cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal excitation of rotation of the methyl group in chemisorbed acetate on Cu(110)

The adsorption of acetic acid on the Cu(110) surface has been investigated by the time-of-flight electron stimulated desorption ion angular distribution technique by observing H+(D+) ions from the methyl groups. The activated conversion of acetic acid to acetate has been witnessed by observing the formation of oriented acetate species. It has been found that the activation energy for acetate formation varies from 0.39±0.06 eV at low coverage to 1.1±0.1 eV at high coverage, possibly because of acetic acid stabilization at high coverage by hydrogen bonding. Methyl groups are oriented with one C–H bond azimuthally directed in the 〈110〉 direction. At high coverage, the methyl groups are tilted slightly in the 〈110〉 direction due to repulsive acetate–acetate interactions. The activated rotation of the methyl groups on adsorbed acetate is clearly observed by the electron stimulated desorption ion angular distribution method and the barrier height for CH3 rotation is estimated to be 12±6 meV, and for CD3 group...
High-performance image processing system for powder mixture analysis

A machine vision system used for quantitative analysis of the uniformity of powder blending has been built at the CAIP center of Rutgers University. A wide variety of instruments are used in the system in order to perform the image processing algorithms required. This paper will introduce the system, focusing on the high speed image processing hardware configurations and discussing the scheme for developing the software to manage this comprehensive system.
Domain structure and magnetization reversal of antiferromagnetically coupled perpendicular anisotropy films

We describe experimental and theoretical investigations of the magnetic domain formation and the field reversal behavior in antiferromagnetically coupled perpendicular anisotropy multilayers that mimic A-type antiferromagnet (AF) structures. The samples are sputter deposited Co/Pt multilayers with perpendicular anisotropy that are periodically interleaved with Ru to mediate an antiferromagnetic interlayer exchange. This structure allows precise tuning of the different magnetic energy terms involved. Using various magnetometry and magnetic imaging techniques as well as resonant soft X-ray scattering we provide a comprehensive study of the remanent and demagnetized configurations as well as the corresponding reversal mechanisms. We find that adding AF exchange to perpendicular anisotropy system alters the typical energy balance that controls magnetic stripe domain formation, thus resulting in two competing reversal modes for the composite system. In the AF-exchange dominated regime the magnetization is ferromagnetically ordered within the film plane with the magnetization of adjacent layers anti-parallel thus minimizing the interlayer AF exchange energy. In the dipolar dominated regime the magnetization pattern forms ferromagnetic (FM) stripe domains where adjacent layers are vertically correlated, but laterally anti-correlated thus minimizing the dipolar energy at the expense of the AF interlayer coupling. By tuning the layer thickness or applying a magnetic field, we observed the co-existence of AF domains and FM stripe domains. We find that a FM phase exists at AF domain boundaries, causing complex mesoscopic domain patterns with surprising reversibility during minor loop field cycling.
Subgroup separability and virtual retractions of groups

Abstract We discuss separability properties of discrete groups, and introduce a new property of groups that is motivated by a geometric proof of separability of geometrically finite subgroups of Kleinian groups. This property appears natural in that it provides a general framework for old questions in the geometry and topology of hyperbolic manifolds and discrete groups.
Dissociative mothers' subjective experience of parenting

Abstract This study examined to what extent the symptoms of dissociative mothers interfered with their parenting and their subjective experiences of mothering. A group of 54 dissociative inpatient or day-patient mothers, 20 nondissociative inpatient mothers, and 20 hospital staff mothers were screened for Dissociative Disorders using the Structured Clinical Interview for Dissociative Disorders (SCID-D). They were then asked to fill out a self-report questionnaire on various aspects of mothering. This questionnaire, the Subjective Experiences of Parenting Scale (SEPS), examined 14 parenting characteristics: parenting partner support; relative support; abusiveness towards the child; extent to which symptoms interfered with parenting; constructive parenting traits; supportive versus hurtful discipline; extent of showing affection; ability to express affection; attachment behaviors; cognitive distortions; regulation of anger; self versus mother in parenting; subjective experience of mothering; and actions to promote the developmental growth of the child. Dissociatives presented significantly more negative parenting behavior and related attributes than staff controls on 13 of the 14 parenting characteristics. Compared to nondissociative patients, the dissociative cohort presented poorer parenting behavior and related attributes on 9 of the 14 characteristics. Overall, the dissociatives experienced more problems with parenting attitudes and behaviors than either comparison group. Dissociative mothers manifested affective, behavioral, and cognitive difficulties in parenting.
Mathematical modeling of the dynamic exchange of solutes during bicarbonate dialysis

Abstract Most End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients receiving dialysis therapy are in a state of constant metabolic acidosis which is associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In an attempt to improve the quality and efficacy of ESRD patients suffering from acidosis many experimental approaches have been used to investigate acid–base balance during dialysis sessions. However, these experimental approaches are expensive and time consuming. To reduce acidosis morbidity, a compartmental mathematical model is used in this paper. The model takes into account the exchange of small solutes, bicarbonate (HCO3−) and carbon dioxide, across a non-uniform trans-membrane dialyzer. Blood and dialysate flows are simulated using the Navier–Stokes and Darcy equations respectively. Since the trans-membrane (TM) flux would not be uniform, both blood- and dialysate-side equations are coupled with interfacial conditions calculated by Kedem–Katchalsky equations. Numerical results and clinical data are in close agreement within a satisfactory range, thus confirming that mathematical models can predict dialysis operative parameters with accuracy. Numerical results also confirm that acid–base balance for ESRD patients can be achieved during HCO3− dialysis therapy. Thus, the model quantifies adequate choice of bicarbonate and electrolyte concentrations to help improve acid–base status of ESRD patients suffering from acidosis. As an investigative framework, the model can also provide a clear insight into other small solute exchanges across the dialyzer membrane.
Intramural coronary length correlates with symptoms in patients with anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery

Background Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) from the opposite sinus of Valsalva is a rare congenital anomaly with the potential for myocardial ischemia and sudden death. This review evaluated our series of AAOCA patients, who underwent coronary artery unroofing, to test our hypothesis that the intramural length of the anomalous coronary artery correlates with symptoms. Methods A retrospective analysis of symptoms, preoperative imaging (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging), intraoperative assessment, perioperative course, and follow-up were reviewed. Results From 2005 to 2010, 27 patients (70% male) underwent surgical AAOCA repair. Mean age was 14.3 ± 12 (range, 6 to 52) years. In 25 patients with right AAOCA, 14 had chest pain and 4 had syncope. Both patients with left AAOCA had chest pain. AAOCA unroofing was done in 25 and side-to-side anastomosis in 2. The intramural coronary artery length measured intraoperatively correlated with preoperative symptoms (symptoms = 10 ± 3.58 mm, no symptoms=5.2 ± 1.5 mm, p p r = 0.81, p = 0.00001). There were no deaths, significant morbidity, or recurrence of symptoms. Conclusions Coronary unroofing for AAOCA is a safe method of enlarging the coronary orifice and eliminating the intramural course. Symptomatic patients had a longer intramural course than asymptomatic patients, as assessed by preoperative imaging and intraoperative measurements. These results may have important clinical implications in determining indications for operation.
Results from D - T experiments on TFTR and implications for achieving an ignited plasma

Progress in the performance of tokamak devices has enabled not only the production of significant bursts of fusion energy from deuteriumtritium plasmas in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) and...
Use of a primary prevention totally subcutaneous defibrillator in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

A 53-year-old man with a known history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy underwent implantation of a left-sided dual-chamber pacemaker in 1998 to treat a minimally symptomatic outflow tract gradient. Twelve years later, he developed nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and was referred for an upgrade to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Ipsilateral venous access was attempted but was not possible due to a chronic total left innominate vein occlusion. Laser lead extraction was then attempted to establish access. Despite extensive delivery of laser bursts and use of several laser sheaths over …
Clean energy policies and green jobs: An evaluation of green jobs in U.S. metropolitan areas

State and local governments in the U.S. are actively promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency to seek economic development opportunities and create green jobs. This study evaluates the employment effects of state and local clean energy and climate policies in U.S. metropolitan areas (MSAs) in 2006. The regression analysis shows that both state and local clean energy policies have positive and statistically significant impacts on green jobs at the metropolitan level. The results from Two Stage Probit Least Squares (2SPLS) indicate that every additional state clean energy policy tool adopted is associated with 1% more green jobs in the MSA. On average, MSAs with ICLEI membership maintain 9.3% more green jobs than MSAs without ICLEI membership, Ceteris paribus.
Superlow Fouling Sulfobetaine and Carboxybetaine Polymers on Glass Slides

This work describes the superlow fouling properties of glass slides grafted with zwitterionic polymers to highly resist the adsorption of proteins and the adhesion of mammalian cells. Glass slides were first silanized using 2-bromo-2-methyl-N-3-[(triethoxysilyl)propyl]propanamide (BrTMOS). Two zwitterionic polymers, poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (polySBMA) and poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (polyCBMA), were then grafted from the silanized glass substrates using the atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the surfaces of the silanized glass substrates and the substrates grafted with the polymers. An enzyme-linked immonosobrbent assay (ELISA) using polyclonal antibodies was used to measure fibrinogen adsorption on these surfaces. The surfaces with polySBMA or polyCBMA layers were shown to reduce fibrinogen adsorption to a level comparable with that of adsorption on poly(ethylene glycol)-like films. Bovine aortic endothelial cells (B...
Price Impacts of Non-Adoption of the Euro for Small European Countries

Debates surrounding the adoption of a common currency have focused on its benefits weighed against the long-term costs of losing monetary independence. These debates have assumed that the penalty for not adopting a common currency is the maintenance of the status quo. This paper uses the Sjaastad model to analyze the price-making power of major currencies with regard to the prices of traded goods in small countries that have not adopted the euro and uses the Bayoumi-Eichengreen OCA index methodology to shed further light on changes in Europe. The empirical evidence suggests that small countries that have not adopted the euro have increasingly seen a change in the determinants of their traded goods prices. This seems to contrast with the experience of small countries that adopted the euro. The results need to be interpreted carefully, given the short time series.
Rate of growth of soft tissue metastases of breast cancer.

The gross rates of growth of 171 soft tissue metastatic lesions of breast cancer in 54 patients seen at Ellis Fischel State Cancer Hospital were studied. The frequency distributions of these rates are lognormal and are analyzed statistically as such. Both the linear diametric growth rate (LR) and the exponential growth rate, expressed as volumetric doubling times (DT), of 66 untreated lesions were presented as baselines for further study (LR: mean 0.21 mm/day, 95% range of 0.04–1.05; DT: mean 17.1 days, 95% range 3.4–86.1). Rates of growth of simultaneous metastatic lesions of both the same and different sites (e.g., axilla, chest wall, supraclavicular, and other regions) in the same patients were compared. The mean ratios of growth of the paired lesions were close to “one”; however, in 95% of the cases the rates can be differentiated by a factor of one-fifth to seven. In lesions that responded to radiation therapy, hormones, or chemotherapy, the ratios of rate of shrinkage after therapy to the rate of growth before therapy also had means of approximately “one” (95% range of ratios: 0.2–4.2). There is considerable variability of the data presented due to limited numbers of selected lesions that could be measured, the errors of data gathering, and assumptions made during calculations.
A comparative study of the aneugenic and polyploidy-inducing effects of fisetin and two model Aurora kinase inhibitors.

Fisetin, a plant flavonol commonly found in fruits, nuts and vegetables, is frequently added to nutritional supplements due to its reported cardioprotective, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Earlier reports from our laboratory and others have indicated that fisetin has both aneugenic and clastogenic properties in cultured cells. More recently, fisetin has also been reported to target Aurora B kinase, a Ser/Thr kinase involved in ensuring proper microtubule attachment at the spindle assembly checkpoint, and an enzyme that is overexpressed in several types of cancer. Here we have further characterized the chromosome damage caused by fisetin and compared it with that induced by two known Aurora kinase inhibitors, VX-680 and ZM-447439, in cultured TK6 cells using the micronucleus assay with CREST staining as well as a flow cytometry-based assay that measures multiple types of numerical chromosomal aberrations. The three compounds were highly effective in inducing aneuploidy and polyploidy as evidenced by increases in kinetochore-positive micronuclei, hyperdiploidy, and polyploidy. With fisetin, however, the latter two effects were most significantly observed only after cells were allowed to overcome a cell cycle delay, and occurred at higher concentrations than those induced by the other Aurora kinase inhibitors. Modest increases in kinetochore-negative micronuclei were also seen with the model Aurora kinase inhibitors. These results indicate that fisetin induces multiple types of chromosome abnormalities in human cells, and indicate a need for a thorough investigation of fisetin-augmented dietary supplements.
Azide binding to yeast cytochrome c peroxidase and horse metmyoglobin: comparative thermodynamic investigation using isothermal titration calorimetry.

Abstract Yeast cytochrome c peroxidase (CcP) and horse metmyoglobin (Mb) bind HN 3 with similar affinities at 25 °C. The pH-independent equilibrium association constants for formation of the CcP · HN 3 and Mb · HN 3 complexes are (1.05 ± 0.06) × 10 5 and (1.6 ± 0.8) × 10 5 M −1 , respectively. However, the thermodynamic parameters for formation of the two complexes are quite different. The Δ H 0 values for formation of CcP · HN 3 and Mb · HN 3 are −16.4 ± 0.7 and −9.0 ± 0.5 kcal/mol, respectively, and the Δ S 0 values are −32 ± 2 and −16 ± 2 cal/deg mol, respectively. The proton associated with HN 3 is retained in both protein complexes at low pH but dissociates with apparent p K A values of 5.5 ± 0.2 and ⩾8.2 for the Mb · HN 3 and CcP · HN 3 complexes, respectively. CcP and Mb differ significantly in their reactivity toward the azide anion, N 3 − . CcP binds N 3 − very weakly, if at all, and only an upper-limit of 18 ± 5 M −1 for the pH-independent equilibrium association constant for the CcP · N 3 − complex can be determined. Mb binds N 3 − with an association constant of (1.8 ± 0.1) × 10 4 M −1 . The ratio of the equilibrium association constants for HN 3 and N 3 − binding provides a discrimination factor between the neutral and charged forms of the ligand. The discrimination factor is greater than 5800 for CcP but only nine for Mb. Protonation of the distal histidines in the two proteins influences binding of HN 3 . Protonation of His-64 in Mb enhances HN 3 binding due to a gating mechanism while protonation of His-52 in CcP decreases the affinity for HN 3 due to loss of base-assisted association of the ligand to the heme iron.
On the Quantization of Electrical Charge from General Relativity.

In a series of articles in It Nuovo Cimento, during the past 10 years, I have developed a generalization of the formal structure of the theory of general relativity. Starting from the fact that the underlying symmetry of this theory is defined in terms of covariance of the laws of nature with respect to only continuous trans]ormations in space-time, it was shown that Einstein's original tensor-field equation factorize into a pair of conjugated quaternion-field equations (~). This result followed from the feature of the symmetry group of general relativity--the (~ Einstein group ))--that its irreducible representations obey the algebra of a quaternion-number system, and their basis functions arc twocomponent spinor-field variables in a Riemannian space-time. The solutions of the generalized metrieM-field equations, q~(x), are, geometrically four-vectors, but each of the components of the vector is a quaternion--thus , this is a 16-component variable. The factorized quaternion-ficld equations are then 16 independent-field relations at each space-time point. It was then shown, by iterating these equations with their conjugated solutions, that these 16 relations could be expressed as a sum of a symmetric-tensor form (10 relations) and an antisymmetric-tensor form (6 relations), and that because of the respective reflection properties of these sets of equations, the former I0 relations can be uniquely associated with Einstein's original tensor equations, and the latter 6 relations can be uniquely associated with the Maxwell formalism for electromagnetism (~). This generalized quaternion structure of general relativity was then applied to problems in the astronomical domain (a) and to problems in the domain of elementaryparticle physics--which is the domain of interest of the present note. What has been proven so far in this domain of physics from the generalized version of general relativity is that a) o'm can establish an unambiguous formal relation between the inertial mass of an elementary particle and the field properties of space-time--thereby explicitly dclnonstrating the validity of the Mach principle, as well as proving with this relationship that gravitational forces can only be attractive (4), b) matter and antimatter are distinguishable aspects participating in elementary interactions (5), c) in the asymptotic
The Start of Something Good: The Discovery of HbA1c and the American Diabetes Association Samuel Rahbar Outstanding Discovery Award

Sometimes, a scientific achievement merits its own prize. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) acknowledged Samuel Rahbar, MD, PhD, with just such an honor—the Samuel Rahbar Outstanding Discovery Award—for a contribution to the study and treatment of diabetes that resonates to this day. Rahbar is the person who discovered that HbA1c is elevated in people with diabetes. This breakthrough came in 1968 and was not immediately appreciated broadly, but over the next few decades HbA1c became arguably the most important indicator of blood glucose control, enabling doctor and patient to, for the first time, critically assess the impact of lifestyle changes and medication on long-term health (Table 1). View this table: Table 1 HbA1c: a history Rahbar was born in 1929 in Tehran the youngest of seven children. “My mother was a teacher at a French school,” he says. “My father had a small shop selling fabrics, but my mother was the pillar of our house. We were all educated.” Rahbar became highly educated indeed, receiving both a medical degree and a doctorate at the University of Tehran. He stayed there for his postdoctoral studies as well. By then, it was the 1960s, and hemoglobin was the rising star of molecular biology. Rahbar started his fellowship in 1962 with plans to study immunoglobulins. However, shortly into his fellowship, he became interested in protein structure and “discovered hemoglobin was the molecule du jour,” he says. Not only was hemoglobin easy to come by (making up 97% of erythrocytes’ dry weight) but in 1960, it became one of the first proteins to have its structure solved (1). That gave researchers unprecedented insight into the connection between a protein’s structure and its function. Linus Pauling, working on the protein from another angle, discovered that the hemoglobin of people with sickle cell anemia (HbS) was …
Measurement of H/D uptake characteristics at palladium using a quartz crystal microbalance

Abstract Frequency measurements at AT- and BT-cut crystals have been carried out for electrolytic loading of palladium films with H and D from 0.10 M LiOH + H 2 O (0.10 M LiOD + D 2 O) solutions. The results at BT-cut crystals have shown that film stressing occurs during the early part of H or D deposition and that this stressing is largely reversible upon removal of hydrogen species. In experiments involving addition of H 2 O to D 2 O solutions, it has been found that deposition of H into the palladium film is favored over that of D and that H uptake occurs exclusively at H 2 O levels above 10%, although these experiments have been carried out at much lower current densities than is typical for these investigations.
Lung Transplantation and Repair of Complex Congenital Heart Lesions in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary vascular disease in conjunction with either a previously repaired or an unrepaired congenital heart defect is the third most common indication for lung transplantation in the pediatric age range. Because scarcity of donor organs remains a critical issue and heart-lung donor blocks are becoming diminishingly available, efforts must be directed towards other options such as combining lung transplantation with correction of the underlying congenital heart defect. Certain defects like congenital pulmonary vein stenosis are irradicated by removal of the diseased lungs, whereas others such as complete atrioventricular canal and pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect require cardioplegic arrest of the heart and intracardiac repair in conjunction with the lung transplantation. A breakdown of this patient population into subgroups may be helpful both in thinking about the pathophysiology and in determining appropriate indications and timing of transplantation. Earlier studies from our center showed the high-risk nature and formidable undertaking of caring for this complex group of patients. Through continued experience, there has been gradual improvement in early outcomes. As with all other groups of lung transplantation patients, obliterative bronchiolitis remains the major deterrent to long-term survival.
Strategies to reduce the configuration time for a powered knee and ankle prosthesis across multiple ambulation modes

Recently developed powered lower limb prostheses allow users to more closely mimic the kinematics and kinetics of non-amputee gait. However, configuring such a device, in particular a combined powered knee and ankle, for individuals with a transfemoral amputation is challenging. Previous attempts have relied on empirical tuning of all control parameters. This paper describes modified stance phase control strategies - which mimic the behavior of biological joints or depend on the instantaneous loads within the prosthesis - developed to reduce the number of control parameters that require individual tuning. Three individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputations walked with a powered knee and ankle prosthesis across five ambulation modes (level ground walking, ramp ascent/descent, and stair ascent/descent). Starting with a nominal set of impedance parameters, the modified control strategies were applied and the devices were individually tuned such that all subjects achieved comfortable and safe ambulation. The control strategies drastically reduced the number of independent parameters that needed to be tuned for each subject (i.e., to 21 parameters instead of a possible 140 or approximately 4 parameters per mode) while relative amplitudes and timing of kinematic and kinetic data remained similar to those previously reported and to those of non-amputee subjects. Reducing the time necessary to configure a powered device across multiple ambulation modes may allow users to more quickly realize the benefits such powered devices can provide.
ENDOCRINE STUDIES IN DEMENTIA PRAECOX

In dealing with a disorder that has been discussed from so many and such diverse points of view as has dementia praecox it is expedient that one define somewhat explicitly the conceptions upon which his experimental attack and his interpretations are based. It is our belief that dementia praecox is a reaction trend and is an entity only and to a lesser degree in the sense that headache or fever is an entity. It is a disorder of multiple causation. Among the demonstrated “causes” of the psychosis are trauma, puerperal sepsis, typhoid fever and unresolved psychic conflicts. We share with Janet the belief that fundamental to the disorder in each case is a lack of nervous energy leading to a feeling of inadequacy and a consequent flight from reality. It can develop in a relatively strong man as a result of overwhelming difficulties or in a weak man from relatively trivial difficulties. To list the eminent psychiatrists who are in accord or disagreement with these conceptions, though conventional, would be sup...
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: Twenty-nine years later

Abstract Objective To determine the current frequency, types of patients, indications for testing, morbidity and mortality, and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Methods Between December 1998 and July 2001, the charts of 102 inpatients that tested positive for heparin-associated antiplatelet antibodies (HAAb) were reviewed. There were 33,941 inpatients, 10,348 of them having received unfractionated or low molecular weight heparins. HAAb were determined by platelet aggregometry. Results There were 58 males and 44 females with a mean age of 56 years. The majority (72%) of patients were admitted to a surgical service (23% were admitted to medicine, and 5% were admitted to obstetrics/pediatrics). Indications for testing included one or more low platelet counts (n = 51), unexplained arterial (n = 33) or venous (n = 6) thromboses, resistance to anticoagulation (n = 1), prior history of HAAb (n = 3), organ transplant (n = 17), or other indication (n = 4). The HAAb "patterns" were variable, with patients having antibodies only to bovine (n = 7) or porcine heparin (n = 5), bovine and porcine heparins (n = 17), enoxaparin (n = 3), fragmin (n = 7), or all 4 heparins (n = 43). The HIT-related mortality was 6.9%, and the morbidity was 30% with 19 arterial and 7 venous thromboses and 5 bleeding events. Management consisted of discontinuation of heparin in 95 patients. Twenty-five patients did not require continued anticoagulation. When needed, anticoagulation was continued with a direct thrombin inhibitor (n = 32), enoxaparin (n = 16), warfarin (n = 15), or aspirin (n = 7). Seven patients continued to receive unfractionated heparin (n = 4) or low molecular weight heparin (n = 3). Conclusions HIT occurs in 0.99% of inpatients receiving heparin and remains an important nondiscriminatory contributor to their morbidity and mortality. Patients receiving any form of heparin who develop a decreasing platelet count, unexplained thrombosis, or resistance to heparin anticoagulation should be tested for HAAb. If HAAb are detected, patients must not receive the sensitizing heparin(s).
The Explanatory Need for Mental Representations in Cognitive Science

: Ramsey (1997) argues that connectionist representations ‘do not earn their explanatory keep’. The aim of this paper is to examine the argument Ramsey gives to support that conclusion. In doing so, I identify two kinds of explanatory need—need relative to a possible explanation and need relative to a true explanation and argue that internal representations are not needed for either connectionist or non-connectionist possible explanations but that it is quite likely that they are needed for true explanations. However, to show that the latter is the case requires more than a consideration of the form of explanation involved.
India and Fast Breeder Reactors

India has long pursued a fast breeder program, motivated in part by the availability of only poor quality uranium resources within the country. But progress so far has been disappointing, with only one test reactor having been constructed and having a chequered operating history. The larger Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor that is being constructed has a design that compromises safety and will produce expensive electricity, but could be used as a way to convert reactor-grade plutonium to weapon-grade plutonium. Projections offered by the nuclear establishment of fast growth of breeder reactors are methodologically flawed and based on very optimistic assumptions.
On the Achievable Sum Rate for MIMO Interference Channels

In this correspondence, we study some information theoretical characteristics of vector Gaussian interference channels. Resorting to the superposition code technique, a lower bound of the sum capacity for the vector Gaussian interference channel is obtained. Alternatively, orthogonal transmission via frequency division multiplexing is considered and we establish the concavity of sum rate as the bandwidth allocation factor for the vector channel case. Numerical examples indicate that the achievable sum rate via the superposition code compares favorably with orthogonal transmission: the lower bound obtained via the superposition code dominates the best achievable sum rate through orthogonal transmission. This improvement holds for all interference power levels, a sharp contrast to that of the scalar counterpart
Distributed scheduling for cooperative localization based on information evolution

In cooperative localization networks, nodes estimate their locations through inter-node ranging, location information exchange, and information fusion. These operations cause packet collision, large communication overhead, and high computational complexity, which can be alleviated by proper scheduling techniques. In this paper, we design distributed scheduling algorithms for cooperative localization networks, which improve the efficiency of localization through neighbor selection and collision control. Then, we determine the evolution of each node's location error through cooperation and movement using Fisher information analysis. Furthermore, we analyze the convergence of the location error under the proposed scheduling algorithm. Simulation results show that the efficiency of localization is significantly improved by using the proposed scheduling algorithm.
Variation in Jadera parapectoralis Göllner-Scheiding(Hemiptera: Rhopalidae)

A male specimen of Jadera parapectoralis Gollner-Scheiding, collected on August 30, 2000, in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, is compared to the published description of this species. Several differences are noted.
Improved Computation for Levenberg–Marquardt Training

The improved computation presented in this paper is aimed to optimize the neural networks learning process using Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm. Quasi-Hessian matrix and gradient vector are computed directly, without Jacobian matrix multiplication and storage. The memory limitation problem for LM training is solved. Considering the symmetry of quasi-Hessian matrix, only elements in its upper/lower triangular array need to be calculated. Therefore, training speed is improved significantly, not only because of the smaller array stored in memory, but also the reduced operations in quasi-Hessian matrix calculation. The improved memory and time efficiencies are especially true for large sized patterns training.
Simulation based evaluation of information-centric supply chains

In this paper, we evaluate, via the use of simulation, information-centric design of three supply chains that are ubiquitous in operations management literature. With emphasis on inventories, we show how such a redesign of the supply chains can significantly enhance the benefit from information flows that are commonplace in the current business world. The underlying analysis is in the realm of stochastic non-stationary capacitated inventory control and the mathematical intractability behooves us to make extensive use of simulation. We postulate that the lack of such information centric re-designing of supply chains is one of the main reasons behind the failure, reported in popular press, of most information gathering projects in the industry.
Optimization of pulse transmission in a high-frequency ultrasound imaging system

The effect of cables that connect the transducer and an imaging system can no longer be ignored when the ultrasound frequency is higher than 20MHz. The length of transmission line between transducer and electronic system critically affects the amplitude and bandwidth of pulse transmission. We report an evaluation method for assessing the effects of the cables and results obtained from this method. A time domain PSpice simulation model including high frequency impulse generator and receiver, a transducer simulated with a Mason model and a lossy transmission line has been developed. The model allows the simulation of the echo pulse shape at the input of the receiver. The investigation is carried out with a transducer of center frequency 45MHz and 48% bandwidth. The effect of cable length on the amplitude, space pulse length and bandwidth of received pulse is studied. Moreover, the effect of impedance tuning is also studied between the system and transducer when the cable is not used. Both experimental and simulation results show that the system performance is optimized by a cable length of 60cm to achieve higher sensitivity. If a suitable impedance matching method is applied between the system and the transducer without the cable connected, the system performance in sensitivity would be better than that with a cable connected. However, the results also show that achieving a highest sensitivity would increase pulse length. The results show that optimizing high frequency pulse transmission with high sensitivity and acceptable pulse shape, the pulser and receiver should be placed as close as possible to transducer with suitable impedance matching. The results also suggest the shorted pulse length could occur at a certain cable length but the result is also dependent on the original pulse shape.
Oral eplerenone for the management of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

AIM To examine eplerenone (Inspra, Pfizer), a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, as a treatment option for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). METHODS A retrospective consecutive case series was conducted for patients receiving oral eplerenone for chronic CSCR. At baseline and each follow-up visit, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging was performed, including manual measurements of the height and diameter size of subretinal fluid. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in subretinal fluid following initiation of therapy. RESULTS A total of 17 eyes of 13 patients treated with 25 and 50 mg of oral eplerenone per day were identified. Subretinal fluid (SRF) decreased over time following eplerenone therapy (P= 0.007 and P = 0.002, diameter and height respectively). Maximum SRF height decreased from a mean of 131.5 µm at baseline to 15.3 µm at day 181+. SRF diameter decreased from an average of 2174.4 µm at baseline to 46.9 µm at day 181+. LogMAR visual acuity improved from 0.42 (Snellen equivalent: 20/53) at baseline to 0.29 (Snellen equivalent: 20/39) at day 181+ (P = 0.024). Central subfield thickness (CST) decreased from 339.5 µm at baseline to 270.3 µm at day 181+ (P = 0.029). CONCLUSION Eplerenone therapy resulted in significant anatomic and visual improvements in eyes with chronic CSCR.
ON THE GAP IN HORIZONTAL BRANCHES AT B - V ABOUT ZERO

It is proposed that the gap observed in the horizontal branch sequence of many globular clusters at B V about zero is due to a surface phenomenon. Stars on the hotter side of the gap - Te & 10000 K - have an atmospheric chemical composition altered as in peculiar A and B stars. The appearance of a convective regime in the surface layers at the temperature and gravity of the gap cancel the peculiarities: it is proposed that the ensuing changes in surface physical conditions give origin to the observed gap.
Asymmetric effects of experimental manipulations of social status on individual immune response

An individual's social environment can substantially affect its physiology, but few studies have examined how social behaviour influences individual immune responses. Here, I use a within-individual experimental approach to test whether social status within a group has a direct effect on immunity. I quantified humoral immunocompetence for male house finches, Carpodacus mexicanus, in both randomized and manipulated social environments. For initially dominant males, forced decreases in social status resulted in proportional decreases in antibody response to sheep red blood cells. However, for initially subordinate males, changes in social status did not alter antibody titres. Differences in aggressive behaviour between and within flocks suggest that this asymmetry of effects between initial dominants and subordinates may relate to the extent of aggression experienced within each social context. Aggression rates increased dramatically in flocks when initially dominant males were placed together, but did not change when initially subordinate males were combined. Furthermore, the degree of increase in defeat rate for an initially dominant male was the strongest predictor of resulting decreases in immune response. Taken together, these results suggest that physiological changes in response to aggressive interactions, and defeat in particular, probably mediate the association between social status and immunity in this system. This study represents the first experimental demonstration that changes in social status can cause corresponding changes in immunity in an outbred vertebrate population. Results of this work suggest that an individual's social environment may directly mediate its ability to resist parasites and pathogens, an important component of fitness.
E-Service Learning: The Evolution of Service-Learning to Engage a Growing Online Student Population

E-service-learning (electronic service-learning)—a service-learning course wherein the instruction and/or the service occurs online—holds massive potential to transform both service-learning and online learning by freeing service-learning from geographical constraints and by equipping online learning with a powerful and much-needed tool to promote engagement. Students are increasingly pursuing their education online, yet few are exposed to service-learning in their online coursework. To remain relevant, service-learning must also go online. How do we transition service-learning from high-touch to high-tech? E-service-learning provides the answer. Through an extensive literature review, this article identifies four emerging types of e-service-learning endeavors and presents best practices. Armed with these best practices, we call on our colleagues to increasingly integrate e-service-learning into their online courses and to study the outcomes of such efforts to ensure the relevance of service-learning in the 21st century.
Regulation of switch recombination to the murine gamma 1 gene.

The Immunoglobulin heavy chain switch, in which a variable region gene is rearranged from association with the Cμ gene to association with a C7, Ce, or Cα gene, is mediated by a recombination event between switch (S) regions [reviewed in 1]. Switch regions are 2 to 10 kb segments of simple sequences repeated in tandem and are found upstream of each of the heavy chain C genes, except Cδ [1]. Switch recombination is regulated in a gene-specific way; individual B cells direct recombination to one, or sometimes two, CH genes out of the six possible genes. For example, B cells treated with a mitogen, like lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and moderate amounts of interleukin 4 (IL4) switch almost exclusively to the γ1 gene [2, 3].
Simultaneously Removing Noise and Selecting Relevant Features for High Dimensional Noisy Data

The classification for the noisy training data in high dimension suffers from concurrent negative effects by noise and irrelevant/redundant features. Noise disrupts the training data and irrelevant/redundant features prevent the classifier from picking relevant features in building the model. Therefore they may reduce classification accuracy. This paper introduces a novel approach to improve the quality of training data sets with noisy dependent variable and high dimensionality by simultaneously removing noisy instances and selecting relevant features for classification. Our approach relies on two genetic algorithms, one for noise detection and the other for feature selection, and allows them to exchange their results periodically at certain generation intervals. Prototype selection is used to improve the performance along with the genetic algorithm in the noise detection method. This paper shows that our approach enhances the quality of noisy training data sets with high dimension and substantially increases the classification accuracy.
Feeding a population with smaller scale and alternate system production: An examination of farm requirements with a multi-species pasture system to feed 10 million people

Current agricultural and food systems literature suggests multiple opportunities for improving systemic sustainability. Especially in the popular press, many authors have conceptualized a return to smaller scale diversified production as a strategy to feed America sustainably. This study explores this notion for components of our meat supply using approaches reported in one of the most popular of these books, Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma, as a touchstone. We examine the land footprint and number of farms required to produce beef, chicken and eggs for the state of Michigan (a population just under 10,000,000) using similar production strategies to those outlined in Pollan's book. To feed Michigan's population at a scale of production demonstrated on the highlighted farm in Pollan's book, and an average level of Midwest intake for beef, chicken and eggs would require approximately 3600 farms and 6.5 million acres of farmland to produce 100% of the beef, 100% of the eggs and about 50% of the broiler chickens for this population. The strategy is discussed in reference to existing farms and acreage in Michigan and put in the context of sustainability within our food supply.
Kir4.1 Potassium Channel Subunit Is Crucial for Oligodendrocyte Development and In Vivo Myelination

To understand the cellular and in vivo functions of specific K^+ channels in glia, we have studied mice with a null mutation in the weakly inwardly rectifying K^+ channel subunit Kir4.1. Kir4.1−/− mice display marked motor impairment, and the cellular basis is hypomyelination in the spinal cord, accompanied by severe spongiform vacuolation, axonal swellings, and degeneration. Immunostaining in the spinal cord of wild-type mice up to postnatal day 18 reveals that Kir4.1 is expressed in myelin-synthesizing oligodendrocytes, but probably not in neurons or glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive (GFAP-positive) astrocytes. Cultured oligodendrocytes from developing spinal cord of Kir4.1−/− mice lack most of the wild-type K^+ conductance, have depolarized membrane potentials, and display immature morphology. By contrast, cultured neurons from spinal cord of Kir4.1−/− mice have normal physiological characteristics. We conclude that Kir4.1 forms the major K^+ conductance of oligodendrocytes and is therefore crucial for myelination. The Kir4.1 knock-out mouse is one of the few CNS dysmyelinating or demyelinating phenotypes that does not involve a gene directly involved in the structure, synthesis, degradation, or immune response to myelin. Therefore, this mouse shows how an ion channel mutation could contribute to the polygenic demyelinating diseases.
A Model of How Different Biology Experts Explain Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms

Constructing explanations is an essential skill for all science learners. The goal of this project was to model the key components of expert explanation of molecular and cellular mechanisms. As such, we asked: What is an appropriate model of the components of explanation used by biology experts to explain molecular and cellular mechanisms? Do explanations made by experts from different biology subdisciplines at a university support the validity of this model? Guided by the modeling framework of R. S. Justi and J. K. Gilbert, the validity of an initial model was tested by asking seven biologists to explain a molecular mechanism of their choice. Data were collected from interviews, artifacts, and drawings, and then subjected to thematic analysis. We found that biologists explained the specific activities and organization of entities of the mechanism. In addition, they contextualized explanations according to their biological and social significance; integrated explanations with methods, instruments, and measurements; and used analogies and narrated stories. The derived methods, analogies, context, and how themes informed the development of our final MACH model of mechanistic explanations. Future research will test the potential of the MACH model as a guiding framework for instruction to enhance the quality of student explanations.
Regulation and function of class II major histocompatibility complex, CD40, and B7 expression in macrophages and microglia: Implications in neurological diseases

The ability of microglia, the brain’s resident macrophage, to present antigen through the class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) to T cells allows these normally quiescent cells to play a critical role in shaping the outcome of many neurological diseases. The expression of class II MHC antigens and the costimulatory molecules CD40 and B7 on microglia and infiltrating macrophages is regulated through a complex network of cytokines in the inflamed brain. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying class II MHC, CD40 and B7 regulation in microglia and macrophages. Our focus is on the cis-elements in the promoters of their genes and the transcription factors activated by cytokines that bind them. The functional implications of aberrant class II MHC, CD40 and B7 expression by microglia and macrophages as related to the diseases of Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s Disease are discussed.