cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The pore surface diffusion model as a tool for rapid screening of novel nanomaterial-enhanced hybrid ion-exchange media

The primary goal of this study was to examine the feasibility of using Pore Surface Diffusion Model (PSDM) as a rapid screening tool to predict breakthrough curves of short bed columns packed with nanomaterial enhanced hybrid-ion exchange media. A novel hybrid-ion exchange media was fabricated by synthesizing titanium dioxide nanostructured endoskeleton inside nitrate selective strong base ion-exchange resin. The properties of the hybrid media were characterized and batch reactor tests were conducted with arsenate (As) and nitrogen-nitrate (NO3−N) as model contaminants in 5 mM NaHCO3 buffer ultrapure water at final pH = 7.2 ± 0.3 to assess the contaminant removal capacity and develop sorption isotherms. Freudlich sorption isotherm (q = KCe1/n) model was used to provide inputs for the PSDM predictions of the contaminants' breakthrough curves. To validate the PSDM breakthrough curve predictions for both model contaminants, continuous short bed packed column tests were conducted under the modeled conditions. Hybrid media regeneration was also conducted with solution mix of 2% KOH and 1% KCl followed by rinse with 0.1% HCl, and the column was operated under same conditions to assess the regeneration efficiency of the media. The results demonstrated that 100% regeneration efficiency could be achieved for nitrate, while only 75% efficiency could be achieved for arsenate under these regeneration conditions. The PSDM was able to successfully predict the breakthrough curves for arsenic and nitrate with relatively high precision, characterized by R2 ≈ 0.977 and R2 ≈ 0.930 for arsenate and nitrate, respectively.
First-charge instabilities of layered-layered lithium-ion-battery materials

Li- and Mn-rich layered oxides with composition xLi2MnO3·(1 − x)LiMO2 enable high capacity and energy density Li-ion batteries, but suffer from degradation with cycling. Evidence of atomic instabilities during the first charge are addressed in this work with X-ray absorption spectroscopy, first principles simulation at the GGA+U level, and existing literature. The pristine material of composition xLi2MnO3·(1 − x)LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 is assumed in the simulations to have the form of LiMn2 stripes, alternating with NiMn stripes, in the metal layers. The charged state is simulated by removing Li from the Li layer, relaxing the resultant system by steepest descents, then allowing the structure to evolve by molecular dynamics at 1000 K, and finally relaxing the evolved system by steepest descents. The simulations show that about ¼ of the oxygen ions in the Li2MnO3 domains are displaced from their original lattice sites, and form oxygen–oxygen bonds, which significantly lowers the energy, relative to that of the starting structure in which the oxygen sublattice is intact. An important consequence of the displacement of the oxygen is that it enables about ⅓ of the (Li2MnO3 domain) Mn ions to migrate to the delithiated Li layers. The decrease in the coordination of the Mn ions is about twice that of the Ni ions. The approximate agreement of simulated coordination number deficits for Mn and Ni following the first charge with analysis of EXAFS measurements on 0.3Li2MnO3·0.7LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 suggests that the simulation captures significant features of the real material.
Summary of decoding algebraic geometry codes

P - QS = 0 mod g. 3) Evaluate the residues of Gdz. For non-zero genus the same general program is possible, but enormous difficulties must be overcome. The first step is the description of a new finite data structure for the affine coordinate ring, permitting efficient arithmetic algorithms. To define the data structure, existence of a non-singular affine embedding with one point at infinity must be proved. . Syndrome construction and conversion of the decoding problem to a polynomial congruence is made possible by the definition of a polynomial whose divisor of zeros is exactly G and by the construction of a space of differentials which corresponds to F; and contains Q(G - D). Euclid’s algorithm is generalized for non-Euclidean affine coordinate rings. First, a generalized resultant matrix is defined. By selecting pivots in a certain order during row-reduction on the resultant matrix, objects much like remainders and convergents occur. It is proved that these objects provide minimal solutions to the polynomial congruence. 0 mod G need not be a minimal solution of 5 - S 3 0 mod G. The % error loss stems from this. Further degradation of decoding capacity occurs for some choices of the curve X, the point P, and the divisor S. The algorithm consists of efficient, easily implemented matrix operations. However, the algebraic geometry and approximation techniques necessary to develop and understand the method are both original and deep. errors in genus p.
Copulatory behavior in male rats with lesions in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis

Abstract Male rats receiving lesions in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis(BNST) displayed more intromissions preceding each of three ejaculations in a test. BNST-lesion males also tended to be slower in the temporal patterning of copulation. The present data, together with recent reports of corticomedial amygdala modulation of copulation, indicate an involvement of the amygdala-strial system in the achievement of ejaculation and, to a lesser degree, in the temporal aspects of copulation.
Electrical Study of Schottky Barriers on Cleaved InP and GaAs (110) Surfaces

We have performed a systematic study of the electrical properties of a large number of metal/n-GaAs and metal/n-InP diodes. Diodes were fabricated on clean cleaved InP and GaAs (110) surfaces in ultra-high vacuum with in-situ metal deposition of Cr, Mn, Sn, Ni, Al, Pd, Cu, Ag and Au. Using current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) measuring techniques, we were able to obtain very reliable and consistent determinations of the barrier height, ϕ/b and ideality factor, n. All of the metal-semiconductor systems formed on lightly doped (< 5 × 1016/cm3) substrates were characterized by near-unity (1.05) ideality factors.
Psychophysical Judgment: Wundt's Theory Revisited

Wundt's psychological interpretation of Weber's and Fechner's laws rests on two main postulates. First, the magnitude of sensory excitation is proportional to the intensity of the stimulus that produces it. Second, in apperception, sensory comparisons and judgments are made according to psychological relationships: Two sensations are just-noticeably different when they fall in a constant psychological ratio. Wundt's theory implies a hierarchical organization, in which sensory-perceptual processes are embedded within higher-level, apperceptive processes. Such an organization is compatible with recent psychophysical research on loudness and with a model that goes toward resolving some controversies in loudness scaling, notably the seeming incompatibility of Stevens's sone scale and Garner's lambda scale.
Ras activity in the Drosophila prothoracic gland regulates body size and developmental rate via ecdysone release.

Summary Background: In Drosophila , each of the three larval instars ends with a molt, triggered by release of steroid molting hormone ecdysone from the prothoracic gland (PG). Because all growth occurs during the larval stages, final body size depends on both the larval growth rate and the duration of each larval stage, which in turn might be regulated by the timing of ecdysone release. Results: Here, we show that the expression of activated Ras , PI3 kinase ( PI3K ), or Raf specifically in the PG reduces body size, whereas activated Ras or PI3K , but not Raf , increases PG cell size. In contrast, expression of either dominant-negative (dn) Ras , Raf , or PI3K increases body size and prolongs the larval stages, leading to delayed pupariation, whereas expression of dn- PI3K, but not of dn- Raf or dn- Ras , reduces PG cell size. To test the possibility that altered ecdysone release is responsible for these phenotypes, we measured larval ecdysone levels indirectly, via the transcriptional activation of two ecdysone targets, E74A and E74B. We found that the activation of Ras within the PG induces precocious ecdysone release, whereas expression of either dn- PI3K or dn- Raf in the PG greatly attenuates the [ecdysone] increase that causes growth cessation and pupariation onset. Conclusions: We conclude that Ras activity in the PG regulates body size and the duration of each larval stage by regulating ecdysone release. We also suggest that ecdysone release is regulated in two ways: a PI3K-dependent growth-promoting effect on PG cells, and a Raf-dependent step that may involve the transcriptional regulation of ecdysone biosynthetic genes.
Substitution of an active site valine uncovers a kinetically slow equilibrium between competent and incompetent forms of choline oxidase.

The enzymatic oxidation of choline to glycine betaine is of interest because organisms accumulate glycine betaine intracellularly in response to stress conditions. This is relevant for the genetic engineering of crops with economic interest that do not naturally possess efficient pathways for the synthesis of glycine betaine and for the potential development of drugs that target the glycine betaine biosynthetic pathway in human pathogens. To date, the best characterized choline-oxidizing enzyme is the flavin-dependent choline oxidase from Arthrobacter globiformis, for which structural, mechanistic, and biochemical data are available. Here, we have replaced a hydrophobic residue (Val464) lining the active site cavity close to the N(5) atom of the flavin with threonine or alanine to investigate its role in the reaction of choline oxidation catalyzed by choline oxidase. The reductive half-reactions of the enzyme variants containing Thr464 or Ala464 were investigated using substrate and solvent kinetic isotop...
Steady-state surface species during toluene photocatalysis

Abstract Adsorbed species and pathways on TiO 2 and Pt/TiO 2 during photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) of toluene were studied by combining transient and continuous-flow PCO with temperature-programmed hydrogenation (TPH) and oxidation (TPO). Toluene reacts quickly to form benzaldehyde, and benzaldehyde oxidizes quickly to form less-reactive intermediates. At short reaction times, benzaldehyde and its oxidation products are on the catalyst surface, but at longer reaction times, only the less-reactive intermediates are on the surface. The rate of PCO was greater initially than at longer reaction times for all experimental conditions, and this initial deactivation may be due to the accumulation of these less-reactive intermediates. The catalysts completely deactivated within 7 h during PCO without water in the feed. With the addition of water vapor, catalyst deactivation was slowed, and the catalyst was active even after 19 h of PCO. The addition of Pt to TiO 2 significantly increased the PCO rate and slowed catalyst deactivation.
Use of spectral analysis in the detection of frequency differences in the electrogastrograms of normal and diabetic subjects

The authors investigated the basal electrical rhythm (BER) of the stomach to determine if abnormalities of the BER occur in association with those gastric complaints in patients with long-term insulin-dependent diabetes. They recorded the basal electrical signal of the stomach in nine patients with diabetic gastroparesis and in 11 normal volunteers. They developed a microcomputer-based running spectral analysis technique (overlapping fast Fourier transforms) to analyze the recordings. They found no significant differences between the two subject groups in the prefed state but found a significantly higher proportion of episodes of high frequency, or tachygastria in the diabetic group in the postfed state (15.4-6.2%). The difference was also reflected in the higher postfed mean 'peak' frequency of the diabetics. Both diabetics and normals show an increase in the mean of the peak frequency from pre- to postfed states, but the normals do not show an increase in episodes of tachygastria. >
Rüdiger Bittner on Autonomy

Rudiger Bittner surveys with a skeptical eye classic and contemporary ideas of Kantian autonomy. He allows that we can be more or less free in a modest (quasi-Hobbesian) sense and that many people may want more of this freedom from impediments that make it difficult or impossible to do various things. He argues, however, that high-minded general affirmations of human freedom are unfounded and not likely to retain their grip on our thinking. While acknowledging the value of Bittner’s challenges, I raise questions about Bittner’s dismissal of ideas of freedom apparently imbedded in ordinary language and his critique of the idea of autonomy in Kant’s ethics and broadly Kantian theories. A key issue is how to make sense of the claim that a moral law can be a law and yet also self-imposed. Given certain background assumptions about Kant’s conception of autonomy of the will, the key claim requires different interpretations when it concerns the supreme moral law (the Categorical Imperative) and when it concerns more specific moral laws (for example, derivative principles in Kant’s Doctrine of Virtue). Bittner’s challenges are valuable because they require us to work out and articulate more carefully what we mean by autonomy and why it is important. As Bittner says, Kant’s idea of autonomy is not the same as the ideas of autonomy that appear in medicine, politics, and everyday life. Nevertheless, those who care about either have some reason to think about how these are connected.
History of the present value of 2e/h commonly used for defining national units of voltage and possible changes in national units of voltage and resistance

The national standards laboratories of most major industrialized countries employ the Josephson effect to define and maintain their national or laboratory unit of voltage V LAB . The value of the Josephson frequency-voltage ratio commonly used for this purpose, 2e/h = 483 594 GHz/V LAB , is now known to be about 8 ppm less than the absolute or International System of Units (SI) value. Consequently, the different national units of voltage are smaller than the SI unit by the same amount. One of the purposes of this paper is to review how this value of 2e/h was selected and, hence, the origin of the present inconsistency between national voltage units and the SI unit. The motivation for such an historical study is the hope that it can benefit the selection of a new, more accurate value of 2e/h planned for the near future. Also discussed is the status of national units of resistance and the effect of defining and maintaining such units using a value of the quantized Hall resistance consistent with the SI, as may be suggested in the near future as well.
Measurement of the beam energy spread from a microwave ion source

Abstract A 2.45 GHz microwave ion source has been tested on the Los Alamos National Laboratory 55° isotope separator. The advantages of the traditional RF ion source (high ionization efficiency and low gas consumption) are retained. In none of the tests was there evidence of energy spread resulting from the oscillatory field.
Mycoplasmas and arthritis

The role of mycoplasmal infection in human beings with rheumatoid arthritis and Reiter's syndrome was studied by three methods. First, specimens of synovial fluid were inoculated directly onto mycoplasmal media, and after appropriate incubation, examined for growth of mycoplasmal colonies. Second, synovial fluids were inoculated into embryonated hens' eggs and, after incubation, reacted with patients' sera using radioiodine-tagged antihuman globulin to detect binding of antibody. Third, a sensitive growth-inhibition technic was employed for measuring antibody to mycoplasmas in the patients' sera. None of these methods provided evidence that mycoplasmal infection is a cause of rheumatoid arthritis or Reiter's syndrome.
OBSERVATION OF SAND-DWELLING TOXIC DINOFLAGELLATES (DINOPHYCEAE) FROM WIDELY DIFFERING SITES, INCLUDING TWO NEW SPECIES

Dinoflagellate associations, including toxic and potentially toxic benthic species, were examined in sand from South Water Cay and Carrie Bow Cay, Belize. The inshore sand habitat in localized areas of warm shallow lagoonal waters supported blooms of toxic assemblages of dinoflagellates. In the sand, the dominant microalgae were dinoflagellates; cyanobacteria were a minor component and diatoms were absent. Ciliates and nematodes were present. Assemblages of microorganisms in colored sand were examined for 4 consecutive days after which a storm washed away the patch. The sand-dwelling dinoflagellate assemblage included 16 species where densities ranged from as low as 1.3% to 15% of total cell densities. The dominant species was Scrippsiella subsalsa, having 1.8 × 105 to 2.6 × 105 cells g-1 sand. Toxic dinoflagellates identified in the sand were Gambierdiscus toxicus, Ostreopsis lenticularis, Prorocentrum lima, Prorocentrum mexicanum, and Amphidinium carteri. The potentially toxic Ostreopsis labens, Gambierdiscus belizeanussp. nov., and Coolia tropicalis sp. nov. were also identified. Toxic and potentially toxic species represented 36% to 60% of total microalgal cell assemblage. The morphology of a new sand-dwelling species, Gambierdiscus belizeanus sp. nov., was examined with the scanning electron microscope. The plate formula was Po, 3′, 7″, 6c, s?, 5‴, 1p, and 2″″.Dimensions of G. belizeanus cells were 53–67 pm long, 54–63 μm wide, and 92–98 μm in dorsoventral depth. Cells were deeply areolated, ellipsoid in apical view, and compressed anteroposteriorly. The cells of G. belizeanus were identified by the cell's long, narrow, pentagonal, posterior intercalary plate (1p) wedged between the wide postcingular plates 2″’and 4″; 1p occupied 20% of the width of the hypotheca. The plate formula for Coolia tropicalis sp. nov. was Po, 3′, 7″, 7c, 8s?, 5″″, and 2″″, Cell size ranges were 23–40 μm long, 25–39 μm wide, and 35–65 μm in dorsoventral diameter. Cells were spherical, smooth, and covered with scattered round pores. The epitheca was smaller than the hypotheca. Precingular plates 1″ and 7″ were small and narrow, and the first apical plate 1″ and precingular plate 6″ were the largest plates on the epitheca. The apical pore was straight and 7 μm long, and was situated in the apical plate complex. Cells of C. tropicalis were distinguished from C. monotis by the wedge-shaped plate 1′, a four-sided 3’plate, and a short apical pore.
On a New Cluster of Nebulae in Pisces

Introduction. - Clusters of nebulae represent the largest aggregations of matter known. It may be expected that an investigation of their distribution in space, of their composition and physical properties will throw new light on such problems as the determination of nebular masses [1], on the red shift of light from nebulae and on the evolution of stars and nebulae as well as the evolution of the universe as a whole. For these reasons it was thought desirable to undertake a more concentrated study of clusters of nebulae than hitherto attempted. The first step of this program consists in securing more complete data on the number and the distribution of groups of nebulae containing two, three or more members up to clusters of many hundred nebulae. The new 18-inch Schmidt telescope of the California Institute of Technology promises to be an ideal instrument for the investigation of groupings of nebulae brighter than the sixteenth magnitude.
Electron distributions in the plasma sheet boundary layer: Time‐of‐flight effects

The electron edge of the plasma sheet boundary layer lies lobeward of the ion edge. Measurements obtained near the electron edge of the boundary layer reveal low-speed cutoffs for earthward and tailward-flowing electrons. These cutoffs progress to lower speeds with deeper penetration into the boundary layer, and are consistently lower for the earthward-directed electrons than for the tailward-direction electrons. The cutoffs and their variation with distance from the edge of the boundary layer can be consistently interpreted in terms of a time-of-flight effect on recently reconnected magnetic field lines. The observed cutoff speeds are used to estimate the downtail location of the reconnection site.
Not Myositis: A Series of Chance Encounters

WEAKNESS, like fever or pain, accompanies so many conditions that the scope of its differential diagnosis is impossibly large. But when the answers to a few questions narrow the field to a complaint of muscle weakness, the differential shrinks (Table). In the illnesses called idiopathic inflammatory myositis—dermatomyositis, polymyositis, inclusion body myositis, and several rarer disorders—the patients are usually middleaged and have noticed the onset of weakness over weeks, months, or even years. The weakness most often affects proximal muscles so that climbing stairs, getting into or out of a car, lifting packages, combing the hair, or lifting the head off the pillow may be difficult. Muscle damage is shown by elevated serum levels of the muscle-associated enzymes, creatine kinase and aldolase; there are abnormalities on the electromyogram (EMG); and the muscle biopsy in most cases shows dying and regenerating muscle cells and an infiltrate of chronic inflammatory cells, predominantly lymphocytes.
Clinical outcomes with contemporary endovascular therapy of iliac artery occlusive disease

Objectives We sought to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a consecutive series of patients treated for iliac artery occlusive disease (IAOD) using contemporary endovascular technology and techniques. Background As an increasingly complex spectrum of IAOD is treated using endovascular revascularization, there is a need to examine the rates of acute procedural success, complications, and patency to validate the role of an endovascular-first approach to revascularization in contemporary practice. Methods All patients with IAOD who were treated using endovascular therapy between September 2005 and September 2010 were identified from a prospectively collected database. Baseline patient characteristics, anatomic details, procedural data, and clinical outcomes were assessed retrospectively. Patency and mortality rates were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method. Results A total 59 patients underwent 62 procedures. Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II types B, C, and D disease accounted for 59%, 7%, and 37% of patients, respectively. The procedure was technically successful in 60 of 62 cases (97%) with no procedure-related mortality. Major complications occurred in five procedures (8%). The mean (±standard deviation) duration of follow-up was 2.3 ± 1.4 years. In patients with a successful revascularization, primary and secondary patency rates were 86% and 94% at 1 year, and 77% and 91% at 2 years, respectively. The TASC II classification of disease did not predict the rate of acute technical success or medium-term patency rates. Conclusions The acute and medium-term clinical outcomes of this series of patients with anatomically complex IAOD support the current paradigm of an endovascular-first approach to revascularization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
A Low-Maintenance Approach to Improving Retention: Short On-Line Tutorials in Elementary Statistics.

The struggle to get weak students to use learning support services plagues virtually all retention programs (Friedlander, 1980; Hodges, 2001; Karabenick & Knapp, 1988; Moore & LeDee, 2006; Simpson, Hynd, Nist, & Burrell, 1997; Webster & Dee, 1998). This study presents a cost-effective form of supplemental instruction (SI), in the form of on-line tutorials, ultra-short digital instruction suitable for high enrollment courses, designed to engage underprepared or poorly motivated students pass their required courses. Participation among the low achievers was 39.3%, improving their exam scores about a half a letter grade over non-users and students in control sections, even without giving course credit for using the SI resource. Surveys reveal what aspects of the tutorials were most effective and valued.
A thermo-rheological study on the structure property relationships in the reinforcement of nylon 6–POSS blends

Abstract Blends of nylon 6 and a silsesquioxane additive, aminopropyl isobutyl POSS (APOSS) were prepared containing 0–5% POSS by weight. APOSS was previously demonstrated by us to be an ineffectual additive at concentrations of more than approximately 3% by weight, lacking solubility and favorable interactions with the polymer matrix. Significant reinforcement was only obtained under the extreme confinement and orientation conditions induced by melt-spinning, under which it was suggested the APOSS might undergo forced-assembly into elongated, rebar-like reinforcement structures. In the present work, we show that while the structure–property relationships of these systems, measured by WAXS, DSC and Raman spectroscopy revealed there are no major changes in the chemical structure induced by molecular interactions, rheological and SEM investigations on the APOSS-polymer systems suggest that at temperatures above the APOSS melting point, solubility and dispersion is slightly enhanced. We also show that two conditions seem to be necessary for improvement of properties: i) A sufficient concentration of APOSS needs to exist in the system to diffuse in significant quantities into the matrix upon re-melting; ii) The remaining non-diffused APOSS agglomerates need to be below a critical size around 4 μm in diameter, which does not happen for concentrations above approximately 3%.
Unusual "amphiphilic" association of hydrated protons in strong acid solution

The solvation structure of the hydrated excess proton in concentrated aqueous HCl solution is studied using the self-consistent iterative multi-state empirical valence bond method. At 0.43-0.85 M concentrations, hydronium cations are found to form unusual cation pairs. This behavior is consistent with our earlier finding that hydronium cations can have an "amphiphilic" character due in part to the asymmetric nature of their hydrogen bonding to nearby water molecules. The existence of these hydronium amphiphilic pairs is further supported by a Car-Parrinello ab initio molecular dynamics simulation at 1.0 M HCl concentration. It is also found that the hydronium cation pairs are stabilized by a delocalization of the hydrated excess proton charge defects involving additional water molecules. At the higher concentrations of 1.68 and 3.26 M, the abundance of such hydronium pairs decreases, and the analysis of the radial distribution functions indicates the possible formation of an aggregate structure with longer-ranged order.
How call center location impacts expectations of service from reputable versus lesser known firms

Abstract Businesses are increasingly turning to call service centers located abroad to provide customer support. Although the country-of-origin literature as well as other reports may lead one to believe that consumers will expect offshore call centers to deliver poorer service, call center location is simply one cue which consumers can utilize to form expectations. This research investigates how two factors (location and reputation) impact a consumer's expectations regarding an upcoming service encounter. We employ information integration theory to examine how these two cues are combined. Results from two experiments demonstrate that call center location does not impact pre-encounter expectations if the firm is reputable. If, however, the firm is less known, consumers anticipate being less satisfied if they believe the call center is located in a nation dissimilar to the U.S. (e.g., India or the Philippines) versus in the U.S. or similar to the U.S. (e.g., England). Belief about training provided by the firm is shown to be the key mediator.
Topological folding and proteolysis profile of P-glycoprotein in membranes of multidrug-resistant cells: implications for the drug-transport mechanism.

P-glycoprotein (Pgp)1 is a polytopic membrane protein and functions as an energy-dependent drug efflux pump. It is responsible for multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cell lines. Recently, the topological structure of Pgp has been investigated. However, the results are in dispute. A major question concerning the Pgp topology is the membrane orientation of the loop linking TM4 and TM5 (loop 4) and the loop linking TM8 and TM9 (loop 8). In this study, we generated polyclonal antibodies specific to these two loops. In combination with a panel of other well-characterized site-specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies of Pgp, we tested the membrane orientation of these two loops of Pgp in multidrug-resistant cells using immunocytochemistry and proteolysis/membrane protection assay. Our results showed that (1) both loops 4 and 8 are located extracellularly whereas other domains, such as the ATP-binding sites, are in the cytoplasm and (2) proteolysis of Pgp is not a random event and the trypsin-sensitive si...
Translating the Fifohazana (Awakening): The Politics of Healing and the Colonial Mission Legacy in African Christian Missionization

This essay focuses on the evangelism of charismatic American Lutheran churches in Minneapolis/St. Paul by Merina Malagasy Lutheran pastors affiliated with the Fifohazana movement of Madagascar. By analyzing healing services led by one Malagasy revivalist, I argue that we may better understand how American Lutherans and Malagasy Lutherans are renegotiating the meaning of global Lutheranism while ‘reenchanting’ the body as a central interface of religious engagement. My main concern is to investigate how parallel framings of the healing services constitute a subtle traffic in representational forms that rework images of the global church.
Roscovitine Binds to Novel L-channel (CaV1.2) Sites That Separately Affect Activation and Inactivation

L-type (CaV1.2) calcium channel antagonists play an important role in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. (R)-Roscovitine, a trisubstituted purine, has been shown to inhibit L-currents by slowing activation and enhancing inactivation. This study utilized molecular and pharmacological approaches to determine whether these effects result from (R)-roscovitine binding to a single site. Using the S enantiomer, we find that (S)-roscovitine enhances inactivation without affecting activation, which suggests multiple sites. This was further supported in studies using chimeric channels comprised of N- and L-channel domains. Those chimeras containing L-channel domains I and IV showed (R)-roscovitine-induced slowed activation like that of wild type L-channels, whereas chimeric channels containing L-channel domain I responded to (R)-roscovitine with enhanced inactivation. We conclude that (R)-roscovitine binds to distinct sites on L-type channels to slow activation and enhance inactivation. These sites appear to be unique from other calcium channel antagonist sites that reside within domains III and IV and are thus novel sites that could be exploited for future drug development. Trisubstituted purines could become a new class of drugs for the treatment of diseases related to hyperfunction of L-type channels, such as Torsades de Pointes.
Stability and composition relations of calcic amphiboles in ultramafic rocks

Calcic amphiboles are observed in ultramafic rocks that have equilibrated under a broad span of geological conditions and might prove to be good indicators of metamorphic grade if their stabilities could be determined as a function of their compositions. Experiments were performed on the stability of tremolite plus forsterite in the system H2O-CaO-MgO-SiO2 from 5 to 20 kbar. A univariant curve was fitted to the experimental brackets using volume, water fugacity, and heat capacity data. The results indicate that the maximum stability of tremolite in the presence of forsterite is about 825° C at 5 kbar. Addition of Al2O3 to this system increases the stability of tremolitic amphibole by only 20°–40° C and induces solubility of 5–7 wt.% Al2O3 in the amphibole, as determined from quantitative SEM analyses of individual amphibole crystals. Thus substitution of the tschermakite component (Ca2(Mg3Al2) (Si6Al2) O22(OH)2) alone cannot lead to the greatly enhanced Al2O3 contents or thermal stability of natural calcic amphiboles.
TNF superfamily: Costimulation and clinical applications

The molecules concerned with costimulation belong either to the immunoglobulin (Ig) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. The tumor necrosis superfamily comprises molecules capable of providing both costimulation and cell death. In this review we briefly summarize certain TNF superfamily receptor–ligand pairs that are endowed with costimulatory properties and their importance in health and disease.
Intramolecular carbon isotopic analysis of acetic acid by direct injection of aqueous solution

We report an improved method for determining the intramolecular carbon isotopic composition of acetate using direct injection of aqueous samples. The system builds upon prior work that established pyrolytic conditions for online analysis and represents a significant advance in that it requires minimal preparation for samples containing as little as 1 mM sodium acetate in aqueous solution. The technique is applicable for analysis of oilfield brines, culture samples, biological samples and natural porewaters. We demonstrate its accuracy by use of a stable isotope dilution series. We also show that addition of a base and cryogenic preconcentration may induce an isotopic effect on the carboxyl carbon. This isotopic fractionation does not appear to extend to the measured methyl carbon isotope value although it can significantly alter the measured isotopic composition of the whole molecule. Our preconcentration experiments demonstrate that the method is suitable for carbon isotopic measurements of acetate methyl carbon in natural samples at concentrations as low as 90 μM, considerably broadening potential applications.
Trans-activation of the Mouse Cartilage-Derived Retinoic Acid-Sensitive Protein Gene by Sox9

The transcription factor Sox9 is capable of enhancing type II collagen gene expression and may play a crucial role in chondrogenesis. To determine whether Sox9 is an inducer of the chondrocyte phenotype, we investigated the role of Sox9 in transcription of another cartilage gene encoding the cartilage-derived retinoic acid-sensitive protein (CD-RAP). CD-RAP is specifically expressed during chondrogenesis. We show here that Sox9 protein is able to bind to a SOX consensus sequence in the CD-RAP promoter. Mutation of the SOX motif led to decreased transcription of a CD-RAP promoter construct in chondrocytes. Overexpression of SOX9 resulted in a dose-dependent increased activity of CD-RAP promoter-driven reporter gene in both chondrocytes and nonchondrogenic cells. A truncated SOX9, which contains a binding domain but no trans-activation function, inhibited CD-RAP promoter activity. Overexpression of SOX9 increased the level of endogenous CD-RAP mRNA in chondrocytes, but was unable to induce endogenous gene expression in 10T1/2 mesenchymal cells or BALB/c-3T3 fibroblasts. These results suggest that Sox9 is a general transcriptional regulator of cartilage-specific genes. However, Sox9 does not appear to be able to induce the chondrocyte phenotype in nonchondrogenic cells, implying that other factors are involved in chondrogenesis.
Modelling of degradation i n black copper photothermal collector coatings

The degradation mechanism in black copper photothermal collector coatings was investigated through the use of kinetic analysis, microstructural determinations and optical modelling. The initial structure of black copper was identified using reflection electron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy sputter profiles. These results were used to develop an optical model of the as-deposited coatings. In this model, the coatings was best described as a two-layer film. The layer next to the substrate consists of dense copper oxide with metallic copper inclusions, while the rough outer layer is modelled as copper oxide dispersed in air. A substantial decrease in the solar absorptance (from 0.96 to 0.80) of coatings exposed to temperatures above 150°C in air was found to occur within 30 min and was explained by a decrease in the surface roughness of the coatings. After longer exposures, an increase in the thickness of the oxide layer near the substrate occurs at the expense of the surface layer. Incorporating this change in the model, the optical properties after thermal ageing were predicted.
Coupled wave-like and diffusive motion of excitons☆

Abstract Using a new formalism for exciton transport, equations for the time evolution of the average of the square of the displacement of the exciton are presented and results obtained earlier by other authors are shown to emerge as particular cases of these equations.
Quest for an Engaged Academy

I propose that the future vitality and success of our profession depends on making sure our research-based knowledge is relevant and useful. This will require the Academy of Management, as the professional embodiment of our field, to be far more engaged with the real world than has traditionally been the case. I identify ways that an engaged Academy can facilitate a closer partnership between researchers and practitioners to produce knowledge that is both scientifically valid and practical. I explore how the Academy's approach to knowledge transfer can be more visible, assertive, and persuasive.
Conformations of 1,2-Dimethoxyethane in Gas and Solution Phase from Molecular Mechanics and Monte Carlo/Stochastic Dynamics Simulations

The conformations and energies of 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) are estimated using molecular mechanics and Monte Carlo/stochastic dynamics (MC/SD) simulations. The torsional parameters of the Amber* and OPLS* force fields were modified to reproduce high-level ab initio data describing DME conformer energies in the gas phase. Predicted conformer populations from gas-phase molecular mechanics and simulations are in agreement with theoretical calculations and with previous electron diffraction data. For simulations in chloroform and aqueous solution an implicit solvation model (GB/SA) was used. The GB/SA treatment gives the TGT as the most populated conformer in aqueous solution, providing the major contribution to the observed gauche effect around the C−C dihedral. Significantly, the energy of the TGT conformer is lower than that of the TTT structure in solution, and it is stabilized relative to the TGG‘ conformer. These results are compared to previous work in solution and in vacuo and with ab initio results.
Overview of the clinical electrophysiology study

Summary Clinical electrophysiology testing is now a standard, useful technique for assessing patients with bradyarrhythmias or tachyarrhythmias. The technique requires specialized training and equipment. The recording equipment and program stimulator have evolved to sophisticated devices allowing accurate reproduction of intracardiac electrograms and timing of programmed extrastimuli. Electrophysiologic studies are useful for determining the mechanisms of a tachycardia or bradycardia and identifying the most appropriate therapy, whether it be pacing, antiarrhythmic medications, transvenous ablation, or electrosurgery.
From temperance to alcoholism in America

Writing in 1939, Bill Wilson, a co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, noted the perplexing and seemingly inexplicable behavior exhibited by compulsive drunkards. The "absurd and incomprehensible" actions of the alcoholic, Wilson told readers of the "Big Book" Alcoholics Anonymous, could well be compared to an "individual with a passion, say, for jay-walking." Ignoring cautionary advice from friends, this individual gets a "thrill" from dodging speeding vehicles. Despite several minor injuries, he persists in this dangerous avocation. One would expect him, Wilson observed, "if he were normal, to cut it out." But he does not and sustains a fractured skull. Mere days after being released from the hospital, he is at it again and breaks an arm. At this point, he tells friends that he has decided to give up jaywalking "for good, but in a few weeks breaks both legs." For years, this conduct continues, "accompanied by his continual promises to be careful or keep off the streets altogether." At last, his repeated injuries render him unfit for work, convince his wife to divorce him, and expose him to ridicule. The unfortunate thrill-seeker "tries every known means to get the jay-walking idea out of his head," even committing himself to an asylum. The day of his release, he "races in front of a fire engine" and breaks his back. Such a man, Wilson asked his readers, "would be crazy, wouldn't he?" Yet, he added, substituting drinking for jaywalking would describe precisely the experience of many alcoholics. "However intelligent we may have been in other respects," Wilson concluded ruefully, "where alcohol has been involved, we have been strangely insane."' For more than two centuries, American society has struggled to mitigate the damage wrought to individuals, families, and society by the kind of behavior Wilson described: the excessive, persistent, and often incomprehensible drinking of those we now term alcoholics. A major aspect of the social challenge presented by alcoholism has been the difficulty of understanding and defining this intractable and baffling problem. Is chronic drunkenness a medical condition? A moral failing? A mental illness? And how best to help
Farm Household Consumption Patterns

Changes in farm household expenditures during periods of volatile farm incomes impact rural communities and main street businesses. This study investigates the sensitivity of expenditures for nine consumption items to changes in total consumption expenditures and to changes in the cost of those items. The results indicate that during poor income years, rural businesses dealing in recreation, charitable contributions and gifts, education, furniture, and household maintenance are most likely to experience decreased revenues from farm households. Farm household expenditures for household operations, education, automobile maintenance, and medical care are most sensitive to price changes.
Telecommunications and network convergence: theory and practice

Introduction of digital technologies, telecommunications deregulation and significant advances in broadband networking are fueling convergence of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), PC-based enterprise data networks and the Internet. Only a few years ago, computing, telecommunications, broadcasting and media were completely separate industries each following distinct business logic and building on technologies that had little overlap. Today the Internet Protocol (IP) is clearly becoming a common global packet-platform over which several new and exciting applications and services can be offered. The rapid emergence of “converged networks” is already having far reaching impact on business processes. As the Internet continues to evolve into a critical global infrastructure, there is a clear need to understand the technical, economic and regulatory issues posed by convergence, before it can be used effectively for competitive advantage. The Telecommunications and Network Convergence minitrack address different aspects of the phenomenon of network convergence, including technology, strategy and policy. By network convergence we imply the integration of several media applications (data, voice, video, images) onto a common packet-based platform provided by IP (Internet Protocol) with the global Internet now becoming a true multi-service infrastructure. Theoretical and simulation models, case studies, or field experiences were all appropriate research methodologies. This year, we received a total of twelve submissions dealing with various aspects of network convergence. In collaboration with the track chairs, we decided to organize two sessions devoted to the minitrack and accepted three papers in each session for a total of six papers that were finally accepted. The first paper, “The Architecture of a Mobile Internet,” by Dick Schefstrom, makes the case that a wired Internet supporting mobility, may drastically change the mobile market situation possibly to a level where special mobile operators are not needed. These approaches are examined in the Radiosphere project reported in the paper. The second paper, “Convergence Through Solution Interoperability: Case Study of Integrated Telecommunication Design and Incremental Deployment,” by Thomas A. Horan and Benjamin Schooley, uses a case study approach to examine contemporary market and policy influences on achieving converged networks in a mixed commercial and residential environment. Based on proposed implementations in the Denver area, the paper analyzes the role of interoperability as a mediating condition and discusses public policy implications.” The third paper, “A Layered Model to Address the Voice Over IP Regulatory Dilemma,” by Douglas C. Sicker , describes the current model of convergent communication networks and explains why this current model is deficient. It goes on to propose a unified model of convergent communications that addresses some of these deficiencies. Given the fact that regulation often lags technology, this is a timely issue.
Pumping up for wire applications.

High-temperature superconductors could revolutionize the electrical power industry. New work shows how the introduction of BaZrO3 nanoparticles during growth leads to a dramatic increase of the critical current in the 'second generation' superconductor YBa2Cu3O7.
Aminopyridines block an inactivating potassium current having slow recovery kinetics

The blocking action of aminopyridines on an inactivating K current (lKi) in GH3 pituitary cells was studied before and after altering the macroscopic decay of the current with N-bromoacetamide (NBA). The first depolarizing pulse delivered either seconds or minutes after beginning 4-aminopyridine (4AP) application, elicited a current with both a more rapid decay and a reduced peak amplitude. The rapid decay (or time-dependent block) was especially prominent in NBA-treated cells. With continued drug application, subsequent test pulses revealed a stable block of peak current, greater in NBA-treated than control cells. Recovery from block was enhanced by hyperpolarizing holding potentials and by the first depolarizing pulse delivered after prolonged recovery intervals. Unlike aminopyridine block of other K currents, there was no convincing evidence for voltage shifts in activation or inactivation, or for voltage and frequency-dependent unblock. Increasing the open probability of the channels did, however, facilitate the block. Although the behavior of currents in 4AP was suggestive of "open channel block," the block was not produced by 4-aminopyridine methiodide, a positively charged aminopyridine. Moreover, because partial block and recovery occurred without opening the channels we suggest that aminopyridines bind to, or near, this K channel, that this binding is enhanced by opening the channel, and that a conformational change is induced which mimics inactivation. Because recovery from block is enhanced by negative potentials, we suggest that aminopyridine molecules may become "trapped" by inactivation awaiting the slow process of reactivation to escape their binding sites.