cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In situ spectroscopic determination of the activation energies for the growth of silver nanoparticles in silica nanofilms in nitrogen atmosphere

Abstract An in situ non-destructive optical microspectroscopy investigation of the growth of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in SiO2 nanofilms deposited on soda-lime glass has been conducted during thermal processing under a nitrogen atmosphere. The time variation in Ag NP size was monitored by fitting the surface plasmon resonance with spectra calculated by Mie theory. The spectroscopic data was analyzed in the context of crystal growth theory and the atmosphere/film/substrate physicochemical interactions. The Ag NPs were indicated to grow first through a diffusion-based process and subsequently via Ostwald ripening. The analysis of a set of time-dependent isotherms has allowed for estimating the activation energies for silver diffusion at 2.5 eV for the initial growth stage and 3.2 eV for the ripening.
The effect of multitasking on time perception, enjoyment, and ad evaluation

Performing multiple mediated tasks while commercials were playing made participants perceive time as passing more quickly.Media multitasking increased overall task enjoyment.Media multitasking increased ad evaluations.The influence of multitasking on ad evaluations was mediated by the perception of the passage of time. Advances in media technology allow people to frequently engage in multiple mediated tasks simultaneously (multitasking). Media multitasking can also be a way to split attention away from uninteresting or low stimulation tasks. But how does multitasking affect evaluations of the tasks and task content? This study investigated how multitasking affects evaluations of commercials. Participants either only watched the ads or performed additional task(s) while the ads were playing. The results showed that performing additional on-screen tasks while commercials were playing led participants to perceive time as passing more quickly compared to when they just watched the commercials. Moreover, multi-window multitasking increased overall task enjoyment and increased ad evaluations, an effect that was mediated by the perception of how quickly time was passing while the ads were playing.
Economic evaluation of ethanol fuel production from agricultural crops and residues in California

Abstract The economic feasibility of producing ethanol fuel from a variety of starch and sugar rich crops and crop residues at an off-farm cooperative scale plant (3,408,000 L/y) is evaluated within an agriculturally diverse and productive region of the Sacramento Valley, California (U.S.A.). A linear programming model of a county (Yolo) representative of the region is used to compare conventional starch and sugar crop fermentation and distillation technology with innovative cellulosic hydrolysis. Parametric programming is used to estimate breakeven prices for ethanol fuel production for several different planning scenarios. Land use data in the model are based upon 1981 crop hectarage inventory maps, a soil quality map, and a map of different trip distances to a centrally located plant. Vegetable and field crop hectarages of barley, corn, grain sorghum, rice, sugar beet, tomato, and wheat are digitized and upper and lower hectarage flexibility restraints are estimated by regression based upon hectarage changes in the past. High and medium productivity soil groups, Storie Index Rating (SIR) I and II, and III and IV, respectively, are also digitized. SIR is used to classify soils on the basis of pedologic characteristics and their usefulness to agriculture. Trip distance costs for trucking are calculated for 13, 26, and 39 km routes. Candidate starch and sugar feedstocks include barley, corn, corn silage, grain sorghum, wheat, fodder beet, Jerusalem artichoke, sugar beet, and sweet sorghum. Lignocellulosic feedstocks include the residues of barley, corn, grain sorghum, rice, and wheat. Planning options comparing the effect of including or excluding currently available subsidies in the form of tax credits on ethanol fuel breakeven prices are modeled for a base year, 1981, and a forecast year, 1992, when these subsidies are scheduled to expire. Technological innovation is assumed to reduce capital costs by 20% by 1992. Prices of gasoline and diesel fuel are projected to rise from $0.34 and $0.30 per liter respectively, to $0.75 and $0.71 per liter (1981 $), respectively. It was found that in 1981 the least-cost feedstock using conventional fermentation technology was fodder beet. Estimated breakeven prices sufficient to equal fixed, variable, and opportunity costs of production were $0.29 and $0.46 per liter, with and without subsidy, respectively. In 1992, the least-cost feedstock will also be fodder beet. Its estimated breakeven price is $0.40 per liter. For lignocellulosic feedstocks, breakeven costs using acid hydrolysis technology ranged from $0.27 to $0.35 per liter depending upon conversion efficiency and subsidization. By 1992, the estimated breakeven cost could range from $0.42 to $0.47 per liter without subsidization. Fodder beet appears more favorable than other fuel crops because of its cheaper storage costs, a factor not shared by sweet sorghum or Jerusalem artichoke when the distillery is operated year round rather than seasonally.
An in vitro Evaluation of Artificial Caries-like Lesions on Restored Overdenture Abutments

An acidified dialyzed gelatin gel system was used to determine the caries resistance of a variety of restorative materials used to obturate the canal orifice of overdenture abutment teeth. The restorative materials used were Tytin, Tytin + Copalite, P30 + Scotchbond, Fuji Ionomer-Type II, and Miracle Mix. Polarized light microscopy and microradiography were used to examine the caries-like lesions adjacent to the restorations. The lesions formed in the Fuji Ionomer-Type II and Miracle Mix groups appeared arrested at the wall adjacent to the restoration, and did not penetrate apically down the wall as did those associated with the other restorative materials. The mean depths of lesions adjacent to Fuji Ionomer-Type II and Miracle Mix restorations were significantly less than those of Tytin, Tytin + Copalite, or P30 + Scotchbond.
Pallidotomy: Theory and Technique

Abstract:Pallidotomy, the surgical destruction of portions of the globus pallidus, is now frequently performed to treat patients with Parkinson's disease. As a consequence of dopamine loss in the brain of a patient with Parkinson's disease, the globus pallidus internal segment (GPi) is overactive. A
Using Work System Theory to Link Managerial and Technical Perspectives on BPM

Work system theory (WST) provides a bridge between managerial and technical perspectives on BPM that often seem distant from each other. In combination, the work system framework, underlying work system metamodel, and the work system life cycle model provide a number of bridges between those perspectives. In relation to managerial BPM, the work system framework treats "business process" as one of nine elements in a basic understanding of a work system. The others are participants, information, technology, products/services, customers, environment, infrastructure, and strategies. The underlying metamodel outlines a precise structure for analysis and design of work systems and for links to technical aspects of BPM. It provides details that are omitted from the work system framework, which has proven useful for initial high level summaries but is not granular enough to support detailed design and documentation. The work system life cycle model combines planned and unplanned (emergent) change through which work systems evolve. This paper explains where WST fits in the general realm of BPM-related topics and how WST might help in developing BPM further. It also identifies challenges and next steps related to using WST to expand the scope of BPM.
Sexy Thrills: undressing the erotic thriller

Sexy Thrills: undressing the erotic thriller NINA K. MARTIN Urbana and Chicago, IL, University of Illinois Press, 2007 vii+206 pp., $65.00 (cloth) Nina K. Martin's analysis of the direct-to-video (...
IN VITRO CULTURE AND PRECOCIOUS GERMINATION OF TAXUS EMBRYOS

The lengthy dormancy requirement of yew seeds can be overcome with a simple in vitro method. Viable embryos were excised from seeds ofTaxus brevifolia and four cultivars ofT. media over a range of developmental stages. Embryos were cultured in several basal media formulations (Whites’, Gamborg’s B5 and Murashige and Skoog’s) under dark or light. After a lag period of 1 to 2 wk, embryos of both species germinated precociously. Germination rates of up to 70% were obtained withT. media cv. Hicksi embryos. The highest rates of germination were obtained in White’s and MS media. Embryos excised from green seeds with undeveloped arils showed the highest germination rates. As the seeds approached maturity, in vitro germination rates of the excised embryos declined dramatically. Green seeds and seeds with developing arils could be stored at 5° C without large loss in embryo germination. Seeds with fully developed arils could be stored frozen at −20° C for 1 wk while still allowing about 50% of embryo germination. At least 30% of the precociously germinated embryos of both species were able to develop into full seedlings. Our method appears to be generally applicable toTaxus spp.
THE NEWHAVEN EXPEDITION, 1562–1563

England's decision to opt for the reformed religion had major repercussions in her foreign relations. Continental and Scottish protestants now looked to their royal co-religionist for protection. An intervention in Scotland on behalf of the reformers was triumphantly successful. When the French protestants took arms in 1562 they turned to Elizabeth for aid. Cecil was hesitant; Robert Dudley, however, backed by Throckmorton, urged armed intervention. The queen agreed but drove a hard bargain. The Huguenots were to hand over Newhaven (Le Havre) to be held by the English until Calais was returned. She in turn loaned money to hire mercenaries. From the beginning the alliance faltered. Elizabeth refused succour to the Huguenots besieged in Rouen. Conde and Coligny opened negotiations with Catherine de Medici, in which English interests were disregarded. In due course the assassination of the duke of Guise, the catholic champion, opened the way for a settlement. The reunited French parties joined in an assault on Newhaven; a humiliating surrender followed. The ill success of this venture was decisive in shaping the future course of English relations with their continental co-religionists. At home it marked the emergence of Robert Dudley as a major player in high politics.
A modeling package for simulation of computer networks

The VANS (Value Added Network Simulator) system re presents a new approach to the simulation of distrib uted resource-sharing computer networks. It allows the network designer either to manipulate the struc ture of the protocols (sets of rules) that govern the handling of communications in different types of networks or to investigate the effects of changing the parameters of networks operating under a fixed set of protocols. This paper describes the VANS sys tem and its use in conducting a wide range of experi ments in network design. While a number of simula tion programs permit experimenting with network parameters, VANS is the first to permit both that type of experimentation and experimentation with the protocols that control the operation of a computer network.
Low Contact Resistivity Mn/Au/Ti/Pd/Au P-Ohmic Contacts for HBTs

Obtaining good p-ohmics to the base layers of AIGaAs/GaAs HBTs have been difficult due to metal spiking and instability of the contacts to subsequent processing temperatures. To avoid spiking, non-alloyed contacts have been traditionally used. In this paper, we present a stable, non-spiking, low contact resistivity alloyed p-ohmic contact to HBT structures.
Efficient correlation extraction for distributed audio coding

Distributed source coding is one of the enabling technologies for efficient bandwidth utilization in wireless sensor networks and is consequently of great current interest. This paper studies its application to audio signals, using a transform weighted interleaved vector quantization (TWIN-VQ) framework and allowing a sensor node to passively receive and use information from neighboring sensors that is being transmitted to the common joint decoder. Specifically, it uses the linear predictor coefficients generated as side information by TWIN-VQ for one source to determine its frame-by-frame correlations with another source and then conditionally encodes MDCT coefficients of the second source. Based on conditional entropy calculations, exploitation of this correlation results in improvements of 54-58% in coding efficiency.
Fault-tolerant Ethernet for IP-based process control: A demonstration

We present an efficient middleware-based fault-tolerant Ethernet (FTE) prototype developed for process control networks. This unique approach requires no change of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware (switch, hub, Ethernet physical link and network interface card (NIC)) and software (Ethernet driver and protocol), yet it is transparent to application software. The FTE performs failure detection and recovery for handling multiple points of network failures and supports communications with non FTE-native devices. In this demonstration, we focus on presenting the failure detection and recovery behavior under various failure modes and scenarios. Further, multiple failure handling, node departure and non FTE-native node and FTE node communication scenarios will be presented. The FTE protocol status will be displayed using an FTE user interface on a COTS-based network system.
Genetic Counseling as Work

Project, an ambitious fifteen-year effort to map the entire human genetic structure, is already well underway. It is virtually assured that this vast endeavor will locate associations, predispositions, linkages, and causes of various forms of human dysfunction. It is equally likely that it will also discover subtler and subtler genetic differences in people that will become grist for the "discovery" of new and as yet unknown "disorders." Professionals and laypeople alike will need guides who are well acquainted with the cartography of human genetics to help steer us through this mass of new information. Given our current
A model of computation and representation in the brain

The brain is first and foremost a control system that is capable of building an internal representation of the external world, and using this representation to make decisions, set goals and priorities, formulate plans, and control behavior with intent to achieve its goals. The internal representation is distributed throughout the brain in two forms: (1) firmware embedded in synaptic connections and axon-dendrite circuitry, and (2) dynamic state-variables encoded in the firing rates of neurons in computational loops in the spinal cord, midbrain, subcortical nuclei, and arrays of cortical columns. It assumes that clusters and arrays of neurons are capable of computing logical predicates, smooth arithmetic functions, and matrix transformations over a space defined by large input vectors and arrays. Feedback from output to input of these neural computational units enable them to function as finite-state-automata (fsa), Markov decision processes (MDP), or delay lines in processing signals and generating strings and grammars. Thus, clusters of neurons are capable of parsing and generating language, decomposing tasks, generating plans, and executing scripts. In the cortex, neurons are arranged in arrays of cortical columns that interact in tight loops with their underlying subcortical nuclei. It is hypothesized that these circuits compute sophisticated mathematical and logical functions that maintain and use complex abstract data structures. It is proposed that cortical hypercolumns together with their underlying thalamic nuclei can be modeled as a cortical computational unit (CCU) consisting of a frame-like data structure (containing attributes and pointers) plus the computational processes and mechanisms required to maintain it and use it for perception cognition, and sensory-motor behavior. In sensory processing areas of the brain, CCU processes enable focus of attention, segmentation, grouping, and classification. Pointers stored in CCU frames define relationships that link pixels and signals to objects and events in situations and episodes. CCU frame pointers also link objects and events to class prototypes and overlay them with meaning and emotional values. In behavior generating areas of the brain, CCU processes make decisions, set goals and priorities, generate plans, and control behavior. In general, CCU pointers are used to define rules, grammars, procedures, plans, and behaviors. CCU pointers also define abstract data structures analogous to lists, frames, objects, classes, rules, plans, and semantic nets. It is suggested that it may be possible to reverse engineer the human brain at the CCU level of fidelity using next-generation massively parallel computer hardware and software.
Pericardial effusion after pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant

PE can occur following HCT. However, the incidence, etiology, risk factors, and treatment remain unclear. We performed a retrospective study evaluating 355 pediatric recipients of HCT treated at a single institution between January 2005 and August 2010. No cases of PE were identified in the autologous HCT (auto-HCT) recipients (0/43), while 19% (57/296) of allogeneic HCT (allo-HCT) developed PE. Among the 57 PE patients, 40 (70%) were males; the median age at transplantation was 6.6 yr (0.1-17.3 yr). Thirty-six patients (63%) had significant PE with 23 patients (40%) treated by pericardiocentesis, and 19 (33%) experiencing recurrent PE. OS rates for patients who developed PE were 84% at 100 days and 65% at three yr after HCT. Risk factors associated with PE on multivariate analysis included myeloablative conditioning (p = 0.01), delayed neutrophil engraftment (p < 0.01), and CMV + serostatus of the recipient (p = 0.03). Recipients with non-malignant diseases were significantly less likely to die after development of PE (p = 0.02 and 0.004 when comparing with standard and high-risk diseases, respectively). In summary, PE is a common and significant complication of pediatric allo-HCT. Prospective studies are needed to better determine the etiology and optimal method of PE treatment after HCT.
Differences in Myers-Briggs Personality Types Among High School Band, Orchestra, and Choir Members:

The purpose of this study was to explore personality type differences among high school band, string orchestra, and choir students according to ensemble membership. Participants (N = 355) were high school students who had participated in their school’s band, orchestra, or choir for 1 year or more. The author administered the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to determine the personality type for each participant. Personality types were compared among the three ensembles as well as with published MBTI high school norms. Results indicated that personality type differences existed among the ensembles and that there were significant differences in the comparisons with MBTI norms. A significant personality type difference was found between orchestra and choir students along the Extraversion-Introversion dichotomy, indicating that choir students were more likely to be Extraverted when compared to orchestra students. There were no significant differences among the ensembles on the Sensing-Intuition, Thinking-Fe...
Real-Time Imaging of Electrical Signals with an Infrared FDA-Approved Dye

Clinical methods used to assess the electrical activity of excitable cells are often limited by their poor spatial resolution or their invasiveness. One promising solution to this problem is to optically measure membrane potential using a voltage-sensitive dye, but thus far, none of these dyes have been available for human use. Here we report that indocyanine green (ICG), an infrared fluorescent dye with FDA approval as an intravenously administered contrast agent, is voltage-sensitive. The fluorescence of ICG can follow action potentials in artificial neurons and cultured rat neurons and cardiomyocytes. ICG also visualized electrical activity induced in living explants of rat brain. In humans, ICG labels excitable cells and is routinely visualized transdermally with high spatial resolution. As an infrared voltage-sensitive dye with a low toxicity profile that can be readily imaged in deep tissues, ICG may have significant utility for clinical and basic research applications previously intractable for potentiometric dyes.
Necessity of ureteral catheter during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

ABSTRACT Purpose: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is a relatively recently introduced method of treating renal tumors and, as such, surgical technique is evolving. In open series urinary fistula formation represents a common postoperative complication. In the laparoscopic approach investigators have advocated the placement of a ureteral catheter with retrograde dye injection to visualize caliceal entry to aid in closure. In this study we assessed the necessity of ureteral catheter placement during LPN in decreasing urinary leakage. Materials and Methods: From February 1998 until November 2002 laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed in 103 patients with renal tumors. The patients were assessed retrospectively and divided into 2 groups according to placement (group 1) or no placement (group 2) of an external ureteral catheter. Group 1 included 54 patients (mean age ± SD 57.4 ± 13.4 years) and group 2 included 49 patients (mean age ± SD 57.5 ± 10.9). Intraoperative and postoperative parameters including blood loss, operative time, ischemia time, mass size, complications and hospital stay were reviewed and compared between the 2 groups. Results: There were no differences between the 2 groups in mean estimated blood loss (group 1, 394.7 cc vs group 2, 291.5 cc, p=0.07), postoperative serum creatinine (group 1, 0.95 mg/dl vs group 2, 0.89 mg/dl, p=0.12), requirement for pain medication (group 1, 8.9 mg vs group 2, 4.9 mg morphine equivalents, p=0.12), hospital stay (group 1, 3.1 vs group 2, 2.9, p=0.29) and warm ischemia time (group 1, 28 minutes vs group 2, 26.5 minutes, p=0.18). Mean total operative time was significantly longer for group 1 compared to group 2 (191.1 vs 149.4 minutes, respectively, p=0.001). Postoperative urinary leakage requiring prolonged drainage occurred in 1 patient in group 1 and 1 in group 2. In both cases caliceal entry was identified and sutured. Conclusions: With experience caliceal entry can be identified without the need for a ureteral catheter in patients undergoing LPN for a tumor less than 4.5 cm. Urinary fistula may occur despite caliceal entry and repair. A ureteral catheter may not decrease urinary fistula in patients undergoing LPN.
SITE-SPECIFIC: THE FRACTURED HUMANITY OF J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER*

“God knows,” lamented the physicist Isidor Rabi, “I'm not the simplest person, but compared to Oppenheimer, I'm very, very simple.” J. Robert Oppenheimer played myriad roles in the science and politics of modern America: as a physicist working to establish a synthetic American school uniting theoretical and experimental approaches; as a government functionary and “weaponeer” piloting the development and fine-tuning the deployment of the first atomic bombs; as insider, consultant, and oracle speaking in the name of American science; but also as outsider, voice of conscience, and political pariah.
The Joy of Science: Finding Success in a ‘‘Failed’’ Randomized Clinical Trial

Sociologists of science have argued that due to the institutional reward system negative research results, such as failed experiments, may harm scientific careers. We know little, however, of how scientists themselves make sense of negative research findings. Drawing from the sociology of work, the author discusses how researchers involved in a double-blind, placebo, controlled randomized clinical trial for methamphetamine dependency informally and formally interpret the emerging research results. Because the drug tested in the trial was not an effective treatment, the staff considered the trial a failure. In spite of the disappointing results, the staff involved in the daily work with research subjects still reframed the trial as meaningful because they were able to treat people for their drug dependency. The authors of the major publication also framed the results as worthwhile by linking their study to a previously published study in a post hoc analysis. The author concludes that negative research findings offer a collective opportunity to define what scientific work is about and that the effects of failed experiments depend on individual biography and institutional context.
Reconfigurable optical wireless

We propose a natural step in freespace optical communications that is wireless. Namely, we propose the use of inertialess optical scanners as the agile free space light routing method within a multi-user free-space optical wireless network to realize all-optical advanced wireless networking. For instance, optical intersatellite links can use the highly accurate and fast beam pointing capabilities of the scanner to enhance the tradeoff between link distance and data rates.
Crystallographic Description for Nanoparticle Asemblies–Application to Cadmium Selenide Clusters

Abstract : The stacking sequence of several layers of self-assembled semi-conducting CdSe nanoparticles has been investigated using transmissien electron microscopy. FCC HCP saddle sites occupation and ring structures were found coexisting in the supercrystals formed by CdSe nanoparticles.
Police and Security in the World Heritage City of Antigua, Guatemala

Resumen La seguridad es una preocupacion creciente tanto de los residentes locales y turistas internacionales en Antigua, Guatemala. La ciudad no estaba preparada para el aumento de los delitos relacionados con el turismo y el trafico de drogas. Representaciones locales y nacionales de la Antigua como un tranquilo pueblo colonial espanol han estado fuera de sincronia con la realidad. La respuesta del Estado a la delincuencia se ha producido en relacion con el estado de Antigua como un sitio del Patrimonio Mundial. Basandose en el concepto de Taussig del “sistema nervioso” y la teoria de Agamben de “estado de excepcion”, muestro los limites de Debord “sociedad del espectaculo”, en un contexto turistico transnacional en el que los residentes estan preocupados por la delincuencia. Al centrar la atencion etnografica sobre la policia, le explico Antiguenos ‘y las actitudes de los mayas acerca de la policia es ambigua y se refieren a las opiniones acerca de los roles de seguridad y la policia. Mi analisis pone de relieve como el turismo gafas jugar a cabo en relacion a la labor policial.
Use of critical thinking in the diagnostic process.

PURPOSE. To demonstrate use of critical thinking in the diagnostic process in order to achieve accuracy of nursing diagnoses. METHODS. The 7 cognitive skills and 10 habits of mind identified as important for nursing in a Delphi study by Scheffer and Rubenfeld are applied to the diagnostic process using a published case study of a woman with heart failure. FINDINGS. Taking into account all data from the case study and using the concepts of critical thinking, two high-accuracy nursing diagnoses were selected to guide nursing interventions. CONCLUSIONS. Because the specific types of critical thinking needed for accurate diagnosing are not known, nurses should develop all 17 of the cognitive skills and habits of mind so these thinking abilities are available when needed. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. The 17 critical thinking concepts should be combined with domain knowledge, e.g., nursing diagnoses, to think about thinking, which will improve critical thinking processes.
Studies of the Marine Inversion Over the San Francisco Bay Area . . . A Summary of the Work of Albert Miller, 1961–1978

Abstract During his tenure in the Meteorology Department at San Jose State University (1961–1978), Professor Albert Miller conducted extensive field investigations of the marine inversion over the San Francisco Bay Area. Measurements were made with instrumented light aircraft, radar-tracked tetroons and slow-rise balloons carrying modified radiosondes. Later, Mount Sutro Tower in San Francisco was utilized for microscale studies of the inversion. Miller's field work culminated with an extensive measurement program over the coastal waters of central California. Results of his work included 1) a detailed description of the spatial and temporal variations of the structure of the marine inversion over the Bay Area, 2) the documentation of the characteristics of gravity waves and turbulence near the base of the inversion, 3) a variety of evidence that strongly supports significant cross-inversion mass flux, and 4) a hypothesis that explains the latter as the result of small-amplitude gravity waves in a tilted,...
Conception and Pregnancy in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Fertility is markedly reduced in dialysis patients. Estimates of the frequency of conception in dialysis patients range from 1.4% per year in Saudi Arabia (1) to 0.5% in the United States (2). Both of those estimates are based on surveys that covered only half the women of childbearing age treated with dialysis. A report from Belgium, based on a survey to which all the dialysis units in the country responded, put the frequency at 0.3% per year (3). The U.S. Registry for Pregnancy in Dialysis Patients (RPDP) separates hemodialysis patients from peritoneal dialysis patients and notes that conception occurs in peritoneal dialysis at slightly less than half the rate of its occurrence in hemodialysis patients. Those rates of conception do not take into account whether women are sexually active, using contraception, or have reasons for infertility other than renal failure (such as previous treatment with cyclophosphamide). The reasons for the rarity of pregnancy in dialysis patients are not well understood. Of women dialysis patients of childbearing age, 42% report having menses, but approximately half of those have irregu
Maturation alters cerebral NOS kinetics in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Using14C-labeled arginine to14C-labeled citrulline conversion assays in brain homogenates from 14- to 18-day-old and adult spontaneously hypertensive rats, we tested the hypotheses that maturation ...
Kinetics of the Phagocytosis of Repeated Injections of Colloidal Carbon: Blockade, a Latent Period or Stimulation? A Question of Timing and Dose

The phenomenon of “blockade” has been attributed to the satiation of phagocytic cells, to the saturation of the phagocytic mechanism, or to the depletion of opsonins or other serum factors by excessive amounts of colloidal material. The experiments reported indicate that processes are involved which are not readily accounted for by any of these mechanisms. Development of “blockade” was shown by Parker and Finney to occur after a 3- to 4-hr latent period. Four repeated intravenous injections of 6 mg of colloidal carbon given at 2-hr intervals to 25-gm mice prolong this latent period and frequently result in an increased rate of clearance. If the time interval is shortened to 1 hr, and, in addition, the dose of carbon is increased to 12 mg per injection, an even greater increase in colloid removal is observed. This very marked effect, the antithesis of blockade, is evidenced by a rate of removal many times as great as the rate of removal of the first injection. This phenomenon obviously occurs too rapidly to be the result of cellular proliferation, Indeed, it seems too rapid to be the result of synthesis of new opsonins and serum factors. The possibility was envisaged that phagocytic stimulation by particulate injection might provoke the elaboration of new protein for cell membrane or adaptive enzyme synthesis. However, neither actinomycin D nor puromycin treatment had any effect on the stimulation resulting from repeated injections of colloid.
Southeast Asian Studies: Culture

With its many nations, diverse religions, and hundreds of ethnic groups, Southeast Asia is so culturally diverse that it raises questions as to whether it should be regarded as a culture area at all. This article examines changing approaches to the study of culture in Southeast Asian studies, and their implications for our understanding of Southeast Asia as a whole. It observes that the two long dominant approaches to the study of culture, historical and ‘thick descriptive,’ have recently given rise to a revitalized interest in trans-local culture and regional comparison. Long a crossroads of civilizations, Southeast Asia illustrates that cultural globalization is not an entirely new phenomenon, but one that reaches far back into history.
Two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes

Application of 2-D Fourier transform electronic spectroscopy for semiconducting SWNTs is demonstrated to decongest complex exciton dynamics. Analysis provides the E22homogeneous linewidth, and elucidates the role of vibrational and multi-exciton states in population relaxation.
Patterns of morphology in carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) along a Neotropical altitudinal gradient

In the present study, body length and dispersal ability were examined in carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) sampled in the Peruvian Andes along two altitudinal gradients: old-growth forest and anthropogenically disturbed region. Dispersal ability was estimated by the flight-wing condition (i.e. macropterous or brachypterous) and the cuticular length of the flight muscle (medial length of the metasternum). The relationship between body length and altitude for combined gradients varied by tribe; all possible relationships were found: positive; negative; no relationship. At the family level, a negative relationship between altitude and insect body length was found; this was predicted because of a decrease in the diversity of resources, habitat area and primary productivity, and the increase in the unfavourable environment observed at high altitudes. Flight muscle length was also highly variable among tribes; however, for combined gradients, a negative correlation with altitude was found at the family level. Some tribes were either completely macropterous or brachypterous, but at the family level, the percentage of brachyptery increased with altitude. We suggest two hypotheses that may explain the increased incidence of flightlessness observed with increasing altitude: constraints of energy use and reduced need for dispersal potential. At the family level, carabid beetles tended to have a greater body length and decreased brachyptery in disturbed regions compared with old-growth forests. Increased dispersal ability was expected because of the need to find a suitable habitat in disturbed areas. Observed relationships may depend upon which tribes are examined and whether the forest on an altitudinal gradient has been disturbed.
SOME CHEMISTRY OF 2,8-DIOXA-5-AZA-1-PHOSPHABICYCLO[3.3.0] OCTANE AND 2,10-DIOXA-6-AZA-1-PHOSPHABICYCLO[4.4.0] DECANE. FURTHER EVIDENCE FOR THE BIPHILIC INSERTION MECHANISM

Abstract 2,8-Dioxa-5-aza-1-phosphabicyclo[3.3.0] octane, 1, and 2,10-dioxa-6-aza-1-phosphabicyclo[4.4.0] decane, 2, both react with diethyl peroxide to give phosphoranes containing two ethoxy groups. The reactivities of 1 and 2 towards diethyl peroxide are very different. The reaction of 1 at 0°C in methylene chloride is complete after 7 days whereas 2 and diethyl peroxide in methylene chloride require 30 days at room temperature for 89% reaction. The opposite reactivity of 1 and 2 are found in their reactions with diphenyl disulfide. These data strongly support a direct insertion by phosphorus into the oxygen-oxygen bond of the peroxide. Compounds, 1 and 2 were allowed to react with trifluoroethoxy benzenesulfenate and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropoxy benzenesulfenate. Dioxyphosphoranes were formed in all cases. The structures of these materials are discussed. Products of condensation reactions of 1 and 2 were also obtained and structural features are noted.
Study of the rheological property of low temperature gelatinous plugging agent solution

The effects of the temperature,the salinity of formation water,the gelation time and the seepage flow velocity on the rheological property of the low temperature gelatinous plugging agent solution are analyzed by experimentation with the coaxial cylinder sensor system of RS600 rheometer.The sensitivity of temperature and salinity of the low temperature gelatinous plugging agent solution is considered.It indicates that the plugging agent is only fit for plugging the low temperature reservoir effectively,and when it is used for the high salinity reservoir,attention should be paid to the stability of viscosity of the solution.The experimental results indicated that the ability of shearing resistance is closely associated with the seepage flow velocity,the shear thinned phenomenon occurrs obviously in low shear rate and low seepage flow velocity.The seepage flow velocity of the plugging agent solution in porous medium should be controlled.Moreover,in the process of gelation,the plugging agent solution represents a viscoelastic behavior of high viscous and weak elastic.
Regulation of branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase flux by extracellular pH and glucocorticoids

In muscles of rats with metabolic acidosis, branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKAD) activity is increased. Potential stimulatory signals include acidemia and/or glucocorticoids. It is unclear whether the signal(s) increases BCKAD activity by changing the activation state of the enzyme or by increasing the amount of enzyme. To separate the influences of extracellular pH and glucocorticoids on leucine catabolism, maximal BCKAD flux and the activation state (the ratio of basal to total flux) were measured in two cell types: 1) cells that do not express glucocorticoid receptors and 2) cells stably transfected to express glucocorticoid receptors. Acidification (pH 6.95) increased 1) the activation state from 67.2% at pH 7.4 to 82.8% at pH 6.95, 2) maximal BCKAD flux by 50%, and 3) the BCKAD subunit contents in both cell types (57, 410, and 270% for E2, E1 alpha, and E1 beta, respectively). Dexamethasone increased the BCKAD activation state from 67.2 to 82.3% in cells expressing glucocorticoid receptors, whereas dexamethasone plus acidification increased the activation state to 98%. The time course of stimulation by dexamethasone was slower than that by acidification. These results demonstrate that BCKAD is differentially regulated by extracellular pH and glucocorticoids.
Modeling age-related changes in muscle-tendon dynamics during cyclical contractions in the rat gastrocnemius

Efficient muscle-tendon performance during cyclical tasks is dependent on both active and passive mechanical tissue properties. Here we examine whether age-related changes in the properties of muscle-tendon units (MTUs) compromise their ability to do work and utilize elastic energy storage. We empirically quantified passive and active properties of the medial gastrocnemius muscle and material properties of the Achilles tendon in young (∼6 mo) and old (∼32 mo) rats. We then used these properties in computer simulations of a Hill-type muscle model operating in series with a Hookean spring. The modeled MTU was driven through sinusoidal length changes and activated at a phase that optimized muscle-tendon tuning to assess the relative contributions of active and passive elements to the force and work in each cycle. In physiologically realistic simulations where young and old MTUs started at similar passive forces and developed similar active forces, the capacity of old MTUs to store elastic energy and produce positive work was compromised. These results suggest that the observed increase in the metabolic cost of locomotion with aging may be in part due to the recruitment of additional muscles to compensate for the reduced work at the primary MTU. Furthermore, the age-related increases in passive stiffness coupled with a reduced active force capacity in the muscle can lead to shifts in the force-length and force-velocity operating range that may significantly impact mechanical and metabolic performance. Our study emphasizes the importance of the interplay between muscle and tendon mechanical properties in shaping MTU performance during cyclical contractions.
A Three-Step Procedure for Assigning Probabilities to Rare Events

The assignment of probabilities to rare events is an especially pertinent topic for advocates of subjective probability since for events in this class little or no historical data exist to serve as the basis for relative-frequency assessments of the uncertainty. When the events being contemplated are sufficiently important — when for example the consequences of occurrence are catastrophic as in the case of natural or man-made disasters — a systematic approach to this problem is warranted. The method presented in this paper prescribes three principal steps in arriving at such a numerical expression of the uncertainty.
The poor get poorer and the rich get fiber: Why free/low-cost internet might not bridge the digital divide

Public policy holds that bridging the digital divide is a critical requirement for improving the life chances of socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Free or subsidized internet access from government and non-profits is a common approach, however, with the advent of Google Fiber, a new venture providing free/low-cost fast internet, the access landscape is changing. We will study the effects of Google Fiber in Kansas City, Missouri, one of the first cities to receive the service. We propose several hypotheses on the relationship between free/low-cost, fast internet service and improved educational outcomes. We plan to compare academic performance results from Kansas City Public Schools inside and outside of Google Fiberhoods. We hope to determine if access to internet services such as Google Fiber have an impact on K12 educational outcomes and what moderators may influence its effects.
Thermal phenomena in deeply scaled MOSFETs

Thermal phenomena are having an increasing influence on drive and leakage currents in modern transistors. This trend is accelerated for confined-geometry devices, which include thermally-resistive interfaces and materials with low thermal conductivity (e.g. SiO2, Si 1-xGex). This paper summarizes the nanotransistor thermal design challenges and reviews the latest advancements in electro-thermal modeling
Two Ergativities and Their Cultural Correlates

Two Ergativities and Their Cultural Correlates proposes a distinction between two types of languages with ergative structures: a group which includes languages partially ergative from the Je family, and another group of languages constituted mainly by languages also partially ergative from the Tupi-Guarani family. We discuss the cultural correspondences of these two types of ergative structures, based on observations of various Amazonian indigenous groups: some Je groups, on the one hand, and various Tupi-Guarani groups, on the other hand, among which, the Kawahiwa, Kayabi and Arawete, whose cultures will be focused. Keywords: Tupi-Guarani, Je, ergativity, cultural correspondences, Amazonian languages
Effect of microstructure on the elasto-viscoplastic deformation of dual phase titanium structures

The present study is devoted to the creation of a process–structure–property database for dual phase titanium alloys, through a synthetic microstructure generation method and a mesh-free fast Fourier transform based micromechanical model that operates on a discretized image of the microstructure. A sensitivity analysis is performed as a precursor to determine the statistically representative volume element size for creating 3D synthetic microstructures based on additively manufactured Ti–6Al–4V characteristics, which are further modified to expand the database for features of interest, e.g., lath thickness. Sets of titanium hardening parameters are extracted from literature, and The relative effect of the chosen microstructural features is quantified through comparisons of average and local field distributions.
Famine and Slavery in Africa’s Red Sea World, 1887–1914

At end of the nineteenth century, the slave trade in the Southern Red Sea Region experienced a sudden reinvigoration. This was the direct result of a deadly famine that ravaged the African littoral following the introduction of rinderpest in 1887. Up to two-thirds of the population in some affected areas died during the famine. After the acute crisis abated, those who had survived depended on the regional slave trade to power reconstruction. The British, French, and Italian colonial officials who had come to rule much of the region around the time of the famine not only ignored their obligations to combat the slave trade but also, in many cases, actively encouraged its revival.
No Phishing beyond This Point

Phishing requires a multi-pronged defense: technological solutions are far from foolproof, so organizations literally can't afford to ignore the important role that users play in organizational security. Many organizations mandate regular user security awareness training. Some have chosen to implement embedded phishing awareness training in particular, where simulated phishing emails mimicking the latest real-world threats are sent to employees. If an organization is conducting or considering such embedded phishing training, it is important to understand what the training can and can't do.
Risk Assessment at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

This paper briefly reviews recent developments within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on risk assessment and then describes the current status of the Commission’s effort to develop safety goals for nuclear power plant accidents.
Effect of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants on Bladder Smooth Muscle

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of skeletal muscle relaxants on contractions of bladder smooth muscle. Rat, rabbit and human bladder muscle strips were incubated in a 50 ml. organ bath filled with physiological salt solution, aerated with 95 per cent O2, 5 per cent CO2 and maintained at 37C. Contractions were induced both electrically and with acetylcholine. Contractile strength was measured before and after 30 to 70 minute incubations with diazepam (0.25 to 1.0 microgram./ml.), dantrolene sodium (4 micrograms./ml.) or baclofen (4 micrograms./ml.). Neither baclofen nor dantrolene sodium had any effect (p greater than 0.3) on electrically or acetylcholine-induced contractions in any of the 3 species tested but diazepam potentiated both electrically induced (115 per cent of predrug contractile strength, p less than 0.05) and acetylcholine-induced (122 per cent of predrug contractile strength, p less than 0.01) contractions of rat, but not rabbit or human, bladder muscle. In rabbits diazepam significantly reduced maximal bladder pressures in vivo (p less than 0.05) but had no effect on bladder capacity. Dantrolene sodium had no effect on rabbit bladder pressure or capacity in vivo. While diazepam is thought to exert its effects on skeletal muscle through CNS inhibition, these results suggest that diazepam may affect rat but not rabbit or human bladder smooth muscle directly.