cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles Prepared by High Energy Milling

Nanoparticles of Zinc Ferrite (ZnFe2 O4 ) prepared by both wet- and dry- high-energy ball milling (HEBM), have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), surface area and pore size distribution (BET) and wavelength-dependent diffuse reflectance and scattering turned into absorption coefficient estimation using the Kubelka-Munk theory. It was found that after 72 hours of HEBM, the particle size was decreased from 220 nm for the initial material to 16.5 nm and 9.4 nm for the wet- and dry-milled samples, respectively. The optical absorption analysis revealed that the energy gap is increased (blue shift) by 0.45 eV for wet-milled and decreased (“anomalous” red shift) by 0.15 eV for dry-milled samples of ZnFe2 O4 as the particle size decreased.© 2009 ASME
Cad techniques in control systems

This chapter provides a brief historical note of computer-aided control systems design (CACSD) and reviews various techniques and tools. The scheme the data is structured and handled in many simulation packages are still much the same as they were in 1967, when the CSSL specifications were first introduced. When it comes to CACSD software, the simulation aspect of the system is no longer the main issue. Rather, it is the enhanced experimental description of the system that represents the important issue. Simulation is only one of the many software modules (tools) available within the CACSD software environment. In sequel, it refers to computational algorithms used for specific design purpose as CAD techniques and the software developed to realize them as CAD tools. It reviews that until recently, the CACSD packages data structures were just as poor as those among simulation languages. The lack of proper data structure causes great deal of data and time when going through inflexible question-and-answer protocols of earlier CAD packages. This trend followed until a matrix manipulation laboratory software program was introduced called MATLAB. The only data structure in MATLAB is a double-precision complex matrix. MATLAB offers a set of natural and consistent operators to be performed on matrices. The development of computer-aided design methods and programs has traditionally been dependent on the theoretical schemes available to the designer. The design methods, by and large, had been graphics in nature and were limited to single-input single-output (SISO) systems described in frequency domain. As the control systems became more complex that is with multi-inputs multiple-outputs (MIMO) systems, new design techniques and subsequently CAD tools were needed. The chapter also explores that CAD technique algorithms are categorized into three groups: (1) SlSO systems techniques, (2) MIMO systems techniques and, (3) large- scale systems techniques.
Spiro Mounds, Oklahoma: Dental Evidence for Subsistence Strategies

Spiro Mounds was a ceremonial complex located on the Arkansas River, situated in a natural corridor between the Southeast, the Plains, and the Southwestern United States. Considered a quintessential Mississippian site (ad 1000–ad 1450), Spiro was strategically placed as a cultural gateway. Here, dental evidence is presented to aid in the determination of dietary regime and overall population health. The hypothesis regarding the delayed transition to maize agriculture in the Arkansas River Valley will be tested through population comparisons of dental remains. This study will expand the bioarchaeological investigation of a region that has had limited systematic examination. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between Alluvial, Upland, and Plains environmental zones, and the pattern of dental pathology. Assaults on the dentition at Spiro are moderate. Caries and hypoplasia rates fall just under but approaching those expected for agricultural populations (57% and 49%, respectively). The high number of occlusal caries indicates slower cariogenic destruction and a slower attrition rate. Ante mortem tooth loss was low (18%), with moderate dental attrition (61%). The dental analysis of Spiro Mounds reveals a population with little generalised stress resulting from environmental or sociocultural influences. Comparisons of Spiro to other larger sites in the Mississippian sphere is revealing regarding widespread cultural traditions and their affect on population health; Spiro's unique circumstances give evidence of a population in transition to maize agriculture, but not fully committed to it. Higher status individuals were slower to change from the subsistence strategies that had made them biologically successful. Recent isotope data support this conclusion. The delayed role of maize agriculture at Spiro Mounds, as well as its ideal location within the Mississippian sphere, indicates a different social evolution than other influential Mississippian centres. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theory and explicit formulas for the design of optimum non-reciprocal negative-resistance amplifiers

Abstract General relations for the design of negative–resistance amplifiers using tunnel diodes are derived. Using these relations, explicit formulas for the element values of an optimum non-reciprocal negative–resistance amplifier having Butterworth or Chebyshev transducer power-gain characteristics of arbitrary order are presented. In developing the theory and formulas, we allow the frequency-dependent load impedance, and also include the series parasitic inductance used in the equivalent circuit representation of a tunnel diode. Thus, the design of such amplifiers is reduced to simple arithmetic.
On the Role of Coalescence between Raindrops in Shaping Their Size Distribution1

Abstract Numerical computations of the modification of raindrop size distribution by coalescence are presented. The initial distribution is defined by giving the drop concentrations at a discrete set of drop sizes of which the volumes are integral multiples of an elementary volume; in this way, the drop sizes produced by coalescence remain confined to the discrete set. It is found that an initial exponential distribution of the Marshall-Palmer type undergoes comparatively little change. On the other hand, much narrower initial distributions, consisting of drops of two sizes only, are found to undergo considerable change and tend toward an exponential distribution. The possible role of coalescence in generating observed raindrop size distributions from narrow initial distributions is discussed.
Benefits and liabilities of pets for the homeless

Observations in the streets and parks of San Francisco East Bay cities and suburbs suggested that many of the homeless people own and maintain pet animals in spite of circumstances and environmental conditions. Accordingly, 105 homeless adult men and women, half of whom owned pets, were interviewed for this pilot study. Responses indicated that homeless pet-owners were extremely attached to their pets and had owned significantly more pets during childhood and adolescence than nonowners although there were no significant differences in attachment to pets between parents and nonparents or between married and single persons. Providing food and veterinary care for pets, however, was a very significant problem for the majority of the homeless pet-owners. It was clear that many homeless adults did have pets which were important for their mental and physical health and that pet care was associated with unique problems.
Evaluation of Selected Commercial Starter Feeds for Sunfish Fry Culture

Abstract Sunfishes Lepomis spp. are cultivated as sport fish, and recently interest has been shown in culturing them as a food fish based on commercially available feeds that vary in composition according to the life stage of the fish. We evaluated seven commercial larval starter feeds with northern bluegill L. macrochirus macrochirus and redear sunfish L. microlophus in the effort to relate growth performance to diet nutrient composition. The dependent variables were production weight, survival rate, feed conversion ratio, and mean individual weight and length. The proximate composition and fatty acid and amino acid compositions of feeds were related to the dependent variables. Survival rate ranged from 84% to 96% for bluegills and from 15% to 35% for redear sunfish, and individual mean weights ranged from 67 to 238 mg and from 31 to 78 mg for these two species. Relating the compositional analysis of feeds to the dependent variables indicated that isoleucine influenced mean individual weight for both spe...
Association of microperoxisomes with the endoplasmic reticulum in the granulosa lutein cells of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Aldehyde fixed tissue from monkey (Macaca mulatta) corpus luteum was incubated in alkaline 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB), and prepared for electron microscopic histochemical observations. The association of microperoxisomes with the granular (GER) or agranular (AER) endoplasmic reticulum was reconstructed from serially sectioned tissues and by tilting of specimens in the microscope. Out of 107 microperoxisomes, 106 were directly associated with the AER. Two different forms of attachment were found between microperoxisomes and the AER. In the first type of connection, the lumen of the AER and that of the microperoxisome are confluent. In the second, ungulate type of connection, a blunt-end structure either is inserted into an invagination of the AER, or penetrates into the lumen of the AER. The lumen of the lingula is confluent with the microperoxisome, but not with the AER. In addition to these connections, fine thread-like structures were observed extending between AER and adjacent microperoxisomes.
Presence of Sodium–Calcium Exchanger/GM1 Complex in the Nuclear Envelope of Non-neural Cells: Nature of Exchanger-GM1 Interaction

Previous studies have revealed the presence of Na+Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) activity associated with GM1 ganglioside in the nuclear envelope (NE) of neurons and glia as well as various neural cell lines. The nuclear NCX1 exchanger, unlike that in the plasma membrane, was shown to be tightly associated with GM1 and potentiated by the latter. One non-neural cell line, Jurkat, was found to contain no Na+Ca2+ exchanger of the NCX1, NCX2, or NCX3 types in either nuclear or plasma membrane. To determine whether such absence in the NE is generally characteristic of non-neural cells we have examined two more such cell lines in addition to human lymphocytes. RT-PCR showed NCX1 expression in both HeLa and NCTC cell lines and also NCX2 in the latter; NCX3, a subtype previously observed in NG108-15 cells, was not expressed in either. Immunocytochemical and immunoblot studies indicated NCX1 on the cell surface and nuclear envelope of both cell types. Some alternatively spliced isoforms of NCX1 in the nuclear envelope of both cell types were tightly associated with ganglioside GM1. Human lymphocytes, a mixed population of T and B cells, showed similar evidence for plasma membrane and nuclear expression in some but not all cells. The high affinity association between NCX1 and GM1, explored by reaction with base, acid, and proteases, was found to involve charge–charge interaction with a requirement for a positively charged moiety in NCX.
Controlled synthesis, efficient purification, and electrochemical characterization of arc-discharge carbon nano-onions

Abstract Arc-produced carbon nano-onions (A-CNOs), with a hollow core surrounded by multilayered sp2 carbon shells, possess unique structural and electronic properties. While nanodiamond derived CNOs (5–7 nm) are attracting significant attentions, for A-CNOs (20–50 nm) controlling the growth and separating them from carbon impurities are the major challenges that impede further study and application of these materials. We have addressed these issues; first by designing an in-house automated underwater arc discharge apparatus to control the arc plasma that produces homogeneous A-CNOs (diameter 25–35 nm) with minimal carbon impurities. Secondly, for further purification we have developed a very efficient method by utilizing the strong preferential adsorption of polyoxometalates. A-CNO growth and purification were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the electrochemical properties and electrocatalytic activities of purified A-CNOs were investigated with various redox species including neurotransmitter molecules. Compared to glassy carbon (GC) electrode, A-CNO showed excellent electrochemical performances including larger faradaic currents and facilitated electron-transfer kinetics. Controlled synthesis, efficient purification and the excellent electrocatalytic activities of A-CNOs reported herein will enable the utilization of these materials for various applications including biosensing, fuel-cell catalysts and energy-storage devices.
Pain, pain, go away

Opening blocked arteries with stents or bypass surgery can improve blood circulation to the heart and alleviate incapacitating symptoms, such as chest pain. Yet, many patients with severe blockages are not candidates for standard approaches and continue to experience pain with minimal exertion. In these individuals, a new study by Verheye et al. demonstrates the potential of a device implanted in the coronary sinus that improves symptoms by counterintuitively resisting blood flow. As the coronary sinus is the major cardiac vein and is downstream of arterial blockages, this treatment is thought to increase backpressure and redistribute blood flow to poorly oxygenated heart tissue. In the phase II randomized study, 52 patients with refractory pain symptoms received the 'reducer' device, compared with 52 controls who underwent a mock procedure (both patient and follow-up investigators were blinded). After 6 months, patients receiving the device had markedly reduced chest pain—the equivalent of going from severe limitation with minimal activity to essentially no limitation at all. Although objective measures such as exercise tolerance and imaged heart motion did not improve significantly, quality of life did. In addition to showcasing the technology's promise, the trial highlights the growing importance of subjective metrics in modern cardiology—a field classically driven by objective outcomes like heart attack and death. To focus on quality of life, we must better understand the nuances of subjective responses to get the most out of emerging technologies aimed at symptom relief. Indeed, 40% of refractory patients in the control arm also had reduced pain—testament to the strength of placebo. As the reducer device continues to be vetted, it will be important to dissect which aspects of its effectiveness are linked to patient/provider perception and whether these effects can also be harnessed in clinical practice, outside the controlled context of a trial. S. Verheye et al ., Efficacy of a device to narrow the coronary sinus in refractory angina. N. Engl. J. Med. 372 , 519–527 (2015).[[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1402556
Narrative Autoethnography and the Promotion of Spiritual Well-Being in Teacher Research and Practice.

This article demonstrates through an example the usefulness of autoethnography as a mechanism for teachers acquiring clarity about their spiritual experiences, which has the potential to contribute to facilitating pupils’ spiritual growth. I begin by examining the role of the spiritual dimension in the promotion of a holistic model of education. The purposes and ethical implications of autoethnographic research and its benefits for teacher development are addressed. A story about illness, neurosurgery and rehabilitation is presented, written according to introspective and autoethnographic techniques. The narrative reflects aspects of the writer’s spiritual growth and highlights the need among teachers to explore their own spiritual well‐being as much as the spiritual well‐being of their pupils. Suggestions are made about the diverse use of narrative to promote spiritual learning experiences in the classroom. This is an important part of the work carried out by teachers in the delivery of a curriculum that...
Prediction of drug clearance in children 3 months and younger: an allometric approach

Background Sometimes it might not be possible to conduct a pharmacokinetic (PK) study in neonates and infants. Under these circumstances, one would like to predict PK parameters in this age group. Because drug clearance is the most important PK parameter, the objective of this study was to describe an allometric method to predict drug clearance in children ≤3 months. Methods In total, 43 drugs (107 observations) were randomly selected for this study. The age of the children ranged from 0 to 1 year. Children were divided into two groups: ≤3 months and ≥3 months to 1 year. Drug clearance (CL) in children was predicted using the following equation: CL in the child=adult CL×(weight of the child/70)(0.75 or 1.0 or 1.2). Results The results of the study indicated that the exponent 1.2 performs better in the prediction of drug clearance than exponent 1.0 or 0.75 for children ≤3 months. By contrast, exponent 1.0 provided better prediction for children ≥3 months to 1 year than exponent 1.2. Exponent 0.75 provided the worst results leading to substantial prediction error in children 0-1 year (in many instances more than 1000% prediction error). Conclusions Overall, it appears that exponent 1.2 is the best method out of three methods for reasonably accurate prediction of drug clearance in children ≤3 months old. However, exponent 1.2 will underpredict drug clearance in children older than 3 months. The suggested approach could be used to support the choice of the initial dose in clinical trials for children ≤3 months old.
Renal Failure Requiring Dialysis Complicating Slow Continuous Ultrafiltration in Acute Heart Failure: Importance of Systolic Perfusion Pressure

Abstract Background Recent reports have raised concerns regarding renal outcomes in patients with decompensated acute heart failure (HF) treated with slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF). The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for renal failure (RF) requiring dialysis in patients with acute HF initiated on SCUF. Methods and Results We studied 63 consecutive patients with acute HF who required SCUF because of congestion refractory to hemodynamically guided intensive medical therapy. Median serum creatinine at SCUF initiation was higher in patients who developed RF requiring dialysis [2.5 (interquartile range 1.8–3.3) vs 1.6 (1.2–2.3) mg/dL; P P = .03]. Systolic perfusion pressure had a nonlinear association with RF requiring dialysis, with a threshold effect noted at 90 mm Hg. Twelve-month mortality in patients who were moved to dialysis versus those who were not was 95% versus 35%, respectively ( P Conclusions In patients with acute HF initiated on SCUF, onset of RF requiring dialysis is associated with high mortality. Systolic perfusion pressure which incorporates both perfusion and venous congestion parameters may present a modifiable risk factor for worsening RF during SCUF in acute HF patients.
Shaly sand formation evaluation using a single membrane potential measurement

Abstract A new equation is derived that directly relates shaly sand conductivity to the membrane potential. The relationship between the resistivity index and the water saturation is also expressed in terms of a single membrane potential measurement. The data presented by Smits (1968) and Waxman and Smits (1968) are used to test the model. The membrane potentials measured at different salinities are compared with model predictions using a single membrane potential measurement. Excellent agreement is obtained. The curves of conductivity of the reservoir rock versus the conductivity of the saturating fluid are then generated using the model equations and compared with measured curves. Again the agreement is excellent. Experimental results are presented for membrane potential measurements made in our laboratory on 30 tight gas sand samples. It is shown that the measurements can be correlated with the cation exchange capacity, although the cation exchange capacity measured by grinding up the samples was always higher than that estimated from membrane potential measurements. The membrane potential measurements are combined with the equations for partial saturation developed in this paper to obtain water saturations in a tight gas sand well. Through this example it is shown that it is possible to determine the water saturation in shaly sands from one membrane potential measurement at a known salinity together with a set of resistivity logs. The results clearly demonstrate the applicability of the method as a practical procedure for shaly sand formation evaluation.
Distinct Steps in the Adsorption of Pulmonary Surfactant to an Air-Liquid Interface

To investigate the mechanisms by which vesicles of pulmonary surfactant adsorb to an air-liquid interface, we measured the effect of different phospholipids and of their concentration both in the subphase and at the interface on this process. Adsorbing vesicles contained the hydrophobic surfactant proteins mixed with the following four sets of surfactant phospholipids that varied the content of anionic headgroups and mixed acyl chains independently: the complete set of purified phospholipids (PPL) from calf surfactant; modified PPL (mPPL) from which the anionic phospholipids were removed; a mixture of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) (9:1, mol:mol); and DPPC alone. The initial reduction in surface tension depended strongly on the anionic phospholipids and the subphase concentration. The acyl groups had no effect. Adsorption beyond the initial stage depended more on the mixed acyl groups, became increasingly independent of subphase concentration, and was determined instead by the interfacial concentration of the surface film. The different constituents produced the same effects in vesicles adsorbing to a clean interface or in a preexisting film to which vesicles of SP:DPPC adsorbed. Adsorption for vesicles of SP:PPL adsorbing to DPPC or of SP:DPPC to PPL above a certain threshold surface concentration followed exactly the same isotherm. Our results fit best with a two-step model for adsorption. The anionic phospholipids first promote the initial juxtaposition of vesicles to the interface. Compounds with mixed acyl constituents at the point of contact between vesicle and interface then facilitate fusion with the surface.
Quasiparticle anisotropy and pseudogap formation from the weak-coupling renormalization group point of view.

Using the one-loop functional renormalization group technique, we evaluate the self-energy in the weak-coupling regime of the 2D $t\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}{t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ Hubbard model. At van Hove (vH) band fillings and at low temperatures, the quasiparticle weight along the Fermi surface (FS) continuously vanishes on approaching the $(\ensuremath{\pi},0)$ point where the quasiparticle concept is invalid. Away from vH band fillings the quasiparticle peak is formed inside an anisotropic pseudogap and the self-energy has the conventional Fermi-liquid characteristics near the Fermi level. The spectral weight of the quasiparticle features is reduced on parts of the FS between the near vicinity of hot spots and the FS points closest to $(\ensuremath{\pi},0)$ and $(0,\ensuremath{\pi})$.
Severe Peripheral Vascular Deterioration in Scleroderma: A Case Report

A report of a case of long-standing Scleroderma (Progressive Systemic Sclerosis) is presented to emphasize the severe consequences of vascular compromise in the hand. the disease process is reviewed and is illustrated by the arteriographic findings in this patient.
Rise of the nano machines.

The article discusses the development of the next generation of atomic-scale devices. The author envisions a future where the assembly of digital processors and memory, energy generators, and other devices are on a scale that can not be seen by the human eye and manufactured products will not only contain nanotechnology, but will be nanotechnology. Several nanoscale technologies are discussed including nanoelectronic tissue scaffolding, spintronic memory and logic devices, and photonic integrated circuits that use light to carry information.
IHF Modulation of Tn10 Transposition: Sensory Transduction of Supercoiling Status via a Proposed Protein/DNA Molecular Spring

Abstract Architectural protein IHF modulates Tn10 transposition in vitro. IHF stimulates transposon excision. Also, separately, IHF forces transposon end/target DNA interactions into a constrained pathway, "channeling," that yields only unknotted intratransposon inversion circles. Negative supercoiling influences both effects, differently. We infer that IHF is an architectural catalyst: it promotes initial transpososome assembly and is then ejected from the transpososome. IHF then rebinds, altering transpososome conformation to promote channeling. We also infer that the developing transpososome is a molecular spring: DNA provides basic elasticity; a conformational change in transposase provides force; and IHF and/or supercoiling provide conformational inputs. In vivo, IHF is a sensory transducer of chromosomal supercoiling status: with supercoiling absent, IHF is "supercoiling relief factor"; with supercoiling present, stimulation and channeling comprise a homeostatic pair such that modest changes in chromosome condition strongly influence transpositional outcome.
Transition Mechanisms in Conventional Hypersonic Wind Tunnels

A recently developed theory that addresses bypass transition is used to study mechanisms responsible for transition in two-dimensional/axisymmetric e ows in conventional hypersonic wind tunnels. It is shown that transition in such facilities, where the intensity is in excess of 1%, is a result of a combined bypass/second-mode mechanism. This mechanism is validated by comparing predictions of the theory with heat transfer measurements carried out for straight and e ared sharp cones at zero angle of attack, a Mach number of 7.93, and unit Reynolds numbers of 1.6‐8.2 £ 10 6 /m. In general, good agreement with experiment is indicated. Nomenclature a = model constants (e rst-mode) a1‐a3 = model constants dee ned in Eq. (6) b = model constants (second-mode ) cπ = constant, 0.09 k = turbulent kinetic energy, m 2 /s 2 M = Mach number Q m = rms of mass e ux, kg/m 2 ¢s N m = mean mass e ux, kg/m 2 ¢s P = pressure, Pa qw = heat e ux at the wall, W/m 2 Re = Reynolds number
Loudness Adaptation: Fact or Artifact?

In the present study, the authors tested the hypothesis that contrast effects confound the Ipsilateral Comparison Paradigm (ICP). Bidirectional referents were used in which base tones of 50 or 70 dB alternated with referents of greater or lesser intensity in a 3.5-min listening period. The contrast hypothesis leads to the expectation that the bidirectional referents would produce opposing effects that should nullify time-based loudness changes in the common base tone. Contrary to that expectation, base-tone loudness declined significantly over time in the context of the bidirectional referents, and the loudness of the referents also declined significantly over time. Thus, the results of the study testified to the validity of the ICP as a contrast-free measure of broad-based loudness adaptation.
Bimetallic metal alkyl systems; synthesis and characterization of the Ni[Salen]·Zn(C2H5)2 adduct

Abstract The reaction between Ni[Salen] (Salen  bis(salicylaldehyde)ethylenediiminato) and Zn(C 2 H 5 ) 2 in hydrocarbon solvents yields the Ni[Salen]·Zn(C 2 H 5 ) 2 adduct. An X-ray crystal structure (monoclinic, space group P 2 1 / c , a 12.835(5), b 14.072(11), c 13.766(8) A, β 117.48(5)°, V 2206(5) A 3 , Z = 4) shows that the Zn atom is surprisingly weakly coordinated to the cis oxygen atoms of the Salen ligand. The averagen ZnO distance is 2.321(6) A leading to an acute OZnO angle of 63.1(2)°. The CZn angle of 147.9(4)° is also indicative of a relative weak interaction of the Zn with the Salen oxygen atoms. The Zn atom is displaced 0.78 A from the least-squares plane of the Ni coordination plane. There were no chemically significant changes in the coordination parameters of Ni[Salen] on adduct formation. Attempts to form adducts with other related systems are discussed.
The release of leukotriene B4-like material in biologically active amounts from the lesional skin of patients with psoriasis.

The 5,12-dihydroxy metabolite of arachidonic acid, leukotriene B 4 , is a highly potent neutrophil chemoattractant. In view of the characteristic epidermal neutrophil infiltrate in psoriasis, the presence of leukotriene B 4 in samples from untreated lesional and uninvolved skin has been sought. Chambers were fixed to abraded skin and filled with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). After 35 mm, the fluid was removed, and acidic lipids were extracted and subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Extracts were purified by both straight- and reversed-phase HPLC, and assay of evaporated fractions by an agarose microdroplet chemokinesis technique indicated the presence of leukotriene B 4 -like material. No significant leukotriene B 4 - like activity was found in samples from uninvolved skin. Subsequent experiments using a modification of the initial skin chamber method indicated that leukotriene B 4 was being released from deeper layers of lesional skin and not only from superficial scale. Monohydroxy-ei- cosatetraenoic acid-like activity was also seen in lesional samples as determined by straight-phase HPLC and chemokinesis assay. These findings and the proinflammatory properties of these compounds in human skin suggest that they may play a role in the pathogenesis of the psoriatic neutrophil infiltrate.
Some non-abelian Q-balls

Abstract Q -balls are a class of extended objects that arise in a large group of field theories with unbroken global symmetries. Earlier work investigated the properties of these objects for theories with abelian symmetries. We extend this work to some simple models with symmetry groups SO(3) and SU(3). We also develop parts of the theory of long-wavelength excitations of a general Q -ball.
‘The Modern Disciple of the Academy’: Hume, Shelley, and Sir William Drummond

Sir William Drummond (1770?-1828) enjoyed considerable notoriety in the early nineteenth century as the author of the Academical Questions (1805), a manifesto for immaterialism that is at the same time a creative synthesis of ancient and modern forms of scepticism. In this paper I advance an interpretation of Drummond's work that emphasises his extensive employment and adaptation of Hume's own ‘Academical or Sceptical Philosophy’. I also document the impact of the Academical Questions on the contemporary philosophical scene, including its decisive influence on Shelley's philosophical development.
Cell adhesion and sorting in embryoid bodies derived from N- or E-cadherin deficient murine embryonic stem cells

The primitive endoderm epithelial structure in mouse blastocysts forms following cell differentiation and subsequent sorting, and this two-step process can be reproduced in vitro using an embryoid body model. We found that in the chimeric embryoid bodies consisting of paired wildtype and E-cadherin null ES cells, the wildtype sorted to the center and were enveloped by the less adhesive E-cadherin null cells, in accord with Steinberg's hypothesis. However, wildtype and N-cadherin null ES cells intermixed and did not segregate, a situation that may be explained by Albert Harris' modified principle, which incorporates the unique properties of living cells. Furthermore, in chimeric embryoid bodies composed of N-cadherin and E-cadherin null ES cells, the two weakly interacting cell types segregated but did not envelop one another. Lastly, the most consistent and striking observation was that differentiated cells sorted to the surface and formed an enveloping layer, regardless of the relative cell adhesive affinity of any cell combination, supporting the hypothesis that the ability of the differentiated cells to establish apical polarity is the determining factor in surface sorting and positioning.
Application of multivariate statistics in a risk-based approach to regulatory compliance.

Abstract The application of risk analysis as a method to ensure food safety presents significant challenges to the regulatory community, including developing sampling and regulatory scheme based on historical data that focuses attention on firms with poor compliance records. This study examines the application of multivariate statistical analysis including principle component analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis to characterize Texas feed and fertilizer firms’ ability to manufacture nutritionally uniform products. Multivariate statistical results from a three year continuous data set and three variables were used to develop a sampling plan in which the best performing feed and fertilizer manufacturers were sampled at the lowest sampling percentage of the facilities. Sampling was optimized within each group to achieve the target number of total samples for the 2007 plan of work for the Office of the Texas State Chemist.
Nested set languages for functional databases

Abstract A class of languages based on nested sets are introduced in the context of functional databases. The major linguistic characteristics of each are identified and compared with others. The significance of the functional model and the nested set languages are demonstrated through examples.
Age and wealth: a cross/within‐cohort analysis

The Life Cycle Income Hypothesis (LIH) suggests specific wealth accumulation/decumulation behaviour. The purpose of this study was to determine whether empirical support for the LIH existed among a group of respondents as they entered the retirement stage of life. Results indicate that the appropriateness of the LIH as an explanatory theory of wealth accumulation/decumulation is contingent on how wealth is defined.
Kinetics of muscular contraction in heavy water.

VARIOUS lines of evidence, for example, involvement of sulphydryl groups and adenosine triphosphatase, suggest that the rate-limiting process for muscular contraction may be proton transfer. In this event, one would expect the rate of either isometric or isotonic contraction to be slowed up in the presence of heavy water (D2O). According to a recent analysis1, which of the two most affected will depend on whether activation or production of tension is involved.
Electrical mobilities of multiply charged ionic-liquid nanodrops in air and carbon dioxide over a wide temperature range: influence of ion-induced dipole interactions.

The electrical mobilities of hundreds of mass-selected, multiply charged nanodrops (2–6 nm in diameter) of the ionic liquid EMI-BF4 have been measured in air and CO2 at temperatures, T, ranging from 20 to 100 °C, extending previous studies, based on EMI-N(CN)2 nanodrops in air at 20 °C, to other temperatures and drift gases. The known compressibility of EMI-BF4 removes prior slight ambiguities in the mass-based determination of nanodrop diameters. We confirm the previous finding that the collision cross-sections Ω of these nanodrops, inferred from their electrical mobilities, are related to their diameters d via a relation of the form , where e* is the ratio between the polarization and thermal energies of the ion–gas molecule system at contact, f(Kn) is a continuum-correction that vanishes in the free-molecule limit, and the coefficients dg, β, and ξ are inferred experimentally as functions of temperature and drift gas. This expression for Ω(d,z) enables determining true (geometric) cross-sections of globular ions from their measured electrical mobilities in molecular gases. We also corroborate prior reports that the drag-enhancement factor ξ, which remains nearly constant with temperature and drift-gas, exceeds slightly the value ξm ≈ 1.36 established by Millikan's oil drop measurements. Unexpectedly, the coefficient β shows a significant temperature dependence, suggesting that the ion–gas molecule scattering process is affected by T. The effective gas-molecule collision diameter dg is seen to decrease with T, and takes a value in excess of 0.45 nm in CO2 at 20 °C, considerably larger than in room-temperature air.
Queuing models for providing quality of service to transactive loads

Demand Side Management (DSM) and Demand-Response (DR) programs are aimed at exploiting the intrinsic elasticity of electricity demand to make it responsive to the near term cost of supplying generation. Loads that automatically respond to incentives, are referred to as “transactive”. While it is clear that DSM and DR will be indispensable to loosen the control over the generation and decrease the reserves requirements, there is much debate on what is the right architecture for DSM and DR programs. It is possible that one solution will not fit all possible loads. In this talk, we discuss a model to digitize and aggregate smart loads requests that allows to properly account for inconvenience costs, while modulating the load demand time optimally to come as close as possible to the energy dispatch. We envision that, in addition to pricing, rewarding the tolerance to service delays can be considered as additional powerful mechanism to operate the market efficiently, especially when tapping in micro-grid green generation. The solution we propose provides a natural model for Vehicles to Grid service (V2G), that can be easily extended to a large class of transactive loads.
Quality of Life after Treatment for Gynecologic Malignancies: A Pilot Study in an Outpatient Clinic

Abstract Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the health-related quality of life (QOL) of disease-free patients after therapy for gynecologic malignancies at follow-up in an outpatient clinic. Methods. Eighty-five patients (P) completed the general Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G) QOL questionnaire at least 6 months after treatment for a gynecologic malignancy. Responses were compared to 42 unmatched healthy women (H) who were seen for standard gynecologic screening exams. Statistical evaluation was done using t tests, χ 2 ,and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, Spearman rank correlations, and linear regression. Results. The demographic data for the groups were as follows: median age P, 59 years; H, 56 years; Caucasian P, 51%; H, 56%, African American P, 49%; H, 44%, cervix cancer ( n = 51, 60%), uterine cancer ( n = 24, 28%), ovarian cancer ( n = 10, 12%). The median time since therapy was 39 months (range 6–149 months). There were no overall differences in FACT-G scores of patients and healthy women. Cancer survivors scored slightly higher on the emotional well-being subscale (mean 20.4 vs 19.2). Among cancer patients, all scores were lowest in patients with ovarian cancer. Longer treatment time was associated with a lower physical well-being. Older patients scored higher on emotional well-being, but lower on social/family well-being. Poor education and no help at home were associated with lower functional well-being and total FACT scores. Linear regression analysis revealed significantly lower total QOL scores in patients with the following characteristics: ovarian cancer diagnosis, treatment with radiation therapy or multi-modality therapy, less than high school education, and lack of help at home. Conclusion. Overall the recovery from treatment for gynecological cancer is good. Patients with ovarian cancer, prolonged therapy, poor education, and little social support have the most significant impairments in health-related quality of life and need additional support resources.
Excimer laser machining and metallization of vias in aluminium nitride

Abstract Aluminium nitride (AlN) is a high thermal conductivity, high electrical resistivity, low dielectric constant ceramic with a small thermal coefficient of expansion mismatch to silicon. Machining and metallization processes for fired AlN are needed for prototype and small scale fabrication of power hybrid substrates and multichip module packages. Ablation has been investigated with a KrF (248 nm) laser to determine the dependence of ablation rate on ambient pressure, fluence and hole depth. Ablation rate is constant with increasing depth, and increases with increasing fluence and decreasing pressure. Depth control of less than 0.2 μm pulse−1 can be achieved and vias can be metallized by ablating a metal sheet attached to the substrate. The attached sheet also prevents fracture of the substrate by absorbing shock waves generated during ablation.
A facile synthesis of (+-deoxypseudophrynaminol

A one-step synthesis of (+)-deoxypseudophrynaminol, a racemic deoxy analog of the natural product pseudophrynaminol, is described.
High-resolution focal plane image processing

Two types of focal plane image processing chips are presented. They address the two extremes of the application spectrum: general purpose and application specific designs. They both exploit the promise of focal-plane computation offered by CMOS technology. The general-purpose computational sensor, a 16x16 pixels prototype (easily scalable to larger arrays), has been fabricated in a standard 1.2 μ CMOS process, and its spatio-temporal filtering capabilities have been successfully tested. An array larger than 300x300 array will use only 0.5% of the chip area for the processing unit while providing multiple spatio-temporally processed images in parallel. The 16x16 chip performs 1 GOPS/mW (5.5-bit scale-accumulate) while computing four spatio-temporal images in parallel. The application specific system realizes a hybrid imaging system by combining a 120 X 36 low-noise active pixel sensor (APS) array with a 60x36 current mode motion detection and centroid localization array. These two arrays are spatially interleaved. The APS array, which integrates photo-generated charges on a capacitor in each pixel, includes column parallel correlated double sampling for fixed pattern noise reduction. The current mode array operates in continuous time, however, the programmable motion detection circuit indicates if the intensity of light at pixel is time varying. The centroid, x and y position, of all time varying pixels is computed using circuits located at the edges of the array. Clocked at greater than 60 fps, the chip consumes less than 2 mW.
Telomeric associations and consistent growth factor overexpression detected in giant cell tumor of bone

Abstract Tumor specimens from 15 patients with giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone were cytogenetically analyzed. A subset of five individuals had tumor cells harvested and polyadenylated RNA isolated. Multiple Northern blots were performed utilizing radiolabeled probes for the growth factors TGFβ1, TGFβ2, TGFβ3, and TGFα (TGF, transforming growth factor). RNAs from other types of neoplasms and nonneoplastic cells were examined as controls. The most consistent cytogenetic abnormality detected involved multiple telomeric associations (TAs), most frequently involving the terminus of the long arm of chromosome 19 (19q). Northern blot analysis revealed a consistent expression of TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 with an inconsistent mRNA expression for the other TGFs. There was a relative overexpression of mRNA for TGFβ2. The gene location for TGFβ1 is near the 19q terminus and thus it is speculated that TGFβ may play a role in the neoplastic transformation of GCT.
The Bilaminar Zone of the Meniscus

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUALE ROLO DEL ZONA BILAMINAR IN LE LIMITATION DEL MOVIMENTO RETRUSIVE.—Con le objectivo de determinar si o non le zona bilaminar-per le presentia de tissu erectil-es un factor in limitar le movimento retrusive del condylo mandibular, le systema vascular de fetos human esseva perfusionate con un solution de tinta de China. Le articulationes temporomandibular esseva secate ab le cranios, acclarate, e examinate sub un microscopio dissecante. Sectiones histologic ab articulationes adulte esseva etiam examinate pro confirmar le constatationes in le specimens fetal. Le observationes, quando comparate con alteres in tissus de cognoscite erectilitate, indicava que proprietates erectil non existe in le zona bilaminar. Es a concluder que le zona bilaminar non ha un rolo active in limitar le movimento retrusive del condylo mandibular.
Bijective comparison of optimal planarity algorithms

The Hopcroft-Tarjan and Lempel-Even-Cederbaum algorithms have generally been viewed as different approaches to planarity testing and graph embedding. Canfield and Williamson proved that, with slight modification to the Hopcroft-Tarjan algorithm, these two algorithms can be structured in such a way that they are indistinguishabel on all planar graphs in terms of the order in which the vertices are processed the situation in the case of nonplanar graphs is not discussed by Canfield and Williamson and is, in fact, much more complex. We extend the bijective techniques for comparing these two algorithms to the nonplanar case. Based on a classification scheme for the Structure of overlap graphs, we precisely characterize when one of these algorithms performs better than the other.
Toolmaking, Hunting, and the Origin of Language

To the inarticulateness of nature (wo)man has added a new dimension—speech. S/He is the only creature who talks, in the sense of using a shared set of abstract rules for creating and communicating ideas about the world. Hence, it has more than once been suggested that, instead of being called by that oafishly arrogant, prematurely self-bestowed name Homo sapiens, s/he would be more accurately described as Homo loquens.
Intracerebroventricular infusions of morphine, and blockade with naloxone, modify the olfactory preferences for pup odors in lactating rats

Abstract Systemic morphine exposure disrupts both maternal behavior (MB) and postpartum aggression, possibly through alterations of olfactory preferences [29]. In the current studies, adult female rats were timed mated and implanted with a unilateral cannula in the lateral ventricle. On day 5 or 6 of lactation, the females were infused with either morphine (2.0 μg) or saline (5 μl) (Experiment 1); or, they were infused with 2.0 μg morphine and saline or morphine plus 0.5 μg naloxone (Experiment 2). One hour later, they were exposed to bedding soiled by pups, or to clean bedding. The amount of time spent investigating the two bedding types was compared. Morphine produced an aversion to the odor of pups, relative to the saline condition, wherein the females expressed a preference for the odor of pups. Naloxone reversed the effect of the morphine, restoring the preference for pup odors in the females. Thus, morphine disruption of MB may be due to central action on olfactory sensory mechanisms.
Some symmetry aspects of the local-mode description of vibrational structure†

In the local-mode description of vibrational structure, the nuclear coordinates—unlike the usual normal coordinates—do not reflect the molecular symmetry. Accordingly, the local-mode product wave functions must be symmetry adapted. We discuss this simple procedure in light of its implications for the localization of vibrational energy and the dissociation limits of molecular excited states. These properties are in turn related to the separability of the total nuclear Hamiltonian and to the different ways in which the vibrational anharmonicity is “absorbed” by the local and normal coordinates.
Comparison of nonlinear effects of linearly and circularly polarized picosecond pulses propagating in optical fibers

The observation of polarization preservation of circularly polarized pulses and depolarization of linearly polarized pulses as functions of input intensity in single-mode nonbirefringent optical fibers is modeled by the cross-amplitude modulation effects between the left-hand and the right-hand circularly polarized pulses. These observations are attributed to an asymmetric nonlinear susceptibility tensor and may lead to novel designs for fiber polarization communication and computation systems.