cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perception of psychophysical experiments

Two experiments were conducted to test a model of how Ss perceive the similarities among different psychophysical tasks. The model states that task similarity depends upon the relative perceived accuracy demand (PAD) of each task, where PAD is the perceived number of different stimuli divided by the perceived number of acceptable responses for a single stimulus. The model was evaluated by having Ss estimate the upper and lower boundaries of the acceptable response range obtained by magnitude and category estimation. In addition, Ss in Exp. II estimated the number of different stimuli. Results supported the model insofar as it predicted the order of similarity among the psychophysical tasks along a single dimension. Less support was found for predictions of the detailed clustering of tasks.
Global models: A review of recent developments

Abstract This article summarizes recent developments in computerized global modelling. It is largely descriptive, and will be followed in further issues by articles dealing with more qualitative scenario approaches to global forecasting and an overall evaluation of current forecasting efforts.
Nonidentity of the Aspartate and the Aromatic Aminotransferase Components of Transaminase A in Escherichia coli

Tyrosine, added to the growth medium of a strain of Escherichia coli K-12 lacking transaminase B, repressed the tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan aminotransferase activities while leaving the aspartate aminotransferase activity unchanged. This suggested that the aspartate and the aromatic aminotransferase activities, previously believed to reside in the same protein, viz. transaminase A, are actually nonidentical. Further experiments showed that, upon incubation at 55 C, the aspartate aminotransferase of crude extracts was almost completely stable, whereas the tyrosine and phenylalanine activities were rapidly inactivated. Apoenzyme formation was faster, and apoenzyme degradation proceeded more slowly with aspartate aminotransferase than with tyrosine aminotransferase. Electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels separated the aminotransferases. A more rapidly moving band contained tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan aminotransferases, and a slower band contained aspartate aminotransferase. A mutant of E. coli K-12 with low levels of aspartate aminotransferase exhibited unchanged levels of tyrosine aminotransferase. Thus, transaminase A appears to be made up of at least two proteins: one of broad specificity whose synthesis is repressed by tyrosine and another, specific for aspartate, which is not subject to repression by amino acids. The apparent molecular weights of both the aspartate and the aromatic aminotransferases, determined by gel filtration, were about 100,000.
Restoration by Ubiquinone of Azotobacter vinelandii Reduced Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Oxidase Activity

Extraction with pentane virtually abolished reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase activity in small particles from Azotobacter vinelandii, but activity was largely restored by added ubiquinone.
AN EMPIRICAL METHOD FOR ESTIMATING THE FATIGUE RESISTANCE OF TENSILE-SHEAR SPOT-WELDS

An empirical method which is based principally on estimates of the fatigue crack initiation life (N sub I) has been developed which predicts the fatigue resistance of tensile-shear spot welds in the long life regime. The method uses Basquin's law and Peterson's equation to estimate N sub I and thus is founded on the fatigue behavior of smooth specimens and modelling of the fatigue notch size effect. The fatigue notch factor (K sub f) required in this analysis was obtained from Pook's relationships for the stress intensity factors of tensile-shear spot welds. Estimates of N sub I are added to estimates of the fatigue crack propagation life N sub P to obtain the total fatigue life (N sub T) but in the long life regime N sub P can usually be neglected. The improvement of tensile-shear spot weld fatigue resistance through manipulation of geometry and material property variables are discussed with the aid of the model. The model predicts that nugget diameter, sheet thickness, and residual stress control offer the best possibilities for fatigue life improvement.
Accuracy and interrater reliability for the diagnosis of Barrett's neoplasia among users of a novel, portable high-resolution microendoscope

The high-resolution microendoscope (HRME) is a novel imaging modality that may be useful in the surveillance of Barrett's esophagus in low-resource or community-based settings. In order to assess accuracy and interrater reliability of microendoscopists in identifying Barrett's-associated neoplasia using HRME images, we recruited 20 gastroenterologists with no microendoscopic experience and three expert microendoscopists in a large academic hospital in New York City to interpret HRME images. They prospectively reviewed 40 HRME images from 28 consecutive patients undergoing surveillance for metaplasia and low-grade dysplasia and/or evaluation for high-grade dysplasia or cancer. Images were reviewed in a blinded fashion, after a 4-minute training with 11 representative images. All imaged sites were biopsied and interpreted by an expert pathologist. Sensitivity of all endoscopists for identification of high-grade dysplasia or cancer was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88-0.92) and specificity was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.79-0.85). Positive and negative predictive values were 0.72 (95% CI: 0.68-0.77) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92-0.96), respectively. No significant differences in accuracy were observed between experts and novices (0.90 vs. 0.84). The kappa statistic for all raters was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.54-0.58), and the difference between groups was not significant (0.64 vs. 0.55). These data suggest that gastroenterologists can diagnose Barrett's-related neoplasia on HRME images with high sensitivity and specificity, without the aid of prior microendoscopy experience.
The International Linear Collider Progress Report 2015

The ILC technical design is now being adapted to the preferred candidate site. Changes in layout are being managed by a rigorous change-control procedure. Series production of cavities for the European XFEL has shown that cavities can be mass-produced in industry with a performance well above XFEL requirements and close to that needed for the ILC. A number of technical developments are under way with a view to further reducing the ILC cost. This work must continue through the preparatory stage for ILC construction once resources become available. A summary of the design updates and of the further preparatory work needed is summarized in tabular form in the Appendix.
Normative exercising: An analytical and evaluative aid in system design

A dynamic simulation of a man-machine information system has been developed to provide analytical and evaluative aids in system design, implementation, and verification. This form of on-site simulation is called “Normative Exercising,” because of its two distinguishing characteristics: 1) specification in advance of preferred problem solutions; 2) guidance of player performance into paths which will lead to the preferred solution of the exercise problem. Real-time exercising of a system is accomplished by controlling the informational inputs to the system through a Simulation Control (SIMCON) team made up of nonplayers. Performance evaluation is obtained by comparing the actual events of the exercise with the normative solution paths. It is expected that Normative Exercising will lead to a methodological approach to the structure and manipulation of information in a command and control system as well as the human capacity to function as a problem-solver and decision-maker.
Isolation and characterization of formates on CeOx–CuyO/Cu(1 1 1)

Abstract Formate species have been proposed to be either critical intermediates or spectators in the water–gas shift (WGS) and methanol synthesis processes. CeOx–CuyO/Cu(1 1 1) has been shown to be a very active inverse catalyst for the WGS reaction. We present here the study of formate species obtained from the deprotonation of formic acid (HCOOH) on the inverse catalysts. Exposure of CeOx–CuyO/Cu(1 1 1) to HCOOH at 300 K leads to the formation of formates on both ceria and Cu sites. The formates isolated on CeOx–CuyO/Cu(1 1 1) systems cannot be hydrogenated even at a pressure of 200 Torr H2 at 300–350 K. The formate species localized on ceria sites are thermally more stable than those on Cu sites, and the thermal decomposition of all of the formates occurs by dehydrogenation releasing CO2 and H2. Evidence of reverse spillover of formates from the oxide to the metal was observed on CeO2−x/Cu(1 1 1) inverse catalysts.
Regulation of renal epithelial sodium channels.

The high selectivity, low conductance, amiloride-blockable, sodium channel of the mammalian distal nephron (i.e. cortical collecting tubule) is the site of discretionary regulation which allows maintainance of total body sodium balance. In order to understand the physiological events that participate in this regulation, we have used the patch-clamp technique which allows us to measure individual Na+ channel currents and permits access to the cytosolic side of the channel-protein as well as its associated regulatory components. Most of our experiments have utilized the A6 amphibian renal cell line, which when grown on permeable supports is an excellent model for the mammalian distal nephron. Different mechanisms have been examined: (1) regulation by hormonal factors such as Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH) and aldosterone, (2) regulation by G-proteins, (3) modulation by protein kinase C (PK-C), and (4) modulation by products of arachidonic acid metabolism. Consistent with noise analysis of tight epithelial tissues, ADH treatment increased the number of active channels in apical membrane patches of A6 cells, without any apparent change in the open probability (Po) of the individual channels. Agents that increased intracellular cAMP mimicked the effects of ADH. In contrast, aldosterone was found to act through a dramatic increase in Po rather than through changes in channel density. Inhibition of methylation by deazaadenosine antagonizes the stimulatory effect of aldosterone. In excised inside-out patches GTP gamma S inhibits channel activity, whereas GDP beta S or pertussis toxin stimulates activity suggesting regulatory control by G-proteins. PK-C has been shown to contribute to 'feed-back inhibition' of apical Na+ conductance in tight epithelia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Acaricide Bioassays with Spider Mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Pome Fruits: Evaluation of Methods and Selection of Discriminating Concentrations for Resistance Monitoring

Leaf disk bioassays with the acaricides avermectin B1 fenbutatin oxide, and hexythiazox were conducted with the mite species Panonychus ulmi (Koch), Tetranychus urticae Koch, and T. mcdanieli McGregor collected from apple and pear orchards in Washington. The effects of length of the bioassay period and inclusion of mite walk-off in mortality used to estimate LC50’s with fenbutatin oxide and avermectin B1 were examined. Correlations between LC50’s after 48 and 72 h were significant with both chemicals. However. large decreases in LC50’s with fenbutatin oxide from 48 to 72 h indicated that the longer time allowed a more complete assessment of mite mortality. Comparison of results from closed double-leaf and open single-leaf bioassays with fenbutatin oxide suggested that mite walk off should be included in mortality counts. Significant differences in LC50’s were found among mite species for hexythiazox and avermectin Bh but not with fenbutatin oxide. P. ulmi was 20 and 2 times more tolerant to hexythiazox and avermectin B1 respectively, than the two Tetranychus species. Correlations among LC50’s for acaricides within each species were not significant. In addition, partial correlations for species were not significant with LC50’s for fenbutatin oxide and hexythiazox and fenbutatin oxide and avermectin B1. Discriminating concentrations for detection of incipient levels of resistance for hexythiazox were established for each species. Discriminating concentrations also were selected for the two Tetranychus species for avermectin B1.
Preliminary examination of the efficacy and safety of a standardized chamomile extract for chronic primary insomnia: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study.

Despite being the most commonly used herbal for sleep disorders, chamomile's (Matricaria recutita) efficacy and safety for treating chronic primary insomnia is unknown. We examined the preliminary efficacy and safety of chamomile for improving subjective sleep and daytime symptoms in patients with chronic insomnia. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial in 34 patients aged 18-65 years with DSM-IV primary insomnia for ≥ 6-months. Patients were randomized to 270 mg of chamomile twice daily or placebo for 28-days. The primary outcomes were sleep diary measures. Secondary outcomes included daytime symptoms, safety assessments, and effect size of these measures. There were no significant differences between groups in changes in sleep diary measures, including total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency, sleep latency, wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep quality, and number of awakenings. Chamomile did show modest advantage on daytime functioning, although these did not reach statistical significance. Effect sizes were generally small to moderate (Cohen's d ≤ 0.20 to < 0.60) with sleep latency, night time awakenings, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), having moderate effect sizes in favor of chamomile. However, TST demonstrated a moderate effect size in favor of placebo. There were no differences in adverse events reported by the chamomile group compared to placebo. Chamomile could provide modest benefits of daytime functioning and mixed benefits on sleep diary measures relative to placebo in adults with chronic primary insomnia. However, further studies in select insomnia patients would be needed to investigate these conclusions. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01286324
Influence of Coolant Density on Turbine Blade Film-Cooling Using Pressure Sensitive Paint Technique

Adiabatic film-cooling effectiveness is examined on a high pressure turbine blade by varying three critical engine parameters, viz., coolant blowing ratio, coolant-to-mainstream density ratio and freestream turbulence intensity. Three average coolant blowing ratios (BR = 1.2, 1.7, and 2.2 on the pressure side and BR = 1.1, 1.4, and 1.8 on the suction side), three average coolant density ratios (DR = 1.0, 1.5, and 2.5), and two average freestream turbulence intensities (Tu = 4.2% and 10.5%) are considered. Conduction-free Pressure Sensitive Paint (PSP) technique is adopted to measure film-cooling effectiveness. Three foreign gases— N2 for low density, CO2 for medium density, and a mixture of SF6 and Argon for high density are selected to study the effect of coolant density. The test blade features 2 rows of cylindrical film-cooling holes on the suction side (45° compound), 4 rows on the pressure side (45° compound) and 3 around the leading edge (30° radial). The inlet and the exit Mach numbers are 0.24 and 0.44, respectively. Reynolds number of the mainstream flow is 7.5E105 based on the exit velocity and blade chord length. Results suggest that the PSP is a powerful technique capable of producing clear and detailed film effectiveness contours with diverse foreign gases. Large improvement on the pressure side and moderate improvement on the suction side effectiveness is witnessed when blowing ratio is raised from 1.2 to 1.7 and 1.1 to 1.4, respectively. No major improvement is seen thereafter with the downstream half of the suction side showing drop in effectiveness. The effect of increasing coolant density is to increase effectiveness everywhere on the pressure surface and suction surface except for the small region on the suction side, xss /Cx <0.2. Higher freestream turbulence causes effectiveness to drop everywhere except in the region downstream of the suction side where significant improvement in effectiveness is seen.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Early Adolescent Delinquent Behaviors: Associations with Family and School Domains

A number of studies have been conducted to examine the relation between ethnicity and delinquent behavior. Whereas some studies have found ethnically unique predictors, other research has demonstrated that the same process variables underlie adokescent delinquent behaviors independent of ethnic group membership. The current investigation examined the correlates of family processes and school variables with delinquent behavior for a sample of 1,021 sixth- and seventh-grade Caucasian and Hispanic early adolescents (mean age = 12.8 years). Findings revealed (a) a great similarity for the relations between individual predictor variables and delinquent behavior between the two ethnic groups, (b) that family processes and school variables as domains of influence had independent effects in predicting early adokscent delinquent behavior for Caucasian and Hispanic youth, and (c) that family processes and school variables accounted for about 40% of the total variance explained in early adolescent delinquent behavior.
Aflatoxins and Their Detection in Animal Tissues and Fluids

AbstractThe aflatoxins are a group of toxic fungal metabolites that may be produced by the organisms Aspergillus flavus or A. parasiticus growing in animal feeds. When consumed, these metabolites or their metabolic products in the animal may occur as tissue or fluid residues in the animal. This report briefly reviews the effects of aflatoxins on animals, the metabolism of aflatoxins in animals and at least one method is described that is useful for the detection and quantitation of aflatoxins or their metabolites in tissues, milk, rumen contents, blood, bile, urine, and feces. Some problems encountered by the authors in conducting these analyses are also discussed.
Analytical yield criterion for an anisotropic material containing spherical voids and exhibiting tension–compression asymmetry

Abstract A significant difference between the behavior in tension versus compression is obtained at the polycrystal level if either twinning or non-Schmid effects are contributors to the plastic deformation at the single crystal level. Examples of materials that exhibit tension–compression asymmetry include hexagonal close-packed (HCP) polycrystals and intermetallics (e.g., molybdenum compounds). Despite recent progress in modeling their yield behavior in the absence of voids, the description of coupling between plasticity and damage by void growth in these materials remains a challenge. This paper is devoted to the development of a macroscopic anisotropic yield criterion for a porous material when the matrix material is incompressible, anisotropic and displays tension–compression asymmetry. The analytical yield criterion is obtained based on micromechanical considerations and non-linear homogenization. The matrix plastic behavior is described by the Cazacu et al. (2006) anisotropic yield criterion that is pressure-insensitive and accounts for strength–differential effects. Comparison between finite element cell calculations and theory show the predictive capabilities of the developed anisotropic model in terms of modeling the combined effects of anisotropy, tension–compression asymmetry of the matrix and voids on the overall yielding of the porous aggregate. It is shown that if the matrix material does not display tension–compression asymmetry, the developed criterion reduces to that of Benzerga and Besson (2001) . If the matrix is isotropic, it reduces to the isotropic criterion developed in Cazacu and Stewart (2009) .
The mechanism of fiber—matrix interactions in carbon—carbon composites

Abstract The condition of the carbon fiber surface is of great importance in determing the mechanical properties of a carbon—carbon (CC) composite. The presence of functional groups on the fiber surface and roughness of the surface control to a great extent the tensile strength, fracture toughness and interlaminar shear strength. A compromise has to be made between a weak interfacial bond which improves fracture toughness by the debonding and fiber pull-out mechanism, but results in a low tensile strength and a strong interfacial bonding which leads to a catastrophic failure. Thus fiber—matric interactions have to be studied in order to determine the correlation between the conditions of the carbon fiber surface and the mechanical properties of C-C composites. This paper demonstrates the use of surface treatments and de-treatments to optimize the mechanical properties of C-C composites. Oxygen plasma and nitric acid treatments were used to introduce the surface functional groups and to alter the surface morphology. An argon plasma de-treatment was used to reduce the surface functionality. A correlation between the carbon surface modifications and the mechanical properties of C-C composites is discussed with the emphasis on the fundamental understanding of the fiber-matrix interactions.
Including audit regulation in the accounting curriculum

Abstract Audits and auditors are regulated to uphold audit quality, thus regulation is important to the public interest and clearly impacts firms and CPAs. Moreover, the reach of audit regulation has expanded greatly in the last decade with the establishment of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). Recent research and calls from the profession point to enhancing the coverage of audit regulation in the accounting curriculum so that students understand the consequences of failing to adhere to professional standards. In this paper, we propose regulatory content for inclusion in the curriculum, we survey and catalog existing auditing textbooks and other educational materials for regulatory content, and we suggest flexible alternatives for incorporating this topic into the curriculum. It is our hope that, with these resources, faculty can more effectively include audit regulation in the classroom and achieve a high level of student comprehension and learning on the topic.
Two replication regions in the pJM1 virulence plasmid of the marine pathogen Vibrio anguillarum

Abstract Vibrio anguillarum is a fish pathogen that causes vibriosis, a serious hemorrhagic septicemia, in wild and cultured fish. Many serotype O1 strains of this bacterium harbor the 65 kb plasmid pJM1 carrying the majority of genes encoding the siderophore anguibactin iron transport system that is one of the most important virulence factors of this bacterium. We previously identified a replication region of the pJM1 plasmid named ori1 . In this work we determined that ori1 can replicate in Escherichia coli and that the chromosome-encoded proteins DnaB, DnaC and DnaG are essential for its replication whereas PolI, IHF and DnaA are not required. The copy number of the pJM1 plasmid is 1–2, albeit cloned smaller fragments of the ori1 region replicate with higher copy numbers in V. anguillarum while in E. coli we did not observe an obvious difference of the copy numbers of these constructs which were all high. Furthermore, we were able to delete the ori1 region from the pJM1 plasmid and identified a second replication region in pJM1 that we named ori2 . This second replication region is located on ORF25 that is within the trans -acting factor (TAFr) region, and showed that it can only replicate in V. anguillarum .
Public inputs and land taxes in a small open economy

In this paper we examine the issues of gains from trade and the welfare effects of trade policies in the presence of public inputs. Based on the formulation of Negishi (Journal of Public Economics 2 (1973), 231–40), we assume that public inputs are financed by a land tax scheme. We show that the welfare effects of trade policies and the desirability of trade depend crucially on the rules of public input provision reflecting different conjectures of the government.
Changes in novel biomarkers of disease activity in juvenile and adult dermatomyositis are sensitive biomarkers of disease course.

Objective Muscle enzyme levels are insensitive markers of disease activity in juvenile and adult dermatomyositis (DM), especially during the active treatment phase. To improve our ability to monitor DM disease activity longitudinally, especially in the presence of immunomodulating agents, we prospectively evaluated whether interferon (IFN)–dependent peripheral blood gene and chemokine signatures could serve as sensitive and responsive biomarkers for change in disease activity in adult and juvenile DM. Methods Peripheral blood and clinical data were collected from 51 patients with juvenile or adult DM prospectively over 2 study visits. We performed disease activity measurements and calculated whole-blood type I IFN gene and chemokine scores. We also measured serum levels of other proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results Changes in juvenile and adult DM global disease activity correlated positively and significantly with changes in the type I IFN gene score before adjustment for medication use (r = 0.33, P = 0.023) and with changes in the IFN chemokine score before and after adjustment for medication use (r = 0.53, P < 0.001 and r = 0.50, P < 0.001, respectively). Changes in muscle and extramuscular visual analog scale (VAS) scores correlated positively with changes in IFN gene and chemokine scores (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.095, P < 0.001). Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) correlated positively with changes in global, muscle, and extramuscular VAS scores (P < 0.05). Conclusion Our findings suggest that changes in type I IFN gene and chemokine scores as well as in levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα may serve as sensitive and responsive longitudinal biomarkers of change in disease activity in juvenile and adult DM, even in the presence of immunomodulating agents.
PCB congeners and pesticides and female fecundity, New York State Angler Prospective Pregnancy Study.

Abstract Consumption of PCB-contaminated sport fish from Lake Ontario has been reported to be associated with diminished female fecundity. To identify Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and other pesticides that might be associated with reduced fecundity, we followed 102 women aged 20–34 years attempting pregnancy who completed daily diaries for 12 at risk menstrual cycles. Fecundity referred to time-to-pregnancy (TTP) or the number of at risk menstrual cycles required for pregnancy. Blood specimens were obtained for 88 (86%) women and were analyzed using gas chromatography and electron capture for 66 PCB congeners and seven pesticides. Laboratory values were recovery, background and fat corrected prior to natural log transformation. Using stepwise discriminant analysis, congeners IUPAC #205 and #206 and hexaclorobenzene were significantly and positively associated with increasing TTP when women were categorized as becoming pregnant in the first or first three at risk menstrual cycles, respectively. Congeners #205 and #206 are reported to have (anti) estrogenic structural activity.
Helminth biodiversity of Costa Rican Anurans (Amphibia: Anura)

One hundred and sixty-three frogs representing 21 species collected in Costa Rica were examined for helminths. Those found were: one species of Digenea (Mesocoelium monas), one species of Cestoda (Cylindrotaenia americana), 15 species of Nematoda, 11 species represented by gravid individuals (Aplectana hylambatis, Aplectana incerta, Aplectana itzocanensis, Capillaria recondita, Cosmocerca parva, Cosmocerca podicipinus, Falcaustra costaricae, Hedruris heyeri, Oswaldocruzia costaricensis, Oswaldocruzia nicaraguensis, Rhabdias savagei) and four species represented by larvae (Physaloptera sp., Porrocaecum sp., Spirocamallanus sp., Ascarididae gen. sp.) and three species of Acanthocephala, one species represented by gravid individuals (Anuracanthorhynchus lutzi) and two species by cystacanths (Centrorhynchidae gen. sp. and Oligacanthorhynchidae gen. sp.). Mean helminth diversity (number of helminth species) per frog species was 2.4 ± 0.3 SE, range: 1–6. Forty-nine new host records are reported. Costa Rican fro...
System Issues Relating To Laser Diode Requirements For VLSI Holographic Optical Interconnects

Laser requirements and limitations for VLSI optical interconnect networks employing computer-generated holograms are discussed from a system point of view. For architectures with a collimating lens at the laser and a collector lens at the detector, the restrictions on laser wave-length stability are typically ± 10 A (thus requiring the laser's temperature to be regulated to approximately ± 5°C to 10°C). Diffraction limitations are shown to restrict the density of interconnects to the 104/cm2 range from many architectures (in particular, "space variant" architectures), rather than the 107/cm2 to 108/cm2 range frequently cited for "space invariant" architectures. Architectures with a mixture of space variance and invariance can lead to intermediate densities. Some architectures require low threshold, high efficiency lasers, whereas others require very high output power with much less concern for threshold and efficiency. A network with 3000 point-to-point interconnects per square centimeter, each transmitting at a 500 Mbit rate with a 10-11 bit-error rate, is analyzed. The best system performance is obtained if wavelength stabilized high power (10 W) laser arrays are available. Monolithic integration is discussed, and the need for uniform and/or tunable emission wavelength may be the greatest challenge in this area.
P-wave neutron resonances in 203Tl and 205Tl

Abstract Neutron-transmission measurements on a thick sample of normal thallium reveal weak resonances at 38.0 and 44.6 eV. Neutron-capture capture γ-ray measurements by Bartholomew et al. show that the 39 eV resonance belongs to 203Tl and the 45 eV resonance to 205Tl. Parameters for the new resonances are obtained by curve-fitting the transmission data. The small values of the neutron widths indicate that both resonances are almost surely excited by p-waves.
Boundary Layer Control for Hypersonic Airbreathing Vehicles

Active and passive methods for tripping hypersonic boundary layers have been examined in NASA Langley Research Center wind tunnels using a Hyper-X model. This investigation assessed several concepts for forcing transition, including passive discrete roughness elements and active mass addition (or blowing), in the 20-Inch Mach 6 Air and the 31-Inch Mach 10 Air Tunnels. Heat transfer distributions obtained via phosphor thermography, shock system details, and surface streamline patterns were measured on a 0.333-scale model of the Hyper-X forebody. The comparisons between the active and passive methods for boundary layer control were conducted at test conditions that nearly match the Hyper-X nominal Mach 7 flight test-point of an angle-of-attack of 2-deg and length Reynolds number of 5.6 million. For passive roughness, the primary parametric variation was a range of trip heights within the calculated boundary layer thickness for several trip concepts. The passive roughness study resulted in a swept ramp configuration, scaled to be roughly 0.6 of the calculated boundary layer thickness, being selected for the Mach 7 flight vehicle. For the active blowing study, the manifold pressure was systematically varied (while monitoring the mass flow) for each configuration to determine the jet penetration height, with schlieren, and transition movement, with the phosphor system, for comparison to the passive results. All the blowing concepts tested, which included various rows of sonic orifices (holes), two- and three-dimensional slots, and random porosity, provided transition onset near the trip location with manifold stagnation pressures on the order of 40 times the model surface static pressure, which is adequate to ensure sonic jets. The present results indicate that the jet penetration height for blowing was roughly half the height required with passive roughness elements for an equivalent amount of transition movement.
Hypertension in traumatic brain injury

The incidence and natural history of hypertension associated with traumatic brain injury were studied using a cohort of 80 patients discharged from a brain-injury rehabilitation centre. Although a significant incidence (15%) of hypertension is documented in traumatic brain-injured patients, the problem appears transient for most patients. Nonetheless, hypertension after brain injury merits treatment while it is an ongoing process for the anticipated few patients in whom it might persist.
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Cardiac Imaging: Harnessing Big Data and Advanced Computing to Provide Personalized Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

Although advances in information technology in the past decade have come in quantum leaps in nearly every aspect of our lives, they seem to be coming at a slower pace in the field of medicine. However, the implementation of electronic health records (EHR) in hospitals is increasing rapidly, accelerated by the meaningful use initiatives associated with the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services EHR Incentive Programs. The transition to electronic medical records and availability of patient data has been associated with increases in the volume and complexity of patient information, as well as an increase in medical alerts, with resulting “alert fatigue” and increased expectations for rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, these increased demands on health care providers create greater risk for diagnostic and therapeutic errors. In the near future, artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning will likely assist physicians with differential diagnosis of disease, treatment options suggestions, and recommendations, and, in the case of medical imaging, with cues in image interpretation. Mining and advanced analysis of “big data” in health care provide the potential not only to perform “in silico” research but also to provide “real time” diagnostic and (potentially) therapeutic recommendations based on empirical data. “On demand” access to high-performance computing and large health care databases will support and sustain our ability to achieve personalized medicine. The IBM Jeopardy! Challenge, which pitted the best all-time human players against the Watson computer, captured the imagination of millions of people across the world and demonstrated the potential to apply AI approaches to a wide variety of subject matter, including medicine. The combination of AI, big data, and massively parallel computing offers the potential to create a revolutionary way of practicing evidence-based, personalized medicine.
Protein S-nitrosylation in health and disease: a current perspective

Protein S-nitrosylation constitutes a large part of the ubiquitous influence of nitric oxide on cellular signal transduction and accumulating evidence indicates important roles for S-nitrosylation both in normal physiology and in a broad spectrum of human diseases. Here we review recent findings that implicate S-nitrosylation in cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal and neurological (dys)function, as well as in cancer. The emerging picture shows that, in many cases, pathophysiology correlates with hypo- or hyper-S-nitrosylation of specific protein targets rather than a general cellular insult due to loss of or enhanced nitric oxide synthase activity. In addition, it is increasingly evident that dysregulated S-nitrosylation can not only result from alterations in the expression, compartmentalization and/or activity of nitric oxide synthases, but can also reflect a contribution from denitrosylases, including prominently the S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO)-metabolizing enzyme GSNO reductase. Finally, because exogenous mediators of protein S-nitrosylation or denitrosylation can substantially affect the development or progression of disease, potential therapeutic agents that modulate S-nitrosylation could well have broad clinical utility.
Effects of Humic Substances on Precipitation and Aggregation of Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticles

Nanoparticulate metal sulfides such as ZnS can influence the transport and bioavailability of pollutant metals in anaerobic environments. The aim of this work was to investigate how the composition of dissolved natural organic matter (NOM) influences the stability of zinc sulfide nanoparticles as they nucleate and aggregate in water with dissolved NOM. We compared NOM fractions that were isolated from several surface waters and represented a range of characteristics including molecular weight, type of carbon, and ligand density. Dynamic light scattering was employed to monitor the growth and aggregation of Zn-S-NOM nanoparticles in supersaturated solutions containing dissolved aquatic humic substances. The NOM was observed to reduce particle growth rates, depending on solution variables such as type and concentration of NOM, monovalent electrolyte concentration, and pH. The rates of growth increased with increasing ionic strength, indicating that observed growth rates primarily represented aggregation of charged Zn-S-NOM particles. Furthermore, the observed rates decreased with increasing molecular weight and aromatic content of the NOM fractions, while carboxylate and reduced sulfur content had little effect. Differences between NOM were likely due to properties that increased electrosteric hindrances for aggregation. Overall, results of this study suggest that the composition and source of NOM are key factors that contribute to the stabilization and persistence of zinc sulfide nanoparticles in the aquatic environment.
Central receptors mediating the cardiovascular actions of melanocyte stimulating hormones.

OBJECTIVE Alpha and gamma-melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSH) are peptides that possess potent hypertensinogenic actions when injected intravenously or intracerebroventricularly. We sought to define the central receptor(s) mediating these cardiovascular actions. METHODS We gave bolus injections of synthetic alpha or gamma-MSH intravenously or intracerebroventricularly to anesthetized wild-type (Mc3r+/+, Mc4r+/+) mice and mice with targeted disruption of the gamma-MSH receptor (Mc3r-/-) or the melanocortin 4 receptor (Mc4r-/-). RESULTS Gamma-MSH injected intravenously increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) dose-dependently, with the effect being evident at 10 mol/kg; the maximum increase, at 10 mol/kg, was 38 mmHg in both strains from similar control MAP. Parallel increases in HR also occurred. Injection of the sodium channel blocker, benzamil, 4 microg/kg intracerebroventricularly, before intravenous gamma-MSH completely prevented the increases in MAP and HR in both strains. Injection of 2 x 10 mol/g body weight alpha-MSH intravenously had no effect on MAP or HR in Mc4r wild-type or -/- mice. However, the same dose given intracerebroventricularly to wild-type mice increased MAP from 76 +/- 4 to 95 +/- 5 mmHg at 10 min (P < 0.01) and HR from 416 +/- 15 to 480 +/- 15 beats/min (P < 0.01). In Mc4r-/- mice, the intracerebroventricular administration of the peptide did not alter these variables, in contrast to the results in wild-type mice. CONCLUSION Both MSH peptides exert their hypertensinogenic effects through central sites of action, which probably reflect the activation of sympathetic outflow. The actions of intracerebroventricular alpha-MSH appear to be mediated via Mc4r, whereas those of gamma-MSH are independent of its receptor Mc3r, but reflect the activation of a sodium channel in the central nervous system. These results help to reconcile the hypertensive action of gamma-MSH injections with the hypertension observed in states of gamma-MSH deficiency.
Unexpected Ccarbene−X (X: I, Br, Cl) Reductive Elimination from N-Heterocyclic Carbene Copper Halide Complexes Under Oxidative Conditions

The non-spectator roles of NHC ligands have attracted wide attention due to their important implications for reaction mechanisms and subsequent impact on catalyst design. Herein, we report facile C...
The Management of Unstable Cervical Spine Injuries

Injuries to the cervical spine can cause potentially devastating morbidity and even mortality. In this review we discuss the anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine. The evaluation and treatment of cervical spine injuries begins with the prompt immobilization of suspected injuries in the field. Once an assessment of the patient’s neurological status is made, imaging studies are obtained, which can include X-rays, CT, and MRI. Careful scrutiny of the imaging studies for bony and/or ligamentous injury allows the physician to determine the mechanism of injury, which guides treatment. The ultimate treatment plan can consist of non-operative or operative management, and depends on patient specific factors (medical condition and neurological status), the mechanism of injury, and the resultant degree of instability. With prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, the morbidity of these injuries can be minimized.
Electronic structure of polyacetylene systems containing disilanylene

Abstract The electronic structures in the optimized geometries of polyacetylene systems containing disilanylene (-SiH2SiH2-) are theoretically studied based on the one-dimensional tight-binding self-consistent field-crystal orbital (SCF-CO) method. Results show that the delocalization of silicon σ-electrons is possible along the SiSi bond direction of the disilanylene and that the σ-σ ∗ bandgap from the disilanylene pseudo-chain is comparable to the π-π ∗ bandgap from the carbon chain. It is assumed that, if they are doped with a p-type dopant, the injected positive charge will remain in the disilanylene sites, with the disappearance of bond alternation in the carbon chain skeleton.
A purification of microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase from human tissue.

Abstract Glucose-6-phosphatase, an enzyme of the microsomal fraction, is a major intermediate in the mobilization of glucose from liver cells. Lack of a purified preparation of this enzyme has hampered efforts to understand the molecular details of Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ia (von Gierke's disease). The present study was undertaken to purify this membrane-bound enzyme from human placenta and liver using Sepharose affinity chromatography with glucose-6-phosphate as the bound ligand. Of the two tissues tested, the placenta gave the better results, perhaps because the purification began with fresh tissue. Protein eluting from the affinity column for a placental preparation gave three peaks of specific activity representing 45-, 33-, and 600-fold purification with a yield of about 2%. Specific activity determined for liver tissue was far more variable and represented a purification of about 5-fold. SDS-PAGE of protein from both tissues indicated only three bands in the range of 58–64,000 molecular weight. Although not purified to homogeneity, the scheme reported here represents a significant advance in the purification of functional G6Pase from human sources.
Design and implementation of distributed crosscutting features with DADO

Some "non-" or "extra-functional" features, such as reliability, security, and tracing, defy modularization mechanisms in programming languages. With distributed, heterogeneous (DH) systems, these features induce complex implementations which crosscut different languages, OSs, and hardware platforms, while still needing to share data and events. The DADO approach helps program crosscuting features by improving DH middleware. A DADO service comprises pairs of adaplets which are explicitly modeled in IDL. DADO supports flexible and type-checked interactions (using generated stubs and skeletons) between adaplets and between objects and adaptlets. Adaptlets can be attached at run-time to an application object.
Quantum Mechanical Study of the Competitive Hydration between Protonated Quinazoline and Li+, Na+, and Ca2+Ions

Hydration reactions are fundamental to many biological functions and environmental processes. The energetics of hydration of inorganic and organic chemical species influences their fate and transpo...
Active learning data selection for adaptive online structural damage estimation

Adaptive learning techniques have recently been considered for structural health monitoring applications due to their flexibility and effectiveness in addressing real-world challenges such as variability in the monitoring of environmental and operating conditions. In this paper, an active learning data selection procedure is proposed that adaptively selects the most informative measurements to include, from multiple available measurements, in estimating structural damage. This is important, since not all the measurements may provide useful information and could reduce performance when processed. Within the adaptive learning framework, the data selection problem is formulated to choose those measurements which are most representative of the diversity within a damage state. This is achieved by extracting time-frequency analysis based statistical similarity features from the measurements, and selecting uniformly distributed subsets to build representative reference sets. The utility of the proposed method is demonstrated by improvements in adaptive learning performance for the estimation of fatigue damage in an aluminum compact tension sample.
Like, Share, Recommend: Smartphones as a Self-Broadcast and Self-Promotion Medium of College Students

In this study, the authors examine the use of smart phones for self-broadcasting among college students based on motivation and network externalities theories. The authors propose that smartphones have changed telephones from a point-to-point interpersonal medium to a broadcast medium for individuals to disseminate information to their networks through the use of social media. The authors hypothesized that the more friends and followers a student has on Facebook and Twitter respectively, the more likely the student will use friends and followers as self-broadcasting mediums from their smartphones. The hypothesis was supported based on survey data collected at a public university. The study also discusses the social implications of using smartphones as a broadcast and self-promotion medium.
Clinical Practice Guidelines on Prostate Cancer: A Critical Appraisal

Purpose: Clinical practice guidelines are increasingly being used by leading organizations to promote high quality evidence-based patient care. However, the methodological quality of clinical practice guidelines developed by different organizations varies considerably. We assessed published clinical practice guidelines on the treatment of localized prostate cancer to evaluate the rigor, applicability and transparency of their recommendations.Materials and Methods: We searched for English based clinical practice guidelines on treatment of localized prostate cancer from leading organizations in the 15-year period from 1999 to 2014. Clinical practice guidelines limited to early detection, screening, staging and/or diagnosis of prostate cancer were excluded from analysis. Four independent reviewers used the validated AGREE II instrument to assess the quality of clinical practice guidelines in 6 domains, including 1) scope and purpose, 2) stakeholder involvement, 3) rigor of development, 4) clarity of presenta...
Sensitive Catalase Test for End‐point Temperature of Heated Chicken Meat

Our improved method enables detection of catalase-related activities as a biochemical marker for estimating cooking end-point temperature (EPT). The broad range of inactivation temperature in chicken tissues was first determined to be >68 o C and <72 o C. Then samples were heated to EPTs from 69 to 71.5 o C at 0.5 o C intervals. The catalase activity at 23 and 37 o C was followed up to 120 min. The probability of obtaining a positive result with an EPT of 69 o C was ≥0.99 after 45 min when incubated at 23 o C. This probability decreased to ≤0.03 as EPT increased to 71 o C. Higher incubation temperatures (37 o C) increased the probability of positive results
Improved technique for recording cavernosometries

Two variables are introduced simultaneously in the process of artificial erection: penile circumference and perfusion flow. These are incorporated with intracorporeal pressure into a single paper-tracing for permanent record and comparison.