cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethanol Decomposition on Pd–Au Alloy Catalysts

The mechanisms of ethanol (EtOH) decomposition via C–C or C–O bond cleavage on alloy surfaces are currently not well understood. In this study, we model EtOH decomposition on close-packed Pd–Au catalytic surfaces using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and derived Bronsted–Evans–Polanyi (BEP) relationships. Three characteristic Pd–Au surfaces are considered, Pd1Au2(111), Pd2Au1(111), and a Pd monolayer (ML), PdML(111), on a Au substrate. We show that, on close-packed Pd–Au surfaces, the C–C bond is easier to cleave than C–O, indicating that the formation of CH4 and CO is favored as the products of EtOH decomposition. Interestingly, we find that, though the C–C and C–O activation barriers on PdML(111) are generally lower than those on the other two surfaces, it is less active for EtOH decomposition due to a slow release of H2 and possible carbon coking. Pd2Au1(111), on the other hand, has a higher theoretical reaction rate due to facile H2 evolution from the surface and less carbon coking. A com...
Marijuana Use and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Functioning in Humans.

Preclinical studies suggests cannabinoids affect functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, but little is known about the effects of marijuana (MJ) use on HPA axis functioning in humans. Since previous work indicates substances of abuse may dysregulate the HPA axis, it is critical to understand how MJ use affects HPA axis activity. Here, we review studies that a) examined the effects of acute MJ administration on HPA axis functioning, b) investigated the impact of stress on HPA axis functioning in MJ users, c) examined the effect of chronic MJ use on basal cortisol levels, and d) studied the relationship between MJ use and the cortisol awakening response (CAR). Findings indicate acute MJ administration typically raises cortisol levels, but this increase is blunted in MJ-dependent users relative to controls. Frequent MJ users have blunted adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol reactivity in response to acute stress. These findings suggest HPA axis activity may be dysregulated by heavy MJ use. Alternatively, dysregulation of the HPA axis may be a risk marker for heavy MJ use. There is mixed evidence for how MJ use affects basal cortisol levels and the CAR. Future studies should consider MJ use characteristics, method of hormone collection, time when samples are collected, and environmental factors that may influence HPA axis activity in MJ users. By examining existing studies we provide one of the first reviews aimed at synthesizing the literature on HPA axis functioning in MJ users.
Psychotherapy Claims Surrounding Pharmacotherapy Initiation in Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders.

Abstract Objectives: Psychotherapy is an effective, recommended treatment for pediatric anxiety disorders. Nevertheless, individuals with mental health conditions often do not receive psychotherapy...
A Delay-Based Congestion-Control Protocol for Information-Centric Networks

The Delay-based Congestion-control Protocol (DCP) is presented. DCP is designed to detect and control congestion at the consumer end of a network based on an Information-Centric Networking (ICN) architecture without the use of round-trip time measurements or additional congestion signaling. DCP is based on a receiver-driven, window-based approach to congestion control using measurements of delays along the forwarding path from a producer or caching site to a consumer. DCP was implemented using the ndnSim simulator and compared to two other protocols, namely: an end-to-end protocol that behaves in the same way as TCP, and a pure implementation of the Low Extra Delay Background Transport (LEDBAT) algorithm as a congestion-control protocol for ICN’s. The results clearly show that DCP outperforms LEDBAT when caching is involved. We evaluate the known latecomer-advantage problem that exists in LEDBAT in the context of an ICN architecture and address how DCP can overcome this issue.
Characteristics of the gait initiation phase in older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy compared to control older adults.

Abstract Background Gait is deteriorated in older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy; however, too little is known about the gait initiation phase. We aimed to determine if gait initiation variables are more sensitive in identifying the extent to which diabetic peripheral neuropathy impacts gait. Methods We examined steps, distance, speed and dynamic balance in the gait initiation phase using a validated algorithm based on wearable sensors in 38 older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and 33 non-diabetic, non-neurologic, non-orthopedic control older adults (≥65 years) under single-task and dual-task gait conditions. Findings During the single-task gait condition, the largest differences between the two groups were found in gait initiation steps and dynamic balance (66.7% more steps and 57.2% poorer balance for the diabetic group; effect size = 1.08 and 1.11, respectively; all p Interpretation Gait initiation steps and dynamic balance may be more sensitive than gait speed for detecting gait deterioration due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Given the association between gait initiation and risk for fall, our findings suggest that gait initiation variables may be important outcomes for clinical management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Corporate Governance, Risk Metrics, Liquidity, and Credit Risks

During the 2008–2010 financial crisis, corporate governance of many international banks was questioned. Some major banks’ corporate governance frameworks were poor and bank managements were unfit under the BIS standards. 212 A bank cannot properly monitor its operational, counterparty, liquidity, and credit risks without an adequate and efficient corporate governance mechanism. To that end, a risk metric model must be conceived and used as a key tool by the Board of the bank.
Star Formation Indicators and Line Equivalent Width in Lyman Alpha Galaxies

The equivalent width (EW) of the Lyman Alpha (Lya) line is directly related to the ratio of star formation rates determined from Lya flux and UV flux density [SFR(Lya)/SFR(UV)]. We use published data --in the literature EW and SFR(Lya)/SFR(UV) are treated as independent quantities-- to show that the predicted relation holds for the vast majority of observed Lya emitting galaxies (LAEs). We show that the relation between EW and SFR(Lya)/SFR(UV) applies irrespective of a galaxy's `true' underlying star formation rate, and that its only source of scatter is the variation in the spectral slope of the UV continuum between individual galaxies. The derived relation, when combined with the observed EW distribution, implies that the ratio SFR(UV)/SFR(Lya) is described well by a log-normal distribution with a standard deviation of ~0.3-0.35. This result is useful when modelling the statistical properties of LAEs. We further discuss why the relation between EW and SFR(Lya)/SFR(UV) may help identifying galaxies with unusual stellar populations.
CLOSURE ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF A SAND-ICE SYSTEM

THE WRITERS APPRECIATE REMARKS BY AKILI AND AGREE THAT THE CREEP BEHAVIOR OF FROZEN CLAYS IS SIMILAR IN MANY RESPECTS TO THE CREEP BEHAVIOR OF FROZEN SAND. A FIGURE PRESENTS SOME UNPUBLISHED DATA ON FROZEN SAULT STE. MARIE CLAY SUBJECTED TO AN APPROXIMATELY CONSTANT AXIAL STRAIN RATE. THE FROZEN CLAY, WITH ABOUT 96% SATURATION AND AN UNFROZEN WATER CONTENT CLOSE TO 12% GAVE AN ICE DENSITY OF 0.776 G PER CC WHEN CONSIDERING BOTH UNFROZEN WATER AND AIR AS VOIDS IN THE ICE MATRIX. A LINEAR RELATIONSHIP WAS ASSUMED FOR ADJUSTING THE STRESSES TO A VALUE FOR AN ICE DENSITY OF 0.900 G PER CC. A VERTICAL TIME SCALE WAS USED TO PLOT THE TIME-STRAIN CURVE FOR THE FROZEN CLAY. THE STRESS-STRAIN CURVE COMPUTED FOR ICE BASED ON THIS TIME-STRAIN PLOT WAS USED TO DETERMINE STRESS FACTORS. THE FROZEN CLAY DATA GIVE AN INITIAL STRESS FACTOR VALUE FOLLOWED BY AN APPROXIMATELY LINEAR INCREASE WITH STRAIN. ANOTHER FIGURE COMPARES THE COMPUTED TIME-STRAIN VALUES FOR THE FROZEN CLAY, SUBJECTED TO CONSTANT STRESS, WITH EXPERIMENTAL DATA. THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN PREDICTED BEHAVIOR AND ACTUAL EXPERIMENTAL DATA IS GOOD AND IT APPEARS THAT THE OVERALL CREEP BEHAVIOR OF FROZEN SAND AND FROZEN CLAYS ARE QUITE SIMILAR. REPORTS ISSUED: MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF A SAND-ICE SYSTEM, ROY R. GOUGHNOUR, O.B. ANDERSLAND, ASCE PROC. PAPER 6030, JULY 1968.
Personality: Developmental Aspects

We have defined personality as a hypothetical construct referring to an organized system of reaction tendencies that mediates relations between the person and his or her environment, and rendering the person’s behavior distinctive and more or less uniquely identifying. In this chapter we are going to consider this uniquely “identifying signature”—personality—from a developmental perspective. It is beyond the scope of our present endeavors to consider the developmental postulates of the major theories of personality; the interested reader is directed to the classic work of Hall and Lindzey (1957). Furthermore, it is not the goal of this chapter to present the one “best” theory. The goal is to facilitate understanding of the process of personality development.
Supervised oral protein supplementation during dialysis in patients with elevated C-reactive protein levels: a two phase, longitudinal, single center, open labeled study

Inflammation is considered one of the major causes of protein-energy wasting in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. It is unclear whether dietary interventions can impact nutritional status and quality of life in MHD patients with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Therefore, we examined the hypothesis that supervised intra-dialysis protein supplementation in MHD patients with elevated plasma CRP will improve protein stores and quality of life. A 24 week, two phase, longitudinal, single center, open labeled study of 50 MHD patients with plasma CRP > 3 mg/L was conducted. During the 12-week observation phase dietary advice was provided to increase protein intake to 1.2 g/kg/day. In the 12-week treatment phase 45 g of liquid protein supplement was provided at each dialysis treatment. Protein nitrogen appearance (PNA), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), serum albumin, body mass index (BMI) and quality of life (assessed by Short Form-12 questionnaire) were measured at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. Median plasma CRP at baseline was 16.0 (IQR 7.7 to 25.1) mg/L. The mean MAMC was 26.5 ± 3.9 cm, BMI 29.2 ± 6.9 kg/m2 and plasma albumin 3.8 ± 0.3 g/dl. During the intervention period, mean PNA increased by 0.13 g/kg/d (p = 0.01) under a mixed effects model. However, there were no clinically or statistically significant effects on MAMC (p = 0.87), plasma albumin (p = 0.70), BMI (p = 0.09), physical (p = 0.32) or mental (p = 0.96) composite scores. In MHD patients with elevated plasma CRP but otherwise mostly normal nutritional parameters, intra-dialytic oral protein supplement was effective in increasing protein intake but did not provide a detectable impact on nutritional status or quality of life.
Investments in schooling in two generations in pre-revolutionary Nicaragua: The roles of family background and school supply

Abstract Family background and school supply underlie the demand and supply for schooling, but are usually ignored in empirical estimates. These considerations are investigated for two generations in Nicaragua, using unique data on adult sisters and their offspring to identify inter- versus intrafamilial effects and to control for unobserved family background. The results suggest that the standard interpretations are misleading: (1) Unobserved family background and school-supply factors are important in schooling determination. (2) Omission of these factors leads to overestimates of impacts of parental schooling and family size. (3) Both parental schooling and family size primarily represent unobserved family background and school supply in standard estimates.
Mandatory Binding Arbitration Clauses Prevent Consumers from Presenting Procedurally Difficult Claims

The longstanding debate over the benefits and detriments of mandatory arbitration in the consumer context has often focused on the wrong issue. Although we have now argued for almost twenty years over whether it is appropriate to require consumers to arbitrate rather than litigate claims against providers of products and services, too often commentators have asked whether consumers win or lose when they bring claims in arbitration, rather than whether consumers’ claims are suppressed or eliminated altogether as a result of companies’ use of mandatory arbitration clauses. The United States Supreme Court’s recent decision in ATT the consumer does not realize that an injury she has suffered may be legally cognizable; the consumer’s claim is difficult and expensive to present, relative to the anticipated recovery; or the consumer seeks injunctive or other group relief. Claims for discrimination or fraud or regarding tainted food may often be procedurally difficult. While recognizing that, in theory, government agencies could protect consumers with procedurally difficult claims, the Article finds that in the United States such agencies are not sufficiently well-funded to protect many consumers. Thus, the Article concludes that Congress and/or administrative agencies such as the Consumer Finance Protection Board need to step in to protect consumers with procedurally difficult claims and assure they receive the legal protection they have been promised by our substantive laws.
An Analysis of the Effects of Maquiladora Production on Performance

This study analyzes financial performance in firms that employ maquiladora production, a manufacturing arrangement utilizing Mexican labor. We argue that although accountants can readily identify a...
Nonclausal Temporal Deduction

We present a proof system for propositional temporal logic. This system is based on nonclausal resolution; proofs are natural and generally short. Its extension to first-order temporal logic is considered. Two variants of the system are described. The first one is for a logic with $\Box$ ("always"), $\Diamond$ ("sometime"), and $\bigcirc$ ("next"). The second variant is an extension of the first one to a logic with the additional operators U ("until") and P ("precedes"). Each of these variants is proved complete.
Involvement of Acyl Carrier Protein in Acylation of Glycerol 3-Phosphate in Clostridium butyricum II. EVIDENCE FOR THE PARTICIPATION OF ACYL THIOESTERS OF ACYL CARRIER PROTEIN

Abstract 1. In order to examine the involvement of acyl carrier protein in the acylation of glycerophosphate by bacterial extracts, a series of experiments with radioactive glycerol 3-phosphate, potential acyl donors, and enzyme preparations from Clostridium butyricum were carried out. 2. The conversion of 14C-glycerophosphate to lipid, mainly lysophosphatidic acid, in the presence of a particulate fraction from C. butyricum was found to be dependent on the addition of acyl carrier protein (ACP) isolated from either C. butyricum or Escherichia coli. The apparent Km was 1.2 x 10-6 m for C. butyricum ACP and 3.4 x 10-6 m for E. coli ACP. Since no source of acyl groups was added in this series of experiments, it is postulated that the acyl groups transferred to glycerophosphate were derived from the particles. 3. With this particulate fraction, chemically synthesized 3H-palmityl-ACP also markedly stimulated the acylation of glycerol 3-phosphate and was an efficient donor of palmitate in the synthesis of lysophosphatidic acid. Palmityl coenzyme A had little effect on glycerophosphate acylation with the particulate fraction as the sole enzyme source. 4. A two-fold stimulation of glycerophosphate acylation by palmityl-CoA was observed when a soluble protein fraction from C. butyricum was added to the particulate fraction. Under these conditions some transfer of labeled fatty acids from 3H-acyl-CoA to 14C-glycerophosphate was observed. The lysophosphatidic acid isolated had 0.3 3H-acyl group per 14C-glycerophosphate. Presumably, the remainder of the acyl groups was derived from the enzyme sources. When ACP was added, the labeled fatty acids derived from acyl-CoA were further diluted by endogenous fatty acids. 5. Sodium lauryl sulfate also stimulated glycerophosphate acylation in the presence of particles from C. butyricum plus the soluble protein fraction. Both palmityl-CoA and sodium lauryl sulfate stimulated glycerophosphate acylation more at 25° than at 30°. These results suggest that some of the effects of palmityl-CoA in this system are the result of its surfactant properties.
Cosmochronometer and r-Process Nucleosynthesis

Nuclear cosmochronometry is a direct method to measure cosmic age. It has been believed that the abundance ratio of Th/Eu is a reliable chronometer and Th/Eu ratios of metal-poor stars have been studied intensively to obtain a lower limit of Galactic age. However, after the actinide-boosted metal-poor star CS 31082-001 had been found, applicability of Th/Eu chronometer to metal-poor stars became questionable. Furthermore, theoretical r -process calculations indicate that the Th/Eu production ratios strongly depend on the nucleosynthesis environment compared to other stable elements between the second and third peak, including Pb. It is impossible to determine the Th/Eu production ratio by theoretical study at this point, though it is essential for the chronometer. Besides, observed universality of r -process abundances does not guarantee a universal Th/Eu production ratio anymore. Th/Eu chronometer is now facing a serious crisis. On the other hand, the U/Th production ratio obtained by theoretical calculation does not depend on the nucleosynthesis environment significantly. Although there is only one U measurement of metal-poor stars at this point, the U/Th chronometer seems to be still robust. Many uncertainties related to data analyses and nuclear physics models still remain to be resolved.
Evidence for the non‐existence of a negative phase in the hump charge movement component (I gamma) in Rana temporaria.

1. Charge movement was studied in cut twitch fibres of Rana temporaria with a double Vaseline-gap voltage-clamp technique. 2. When charge movement was measured from stretched fibres (3.5 microns sarcomere length) bathed in a TEA-Cl Ringer solution, the ON transients in the appropriate potential range showed an early I beta component followed by an I gamma hump. The late I gamma hump generally decayed monotonically towards the maintained current level. 3. On some rare occasions, the ON transient showed an undershoot immediately following the I gamma hump before reaching the steady-state level. This dip in current, when it occurred, could only be observed in a very narrow potential range and might not persist until the end of the experiment. 4. A replacement of the Cl- in the external solution by CH3SO3- reduced the magnitude of the dip, suggesting that the dip is ionic in origin. 5. When charge movement was measured in slack fibres (2.2 microns sarcomere length, the probability of observing the dip in current was increased. 6. In some experiments in which the dip in current was very stable, the signal was studied by a sequence of TEST pulses to the same potential but with different durations. It was found that, if the dip in current was included as a negative phase of the I gamma hump, then the amount of ON charge was smaller than that of OFF charge. Also, as the pulse duration was increased progressively so that a longer portion of the dip was recorded, the OFF charge remained constant instead of being decreased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Biochemical correlates inRhipiphorothrips cruentatus—Terminalia catappa interactions with special reference to leaf infestation patterns

Leaf age correlated infestation patterns ofRhipiphorothrips cruentatus onTerminalia catappa revealed specificity in stage and site selection. An indepth analysis of the quantitative as well as qualitative profiles of proteins, amino acids and fatty acids in age specific leaves exemplified a correlatable influence on the infestation patterns.
Smart-Pan: Bedpan Management System

The basic bedpan design in current use has changed little in the last century. The Smart-Pan, a Bedpan Management System, creates the basic command structure for a waste removal system in hospital beds that could ultimately replace the manual bedpan system.
Boolean modeling of gene regulatory networks: Driesch redux

Conducting research on sea urchins at the Naples Zoological Station, 19th century developmental biologist Hans Driesch demonstrated the totipotent nature of early embryonic cells, contributing significantly to the then-nascent field of “developmental mechanics.” Driesch discussed the possibility of understanding the clocklike development of this organism in physical/mathematical terms, but ultimately retreated from this stand later in his career (1). As developmental biology moves into its third century of existence as a modern science, we find that major advances are bringing us full-circle to approach central questions posed by early pioneers (Fig. 1). In PNAS, Peter et al. (2) describe a quantitative model to describe at a molecular level the processes of cellular differentiation that have fascinated generations of biologists, providing a means to link developmental and systems biology.
An iterative maximum-likelihood-based parameter estimation algorithm for Nakagami-m distribution

Estimation of channel fading parameters is an important task in the design of communication links such as in maximum ratio combining (MRC), where the SNR of the link has to be estimated. The maximum combining weights are directly related to the SNR or the fading channel coefficients. In this paper, we propose iterative techniques based on Maximum Likelihood parameter estimation to estimate the parameters of Nakagami-m distribution in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise. We show that the proposed iterative algorithms converge to a unique solution independent of the initial condition. However, for the purpose of fast convergence, a method is used to find an initial condition close to the true solution. This initial condition is obtained by solving for the unique positive root of a polynomial. Comparisons of our proposed approaches are made with respect to the noise and initial conditions. The performance of the algorithm with respect to the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) is investigated. Computer simulation results for different signal to noise ratios (SNR) are presented.
New Models of Hemostasis

Hemostasis is an essential protective mechanism that depends on a delicate balance of procoagulant and anticoagulant processes. The waterfall/cascade models of coagulation are useful for understanding several essential steps of coagulation in vitro. These have resulted in the creation of the plasma-based tests used commonly and the ability to identify deficiencies in the extrinsic, intrinsic, and common pathways of coagulation. The model was also essential in elucidating the role of several of the inhibitors of coagulation and is currently used to demonstrate coagulation as it occurs in plasma in a static environment that is devoid of endothelial interactions. The intrinsic pathway originally described by these models does not appear to be essential for in vivo hemostasis but may play a role in pathologic thrombosis. The waterfall/cascade models' lack of cellular elements sets the stage for the cell-based model of coagulation. The cell-based model of blood coagulation, which includes the varied, complicated network of factors necessary for appropriate in vivo coagulation to occur, was the next step in the evolution of our understanding of coagulation. Recently, researchers have focused on real-time, in vivo models of hemostasis and this research reveals unexpected phenomena.
Measuring the Maya disconnection: violence and development in Guatemala

God and Production in a Guatemalan Town. SHELDON ANNIS. Refugees of a Hidden War: The Aftermath of Counterinsurgency in Guatemala. BEATRIZ MANZ.
‘Almond-Eyed Artisans’/‘Dishonouring the National Polity’: The Japanese Village Exhibition in Victorian London

This paper looks at the Japanese Village exhibition that was staged in London in 1885. The exhibition purported to provide visitors with a view of a complete Japanese Village, including buildings, artisans and performers. Today, it is chiefly remembered for its role as the model for W. S. Gilbert's staging of The Mikado. By looking at contemporaneous press coverage of the exhibition in both English and Japanese, it seeks to highlight the conflict between laudatory English reactions to the Village and outraged Japanese responses, and between the image of exotic elegance that exhibition organisers sought to create and the reality of exploitation behind such an image. It documents and analyses this curious encounter between Victorian England and a rapidly changing Japan.
Preterm Infants' Responses to Aversive Stimuli.

Irritability levels and activity reactivity to aversive tactile stimuli were compared for 144 full-term neonates and 191 preterm infants. Irritability ratings increased across the five trials both during and post stimulation for full-term females and males and for preterm females, but not for preterm males. Activity ratings decreased across trials during stimulation for all groups except preterm males, and post stimulation for all groups. Females were more irritable than males during stimulation and full-term infants were more active than preterm infants on the initial trial. No other sex or term group differences were observed during or post stimulation. Findings have implications for future studies of infant brain development and stimulation. (Author/AA) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ******************************************************************************** Preterm Infants' Responses to Aversive Stimuli Marilyn L. Riese, Ph.D. University of Louisville School of Medicine U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. Child Development Unit Health Sciences Center University of Louisville Louisville, Kentucky 40292-0001 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY
Dominant activation of the hedgehog signaling pathway alters development of the female reproductive tract

The role of hedgehog (HH) signaling in reproductive tract development was studied in mice in which a dominant active allele of the signal transducer smoothened (SmoM2) was conditionally expressed in the Mullerian duct and ovary. Mutant females are infertile, primarily because they fail to ovulate. Levels of mRNA for targets of HH signaling, Gli1, Ptch1, and Hhip, were elevated in reproductive tracts of 24-day-old mutant mice, confirming overactivation of HH signaling. The tracts of mutant mice developed abnormally. The uterine luminal epithelium had a simple columnar morphology in control mice, but in mutants contained stratified squamous cells typical of the cervix and vagina. In mutant mice, the number of uterine glands were reduced and the oviducts were not coiled. Expression of genes within the Hox and Wnt families that regulate patterning of the reproductive tract were altered. Hoxa13, which is normally expressed primarily in the vagina and cervix, was expressed at 12-fold higher levels in the uterus of mutant mice compared with controls. Wnt5a, which is required for development of the cervix and vagina and postnatal differentiation of the uterus, was expressed at higher levels in the oviduct and uterus of mutant mice compared with controls. Mating mutant females with fertile or vasectomized males induced a severe inflammatory response in the tract. In summary, overactivation of HH signaling causes aberrant development of the reproductive tract. The phenotype observed could be mediated by ectopic expression of Hoxa13 in the uterus and elevated levels of Wnt5a in the oviducts and uterus. genesis 50:28–40, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth rate inheritance and associations with other traits in backcross populations of Avena sativa x A. sterilis

Improved grain yields in lines of oats from matings of Avena sativa x A. sterilis were found to be due to increased plant growth rate. Growth rates of oats were quantitatively inherited, with the minimum number of effective factor pairs segregating in the interspecific matings ranging from 3 to 9. Heritability values for this trait averaged 0.4. Growth rate was highly and positively correlated with bundle weight, straw yield, grain yield, and unit straw weight, but it was uncorrelated with heading date and harvest index. Correlations with plant height were low. Thus, it should be possible for oat breeders to combine the high growth rates from A. sterilis with any combination of agronomic traits.
Termination in language-based systems

Language run-time systems are increasingly being embedded in systems to support run-time extensibility via mobile code. Such systems raise a number of concerns when the code running in such systems is potentially buggy or untrusted. Although sophisticated access controls have been designed for mobile code and are shipping as part of commercial systems such as Java, there is no support for terminating mobile code short of terminating the entire language run-time. This article presents a concept called "soft termination" that can be applied to virtually any mobile code system. Soft termination allows mobile code threads to be safely terminated while preserving the stability of the language run-time. In addition, function bodies can be permanently disabled, thwarting attacks predicated on system threads eventually calling untrusted functions. Soft termination guarantees termination by breaking any potential infinite loops in mobile code. We present a formal design for soft termination and an implementation of it for Java, built using Java bytecode rewriting, which demonstrates reasonable performance (3 to 25% slowdowns onbenchmarks).
MODELING of TRIGLYCERIDE DISTRIBUTION and YIELD of ANHYDROUS MILK FAT IN A CONTINUOUS SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE EXTRACTION SYSTEM

A mathematical model was developed for continuous extraction of multicomponent mixture anhydrous milk fat (AMF) with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO 2 ) as its solvent. At a constant temperature and pressure, the triglyceride mixture was separated into vapor and liquid fractions. The composition distribution (indicated by acyl carbon number), mass distribution and yield of AMF were calculated by the model based on thermodynamic equilibrium and material balance. The feed composition and distribution coefficient were required information in this model. The experimental values for the extract were in good agreement with the model used. The results for the raffinate were not as precisely modeled. The main factors which affected the model were temperature, pressure, solvent/feed ratio and extract fraction
Quantifying the effect of porosity on the evolution of deformation and damage in Sn-based solder joints by X-ray microtomography and microstructure-based finite element modeling

The presence of reflow porosity in Sn-based solder alloys is one of the key factors affecting their reliability and mechanical performance. In this study we have used X-ray microtomography to visualize the reflow porosity in a Pb-free solder joint and to reconstruct a three-dimensional model based on the exact geometry of the pores. Interrupted shear tests and subsequent tomography were conducted to image the joint at several stages of deformation. The initial reconstructed microstructure was used as a basis for a finite element (FE) model to simulate damage and predict failure of the single lap shear joint. Sphericity analysis was conducted to verify the accuracy of the FE results. The deformation predicted by the FE simulation incorporating the ductile damage model showed very good agreement with experimental observations. The model was also able to accurately predict the crack nucleation sites and propagation path.
The case of the missing victims: Gunshot woundings in the National Crime Survey

National Crime Survey (NCS) data yield an estimate that 171,000 Americans were nonfatally shot in criminal assaults, robberies, and rapes for the period 1973–1979. Comparing this estimate with the number of firearms homicides during this period suggests either that the death rate in gunshot cases is very high (over 1/3) or that the NCS estimate is low. Based on police-generated data appropriate to estimating the true death rate from gunshot wounds, it appears that the NCS estimate is low by a factor of about 3.0 compared with the number of criminal gunshot woundings known to the police. It is common knowledge that survey-based estimates of assault rates tend to be relatively unreliable, a fact that has been attributed to problems with respondents being willing and able to recall threats, fist fights, and other minor assaults. The current result indicates that the estimation problem is not limited to minor assaults. There is reason to think that the underestimate of gunshot woundings is the result of problems with the NCS sample as well as problems with respondent cooperation.
Combining Ion Mobility Spectrometry with Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange and Top-Down MS for Peptide Ion Structure Analysis

The gas-phase conformations of electrosprayed ions of the model peptide KKDDDDIIKIIK have been examined by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and hydrogen deuterium exchange (HDX)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) techniques. [M+4H](4+) ions exhibit two conformers with collision cross sections of 418 A(2) and 471 A(2). [M+3H](3+) ions exhibit a predominant conformer with a collision cross section of 340 A(2) as well as an unresolved conformer (shoulder) with a collision cross section of ~367 A(2). Maximum HDX levels for the more compact [M+4H](4+) ions and the compact and partially-folded [M+3H](3+) ions are ~12.9, ~15.5, and ~14.9, respectively. Ion structures obtained from molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) suggest that this ordering of HDX level results from increased charge-site/exchange-site density for the more compact ions of lower charge. Additionally, a new model that includes two distance calculations (charge site to carbonyl group and carbonyl group to exchange site) for the computer-generated structures is shown to better correlate to the experimentally determined per-residue deuterium uptake. Future comparisons of IMS-HDX-MS data with structures obtained from MDS are discussed with respect to novel experiments that will reveal the HDX rates of individual residues.
Accumulation of acridine from water, food, and sediment by the fathead minnow,Pimephales promelas

Azaarenes are one of several classes of organic compounds which contain mutagenic and carcinogenic substances that are found in synthetic fuels effluents. This study investigated the potential for a mutagenic azaarene, acridine, to accumulate in freshwater fish (Pimephales promelas) via four possible pathways: (1) direct uptake from water, (2) uptake via interaction with contaminated sediments, (3) uptake via ingestion of contaminated zooplankton (Daphnia pulex), and (4) uptake via ingestion of benthic invertebrates (Chironomus tentans) living in contaminated sediments. The results showed that acridine was rapidly accumulated from water by fathead minnows. Equilibrium concentration was attained within 24 h at a concentration factor ([acridine]fish, wet wt/[acridine]water) of 125±10. Depuration was rapid and appeared to occur in two stages, with a net elimination rate of 0.23 h−1 [acridine]fish at equilibrium. Equilibrium concentration factors of 51±5, 30±2, and 874±275 were observed forChironomus, Daphnia, and sediment, respectively. The calculated rates of uptake of acridine via ingestion of contaminated invertebrates (0.02 μg g−1 h−1) and ingestion of sediment (0.01 μg g−1 h−1) were negligible compared with direct uptake from water (1.40 μg g−1 h−1) in a hypothetical system with all compartments in equilibrium.
Partial labyrinthectomy in skull base and cerebellopontine angle surgery

It is now recognized that portions of the vestibular labyrinth can be surgically manipulated without producing significant loss of hearing. Consequently, controlled occlusion or removal of portions of the inner ear have been utilized both to treat specific diseases of the ear as well as improve access to areas of the medial skull base. The common theme in all of these procedures is the preservation of a distinct membranous labyrinth that separates endolymphatic and perilymphatic compartments. This article discusses a novel approach incorporating the partial removal of the inner ear combined with removal of the petrous apex, the partial labyrinthine petrous apicectomy (PLPA) in the treatment of medial skull base lesions. The surgical technique is outlined as is treatment outcome. The benefits of this new approach are assessed by morphometric analysis of three-dimensional CT images. The indications for the PLPA approach are discussed.
Trimetazidine Effects On The Mitochondrial Metabolism During Rabbit Heart Failure

Background: We have previously shown that the anti-ischemic agent trimetazidine (TMZ) rescued [Ca2+]i transient and mechanical alternans in ventricular myocytes from rabbits with non-ischemic heart failure (HF), induced by combined aortic insufficiency and stenosis. The cardioprotective action of TMZ has been linked to the inhibition of free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation, however the underlying mechanism remains poorly defined. The aim of this study was to determine whether the plasma levels of FFA (total ([FFA]tot) and unbound to albumin ([FFA]u)) are elevated in rabbit HF and whether TMZ affects mitochondrial metabolism. Methods and Results: We found that both [FFA]tot and [FFA]u were significantly elevated in HF rabbits. [FFA]u increased 4-times during HF (from 13±4 to 53±7 nM) while the [FFA]tot increased only two-fold (from 58±16 to 121±29 μM), demonstrating that [FFA]u is a reliable biomarker of HF. Furthermore, using TMRM fluorescence confocal microscopy and a Strathkelvin micro volume precision respirometry system, we determined that mitochondrial complex II activity was significantly elevated (+72%) during HF, while complex I activity was decreased (-90%). Cell treatment with TMZ had no effects on the complex I activity in control (+6%), while it increased (+26%) the activity of complex I under HF conditions. Moreover, TMZ reversed complex II activity in HF myocytes (-55%), while it had no effect on complex II activity in control cells (-10%). The oxidation of palmitoyl-carnitine, the upstream substrate for FFA oxidation, was decreased 32% by TMZ, while TMZ had no effect on complex IV activity. Furthermore, FADH-mediated auto-fluorescence levels were significantly elevated in HF myocytes treated with TMZ. Conclusion: TMZ suppresses the elevated activity of mitochondrial complex II while it increases the depressed activity of complex I in rabbit HF, and therefore it preserves metabolic reserve of the cell.
The cardiac sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase: a potent target for cardiovascular diseases

The cardiac isoform of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA2a) is a calcium ion (Ca(2+)) pump powered by ATP hydrolysis. SERCA2a transfers Ca(2+) from the cytosol of the cardiomyocyte to the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum during muscle relaxation. As such, this transporter has a key role in cardiomyocyte Ca(2+) regulation. In both experimental models and human heart failure, SERCA2a expression is significantly decreased, which leads to abnormal Ca(2+) handling and a deficient contractile state. Following a long line of investigations in isolated cardiac myocytes and small and large animal models, a clinical trial is underway that is restoring SERCA2a expression in patients with heart failure by use of adeno-associated virus type 1. Beyond its role in contractile abnormalities in heart failure, SERCA2a overexpression has beneficial effects in a host of other cardiovascular diseases. Here we describe the mechanism of Ca(2+) regulation by SERCA2a, examine the beneficial effects as well as the failures, risks and complexities associated with SERCA2a overexpression, and discuss the potential of SERCA2a as a target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Chicago and Seoul: a comparative study of the impact of information and communications technologies on urban land use and regulation

Information and communications technologies (ICT)1 are currently the most dynamic and fastest growing technologies with significant effects on daily living and work patterns. The Internet, in parti...
Nuclear ribosomal DNA restriction site variation in Penstemon section Peltanthera (Scrophulariaceae) : an evaluation of diploid hybrid speciation and evidence for introgression

Penstemon spectabilis is a putative stabilized diploid hybrid of P. centranthifolius and P. grinnellii. It is morphologically intermediate, and all three species have different pollinators. Penstemon centranthifolius and P. spectabilis have been proposed as parents of P. clevelandii, which is purportedly isolated by ecological factors. Although hybridization between the proposed parental species has been reported, hybrid swarm formation has not been observed and introgression is purported to be minimal. We tested hypotheses of diploid hybrid speciation and introgression among these species based on rDNA restrictionsite and length variation for 56 populations within and outside of the hybrid complex. Unambiguous molecular markers clearly differentiated P. centranthifolius, P. grinnellii, and P. spectabilis, whereas P. spectabilis and P. clevelandii had the same rDNA type. The P. centranthifolius rDNA type was found in some populations of P. spectabilis and P. clevelandii, but there was no evidence of the additive profile documented for other recent diploid hybrid species. In contrast, the rDNA profile of P. x parishii had a completely additive profile of its proposed parental species P. centranthifolius and P. spectabilis. Ribosomal DNA markers for P. grinnellii were restricted to populations within the species and were not found in any population of P. spectabilis. Our data did not support hybrid-speciation hypotheses, but were in accord with allozyme data that provided evidence for introgression between P. centranthifolius and P. grinnellii, P. spectabilis and P. clevelandii. These results were used to propose criteria to differentiate ancient diploid hybrid speciation from patterns of introgression.
High Glucose Exposure Promotes Activation of Protein Phosphatase 2A in Rodent Islets and INS-1 832/13 β-Cells by Increasing the Posttranslational Carboxylmethylation of Its Catalytic Subunit

Existing evidence implicates regulatory roles for protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in a variety of cellular functions, including cytoskeletal remodeling, hormone secretion, and apoptosis. We report here activation of PP2A in normal rat islets and insulin-secreting INS-1 832/13 cells under the duress of hyperglycemic (HG) conditions. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2Ac) markedly attenuated glucose-induced activation of PP2A. HG, but not nonmetabolizable 3-O-methyl glucose or mannitol (osmotic control), significantly stimulated the methylation of PP2Ac at its C-terminal Leu-309, suggesting a novel role for this posttranslational modification in glucose-induced activation of PP2A. Moreover, knockdown of the cytosolic leucine carboxymethyl transferase 1 (LCMT1), which carboxymethylates PP2Ac, significantly attenuated PP2A activation under HG conditions. In addition, HG conditions, but not 3-O-methyl glucose or mannitol, markedly increased the expression of LCMT1. Furthermore, HG conditions significantly increased the expression of B55α, a regulatory subunit of PP2A, which has been implicated in islet dysfunction under conditions of oxidative stress and diabetes. Thapsigargin, a known inducer of endoplasmic reticulum stress, failed to exert any discernible effects on the carboxymethylation of PP2Ac, expression of LCMT1 and B55α, or PP2A activity, suggesting no clear role for endoplasmic reticulum stress in HG-induced activation of PP2A. Based on these findings, we conclude that exposure of the islet β-cell to HG leads to accelerated PP2A signaling pathway, leading to loss in glucose-induced insulin secretion.
Chronic pancreatic fistula--a new experimental technique.

Summary An improved type of chronic pancreatic fistula is described, utilizing an internal pancreaticoduodenal fistula that may be totally diverted to the exterior for collection purposes. The method supplies a healthy animal, with normal pancreatic responses, requiring a minimum of special care.
A Theory of Fracture Based Upon an Extension of Continuum Mechanics to the Nanoscale

A theory of fracture is presented that is based upon an extension of continuum mechanics to the nanoscale through the incorporation of long-range intermolecular forces which correct bulk material descriptions near interfaces. The surface energy on crack surfaces, which is given in terms of the long-range intermolecular forces, plays an important role in an expression for the stress distribution near the crack tip. It is observed through numerical simulation that the incorporation of these long-range intermolecular forces removes the square-root stress singularity predicted by classical linear elastic fracture mechanics.
Crystalline : Amorphous Interaction in Relation to the Phase Diagrams of Binary Polymer Blends Containing a Crystalline Constituent

The present article describes an equilibrium theory for determining binary phase diagrams of various crystalline-amorphous polymer blends by taking into account the contributions from both liquid-liquid phase separation between the constituents and solid-liquid phase transition of the crystalline component. An analytical expression for determining a crystal-amorphous interaction parameter is deduced based on the solid-liquid transition, involving the solidus and liquidus lines in conjunction with the coexistence curve of an upper critical solution temperature type. Of particular importance is that the crystalline-amorphous interaction parameter can be determined directly from the melting point depression data. The present analysis is therefore different from the conventional Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, which is associated with the liquid-liquid phase separation. The validity of the present theory is tested with the experimental phase diagrams of blends of poly(ethylene oxide)/diacrylate and poly(vinyl alcohol)/cellulose.