cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometric observations of metal oxychlorides produced by oxidation-chlorination reactions

It was recently reported that Cr2O3-forming alloys show less corrosion resistance than Al2O3-forming alloys in Cl2/O2 mixtures, which is attributed to the formation of porous Cr2O3 scales and stable CrO2Cl2 vapor species. This paper reports the results of direct mass spectrometric observations with a high-pressure sampling mass spectrometer of these metal oxychlorides forming on the surfaces of Hastelloy S and Alloy 600 superalloys. Samples were preoxidized for 2 hrs at 900 C before the exposure to a O2/Ar gas mixture containing 1 percent Cl2. Results of X-ray diffraction showed scales containing Cr2O3 and NiCr2O4 on both alloys. After exposure to Cl2, large quantities of Cr2O2Cl2 were demonstrated for both alloys, indicating that this is a route for the breakdown of Cr2O3 scales. The Mo present in the Hastelloy S leads to more rapid attack by Cl2, resulting in the formation of MoO2Cl2.
Cryopreservation and storage of embryonic rat mesencephalic dopamine neurons for one year: comparison to fresh tissue in culture and neural grafts

Blocks of embryonic rat ventral mesencephalic tissue containing the developing A8-A10 dopamine (DA) cell groups were cryopreserved and stored for approximately 1 year, at which time this tissue was thawed, dissociated into a cell suspension, and compared to a similar preparation of fresh mesencephalic tissue for viability in tissue culture and neural grafts. Estimates of total cell number immediately prior to plating in culture indicated that cryopreserved tissue yields fewer cells, but when this reduced cell number is compensated for, and equal numbers of cells were plated in culture, approximately equal total numbers of neurons, as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons, were present in cultures from cryopreserved and fresh tissue. Grafting of equal numbers of fresh and cryopreserved mesencephalic cells into the striatum of adult rats with large unilateral lesions of the nigrostriatal DA pathway tended to yield smaller grafts with fewer surviving TH-positive cells with less extensive neuronal processes when tissue was previously cryopreserved. However, grafts derived from freeze-stored tissue provided a similar time-course and extent of behavioral recovery in amphetamine-induced rotational tests to that provided by fresh tissue grafts. Taken together, our findings indicate that while cryopreservation of mesencephalic tissue has its costs--reduced cell yield in cultures and grafts, and compromised morphology in grafts--sufficient numbers of cryopreserved neurons survive the grafting procedure to ameliorate behavioral signs of DA depletion in the lesioned rat model.
A simulation model to approximate penetration of a non-Newtonian fluid into a porous media during slot die coating

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model has been developed to predict the penetration depth of a non-Newtonian fluid as it is directly coated onto porous media by a slot die coating process. The model couples 1-D modified Blake–Kozeny equations and Navier–Stokes equations. Experiments of coating a non-Newtonian solution (black strap molasses) onto carbon paper (Toray 090) are conducted and the penetration depths are measured to validate the model. Preliminary results show that predicted and measured penetration depths follow the same trend; that is, as the coating speed increases the penetration depth decreases. However, the simulated penetration depths are found to be one to two times higher than measured values at low coating speeds. Even so, the results are considered reasonable, due to imposed simplifications and approximations of the CFD model and errors associated with the experiments and measurements.
Cryptogenic constrictive bronchiolitis: A clinicopathologic study

Four women with a chronic respiratory illness characterized by chronic cough, dyspnea, mild to severe physiologic abnormalities, relatively normal chest radiographs, and lack of response to bronchodilators or prednisone were identified and prospectively evaluated. Constrictive bronchiolitis, defined as concentric narrowing of the bronchiolar lumen, mural scarring, smooth muscle hyperplasia, and mucus stasis, was the major histologic finding on open lung biopsy in all cases. Each presented with an illness clinically distinct from asthma, connective tissue disorders, occupational or environmental lung disease, bronchiectasis, diffuse panbronchiolitis, cystic fibrosis, and emphysema. None of the patients smoked cigarettes. None had clinical evidence of a recent viral lower respiratory tract infection. The physical examinations were normal except for rales heard on chest examination in two patients. Chest radiographs showed increased bronchovascular markings in three patients. Lung function was normal in one patient, two of the patients had a reduced diffusing capacity associated with moderate hypoxemia and an obstructive ventilatory defect, and one patient exhibited a mixture of restrictive and obstructive defects. None have experienced significant progression of their disease over 1 to 5 yr of follow-up. However, complete return to normal function did not occur. We hypothesize that patients with the constellation of findings described represent a distinct and definable clinicopathologic entity and further clarifies the spectrum of "small airways disease." Establishing the diagnosis appears important for prognostic and possibly therapeutic reasons.
Antidotes and Treatments for Chemical Warfare/Terrorism Agents: An Evidence-Based Review

This article reviews the evidence supporting the efficacy of antidotes used or recommended for the potential chemical warfare agents of most concern. Chemical warfare agents considered include cyanide, vesicants, pulmonary irritants such as chlorine and phosgene, and nerve agents. The strength of evidence for most antidotes is weak, highlighting the need for additional research in this area.
Uniqueness and homogeneity of ordered relational structures

Abstract There are four major results in the paper. (1) In a general ordered relational structure that is order dense, Dedekind complete, and whose dilations (automorphisms with fixed points) are Archimedean, various consequences of finite uniqueness are developed (Theorem 2.6). (2) Replacing the Archimedean assumption by the assumption that there is a homogeneous subgroup of automorphisms that is Archimedean ordered is sufficient to show that the structure can be represented numberically as a generalized unit structure in the sense that the defining real relations satisfy the usual numerical property of homogeneity (Theorem 3.4). The last two results pertain just to idempotent concatenation structures. (3) In a closed, idempotent, solvable, and Dedekind complete concatenation structure, homogeneity is equivalent to the structure satisfying an inductive property analogous to the condition for homogeneity in a positive concatenation structure (Theorem 4.3). Finally, (4) an axiomatization is given for an idempotent structure to be of scale type (2, 2), which has previously been shown to be equivalent to a dual bilinear representation. Basically two operations are defined in terms of the given one, and the conditions are that each must be right autodistributive and together they satisfy a generalized bisymmetry property. The paper ends listing several unsolved problems.
Maternal ethnicity and variation of fetal femur length calculations when screening for Down syndrome

Objective. To determine whether current methods for detecting Down syndrome based on fetal femur length calculations are influenced by ethnicity. Methods. The study population consisted of all fetuses scanned between 14 and 20 completed weeks gestation from April 1, 1997, to January 1, 2000. The expected femur length was calculated from the biparietal diameter. The variance from the expected femur length, compared with the biparietal diameter, was calculated, and the mean variations were compared by maternal race. Ethnic-specific formulas for expected femur length were derived by simple regression. Results. There was a statistically significant difference in femur length in the Asian group compared with all other groups, as well as the white group compared with the black and Asian groups (P <.05). However, there was no significant difference between the black and Hispanic groups or the white and Hispanic groups. The Asian group had the largest variation, with the measured femur length being less than the expected femur length. All groups studied had a mean expected femur length less than the mean measured femur length. On the basis of the ethnic-specific formulas for femur length, there was a significant decrease in patients that would undergo further evaluation for Down syndrome. Conclusions. There is a significant difference in the mean expected femur length by biparietal diameter among fetuses in the second trimester with regard to ethnicity. Using ethnic-specific formulas for expected femur length can have a considerable impact on the use of sonographic risk factors for Down syndrome screening. Further data are required for use of femur length as a screening tool in the genetic sonogram.
Theiler's virus persistence in the central nervous system of mice is associated with continuous viral replication and a difference in outcome of infection of infiltrating macrophages versus oligodendrocytes.

Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection of mice, in which persistent central nervous system (CNS) infection induces Th1 CD4 + T cell responses to both virus and myelin proteins, provides a relevant experimental animal model for MS. During persistence, >10 9 TMEV genome equivalents per spinal cord are detectable by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Because of the short half-life of TMEV (<1 day), continual viral replication is needed to sustain these very high TMEV copy numbers. An essential role for macrophages in TMEV persistence has been documented and, although limited by host anti-viral immune responses, TMEV nonetheless spreads during persistence to infect other cells, particularly oligodendrocytes, in which the infection is productive and lytic. Virus factors influencing persistence of TMEV are expression of the out-of-frame L* protein and use of sialic acid co-receptors. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Quantifying the Jakobshavn Effect: Jakobshavn Isbrae, Greenland, compared to Byrd Glacier, Antarctica

Abstract. The Jakobshavn Effect is a series of positive feedback mechanisms that was first observed on Jakobshavn Isbrae, which drains the west-central part of the Greenland Ice Sheet and enters Jakobshavn Isfjord at 69°10'. These mechanisms fall into two categories, reductions of ice-bed coupling beneath an ice stream due to surface meltwater reaching the bed, and reductions in ice-shelf buttressing beyond an ice stream due to disintegration of a laterally confined and locally pinned ice shelf. These uncoupling and unbuttressing mechanisms have recently taken place for Byrd Glacier in Antarctica and Jakobshavn Isbrae in Greenland, respectively. For Byrd Glacier, no surface meltwater reaches the bed. That water is supplied by drainage of two large subglacial lakes where East Antarctic ice converges strongly on Byrd Glacier. Results from modeling both mechanisms are presented here. We find that the Jakobshavn Effect is not active for Byrd Glacier, but is active for Jakobshavn Isbrae, at least for now. Our treatment is holistic in the sense it provides continuity from sheet flow to stream flow to shelf flow. It relies primarily on a force balance, so our results cannot be used to predict long-term behavior of these ice streams. The treatment uses geometrical representations of gravitational and resisting forces that provide a visual understanding of these forces, without involving partial differential equations and continuum mechanics. The Jakobshavn Effect was proposed to facilitate terminations of glaciation cycles during the Quaternary Ice Age by collapsing marine parts of ice sheets. This is unlikely for the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, based on our results for Byrd Glacier and Jakobshavn Isbrae, without drastic climate warming in high polar latitudes. Warming would affect other Antarctic ice streams already weakly buttressed or unbuttressed by an ice shelf. Ross Ice Shelf would still protect Byrd Glacier.
POLITICS, INSTITUTIONS, AND WELFARE SPENDING IN INDUSTRIALIZED DEMOCRACIES, 1960-82

We examine the roles of democratic politics and political institutions in shaping social welfare spending in 18 contemporary capitalist democracies. We explore the social spending consequences of government partisanship, electoral competition and turnout, and the self-interested behaviors of politicians and bureaucrats, as well as such relatively durable facets of political institutions as neocorporatism, state centralization, and traditionalist policy legacies. Pooled time series analyses of welfare effort in 18 nations during the 1960–82 period show that electoral turnout, as well as left and center governments increase welfare effort; that the welfare efforts of governments led by particular types of parties show significant differences and vary notably with the strength of oppositional (and junior coalitional) parties; and that relatively neocorporatist, centralized, and traditionalistic polities are high on welfare effort. Overall, our findings suggest that contrary to many claims, both partisan and nonpartisan facets of democratic politics and political institutions shape contemporary social welfare effort.
Application of neural networks to sorting problems

The authors present a design philosophy for constraint optimization problems which is based on viewing the neural network as an interconnection of several subsystems. Specifically, they present a method to classify ranges in the magnitude of an analog input signal and associate an arbitrary digital output with each range. The proposed approach is illustrated by application to a cascadable 2-bit analog/digital converter. The advantages of the proposed design method as compared with energy function designs are enumerated. >
Water management studies in PEM fuel cells, part IV: Effects of channel surface wettability, geometry and orientation on the two-phase flow in parallel gas channels

Abstract In this study, the effects of channel surface wettability, cross-sectional geometry and orientation on the two-phase flow in parallel gas channels of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are investigated. Ex situ experiments were conducted in flow channels with three different surface wettability (hydrophilically coated, uncoated, and hydrophobically coated), three cross-sectional geometries (rectangular, sinusoidal and trapezoidal), and two orientations (vertical and horizontal). Flow pattern map, individual channel flow variation due to maldistribution, pressure drop and flow visualization images were used to analyze the two-phase flow characteristics. It is found that hydrophilically coated gas channels are advantageous over uncoated or slightly hydrophobic channels regarding uniform water and gas flow distribution and favoring film flow, the most desirable two-phase flow pattern in PEMFC gas channels. Sinusoidal channels favor film flow and have lower pressure drop than rectangular and trapezoidal channels, while the rectangular and trapezoidal channels behave similarly to each other. Vertical channel orientation is advantageous over horizontal orientation because the latter is more prone to slug flow, nonuniform liquid water distribution and instable operation.
DURATION OF STRONG GROUND MOTION IN TERMS OF EARTHQUAKE MAGNITUDE, EPICENTRAL DISTANCE, SITE CONDITIONS AND SITE GEOMETRY

The physical bases and empirical equations for modelling the duration of strong earthquake ground motion in terms of the earthquake magnitude, the epicentral distance and the geological and local soil site conditions are investigated. At 12 narrow frequency bands, the duration of a function of motion f(t), where f(t) is acceleration, velocity or displacement, is defined as the sum of time intervals during which the integral Sf2 (τ) dτ gains a significant portion of its final value. All the records are band-pass filtered through 12 narrow filters and the duration of strong ground motion is studied separately in these frequency bands. It is shown that the duration of strong motion can be modelled as a sum of the source duration, the prolongation due to propagation effects and the prolongation due to the presence of the sediments and local soils. It is shown how the influence of the magnitude on the duration of strong ground motion becomes progressively stronger, in going from low to moderate frequencies, and that the duration is longer for ‘soft’ than for ‘hard’ propagation paths, at low and at moderate frequencies. At high frequencies, the nature of the broadening of the strong motion portion of the record with increasing distance is different, and is most likely related to the diffraction and scattering of the short waves by the velocity inhomogeneities along the wave path. It is also shown that the geological and local soil conditions should both be included in the model. The duration can be prolonged by 3–5 sec at a site on a deep sedimentary layer at frequencies near 0.5 Hz, and by as much as 5–6 sec by the presence of soft soil underneath the station, at a frequency of about 1 Hz. An empirical equation for a probabilistic estimate of the discrepancies of the predictions by our models relative to the observed data (distribution function of the residuals) is presented.
Profilin Functions in Cytokinesis, Nuclear Positioning, and Stomatogenesis in Tetrahymena thermophila

Expression of the actin-binding protein profilin was disrupted in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila by an antisense ribosome method. In cells with the antisense disruption no profilin protein was detected. Cultures of cells with the antisense disruption could be maintained, indicating that profilin was not essential for cytokinesis or vegetative growth. Disruption of the expression of profilin resulted in many cells that were large and abnormally shaped. Formation of multiple micronuclei, which divide mitotically, was observed in cells with a single macronucleus, indicating a defect in early cytokinesis. Some cells with the antisense disruption contained multiple macronuclei, which in Tetrahymena may indicate a function late in cytokinesis. The lack of profilin also affected cytokinesis in the cells that could divide. Normal-sized and normal-shaped cells with the antisense disruption took significantly longer to divide than control cell types. The profilin disruption revealed two new processes in which profilin functions. In cells lacking profilin, micronuclei were not positioned at their normal site on the surface of the macronucleus and phagocytosis was defective. The defect in phagocytosis appeared to be due to disruption of the formation of oral apparatuses (stomatogenesis) and a possible failure in the internalization of phagocytic vacuoles.
THERMAL RATES OF HYDROGEN EXCHANGE OF METHANE WITH ZEOLITE: A DIRECT AB INITIO DYNAMICS STUDY ON THE IMPORTANCE OF QUANTUM TUNNELING EFFECTS

We present a direct ab initio dynamics study on the kinetics of the hydrogen exchange of methane with a zeolite model. Dynamical calculations are based on the canonical variational transition state theory plus multidimensional semiclassical tunneling corrections. The reaction path information needed for rate calculations was computed by using a nonlocal hybrid density functional theory with the 6-31G(d,p) basis set. Quantum effects, particularly tunneling, were found to be significant even at the room temperature.
The ISEE 1 and 2 Fluxgate Magnetometers

The fluxgate magnetometers on the ISEE 1 and 2 spacecraft are described. Special features include 12-bit analog-to-digital conversion plus averaging to return 16-bit overlapped averages with a particularly attractive transfer function. Flippers activated by bimetallic heaters enable frequent sensor interchange into the spin plane to monitor instrument drifts. Initial operations have been entirely successful.
Bayesian contextual classification based on modified M-estimates and Markov random fields

A Bayesian contextual classification scheme is presented in connection with modified M-estimates and a discrete Markov random field model. The spatial dependence of adjacent class labels is characterized based on local transition probabilities in order to use contextual information. Due to the computational load required to estimate class labels in the final stage of optimization and the need to acquire robust spectral attributes derived from the training samples, modified M-estimates are implemented to characterize the joint class-conditional distribution. The experimental results show that the suggested scheme outperforms conventional noncontextual classifiers as well as contextual classifiers which are based on least squares estimates or other spatial interaction models.
Design and precise realization of optimized current waveforms for an 8/6 switched reluctance drive

Optimized shaping of the stator current in the switched reluctance motor drive can be used to mitigate electromagnetic torque ripple and decrease the RMS current. Previously, optimal current waveshaping has been based upon defining the optimal current waveform as a set of discrete points and interpolating intermediate points. In this work, an alternate approach is employed in which the current waveform is treated as a set of harmonic coefficients, rather than as an array of discrete values. This has advantages in terms of computation speed and in programming of the microcontroller. A second feature of this new method is that it incorporates a multiple reference frame estimator/regulator that ensures each harmonic of the current converges to its commanded value thereby avoiding the degradation in performance associated with imperfect tracking that other methods are susceptible to. The experimental and simulated results demonstrate the optimality of the waveforms and the importance of the multiple reference frame estimator/regulator, particularly in mitigating torque ripple.
Results from CrIS/ATMS Obtained Using an AIRS "Version-6 Like" Retrieval Algorithm

A main objective of AIRS/AMSU on EOS is to provide accurate sounding products that are used to generate climate data sets. Suomi NPP carries CrIS/ATMS that were designed as follow-ons to AIRS/AMSU. Our objective is to generate a long term climate data set of products derived from CrIS/ATMS to serve as a continuation of the AIRS/AMSU products. We have modified an improved version of the operational AIRS Version-6 retrieval algorithm for use with CrIS/ATMS. CrIS/ATMS products are of very good quality, and are comparable to, and consistent with, those of AIRS.
Young Children With Challenging Behavior: Function-Based Assessment and Intervention

Using the five intervention elements described by Dunlap et al. (2006) as a guide, the authors of this article reviewed the functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and function-based intervention research of the past 17 years (1990-2007), focusing on a component analysis of FBA and function-based intervention procedures. Thirty-five studies were coded for FBA procedures, intervention procedures, routines and activities targeted for FBA or intervention maintenance, and generalization. Findings indicate that young children with challenging behavior have benefited from FBA and function-based interventions. However, despite identification of recommended FBA and function-based intervention practices (Dunlap et al., 2006), a variety of procedures were used, many lacking these important elements. More than half of the studies used analogue testing in a non-natural setting rather than testing the hypothesis in the natural environment. A limited number of studies included teachers and parents in the entire FBA and ...
An Intelligent Service Composer for Business-level Service Composition

Service component architecture (SCA) is an IBM developed framework which provides a first class model for building systems using service oriented architecture (SOA). But SCA only focus on functional level service components. Considering a business system includes not only functional level components but also user interface and data level components, this paper presents a unified service composition framework to support business level service composition. This framework covers 3-layer composition, including functional, data, and user interface level service composition. An intelligent service composer based on this unified service composition framework is developed to enable business level service composition by business people under the help of some advanced technologies, including intelligent service components searching, automatic service compliance checking, and template-based service adaptation.
Molecules in Cells: Escherichia coli

When looking at cells, bacteria are a great place to start. Bacteria are small, sleek, and self-contained, they grow and multiply quickly when resources are plentiful, and they can mobilize powerful methods for weathering dry spells when the environment turns hostile. Some would say that bacteria are the most successful organisms on the Earth. They may be found in nearly any place, from freezing water to boiling hot springs, and they have found ways to exploit every possible source of sustenance.
Neuropeptide Y in the hypothalamus: effect on corticosterone and single-unit activity

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether neuropeptide Y (NPY) acts within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) or the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) to alter circulating levels of corticosterone and to evaluate the effects of NPY on the single-unit response of PVN and SCN neurons using the hypothalamic slice preparation. Blood levels of corticosterone were determined in groups of rats that received microinjections of NPY or saline (Sal) into the PVN or SCN. NPY injected into the PVN 4 h after light onset resulted in corticosterone levels of 13.15 +/- 2.18 (SE) micrograms/dl within 1 h, which were significantly higher than the corticosterone levels of 4.08 +/- 1.78 micrograms/dl seen in rats receiving Sal injections. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in circulating levels of corticosterone between groups of rats 1 or 4 h after NPY or Sal microinjection into the SCN. In the hypothalamic slice, NPY was found to produce primarily inhibitory responses in both SCN and PVN neurons. Forty-nine percent of the SCN units examined were inhibited. In addition, another 20% of the neurons tested in the SCN displayed excitation followed by more sustained inhibition. In the PVN, 45% of the units examined were inhibited by NPY, however, nearly 30% of the remaining neurons were significantly excited by NPY. In summary, NPY alters the electrical activity of both SCN and PVN neurons but appears to act only within the PVN to influence circulating levels of corticosterone. These and other data indicate that NPY acts as an important neurochemical messenger within several hypothalamic sites.
Stock Market Returns and Inflation: Sri Lankan Evidence

This paper investigates the relationship between stock returns and inflation in Sri Lanka using monthly and quarterly data for the period January 1985 to August 1996 with a view to provide empirical evidence on the generalized Fisher Hypothesis which states that nominal stock returns are positively related to expected inflation in a one-to-one correspondence. The results indicate that both lagged inflation and expected inflation are significantly positively related to stock returns in a manner predicted by the Fisher Hypothesis suggesting that stocks in Sri Lanka, different from evidence in most other countries including the U.S., are an effective hedge against expected inflation. Stock returns and unexpected inflation have a negative relation indicating that stocks do not appear to be hedges against unexpected inflation.
Determination of the entire antigenic structure of native lysozyme by surface-simulation synthesis, a novel concept in molecular recognition.

(1979). Determination of the Entire Antigenic Structure of Native Lysozyme by Surface-Simulation Synthesis, A Novel Concept in Molecular Recognitio. CRC Critical Reviews in Biochemistry: Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 371-400.
Enhancement of the computational efficiency of the near-to-far field mapping in the finite-difference method and ray-by-ray method with the fast multi-pole plane wave expansion approach

Abstract The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and ray-by-ray (RBR) methods are techniques used to calculate the optical properties of nonspherical particles for small-to-moderate and large size parameters, respectively. The former is a rigorous method, and the latter is an approximate geometric–physical optics-hybrid method that takes advantage of both high efficiency of the geometric optics approach and high accuracy of the physical optics approach. In these two methods, the far field is calculated by mapping the near field to the far field with consideration of the phase interference. The mapping computation is more time-consuming than the near-field simulation when multiple scattering directions are involved, particularly in the case of the RBR implementation. To overcome the difficulty, in this study the fast multi-pole method is applied to both FDTD and RBR towards accelerating the far-field calculation, without degrading the accuracy of the simulation results.
Vulcanization Chemistry. Comparison of the New Accelerator N-t-Butyl-2-Benzothiazole Sulfenimide (TBSI) with N-t-Butyl-2-Benzothiazole Sulfenamide (TBBS)

Abstract The sulfur vulcanization chemistry of cis-polyisoprene formulations accelerated with N-t-butyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenimide (TBSI) is compared to the chemistry of equivalent formulations accelerated with N-t-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (TBBS). High performance liquid chromatographic analysis (HPLC) is utilized to examine the kinetics of accelerator-sulfur disappearance and the formation-appearance profiles of extra-network cure intermediates across the vulcanization process for stocks with a wide range of sulfur/accelerator ratios. Some unique features of TBSI vulcanization that distinguish it from TBBS are defined. A major distinction is the apparent consecutive step-wise kinetics of accelerator decay across the vulcanization process. A sequential reaction process may be indicated. Evidence is also offered that BtSxBt(x=2→6) is the crosslink precursor in TBSI vulcanization just as with TBBS formulations.
Isozyme Variation Among Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) Populations in the Pacific Northwest

To examine genetic variation among mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), populations in the Pacific Northwest, beetles from 6 localities were assayed for isozyme variation using starch gel electrophoresis. Greater genetic differences were observed among males in many samples than among the females. A cline in gene frequencies at the aspartate aminotransferase locus corresponded to north-south geographic distribution of beetle populations in Idaho. Similarity coefficients calculated between all possible pairs of populations indicated the presence of 2 major population units. The largest differences between populations appear to be attributable to long-term geographic isolation.
Nonlinear Optical Materials Based on Benzobisthiazole. Electronic Structure/Molecular Architecture/Polarizability/Hyperpolarizability Relationships Derived from π-Electron Theory

Factors contributing to the polarizability (αij) and frequencydoubling hyperpolarizability (βijk) of 2-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)-6-(pnitrophenyl) benzo(l,2-d:4,5-d′ )blsthiazole (DNBT) are analyzed via perturbation theory and the PPP-SCF-MECI π-electron model Hamiltonian. While the observable part of β (βvec) is clearly identifiable with a small number of charge transfer excitations along the molecular dipole direction, a (and by inference, the second-order hyperpolarizability γ) is more closely related to the overall size (volume) of the π-electron cloud. As a consequence, βvec is far more sensitive to molecular distortions which affect donor-acceptor charge transfer interactions than is π. The more sensitive frequency dependence of βvec can be understood in terms of the three-photon character of this nonlinearity.
109 AGOUTI-RELATED PEPTIDE AMELIORATES LONG-TERM SUPPRESSION OF FOOD INTAKE FOLLOWING INTERLEUKIN-1β ADMINISTRATION TO THE BRAINSTEM.

Cachexia involves an anorexic response to proinflammatory diseases such as cancer, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and cystic fibrosis. Prior experiments have implicated the involvement of hypothalamic neurons producing pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) that release α-melanocyte stimulating hormone, which then acts on melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4R) to produce a decrease in appetite. The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in the brainstem-which also contains POMC neurons and is involved in many autonomic responses, such as gastric motility and response to taste-is likely to be involved in producing some of the symptoms of cachexia. Its response to inflammation, however, is not currently known. We hypothesized that administration of interleukin (IL)-1β to the fourth ventricle overlying the NTS would result in short-term anorexia, which would be blocked via the use of agouti-related peptide (AgRP), a natural antagonist of the MC4R. We placed intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannulas in the fourth ventricle of rats. One hour prior to lights-out, we administered artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) or AgRP. Then just prior to lights-out, we injected aCSF or IL-1β and measured 3-hour and 12-hour food intake in these animals. In a separate experiment, we sacrificed and perfused three groups of rats: those who had received two injections of aCSF, those who had received an injection of aCSF prior to IL-1β 1 hour prior to sacrifice, and those who received AgRP followed by IL-1β prior to sacrifice. We performed double-label immunohistochemistry using fluorescent tracers to identify neurons expressing tyrosine hydroxylase and c-fos, a marker of neuronal activation. Rats who received injections of IL-1β exhibited a decrease in 3-hour and 12-hour food intake compared with rats treated with aCSF alone (−73% vs control at 3 hours [p .05]). Rats treated with AgRP followed by aCSF did not differ in food intake from the control animals. Immunohistochemistry showed no significant difference in c-fos activation of neurons expressing tyrosine-hydroxylase immunoreactivity, although there was a trend toward a significant increase in activation in TH neurons (47% for control vs 59% for TH [p = .055]). IL-1β administration to the fourth ventricle produces anorexia, which is ameliorated by preadministration of AgRP. This may involve activation of neurons expressing tyrosine hydroxylase, although further experiments are needed to establish their role in the process.
FPGA-based real-time video edge detection system

Based on the requirement of the video image detection and identification,the design of the video edge detection system based on FPGA is proposed in this paper.Camera is controlled by FPGA for video capture,dual-port SDRAM cache image data,FPGA complete the real-time data processing.Actual use DE2-115 development board and CMOS camera OV7670 as the hardware platform for verification.The experiment and application show that this system has good performance,and achieve the design requirement.
Cultural Aspects of Gift Giving: A Comparative Analysis of the Significance of Gift Giving in the U.S. and Japan

This paper explores gift giving from a global business perspective by comparing and contrasting the nature of gift giving in Japan and the United States. The study discusses the theoretical and managerial relevance of the observed differences in the two societies and highlights the social, personal, and economic significance of gift giving.
Synthesis and Characterization of Curcumin Polymer for Application in Radiation Induced Lung Damage

OF THESIS SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATON OF CURCUMIN POLYMER FOR APPLICATION IN RADIATION INDUCED LUNG DAMAGE Radiotherapy is used as a primary treatment for many cancers, including lung cancer. Although radiotherapy has proven to be an effective cancer treatment, its use is heavily limited due to the peripheral toxicity to healthy tissue. In this work, the antioxidant, curcumin, was tested as a radioprotectant to reduce radiation damage to healthy cells. Curcumin has been limited in use due to its poor bioavailability. In order to avoid problems associated with free curcumin delivery, curcumin poly(beta-amino ester) (CPBAE) was synthesized. The first study investigated the in vitro radioprotection effect of curcumin in HUVEC dosed with gamma radiation. Cells treated with curcumin showed significantly less ROS development compared to both untreated radiated and non-radiated cells. Cells treated with curcumin showed a decrease in viability for both radiated and non-radiated cells. Curcumin pretreatment exhibited no reduction in γ-H2AX foci formation in cells after radiation damage. These results indicate that curcumin does not radioprotect cells in an in vitro model. In a second study, curcumin was polymerized using a Michael addition reaction to create a hydrolytically degradable poly(beta-amino ester). Curcumin multiacrylate and isobutylamine reacted to form curcumin poly(beta-amino ester) (CPBAE). This polymer’s chemical structure and properties were characterized and nanoparticles were made from the polymer. Nanoparticles synthesized were able to successfully release curcumin through degradation, but at a low efficiency and extended time scale.
The Wagner Hill Ballcourt Community and Other Cohonina Sites

This article describes for the first time the important Cohonina ballcourt site (NA10519), which lies south of Wagner Hill, near the northern border of Prescott National Forest, Arizona. A series o...
Geographies on the Move: A Practical and Theoretical Approach to the Mobile Interview

This article considers the mobile interview method's utility to geography through five strengths: the ability to (1) produce spatially grounded and place-specific data, (2) access subtler and more complex meanings of place, (3) create opportunities for flexible and collaborative conversation with participants in situ, (4) build rapport and adjust participant–researcher power dynamics, and (5) efficiently produce rich geographic data. Practical, technical, ethical, and epistemological considerations are discussed. We expand methodological exploration of disempowered individuals' experiences of home, neighborhood, and urban space. The mobile interview offers a valuable, underutilized method for geographers to better understand the coconstitutive relationship between self and place.
Necrotizing pancreatitis: challenges and solutions

Acute pancreatitis is a common disease that can progress to gland necrosis, which imposes significant risk of morbidity and mortality. In general, the treatment for pancreatitis is a supportive therapy. However, there are several reasons to escalate to surgery or another intervention. This review discusses the pathophysiology as well as medical and interventional management of necrotizing pancreatitis. Current evidence suggests that patients are best served by delaying interventions for at least 4 weeks, draining as a first resort, and debriding recalcitrant tissue using minimally invasive techniques to promote or enhance postoperative recovery while reducing wound-related complications.
Learning efficient satisfaction equilibria via trial and error

In this paper, the problem of quality-of-service (QoS) provisioning is formulated as a game in satisfaction form. The corresponding solution is shown to be either a satisfaction equilibrium (SE), an efficient satisfaction equilibrium (ESE) or a non-equilibrium solution in which the largest population of players are satisfied (N-person satisfaction point, N-PSP). The main two contributions are: (i) A family of functions whose global maximizers are either an ESE, an SE or an N-PSP depending on their existence; and (ii) a fully distributed algorithm that allows the achievability of the above equilibria or non-equilibrium configurations via the decentralized maximization of these functions. In particular, the construction of such functions ensures the convergence of the proposed algorithm to stochastically stable solutions. This property is shown to be independent of the topology of the network or the specific individual QoS constraints.
Stabilization of linear continuous-time systems using neuromorphic vision sensors

Recently developed neuromorphic vision sensors have become promising candidates for agile and autonomous robotic applications primarily due to, in particular, their high temporal resolution and low latency. Each pixel of this sensor independently fires an asynchronous stream of “retinal events” once a change in the light field is detected. Existing computer vision algorithms can only process periodic frames and so a new class of algorithms needs to be developed that can efficiently process these events for control tasks. In this paper, we investigate the problem of quadratically stabilizing a continuous-time linear time invariant (LTI) system using measurements from a neuromorphic sensor. We present an H ∞ controller that stabilizes a continuous-time LTI system and provide the set of stabilizing neuromorphic sensor based cameras for the given system. The effectiveness of our approach is illustrated on an unstable system.
Conspecific negative density dependence in American beech

One of the most important drivers of forest biodiversity is conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD), a reduction in performance when conspecific densities are high. While the majority of CNDD research has focused on tropical forests, evidence is mounting that CNDD may also play an important role in temperate forests. To further explore the potential reach of this phenomenon, we investigated CNDD in American beech (Fagus grandifolia) in a mature mid-Atlantic forest. We used bivariate point pattern analyses to examine spatial relationships between large beech trees and conspecific saplings, and we also contrasted these patterns with comparable patterns for heterospecifics. In addition, to address the possibility of dispersal limitation and the associated effects on spatial patterns, we analyzed seedling density as a function of adult conspecific abundance. We found that beech saplings were more repelled from large conspecifics than large heterospecifics, despite the fact that beech seedling density was positively correlated with beech basal area. However, saplings of other canopy tree species were also repelled from adult beech trees, suggesting a general suppressive effect. Nonetheless, the discrepancy between beech seedling and sapling densities beneath adult conspecifics suggests that beech seedling survival rates were reduced in vicinity of conspecific adults. Regardless of the extent to which beech inhibits heterospecific trees, a negative effect on conspecific recruits may be critical for biodiversity maintenance. Without this conspecific suppression, a dense layer of shade-tolerant beech saplings could form beneath adult beech trees. If this were to occur, beech would have a substantial head-start following canopy disturbance, and this late-successional species could potentially dominate a stand in perpetuity, through repeated disturbance cycles.
A cost-effective approach for practically viable Li-ion capacitors by using Li2S as an in situ Li-ion source material

Li-ion capacitors (LICs) bridge the gap between Li-ion batteries and electric double layer capacitors in terms of energy and power densities by combining a pre-lithiated negative electrode and an activated carbon (AC) positive electrode into a single device. Pre-lithiation of the negative electrode has been a major obstacle for the commercialization of LICs due to its high cost and process complexity. Aiming to eliminate the use of pre-lithiated negative electrodes, we propose a simple and cost-effective approach by adding a small amount of Li2S into the positive electrode to enable in situ lithiation. The concept of this approach is based on two facts: (1) the AC material contains large numbers of surface oxygen functionalities, and (2) Li2S reacts with oxygen functionalities forming sulfurized carbon and irreversibly releasing Li+ ions. In this paper, we experimentally validate our concept by using a graphite negative electrode and an AC positive electrode. It is shown that the addition of Li2S does not significantly affect the capacitance performance of the AC positive electrode, and that a Li2S-loaded positive electrode still retains a specific capacity of 71 mA h g−1 AC and a specific capacitance of 128 F g−1 AC in an operating voltage range between 2.0 V and 4.0 V.
A Technique for Monitoring Velic Action by Means of a Photo-Electric Nasal Probe: Application to French.

Abstract: A relatively simple technique is described for monitoring action of the upper front surface of the soft palate during normal speech. The results of applying this technique to one subject are compared to the results for the same subject when nasal airflow is used to detect nasality. Preliminary results tend to confirm findings of other instrumental phonetic research and to contradict some theoretical claims of French phonology.
Decimal Fractions in School Arithmetic in Great Britain and North America During the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries

This chapter compares the extent to which decimal fractions were part of author-intended and teacher-implemented school mathematics curricula in Great Britain and in North America during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is assumed that what authors of arithmetic textbooks included in their textbooks was what they hoped, and intended, students would study; and that what teachers required their students to write in cyphering books constituted the implemented arithmetic curricula for those students. Entries in 472 cyphering books—370 prepared in North America and 102 in Great Britain—were analyzed and it was concluded that, before 1792, proportionally more students in British schools studied decimal fractions than in North American schools. That was an unexpected finding given that most eighteenth-century arithmetic textbooks in both nations included sections on both vulgar and decimal fractions. Analysis also revealed that in the nineteenth century the proportion of North American students who studied decimal fractions at schools increased but in Great British it did not. The different levels of emphasis on decimal fractions in the two nations are explained through the theoretical lens of lag time.
Developing and Implementing Exposure Treatment in Youth Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms

Abstract Implementation of exposure with response prevention (ERP) requires considerable planning and skill for the therapist working with youth with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This chapter highlights methods for introducing ERP in a nonthreatening manner and grounds the perspective in the inhibitory learning approach to fear reduction. This approach emphasizes new learning through experiencing otherwise avoided situations, with lower emphasis on experiencing fear as a mechanism for behavior change. Accordingly, treatment employing ERP can be completed with less fear, and lower trepidation for both therapist and client. The chapter illustrates several common symptom presentations with sample therapist-client interactions.