cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidation of Ammonia in Osmium Polypyridyl Complexes

The oxidations of cis- and trans-[OsIII(tpy)(Cl)2(NH3)](PF6), cis-[OsII(bpy)2(Cl)(NH3)](PF6), and [OsII(tpy)(bpy)(NH3)](PF6)2 have been studied by cyclic voltammetry and by controlled-potential electrolysis. In acetonitrile or in acidic, aqueous solution, oxidation is metal-based and reversible, but as the pH is increased, oxidation and proton loss from coordinated ammonia occurs. cis- and trans-[OsIII(tpy)(Cl)2(NH3)](PF6) are oxidized by four electrons to give the corresponding OsVI nitrido complexes, [OsVI(tpy)(Cl)2(N)]+. Oxidation of [Os(tpy)(bpy)(NH3)](PF6)2 occurs by six electrons to give [Os(tpy)(bpy)(NO)](PF6)3. Oxidation of cis-[OsII(bpy)2(Cl)(NH3)](PF6) at pH 9.0 gives cis-[OsII(bpy)2(Cl)(NO)](PF6)2 and the mixed-valence form of the μ-N2 dimer {cis-[Os(bpy)2(Cl)]2(μ-N2)}(PF6)3. With NH4+ added to the electrolyte, cis-[OsII(bpy)2(Cl)(N2)](PF6) is a coproduct. The results of pH-dependent cyclic voltammetry measurements suggest OsIV as a common intermediate in the oxidation of coordinated ammonia. F...
Shoot, root and flower morphogenesis on tomato inflorescence explants

Regeneration of de novo shoots, roots and flowers has been obtained on inflorescence explants of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were added in a 3×3×3 factorial combination with kinetin, each at 0.001, 0.1 and 10 μM concentrations. Direct shoot formation occurred on media with 10 μM kinetin and 0.001 μM IAA or NAA. Root formation was observed on media with 0.1–10 μM IAA, IBA or NAA. Flower formation occurred on elongated shoots with several leaves on media with 10 μM IAA and 0.1 μM kinetin. Shoot organogenesis was increased by substituting 10 μM zeatin or N6-benzyladenine (BA) for kinetin. Eleven tomato cultivars were tested for their ability to undergo de novo shoot regeneration on the improved medium. All tomato cultivars were capable of shoot morphogenesis with a mean number of shoots per explant that ranged from 1.3 (‘Red Alert’) to 5.3 (‘Large Red Cherry’). Histological studies revealed that active cell divisions occurred in subepidermal and cambial tisue during the first week of culture. Meristematic centers of dividing cells were evident by day 14, and well-developed shoot apices and leaf structures were observed on 50% of the explants 28 days after culture initiation.
Towards Static Contact Multiphysics of Rough Surfaces

This paper is describing the current status of ongoing work on developing a comprehensive modeling and simulation infrastructure capable of addressing the multiphysics behavior aspects of rough surfaces in contact. The electrical and thermal response of bodies in contact under the influence of mechanical load electric currents and thermal fluxes, is a topic of interest for many application areas. We are presenting a multiscale theory leading to derivations of expressions of electric and thermal conductivities for the case of static contact. The associated model contains both an asperity based comprehensive model as well as its continuum level coupling. The mechanical pressure and the repulsion effect from electric current through the micro-contacts as well as temperature and strain rate dependence of the plastic behavior of the asperity are accounted for as well. This formalism enables the derivation of physical properties from surface topography and bulk material properties for the interface between two rough surfaces in contact. Numerical analysis results present the dependence of the derived properties from the surface characteristics applied external load and the electric current.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Surface modification of solids

The use of ion beam and pulsed laser processing is reviewed for the nearsurface modification of a wide range of materials. The techniques of ion implantation doping, ion beam and laser mixing, and pulsedlaser annealing are stressed with particular emphasis on the nonequilibrium aspects of these processing techniques and on new materials properties which can result. Examples are presented illustrating the utility of these techniques for fundamental materials research as well as practical surface modifications.
Quantum Monte Carlo study of spin correlations in the one-dimensional Hubbard model.

The one-dimensional Hubbard model is studied at and close to half-filling using a generalization of Handscomb's quantum Monte Carlo method. Results for spin-correlation functions and susceptibilities are presented for systems of up to 128 sites. The spin-correlation function at low temperature is well described by a recently introduced formula relating the correlation function of a finite periodic system to the corresponding T=0 correlation function of the infinite system. For the T\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0 divergence of the q=2${\mathit{k}}_{\mathit{F}}$ spin susceptibility, our results are consistent with the form \ensuremath{\chi}(2${\mathit{k}}_{\mathit{F}}$)\ensuremath{\sim}\ensuremath{\Vert}ln(T)${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Vert}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$${\mathit{T}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}^{\mathit{K}}$-1, with \ensuremath{\sigma}=1/2.
Elastic constants of body-centered-cubic cobalt films.

The wave-vector and directional dependence of the Rayleigh elastic wave localized in epitaxial films of bcc cobalt are measured by Brillouin scattering. The Rayleigh velocities are well described by elastic continuum theory and yield values for the ${\mathrm{C}}_{11}$ and ${\mathrm{C}}_{44}$ elastic constants that are reduced to about 65% of the corresponding values in the thermodynamically stable hcp configuration. While the reduction in ${\mathrm{C}}_{11}$ in these supported films (several hundred angstroms thick) is consistent with recent calculations for bulk bcc cobalt, the ${\mathrm{C}}_{44}$ and ${\mathrm{C}}_{12}$ values we have derived are significantly smaller than those predicted by the theory. The ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathit{i}\mathit{j}}$'s determined independently from the Rayleigh wave dispersion along distinct crystallographic directions in films of different orientations agree well.
Growth rate calculations of auroral kilometric radiation using the relativistic resonance condition

The relativistic cyclotron resonance condition for right-handed extraordinary mode waves defines an ellipse in velocity space. The position of the center and size of the semiminor axis of this ellipse are functions of the plasma frequency, gyrofrequency, wave frequency, and wave normal angle. The effect of varying these parameters on the position and size of the resonance contour is analyzed. The results show that as the wave normal angle decreases, the semiminor axis increases in size and as the plasma frequency to gyrofrequency ratio decreases, the minimum energy for resonating electrons decreases and the maximum wave normal angle allowed by the resonance condition increases. Also, as the wave frequency to gyrofrequency ratio increases, the center of the resonance ellipse moves away from the origin. The relativistic resonance condition and the electron distribution in velocity space obtained by the S3-3 satellite are used to calculate numerically growth rates for the terrestrial auroral kilometric radiation. It is shown that the loss cone region of the electron distribution can give rise to growth rates for the extraordinary mode that are sufficiently large to account for the observed radio emission intensities.
Practical Issues of 2-D Parallel Finite Element Analysis

The use of parallel processors has made it possible to execute large scale applications such as finite element analysis. Generally, the speedup is limited by the interprocessor communication used by message-passing multicomputers. The major question addressed by users of message-passing machines is the identification, of the most efficient type of communication scheme for the. particular application. Practical considerations such as the following are frequently neglected: the range of message sizes for which a communication scheme is appropriate, the impact on the subdomain size, the. memory requirements versus the actual memory of the machine, and how the optimal communication method changes as a fixed size problem is scaled to a larger number of processors. We address these practical issues for 2-D finite, element problems executed on the Intel Delta machine.
Understanding the impact of additives with large inelastic cross sections on drift chamber performance

Abstract We present measurements and explain a model of how gases with large cross sections for inelastic interactions with electrons significantly affect drift velocity in gaseous detectors. Empirical data confirm the model's predictions and agree with transport calculations. This understanding may allow chamber designers to choose additives that optimize detectors' performance.
The ionization structure of planetary nebulae. IV - NGC 6853

Upgraded UV and IR data were taken of the planetary nebula NGC 6853 in the same region as previous optical data to improve the data base on various ionized species in the nebula. The spectral range 1400-9600 A was scanned, and good agreement was obtained between UV and optical ionization abundance data, although the 4267 A C II line yielded a C(2+) abundance larger than indicated by the UV data. The discrepancy concentrated around the central star. Ionization abundances were determined for He, O, N, NC, C, Ar, and S relative to H, and the causes of discrepancies in the abundances compared to those of previous investigators are discussed. It is noted that, as in the planetary nebula NGC 6720, lighter element abundances are higher than solar values, which suggests mixing of processed materials in the envelope of the two nebulae.
Spin- 1/2 particles in the presence of a Heavisidian field

In this letter we study a system of particles with spin 1/2 in the presence of a Heavisidian field. We find the internal energy, the entropy, the specific heat and the total Heavisidian dipole moment of the system. Furthermore, we theorize the effect of a strong Heavisidian field of a rapidly rotating black hole on the neutrinos in the vicinity.
Determination of Metal-Chelate Complex Solubilities in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

With new interest in the processing of heavy metals by chelation incorporated with supercritical fluid extraction, an accurate metal-chelate complex solubility database has become increasingly important. To measure these solubilities, a dynamic measurement technique was developed to determine organometallic complex solubility as well as chelate agent or ligand solubility in supercritical carbon dioxide. This technique utilizes a mixed-solvent stream to eliminate potential clogging and pressure increases during expansion, problems inherent with most dynamic techniques used to measure solubilities in supercritical fluids. In addition, the technique may be readily used in conjunction with basically any analytical chemical method. After proving the accuracy of the new method by measuring phenanthrene solubility in supercritical carbon dioxide, solubility measurements of two commercially available chelate complexes, cupric acetylacetonate and diethyldithiocarbomate copper salt, were made at near ambient temper...
Grain nucleation and texture analysis of electroless copper deposition on a palladium seed layer

Electroless copper grains were deposited on a Pd seed layer under varying bath conditions. The seed layer was determined to have a (111) texture using grazing incident x-ray (GIX) diffraction. Multiple nucleation sites in the grain boundaries were imaged using a scanning tunneling microscope. Continual copper growth produced row-like structures. The texture of the electrolessly deposited copper (ED-Cu) grains were determined to be (111). No radial grain orientation for the Pd seed layer or the ED-Cu thin film was detected using GIX diffraction. Atomic force microscope images indicated continual Cu nucleation throughout the deposition process. PdH was formed as a by-product of the electroless deposition process, and detected by x-ray diffraction.
The influence of CO ice on the activity and near-surface differentiation of comet nuclei

A comet nucleus model whose composition is a homogeneous mixture of water ice, CO ice, and dust, in a Halley-type orbit, is presently used to investigate the role of unclathrated CO ice in the activity and near-surface differentiation of comet nuclei. Temperatures of water and CO ice surfaces, CO gas and water steam fluxes, and depths of CO ice, are presented as functions of orbital position. It is determined that CO ice should always exist within 3 m of the surface; CO gas production exceeds water steam production beyond 2.5 AU, with consequences for the planned in situ elemental analysis of nuclei.
Dispute systems design: A preventive approach to ethical conflict in organizations

Questions of ethical behavior have arisen in every culture throughout history. It is important for organizations to anticipate ethical dilemmas before they become crises or disasters. This paper considers an open systems approach to designing practical mechanisms for conflict resolution. It uses the BART whistle-blowing incident of 1972 as an example of how a “dispute system design” as developed by Ury, Brett, and Goldberg could have been applied to ethical conflicts and potentially could have resulted in a win-win resolution for both person and organization.
Mean Field Analysis of Low–Dimensional Systems

For low–dimensional systems, (i.e. 2D and, to a certain extent, 1D) it is proved that mean–field theory can provide an asymptotic guideline to the phase structure of actual systems. In particular, for attractive pair interactions that are sufficiently “spead out” according to an exponential (Yukawa) potential it is shown that the energy, free energy and, in particular, the block magnetization (as defined on scales that are large compared with the lattice spacing but small compared to the range of the interaction) will only take on values near to those predicted by the associated mean–field theory. While this applies for systems in all dimensions, the significant applications are for d = 2 where it is shown: (a) If the mean–field theory has a discontinuous phase transition featuring the breaking of a discrete symmetry then this sort of transition will occur in the actual system. Prominent examples include the two–dimensional q = 3 state Potts model. (b) If the mean–field theory has a discontinuous transition accompanied by the breaking of a continuous symmetry, the thermodynamic discontinuity is preserved even if the symmetry breaking is forbidden in the actual system. E.g. the two–dimensional O(3) nematic liquid crystal. Further it is demonstrated that mean–field behavior in the vicinity of the magnetic transition for layered Ising and XY systems also occurs in actual layered systems (with spread–out interactions) even if genuine magnetic ordering is precluded.
Control and Validation of Automated Lane Centering and Lane Changing Maneuver

This paper describes an automated lane changing control system that has been developed at General Motors Research and Development. This system uses a single monochrome camera to recognize lane markings on the road ahead and uses multiple short range radars to detect surrounding traffic and objects. A sensing unit calculates the host vehicle’s lateral displacement and the heading angle from the center of its lane as well as the relative distance and relative speed of each object. Since the smoothness and comfort of lane change maneuvering are important measures of the control performance, the vehicle dynamic model is integrated into the desired path generation and vehicle’s controller design to reduce the vehicle lateral acceleration and the lateral offset overshoot during the lane change maneuvering. To avoid heavy computation, a simplified model predictive control algorithm is proposed. The control algorithm calculates a steering angle command at the current time step to drive the vehicle to the desired path. The control method and algorithms are implemented on a demonstration vehicle and validated at straight roads and various curve roads of up to 0.001 [1/m] curvature for different vehicle speeds up to 100 [km/hr]. The results show that lane change maneuvering is successfully completed with lateral offset error less than 20 cm.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Using an expanded measure of self-control to predict delinquency

Abstract Self-control theory claims that the tendency to pursue short-term, immediate pleasure, called low self-control, is the only important intrapersonal correlate of crime and delinquency. Low self-control is considered a general tendency comprising several subsidiary traits. The question is whether the subsidiary traits traditionally considered to constitute the individual elements of low self-control – impulsivity, risk-seeking, shortsightedness, low frustration tolerance, self-centeredness, and a preference for physical activities – accurately reflect the essence of self-control theory. The present paper provides theoretical and empirical support for the incorporation of two additional characteristics – diligence and the tendency to neutralize one's guilt for wrongdoing – into the overall self-control construct. Empirical support is provided by the results of two studies in which diligence and neutralization significantly and substantially improve the ability of traditional low self-control to acco...
G-performance characterization of surface-micromachined FDDI optical bypass switches

We report the experimental g-performance characterization of surface-micromachined FDDI (fiber distributed data interface) optical bypass switches. Novel surface-micromachined FDDI optical bypass switch consists of an out-of-plane micromirror is driven by integrated scratch drive actuators, and balanced by a spring. A pull-back spring is integrated with the switch in order to satisfy the requirements for the fail-safe feature of the FDDI optical bypass switch. We have performed the vibration test of the switch in collaboration with Rockwell Science Center. The purpose of this test is to investigate the robustness of the surface-micromachined fib optic switch against external vibrations. Error-free operation up to 89s (equipment-limited) was observed for vibration frequencies from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. Comparison of the receiving sensitivity with and without vibration shows that there is virtually no effect of vibration of this scale. No mechanical failure observed throughout the entire test.
Cell-cycle control of a cloned chromosomal origin of replication from Caulobacter crescentus

Caulobacter crescentus cell division is asymmetric and yields distinct swarmer cell and stalked cell progeny. Only the stalked cell initiates chromosomal replication, and the swarmer cell must differentiate into a stalked cell before chromosomal DNA replication can occur. In an effort to understand this developmental control of replication, we employed pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to localize and to isolate the chromosomal origin of replication. The C. crescentus homologues of several Escherichia coli genes are adjacent to the origin in the physical order hemE, origin, dnaA and dnaK,J. Deletion analysis reveals that the minimal sequence requirement for autonomous replication is greater than 430 base-pairs, but less than 720 base-pairs. A plasmid, whose replication relies only on DNA from the C. crescentus origin of replication, has a distinct temporal pattern of DNA synthesis that resembles that of the bona fide C. crescentus chromosome. This implies that cis-acting replication control elements are closely linked to this origin of replication. This DNA contains sequence motifs that are common to other bacterial origins, such as five DnaA boxes, an E. coli-like 13-mer, and an exceptional A + T-rich region. Point mutations in one of the DnaA boxes abolish replication in C. crescentus. This origin also possesses three additional motifs that are unique to the C. crescentus origin of replication: seven 8-mer (GGCCTTCC) motifs, nine 8-mer (AAGCCCGG) motifs, and five 9-mer (GTTAA-n7-TTAA) motifs are present. The latter two motifs are implicated in essential C. crescentus replication functions, because they are contained within specific deletions that abolish replication.
Compact dictionaries for variable-length keys and data with applications

We consider the problem of maintaining a dynamic dictionary T of keys and associated data for which both the keys and data are bit strings that can vary in length from zero up to the length w of a machine word. We present a data structure for this variable-bit-length dictionary problem that supports constant time lookup and expected amortized constant-time insertion and deletion. It uses O(m p 3n − nlog2n) bits, where n is the number of elements in T, and m is the total number of bits across all strings in T (keys and data). Our dictionary uses an array Al1 … nr in which locations store variable-bit-length strings. We present a data structure for this variable-bit-length array problem that supports worst-case constant-time lookups and updates and uses O(m p n) bits, where m is the total number of bits across all strings stored in A.The motivation for these structures is to support applications for which it is helpful to efficiently store short varying-length bit strings. We present several applications, including representations for semidynamic graphs, order queries on integers sets, cardinal trees with varying cardinality, and simplicial meshes of d dimensions. These results either generalize or simplify previous results.
The Precultural Basis of the Incest Taboo: Toward a Biosocial Theory

The literature on the origins of the incest taboo is characterized by controversy over the nature/nurture issue, and fears of reductionism. In recent years work emanating from such diverse disciplines as cultural and physical anthropology, ethology, and neuropsychology warrants a new look at this intriguing issue. It is probable that incest avoidance is widespread among the vertebrata and is "built into the wiring." As learned behavior becomes more important phylogenetically, curiosity and exploration plays a larger role in adaptation and has manifest survival advantages. Incest avoidance functions as a mechanism to propel the individual into new relationships and "social territory." For humans, incest avoidance and its later elaboration into a cultural taboo serve to motivate exploration of and attachment to a wider social nexus than the family. It also prevents fixation at a relatively undifferentiated psychological stage of development. INTRODUCTION AND DISCUSSION OF THE ANTHROPOLOGICAL LITERATURE There have been few subject areas in anthropology that have produced such voluminous speculation as the incest taboo. The high level of interest has been related to the universality (with but minor and insignificant variations) of the taboo on sexual relations between siblings and between parent and child in the nuclear family. Given the paucity of empirical data on the origins of the incest taboo, it is understandable that the literature has been characterized by speculation and controversy, much of it stemming from the instinct versus learning, nature versus nurture problems. It is my belief that there now exists a sufficient body of new data, emanating mainly from ethology, psychology, and human paleontology, to warrant a reexamination of the anthropological issues relating to the precultural origins of the incest taboo. This task is important not only because of the intrinsic interest of the subject itself, but also because it relates to the issue of the integration of different levels of abstraction in the behavioral sciences. The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to examine the evidence from a number of academic disciplines relating to the origins of the incest taboo; second, to integrate this evidence and to suggest some of the causal mechanisms involved in the origin of this phenomenon; finally, to suggest a model of early man's social life that is congruent with this explanation. The term "incest taboo" refers to a cultural prohibition of sexual relations between siblings, and between parents and children. The elaboration of exogamous rules is not included under the rubric. The term "incest avoidance" will refer to behavioral manifestations (as opposed to normative prohibitions) of sex relations between individuals socialized in a family-like situation. In a recent article dealing with the psychobiological roots of culture, D'Aquili states:
Analyzing the Decision-Making Process of the American Jury

Abstract Extending earlier work by the authors [3, 4], this article examines in more detail the internal and external behavior of a jury. The internal analysis sheds light on the decision-making process from the first ballot position to the final outcome. Data in Kalven and Zeisel [6] have been employed to test the tenability of the models. The external analysis explores questions regarding the correctness of jury decisions and the effect of changes in jury size and in majority requirements for decisions.
Opposition in Modern Greek discourse: cultural and contextual constraints

Abstract This paper investigates opposition strategies in three contexts: (1) conversation in Greek among family members, (2) a conversation in Greek among friends, and (3) classroom discourse by Greeks in English, using tape-recorded data. The study operates within an interactional sociolinguistic framework of discourse analysis and analyzes strategies that fall in the middle of a continuum that ranges from aggravation to mitigation. Using both linguistic and paralinguistic criteria, it illustrates how context at the macro- and micro-level shapes and reflects the various strategies found in the data. Based on the nature of opposition and the forms it took, the study proposes that in Modern Greek discourse, disagreement serves as a ritualized form of opposition. It suggests that disagreement constitutes a social practice that is pervasive and ‘preferred’ because it is expected and ‘allowed’. This paper, therefore, contributes to studies which posit that the speech action of disagreement is constrained by cultural and contextual constraints.
Application of the APSA evidence-based guidelines for isolated liver or spleen injuries: a single institution experience.

Abstract Purpose In 1998, the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) recommended evidence-based guidelines for the management of hemodynamically stable patients with isolated liver or spleen injuries. A clinical practice guideline (CPG) was developed using the APSA guidelines. This study analyzes the impact of the CPG on the care of these children in a single institution. Methods Patients treated with the CPG between September 1998 and June 2002 were compared with a similar cohort admitted from February 1992 to October 1997, before the CPG was instituted. Groups were analyzed for age, computerized tomographic organ injury grade, hematocrits obtained, Injury Severity Score (ISS), length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, follow-up imaging studies performed, and outcome. Results CPG patients had a shorter ICU length of stay (0.4 ± 0.6 v 1.4 ± 0.6 days; P v 7.2 ± 1.4 days; P v 9.2 ± 3.1; P v 2.1 ± 1.1; P Conclusions Application of an APSA-based CPG resulted in decreased length of ICU stay, decreased hospital stay, and decreased resource utilization without any noted effect on outcome.
Due Date Assignment for Production Systems

This paper is concerned with the study of the constant due-date assignment policy in a dynamic job shop. Assuming that production times are randomly distributed, each job has a penalty cost that is some non-linear function of its due-date and its actual completion time. The due date is found by adding a constant to the time the job arrives to the shop. This constant time allowed in the shop is the lead time that a customer might expect between time of placing the order and time of delivery. The objective is to minimize the expected aggregate cost per job subject to restrictive assumptions on the priority discipline and the penalty functions. This aggregate cost includes 1 a cost that increases with increasing lead times, 2 a cost for jobs that are delivered after the due dates: the cost is proportional to tardiness and 3 a cost proportional to earliness for jobs that are completed prior to the due dates. We present an algorithm for solving this problem and show that the optimal lead time is a unique minimum point of strictly convex functions. The algorithm utilizes analytical procedures; computations can be made manually. No specific distributions are assumed; the distribution of total time a job is in the shop is utilized by the algorithm. This distribution can be theoretical or empirical. An example of a production system is presented.
High Mobility Radio Interferometric Geodetic Monitoring of Crustal Movements

Abstract Based upon actual transportable radio interferometric geodetic experience using the 9-m diameter ARIES (Astronomical Radio Interferometric Earth Surveying) system, it has been possible to redesign the elements to achieve an order of magnitude more mobility. A new 4-m-diameter ARIES station is now being implemented which will be capable of achieving 4–7 cm three-dimensional accuracy on baselines up to 500 km in virtually all weather conditions. Since the 4-m station remains essentially assembled during redeployments, the elapsed time between data acquisitions is estimated to be three days for sites a few hundred kilometers apart. There is also the capability for rapid deployments to epicentral regions where post-earthquake crustal deformation measurements are desirable. Although the 4-m ARIES station is presently being designed to operate in combination with the 40-m diameter telescope of the Caltech Owens Valley Radio Observatory, further instrumentation improvements in radio sensitivity and higher digital recording rates will allow a 9-m-diameter antenna to function as a transportable base station. This future system will be fully transportable to any global land-based location and be capable of 3-cm three-dimensional relative position measurements on a baseline up to 1000 km with only 8 hours of on-site data acquisition. The cost effectiveness of ARIES technology on geodetic networks of 100-km spacing density is substantially superior by comparison with monitoring such regional scale networks by conventional horizontal and vertical geodetic methods.
Anxiety and performance on oral examination.

Abstract The aim was to determine which students had debilitating anxiety associated with oral examinations and whether their performance differed significantly from performance in other cognitive and behavioral evaluations obtained in a junior clerkship. Students with debilitating anxiety had lower interest in the clerkship, less favorable attitudes, less internal locus of control, lower self-esteem, and less favorable evaluations by peers.
Active plant growth at freezing temperatures

As a foundation for speculations in exobiology, we are attempting to understand plant responses to extreme environments on Earth. We have emphasized active plant growth at low temperatures and in response to ultraviolet light. We have studied the winter environment in the mountains near Logan, Utah and have found several plants that grow under the snow. We have measured chlorophyll synthesis, carbohydrate levels, and ion balances in these plants and established field experiments with hardy and nonhardy varieties of wheat. In the laboratory we have studied characteristics of three enzymes in two wheat varieties, finding a number of interesting differences in response to ultraviolet and low-temperature treatments. We have also examined cell ultrastructures of three grass species subjected to a range of temperatures. Chloroplasts were most affected at low temperatures, but other organelles were also influenced. Studies of ion balances substantiate the suggestion from ultrastructure work that membranes may exhibit the primary responses to low temperatures. Cytokinins are also implicated in the cold response. We are presently emphasizing the investigation of membranes.
Multiple epidural steroid injections and body mass index linked with occurrence of epidural lipomatosis: a case series.

Epidural lipomatosis (EL) is an increase of adipose tissue, normally occurring in the epidural space, sufficient to distort the thecal sac and compress neural elements. There is a lack of knowledge of risk factors, impact on patient’s symptoms, and its possible association with epidural steroid injections. History, physical examination, patient chart, and MRI were analyzed from 856 outpatients referred for epidural steroid injections. Seventy patients with signs of EL on MRI comprised the study group. Thirty-four randomly selected patients comprised the control group. The severity of EL was determined by the MRI assessment. The impact of EL was determined by the patient’s history and physical examination. Logistic regression was used to correlate the probability of developing EL with BMI and epidural steroid injections. EL was centered at L5 and S1 segments. The average BMI for patients with EL was significantly greater than that of control group (36.0 ± 0.9 vs. 29.2 ± 0.9, p <0.01). The probability of developing EL with increasing BMI was linear up to the BMI of 35 after which it plateaued. Triglycerides were significantly higher for the EL group as compared to controls (250 ± 30 vs. 186 ± 21 mg/dL p < 0.01). The odds of having EL were 60% after two epidural steroid injections, 90% after three epidural steroid injections and approached 100% with further injections, independent of BMI. Other risk factors considered included alcohol abuse, use of protease inhibitors, levels of stress, hypothyroidism and genetic predisposition. However there were insufficient quantities to determine statistical significance with a degree of confidence. The impact of EL on patient’s symptoms correlated with EL severity with Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.73 at p < 0.01 significance level. The BMI and triglycerides levels were found to be significantly elevated for the EL group, pointing to an increased risk of EL occurrence in progressively more obese US population. The data also revealed a strong correlation between the number of subsequent epidural steroid injections and EL occurrence calling for caution with the use of corticosteroids.
Keynote speaker: Virtual reality: Current uses in medical simulation and future opportunities & medical technologies that VR can exploit in education and training

Summary form only given. Virtual reality has gone from research to educational tool to indispensible clinical application in patient care. A brief review of the current status of the use of VR in medicine will provide the springboard for the current gaps that provide future opportunities in simulation as well as an introduction to new advanced technologies that are revolutionizing medicine and which will require VR for educational and training support and clinical applications. Some topics for discussion are virtual patients, cadavers and autopsies, surgical rehearsal, robotic surgery, suspended animation, regeneration and tissue engineering. The challenge: how creatively can VR support these incredible new technologies? The grand challengen how will 3-D stereolithography revolutionize the practice of medicine? Have you bought your Maker bot yet?
Spatial arrangement, density, and competition between barnyardgrass and tomato: II. Barnyardgrass growth and seed production

Abstract Barnyardgrass was grown at densities of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and more than 50 plants m−1 of tomato crop row in either a regular, random, or clumped pattern. Tomato was established at 0, 5, 10, or 20 plants m−1 of crop row in a regular pattern. Crop density and weed density or spatial arrangement had little effect on phenological development of barnyardgrass. In the absence of tomato, barnyardgrass was estimated to produce over 400,000 seeds plant−1 when not subjected to intraspecific competition (0.25 plants m−1 density), decreasing to about 10,000 seeds plant−1 when weed density exceeded 50 plants m−1 of row. Differences in seed production between plants in the regular and random spatial arrangements were minor, but the clumped distribution resulted in 30 to 50% reduction in seed production at weed densities between 1 and 5 plants m−1 of row. Tomato reduced barnyardgrass seed production. The magnitude of the reduction depended on both tomato density and barnyardgrass density. In the absence of...
Decontaminating particles exposed to bacterial endotoxin (LPS)

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which comes from the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria, can stimulate murine macrophage cells to produce nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukins, such as IL-6. When examining the biological effects of particles on macrophages, it is important to have no contaminating LPS associated with the particles and none with any cell culture media or supplies since even very low levels of LPS are stimulatory. The presence or absence of LPS was observed in two ways: (1) the amount of NO produced by RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells, and (2) the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test. Treating particles with 70% ethanol at room temperature for 48 h, followed by washing the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles with endotoxin-free phosphate-buffered saline three times, decontaminated LPS and LPS-treated PMMA particles. When given LPS that had been treated with 70% ethanol for 48 h at room temperature or at 37 degrees C, cells did not produce NO above control levels. Negative LAL tests indicated the presence of extremely low levels or the complete absence of LPS in 70% ethanol-treated LPS.
The snow/ice instability as a mechanism for rapid climate change: A Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth model example

[1] Paleoclimate data increasingly suggest the likelihood of abrupt transitions due to instabilities in the climate system. Several previous studies offer support for the snow/ice instability mechanism as an explanation for some of these changes. However, most of these studies have either employed simple models or not closely examined the details of the transition. Herein we revisit this issue using a general circulation model (GCM) simulation for the late Precambrian, a time when glaciers may have reached the equator. Our results indicate that for CO2 concentrations near present levels the snow/ice instability occurs in one model year. The width of open water associated with the onset of instability agrees with theoretical calculations of the critical length scale predicted for this behavior. These results strengthen support for the existence of this phenomenon as a mechanism for rapid climate change.
“Ciliophagy”: The consumption of cilia components by autophagy

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involves aberrant airway inflammatory responses to cigarette smoke (CS) associated with respiratory epithelial cell cilia shortening and impaired mucociliary clearance (MCC). The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms for CS-associated cilia shortening have remained incompletely understood. We have previously demonstrated increased autophagy in the lungs of COPD patients; however, whether or not this process is selective for specific autophagic targets in the lung was not elucidated. Based on observations that increased morphological and biochemical indicators of autophagy correlate with cilia shortening in our models, we posited that autophagy might regulate cilia length in response to CS in the lung. We demonstrate that CS-induced cilia shortening occurs through an autophagy-dependent mechanism mediated by the deacetylase HDAC6 (histone deacetylase 6). Autophagy-impaired (Becn1+/−, map1lc3b−/−, or Hdac6-/Y) mice resist CS-induced cilia shortening. Furthermore, cilia components are identified as autophagic substrates during CS exposure. Assessment of airway cilia function using a 3D MCC assay demonstrates that Becn1+/−, map1lc3b−/−, and Hdac6-/Y mice or mice injected with the HDAC6 inhibitor tubastatin A are protected from CS-associated mucociliary dysfunction. We concluded that an autophagy-dependent pathway regulates cilia length during CS exposure, which identifies new pathways and targets in COPD.
Adaptation of Bacillus subtilis to oxygen limitation

Bacillus subtilis grows anaerobically by at least two different pathways, respiration using nitrate as an electron acceptor and fermentation in the absence of electron acceptors. Regulatory mechanisms have evolved allowing cells to shift to these metabolic capabilities in response to changes in oxygen availability. These include transcriptional activation of fnr upon oxygen limitation, a process requiring the ResD-ResE two-component signal transduction system that also regulates aerobic respiration. FNR then activates transcription of other anaerobically induced genes including the narGHJI operon which encodes a respiratory nitrate reductase. Genes involved in fermentative growth are controlled by an unidentified FNR-independent regulatory pathway.
Olfactory cues and spontaneous alternation behavior

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of reward and drive on spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB) across trials. It was suggested that reinforcing severely food-deprived rats reduced SAB across trials when direction was the sole relevant cue, but no reduction was found when odor cues were present. It was shown that SAB decreases as a function of both days and trials of training.
Predicting Participation in Psychiatric Randomized Controlled Trials: Insights From the STEP-BD.

Objective:Differences between patients who do and do not participate in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) could diminish the generalizability of results. This study examined whether RCT participants differ from non-RCT participants who are recruited from the same patient and provider population.Methods:The Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) was an observational study in which participants also could enroll in an RCT during exacerbations of acute depression. The odds that a patient was enrolled in the STEP-BD acute depression RCTs (pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy) were estimated by fitting logistic regression models to STEP-BD participants with acute bipolar depression (total N=2,222; RCT, N=413; observational arm, N=1,809). Predictor variables included demographic characteristics, clinical information (including severity scales and comorbidities), and study site. The extent to which site determined RCT participation was estimated by using the area under the receiver...
Quantitative proteomics reveals oxygen-dependent changes in neuronal mitochondria affecting function and sensitivity to rotenone.

Mitochondria are implicated in a variety of degenerative disorders and aging. Mitochondria are responsive to the oxygen in their environment yet tissue culture is performed at atmospheric (21%) oxygen and not at physiological (1-11%) oxygen levels found in tissues. We employed imaging of mitochondrial probes, mass spectrometry, western blots and ATP assays of the human neuroblastoma cell-line SH-SY5Y; and imaging of mitochondrial probes in human primary neurons in standard non-physiological oxygen conditions (atmospheric) and in physiological oxygen levels in the nervous system to assess the impact of oxygen on mitochondrial function. SH-SY5Y cells cultured in physiological 5% oxygen exhibited the lowest reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, indicating that culture at 5% oxygen is favored; these results were mimicked in primary human cells. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed extensive mitochondrial proteomic alterations in SH-SY5Y cells based upon oxygen culture condition. Among these the rotenone-sensitive subunit of complex I NDUFV3 was increased in cells cultured at 5% oxygen. Rotenone is a Parkinson’s disease-linked toxin, and correspondingly SH-SY5Y cells cultured at 5% oxygen also exhibited over 10-fold greater sensitivity to rotenone than those cultured in atmospheric, 21%, oxygen. Our results indicate that neuronal mitochondria are responsive to oxygen levels and produce differential responses under different oxygen levels.
Microbial control of silver mineralization at a sea-floor hydrothermal site on the northern Gorda Ridge

THE Sea Cliff hydrothermal field, on the northern Gorda Ridge, contains mounds and chimneys of hydrothermally precipitated sulphide and sulphate minerals typical of sea-floor hydrothermal vent sites1. In addition, large areas of the sea floor are covered by subhorizontal hydrothermal crusts. Samples of the crust recovered by submersible are composed of intensely altered fragments of basalt and basaltic hyaloclastite cemented by amorphous silica and chalcedony with less abundant barite, and minor amounts of base-metal sulphide minerals2. Some surfaces of the crust were formerly colonized by bacterial mats, which are locally preserved by replacement and overgrowth of the bacterial filaments by metal sulphide minerals and amorphous silica. The bacterial filaments are selectively replaced by prousite (Ag3AsS3), pearceite3(Ag14.7–xCu1.3+xAs2S11), chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) and rarely by galena (PbS). Our observations suggest that bacterially mediated processes selectively precipitate silver, arsenic and copper, and that biological processes may contribute to precious-metal enrichment in some sea-floor hydrothermal base-metal sulphide deposits.
Fréchet kernels for finite-frequency traveltimes—I. Theory

Summary We use body wave ray theory in conjunction with the Born approximation tocompute 3-D Frechet kernels for finite-frequency seismic traveltimes, measured by cross-correlation of a broad-band waveform with a spherical earth synthetic seismogram. Destructive interference among adjacent frequencies in the broad-band pulse renders a cross-correlation traveltime measurement sensitive only to the wave speed in a hollow banana-shaped region surrounding the unperturbed geometrical ray. The Frechet kernel expressing this sensitivity is expressed as a double sum over all forward-propagating body waves from the source and backward-propagating body waves from the receiver to every single scatterer in the vicinity of this central ray. The kernel for a differential traveltime, measured by cross-correlation of two phases at the same receiver, is simply the difference of the respective single-phase kernels. In the paraxial approximation, an absolute or differential traveltime kernel can be computed extremely economically by implementing a single kinematic and dynamic ray trace along each source-to-receiver ray.
Paradoxical activation of the sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) without hypertension in kidney deficient in a regulatory subunit of Na,K-ATPase, FXYD2.

Na,K-ATPase generates the driving force for sodium reabsorption in the kidney. Na,K-ATPase functional properties are regulated by small proteins belonging to the FXYD family. In kidney FXYD2 is the most abundant: it is an inhibitory subunit expressed in almost every nephron segment. Its absence should increase sodium pump activity and promote Na + retention, however, no obvious renal phenotype was detected in mice with global deletion of FXYD2 (Arystarkhova et al. 2013). Here, increased total cortical Na,K-ATPase activity was documented in the Fxyd2 / mouse, without increased a1b1 subunit expression. We tested the hypothesis that adaptations occur in distal convoluted tubule (DCT), a major site of sodium adjustments. Na,K-ATPase immunoreactivity in DCT was unchanged, and there was no DCT hypoplasia. There was a marked activation of thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC; Slc12a3) in DCT, predicted to increase Na + reabsorption in this segment. Specifically, NCC total increased 30% and NCC phosphorylated at T53 and S71, associated with activation, increased 4-6 fold. The phosphorylation of the closely related thick ascending limb (TAL) apical NKCC2 (Slc12a1) increased at least twofold. Abundance of the total and cleaved (activated) forms of ENaC a-subunit was not different between genotypes. Nonetheless, no elevation of blood pressure was evident despite the fact that NCC and NKCC2 are in states permissive for Na + retention. Activation of NCC and NKCC2 may reflect an intracellular linkage to elevated Na,K-ATPase activity or a compensatory response to Na + loss proximal to the TAL and DCT.