hydrogen production technologies. Recently, our group has investigated step-wise reforming of hydrocarbons and catalytic decomposition of ammonia for COx-free production of hydrogen. These investigations have employed conventional surface science techniques, model catalysts as well as high surface area supported metal catalysts. This paper presents an overview of the studies undertaken in our laboratory and highlights the important aspects of the proposed CO-free hydrogen production processes.
Commentary on Christians and Anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism is the darkest and ugliest side of a modern German history that has had more than its share of dark and ugly sides. There is a strong and intellectually by no means illegitimate temptation to see the entire history of German anti-Semitism as a one-way street leading straight to the “Final Solution of the Jewish Question.” Yet such a teleological approach to anti-Semistism does not do justice to the complexity of the past, does not highlight what Karl Schleunes has called “the twisted road to Auschwitz.” The excellent thematic articles in this issue all take up this complexity, their authors demonstrating a subtle and sensitive approach toward understanding anti-Semitic attitudes and behavior. One could go further and say that the whole is more than the sum of the parts, that several themes running through all the individual contributions describe and characterize a one hundred year history of Catholic anti-Semitism in Germany. I have identified four such themes and will discuss their changes and variations, both over time and in the different handling of them by the authors.
The orphan receptors NGFI-B and steroidogenic factor 1 establish monomer binding as a third paradigm of nuclear receptor-DNA interaction.

Abstract We examined in detail the DNA interaction of the nuclear receptors NGFI-B and steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) by using a series of gain-of-function domain swaps. NGFI-B bound with high affinity as a monomer to a nearly linear DNA molecule. The prototypic zinc modules interacted with a half-site of the estrogen receptor class, and a distinct protein motif carboxy terminal to the zinc modules (the A box) interacted with two A/T base pairs 5' to the half-site. SF-1 bound in the same manner as NGFI-B, with an overlapping but distinct sequence requirement 5' to the half-site. The key features that distinguished the NGFI-B and SF-1 interactions were an amino group in the minor groove of the SF-1 binding sequence and an asparagine in the SF-1 A box. These results define a common mechanism of NGFI-B and SF-1 DNA binding, which may underlie a competitive mechanism of gene regulation in steroidogenic tissues that express these proteins. This monomer-DNA interaction represents a third paradigm of DNA binding by nuclear receptors in addition to direct and inverted dimerization.
Thermal unfolding of dodecameric glutamine synthetase: Inhibition of aggregation by urea

Thermal unfolding of dodecameric manganese glutamine synthetase (622,000 M(r)) at pH 7 and approximately 0.02 ionic strength occurs in two observable steps: a small reversible transition (Tm approximately 42 degrees C; delta H approximately equal to 0.9 J/g) followed by a large irreversible transition (Tm approximately 81 degrees C; delta H approximately equal to 23.4 J/g) in which secondary structure is lost and soluble aggregates form. Secondary structure, hydrophobicity, and oligomeric structure of the equilibrium intermediate are the same as for the native protein, whereas some aromatic residues are more exposed. Urea (3 M) destabilizes the dodecamer (with a tertiary structure similar to that without urea at 55 degrees C) and inhibits aggregation accompanying unfolding at < or = 0.2 mg protein/mL. With increasing temperature (30-70 degrees C) or incubation times at 25 degrees C (5-35 h) in 3 M urea, only dodecamer and unfolded monomer are detected. In addition, the loss in enzyme secondary structure is pseudo-first-order (t1/2 = 1,030 s at 20.0 degrees C in 4.5 M urea). Differential scanning calorimetry of the enzyme in 3 M urea shows one endotherm (Tmax approximately 64 degrees C; delta H = 17 +/- 2 J/g). The enthalpy change for dissociation and unfolding agrees with that determined by urea titrations by isothermal calorimetry (delta H = 57 +/- 15 J/g; Zolkiewski M, Nosworthy NJ, Ginsburg A, 1995, Protein Sci 4: 1544-1552), after correcting for the binding of urea to protein sites exposed during unfolding (-42 J/g). Refolding and assembly to active enzyme occurs upon dilution of urea after thermal unfolding.
Evidence of p53-dependent cross-talk between ribosome biogenesis and the cell cycle: effects of nucleolar protein Bop1 on G(1)/S transition.

Proliferating cells can delay or block cell cycle transitions in response to a variety of extracellular regulatory signals as well as to perturbations in intracellular processes. Several types of stress, such as DNA damage, defects in replication and chromosome segregation, and accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum are now known to elicit checkpoint responses that prevent progression through the cell cycle (16, 25, 69). These responses are often altered in neoplastic cells, suggesting that the regulatory mechanisms involved play important roles in tumor development (24). In a previous study, we applied a genetic selection procedure to search for sequences in a cDNA library that can cause reversible arrest of the cell cycle (45). One cDNA clone (Bop1Δ) that induced a particularly strong inhibition of DNA synthesis in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts encoded an amino-terminally truncated form of a novel WD40 repeat protein, named Bop1 (block of proliferation). Expression of Bop1Δ interfered with the functions of the endogenous Bop1 in a dominant manner, which likely accounted for the strong growth-inhibitory potential of this clone. Subsequent studies revealed that Bop1 was predominantly localized to the nucleolus and cofractionated with preribosomal particles (58). Bop1Δ exhibited a similar localization but lacked some of the critical functions of the wild-type protein, leading to a dominant negative phenotype. Expression of this mutant form of Bop1 in LAP3 cells completely blocked formation of the mature 28S and 5.8S rRNAs and resulted in reduced levels of 60S ribosome subunits in the cytoplasm, while synthesis of 18S rRNA and production of 40S subunits were unaffected (58). Analysis of pre-rRNA processing revealed that conversion of the 36S precursor to the 32S pre-rRNA was reduced and that the 32S precursor was not processed to the 28S and 12S/5.8S rRNAs but instead was degraded (58). Although these findings indicated the role of Bop1 in processing of the 28S and 5.8S rRNAs and 60S ribosome assembly, it remained unclear how expression of Bop1Δ might exert an antiproliferative effect. In this study, we show that the cell cycle arrest caused by Bop1Δ-mediated perturbation of Bop1 function exhibits features of a G1 checkpoint associated with upregulation of the Cdk inhibitors (CKIs) p21 and p27 and downregulation of the G1-specific Cdk2 and Cdk4 activities. Inactivation of p53 alleviated Bop1Δ-induced cell cycle arrest. These findings show, for the first time, a p53-dependent cross-talk between ribosome biogenesis and cell cycle progression. We propose a model in which p53 senses nucleolar stress as a result of rRNA processing errors and induces cell cycle arrest as a consequence.
A Novel “Credit Union" Model of Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing is drawing people’s attention from all walks of the IT world. It promises significant reduction of cost among many other advantages as it proclaims, including increased availability, fast provision, on-demand, and pay-per-use, etc. This paper presents a novel model of Cloud Computing, named “Credit Union” model (referred to as the CU model or CUM for short). This model is motivated by the cooperative business model of the many credit unions that have been widely practiced as a type of financial institutions world-wide. The CU model aims at utilizing the vast, underutilized computing resources in homes and offices, and transforming them into a self-provisioned community cloud that mimics the business model of a credit union, i.e., membership and credits are obtained by contributing spare computing resources. Clouds built based on the CU model, referred to as CU clouds, bear the following advantageous characteristics comparing to the general clouds: complete vendor independence, improved availability (due to reduced internet-dependence), better security, and superb sustainability (green computing). This paper expounds the principles and motivations of the CU model, addresses its implementation architecture and related issues, and outlooks prospect applications.
The characterization of acid-set silica hydrosols, hydrogels, and dried gel

Abstract Acid-set silica hydrosol, hydrogel, and the dried desiccant silica gel have been characterized by various types of measurements and discriminating tests. Acidic silica hydrosols have a molecular weight of about 2,000 at formation and reach about 2,500,000 at the point of gelation. Molecular growth of silicic acid in this hydrosol was found to be linear. Cross-linking of the polysilicic acid chains occurs in the hydrogel state, and the number of cross-links between chains have been estimated. Silicic acid bonding in acidic hydrosols is believed to be by hydrogen bonding between the silanol groups through water. The siloxane bonding in hydrogels aged beyond syneresis was determined by a depolymerization rate study; a low degree of siloxane type bonding was found. To account for the remaining bonding in the hydrogel, a high degree of hydrogen bonding is suspected. The reasons for hydrogen bonding are given. Most of the silanol condensation must occur during the drying of this type silica gel.
Landscape geometry and travelling waves in the larch budmoth

Travelling waves in cyclic populations refer to temporal shifts in peak densities moving across space in a wave-like fashion. The epicentre hypothesis states that peak densities begin in specific geographic foci and then spread into adjoining areas. Travelling waves have been confirmed in a number of population systems, begging questions about their causes. Herein we apply a newly developed statistical technique, wavelet phase analysis, to historical data to document that the travelling waves in larch budmoth (LBM) outbreaks arise from two epicentres, both located in areas with high concentrations of favourable habitat. We propose that the spatial arrangement of the landscape mosaic is responsible for initiating the travelling waves. We use a tri-trophic model of LBM dynamics to demonstrate that landscape heterogeneity (specifically gradients in density of favourable habitat) alone, is capable of inducing waves from epicentres. Our study provides unique evidence of how landscape features can mould travelling waves.
Genetics, Personality, and Group Identity

Objective. Group identity is a central concept in many social science disciplines. We investigatewhypeopleidentifywithgroupsandshowfavoritismtoin-groupmembers. We anticipate group identifications are substantially influenced by genes and social environments, likely working through stable personality traits. Methods. Using twin study data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS I), we investigate the heritability of in-group identification and favoritism, as well as the extent to which the genetic bases of these orientations are shared with genetic underpinnings of personality traits, primarily focusing on the “Big Five”: opennesstoexperience,conscientiousness,extraversion,agreeableness,andemotional stability/neuroticism. Results. Group identification is largely attributable to genetic factors. However, environments also affect group identification. The heritability of personality traits accounts for a modest portion of the genetic variation of group identification. Conclusion. Ourfindings have implications for the study of collective action, identity politics, and the growing research program investigating social and political behavior genetics. Social identity is a well-studied aspect of social and political psychology because of its broad implications for individuals and groups. These identities, often formed around descriptive and demographic characteristics like race, religion, and gender, can powerfully link people to each other. Even episodic identities formed around minimal groups 1 can provide people with a source of self-esteem, promote solutions to collective action problems, and inform norms as well as enforcement mechanisms for them. More culturally embedded group identities may also provide rationales for exclusion, prejudice, conflict, and collective violence.
Contaminant transport in riverbank filtration in the presence of dissolved organic matter and bacteria: a kinetic approach

In riverbank filtration, the removal of organic contaminants is an important task for the production of good quality drinking water. The transport of an organic contaminant in riverbank filtration can be retarded by sorption on to the solid matrix and facilitated by the presence of mobile colloids. In the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and bacteria, the subsurface environment can be modeled as a four-phase porous medium: two mobile colloidal phases, an aqueous phase, and a solid matrix. In this study, a kinetic model is developed to simulate the contaminant transport in riverbank filtration in the presence of DOM and bacteria. The bacterial deposition and the contaminant sorption on bacteria and DOM are expressed with kinetic expressions. The model equations are solved numerically with a fully implicit finite difference method. Simulation results show that the contaminant mobility increases greatly in riverbank filtration due to the presence of DOM. The mobility can be enhanced further when the bacteria and DOM are present together in the aquifer. In this system, the total aqueous phase contaminant concentration, Cct+, includes the contaminant dissolved in the aqueous phase, Cc+, the contaminant sorbed to DOM, σcd+, and the contaminant sorbed to mobile bacteria, Cb+σcbm+, (i.e. Cct+=Cc++σcd++Cb+σcbm+). Sensitivity analysis illustrates that the distribution of the total aqueous phase contaminants among the dissolved phase, DOM and bacteria is changed significantly with various Damkohler numbers related to the contaminant sorption on mobile colloids.