cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methylation of phosphatidyl monomethylethanolanine in liver preparations.

Abstract Recent reports have indicated that lecithin (“phosphatidyl choline”) can be formed by stepwise methylation of the nitrogenous moieties of intact phospholipids ( Bremer et al., 1960 ; Artom 1960; Gibson et al., 1961 ). With liver microsomes, the additions of non-labeled synthetic DME-, or MME-containing phospholipids (but not that of phosphatidyl EA) stimulated the incorporation of C 14 from Me-methyl-C 14 into lecithin ( Bremer and Greenberg, 1961 ; Cooksey and Greenberg, 1961 ). Attempts to demonstrate more directly a methylation of C 14 -labeled phosphatidyl EA by liver homogenate, or by its fractions, were not successful ( Artom, 1962 ). On the other hand, such preparations actively converted labeled phosphatidyl DME into lecithin ( Artom and Lofland, 1960 ; Artom, 1962 ). Similar evidence for the methylation of intact phosphatidyl MME is presented in this communication.
Circadian clock genes, ovarian development and diapause

Insects, like most organisms, have an internal circadian clock that oscillates with a daily rhythmicity, and a timing mechanism that mediates seasonal events, including diapause. In research published in BMC Biology, Ikeno et al. show that downregulation of the circadian clock genes period and cycle affects expression of ovarian diapause in the insect Riptortus pedestris. They interpret these important results as support for Erwin Bunning's (1936) hypothesis that the circadian clock constitutes the basis of photoperiodism. However, their observations could also be the result of pleiotropic effects of the individual clock genes.
INTERNAL SYMMETRIES OF STRONG BARYON-MESON INTERACTIONS

(Apr. 1, 1961). (BNL-5046) h the SIGMA and A hyperons are regarded as a mass-degenerate supermultiplet in the strong pion interaction is reconsidered. It is shown that recognition of the symmetry exhibited by these hyperons in their pionic coupling leads to certain prescriptions which may be used to break the symmetry via the strong K-meson interactions. The symmetry reduction schemes described make possible the construction of a strong baryon- meson interaction Hamiltonian which requires no more than four coupling constants (rather than the customary eight) and which in no way imposes severe restrictions on the strong interactions. Finally, production and scattering amplitudes based on the 4-symmetry are discussed. (auth)
Effect of solvent polarity on N–H insertion versus rearrangement of alkylidene carbenes

Abstract Alkylidene carbenes, when generated from o -aminobenzophenones and lithiated trimethylsilyldiazomethane, give a mixture of alkyne (by rearrangement) and indole (by N–H insertion). It has been found that this ratio of indole to acetylene shows a linear dependence on the polarity of the ethereal solvent.
The two-dimensional velocity shift caused by the use of a rotating mirror in PIV flow field measurements

A theoretical analysis of the two-dimensional velocity shift by the use of a rotating mirror in PIV flow field measurements has been carried out by the application of ray optics. The velocity shift has been calculated directly in the flow field co-ordinates. In dimensionless form the results are also available in the image plane. It is shown that the distribution of the velocity shift over the entire observation field may not usually be assumed to be uniform (and may vary by up to 20%). The effect of the layout and arrangement of the rotating mirror on the velocity shift and its distribution has been analysed. In addition, the sensitivity of the velocity shift to the design tolerances and imperfections of the rotating mirror is given.
Advocate or Antagonist? Sir Theodore Andrea Cook and the British Olympic Movement

With the award of the 2012 summer Olympic Games to London, the quest to uncover the historical roots of the British Olympic movement is of obvious importance. The administrative career of Sir Theodore Andrea Cook, a long-serving member of the British Olympic Association (1905–20) and a representative to the International Olympic Committee (1909–15), provides a critical lens into the complex social, political and imperial issues that shaped Britain's early Olympic participation. A biographical account of Cook's Olympic career also affords an insight into the organizational structure of the early BOA, as well as an overview of the ideological perspectives shared by the prominent, conservative Englishmen who originally governed Britain's Olympic participation.
In to Win? Intergroup Processes and the Effectiveness of Male versus Female Endorsements for Hillary Clinton

This article examines the influence of male versus female endorsements of Hillary Clinton for president among male and female college students. During the 2008 Democratic primary, male and female participants evaluated either a male or female target who endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. Participants evaluated the speaker's competence, how annoying the speaker was, how surprised they were, and their level of agreement with the speaker. Compared to the female target, women rated the male target as more competent and less annoying, and indicated greater agreement with his arguments. In contrast, men rated the male target as less competent and more annoying compared to the female target. Results are discussed in the context of intergroup processes related to persuasion, social identity theory, and gender-role prescriptions.
The immunoglobulin superfamily protein differentiation of embryonic stem cells 1 (dies1) has a regulatory role in preadipocyte to adipocyte conversion.

Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells 1 (Dies1) was recently identified as a novel type I immunoglobulin (IgG) domain-containing plasma membrane protein important for effective differentiation of a murine pluripotent embryonic stem cell line. In this setting, Dies1 enhances bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) signaling. Here we show Dies1 transcript expression is induced ∼225-fold during in vitro adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 murine preadipocytes. Immunocytochemical imaging using ectopic expression of Flag-tagged Dies1 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes revealed localization to the adipocyte plasma membrane. Modulation of adipocyte phenotype with with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) treatment or by siRNA knockdown of the master pro-adipogenic transcription factor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) resulted in a 90% and 60% reduction of Dies1 transcript levels, respectively. Moreover, siRNA-mediated Dies1 knockdown in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes inhibited adipogenic conversion. Such cultures had a 35% decrease in lipid content and a 45%–65% reduction in expression of key adipocyte transcripts, including that for PPARγ. The standard protocol for full in vitro adipogenic conversion of committed preadipocytes, such as 3T3-L1, does not include BMP4 treatment. Thus we posit the positive role of Dies1 in adipogenesis, unlike that for Dies1 in differentiation of embryonic stem cells, does not include its pro-BMP4 effects. In support of this idea, 3T3-L1 adipocytes knocked down for Dies1 did not evidence decreased phospho-Smad1 levels upon BMP4 exposure. qPCR analysis of Dies1 transcript in multiple murine and human tissues reveals high enrichment in white adipose tissue (WAT). Interestingly, we observed a 10-fold induction of Dies1 transcript in WAT of fasted vs. fed mice, suggesting a role for Dies1 in nutritional response of mature fat cells in vivo. Together our data identify Dies1 as a new differentiation-dependent adipocyte plasma membrane protein whose expression is required for effective adipogenesis and that may also play a role in regard to nutritional status in WAT.
Biocompatible thin film coatings fabricated using the electrostatic self-assembly process

Biomaterials are substances that are produced synthetically or biologically for use in the medical and the other fields. The use of biomaterials to interface with living systems, such as fluids, cells, and tissues of the body, has played an increasingly important role in medicine and pharmaceutics. In particular, the design of biocompatible synthetic surfaces to control the interaction between a living system and an implanted material remains the major theme for biomaterial applications in medicine. The novel and low-cost electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) technique provides an effective approach to incorporate various biomaterials on substrate surfaces, and gives greater opportunity to develop unique biocompatible materials with well-controlled interfaces between the living system and the implanted materia. This paper presents the design, synthesis, and characterization of multilayer thin films fabricated layer-by-layer by the ESA process using ceramics, polymers and functionalized fullerenes as candidate biomaterials.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Investigation of Phonon Scattering and Thermal Conductivity Reduction in Thermoelectric Materials Using Ultrafast Time-Resolved Optical Measurements

Upon filling, caged compounds like skutterudites can have their lattice thermal conductivity reduced by 4∼5 times compared with unfilled structures [1]. Recently, it was found that the thermal conductivity in Bi2 Te3 /Sb2 Te3 superlattice structure is also greatly reduced, even comparing with its corresponding alloy, in the cross-plane direction [2]. A fundamental understanding of thermal conductivity reduction in these structures is important due to their enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit. For filled skutterudites, “phonon-glass-electron-crystal (PGEC)” scheme was adopted to describe the role of guest atoms in the cages constructed by host atoms [3]. The localized and incoherent “rattling” behavior of guest atoms cuts down the mean free path of phonons, which results in reduced lattice thermal conductivity. In this study we apply ultrafast time resolved measurement technique to study coherent phonons in Bi2 Te3 /Sb2 Te3 superlattice and coherent vibrations in misch metal filled skutterudites, aim to reveal the mechanisms behind thermal conductivity reduction.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
TU-A-116-05: Evaluation of Relative X-Ray Imaging Detector Performance Using the Metric of Relative Object Detectability (ROD)

Purpose: To determine the relative detectability performance of two x‐ray imaging detectors for specific clinical objects and devices. Methods: The relative object detectability (ROD) can be defined as the ratio of the integral of the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of a detector weighted by the square of the Fourier Transform (or frequency spectrum) of the object to the same integral for a second detector. Three different detectors, namely the micro‐angiographic fluoroscope (MAF), the solid state x‐ray image intensifier (SSXII) and a flat panel detector (FPD), were assessed for their relative performance with respect to the detectability of wires and spheres. The RODs were calculated for three sets of detectors: MAF‐FPD, MAF‐SSXII and SSXII‐FPD, for wires of a fixed length of 20 mm and solid spheres made of different materials (aluminum, titanium and nickel) ranging in diameters from 100 micron to 1.0 mm to simulate endovascular devices. Results: For the 100‐micron diameter, the ROD is 1.4 [2.0] for the MAF‐SSXII and SSXII‐FPD sets and 1.9 [3.9] for the MAF‐FPD for the wire [sphere] indicating superior performance of the MAF over the FPD and SSXII and of the SSXII over the FPD for small sized objects. However, the ROD decreased monotonically as the object diameter increased and showed equivalent performance for wires with diameter over 300 microns and spheres with diameters above 400 microns. Conclusion: The ROD depends upon the physical geometry of the object and is useful in quantifying the relative performance of detectors regarding detectability of specific objects. Because of their higher spatial resolution both the MAF and the SSXII perform better than the FPD for viewing wires with diameters under 300 microns and spheres with diameters under 400 microns; however, the MAF performance is shown to be superior to the SSXII as well. NIH Grant 2R01EB002873
Introducing multi-dimensional `hybrid wavelets' for enhanced evaluation of hyperspectral image cubes and multi-way data sets

Multi-dimensional wavelet transforms (WTs) have been introduced for efficient data compression in order to accelerate chemometric calculations and to reduce requirements for data storage space. For hyphenated measurement techniques or hyperspectral imaging this wavelet compression becomes vital because such sensors acquire unprecedented amounts of information in short periods of time. Conventional, multi-dimensional wavelet compression uses the same wavelet for all dimensions. However, from a mathematical perspective there is no need for this restriction as the transforms in different dimensions are independent from each other. This manuscript presents multidimensional ‘hybrid wavelet transforms’, which utilize different wavelet types for different dimensions. Thus, hybrid wavelets optimize wavelet compression by adjusting WTs to the different types of data sets. In this manuscript we demonstrate that hybrid wavelets improve acceleration factors compared to conventional multi-dimensional wavelet compression and determine more precise models. Combinations of Haar, Daub4, Daub6, Daub8, Daub10, Daub12, Daub14, Daub16, Daub18 and Daub20 wavelets are considered in this study. Data obtained with two different experimental techniques are used for assessing hybrid wavelet compression: (i) a data cube obtained by means of mid-infrared hyperspectral imaging; (ii) data acquired by excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy in photo-catalytic studies. For the hyperspectral data cube hybrid wavelets were found, which are superior regarding acceleration and model quality to all 10 conventional WTs (Haar–Daub20). For the EEM example this was achieved in 9 out of 10 cases; thus in 19 out of 20 investigated cases hybrid WTs were found to be superior to conventional wavelet compression. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene transfection efficacy assessment of human cervical cancer cells using dual-mode fluorescence microendoscopy

We report a novel approach to quantitatively assess gene transfection efficacy using dual-modality microendoscopy that can simultaneously monitor both laser scanning reflectance and fluorescence imaging. The system uses a 500-μm-diameter coherent fiber bundle and permits 3.5-μm lateral resolution. Both reflectance and fluorescence images obtained from two silicon avalanche photodetectors are displaying at 1 Hz and processed automatically to calculate gene transfection efficiency (the ratio of fluorescent cells among the total cells). To validate the system performance we examined the expression of cyan fluorescent protein using human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) in four commercially available reagents. The result was compared with that using a high-resolution bench-top microscope.
Opening the Democracy Box

In November 2000, Americans witnessed an extraordinary political spectacle. As is well known, this was not the quick and virtually mechanical process of voting, tabulating, and announcing winners to which the American public had become accustomed. Instead, the presidential vote was so close that it took weeks to produce a result, and generated a raft of lawsuits that subjected numerous aspects of the election procedures to intense public and legal scrutiny. In the end, both victor and defeated were left questioning the system and its legitimacy, and numerous commentators wondered what, if anything, had gone wrong. Was the problem character flaws in the candidates, the litigious nature of American society, the deep divisions within the electorate, or the reliance on an 'antiquated' balloting technology? From a science studies perspective, however, another sort of response might have been proffered: a technology that was supposed to remain invisible the voting punch card with its soon-to-be notorious perforated chads became visible, and a transparency that was supposed to be produced the connection between voter and vote was instead rendered opaque. As methods of counting proliferated and arguments raged back and forth around the relative objectivity and accuracy of machine versus hand counts, it quickly became clear just how much social! political work voting machinery routinely performed. It is not that punch-card counters made no decisions, as some advocates for the objectivity of machines over people argued. Stacks of uncounted (because machine-uncountable) ballots testified to a process of vote tabulation in which machines determined card-by-card which candidates, if any, the voters had chosen. Rather, the delegation of certain tasks to nonhuman agents allowed much of the voting process to be 'black-boxed'.
Diagnostic utility of carotid artery duplex ultrasonography in the evaluation of syncope: a good test ordered for the wrong reason

Aims Syncope refers to a transient loss of consciousness and postural tone secondary to cerebral hypoperfusion. Guidelines recommend against neurovascular testing in cases of syncope without neurologic symptoms; however, many pursue carotid artery duplex ultrasonography (CUS) due to the prognostic implications of identified cerebrovascular disease. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic utility of CUS in the evaluation of syncope and the identification of new or severe atherosclerosis with the potential to change patient management. Methods and results We reviewed records of 569 patients with CUS ordered for the primary indication of syncope through an accredited vascular laboratory at an academic, urban medical centre. Findings on CUS, patient demographic, clinical and laboratory information, and medications within 6 months of the CUS exam were reviewed. Bivariate relationships between key medical history characteristics and atherosclerosis status (known vs. new disease) were examined. Among 495 patients with complete information, cerebrovascular findings could potentially explain syncope in 2% (10 patients). Optimization of cardiovascular risk factors would benefit patients with known (56.6%) and new atherosclerosis (33.5%) with sub- optimal lipid control, (LDL . 70 in 42.2 and 34.9% respectively; LDL . 100 in 15.7 and 20.4%), and those not on high-intensity statin therapy (80 and 87.5%) or antiplatelet medications (13.2 and 50.6%). Conclusion CUS is a low-yield diagnostic test in the evaluation of syncope, but it is useful in the diagnosis of atherosclerosis and
Hydride and Proton Transfer Reactions of Niobium-Bound Ligands. Synthetic and Thermodynamic Studies of Ketene, Enacyl, and Vinylketene Complexes

The niobium ketene complexes Cp‘2Nb(Cl)(OCC(R‘)CH2R) (1; Cp‘ = η5-C5H4SiMe3) exhibit complexation of the ketene CO bond. Upon treatment with an appropriate triarylcarbenium tetrafluoroborate they donate a hydride, a process constituting a useful synthesis of the η2-enacyl salts [Cp‘2Nb(Cl)(η2-OCC(R‘)CHR)][BF4] (3). The reactions involve transfer of a γ-hydride and are specific for the generation of the (E)-enacyl isomers; one derivative (3b, R‘ = Ph, R = Me) was the subject of an X-ray diffraction study. The cationic enacyls are strong electrophiles and are susceptible to conjugate addition reactions and [4 + 2] cycloadditions. If the substituent R contains allylic protons, the enacyl complex is also very acidic; treatment with a suitable base converts these enacyls to the η2(C,O)-vinylketene complexes Cp‘2Nb(Cl)(η2-OCC(R‘)CHCH2) (7). These compounds are relatively electron-rich, and the vinyl terminus constitutes a site for addition of electrophiles. The overall conversion of ketene ligand to vinylketene...
A computational model of narrative conflict

Conflict is a key feature of interesting stories. Building on previous narrative systems, I intend to formalize a computational model of conflict to inform the creation of plots which more closely match human story expectations. I have proposed a means of generating stories based on AI planning and have identified seven important dimensions of conflict: participants, subject, duration, directness, intensity, balance, and resolution. At this consortium, I hope to receive feedback on the model, along with suggestions for its use in an empirical evaluation.
Pincharse sin infectarse: estrategias para prevenir la infección por el VIH y el VHC entre usuarios de drogas inyectables

Resumen Objetivo Desde principios de los noventa, en la ciudad de Nueva York se han implementado con exito programas para reducir la incidencia del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y, en menor medida, del virus de la hepatitis C (VHC). A pesar de ello, aproximadamente el 70% de los usuario de drogas inyectables (UDI) estan infectados por el VHC. Queremos investigar como el 30% restante se las ha arreglado para no infectarse. El Staying safe (nombre original del estudio) explora los comportamientos y mecanismos que ayudan a evitar la infeccion por el VHC y el VIH a largo plazo. Material y metodos Hemos utilizado el concepto de «desviacion positiva» aplicado en otros campos de salud publica. Estudiamos las estrategias, practicas y tacticas de prevencion de aquellos UDI que, viviendo en contextos de alta prevalencia, se mantienen sin infectar por VIH y el VHC, a pesar de haberse inyectado heroina durante anos. Los resultados preliminares presentados en este articulo incluyen el analisis de las entrevistas realizadas a 25 UDI (17 doble negativos, 3 doble positivos y 5 con infeccion por el VHC y sin infeccion por el VIH). Se usaron entrevistas semiestructuradas que exploraban con detalle la historia de vida de los sujetos, incluyendo su consumo de drogas, redes sociales, contacto con instituciones, relaciones sexuales y estrategias de proteccion y vigilancia. Resultados La intencionalidad es importante para no infectarse, especialmente durante periodos de involucion (periodos donde hay un deterioro economico y/o social que llevan al que se inyecta a situaciones de mayor riesgo). Presentamos tres dimensiones independientes de intencionalidad que conllevan comportamientos que pueden ayudar a prevenir la infeccion: a) evitar «el mono» (sintomas de abstencion) asegurando el acceso a la droga; b) «llevarlo bien» para no convertirse en un junkie y asi evitar la «muerte social» y la falta de acceso a los recursos, y c) seguir sin infectarse por el VIH (solo un doble negativo tuvo un amplio conocimiento sobre la hepatitis C). Estas intencionalidades no son mutuamente excluyentes. La presencia de varias refuerza la puesta en practica a diario de comportamientos que pueden ayudar al que se inyecta a mantenerse libre de infecciones durante anos. Algunas practicas que hemos identificado se implementan en grupo y se comunican de UDI a UDI, de esta manera se extienden entre algunas redes socials de UDI. Conclusiones Los UDI que permanecen sin infectarse planean e implementan estrategias de prevencion en circunstancias donde otros UDI aplican practicas de riesgo. El mantenimiento de la no infeccion no es, por lo tanto, un resultado del azar, sino mas bien el resultado del esfuerzo (agencia) de los UDI. Investigar y extender estas estrategias y tacticas a traves de programas de prevencion podria contribuir a la prevencion del VIH y el VHC.
Some empirical distribution function tests for multivariate normality

This paper presents finite sample percentage points of the Anderson-Darling (AD) statistic for testing the composite hypothesis of Gaussianity (normality) for dimensionality 1≦p≦5 when the parameters are estimated from data. This paper also presents asymptotic percentage points for both the Anderson-Darling and the Cramervon Mises(CM) statistics for testing the composite hypothesis of Gaussianity for dimensionality 1≦p≦25 when the parameters are estimated from data. The AD test is developed from the fact that the quadratic form of the Gaussian density is distributed as chi-squared on p degrees of freedom. A small power study contrasts the finite sample performance of the AD and CM statistics. Several examples are discussed in the context of chi-squared probability plotting.
Thermodynamic aspects of organometallic vapor phase epitaxy

Abstract Organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE) is often thought of as a kinetically-controlled process. In this paper the relationship between the composition of the III/V alloy and the vapor from which it is grown is examined in detail for several systems. For systems of the type AxB1 − xC where A and B are non-volatile group III elements and the V/III ratio in the vapor phase is ⋙ 1 the solid-vapor distribution coefficient is approximately unity and controlled by diffusion of A and B to the growing interface. For mixing on the group V sublattice two cases are observed. When AsH3 and PH3 are the group V sources, the rate of pyrolysis of PH3 determines the distribution coefficient at low growth temperatures. Where the pyrolysis is essentially complete the distribution coefficient is found to be thermodynamically controlled. The relationship between solid and vapor composition can be accurately calculated with no adjustable parameters.
Gut Nod2 calls the bone marrow for monocyte reinforcements.

Nod2 is an intracellular sensor linked to Crohn's disease, an inflammatory malady of the intestinal tract. In this issue of Immunity, Kim et al. (2011) demonstrate that Nod2 is responsible for regulating monocyte-attracting chemokines to the inflamed gut.
An analysis of arguments for and against euthanasia and assisted suicide: Part one.

In advanced technological societies there is growing concern about the prospect of protracted deaths marked by incapacitation, intolerable pain and indignity, and invasion by machines and tubing. Life prolongation for critically ill cancer patients in the United States, for example, literally costs a fortune for very little benefit, typically from 189,339 for an additional year of life. Those who return home after major interventions live on average only 3 more months; the others live out their days in a hospital intensive care unit.
PuzzledUnderstanding relationships among numbers

Welcome to three new challenging mathematical puzzles. Solutions to the first two will be published next month; the third is as yet (famously) unsolved. In each puzzle, the issue is how numbers interact with one another.
A 17-tesla magnet with multiple radial access ports

A description is given of the design and construction of a magnet generating over 17 T with multiple radial access ports to allow water cooling. There are seven ports, 19-mm high, at 30 degrees intervals around half the circumference of the magnet midplane. The magnet consists of a split pair of coils of 330 mm (outer diameter) and 100-mm length spaced 23 mm apart. Together they consume approximately 8.5 MW. They are Bitter coils with cooling provided by water flowing outward through shallow passages etched in the plates. Heat fluxes are as high as 700 W/cm/sup 2/. In an unusual overall configuration, hydraulics, coil clamping, support, and electrical connections were all made as unobtrusive as possible. >
The unexpected pitter patter: new-onset atrial fibrillation in pregnancy.

Background. Atrial fibrillation is a relatively uncommon but dangerous complication of pregnancy. Emergency physicians must know how to treat both stable and unstable tachycardias in late pregnancy. In this case, a 40-year-old female with a cerclage due to incompetent cervix and previous preterm deliveries presents in new-onset atrial fibrillation. Case Report. A previously healthy 40-year-old African American G2 P1 female with a 23-week twin gestation complicated by an incompetent cervix requiring a cervical cerclage presented to the emergency department with intermittent palpitations and shortness of breath for the past two months. EMS noted the patient to have a tachydysrhythmia, atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. She was placed on a diltiazem drip, which was titrated to 15 mg/hr without successful rate control. Her heart rate remained in the 130s and the rhythm continued to be atrial fibrillation with RVR. Digoxin was then added as a second agent, and discussions about the potential risks of cardioversion in pregnancy ensued. Fortunately, the patient converted to sinus rhythm before cardioversion became necessary. The digoxin was discontinued; the diltiazem was also discontinued after the patient subsequently developed hypotension. “Why Should Emergency Physicians Be Aware of This?” New-onset atrial fibrillation is rare in pregnancy but can increase the mortality and morbidity of the mother and fetus if not treated promptly.
Microwave–hydrothermal decomposition of chlorinated organic compounds

Abstract The application of microwave–hydrothermal (M–H) heating has been evaluated in the decomposition of chlorinated organic compounds such as dichloroethane, trichloroethylene, and pentachlorophenol. This study also focused on the comparison of M–H with conventional–hydrothermal (C–H) treatment on the decomposition of the chlorinated organic compounds. Within 5 min, more than 98% of dichloroethane was decomposed at 180 psi (approximately 190°C) in 2.5 M NaOH solution by M–H treatment. The decomposition rates of the chlorinated compounds were accelerated by four to six times by M–H treatment compared to C–H treatment. No significant difference in reaction products between M–H and C–H treatment was observed, based on the analysis by gas chromatography. This study demonstrates that the application of M–H treatment leads to greatly accelerated kinetics in the decomposition of chlorinated compounds when compared to C–H treatment.
Quasi‐biennial oscillation predictable on multiannual time scales

The quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), a quasi-periodic oscillation of easterly and westerly winds in the tropical stratosphere that is known to affect winter surface weather in the midlatitudes, is predictable several years into the future, according to a new modeling study by Scaife et al.
An Examination of Depressive Symptoms and Drinking Patterns in First Year College Students

Depression and alcohol use are often found in college students, particularly during their first year. The current study assessed the interrelationship of alcohol use and specific depression symptoms. A large sample (n = 869) of first year students were invited to participate via the Internet. Results indicated that specific depression symptoms correlated with alcohol consumption. Self-reported heavy, problem drinkers experienced significantly higher Beck Depression Inventory scores than all other groups. Our findings highlight the importance of screening for both alcohol use and depressed mood in college students.
Late surgical fenestration for complications after the Fontan operation

Background Significant morbidity after Fontan operation results in either takedown, heart transplantation, or death. Initial creation of a fenestration results in less morbidity and mortality; however, the role of late creation of a fenestration in aiding patients manifesting morbidity after an initial nonfenestrated Fontan operation is unclear. Methods and Results We reviewed our experience with late creation of a surgical fenestration in 9 patients (5.2±3.1 years old) exhibiting chronic effusions (n=4) or protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) (n=5) after lateral tunnel-type Fontan operation. Patients with effusions had creation via coronary punch of two or three 3-mm defects; patients with PLE had creation of a large, 5-mm defect. One child with effusions and multisystem organ failure before fenestration died 7 weeks after surgery secondary to low cardiac output; the other 3 had resolution of effusions within 4 to 6 weeks. Of the 5 with PLE, 3 had normalization of serum proteins and resolution of symptoms at...
Detection and discrimination of coherent motion

When viewing a pair of bars defined by the difference of spatial Gaussian functions (DOGs), human observers can discriminate accurately the relative movements of the bars, even when they differ in spatial frequency. On each trial, observers viewed two brief presentation intervals in which a pair of vertically oriented DOGs moved randomly back and forth within a restricted range. During one interval, both bars moved in the same horizontal direction and by the same magnitude (correlated movements); in the other interval, their movements were uncorrelated. When discrimination accuracy is related to the simultaneous detection of two independent movements, it was found that, if observers can detect the movements of spatially separated bars, they can tell whether their relative movements are correlated. Performance remained remarkably accurate even when the two bars differed in spatial frequency by more than two octaves or were presented separately to the two eyes. Apparently, the accurate discrimination of coherent motion involves an efficient spatial integration of optical motion information over multiple spatial locations and multiple spatial scales.
An activation model of information exposure.

This paper outlines and tests a two‐stage activation model of information exposure. A fundamental postulate is that human beings have individual levels of need for activation or arousal. If activation falls below or exceeds this level, individuals will tend to experience a negative affective state and will turn away from a given source of information. If activation remains within some acceptable range, the affective state will be more pleasant and individuals will continue to expose themselves to the information. The findings offer support for two of three hypothesized interactions at the first stage of the model, which predicts affective state, and for a hypothesized main effect at the second stage, which predicts exposure.
DYNAMICS OF MICROBIAL PROPAGATION MODELS CONSIDERING ENDOGENOUS METABOLISM

The two models presented in this work display significantly different characteristics from the models based on the formation of inhibitors, both in batch and continuous cultures (1, 11). This provides for a number of systematic experiments to be performed (in batch and continuous cultures) to evaluate the relative merits of the two assumptions for the explanation of the growth curve, viz., the assumption of endogenous metabolism and that based on growth inhibitors.
Recent Developments In Photopolymer Holography

Photopolymer materials have been studied for several years at Hughes Research Laboratories because of their potential application to coherent image recording (Ref. 1-5). These materials are particularly attractive for application to holographic interferometry because they are self-developing and can be optically fixed. Thus, a photopolymer hologram may be reconstructed immediately after exposure without chemical processing or moving the hologram. This paper will briefly review the characteristics of the Hughes photopolymers, discuss several fixing techniques, and present some preliminary results from signal-to-noise studies. Recent experiments with dry photopolymers will be briefly mentioned.
Online database searches in gifted student independent study: Investigating the limits

Knowledge in almost every field is available at revolutionary speed and precision through computer databases. Many databases offer resources that are particularly well suited to gifted students. Like gifted thinking, database searches are driven by questions, are highly focused or broadly interdisciplinary, and often probe the relationship of concepts. Database searching in a variety of educational settings is reviewed here. As yet there have been few projects that introduce this powerful technology to gifted students, and none that have introduced this process for gifted students at the elementary level. An independent study project was designed for gifted elementary students that successful included online bibliographic database searches in the student research process. This project is discussed in relation to student independent study situated in meaningful and supportive contexts.
Foraging and Prey Selection by Bluespotted Sunfish Enneacanthus gloriosus (Holbrook) in Backwater, Vegetated Ponds in Coastal Mississippi

ABSTRACT Bluespotted sunfish are diurnal foragers in coastal Mississippi preying mainly on cyclopoid copepods, amphipods, cladocerans, chironomids, ostracods, and gastropods. Cyclopoid copepods, cladocerans, chironomid larvae and oligochaetes were collected in submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV)/SAV-associated sediments throughout the year but were most abundant in the warm (April-September) months. Ostracods, amphipods, and hydracarinids were also collected in SAVISAV-associated sediments throughout the year but tended to be most abundant during fall, winter and early spring (October-April). Fish ≥ 20 mm standard length (SL) selected 87.5% of the available prey from SAV/SAV-associated benthos compared to fish < 20 mm SL, which selected only 40%. Mean annual electivity values suggested random prey selection. The only obvious difference in diet was that fish ≥ 20 mm SL consumed gastropods and amphipods while fish < 20 mm SL rarely consumed amphipods and never consumed gastropods. Bluespotted sunfish exhibit...
Dispersion and Deposition of Spherical Particles from Point Sources in a Turbulent Channel Flow

The dispersion and deposition of particles from a point source in a turbulent channel flow are studied. An empirical mean velocity profile and the experimental data for turbulent intensities are used in the analysis. The instantaneous turbulence fluctuation is simulated as a continuous Gaussian random field, and an ensemble of particle trajectories is generated and statistically analyzed. A series of digital simulations for dispersion and deposition of aerosol particles of various sizes from point sources at different positions from the wall is performed. Effects of Brownian diffusion on particle dispersion are studied. The effects of variation in particle density and particle-surface interaction are also discussed.
"Cause that's the only skills in school you need" a qualitative analysis of revenge goals in poor urban youth

Revenge goals are correlated with maladjustment, and retaliation is a factor driving youth violence. However, revenge might be an important social tool adolescents use to achieve (self-)justice in environments where institutionalized interventions from authorities such as teachers or police are limited. This qualitative secondary analysis of 50 revenge scenarios from a larger study (N = 358 youth-caregiver dyads) expands one-dimensional knowledge from closed-answer vignettes to the rich real-world experiences of youth (aged 10-16; 30 boys, 20 girls), from an urban community sample. Ten patterns of qualitative differences in cognition and emotion of revenge scenarios emerged and are discussed within the revised model of social information processing (SIP). Importance of reputation, confidence in non-violent solutions, and the influence of intense emotions were among the themes. Gender differences and implications for prevention are discussed.
Analysis of signal-response systems using generalized linear mixed models

Robust parameter design is one of the important tools used in Design for Six Sigma. In this article, we present an application of the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) approach to robust design and analysis of signal–response systems. We propose a split-plot approach to the signal–response system characterized by two variance components—within-profile variance and between-profile variance. We demonstrate that explicit modeling of variance components using GLMMs leads to more precise point estimates of important model coefficients with shorter confidence intervals. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aziridinyl ketones XVII. The hydrogenation of 2-phenyl-3-aroylaziridines to aziridinylcarbinols†

The sodium borohydride reduction of both cis and trans-1-cyclohexyl-2-phenyl-3-aroylaziridines provides in each case the corresponding carbinol as a mixture of the two possible diastereoisomeric racemates, whereas reduction of these ketones with lithium aluminum hydride or with lithium diisopropylamide provides only the racemate resulting from attack on the carbonyl group from the least hindered side. Catalytic hydrogenation of a cis aziridinyl ketone cleaved the aziridine ring and provided an amino carbinol.
General Consumer Communication Tools for Improved Image Management and Communication in Medicine

We elected to explore new technologies emerging on the general consumer market that can improve and facilitate image and data communication in medical and clinical environment. These new technologies developed for communication and storage of data can improve the user convenience and facilitate the communication and transport of images and related data beyond the usual limits and restrictions of a traditional picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) network. We specifically tested and implemented three new technologies provided on Apple computer platforms. (1) We adopted the iPod, a MP3 portable player with a hard disk storage, to easily and quickly move large number of DICOM images. (2) We adopted iChat, a videoconference and instant-messaging software, to transmit DICOM images in real time to a distant computer for conferencing teleradiology. (3) Finally, we developed a direct secure interface to use the iDisk service, a file-sharing service based on the WebDAV technology, to send and share DICOM files between distant computers. These three technologies were integrated in a new open-source image navigation and display software called OsiriX allowing for manipulation and communication of multimodality and multidimensional DICOM image data sets. This software is freely available as an open-source project at http://homepage.mac.com/rossetantoine/OsiriX . Our experience showed that the implementation of these technologies allowed us to significantly enhance the existing PACS with valuable new features without any additional investment or the need for complex extensions of our infrastructure. The added features such as teleradiology, secure and convenient image and data communication, and the use of external data storage services open the gate to a much broader extension of our imaging infrastructure to the outside world.
Voltage dependence of contraction and calcium current in severely hypertrophied feline ventricular myocytes.

Abstract In the present study the voltage dependence of contraction and the characteristics of the “L-type” Ca2+ current (ICa) were compared in control (C) and severely hypertrophied (H) myocytes (M). Hypertrophy was induced in young cats by slow progressive pressure overload of the feline right ventricle. The amount of hypertrophy induced in this study was more severe than previously examined in this laboratory. The major findings of this study were: (1) The voltage dependence of contraction was not significantly different in C and HM. Peak shortening occurred at 6.2 ± 1.2 mV in HM and at 9.5 ± 1.3 mV in CM. (2) The magnitude of peak ICa density was significantly smaller in HM (5.56 ± 0.53 pA/pF; n = 17) than in Cm (7.09 ± 0.42 pA/pF; n = 20). In both groups of cells ICa reached a maximum at + 10 mV. (3) There were no significant changes in the voltage dependence of both ICa activation and steady-state inactivation. This is the first sutdy to provide evidence that ICa density is reduced in severe hypertrophy. The 21% decrease in peak ICa density could reduce the contractile state of the heart if calcium-induced calcium release is normal and the reduction of ICa alters the Ca2+ released from the sacroplasmic reticulum. The reduction in “L-type” Ca2+ current density in severely hypertrophied myocytes may play a role in the transition from the compensated hypertrophic state to congestive heart failure. Data are means ± standard error.
Behavior and survival of Mytilus congeners following episodes of elevated body temperature in air and seawater

Coping with environmental stress may involve combinations of behavioral and physiological responses. We examined potential interactions between adult mussels' simple behavioral repertoire – opening/closing of the shell valves – and thermal stress physiology in common-gardened individuals of three Mytilus congeners found on the West Coast of North America: two native species ( M. californianus and M. trossulus ) and one invasive species from the Mediterranean ( M. galloprovincialis ). We first continuously monitored valve behavior over three consecutive days on which body temperatures were gradually increased, either in air or in seawater. A temperature threshold effect was evident between 25 and 33°C in several behavioral measures. Mussels tended to spend much less time with the valves in a sealed position following exposure to 33°C body temperature, especially when exposed in air. This behavior could not be explained by decreases in adductor muscle glycogen (stores of this metabolic fuel actually increased in some scenarios), impacts of forced valve sealing on long-term survival (none observed in a second experiment), or loss of contractile function in the adductor muscles (individuals exhibited as many or more valve adduction movements following elevated body temperature compared with controls). We hypothesize that this reduced propensity to seal the valves following thermal extremes represents avoidance of hypoxia–reoxygenation cycles and concomitant oxidative stress. We further conjecture that prolonged valve gaping following episodes of elevated body temperature may have important ecological consequences by affecting species interactions. We then examined survival over a 90 day period following exposure to elevated body temperature and/or emersion, observing ongoing mortality throughout this monitoring period. Survival varied significantly among species ( M. trossulus had the lowest survival) and among experimental contexts (survival was lowest after experiencing elevated body temperature in seawater). Surprisingly, we observed no cumulative impact on survival of 3 days relative to 1 day of exposure to elevated body temperature. The delayed mortality and context-specific outcomes we observed have important implications for the design of future experiments and for interpretation of field distribution patterns of these species. Ultimately, variation in the catalog of physiological and behavioral capacities among closely related or sympatric species is likely to complicate prediction of the ecological consequences of global change and species invasions.
Gas Diffusivity Through EPS Foams

A simple multiscale model was developed and used to predict gas diffusivities through expanded polystyrene foam at near standard temperature and pressure conditions. The technique involves measurin...
Debugging teacher certification (abstract only)

The need for workers in the information technology and computing industry is on the rise. Code.org estimates that by 2020, there will be more that 1 million more computer jobs available than there will be computer science graduates to fill them. Efforts, by organizations such as the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and code.org, to attract students to information technology and computing appear to be working. While it appears that there will be students to teach, will there be qualified teachers to teach them? The CSTA report "Bugs in the System: Computer Science Teacher Certification in the U.S." asserts that the "certification/licensure processes for Computer Science in the U.S. are deeply flawed." The goal of this session is to bring together educators from the high school and college level to discuss what the CS Education community needs to do to address this problem.
NEAR-UV-INDUCED BREAKS IN PHAGE DNA: SENSITIZATION BY HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (A TRYPTOPHAN PHOTOPRODUCT)

— Near-UV irradiation of l-tryptophan yields a large number of photoproducts. When this mixture is added to recombinationless (rec) mutants of bacteria, the cells are killed. The most toxic component of tryptophan photoproducts has been identified as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We now report that both tryptophan photoproducts and H2O2 sensitize phage DNA to near-UV radiation resulting in enhanced killing as well as enhanced DNA breakages. We conclude that the in situ production of H2O2 via tryptophan photolysis may be an important biological event.