cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bose-Einstein Condensates with Spin-Orbit Interaction

Motivated by recent experiments carried out by Spielman's group at NIST, we study a general scheme for generating families of gauge fields, spanning the scalar, spin-orbit, and non-Abelian regimes. The NIST experiments, which impart momentum to bosons while changing their spin state, can in principle realize all these. In the spin-orbit regime, we show that a Bose gas is a spinor condensate made up of two non-orthogonal dressed spin states carrying different momenta. As a result, its density shows a stripe structure with a contrast proportional to the overlap of the dressed states, which can be made very pronounced by adjusting the experimental parameters.
Silicon coating of ceramic substrates for low cost solar cell applications

Mullite ceramic substrates were coated with silicon using a unique method of growth designed to produce low-cost material suitable for terrestial based solar cell applications. Pieces of mullite were carbon coated on one side and then dipped into molten silicon. The silicon wet the mullite only where the carbon was applied. Directional solidification occurs upon withdrawal. The film thicknesses were reasonably uniform over the area and could be controlled by varying the melt temperature and withdrawal rate, with higher temperatures and faster pull rates giving thinner films. Typical thicknesses of dip coated layers ranged between 20 and 150ym. The layers consist of large elongated grains aligned in the direction of withdrawal. The mullite substrates are slowly dissolved by the molten silicon resulting in some contamination of the silicon layers upon solidification. Glassy carboncoatings were found to be essentially impervious to the molten silicon and prevented dissolution of the substrate even after one hour of immersion. Cells of 1 cm2 active area having JSC
Potentiometric vs amperometric sensing of glycerol using glycerol dehydrogenase immobilized via layer-by-layer self-assembly

An electrochemical biosensor for glycerol was obtained by using a novel concatenation of molecules to immobilize glycerol dehydrogenase (GlDH) on a gold electrode via layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly. The surface of the enzyme electrodes was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy which confirmed the attachment of enzyme on the gold electrode with the assistance of the tethering molecules. The biosensor was assessed for its potentiometric and amperometric response to glycerol in the presence of the enzyme stimulants, ammonium sulfate and manganese chloride. The electrodes demonstrated good selectivity and reproducibility, with a amperometric response at a working voltage of 1.3 V in the 0.001 to 1 M glycerol concentration range, a 12.07 μA · M−1 sensitivity, and a 6.8 μM lower limit of detection. The average diffusion coefficient of glycerol is 8.63 × 10−6 cm2s−1 as determined by chronoamperometry.
Effect of molecular packing density and intermolecular interactions on solute transport in supported liquid crystalline membranes

The transport of organic solutes in 4-(trans-4′-4′-n-pentylcyclohexy)-benzonitrile (PCH5) and 4-cyano-4′-octylbiphenyl (8CB) supported liquid crystal (LC) membranes was reported in order to broaden the understanding of mechanisms for solute transport in ordered mesophases. PCH5 was chosen as it exhibits a lower packing density than 8CB but retains a similar molecular structure. Higher sorption and diffusion coefficients were measured in PCH5 compared to 8CB, due primarily to the lower packing density in the PCH5 nematic phase. Solutes capable of forming a single hydrogen bonding with LC molecules exhibited faster diffusion than those with no hydrogen-bonding ability or those capable of multiple hydrogen-bonding interactions. Measurements of relative solubility of pyridine and salicylic acid in 8CB, PCH5 and kerosene confirmed that intermolecular hydrogen bonding plays a stronger role than π−π interactions in solute absorption. Finally, in the absence of differences in hydrogen bonding, higher dipole–dipol...
Organization of chromosomes in Plasmodium falciparum: A model for generating karyotypic diversity

Chromosomes of the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, are compartmentalized into conserved and polymorphic domains. The conserved domains are transcribed and localized within the central region o f a chromosome, whereas the polymorphic domains are transcriptionally silent and situated at chromosome ends. Unlike the central chromosomal domains, chromosome ends contain repetitive sequence elements. In this review, Michael Lonzer, Derik de Bruin, Samuel Wertheimer and Jeffrey Ravetch propose that the chromosome ends play a functional role in generating genetic diversity by promoting meiotic and mitotic recombination and chromosomal rearrangement events.
Co-Conserved Features Associated with cis Regulation of ErbB Tyrosine Kinases

Background The epidermal growth factor receptor kinases, or ErbB kinases, belong to a large sub-group of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), which share a conserved catalytic core. The catalytic core of ErbB kinases have functionally diverged from other RTKs in that they are activated by a unique allosteric mechanism that involves specific interactions between the kinase core and the flanking Juxtamembrane (JM) and COOH-terminal tail (C-terminal tail). Although extensive studies on ErbB and related tyrosine kinases have provided important insights into the structural basis for ErbB kinase functional divergence, the sequence features that contribute to the unique regulation of ErbB kinases have not been systematically explored. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we use a Bayesian approach to identify the selective sequence constraints that most distinguish ErbB kinases from other receptor tyrosine kinases. We find that strong ErbB kinase-specific constraints are imposed on residues that tether the JM and C-terminal tail to key functional regions of the kinase core. A conserved RIxKExE motif in the JM-kinase linker region and a glutamine in the inter-lobe linker are identified as two of the most distinguishing features of the ErbB family. While the RIxKExE motif tethers the C-terminal tail to the N-lobe of the kinase domain, the glutamine tethers the C-terminal tail to hinge regions critical for inter-lobe movement. Comparison of the active and inactive crystal structures of ErbB kinases indicates that the identified residues are conformationally malleable and can potentially contribute to the cis regulation of the kinase core by the JM and C-terminal tail. ErbB3, and EGFR orthologs in sponges and parasitic worms, diverge from some of the canonical ErbB features, providing insights into sub-family and lineage-specific functional specialization. Conclusion/Significance Our analysis pinpoints key residues for mutational analysis, and provides new clues to cancer mutations that alter the canonical modes of ErbB kinase regulation.
Modes and Balance of Energy in the Piezoelectric Cochlear Outer Hair Cell Wall

Here, we analyze energy transformations in the outer hair cell and its effectiveness as a piezoelectric-type actuator in the cochlea. The major modes of energy are introduced, and a method to estimate the coefficients of their tension-dependence is proposed. Next, we derive balance of the mechanical and electrical parts of energy, and show two forms of the active energy associated with the motors driving electromotility. The two forms of the active energy, stored mechanical energy, and external electrical work are then introduced as functions of voltage and applied force. We use the energy balance to introduce and estimate the effectiveness of the cell's electromotile response.
Adenosine does not mediate renal sodium retention and peripheral vasodilation elicited by partial portal vein ligation in rats

Abstract This study was conducted to assess the role of adenosine in the peripheral vasodilation and sodium retention that occurs after partial portal vein ligation (PVL) in the rat. The experiment was performed on day 1 after surgery when transient maximal sodium retention developed and day 7 when rats returned to sodium balance. Hemodynamic studies were conducted under anesthesia in portal hypertensive rats with sodium retention and in sham-operated controls. Measurements were obtained before and after administration of a nonselective A1 and A2 adenosine receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine (DPSPX) (10 mg/kg intravenously followed by 150 micrograms/min). Under baseline conditions, portal hypertensive rats with sodium retention were hypotensive, with decreases in total peripheral resistance and filtration fraction on day 1 in comparison with the control group. Although hyperdynamic circulation was still maintained by day 7, there was a return to sodium balance. The adenosine receptor antagonist had a modest vasoconstrictor effect on systemic and renal vasculature in both groups, but less in portal hypertensive rats. However, no change in glomerular filtration rate was observed. DPSPX induced a natriuresis in control rats (from 0.40 +/- 0.11 to 5.97 +/- 0.61 mEq/min on day 1, from 0.48 +/- 0.20 to 6.34 +/- 0.45 mEq/min on day 7). This response was attenuated in portal hypertensive rats on day 1 (from 0.14 +/- 0.04 to 1.67 +/- 0.57 mEq/min). but not on day 7 (from 0.20 +/- 0.06 to 5.11 +/- 0.55 mEq/min). These results suggest that in portal hypertensive rats (1) adenosine is not responsible for vasodilation and sodium retention, (2) a sodium-retaining factor acting directly on the renal tubule is responsible for sodium retention. (Hepatology 1996 Feb;23(2):346-52)
Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Octogenarians and Nonagenarians: A Risk–Benefit Analysis

Background The only cure for primary hyperparathyroidism (1°HPT) is parathyroidectomy. However, many elderly patients are not referred for surgery due to medical comorbidities and/or advanced age. The purpose of this study was to evaluate benefits against risks of parathyroidectomy in this patient population. Materials and methods From March 2001 to June 2006, 50 patients aged 80 years or older with 1°HPT underwent parathyroidectomy by a single surgeon. Clinical presentation and surgical outcomes of all patients were evaluated. The standard form of the SF-36 Health Survey, designed to measure patient quality of life (QOL), was completed by a subset of patients. Results There were 45 females and 5 males with a mean age of 83 ± 2 y. Patient comorbidities included hypertension (72%), coronary artery disease (22%), diabetes mellitus (16%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10%), and congestive heart failure (10%). Bone pain was the most common primary presenting symptom (44%), followed by fatigue (12%), confusion (6%), and joint pain (6%). Eleven patients (22%) had ectopic glands. The cure rate postsurgery was 98% (49/50). There were 2 postoperative complications (4%): one patient with transient hypocalcemia and another with cellulitus at an i.v. site. Of patients who completed QOL surveys, greater than 60% reported improved physical functioning, social functioning, and/or mental health, and reduction of bodily pain. Conclusion Parathyroidectomy is safe and curative for octogenarians and nonagenarians with 1°HPT, and maintains or improves quality of life. The surgical benefits outweigh operative risks, making parathyroid surgery an excellent option for patients over 80 years of age.
Amino acid pool composition of the basidiomycete Coprinus cinereus

The leaf-litter fungus Coprinus cinereus maintains a pool of free amino acid in its mycelium. When the organism is grown under conditions of high nitrogen availability with 13.2 mmol·L–1 l-asparagine as the nitrogen source, the primary constituents of this pool are glutamine, alanine, and glutamic acid. Together these 3 amino acids comprise approximately 70% of the pool. Nitrogen deprivation reduces the size of the free amino acid pool by 75%, and neither a high concentration of ammonium nor a protein nitrogen source support a similar pool size as l-asparagine. Nitrogen deprivation also reduces the concentration of glutamine to the pool while increasing glutamate. Concomitant with this shift is a marked increase in mycelial ammonium.
Foundation of business ethics in contemporary religious thought: the Ten Commandment perspective

This paper reviews the Ten Commandments (TCs) in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. It investigates work ethics in the three religions. In addition, the paper examines the meaning and implications of the TCs in each faith. Ethical and social considerations are addressed. It is argued that the TCs set the moral rules and foundations for individuals and groups. TCs, however, should be regarded as general moral guidelines for personal and business conduct.
Grass-pollen immunotherapy for 3 to 4 years was still effective 3 years after being discontinued

Source Citation Durham SR, Walker SM, Varga EM, et al. Long-term clinical efficacy of grass-pollen immunotherapy. N Engl J Med. 1999;341:468-75. 10441602
Forms of market orientation and firm performance: A complementary approach

The nature of the market orientation concept has been a subject of heated debate in the marketing and management strategy literature in recent years. In efforts to contribute to the ongoing debate, the authors propose a framework that describes four forms of market orientation (i.e., active, ceremonial, emergent, and inactive market orientation) based on the behavioral and cultural components of market orientation. In addition, a series of propositions are developed that summarize the effects of the four forms of market orientation for customer relationship and financial performance. The managerial implications and avenues for research that emerge from the proposed framework are also discussed.
Standardized laparoscopic simulation positively affects a student's surgical experience.

Objective The aim of the study was to determine whether a standardized orientation to basic laparoscopy makes a positive effect on the experience of third-year medical students. Study Design Fifty-three third-year medical students at the University of Missouri, Columbia were randomly divided into 2 groups during their clerkship orientation. Both groups received a 40-minute laparoscopic hands-on training simulation guided by instructors. However, only 1 group was given a 20-minute multimedia presentation on introduction to laparoscopy that covered equipment, set up, troubleshooting, and different methods of access into the abdomen. Both groups were given a preclerkship and postclerkship survey where students were asked to rate their experience, comfort, and interest in surgery on a 10-point Likert scale. Results Hundred percent of the students receiving the combined hands-on training simulation and the 20-minute presentation felt that the experience helped during their clerkship (p = 0.002) and 92% felt it had a positive effect (p = 0.501). In contrast, only 72% of the group that received the hands-on training simulation alone found it helpful (p = 0.029) and 86% thought it had a positive effect (p = 0.508). There was no statistical difference between either group with regard to their perceived comfort with assistance in the operating room and with laparoscopy. Neither experience had a statistical effect on a students' interest in surgery as a career. Conclusions Our results demonstrate how a standardized orientation to basic laparoscopy can make a positive effect on a student's experience; however, it fails to transition into a student's interest in surgery as a profession or in their perceived comfort level in the operating room. Our study suggests that a student's surgical interest is highly variable and composed of multiple experiences that occur during their clerkship that ultimately affects their perception of surgery as a field and profession.
Solenoid-free Plasma Start-up in HIT-II and NSTX using Transient CHI

A new method of non-inductive startup, referred to as transient coaxial helicity injection (CHI), has been successfully developed on the HIT-II experiment. In this method, a plasma current is rapidly produced by discharging a capacitor bank between coaxial electrodes in the presence of toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields. The initial poloidal field configuration is chosen such that the plasma rapidly expands into the chamber. When the injected current is rapidly decreased, magnetic reconnection occurs near the injection electrodes, with the toroidal plasma current forming closed flux surfaces. On HIT-II, CHI-started plasmas outperform discharges initiated by induction alone and consume fewer volt-seconds. The method has now been successfully applied on NSTX for an unambiguous proof-of-principle demonstration of closed-flux current generation without the use of the central solenoid.
Differences between temperatures, humidities, and winds on the white mountains and in the free air

The influence of mountains on the air passing over them can be determined by comparing the meteorological elements in such a region with those of the free air. The nature and extent of the influence depends largely on the time of day, the season, type of synoptic air-mass, the height of mountain range or plateau, and its characteristic topography. For the aviator, mountain regions create a special problem. In encountering air-currents with temperature and moisture different from those prevailing elsewhere, he is often exposed to the danger of ice-formation on the aeroplane. He also has to contend with variable ceilings and strong winds, often with considerable vertical components.
Fall‐Winter Growth of Young Channel Catfish in Response to Quantity and Source of Dietary Lipid

Abstract Age-0 channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus demonstrated no significant growth differences over 20 weeks during fall and winter when fed, in indoor tanks, semipurified diets containing 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14% lipid in the form of beef tallow, soybean oil, or fish oil. Fish on the 10% lipid diets showed a tendency toward best growth within each dietary lipid group but no well defined optimum lipid level was found. Carcass lipid percentages, and fatty acid patterns were similar among fish offered diets containing the same lipid source, regardless of the percentage of lipid in the diet. Striking differences in the patterns of such fatty acids as 14:0, 18:1ω9, 18:2ω6, 18:3ω3, 20:5ω3, 22:5ω3, and 22:6ω3 reflected dietary lipid sources.
Anode power deposition in quasi-steady MPD thrusters

Spatially resolved anode heat flux measurements of a pulsed quasi-steady MPD thruster have been made by embedding thermocouples to the inner surface of a hollowed anode. Results obtained using argon propellant at mass flow rates of 4 and 16 g/s with the thruster operating at currents between 8 and 24 kA are presented. The results show that the anode fall voltage increases linearly with thruster current and does not depend on propellant mass flow rate. The fraction of thruster power deposited into the anode is 42 percent at 1 MW and falls to less than 20 percent at 6 MW. At any given operating condition, there is an inverse relationship between the anode fall and anode current density.
Visualizing spike activity during neuronal network development

We are interested in explaining neuronal network development through visualizations that summarize trends in large data. We utilized previously-recorded spiking patterns of embryonic rat cortex cells grown on multielectrode arrays [1]. We present results for batch 1 culture 3. Recordings were divided into 100 17.7 s intervals (the time required to sequentially stimulate each electrode at 0.3 s intervals). In our representation, each trail depicts an interval. The first 50 intervals recorded spontaneous activity (1-25 in red, 26-50 in pink); the last 50 intervals, activity in response to electrical stimulation (51-75 in green, 76-100 in blue). Each trail begins at the origin,
Divergent Effects of PERK and IRE1 Signaling on Cell Viability

Protein misfolding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) activates a set of intracellular signaling pathways, collectively termed the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). UPR signaling promotes cell survival by reducing misfolded protein levels. If homeostasis cannot be restored, UPR signaling promotes cell death. The molecular basis for the switch between prosurvival and proapoptotic UPR function is poorly understood. The ER-resident proteins, PERK and IRE1, control two key UPR signaling pathways. Protein misfolding concomitantly activates PERK and IRE1 and has clouded insight into their contributions toward life or death cell fates. Here, we employed chemical-genetic strategies to activate individually PERK or IRE1 uncoupled from protein misfolding. We found that sustained PERK signaling impaired cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. By contrast, equivalent durations of IRE1 signaling enhanced cell proliferation without promoting cell death. These results demonstrate that extended PERK and IRE1 signaling have opposite effects on cell viability. Differential activation of PERK and IRE1 may determine life or death decisions after ER protein misfolding.
Abstract 2507: Defective Chk2 expression in cisplatin-resistant ovarian tumor cells impedes wild-type p53 function

The p53 tumor suppressor in its wild-type state correlates with sensitivity of tumor cells to cisplatin, and mutant p53 with resistance. However, resistance is also a significant impediment in tumors harboring wild-type p53. Identifying the mechanism preventing wild-type p53 from inducing cell death becomes vital in understanding resistance. Our studies in an isogenic sensitive-resistant pair of wild-type p53 ovarian tumor models demonstrate that unlike sensitive A2780 cells, the ∼25-fold resistant 2780CP variant cells do not upregulate p21 at 24 hr in response to cisplatin (1 or 5 µM). Since defects in wild-type p53 and chk2 are reported to be mutually exclusive and Chk2 defects are known to impact p53 function, we investigated chk2 expression in the model pair. By immunoblot analysis, A2780 cells robustly expressed Chk2, whereas levels were undetectable in resistant cells. Real-time PCR demonstrated an absence of Chk2 transcripts in resistant cells, and since chronic exposure to decitabine (1 or 5 µM for 5, 7 or 9 days) failed to upregulate Chk2, this suggested that loss of Chk2 expression in 2780CP cells is likely due to a non-epigenetic mechanism. In order to test whether loss of Chk2 indeed contributes to loss of p53 function and also loss of sensitivity to cisplatin, A2780 cells were exposed to Chk2 siRNA (100 nM for 5 hr), which reduced Chk2 levels by >75%. Exposure of siRNA-treated cells to cisplatin (1.0 µM) followed by immunoblot analysis 24 hr later demonstrated an attenuated p21 expression. Similarly, cytotoxic assessment by the MTT assay provided evidence that Chk2-knockdown in A2780 cells increased resistance to cisplatin by about 2-fold. Since the level of cisplatin resistance in 2780CP cells and other similar models is much greater than those seen in resistant cells harboring mutant- or null-p53, we tested the concept that p53 knockdown by siRNA in Chk2-deficient 2780CP cells may actually sensitize these cells. Support for this was provided by a 2-fold decrease in the IC50 of cisplatin. In contrast, the IC50 of cisplatin increased by about 2-fold in p53-knockdown A2780 cells. If Chk2-deficiency contributes to cisplatin resistance in tumor cells harboring wild-type p53, then specific non-cross-resistant platinum analogs must be activating p53 and inducing cell killing in a Chk2-independent manner. This was confirmed by the demonstration that the platinum(IV) analog DAP increased levels of p21 in Chk2-knockdown A2780 cells without loss of cytotoxic potency, and that knockdown of p53 in either sensitive or resistant cells increased resistance to the analog by about 2- to 3-fold. These results demonstrate the relative significance of Chk2 in the mode of action of cisplatin and the analog DAP. (Supported by NCI RO1 CA127263). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2507.
Unbounded perturbation of the controllability for evolution equations

Abstract In this paper we prove that the controllability for evolution equations in Banach spaces is not destroyed, if we perturb the equation by “small” unbounded linear operator. This is done by employing a perturbation principle from linear operator theory and a characterization of surjective operators in Banach spaces. Finally, we apply these to a control system governed by partial integro-differential equations.
Electrostatic free energy landscapes for DNA helix bending.

Nucleic acids are highly charged polyanionic molecules; thus, the ionic conditions are crucial for nucleic acid structural changes such as bending. We use the tightly bound ion theory, which explicitly accounts for the correlation and ensemble effects for counterions, to calculate the electrostatic free energy landscapes for DNA helix bending. The electrostatic free energy landscapes show that DNA bending energy is strongly dependent on ion concentration, valency, and size. In a Na+ solution, DNA bending is electrostatically unfavorable because of the strong charge repulsion on backbone. With the increase of the Na+ concentration, the electrostatic bending repulsion is reduced and thus the bending becomes less unfavorable. In contrast, in an Mg2+ solution, ion correlation induces a possible attractive force between the different parts of the helical strands, resulting in bending. The electrostatically most favorable and unfavorable bending directions are toward the major and minor grooves, respectively. Decreasing the size of the divalent ions enhances the electrostatic bending attraction, causing an increased bending angle, and shifts the most favorable bending to the direction toward the minor groove. The microscopic analysis on ion-binding distribution reveals that the divalent ion-induced helix bending attraction may come from the correlated distribution of the ions across the grooves in the bending direction.
A determination of γ-mesotron rest lifetime and a verification of the relativistic expression for variation of lifetime with momentum

Abstract Measurements of cosmic ray intensity have been made simultaneously with counter telescopes at altitudes differing by about 3000 ft. and in locations which were the same within a distance of about 8 miles. Data were obtained for various thicknesses of lead absorber and with an additional thickness of absorbing material in the upper telescopes to compensate for absorption in the air column between the two sets of telescopes. From the foregoing data the rest mean life values have been calculated on the basis of the relativistic variation of mean life with momentum for various ranges of momenta of the rays concerned. The theory 2 of the calculation allows for the continual change of mean life resulting from loss of momentum of the mesotrons as they pass through the air. The value of the rest mean life obtained is 2.3 × 10 −6 sec. and is constant over the ranges of momenta concerned, within the limits of accuracy of the data, thus confirming to this extent the relativistic expression. The results are in close agreement with those of Rossi et al , but differ from the results obtained by Nielsen.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate inclusion-body growth and proliferation in Bacillus megaterium

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) accumulation and the morphology of PHA inclusion bodies were examined in Bacillus megaterium, strain 11561. Our results show a pattern of PHA degradation and synthesis, and of inclusion body growth and proliferation not previously reported. Degradation of PHA in the lag phase was followed by synthesis of PHA at an accelerating rate during exponential growth. PHA accumulation reached a maximum rate at late exponential/early stationary phase and the rate declined to a lower steady state in the stationary phase. During exponential and early stationary phase growth, PHA had a faster doubling rate than that of total cell biomass (w/w). Results of the morphology studies suggest that PHA inclusion bodies proliferated by budding and reached maximum size by early stationary phase growth. This pattern was observed in minimal and in rich media.
Exporting fumigated nectarines by van container

Abstract California nectarines, not treated with post-harvest fungicides, were commercially fumigated with methyl bromide and were shipped by van container to Japan. They were evaluated for condition after arrival. Shipments took from 15 to 18 days from the time they left the packing house until they cleared plant quarantine and customs in Japan. Fruit temperatures remained below 3°C during transportation, but were exposed to higher temperatures at both the US and Japanese ports. More fruit of the cv. Summer Grand was affected with methyl bromide injury than the cv. Red Diamond, but the severity of the injury on affected fruit was greater for the latter. In addition, commercially fumigated nectarines were held in laboratory tests simulating commercial surface shipment conditions. Nectarines were held for two weeks at 1°C. After one additional week at either 10 or 20°C, this fruit retained an average of 44% and 11% of its firmness, respectively. Similar fruit held for three weeks at 1°C and one additional week at 10 or 20°C retained 48% and 12% of its firmness, respectively.
Using manually-built web directories for automatic evaluation of known-item retrieval

Information retrieval system evaluation is complicated by the need for manually assessed relevance judgments. Large manually-built directories on the web open the door to new evaluation procedures. By assuming that web pages are the known relevant items for queries that exactly match their title, we use the ODP (Open Directory Project) and Looksmart directories for system evaluation. We test our approach with a sample from a log of ten million web queries and show that such an evaluation is unbiased in terms of the directory used, stable with respect to the query set selected, and correlated with a reasonably large manual evaluation.
Palynology and age of the upper Blomidon Formation, Fundy basin, Nova Scotia

Abstract The detailed palynostratigraphy established for basins of the Newark Supergroup south of the Canadian border has proven inapplicable to the oxidized, palynologically barren outcrops typical of the Fundy basin of the Maritime Provinces. Dating of the Fundy stratigraphic section has thus been based on lithostratigraphic correlations, radiometric dates, and rare palynomorphs. Palynofloral assemblages recently recovered from an outcrop of the uppermost Blomidon Formation in the Nova Scotia arm of the Fundy basin permit the first correlations with Triassic/Jurassic boundary palynofloras throughout the Newark Supergroup. The well-preserved palynofloras are all dominated by the genus Corollina, but examination of the less common elements indicates that only those assemblages at the top of the Blomidon Formation, immediately below the North Mountain Basalt, are of Early Jurassic age. These palynofloras contain species that are also present in earliest Jurassic assemblages from the Hartford basin. Palynomorph assemblages 30 cm downsection from the basalt contain rare specimens of the Late Triassic index species Patinasporites densus and an array of monosulcate grains correlative with late Rhaetian assemblages from the Newark basin. Three new monosulcate species (Cycadopites ginker, C. tattoo, and C. schlischii) are described herein.
Symmetrical contact problem of a thick transversely isotropic plate

The symmetrical problem of the contact between a spherical indenter and a thick transversely isotropic plate is solved using the techniques of the Hankel transform. Solutions are written as the sums of the associated half-space solution and plate thickness effect terms. The normalized normal contact stress and the surface radial stress are obtained and calculated numerically for both composite materials and metallic substances. The example materials give both real and complex characteristic roots. A general method of calculation is described to determine the maximum tensile radial stress and the maximum compressive normal contact stress.
Hepatic venous flow assessed by transesophageal echocardiography

Abstract Systemic venous flow patterns are easily assessed by transthoracic echocardiography for evaluation of right heart dynamics. However, the transthoracic approach cannot be used in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. The present study describes a method for obtaining hepatic venous flow velocity with transesophageal Doppler echocardiography. Twenty-nine patients were studied with transthoracic echocardiography just before cardiac surgery and with transesophageal echocardiography during surgery. Hepatic venous flow velocity recordings were obtained in 14 of 29 patients with the transthoracic and in all 29 with the transesophageal approach. Timing of flow pattern was similar with the two methods, but recordings obtained with transesophageal echocardiography were inverted compared with those obtained with transthoracic echocardiography as a result of the difference in probe location in relation to flow direction. The time-velocity integrals obtained with the two techniques did not differ significantly; fer the transthoracic and transesophageal approaches, they were, respectively, 7.3 ± 3.4 versus 5.7 ± 4.4 for systolic flow; 1.0 ± 1.6 versus 0.5 ± 0.6 for end-systolic flow reversal; 4.7 ± 2.3 versus 3.7 ± 1.7 for diastolic flow; 2.0 ± 1.8 versus 1.5 ± 1.5 for atrial flow reversal and 1.9 ± 1.0 versus 1.7 ± 1.1 for systolic/diastolic ratio. In conclusion, hepatic venous flow values are obtained more frequently and with better quality by transesophageal than by transthoracic echocardiography. The flow patterns and velocity integrals are similar with both methods and previous experience with transthoracic echocardiography should be applicable to the transesophageal technique. Transesophageal Doppler echocardiography therefore has potential for studying right heart dynamics during anesthesia and surgery.
Stomatitis, Dermatitis, and Denture Materials

Denture base materials of the past and present are reviewed. Hypersensitivity stomatitis venenata is an uncommon cause of "denture sore mouth." Four cases are cited in evidence that acrylic dentures, even when heat cured, can produce a hypersensitivity type of stomatitis venenata. The management of acrylic hypersensitivity by the substitution of polystyrene as a denture base material is recommended.
Entre o fundamental e o contingente: dimensões da gentrificação contemporânea nas operações urbanas em São Paulo

Opposing the direct importation of theories, this paper develops an analytical model for the study of gentrification that encompasses both its generalization as the main policy of neoliberal urbanism and its location in specific urban contexts. This analytical model is based on three necessary dimensions that define the process: 1) production of gentrifiable space; 2) socio-economic upgrading with displacement of vulnerable groups; 3) built landscape transformation. The study of urban operations in Sao Paulo demonstrates that these fundamental dimensions are mediated by local structures and, in these cases, they are contextualized in individualized urban projects. This paper, thus, explores the multiple scales of gentrification promotion, and emphasizes that forms of unequal space production and resistance to them are also locally produced.
Elastic torsion of a hippopede

Determination de la fonction de contrainte de Prandtl et des contraintes de cisaillement d'une barre cylindrique dont la limite de section efficace a la forme d'un hippopede
Meeting the challenge of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection

Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a growing problem that poses significant management challenges. There is no strong evidence to support a particular treatment strategy for recurrent CDI, especially those with multiple recurrences. However, a key strategy for reducing recurrent CDI is prompt diagnosis and treatment, facilitated by early recognition of patients at risk for recurrence.
Extrahepatic Biliary Obstruction: An Unusual Presentation of Hepatic Sarcoidosis

We report this case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with progressive illness characterized by abdominal pain, weight loss, anorexia, generalized weakness, and fatigue. The patient was found to have obstructive jaundice with multiple mass lesions in the liver, spleen, and kidney on computed tomography scan of abdomen. She developed cholangitis, necessitating an emergent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with biliary stenting and decompression. Later, she was found to have hepatic sarcoidosis on wedge biopsy of the liver. Extrinsic compression of biliary tree from mass effect of sarcoid granulomas with superimposed biliary sepsis is rare.
Ultrafast Voltammetry and Voltammetry in Highly Resistive Solutions with Microvoltammetric Electrodes

On peut realiser des etudes de voltammetrie cyclique en presence d'electrodes microvoltammetriques, a des vitesses de balayage tres rapides (jusqu'a 100 kVs −1 ) ou dans des solutions a forte resistivite par suite d'une chute ohmique reduite et de la capacite de la double couche
A robust real-time maximum power points tracking (MPPT) method for wind power systems

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is the key to notably improve efficiency of variable-speed wind power systems. A power variation rate checking (PVRC) and reference power curve (RPC) methods have been developed and implemented earlier. The former requires considerable computation along the whole operation while the latter highly depends on the system model and thus leading to weak robustness. This paper combines the power variation rate checking and reference characteristic power curve methods to eliminate their disadvantages. The proposed MPPT simply updates the reference power curve by tuning the curve coefficients. It is simpler and less computation compared to PVRC. Also, compared to RPC, this method is immune to the potential system variations and thus robust. To verify its performance, the proposed algorithm is simulated in Matlab/Simulink environment and the system operation under proposed MPPT is tested experimentally.
Modified Larval Bait Trap for Sampling Black Cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Populations in Field Corn

A cutworm larval bait trap was improved for sampling black cutworm populations in field corn. Trap size was reduced from 1.98 to 0.41 liters without substantially reducing trap efficiency. A removable inner cup was used to reduce the quantity of vermiculite which must be searched for thc retrieval of cutworms. Four trap components used in the original trap were adapted to the modified trap and evaluated. Two of these components, cylinders and wheat bran, had a significant effect on larval capture, whereas metal guides and lids had little or no effect and were not incorporated into the modified trap design.
Superior vena cava syndrome: treatment with catheter-directed thrombolysis and endovascular stent placement.

PURPOSE: To evaluate use of catheter-directed thrombolysis and/or endovascular stent placement to treat superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine consecutive patients with SVC syndrome were studied. The cause was underlying malignancy in 43 and benign disease in 16. All patients underwent bilateral upper-extremity venography. The SVC was occluded in 31 cases and stenosed in 28. Twenty-seven patients underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis; 51 underwent endovascular stent placement. Patency was defined in terms of absence of symptoms and signs of SVC syndrome. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 56 of 59 patients (95%). Among 42 patients with underlying malignancy (mean follow-up, 7.0 months; range, 1-34 months), primary clinical patency was achieved in 33 (79%) and secondary clinical patency was achieved in 39 (93%). Among 13 patients with benign disease (mean follow-up, 17.0 months; range, 1-27 months), primary clinical patency was achieved in 10 (77%) and secondary cli...
The Role of Own and Perceived Partner Attachment in Relationship Aggression

This study explored the main and interactive effects of respondents'own attachment styles and their perception of the romantic partner's attachment style on expressed and received aggression in a sample of 161 male and female undergraduates who reported on a heterosexual romantic relationship. Overall, 52.8% reported expressing at least one act of aggression, and 39.1% reported sustaining such an act from their partner. Regression analyses indicated that describing (a) one's partner as more preoccupied, (b) self and partner as more preoccupied, and (c) self as secure and partner as dismissing predicted higher levels of expressed aggression. Higher levels of sustained aggression were associated with describing (a) self as more fearful and partner as more preoccupied, (b) partner as more preoccupied, and (c) partner as less fearful. These results suggest that interpersonal perception may play an important role in the level of relation-ship aggression reported to occur in romantic relationships.
Comparison of H2 production from ethanol and ethylene glycol on M/Pt(1 1 1) (M = Ni, Fe, Ti) bimetallic surfaces

Abstract The reactions of ethylene glycol and ethanol have been studied on Fe/Pt(1 1 1) and Ti/Pt(1 1 1) bimetallic surfaces utilizing temperature programmed desorption (TPD). These results are compared to our previous studies on Ni/Pt(1 1 1) to illustrate the trend in the reforming activity on 3d-Pt bimetallic surfaces. The oxygenates decomposed on these surfaces to produce mainly H2 and CO. The bimetallic surfaces were prepared by thermal evaporation of Fe or Ti onto Pt(1 1 1), using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) to monitor surface compositions. Surfaces prepared by deposition of a monolayer of Fe or Ti on Pt(1 1 1), designated Fe–Pt–Pt(1 1 1) or Ti–Pt–Pt(1 1 1), displayed higher reforming activity for both ethylene glycol and ethanol than the corresponding subsurface monolayer Pt–Fe–Pt(1 1 1) and Pt–Ti–Pt(1 1 1) structures or clean Pt(1 1 1). The reforming yield increased as the surface d-band center, calculated from density functional theory (DFT), shifted closer to the Fermi level. The reforming selectivity of oxygenates, especially ethanol, began to decrease as the d-band center shifted closer to the Fermi level. Combining results in the current work with previous studies on Ni/Pt(1 1 1), a general criterion can be formulated for selecting 3d-Pt bimetallic surfaces with desirable reforming activity and selectivity.
Mona Lisa smile: The morphological enigma of human and great ape evolution

The science of human evolution is confronted with the popular chimpanzee theory and the earlier but largely ignored orangutan theory. The quality and scope of published documentation and verification of morphological features suggests there is very little in morphology to support a unique common ancestor for humans and chimpanzees. A close relationship between humans and African apes is currently supported by only eight unproblematic characters. The orangutan relationship is supported by about 28 well-supported characters, and it is also corroborated by the presence of orangutan-related features in early hominids. The uniquely shared morphology of humans and orangutans raises doubts about the almost universal belief that DNA sequence similarities necessarily demonstrate a closer evolutionary relationship between humans and chimpanzees. A new evolutionary reconstruction is proposed for the soft tissue anatomy, physiology, and behavioral biology of the first hominids that includes concealed ovulation, male beard and mustache, prolonged mating, extended pair-bonding, "house" construction, mechanical "genius," and artistic expression.
Disruption of zinc homeostasis in Alzheimer's disease

The basic hypothesis being tested is that, in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the delicate balance of brain Zn is disrupted and may play a role in the pathogenesis of neuron degeneration. Micro-PIXE measurements reveal a significant elevation of Zn in senile plaques (SP) in AD brain compared with adjacent neuropil and a significant increase in AD neuropil compared to control neuropil. The observation of elevated Zn in SP is of interest because the amyloid precursor protein contains a Zn binding site that may prevent normal cleavage leading to the generation of a toxic fragment of beta amyloid, the constituent of SP. The potential of using laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry as a complimentary microprobe technique is also presented.
Some Factors Influencing the Use of Information in Small Groups

The effective use of information is essential for efficient group functioning. If group members do not apply to the group task the information which each possesses individually, effective group decisions are not possible. Despite the importance of this problem, relarively little research has been done with a view to isolating the variables which affect the use of information in groups. Perhaps the most directly related work is that of Maier (1950, 1953). He has shown that a leader who knows the correct solution to a problem is more effective in leading a group to that solution than is a leader who has not been given this information by E. He also demonstrated that a discussion leader is more effective when he leads the group to participate in solving the problem than when he tries to "sell" the correct solution to the group (Maier, 1953). A study by Shevitz (1955) has shown that exclusive possession of expert knowledge about a group problem results in a greater number of attempts to lead, and chat the effect of such possession is to secure status within his group for an individual and to differentiate him from other group members. Similarly, it has been shown that a person who has more information related to a problem solves the problem more quickly than group members who have more limited information (Gilchrist, Shaw, & Walker, 1954; Shaw, 1954). The studies cited above dealt exclusively with the effects of differential possession of information; none attempted to deal with variables related to differential usage of such information. Thus the question of what variables influence the use of information in a group is still open. On the basis of evidence gleaned from these studies, however, and on a priori grounds, it seems likely that three classes of variables will be related to the effective use of information in groups: ( a ) the narure of the information, ( b ) the personality characteristics of the individual who possesses the information, and (c ) the personality characteristics of the orher members of the group. With respect to the first of these, it may be expected that the important factors will be the objective probability that the information leads to correct solutions of problems to which it applies, and the subjective probability (the possessor's confidence) that the information will lead to correct solutions of
The Ejector Performance of a 75 kW Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell System

An ejector is a machine for mixing and transporting fluid under vacuum. Ejectors enhance system efficiency, are easily operated, have a mechanically simple structure, and do not require a power supply. Because of these advantages, ejectors have been used in a variety of industrial fields such as refrigeration systems, power plants, and oil plants. In this work, an ejector was used to safely recycle anode tail gas in a 75 kW molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) system at Korea Electric Power Research Institute. In this system, the ejector was placed at the mixing point between the anode tail gas and either the cathode tail gas or fresh air. Because commercial ejectors are not designed for the operating conditions of our fuel cell system, a new ejector was designed for use beyond the operating limits of conventional ejectors. In this study, the entrainment ratio and anode outlet pressure were measured according to the ratio of the nozzle diameter to the throat diameter in the newly designed ejector. These results help to define important criteria of ejectors for MCFC recycling.