cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sorption of noble gases by solids, with reference to meteorites. I. Magnetite and carbon

The trapping of meteoritic noble gases by solids is simulated through the synthesis of 18 Fe3O4 samples at 350-720 K in a noble gas atmosphere, by means of the reactions: (1) 3Fe + 4H2O yields Fe3O4 + 4H2, using Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe; and (2) 3Fe + 4CO yields Fe3O4 + 4C + carbides, using Xe. Etching experiments suggest an analogy with 'Phase Q' in meteorites. Adsorbed atmospheric gases are present in all samples, and dominate whenever the noble gas partial pressure in the atmosphere is greater than that in the synthesis. While many of the results of Lancet and Anders (1973) appear to have been dominated by such an atmospheric component, others are suspect. When the doubtful samples of Lancet and Anders are corrected or eliminated, the fractionation pattern no longer peaks at Ar, but rather, as in the present sample, rises monotonically from Ne to Xe. No evidence is found for the earlier study's claim of a strong temperature dependence.
Double helix PSF engineering for computational fluorescence microscopy imaging

Point spread function engineering with a double helix (DH) phase mask has been recently used in a joint computationaloptical approach for the determination of depth and intensity information from fluorescence images. In this study, theoretically determined DH-PSFs computed from a model that incorporates different amounts of depth-induced spherical aberration (SA) due to refractive-index mismatch in the three-dimensional imaging layers, are evaluated through a comparison to empirically determined DH-PSFs measured from quantum dots. The theoretically-determined DH-PSFs show a trend that captures the main effects observed in the empirically-determined DH-PSFs. Calibration curves computed from these DH-PSFs show that SA slows down the rate of rotation observed in a DH-PSF which results in: 1) an extended range of rotation; and 2) asymmetric rotation ranges as the focus is moved in opposite directions. Thus, for accurate particle localization different calibration curves need to be known for different amounts of SA. Results also show that the DH-PSF is less sensitive to SA than the conventional PSF. Based on this result, it is expected that fewer depth-variant (DV) DH-PSFs will be required for 3D computational microscopy imaging in the presence of SA compared to the required number of conventional DV PSFs.
Progress in image processing technology related to radiological sciences: a five-year review

Abstract The past five years of progress in image processing technology related to radiological applications is reviewed. The following topics are include: image acquisition (computed radiography, X-ray film digitizer); 512, 1024 and 2048 image processor technology; image compression (block quantization, full-frame bit allocation); image storage (real-time magnetic disk, optical disk); image worstation (input station, display station, diagnostic workstation); and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). It is anticipated that the growth in this field will continue for many years to come.
A phase I study of FAP (5-Fluorouracil, α-interferon and cisplatin) combined with methotrexate for the treatment of advanced urothelial malignancies

Combination chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil and α-interferon is active against advanced urothelial cancers. Its toxcity profile appears favorable such that addition of other active agents (i.e., cisplatin and methotrexate) may improve its therapeutic window. Our goal was to identify the starting dose of FAP (5-fluorouracil-α-interferon-cisplatin) that will permit delivery of methotrexate in patients with advanced chemotherapy-refractory urothelial cancers. This is a phase 1 study in which the dose level of FAP that permitted delivery of two doses of methotrexate in 28 days will be considered the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). This is based on experiences with MVAC chemotherapy in which only half of the patients received two doses of methotrexate in a 28 days cycle. The dose level identified as the MTD is as follows: 5-FU 500 mg/m(2) by intravenous continuous infusion daily for 5 days in weeks 1 and 4; α-interferon 5 MU/m(2) subcutaneously daily for 5 days simultaneously with 5-FU infusion in weeks 1 and 4 and thrice weekly during weeks 2 and 3; and cisplatin 25 mg/m(2) plus methotrexate 30 mg/m(2) intravenously once weekly for 4 weeks. The treatment will be repeated every 6 weeks. Most of the significant toxic effects, including mucositis, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, are encountered during weeks 3 and 4. This study showed that the MTD for FAP combined with methotrexate has been determined for phase II studies. Exploration of alterative regimen such as FAP in the treatment of advanced urothelial cancer is warranted. FAP has a unique mechanism of action and acceptable toxicity profile that may allow novel drug combinations and improved therapeutic efficacy.
High-performance 4H-SiC single photon avalanche diode operating at solar blind wavelength

A 4H-SiC SPAD with an off-mesa bonding pad operating at 280nm is presented in this paper, with a low dark count rate of 14kHz and 27kHz at single photon detection efficiency of 3.3% and 4.5%, respectively. The device has a low breakdown voltage of 117V and a low dark current of 17fA, 49fA and 147fA at 50%, 90%, and 95% of breakdown voltage, respectively. The quantum efficiency is measured to be 28% (32%) at 280nm (270nm) with a UV to visible rejection ratio >1400 (>1600).
ON THE EXACT DISTRIBUTION OF THE NUMBER OF PERCEIVED CONFLICTS WITH PRESCRIBED DURATION IN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

Abstract This paper derives the exact distribution—in the sense of not asymptotic—of the number of perceived conflicts with prescribed duration during a known time period. A perceived conflict is defined as an occurrence during which the separation between two airplanes on different air routes drops below a given safety level; and the subsumed geometric model consists of two intersecting routes of equal altitude. The duration of a perceived conflict varies over a given interval and depends, beside the problem's parameters, on the approach pattern of the two aircraft to the intersection point of the two air paths. The underlying statistical assumption regarding aircraft arrivals is that they are independent, with respect to the air routes, and subject to Poisson forms with possibly different parameters. The resulting distribution, it is shown, is not a compound Poisson, as was previously surmised in the literature, but a Poisson sum of combinatorial numbers of independent Poisson variables. It is studied in detail under a certain condition and compared with a compound Poisson and a simulated distribution.
Characterizing tumor changes during neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced breast cancer patients (LABC) using dynamic-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI)

At Duke University Medical Center, selective LABC patients were treated on a protocol using neoadjuvant Myocet/Paclitaxel (ChT) and HT. With the purpose of generating perfusion/permeability parametric maps and to use gadolinium (Gd) enhancement curves to score and predict response to neoadjuvant treatment, a study was designed to acquire 3 sets of DE-MRI images along the 4 cycles of combined ChT and HT. A T1-weighted three-dimensional fast gradient echo technique was used over 30 minutes following bolus injection of Gd-based contrast agent. Perfusion/permeability maps were generated by fitting the signal intensity to a double exponential curve that generates washin (WiP) and washout (WoP), parameters that are associated with the tumors vascularity/permeability and cellularity. Based on the values of the WiP, the tumors were divided in lowWI (WiP 200). During the HT treatments temperatures in the breast were measured invasively via a catheter inserted under CT guidance. Although minimum sampled temperatures give a crude indication of the temperature distribution, several thermal dose metrics were calculated for each of the HT fractions (e.g. T90, T50, T10). As expected, tumors that were more vascularized (i.e. higher WiP) heated less than tumors with low WiP, a degree on average. The adjuvant treatment also changed the shape and inhomogeneity of the perfusion/permeability maps, with dramatic changes after the first fraction in responders. The correlation between the thermal metrics and pathological response will be discussed, as well as possible correlation with other tumor physiology parameters. In conclusion, the Gd-enhancement analysis of DE-MRI images is able to generate information related to the tumor vascularity, permeability and cellularity that can correlate with the tumor's response to the neoadjuvant treatment in general, and to HT in particular. Work supported by a grant from the NCI CA42745.
Sleep and quality of life in long-term lung cancer survivors

Summary Background Sleep problems are common in lung cancer survivors, yet little is known about the prevalence, determinants, and effects on quality of life (QoL) of these sleep problems in long-term lung cancer survivors. Methods A case–control study design comparing 76 elderly lung cancer survivors (LCS, >5 years post diagnosis with mean survival time of 8 years±2.1 years) and 78 elderly non-cancer controls (NCC). Measurements included a standardized questionnaire for sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index—PSQI), and analogue scales for dyspnea, pain, and other comorbid symptoms, as well as demographic factors and cancer history. Results Overall, 56.6% of LCS had poor sleep (PSQI global score >5) as compared to only 29.5% of NCC ( p p Conclusions Even 8 years after diagnosis, LCS continue to have significant sleep difficulties. By asking specific questions about sleep medication use, nocturnal awakenings and sleep efficiency, health care providers can identify sleep problems that could be treated and potentially improve the quality of life of their patients.
cAMP-associated Inhibition of Phenobarbital-inducible Cytochrome P450 Gene Expression in Primary Rat Hepatocyte Cultures

The effects of elevated intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in regulating phenobarbital (PB)-inducible gene expression in primary rat hepatocyte cultures were investigated. Cells were exposed to various concentrations (0.1-100 μM) of cAMP analogs and/or activators of intracellular cAMP-dependent pathways. Effects of these treatments were assessed either using a 1-h pulse prior to PB (100 μM) exposure or in conjunction with PB during a 24-h exposure period. PB-inducible responses were measured in hepatocytes by hybridization to cytochrome P450 (CYP) CYP2B1, CYP2B2, and CYP3A1 mRNAs. The cAMP analogs, 8-bromo-cAMP, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP, dibutyryl cAMP, and (Sp)-5,6-DCl-cBiMPS ((Sp)-5,6-dichloro-1-β-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole - 3′, 5′ - monophosphorothioate), and the activators of adenylate cyclase, forskolin and glucagon, dramatically inhibited PB-mediated induction of CYP2B1 and CYP2B2 in a concentration-dependent manner. A similar inhibition of PB-induced CYP3A1 mRNA levels was effected by the cAMP analogs and glucagon. The phosphodiesterase inhibitors isobutylmethylxanthine and RO 201724 potentiated the cAMP responses. Increasing the concentration of PB (0.05-1.00 mM) did not alleviate the cAMP-mediated repression. A requirement for protein kinase A (PKA) was demonstrated by the use of (Sp)-cAMPS, a highly specific activator of PKA, whereas the inactive diastereoisomer, (Rp)-cAMPS, was ineffective in modulating PB induction. The response to cAMP was specific since elevated intracellular cAMP levels did not perturb β-naphtholflavone-mediated induction of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, microsomal epoxide hydrolase, or dexamethasone-mediated induction of CYP3A1 gene expression. Nor did elevated intracellular cAMP modulate the liver-selective albumin gene expression levels. The results of the present study demonstrated striking inhibition of PB-mediated CYP gene induction by cAMP and PKA activators, indicating a negative regulatory role for the cAMP signal transduction pathway on PB gene induction.
Decision salience signals in posterior cingulate cortex.

Despite its phylogenetic antiquity and clinical importance, the posterior cingulate cortex (CGp) remains an enigmatic nexus of attention, memory, motivation, and decision making. Here we show that CGp neurons track decision salience—the degree to which an option differs from a standard—but not the subjective value of a decision. To do this, we recorded the spiking activity of CGp neurons in monkeys choosing between options varying in reward-related risk, delay to reward, and social outcomes, each of which varied in level of decision salience. Firing rates were higher when monkeys chose the risky option, consistent with their risk-seeking preferences, but were also higher when monkeys chose the delayed and social options, contradicting their preferences. Thus, across decision contexts, neuronal activity was uncorrelated with how much monkeys valued a given option, as inferred from choice. Instead, neuronal activity signaled the deviation of the chosen option from the standard, independently of how it differed. The observed decision salience signals suggest a role for CGp in the flexible allocation of neural resources to motivationally significant information, akin to the role of attention in selective processing of sensory inputs.
Probing carbon flux patterns through soil microbial metabolic networks using parallel position-specific tracer labeling

In order to study controls on metabolic processes in soils, we determined the dynamics of 13 CO2 production from two position-specific 13 C-labeled pyruvate isotopologues in the presence and absence of glucose, succinate, pine, and legume leaf litter, and under anaerobic conditions. We also compared 13 CO2 production in soils along a semiarid substrate age gradient in Arizona. We observed that the C from the carboxyl group (C1) of pyruvate was lost as CO2 much faster than its other C atoms (C2,3). Addition of glucose, pine and legume leaf litter reduced the ratio between 13 CO2 production from 1- 13 C pyruvate and 2,3- 13 C pyruvate (C1/C2,3 ratio), whereas anaerobic conditions increased this ratio. Young volcanic soils exhibited a lower C1/C2,3 ratio than older volcanic soils. We interpret a low C1/C2,3 ratio as an indication of increased Krebs cycle activity in response to carbon inputs, while the higher ratio implies a reduced Krebs cycle activity in response to anaerobic conditions. Succinate, a gluconeogenic substrate, reduced 13 CO2 production from pyruvate to near zero, likely reflecting increased carbohydrate biosynthesis from Krebs cycle intermediates. The difference in 13 CO2 production rate from pyruvate isotopologues disappeared 4e5 days after pyruvate addition, indicating that C positions were scrambled by ongoing soil microbial transformations. This work demonstrates that metabolic tracers such as pyruvate can be used to determine qualitative aspects of C flux patterns through metabolic pathways of soil microbial communities. Understanding the controls over metabolic processes in soil may improve our understanding of soil C cycling processes.
Reactance and Norm Appeal in Anti‐Littering Messages

Although littering is a significant social problem, there is only a relatively small amount of quantitative research on it; there is little systematic theory concerning the variables which influence it. This study presents a theoretical model of how anti-littering messages vary in the kind of social pressure against littering they attempt to impose. Three experiments were performed to test the model. It was found that messages making explicit commands against the act of littering (external pressure) actually generated more littering than messages making appeal to social normative standards concerning littering (internal pressure). Other data relevant to the model and areas in which additional research is needed also are discussed.
An optical artefact in the microscopic study of fluorescent materials.

In all microscopical studies based on fluorescence an artefact occurs which is due to reflection or diffraction of the primary light. Available filters do not completely eliminate visible light from the primary beam and this light can produce pseudo-fluorescence of the same order of magnitude as that of the true fluorescence. A method for estimating the contribution of pseudo-fluorescence to the total apparent fluorescence is described.
Will consumers follow climate leaders? The effect of manufacturer participation in a voluntary environmental program on consumer preferences

In 2002, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) established a voluntary environmental program called the Climate Leaders (CL) Program. Participating firms developed greenhouse gas emissions inventories, set emissions reductions goals, and annually reported progress toward those goals. While the program was not designed to function as an eco-labeling program, one possible motivation for participation in the program was to positively influence consumer perceptions for firm products and services. USEPA discontinued the CL program in 2011. In this study, data from a contingent choice experiment from a national online survey are used to examine whether the CL program could have been effectively adopted as a consumer product labeling program. Results suggest that consumers are willing to pay more for refrigerators manufactured by CL program participants and that willingness-to-pay is influenced by both respondent characteristics and attitudes.
Discrete element method simulations of Mars Exploration Rover wheel performance

Abstract Mars Exploration Rovers (MERs) experienced mobility problems during traverses. Three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) simulations of MER wheel mobility tests for wheel slips of i = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, and 0.99 were done to examine high wheel slip mobility to improve the ARTEMIS MER traverse planning tool. Simulations of wheel drawbar pull and sinkage MIT data for i ⩽ 0.5 were used to determine DEM particle packing density (0.62) and contact friction (0.8) to represent the simulant used in mobility tests. The DEM simulations are in good agreement with MIT data for i = 0.5 and 0.7, with reasonable but less agreement at lower wheel slip. Three mobility stages include low slip ( i i ∼ 0.3–0.6) controlled by residual soil strength, and high slip ( i > 0.6) controlled by residual soil strength and wheel sinkage depth. Equilibrium sinkage occurred for i i = 0.99. Improved DEM simulation accuracy of low-slip mobility can be achieved using polyhedral particles, rather than tri-sphere particles, to represent soil. The DEM simulations of MER wheel mobility can improve ARTEMIS accuracy.
Using film in multicultural and social justice faculty development: scenes from Crash.

We designed a faculty development workshop integrating scene excerpts from the Academy Award–winning movie Crash and active learning methods to encourage faculty participation and generate participant dialogue. The aims of this workshop were to enhance awareness of issues related to teaching in a multicultural classroom; stimulate discussion on teaching and learning about potentially contentious issues linked to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, geographical origin, and class; and expose faculty to the use of multimedia to facilitate discussion on topics of diversity and social justice. Twenty-five faculty attended 3 workshops in various venues, 18 of whom completed workshop evaluations. The workshop evaluation revealed that all participants believed that the scene excerpts and discussions helped them to reflect on their own attitudes toward race and diversity and felt better prepared to effectively facilitate classroom discussions on similar issues. This workshop is a useful tool for helping faculty to develop the skills and confidence to facilitate, manage, and stimulate discussions on controversial issues in multicultural education that may otherwise be avoided due to lack of expertise or experience.
How not to run a digital library project

If a digital library project is to be successful, the project needs to be run in a professional manner, using project management techniques. This article points out some of the most important aspects of project management such as understanding the project requirements, the role of planning, accurately determining budget and schedule, controlling the scope of the project, and developing expertise. In order to accomplish this, the project manager needs to be a multifaceted leader as well as technically adept.
A hybrid electric/hydro storage solution for standalone photovoltaic applications in remote areas

Lack of electricity and water, the two fundamental resources in modern societies, is still a major issue in many developing countries and remote areas. This paper proposes a standalone renewable power system to solve the energy and water shortage in remote areas with abundant solar energy. The system utilizes a photovoltaic (PV) panel as the main energy source, which is controlled by a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique. A battery pack is used as the main energy storage device to smooth the fluctuation of solar power and to mitigate load transients and variations. In addition, a hydro storage system is used for water storage and supply, and also for supplying extra electric power via a hydro-turbine generator. The electricity and water demand of three households are considered for the system. The system modeling, unit sizing, control, simulation studies and the actual hardware implementation are presented and discussed in the paper.
A travelling-wave type resonator theory for optical frequencies

Abstract A travelling-wave type resonator theory for optical frequencies, based upon the Huygens-Fresnel principle, is developed. For an arbitrary resonator system with openwalled structure, a general integral equation is derived which is a solution of the Helmholtz equation within the resonator space and which satisfies Maxwell's equations along the boundaries of the reflecting surfaces. Some features of this general resonator theory are discussed in connection with the confocal-type resonator. It is demonstrated that unlike other approaches to this electromagnetic boundary value problem, the theory to be presented is completely consistent with the geometrical optics in the zero-wavelength limit.
Dietary selection for lysine by the chick

Broiler chicks were provided choices of synthetic diets (a) adequate or low in lysine, and (b) adequate in or devoid of lysine. In each case, chicks consumed some of each diet offered, but preference was shown for the adequate lysine diet. Growth rates of chicks given choices ranged from 80% of that of chicks fed an adequate lysine diet with no choice for two weeks, then growth rates fell to about 60% of those fed adequate lysine. In another study, chicks were fed a diet devoid of lysine but were offered pure L-lysine HCl in a separate feeder. These chicks selected some of the supplementary lysine, but their body weights were only 68% of the body weight of chicks fed an adequate lysine diet after 21 days. Chicks given a choice of diets prepared with an adequate quantity of either L- or D-lysine preferred with L-lysine diet but did not select sufficient quantity to reach normal growth. These observations indicate that chicks can discern the presence of L-lysine in diets or separately, but will not select sufficient quantity for maximum growth potential. A diet prepared with D-lysine was more acceptable than one completely devoid of lysine, suggesting some sensory recognition for lysine.
Tripadvisor rates Einstein: using the social web to unpack the public meanings of a cultural heritage site

Near the US Capitol, in front of the National Academy of Sciences sits a gigantic bronze statue of Albert Einstein. The monument was created to celebrate Einstein and the sense of awe and wonder his work represents. However, while under construction, art critics and some scientists derided the idea of the memorial. They felt the scale of such a giant memorial did not fit the modesty of Einstein. This paper explores the extent to which perspectives of the monument|s public supporters and critics can be seen in how people interact with it as evidenced in reviews and images of the monument posted online. I analyse how individuals appropriate the monument on social websites, including Fickr, Yelp, Tripadvisor, and Yahoo Travel, as a means to explore how the broader public co-creates the meaning of this particular memorial. I argue this case-study can serve as an example for leveraging the social web as a means to understand cultural heritage sites.
Further observations on the scaled Chrysophycean and Synurophycean flora of the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A.

The distributions of silica-scaled chrysophytes in 30 freshwater ponds located in the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A., relative to chemical gradients are described. Phytoplankton, periphyton, and surface sediments from each of the 30 sites were collected in March of 2000 and later analyzed extensively with both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) for scaled chrysophytes. In addition, water samples were used to measure a suite of chemical characteristics, including specific conductance, pH, alkalinity, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, chloride, sulfate and base cation concentrations. Overall, waterbodies included in this study are oligotrophic, dilute, poorly buffered and low in pH. Including six previously described species which are largely known only from the Ocala National Forest, we have identified forty-nine taxa of silica-scaled Chry-sophyceae and Synurophyceae, 23 of which were present in 5 or more waterbodies, indicating that lakes in this region are quite diverse and abundant in scaled chrysophytes. The most important species included Synura petersenii, S. echinulata and one recently reported new species from this region, Mallomonas wujekii, which was found in 73% of the lakes in this survey. The number of taxa found per lake ranged from 2 to 23 and observations include new records of several rarely reported species. Although the flora includes species commonly found in more northern regions, it also includes a group of taxa that appear to be endemic to the region and others commonly found in more tropical regions. Lastly, a new form found in ten ponds, Mallomonas transsylvanica f. curvata, is described.
Identifying links between sexual violence and youth violence perpetration: New opportunities for sexual violence prevention

Objective: One promising opportunity for advancing sexual violence (SV) research and identifying new avenues for prevention involves examining other forms of violence that may share risk factors with SV. Youth violence (YV) is ideal for consideration given evidence of overlap in SV and YV risk factors, a large set of established YV risk factors across the social ecology, and the number of evidence-based YV prevention strategies available. The current paper identifies shared and unique risk factors for SV and YV and highlights evidence-based YV prevention strategies that impact these shared risk factors. Conclusions: Researchers and program developers should consider adapting and evaluating evidence-based YV prevention strategies to prevent SV. Modifying these programs to address SV's unique risk factors may maximize their potential effectiveness. In addition, expanding SV research at the outer levels of the social ecology is critical to developing community-level prevention strategies. The YV literature suggests several potential risk factors at these levels in need of research for SV, including school connectedness, social disorganization, and availability of alcohol and drugs. Using the YV literature as a starting point for expanding SV research leverages prior investments in YV research, may help identify new SV prevention strategies at a limited cost, and moves the field more quickly toward implementation of cost-effective, multidomain violence prevention strategies in communities.
Lactic acid fermentation of crude sorghum extract

Crude extract from sweet sorghum supplemented with vetch juice was utilized as the carbohydrate source for fermentative production of lactic acid. Fermentation of media containing 7% (w/v) total sugar was completed in 60-80 hours by Lactobacillus plantarum, product yield averaging 85%. Maximum acid production rates were dependent on pH, initial substrate distribution, and concentration, the rates varying from 2 to 5 g/liter per hour. Under limited medium supplementation the lactic acid yield was lowered to 67%. The fermented ammoniated product contained over eight times as much equivalent crude protein (N x 6.25) as the original medium. Unstructured kinetic models were developed for cell growth, lactic acid formation, and substrate consumption in batch fermentation. With the provision of experimentally determined kinetic parameters, the proposed models accurately described the fermentation process. 15 references.
Optical characterization and age estimates of river plumes on the U.S. west coast

The Columbia River Plume is a highly dynamic water mass that supplies silicate and trace metals, fresh water, and dissolved and particulate organic matter to the Oregon/Washington shelf. The optical and physical properties of the river plume evolve as it travels away from the river mouth and undergoes both aging and dilution by surrounding waters. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify initial optical properties of fresh plume waters at the river mouth, (2) track changes in the optical signature of the water mass as it advects seaward from the mouth, and (3) predict residence time of the water mass on the shelf from changes in the optical signature, using remote sensing data. These results are compared to central California, where river plumes are much more episodic and spatially smaller, to determine the limits of detection using standard (1 km) and high-resolution (250 m) data from the MODIS platform.
Clay orientation effect on the thermal stability of polyethylene–nanoclay nanocomposites

Abstract This paper explores the effect of nanoclay orientation on the long term thermal stability of a polyethylene (PE)/nanoclay nanocomposite. Nanoclay morphology and orientation in an injection molded PE–clay nanocomposite bar were examined using transmission electron microscopy and simultaneous small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)/wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). These nanocomposites were aged at elevated temperatures for various periods of time, and the relative amount of antioxidant (AO) was monitored using an oxidative induction time test. The presence of 4 wt% nanoclay accelerates AO depletion, particularly at the surface region of the sample. AO concentration profiles along different directions of the sample bar were constructed based on SAXS/WAXD results, and were correlated with the clay orientation. A detailed AO depletion mechanism is discussed.
Genetic mapping of new seed-expressed polyphenol oxidase genes in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymatic activity is a major cause in time-dependent discoloration in wheat dough products. The PPO-A1 and PPO-D1 genes have been shown to contribute to wheat kernel PPO activity. Recently a novel PPO gene family consisting of the PPO-A2, PPO-B2, and PPO-D2 genes has been identified and shown to be expressed in wheat kernels. In this study, the sequences of these five kernel PPO genes were determined for the spring wheat cultivars Louise and Penawawa. The two cultivars were found to be polymorphic at each of the PPO loci. Three novel alleles were isolated from Louise. The Louise X Penawawa mapping population was used to genetically map all five PPO genes. All map to the long arm of homeologous group 2 chromosomes. PPO-A2 was found to be located 8.9 cM proximal to PPO-A1 on the long arm of chromosome 2A. Similarly, PPO-D1 and PPO-D2 were separated by 10.7 cM on the long arm of chromosome 2D. PPO-B2 mapped to the long arm of chromosome 2B and was the site of a novel QTL for polyphenol oxidase activity. Five other PPO QTL were identified in this study. One QTL corresponds to the previously described PPO-D1 locus, one QTL corresponds to the PPO-D2 locus, whereas the remaining three are located on chromosome 2B.
Conducted Common-Mode EMI Reduction by Impedance Balancing

A new method to reduce common-mode (CM) electromagnetic interference (EMI) emission at the dc input of variable-speed motor drives is presented. Unlike conventional passive or active filtering techniques that rely on impedance mismatch or active noise cancellation, the proposed method uses a passive circuit with matched impedance to cancel the inverter CM current. In the proposed approach, a star-connected three-phase RC circuit is placed at the output of the inverter to extract the CM voltage. An inductor is connected between the star point of the RC circuit and the middle of the dc bus capacitor to inject a CM current into the dc input. A Wheatstone bridge is then identified in the CM equivalent circuit of the system with these additional components. By properly selecting the inductor, the Wheatstone bridge can be balanced, resulting in near-ideal cancellation of the input CM current. Development of the method is presented and an experimental setup is used to demonstrate its effects. A comparison with conventional EMI filtering methods in terms of overall filter volume is also presented.
Marketing Foods and Beverages in Schools: The Effect of School Food Policy on Students' Overweight Measures

Abstract Beginning with the 2006–2007 academic year, the U.S. government required that all federally funded schools have local wellness policies to promote healthful living and reduce obesity among their students; however, little evidence exists on which school food policies are effective. This article finds evidence that prohibiting a la carte junk food sales during meals reduces the likelihood that students will be overweight or obese by 18 percentage points. The data are merged student–parent–school survey responses collected from a small sample of schools in one Great Plains state. The estimation controls for students' activity levels, genetics, and socioeconomic factors; parents' activity levels and attitudes; and the overall mix of school marketing policies that promote healthful eating and drinking habits. The results indicate that banning a la carte junk food sales is a potentially effective policy to reduce the likelihood of students being overweight and obese.
Intraventricular Wenckebach conduction and localized reentry in a case of right ventricular dysplasia with recurrent ventricular tachycardia

Serial electrophysiologic studies were performed in a patient with recurrent ventricular tachycardia of left bundle branch configuration whose course and noninvasive evaluation are consistent with a diagnosis of right ventricular dysplasia. The localization of slowed conduction to the right ventricular apex, the reproducible initiation and termination of tachycardia with programmed extrastimuli and the presence of continuous electrical activity during tachycardia suggest a reentrant mechanism for this arrhythmia. Antiarrhythmic drugs further prolong the already fragmented apical electrogram and result in Wenckebach conduction within the abnormal portion of the right ventricle during pacing and tachycardia. Electrophysiologic findings are remarkably similar in studies performed 32 months apart.
GARDNER’S SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Abstract Gardner's syndrome (GS) is a dysplasia characterized by neoformations of the intestine, soft tissue, and osseous tissue. Because extra-intestinal manifestations, in particular osteomas, appear promptly even in infants affected with the syndrome and because of the possibility of malignant degeneration, the presence of osteomas necessitates regular surveillance to promptly diagnose the development of an intestinal polyposis typical of GS. This study describes a case of GS diagnosed merely upon suspicion of the existence of the syndrome in a patient who came to our Emergency Department. The study also emphasizes the importance not only of carrying out regular surveillance investigations to ascertain the presence of GS (colonoscopy), but also studying the relatives of any patient with GS, in light of the fact that this particular dysplasia is transmitted genetically.
The spatial relationship between Ca2+channels and Ca2+-activated channels and the function of Ca2+-buffering in avian sensory neurons

Abstract In order to learn about the endogenous Ca 2+ -buffering in the cytoplasm of chick dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and the distance separating the ryanodine receptor Ca 2+ release channels (RyRs) from the plasma membrane, we monitored the amplitude and time course of Ca 2+ -activated Cl – currents (l Cl(Ca) ) in protocols that manipulated Ca 2+ -buffering. l Cl(Ca) was activated by Ca 2+ influx via voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels or by Ca 2+ release via RyRs activated by 10 mM caffeine. l Cl(Ca) was measured in neurons at 20°C and 35°C using the amphotericin perforated patch technique that preserves endogenous Ca 2+ -buffering, or at 20°C in neurons dialyzed with pipette solutions designed to replace the endogenous Ca 2+ buffers. The amplitude of l Cl(Ca) activated by Ca 2+ influx or Ca 2+ at 20°C was similar in the amphotericin neurons and neurons dialyzed with an ‘unbuffered’ pipette solution containing 10 mM citrate and 3 mM ATP as the only Ca 2+ binding molecules. Thus, endogenous mobile Ca 2+ buffers are relatively unimportant in chick DRG neurons. Warming the neurons from 20°C to 35°C increased the amplitude and the rate of deactivation of l Cl(Ca) consistent with an increased rate of Ca 2+ buffering by fixed endogenous Ca 2+ -buffers. Dialysis with 2 mM EGTA/0.1 μM free Ca 2+ reduced the amplitude and increased the rate of deactivation of l Cl(Ca) activated by Ca 2+ influx and abolished l Cl(Ca) activated by Ca 2+ release. Dialysis with 2 mM BAPTA/0.1 μM free Ca 2+ abolished l Cl(Ca) activated by Ca 2+ influx or release. Dialysis with 42 mM HEEDTA/0.5 μM free Ca 2+ caused the persistent activation of l Cl(Ca) . Calculations using a Ca 2+ -diffusion model suggest that the voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels and the Ca 2+ -activated Cl – channels are separated by 50–400 nm and that the RyRs are more than 600 nm from the plasma membrane.
Phosphotransfer Reactions of the CbbRRS Three-Protein Two- Component System from Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA010 Appear To Be Controlled by an Internal Molecular Switch on the Sensor Kinase

The CbbRRS system is an atypical three-protein two-component system that modulates the expression of the cbbI CO2 fixation operon of Rhodopseudomonas palustris, possibly in response to a redox signal. It consists of a membrane-bound hybrid sensor kinase, CbbSR, with a transmitter and receiver domain, and two response regulator proteins, CbbRR1 and CbbRR2. No detectable helix-turn-helix DNA binding domain is associated with either response regulator, but an HPt domain and a second receiver domain are predicted at the C-terminal region of CbbRR1 and CbbRR2, respectively. The abundance of conserved residues predicted to participate in a His-Asp phosphorelay raised the question of their de facto involvement. In this study, the role of the multiple receiver domains was elucidated in vitro by generating site-directed mutants of the putative conserved residues. Distinct phosphorylation patterns were obtained with two truncated versions of the hybrid sensor kinase, CbbSRT189 and CbbSRR96 (CbbSR beginning at residues T189 and R96, respectively). These constructs also exhibited substantially different affinities for ATP and phosphorylation stability, which was found to be dependent on a conserved Asp residue (Asp-696) within the kinase receiver domain. Asp-696 also played an important role in defining the specificity of phosphorylation for response regulators CbbRR1 or CbbRR2, and this residue appeared to act in conjunction with residues within the region from Arg-96 to Thr-189 at the N terminus of the sensor kinase. The net effect of concerted interactions at these distinct regions of CbbSR created an internal molecular switch that appears to coordinate a unique branched phosphorelay system.
Cops and community: street-level leadership in community based policing

This article describes a model of street-level leadership t the authors developed in over 800 hours of observational research with two police departments. The model is applied to the concept of community-based policing in order to illustrate its usefulness in shaping and judging community-based police reforms. The street-level leadership model is shown to provide both explanatory and evaluative criteria through which both police departments and the communities they serve can understand and create effective community-based police programs.
In the search for new anticancer drugs. XXIV: Synthesis and anticancer activity of amino acids and dipeptides containing the 2-chloroethyl- and [N′-(2-chloroethyl)-N′-nitroso]-aminocarbonyl groups

Abstract A series of L,L- (42, 44, 46, and 60) and D,D- (43, 45, 47, and 61) dipeptide derivatives composed of phenylglycine, phenylalanine, homophenylalanine, and valine and containing a 2-chloroethylamino group at the C-terminus and an N′-(2-chloroethyl)-N′-nitrosoaminocarbonyl group at the N-terminus of the dipeptides were prepared. The dipeptide derivatives (42–47, 60, and 61) were first evaluated in vivo for their anticancer activities against the murine lymphocytic leukemia P388. Compounds 42, 44, 46, and 60 possessed activities ranging from 46 to 111 percent increase in life span (%ILS), whereas 43 was marginal (%ILS = 31) and 45, 47, and 61 were inactive. In general, the L,L-series exhibited low to good activity (%ILS = 46–111), whereas the corresponding D, D-series, except for 43 (%ILS = 31), was devoid of activity. The analogously structured monoamino acid derivatives of L-alanine (74), L-phenylalanine (75), and L-aspartic acid (76) exhibited higher activity against P388 than the dipeptide derivatives (i.e., 481, 297, and 481 %ILS, respectively). The more active representatives of dipeptides (i.e., 42, 44, and 60) and the amino acids derivatives 74–76 were then tested in vivo against the murine lymphoid leukemia L1210. Compounds 42, 44, and 60 exhibited either low or marginal activity (i.e., the %ILS values were 46, 31, and 26, respectively). Compounds 74, 75, and 76 possessed low to moderate activity, as evidenced by the %ILS values of 56, 48, and 64, respectively. The %ILS parameters obtained against the P388 and L1210 tumor lines were correlated with the corresponding lipophilicities, and there is a trend towards higher activity with concomitant decrease in hydrophobicity.
The universality of the semantic structure of emotion terms: methods for the study of inter- and intra-cultural variability

The issue of cultural universals versus linguistic relativity is currently one of the most intensely debated topics in sociocultural anthropology. Emotion terms have long served as a contested area and we provide a brief review. The primary aim of the paper is to introduce methods that facilitate the objective analysis of empirical findings on the extent to which semantic structure is shared among different languages. The main finding of this paper is that Chinese-, English-, and Japanesespeaking subjects assign basically similar meanings to 15 common emotion terms. The differences among the three languages are genuine and statistically significant but small. One of the particularly impressive aspects of the present findings is the extent to which they are consistent with previous research traditions that posit cultural and semantic universals. Differences also exist in the performance of Chinese and Japanese bilingual subjects when performing tasks in English compared to performing the same tasks in their native language, [emotions, inter-cultural and intra-cultural variability, cultural universals, linguistic relativity, Chinese, Japanese]
Imidazolium polyesters: Structure-property relationships in thermal behavior, ionic conductivity, and morphology

New bis(ω-hydroxyalkyl)imidazolium and 1,2-bis[N-(ω-hydroxyalkyl)imidazolium]ethane salts are synthesized and characterized; most of the salts are room temperature ionic liquids. These hydroxyl end-functionalized ionic liquids are polymerized with diacid chlorides, yielding polyesters containing imidazolium cations embedded in the main chain. By X-ray scattering, four polyesters are found to be semicrystalline at room temperature: mono-imidazolium-C11-sebacate-C6 (4e), mono-imidazolium-C11-sebacate-C11 (4c), bis(imidazolium)ethane-C6-sebacate-C6 (5a), and bis(imidazolium)ethane-C11-sebacate-C11 (5c), all with hexafluorophosphate counterions. The other imidazolium polyesters, including all those with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI−) counterions, are amorphous at room temperature. Room temperature ionic conductivities of the mono-imidazolium polyesters (4 × 10−6 to 3 × 10−5 S cm−1) are higher than those of the corresponding bis-imidazolium polyesters (4 × 10−9 to 8 × 10−6 S cm−1), even though the bis-imidazolium polyesters have higher ion concentrations. Counterions affect ionic conduction significantly; all polymers with TFSI− counterions have higher ionic conductivities than the hexafluorophosphate analogs. Interestingly, the hexafluorophosphate polyester, 1,2-bis(imidazolium)ethane-C11-sebacate-C11 (5c), displays almost 400-fold higher room temperature ionic conductivity (1.6 × 10−6 S cm−1) than the 1,2-bis(imidazolium)ethane-C6-sebacate-C6 analog (5a, 4.3 × 10−9 S cm−1), attributable to the differences in the semicrystalline structure in 5c as compared to 5a. These results indicate that semicrystalline polymers may result in high ionic conductivity in a soft (low glass tranition temperature, Tg) amorphous phase and good mechanical properties of the crystalline phase.
Effect of annealing on the conductivity of electroless deposited Ni nanowires and films

We examined the effect of annealing on the conductivity of electroless deposited nickel nanowires and nanofilms. The electroless deposited nanowires were 50-200-nm thick and a few micrometers long. TEM analysis of the wires revealed that they have a bead-like (50 nm in size) structure. On annealing, in a nonoxidizing environment, the beads coalesced to form contiguous wires. Four-point resistance measurements of the nickel nanowires showed that annealed wires have considerably lower resistivity than nonannealed wires. In-situ resistance measurement of Ni nanofilms, during annealing, showed an exponential decay of resistance with temperature. The drop in resistance is thought to be a result of bead coalescence and grain-boundary attrition. After annealing, the resistivity showed a linear dependence on temperature, with the slope indicative of the electron-phonon interaction
GENERALIZED SINGULAR VALUE DECOMPOSITION APPROACH FOR CONSISTENT ON-LINE DYNAMIC TRAFFIC ASSIGNMENT

A framework for ensuring operational consistency of on-line dynamic traffic assignment in networks with advanced traffic management and information systems is proposed and investigated. Formulated within a stage-based rolling horizon framework, the model first solves a deterministic dynamic traffic assignment problem to predict the traffic network state for the near future while optimizing certain controller and user objectives and later seeks consistency between the predicted system state and the actual conditions unfolding on line. This approach ensures that future state predictions and path assignments are consistent with the current actual system state rather than the previously predicted (presumed) system state. The consistency problem is formulated as a constrained least-squares model. It is underdetermined, rank deficient, and potentially ill conditioned for general networks. In addition, it lacks well-behaved properties and has a fixed-point element, characteristics inherited from the dynamic traf...
Half life of57Ni

The half life of57Ni has been measured by Ge/Li/ γ-ray spectroscopy. The57Ni radionuclide was created by bremsstrahlung impinging a sample of elemental Ni. Time change of the activity of the 1377.6-keV γ-ray following decay of57Ni was analyzed to obtain a half life of 35.54±0.05 h for57Ni.