cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactive polymer membranes for ethylene/ethane separation

Abstract Olefin/paraffin separations by distillation are highly energy intensive. Facilitated transport, or reactive membranes have long been investigated as an alternative and/or complementary separation technology to conventional distillation. However, stability problems associated with facilitated transport membranes have been the primary obstacle in the development of commercial FT processes. In this paper, we report the development of a polymer membrane containing silver(I) ion that facilitates the transport of ethylene in the absence of solvent. Blends of ionically conductive and electrically conductive polymers were found to have the appropriate electronic environment to allow reaction of silver(I) ion and ethylene. The results for the ethylene/ethane separation were obtained with composite membranes of silver(I)-form Nafion ® and 2 wt% poly(pyrrole). Permeation measurements were performed with ethylene/ethane mixtures at total feed pressures ranging from 760 to 1900 mmHg and at temperatures of 40°C to 70°C. Pure gas permeability measurements were obtained at a total feed pressure of 1900 mmHg and temperatures of 30°C and 40°C. Ethylene/ethane separation factors with the silver(I)-form Nafion-poly(pyrrole) composite membranes increased from 8 to 15 as temperature decreased. Ethylene permeabilities increased from 0.2 to 1 Barrer over the temperature range of 30°C to 70°C. An ethylene/ethane mixed gas permeability ratio of about 2 was observed with non-reactive proton-form Nafion-poly(pyrrole) composite membranes. Ethylene permeation measurements as a function of membrane thickness suggested that the facilitated transport of ethylene approached the reaction-limited regime at membrane thickness of 5 μm. The complexation between ethylene molecules and silver(I) ions in Nafion-poly(pyrrole) composite membrane was observed with FTIR spectroscopy.
The role of attention in binding shape to color.

Abstract Pictures of easily-identifiable objects with novel colors (e.g. a blue frog) or of forms with arbitrary colors (e.g. a green triangle) were presented briefly at 10.6° eccentricity. Stimuli had strong outlines and vivid fill colors (red, green, yellow, blue, or purple). The same pictures were repeated once in each block of 30 trials for 6, 9, or 12 blocks, and recognition was probed after each block. Shapes were acquired quickly, within 3–4 blocks, whether attention was focused on the pictures or split to a demanding foveal task. Color-shape acquisition was also fast with focused attention, but stabilized at a low level with split attention. Delaying the foveal task restored color-shape acquisition. We suggest that attention facilitates the creation and maintenance of novel color-shape bindings in the visual periphery; without attention, binding is less effective.
Collaborative Value Analysis: Experiences from the Automotive Industry

SUMMARY As the nature of competition shifts to a supply chain focus, effectively leveraging suppliers' technical expertise is becoming essential to market success in many industries. Some organizations are using a time-proven technique, value analysis (VA), to leverage their suppliers' technical expertise. This study reports the benefits and challenges of supplier involvement in VA based on the experiences of four first-tier automotive suppliers. When suppliers are involved in VA, many ideas can be developed and trust can increase, both of which strengthen buyer-supplier partnerships. Unfortunately, reluctance to share cost data, lack of engineering resources, and failure to obtain customer approval are barriers to VA implementation. Several practices can be used to overcome these barriers.
PHOTOGRAPHIC BEACH MEASUREMENTS

SUMMARY An automated photographic method is described for recording short-interval changes in sand levels on a natural beach. Results of photographic technique are compared with profiles obtained by conventional surveying methods. Lapse-time photography offers a wide range of possibilities for accurate and efficient beach measurements when information in large amounts is required.
The Effect of Gender on the Bacterial Community in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Broilers

The effect of gender on the growth, carcass yield, and nutritional requirements of chickens has been well documented, but little is known about how the sex of a chicken affects the bacterial population of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the biodiversity of the bacterial community in the gastrointestinal tract of male and female broilers. An experiment was conducted with Cobb 500 broiler chicks that were vent sexed at 0 d of age and allocated to 8 pens of 25 chicks per gender. All birds were fed a nonmedicated corn-soybean meal starter diet from 0 to 21 d of age. At 3, 7, 14, and 21 d of age, chicks were randomly selected and ileums were taken for bacterial sampling. Bacterial DNA was isolated from the digesta of the ileum, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to examine PCR-amplified fragments of 16S ribosomal DNA. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses revealed that the bacterial communities separated into 2 gender-specific groups, with less than 30% similarity between populations. Furthermore, as the birds aged, the similarity of the intestinal bacterial community decreased within each gender. Although ileal bacterial population differences within and between genders were noted as early as d 3, differences in growth rate between males and females were not noted until d 21 (data not shown). This suggested that non-growth-related factors influenced the composition of intestinal bacterial communities.
Distribution of Eurasian Watermilfoil, Myriophyllum Spicatum, in the St. Clair-Detroit River System in 1978

Submersed macrophytes were surveyed at 595 stations located throughout the St. Clair-Detroit River system between Lakes Huron and Erie, 23 August to 13 October 1978. Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), first recorded in the system in 1974, became the fourth most common submersed macrophyte in the system by 1978. However, it has not been reported as a widespread nuisance in this system as it has in many other large water bodies in the United States. Observations made during the present study, and interpretation of an aerial photograph, suggest that M. spicatum was a minor nuisance to small boat navigation in portions of the system. Information presented in this study provides a baseline against which future changes in the occurrence of M. spicatum in the St. Clair-Detroit River system can be measured.
The synthesis, fluctionality and structural characterization of ReMo3H4(CO)123−

Abstract The reaction of ReH92− with Mo(diglyme)(CO)3 leads to the formation of the mixed metal cluster trianion, ReMo3H4(CO)123−. This species has been characterized analytically, spectroscopically and through X-ray diffraction analysis. A pseudo-tetrahedral arrangement of M(CO)3 fragments is adopted, such that each set of three carbonyl ligands eclipses the adjacent three tetrahedral edges, an apparent result of the location of the hydride ligands on the tetrahedral faces. Variable temperature NMR studies revealed a fluctional process for some of the carbonyl ligands, but not for the hydrides. Crystal data for [Me4N]3[ReMo3H4(CO)12]·THF; space group P21/n, a = 12.157(2), b = 21.480(4), c = 15.964(3) A , β = 98.26(1)°, Z = 4, R = 0.067 and R w = 0.076 .
Minor depression in family practice: functional morbidity, co-morbidity, service utilization and outcomes.

Background. Minor depression is a disabling condition commonly seen in primary care settings. Although considerable impairment is associated with minor depression, little is known about the course of the illness. Using a variety of clinical and functional measurements, this paper profiles the course of minor depression over a 1 year interval among a cohort of primary care patients.Method. Patients at a university-based primary care facility were screened for potential cases of depression and selected into three diagnostic categories: an asymptomatic control group; patients with a diagnosis of major depression; and, a third category, defined as minor depression, consisting of patients who reported between two and four symptoms of depression, but who failed to qualify for a diagnosis of major depression. Functional status, service use, and physical, social and mental health were assessed at baseline and at 3-month intervals for the ensuing year.Results. Respondents with a baseline diagnosis of minor depression exhibited marked impairment on most measures both at baseline and over the following four waves. Their responses in most respects were similar to, although not as severe as, those of respondents with a baseline diagnosis of major depression. Both groups were considerably more impaired than asymptomatic controls.Conclusions. Minor depression is a persistently disabling condition often seen in primary care settings. Although quantitatively less severe than major depression, it is qualitatively similar and requires careful assessment and close monitoring over the course of the illness.
Accumulation rates of manganese in pelagic sediments and nodules

Accumulation rates of manganese in sediments of thirty-eight deep-sea cores range from 0.1 to 3.4 mg cm−210−3yr−1. Manganese accumulation rates in five nodules range from 0.2 to 1.0 mg cm−210−3yr−1. In the North Pacific, manganese is apparently incorporated into sediments in association with clay or a related phase; in other ocean basins, no generalizations can be drawn from the data presented here. The similarity between nodule and sediment manganese accumulation rates could be coincidence or could reflect the possibility that nodules and sediments accumulate manganese by the same mechanism.
Purposeful ingestion of belladonna for hallucinatory effects

Summary Two cases of intoxication due to purposeful ingestion of belladonna are reported. The problem of ingestion of drugs for psychedelic effects in an increasing number of adolescents is outlined.
5-Bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) and light inactivation of proliferating Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium sensitized bovine lymphocytes.

Abstract Maximum inactivation (83–98%) of proliferating Mycobacterium bovis and/or Mycobacterium avium sensitized bovine lymphocytes was obtained when the lymphocytes were treated with 10−4 M of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) and light. Inactivation was specific though not total whether the cultures were first stimulated with M. bovis PPD or M. avium PPD, though slightly higher inactivation resulted when cultures were first stimulated with M. bovis PPD. There was, however, a statistically significant suppression (P
A note on occurrence of gapped patterns in i.i.d. sequences

A new martingale technique is developed to find formulas for the expected value and generating function of the waiting time until one observes a gapped pattern (or a structured motif) in an i.i.d. sequence of random letters from a finite alphabet.
An algorithm for constructing gröbner bases from characteristic sets and its application to geometry

In Ritt's method, a prime ideal is given by a characteristic set. A characteristic set of a prime ideal is generally not a set of generators of this ideal. In this paper we present a simple algorithm for constructing Grobner bases of a prime ideal from its characteristic set. We give a method for finding new theorems in geometry as an application of this algorithm.
Field Evaluations of Augmentative Releases of Delphastus catalinae (Horn) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) for Suppression of Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) Infesting Cotton

Abstract In 1992 and 1993, field evaluations were conducted to determine the efficacy of Delphastus catalinae (Horn) releases for the suppression of Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring infesting cotton in the Imperial Valley of California. Augmentative releases of adult beetles, totaling 3.5 and 5.5 beetles per plant for 1992 and 1993, respectively, were made into four 0.2-hectare cotton plots and four exclusion cages covering 40 cotton plants. Equal numbers of field plots and cages served as controls for the D. catalinae releases. Open field evaluations revealed no significant difference in the whitefly densities between the release and the nonrelease fields. In addition, no differences in plant growth measures were detected in the year that these data were collected. Releases of D. catalinae into whitefly exclusion cages resulted in a 55% and a 67% decrease in whitefly densities in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Observational data suggested that intraguild predation on D. catalinae by the existing predator fauna may have limited the potential for D. catalinae to provide biological whitefly control in open field plots relative to the levels observed within the cages. Releases of D. catalinae did not adversely affect population densities of indigenous parasitoids, suggesting an absence of statistically significant, antagonistic predator–parasitoid interactions.
Some complete calculi for matrices

A matrix calculus is introduced with the intention of developing data structures suitable for a high level algorithmic language for mathematical programming. The paper investigates how the special structure of matrices can be described and utilized for efficient computing by saving memory space and superfluous operations.Sequences of matrices (and sequences of sequences of matrices) are considered, and matrix operators are extended to sequence operators and cumulative operators.Algorithms are given which use symbol manipulation of matrix expressions so as to find the forms best suited for computation. These forms are called normal forms. Several completeness results are obtained in the sense that for each expression an equivalent expression in normal form can be found within a specified calculus.
The structure of Pr2(SO4)3 · 8H2O and La2(SO4)3 · 9H2O

Abstract The structures of Pr2(SO4)3 · 8H2O and La2(SO4)3 · 9H2O have been redetermined. The unit cell of Pr2(SO4)3 · 8H2O is monoclinic with a = 13.675(3)A, b = 6.832(3) A, c = 18.426(3) A, β = 102.8(3)°, Z = 4, space group, Cs4 - Cc. A least-squares refinement gave a final Rf = 0.047. The previously reported structure of Nd2(SO4)3 · 8H2O (all the rare-earth sulfates octahydrates are isomorphous) was incorrectly assigned to space group C 6 2h - C2 c . This led to incorrect locations for the water molecules and an incorrect coordination number for the rare-earth ion of 9. In the present study, the coordination number of Pr is found to be 8. There are four sulfate and four water-oxygen atoms arranged in the form of a distorted Archimedian antiprism about the Pr atom. Each Pr is bonded to one oxygen from each of four sulfate groups. Two sulfate groups are bonded to three Pr's and the third sulfate group is bonded to two rare-earth atoms. Although hydrogen locations were not determined, there is evidence of hydrogen bonding between the SO4PrSO4 chains. La2(SO4)3 · 9H2O is hexagonal with a = 11.009(2) A, c = 8.076(20) A, Z = 2, space group C 2 6h - P6 3 m . A least-squares refinement gave a final Rf = 0.063. The La(2) is bonded to three oxygens from three sulfate groups and six water-oxygens. The second water molecule occupies holes in the structure.
Pervaporation separation of ethanol/water mixtures by polystyrenesulfonate/alumina composite membranes

Abstract We have investigated the pervaporation separation of ethanol/water mixtures utilizing composite membranes prepared by coating a thin film of a polystyrenesulfonate across the surface of a microporous alumina support membrane. Such composite membranes are designated PSS/Al 2 O 3 composites in this paper. The results show that PSS/Al 2 O 3 composite membranes can break up the azeotrope of the ethanol/water mixture by pervaporation. Water is the preferred permeate for all membranes and all feed compositions. Membranes in the Na + counter-ion form (PSS-Na) showed higher separation factors than membranes having Mg 2+ as the counter-ion (PSS-Mg). The separation factors for the membranes of 10.5 mol% sulfonate are one order of magnitude greater than the membranes of 27.5 mol% sulfonate. The membranes of 10.5% of sulfonate, however, show overall permeate fluxes that are one order of magnitude lower than the membranes of 27.5 mol% sulfonate. The highest separation factor (400) was observed for the 10.5 mol% PSS-Na/Al 2 O 3 composite membrane at the azeotropic feed composition. Ethanol weight fraction in the permeate is always less than 6 wt% for this composite membrane and all feed compositions.
Agent preference relations: strict, indifferent and incomparable

In traditional preference modeling approaches, agents can express preferences among a pair of alternatives in three distinct ways: either an agent has a strict preference of one alternative compared to the other, or is indifferent between both alternatives, or considers the two alternatives as incomparable. These three preference relations are disjunct, and take the crisp binary values of 0 and 1 only. We propose in this paper a fuzzy preference model to relax these dichotomous conditions: an agent can have at the same time a degree of preference, indifference and incomparability among any pair of alternatives, taking values in the interval [0,1]. This increased preference modeling flexibility allows for a far more detailed analysis of the agents' (partial) preference orderings, which can now be analyzed at different degrees of precision. We illustrate how this analysis can be performed on the preference relations of an individual agent, as well as in the case of two interacting agents. While incomparabilities are inherent to our preference model, it may be useful to resolve these incomparabilities to transform the partial orderings into linear orders. We therefore also present a model of reasoning for the resolution of such incomparabilities by an agent who forms beliefs over the expected orderings.
Ti-6Al-4V electron beam weld qualification using laser scanning confocal microscopy

Abstract Processing conditions for manufacturing Ti–6Al–4V components by welding using an electron beam source are known to influence the transformation microstructure in the narrow fusion and heat-affected zones of the weld region. This work examined the effect of multiple-sequence welding on the characteristics of the transformed beta microstructure, using laser scanning confocal microscopy to resolve the Widmanstatten alpha–beta structure in the fusion zone. The evolution in the alpha interlamellar spacing and plate thickness with processing was then related to microhardness measurements in the weld region.
A mathematical model explaining the molecular weights and distribution of very long chain dicarboxylic acids formed during the adaptive response of Sarcina ventriculi.

Abstract A simple mathematical model is presented to explain a recent new discovery of an unusual membrane adaptive response inSarcina ventriculi.In this response, this organism synthesizes very long chain α,ω-dicarboxylic acids ranging from 28 to 36 carbon atoms in length. The distribution of chain lengths of the new fatty acid species is not consistent withde novosynthesis but suggests elaboration from the existing regular-chain fatty acids by a coupling process. Here, we demonstrate, using a mathematical model, that if the molecular weights and relative abundances of regular chain fatty acids are known, the molecular weights and relative abundances of the new, very long chain dicarboxylic fatty acid species can be predicted using a model based on the random, pairwise combination of regular chain species. This combination takes place across the bilayer leaflet to form transmembrane fatty acids. It is proposed that this coupling phenomenon is regulated by the motional dynamics of the membrane.
Social Support and Interactional Processes: A Triadic Hypothesis

A theoretical view suggests that the impact of social support is based on interactions among three variables: (1) motivations and expectations of providers and recipients, (2) the nature of the relationships in which the supportive exchanges occur and (3) the type of situation at which the supportive behaviors are directed. We discuss research findings that illustrate the need for such an interactional approach to clarify conflicting findings and to enlarge the understanding of social support.
Long-term high-altitude hypoxia increases plasma nitrate levels in pregnant ewes and their fetuses

Abstract Objective: The study was designed to determine whether moderate chronic hypoxia changes plasma nitrate concentrations in nonpregnant and pregnant, near-term ewes and their fetuses. Study Design: Pregnant ewes were put into either a normoxic control group or a chronically hypoxic group maintained at high altitude (3820 m, PaO 2 60 mm Hg) from day 30 of gestation. On day 140 blood samples were collected from the maternal jugular vein and from the fetal umbilical artery and vein. Blood samples were also obtained from normoxic nonpregnant adult ewes and nonpregnant adult ewes exposed to high-altitude hypoxia for 110 days. Plasma nitrate concentrations were determined through chemiluminescence assay. Results: Within normoxic groups plasma nitrate concentrations of pregnant, near-term ewes were significantly elevated compared with those of nonpregnant ewes (17.4 ± 0.3 vs 6.8 ± 0.4 μmol/L, P P P P P > .05). Conclusions: We conclude that (1) production of endogenous nitric oxide is increased by pregnancy in sheep and is higher in the fetus than in the mother, and (2) moderate chronic hypoxia selectively augments nitric oxide production in the pregnant ewe's circulation and, even more profoundly, in the fetal lamb's circulation. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:1594-8.)
Identification of a BIBAC clone that co-segregates with the petunia restorer of fertility (Rf) gene.

Molecular markers closely linked to the Restorer of fertility (Rf) locus in petunia were sought by conducting a bulk segregant analysis. The co-segregation of markers and Rf was tested on a large BC1 population produced from two different parental lines carrying Rf. The recombination frequency between OP704 and ECCA/MACT, the two most distal markers utilized in the fine-scale mapping, was significantly different in populations derived from parents that carry different nuclear backgrounds. The fine mapping identified an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) marker that co-segregates with Rf. A petunia BIBAC library (four genome equivalents), with an average insert size of 70 kb, was constructed and screened with the linked marker. A contiguous map was constructed from three different BIBAC clones that hybridized to the marker. As a result, we have identified a 37.5-kb BIBAC clone that co-segregates with Rf.
Theory and mechanism for martensitic transformations in pervoskite ferroelectrics

Abstract A theory of martensitic transformations is applied to structural changes in pervoskite ferroelectrics whereby the transformation is accomplished by two lattice-variant shears; (i) a primary shear on a low index system which is relatively soft, has degenerate stress-sense, and transforms all vectors in a certain plane (the habit plane) to their final values, and (ii) a habit plane shear which completes the structural change and accomodates the volume change by a relaxation normal to the habit plane. The primary shear, with its degenerate stress-sense, periodically alternates its direction to satisfy the “minimum long range stress field criterion” and “minimum depolarization field criterion”, with the result that the product, for the cubic→tetragonal transformation, consists of twinned 90° domains of alternating polarization. The theory, applied to various perovskite ferroelectrics and antiferroelectrics, gives insight into dynamical and critical behavior; these are discussed.
The radiation environment of interplanetary space

A discussion of the spectral distribution and intensity of the radiation fluxes from various sources contributing to the radiation environment of interplanetary space is presented. The radiation from both the quiet and disturbed sun is described in some detail and current estimates of radiation from other sources are given.
Presumptive identification of bacteria from blood cultures in four hours.

By use of large inocula from positive blood cultures in the performance of a series of bacteriologic tests, it was possible to identify correctly 112 out of 114 isolates in 4 hr or less. Presumptive identification by this procedure is suitable for the majority of rapidly growing bacteria encountered in blood-borne infections and can provide clinically useful information within a short period of time. The techniques are readily adaptable to any diagnostic microbiology laboratory.
Patient preferences in choosing a primary care physician.

Background and Aims: Studies have identified factors important to patients in consideration of a primary care physician (PCP). Few have explored relevant differences in choosing between family medi...
Adaptation to displaced vision measured with three tests

Adaptation to laterally displacing prisms was produced by walking a narrow hallway for ½ hr. Three tests given before and after adaptation showed a significant adaptation effect. Pointing to a visual target and pointing straight ahead in darkness showed apparently equal adaptation, while a visual forward direction test measured a smaller effect.
Changing sources of base cations during ecosystem development, Hawaiian Islands

87 Sr/ 86 Sr evidence from a soil chronosequence in the Hawaiian Islands demonstrates that the atmosphere supplies >85% of putatively rock-derived Sr in older sites. Initially, bedrock is the dominant source for Sr and other lithophile elements such as Ca, but high rates of weathering and leaching of the substrate by 20 ka lead to a shift to atmospheric sources. The loss of weathering inputs coincides with other physio-chemical changes in the soil and results in a steep decline of base cations in the soil pool. While these patterns imply the potential for limitation of biological productivity by low base cation supply, the atmosphere provides a supply of base cations in excess of nutritional needs, even after nearly all rock-derived base cations have been leached from the soil. This raises the possibility that P limitation in terrestrial ecosystems may develop at least as much because of low rates of atmospheric deposition of P (relative to Ca, K, and other rock-derived elements) as because of its chemical interaction in soil.
Endor characterization and D2O exchange in the $$\begin{array}{*{20}c} {\mathop Z\nolimits^{\begin{array}{*{20}c} + \\ . \\ \end{array} } } \\ \end{array} /{\kern 1pt} \begin{array}{*{20}c} {\mathop D\nolimits^{\begin{array}{*{20}c} + \\ . \\ \end{array} } } \\ \end{array}$$ radical in photosystem II

The early suggestion by Lozier and Butler (Photochem. Photobiol. 17, 133–137 (1973)) that EPR Signal II arises from radicals associated with the water-splitting process in PSII has been confirmed and extended over the intervening years. Recent work has identified the Signal II radicals, $$\begin{array}{*{20}c} {\mathop D\nolimits^{\begin{array}{*{20}c} + \\ . \\ \end{array} } } \\ \end{array}$$ and $$\begin{array}{*{20}c} {\mathop Z\nolimits^{\begin{array}{*{20}c} + \\ . \\ \end{array} } } \\ \end{array}$$ , with plastosemiquinone cation species. In the experiments presented here we have used ENDOR spectroscopy and D2O/H2O exchange to characterize these paramagnets in more detail. The ENDOR matrix region, which arises from protons which interact weakly with the unpaired electron spin, is well-resolved at 4 K and at least seven resonances are apparent. A number of hyperfine couplings in the 3–8 MHz range are observed and are suggested to arise from methyl or hydroxyl protons which occur as substituents on the plastosemiquinone cation ring or from amino acid protons hydrogen-bonded to the 1,4-hydroxyl groups. Orientation selection experiments are consistent with these possibilities. D2O/H2O exchange shows that the D+/Z+ site is accessible to solvent. However, the exchange occurs slowly and is not complete even after 72 hours which suggests that the free radicals are functionally isolated from solvent water.
The Alzheimer conundrum: Entanglements of dementia and aging.

When we talk about Alzheimer's disease (AD), what are actually talking about? As Margaret Lock makes clear in this study of the condition, there is no straightforward answer to that question. AD is...
Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasD processes the inactive LasA precursor to the active protease form.

Abstract LasA and LasD are staphylolytic proteinases which are secreted by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We have previously described the purification and characterization of both LasA and LasD, a 21-kDa protein which shares many of the enzymatic properties of LasA. In this follow-up study we describe the isolation of the 42-kDa precursor of LasA (proLasA) and demonstrate the ability of the purified LasD proteinase to cleave the inactive proLasA to the 20-kDa active form of the proteinase.
Electrochemical behavior of gold in iodide solutions

Abstract The electrochemistry of gold in different halide solutions, with special emphasis on iodide is presented. The electrochemical techniques used during this investigation included cyclic and linear sweep voltammetry. A glassy carbon rotating disk electrode was used to investigate the electrochemistry of the iodide and a gold rotating disk electrode to explore the oxidation behavior of gold in iodide solutions. The effects of iodide concentration, electrode rotation and sweep rate on the electrochemical behavior of gold were examined. In addition, reduction of iodine species at the gold electrode was also investigated. Iodide is shown to be a powerful complexing agent for gold. Cyclic voltammograms of gold in the presence of 10−2 M chloride, bromide and iodide, respectively, show that the anodic currents for the oxidation of gold in iodide solution are much greater than that in either bromide or chloride. Two oxidation peaks, which represent the oxidations of Au to Au(I) and to Au(III), were observed. It is confirmed that iodide is oxidized sequentially to tri-iodide and then to iodine and both of these reactions are reversible. At high concentrations of iodide and/or a slow scan rate, passivation, which is caused by the formation of solid iodine at the gold electrode surface, was found. The cathodic reduction curves show that reduction of iodide species on gold is a function of iodine concentrations but it is insensitive to iodide concentration.
Speckle, diffusers, and depolarization

Spatial radiation patterns for the light transmitted by diffusers of varying thickness are presented for both the parallel and cross-polarized intensities when plane-polarized, monochromatic illumination is normally incident. In separate experiments with a thick diffuser, the parallel and cross-polarized components of its speckled image are shown to be not highly correlated.
Differentiating solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) with 3D shape features

This study developed a methodology to extract the quantitative features of representing nodule 3D shape and investigate the performance of these features in differentiating between benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). 36 cases with solitary lung nodules (15 Benign, 21 Malignant) were examined in this study. The CT helical scanning-parameters were l3 mm collimation, pitch 1-2, and 1.5-3 mm reconstruction interval. The nodule boundaries were contoured by radiologists on 3D volume data. Using these boundaries, the nodule physical 3D surfaces were created and several 3D nodule shape-features were computed, including: Compactness Factor (CF) of nodule, Shape Index (SI) and curvedness of each pixel in the physical 3D nodule surface. The histogram characteristic features of SI and curvedness were calculated. AdaBoost was performed to select the features and their statistically differences were analyzed. Logistic Regression Analysis (LRA) and AdaBoost were used to evaluate the overall diagnostic accuracy. For 36 patients, CF is the first feature selected by AdaBoost, which also has significant difference ( t -test, P =0.6%) between Benign and malignant nodules. However, histogram features of SI and curvedness are not all significantly different. The accuracy of LRA is 75%, with accuracies of AdaBoost using all features is about 80% with cross validation. Generally, SI, curvedness and CF may provide a comprehensive examination of the nodule shape, which can be used in differentiating benign from malignant SPNs. However, other types' features (such as texture, angiogenesis) should be combined with shape information to assist radiologists in characterizing SPNs more accurately.
Therapeutic potential for blockade of the CD40 ligand, gp39

There is mounting evidence supporting a critical role for gp39-CD40 interactions in the development of both humoral and cellular immune responses. It has been shown that gp39 and CD40 are critical for the development and generation of antibody responses and memory B cells. Evidence for this ligand receptor pair being involved in other types of immune responses is constantly emerging. Experiments in the GVHD system as well as the ability of B cells to tolerize T cells in the presence of anti-gp39 suggest that gp39 and CD40 are also important for the generation of cellular immune responses. The effect on cellular immune responses may be through the control of costimulatory molecules necessary for proper antigen presentation and stimulation. It has been shown that CD40 can control costimulatory molecule expression on several types of antigen-presenting cells; this may be a critical step in the regulation of a cell's ability to present antigen. The role of gp39 and CD40 in the regulation of cytokines, nitric oxide production, and extravasation of cells is just being elucidated but this is potentially yet another tier of immune responses upon which gp39 may have a regulatory effect. Thus, because gp39-CD40 interactions are critical in both the efferent and the afferent arms of the immune response, this ligand-receptor pair is a highly attractive therapeutic target. Blockade of this interaction may lead to enhanced survival of allografts and transplants as well as potentially being able to inhibit a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases.
Regulation of leukocyte binding to endothelial tissues by tumor‐derived GM‐CSF

The adherence of leukocytes to endothelial cells is the first step in the migration of these cells into tumor tissues. Specific binding to the endothelial cells by leukocytes is mediated by the development and maintenance of adhesion molecules on the endothelium; however, the mechanisms of leukocyte traffic into tumors and of their interactions with neoplastic tissue are not clearly understood. The infiltration of leukocytes occurs in most spontaneous and transplanted solid tumors and we have previously reported that not only are murine mammary tumors heavily infiltrated by leukocytes but tumor-derived factors alter the development and function of leukocytes in tumor-bearing mice. We now present evidence that a tumor-derived cytokine, namely granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor, appears to be of importance in the regulation of leukocyte binding to endothelial cells. The data suggest that tumor-derived factors may influence leukocyte trafficking within tumor tissue.
The effect of awareness on three-stage mediated association

In order to evaluate the effect of Ss' “awareness” on three-stage mediated paired-associate learning, two experiments were conducted in which a chaining paradigm, A-B, B-C, A-C, was compared with a baseline condition of A-B, D-C, A-C. The Ss' awareness was induced by instructions as to the composition of the three lists prior to learning the A-C list. Thus, two variables were manipulated, both of them having two levels: mediation vs. control paradigm and instructions vs. no instruction. Seventy-two Ss were assigned to the four treatment conditions for Exp. 1 and 120 Ss to the four for Exp. 2, the former being essentially replicated in Exp. 2. Performance data indicate that Ss' awareness facilitated mediated associations. Furthermore, postexperimental interview data show that the uninstructed Ss who became spontaneously aware of mediators learned the A-C test list faster than others in the uninstructed group and performed at least as well as the instructed Ss. The findings were essentially consistent across the two experiments, which are interpreted as indicating that the mediational paradigm and Ss' awareness of mediators are additive in facilitating the acquisition of the A-C list and that the magnitude of the facilitative effect is closely linked with the Ss' degree of awareness of the relationships between the A-B, B-C, and A-C lists.
The cancer stem cell hypothesis: a work in progress

There is a growing body of evidence that supports the idea that malignant tumors are initiated and maintained by a population of tumor cells that share similar biologic properties to normal adult stem cells. This model, the cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis, is based on the observation that tumors, like adult tissues, arise from cells that exhibit the ability to self-renew as well as give rise to differentiated tissue cells. Although the concept of the CSC is not entirely new, advances made over the past two decades in our understanding of normal stem cell biology in conjunction with the recent application of these concepts to experimentally define CSCs have resulted in the identification of CSCs in several human malignancies.
Effects of delivery systems on change order size and frequency in mechanical construction

Change orders represent one of the largest sources of cost growth on building construction projects. Field generated, or “unforeseen” change orders can also be highly disruptive to field productivity. Design-build delivery methods can potentially help minimize change orders on construction projects. This study was performed to closely examine the effects of delivery methods on the frequency and magnitude of change orders in mechanical construction, and how design-build business practices can be used to minimize the frequency of field generated chance orders. In a study of 598 change orders occurring on 120 construction projects performed by the same contractor, the total number of change orders was found to be close to the same on design-build and design-bid-build projects, however an 87% decrease in the average number of unforeseen change orders was observed on design-build projects versus design-bid-build projects. In addition, the average size of unforeseen change orders was 86% smaller on design-build...
Active coatings technologies for tailorable military coating systems

The main objective of the U.S. Army's Active Coatings Technologies Program is to develop technologies that can be used in combination to tailor coatings for utilization on Army Materiel. The Active Coatings Technologies Program, ACT, is divided into several thrusts, including the Smart Coatings Materiel Program, Munitions Coatings Technologies, Active Sensor packages, Systems Health Monitoring, Novel Technology Development, as well as other advanced technologies. The goal of the ACT Program is to conduct research leading to the development of multiple coatings systems for use on various military platforms, incorporating unique properties such as self repair, selective removal, corrosion resistance, sensing, ability to modify coatings' physical properties, colorizing, and alerting logistics staff when tanks or weaponry require more extensive repair. A partnership between the U.S. Army Corrosion Office at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ along with researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ, Clemson University, SC, University of New Hampshire, NH, and University of Massachusetts (Lowell), MA, are developing the next generation of Smart Coatings Materiel via novel technologies such as nanotechnology, Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS), meta-materials, flexible electronics, electrochromics, electroluminescence, etc. This paper will provide the reader with an overview of the Active Coatings Technologies Program, including an update of the on-going Smart Coatings Materiel Program, its progress thus far, description of the prototype Smart Coatings Systems and research tasks as well as future nanotechnology concepts, and applications for the Department of Defense.
Equatorial Pacific deep-sea benthic foraminifera: Faunal changes before the middle Miocene polar cooling

Data on the composition of benthic foraminiferal faunas at Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 575 in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean were combined with benthic and planktonic carbon- and oxygen-isotope records and CaCO 3 data. Changes in the composition of the benthic foraminiferal faunas at Site 575 predated the middle Miocene period of growth of the Antarctic ice cap and cooling of the deep ocean waters by about 2 m.y., and thus were not caused by this cooling (as has been proposed). The benthic faunal changes may have been caused by increased variability in corrosivity of the bottom waters, possibly resulting from enhanced productivity in the surface waters.
Hypothiocyanous acid oxidation of tubulin cysteines inhibits microtubule polymerization

Thiol oxidation is a probable outcome of cellular oxidative stress and is linked to degenerative disease progression. In addition, protein thiol redox reactions are increasingly identified as a mechanism to regulate protein structure and function. We assessed the effect of hypothiocyanous acid on the cytoskeletal protein tubulin. Total cysteine oxidation by hypothiocyanous and hypochlorous acids was monitored by labeling tubulin with 5-iodoacetamidofluorescein and by detecting higher molecular weight inter-chain tubulin disulfides by Western blot under nonreducing conditions. Hypothiocyanous acid induced nearly stoichiometric oxidation of tubulin cysteines (1.9 mol cysteine/mol oxidant) and no methionine oxidation was observed. Because disulfide reducing agents restored all the polymerization activity that was lost due to oxidant treatment, we conclude that cysteine oxidation of tubulin inhibits microtubule polymerization. Hypothiocyanous acid oxidation of tubulin cysteines was markedly decreased in the presence of 4% glycerol, a component of the tubulin purification buffer. Due to its instability and buffer- and pH-dependent reactivity, hypothiocyanous acid studies require careful consideration of reaction conditions.
Autocrine release of angiotensin II mediates stretch-induced hypertrophy of cardiac myocytes in vitro

Hypertrophy is a fundamental adaptive process employed by postmitotic cardiac and skeletal muscle in response to mechanical load. How muscle cells convert mechanical stimuli into growth signals has been a long-standing question. Using an in vitro model of load (stretch)-induced cardiac hypertrophy, we demonstrate that mechanical stretch causes release of angiotensin II (Ang II) from cardiac myocytes and that Ang II acts as an initial mediator of the stretch-induced hypertrophic response. The results not only provide direct evidence for the autocrine mechanism in load-induced growth of cardiac muscle cells, but also define the pathophysiological role of the local (cardiac) renin-angiotensin system.
A comparative study of the effect of drugs on activating and vasomotor responses evoked by midbrain stimulation: atropine, pentobarbital, chlorpromazine and chlorpromazine sulfoxide.

A method for the quantification of the effects of drugs upon the EEG and the EEG activating response using an Offner frequency analyser has been presented. The activating response has been shown to be graded in three respects: (1) latency of onset, (2) degree of depression of certain brain waves, and (3) degree of acceleration of frequency of certain brain waves. Using the degree of depression of activity of brain waves in the frequency range of 1.5 to 3.5 c.p.s. by graded stimuli to the midbrain reticular formation, it was possible to obtain estimates of the effect of drugs on the excitability and reactivity of the activating response. Simultaneous estimates of the excitability and reactivity of vasopressor responses to midbrain stimulation were obtained.
Delay-margin design for the general class of single-delay retarded-type LTI systems

For a given delay value $$\bar{\tau }$$ , an approach is developed here to compute the iso-parameter settings of the general class of single-delay retarded-type LTI system such that this system can have a delay margin of precisely $$\bar{\tau }$$ , and is thus guaranteed to be asymptotically stable for all positive delays less than $$\bar{\tau }$$ .
Finding the convex hull of a simple polygon

We describe a new algorithm for finding the convex hull of any simple polygon specified by a sequence of m vertices. An earlier convex hull finder of ours is limited to polygons which remain simple (i.e., nonselfintersecting) when locally non-convex vertices are removed. In this paper we amend our earlier algorithm so that it finds with complexity O(m) the convex hull of any simple polygon, while retaining much of the simplicity of the earlier algorithm.
Theoretical Study of Gas Phase Tautomerization Reactions for the Ground and First Excited Electronic States of Adenine

Geometrical structures and energetic properties for different tautomers of adenine are calculated in this study, using multi-configurational wave functions. Both the ground and the lowest singlet excited state potential energy surfaces are studied. Four tautomeric forms are considered, and their energetic order is found to be different on the ground and the excited state potential energy surfaces. Minimum energy reaction paths are obtained for hydrogen atom transfer (tautomerization) reactions in the ground and the lowest excited electronic states. It is found that the barrier heights and the shapes of the reaction paths are different for the ground and the excited electronic states, suggesting that the probability of such tautomerization reaction is higher on the excited state potential energy surface. This tautomerization process should become possible in the presence of water or other polar solvent molecules and should play an important role in the photochemistry of adenine.
Structural Basis for Error-free Replication of Oxidatively Damaged DNA by Yeast DNA Polymerase η

7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) adducts are formed frequently by the attack of oxygen-free radicals on DNA. They are among the most mutagenic lesions in cells because of their dual coding potential, where, in addition to normal base-pairing of 8-oxoG(anti) with dCTP, 8-oxoG in the syn conformation can base pair with dATP, causing G to T transversions. We provide here for the first time a structural basis for the error-free replication of 8-oxoG lesions by yeast DNA polymerase η (Polη). We show that the open active site cleft of Polη can accommodate an 8-oxoG lesion in the anti conformation with only minimal changes to the polymerase and the bound DNA: at both the insertion and post-insertion steps of lesion bypass. Importantly, the active site geometry remains the same as in the undamaged complex and provides a basis for the ability of Polη to prevent the mutagenic replication of 8-oxoG lesions in cells.
A new statistical approach to combining p-values using gamma distribution and its application to genome-wide association study

Combining information from different studies is an important and useful practice in bioinformatics, including genome-wide association study, rare variant data analysis and other set-based analyses. Many statistical methods have been proposed to combine p-values from independent studies. However, it is known that there is no uniformly most powerful test under all conditions; therefore, finding a powerful test in specific situation is important and desirable. In this paper, we propose a new statistical approach to combining p-values based on gamma distribution, which uses the inverse of the p-value as the shape parameter in the gamma distribution. Simulation study and real data application demonstrate that the proposed method has good performance under some situations.