cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Q switched PM Tm: fiber laser oscillator for mid-IR generation

Q-switched operation in a thulium doped photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is shown for the first time. The slope efficiencies of 25.9, 31.9 and 33 % were observed for 10, 20 and 50 kHz repetition rates. The high peak powers of >5 kW in the PCF oscillator was used to introduce modulation instability initiated >350 nm broadening in ~50 m SMF-28 fiber.
Determining the GaSb/GaAs-(2 × 8) reconstruction

Abstract Highly strained thin layers of GaSb/GaAs possess a (2 × 4) reconstruction at low Sb overpressures, and a (2 × 8) reconstruction at high Sb overpressures. While the atomic details of the Sb/GaAs-(2 × 4) are well known, the details of the (2 × 8) are not understood. In this paper, we use density functional theory to analyze possible (2 × 8) structures. Comparing scanning tunneling microscope images from both simulation and experiment and examining the relative energies of possible (2 × 8) structures, we show the α(2 × 8) and β(2 × 8) are the thermodynamically stable surface reconstructions for high Sb content films strained to the GaAs lattice parameter. The α and β(2 × 8) reconstructions are related to the GaAs-α2(2 × 4) and GaAs-β2(2 × 4) through the addition of 2 cations and 8 anions into the trench between adjacent (2 × 4) unit cells.
HIPPOCAMPAL INTERNEURONS CO-EXPRESS TRANSCRIPTS ENCODING THE α7 NICOTINIC RECEPTOR SUBUNIT AND THE CANNABINOID RECEPTOR 1

The notion of functional interactions between the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine (alpha7 nACh) and the cannabinoid systems is emerging from recent in vitro and in vivo studies. Both the alpha7 nACh receptor and the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) are highly expressed in the hippocampus. To begin addressing possible anatomical interactions between the alpha7 nACh and the cannabinoid systems in the rat hippocampus, we investigated the distribution of neurons expressing alpha7 nACh mRNA in relation to those containing CB1 mRNA. By in situ hybridization we found that the alpha7 nACh mRNA is diffusely expressed in principal neurons and is highly expressed in a subset of interneurons. We observed that the pattern of distribution of hippocampal interneurons co-expressing transcripts encoding alpha7 nACh and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD; synthesizing enzyme of GABA) closely resembles the one displayed by interneurons expressing CB1 mRNA. By double in situ hybridization we established that the majority of hippocampal interneurons expressing alpha7 nACh mRNA have high levels of CB1 mRNA. As CB1 interneurons contain cholecystokinin (CCK), we investigated the degree of cellular co-expression of alpha7 nACh mRNA and CCK, and found that the cellular co-existence of alpha7 nACh and CCK varies within the different layers of the hippocampus. In summary, we established that most of the hippocampal alpha7 nACh expressing interneurons are endowed with CB1 mRNA. We found that these alpha7 nACh/CB1 interneurons are the major subpopulation of hippocampal interneurons expressing CB1 mRNA. The alpha7 nACh expressing interneurons represent half of the detected population of CCK containing neurons in the hippocampus. Since it is well established that the vast majority of hippocampal interneurons expressing CB1 mRNA have 5-HT type 3 (5-HT3) receptors, we conclude that these hippocampal alpha7 nACh/5HT3/CB1/CCK interneurons correspond to those previously postulated to relay inputs from diverse cortical and subcortical regions about emotional, motivational, and physiological states.
Fetal vascular pressure responses to nonlabor uterine contractions: dependence on amniotic fluid volume in the ovine fetus.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation tested the hypothesis that elevations in fetal vascular pressures during nonlabor uterine contractions would be eliminated during polyhydramnios and augmented during oligohydramnios. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-two chronically catheterized fetal sheep were divided into three groups: (1) control with normal amniotic fluid volume, (2) polyhydramnios produced by amnioinfusion, and (3) oligohydramnios produced by fluid drainage. Fetal arterial pressure, venous pressure, and amniotic fluid pressure were continuously recorded with on-line computer techniques. Amniotic fluid pressure was continuously subtracted from fetal arterial pressure and fetal venous pressure to correct to the fetal zero pressure reference. One minute averages were collected for 30 minutes centered around the nonlabor uterine contraction. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid pressure increased significantly during nonlabor uterine contractions in the control group. During polyhydramnios the amplitude and duration of the amniotic fluid pressure elevation were similar to those of controls (not significant). During oligohydramnios the duration of the uterine contractions was similar to that of both controls and polyhydramnios groups; however, the amplitude was less ( p p p CONCLUSION: This study shows that the fetal vascular pressure responses to nonlabor uterine contractions were modified significantly by increases or decreases in amniotic fluid volume. The fact that the fetal arterial pressure and fetal venous pressure responses were augmented during oligohydramnios and eliminated during polyhydramnios suggests that direct compression or a conformational change of the fetus may be the cause of the vascular pressure changes during nonlabor contractions.
Plastic interaction curves for annular plates in tension and bending

Abstract An annular plate made of a perfectly plastic material is subjected to a uniform normal load over its surface and a constant tensile load around its outer edge. Close bounds on the interaction curve are found for all values of the inner radius under various support conditions at the inner edge.
Isolation of a protein from bovine brain which promotes neurite extension from chick embryo cerebral cortex neurons in defined medium

Seven-day-old chick embryo cerebral cortex neurons cultured at low density (10,000 cells/16 mm well) in defined medium in polylysine-coated wells fail to extend neurites and assume a flattened phase-dark morphology. Addition of soluble bovine brain extract promotes neurite outgrowth and rounding of the cell body (which becomes phae-bright). A quantitative bioassay was utilized to purify this neurite extension factor (NEF), based on counting the number of phase-bright neurons with processes at least equal to one cell body diameter after 20 h in culture. Using a combination of heat treatment, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, and gel filtration, an acidic protein with a nativeMr= 75,000 has been purified. Upon reduction it yields subunits ofMr= 37,000. Purified fractions are active at 100 ng/ml in inducing neurite outgrowth in this bioassay.
Lysozyme adsorption at the air/water interface

Abstract The adsorption of reductively methylated chicken egg white lysozyme (EC 3.2.1.17) to the air/water interface has been measured by the radiotracer technique. This method enables direct determination of surface excess concentration as well as relative rates of adsorption and desorption. Improvements in calibration and radiolabeling techniques led to differences between the present results and previous lysozyme isotherms reported in the literature. The isotherm indicates monolayer saturation at low concentrations of bulk protein (below 2 × 10 −5 wt%) and multilayer adsorption at high concentrations (above 10 −3 wt%). At intermediate concentrations, an abrupt increase in surface concentration with increasing bulk concentration indicates a change in orientation of the adsorbed protein molecules. Adsorption experiments performed by sequential addition of protein to the bulk solution provide evidence that lysozyme molecules adsorbed at concentrations below the multilayer region do not exchange significantly with lysozyme molecules in the bulk solution. A kinetic model which incorporates the monolayer plateau, the multilayer adsorption, and the change of orientation of adsorbed lysozyme is presented.
Sorption of hydrophobic organic pollutants in saturated soil systems

Abstract Sorption equilibria and rates were characterized for a matrix of four aquifer sands and two slightly to moderately hydrophobic organic solutes (nitrobenzene and lindane), and the effects of sorption on the behavior of these solutes in saturated systems of the soils were determined. Experimental data were used to test and evaluate a variety of mathematical models for predicting contaminant fate and transport in groundwater systems. Observed equilibrium relationships between soil and solution phase solute concentrations were found to be described best by the nonlinear Freundlich isotherm model. It was further determined that the sorption process in the systems tested is rate controlled, requiring several days to approach equilibrium in completely mixed batch reactors. Subsequent modeling of solute transport in continuous flow soil column reactors was found to be most successful when rate-controlled models were used, the best results were obtained with a dual-resistance model incorporating the coupled mass transport steps of boundary-layer and intraparticle diffusion.
Linear latent variable models and covariance structures

Abstract The observed vector is taken as a linear combination of latent (unobservable) vector variables. The loading matrices are functions of a vector parameter; the covariance matrix of one latent vector may depend on another vector parameter and the covariance matrices of the other latent vectors are unrestricted positive definite matrices; and the different latent vectors are uncorrelated. The covariance matrix of the observed vector is a function of the two parameter vectors and the covariance matrices of the latent vectors. The maximum likelihood estimator when the latent variables are normally distributed is characterized. The asymptotic distribution of the maximum likelihood estimator derived under normality is shown to be valid generally if the different latent variables are independent (not just uncorrelated). One latent vector is only required to have a sample covariance matrix that has a probability limit. Tests of the covariance structure are also asymptotically robust.
CIM modeling for Market Management Systems

This paper presents a Common Information Model (CIM) based modeling process for PJM Market Management Systems (MMS). CIM network model is imported into MMS via a static model importer, which also serves as the model manager for the commercial model. In addition, standard CIM is extended for enterprise master data modeling processes. CIM compliant messages are used for data transfers between different business service components under the Service Oriented Architecture.
Measuring Polymer Surface Ordering Differences in Air and Water by Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy

Molecular structures of poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) at the PBMA/air and PBMA/water interfaces have been studied by sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. PBMA surfaces in both air and water are dominated by the methyl groups of the ester side chains. The average orientation and orientation distribution of these methyl groups at the PBMA/air and PBMA/water interfaces are different, indicating that surface restructuring occurs when the PBMA sample contacts water. Analysis shows that the orientation distribution of side chain methyl groups on the PBMA surface is narrower in water than that in air, indicating that the PBMA surface can be more ordered in water. To our knowledge, this is the first time that quantitative comparisons between molecular surface structures of polymers in air and in water have been made. Two assumptions on the orientation distribution function, including a Gaussian distribution and a formula based on the maximum entropy approach, are used in the analysis. It has been found that the orientation angle distribution function deduced by the Gaussian distribution and the maximum entropy distribution are quite similar, showing that the Gaussian distribution is a good approximation for the angle distribution. The effect of experimental error on the deduced orientational distribution is also discussed.
Peroxynitrite decomposition with FeTMPyP improves plasma-induced vascular dysfunction and infarction during mild but not severe hyperglycemic stroke

We investigated mechanisms by which circulating factors during hyperglycemic (HG) stroke affect cerebrovascular function and the role of peroxynitrite in stroke outcome. Middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) were isolated from male Wistar rats and perfused with plasma from rats that were hyperglycemic for 5 to 6 days by streptozotocin and underwent either MCA occlusion (HG MCAO) or Sham surgery (HG Sham) compared with MCA perfused with physiologic saline (No plasma). Myogenic responses and endothelial function were compared in untreated MCA (n=8/group) or with inhibitors of NADPH oxidase (apocynin; n=8), peroxynitrite (FeTMPyP; n=8) or endothelin-1 (ET-1)A (BQ-123; n=8). Finally, animals were treated in vivo before reperfusion after mild ( 68% CBF decrease) MCAO with FeTMPyP (n=12) or vehicle (n=12) and CBF and infarction measured. The HG MCAO plasma increased tone in MCA versus No plasma (P<0.05) that was reversed by FeTMPyP, but not by apocynin or BQ-123. The HG Sham plasma also increased tone in MCA (P<0.05) that was reversed by BQ-123 only. In vivo, FeTMPyP was neuroprotective during mild, but not severe ischemia. These results show that circulating factors in plasma can affect cerebrovascular function through peroxynitrite generation and ET-1. In addition, peroxynitrite decomposition improves stroke outcome acutely during mild, but not severe HG ischemia.
Tunable dual growth factor delivery from polyelectrolyte multilayer films

A promising strategy to accelerate joint implant integration and reduce recovery time and failure rates is to deliver a combination of certain growth factors to the integration site. There is a need to control the quantity of growth factors delivered at different times during the healing process to maximize efficacy. Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films, built using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique, are attractive for releasing controlled amounts of potent growth factors over a sustained period. Here, we present PEM films that sequester physiological amounts of osteogenic rhBMP-2 (recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2) and angiogenic rhVEGF₁₆₅ (recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor) in different ratios in a degradable [poly(β-amino ester)/polyanion/growth factor/polyanion] LbL tetralayer repeat architecture where the biologic load scaled linearly with the number of tetralayers. No burst release of either growth factor was observed as the films degraded. The release of rhBMP-2 was sustained over a period of 2 weeks, while rhVEGF₁₆₅ eluted from the film over the first 8 days. Both growth factors retained their efficacy, as quantified with relevant in vitro assays. rhBMP-2 initiated a dose dependent differentiation cascade in MC3T3-E1S4 pre-osteoblasts while rhVEGF₁₆₅ upregulated HUVEC proliferation, and accelerated closure of a scratch in HUVEC cell cultures in a dose dependent manner. In vivo, the mineral density of ectopic bone formed de novo by rhBMP-2/rhVEGF₁₆₅ PEM films was approximately 33% higher than when only rhBMP-2 was introduced, with a higher trabecular thickness, which would indicate a decrease in the risk of osteoporotic fracture. Bone formed throughout the scaffold when both growth factors were released, which suggests more complete remodeling due to an increased local vascular network. This study demonstrates a promising approach to delivering precise doses of multiple growth factors for a variety of implant applications where control over spatial and temporal release profile of the biologic is desired.
Neuroprotection by the stable nitroxide 3-carbamoyl-proxyl during reperfusion in a rat model of transient focal ischemia.

Object. Nitroxides mimic superoxide dismutase (SOD) biochemically and may prevent free radical oxidative injury in settings in which endogenous SOD is overwhelmed. The authors have previously shown the efficacy of a nitroxide, Tempol, in reducing stroke infarct size. Of the nitroxides, 3-carbamoyl-proxyl (3-CP) is especially promising for clinical use, because it does not cause hypotension in animals. Its efficacy in brain ischemia, however, is untested. The goal of this study was to ascertain whether 3-CP would reduce brain damage in a rat ischemia—reperfusion model. Methods. The authors performed a blinded, dose—response study of the effect of different amounts of 3-CP (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg) on infarct size at 24 hours after focal ischemia and reperfusion. The 3-CP was given intravenously during reperfusion, which followed 1 hour of reversible ischemia induced by a thread placed intraluminally in the middle cerebral artery of rats. Brain infarcts, measured with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staini...
Guest column: additive combinatorics and theoretical computer science

Additive combinatorics is the branch of combinatorics where the objects of study are subsets of the integers or of other abelian groups, and one is interested in properties and patterns that can be expressed in terms of linear equations. More generally, arithmetic combinatorics deals with properties and patterns that can be expressed via additions and multiplications.In the past ten years, additive and arithmetic combinatorics have been extremely successful areas of mathematics, featuring a convergence of techniques from graph theory, analysis and ergodic theory. They have helped prove long-standing open questions in additive number theory, and they offer much promise of future progress.Techniques from additive and arithmetic combinatorics have found several applications in computer science too, to property testing, pseudorandomness, PCP constructions, lower bounds, and extractor constructions. Typically, whenever a technique from additive or arithmetic combinatorics becomes understood by computer scientists, it finds some application.Considering that there is still a lot of additive and arithmetic combinatorics that computer scientists do not understand (and, the field being very active, even more will be developed in the near future), there seems to be much potential for future connections and applications.
Measuring neighborhood distress: a tool for place-based urban revitalization strategies

The United States federal administration's recent Promise Neighborhood and Choice Neighborhood initiatives are part of increasing calls for place-based strategies in the delivery of education and human services in inner cities. Within this new policy context, measures of community-level inequality emerge as a key tool for identifying places which manifest relatively high levels of social and economic distress and where this condition places acute pressures on local service-delivery nonprofits. Measuring and spatially showing levels of neighborhood social and economic distress can enhance our understandings of the needs associated with low-income communities and facilitate civic engagement in the development of neighborhood-based responses. A “neighborhood distress score” can be generated and used to target services into urban areas but can also encourage greater resident civic participation. This score is based on the variables identified in the literature and input from community and civic leaders in Bos...
WINNER OF THE 2012 JULIAN HAYDEN PRIZE, ARIZONA ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY: RE-ENVISIONING NATIVISM: THE USE OF ECCLESIASTICAL PARAPHERNALIA DURING THE PUEBLO REVOLT

Archaeological analyses of the Pueblo Revolts have emphasized the agency of indigenous leaders in materializing a nativistic cultural revitalization movement. Evidence from refuge pueblos in the northern Rio Grande shows that leaders drew on pre-Hispanic traditions from a variety of culture groups, creating a hybrid religious practice which integrated diverse populations. Evidence that these same leaders were using Catholic ecclesiastical paraphernalia in traditional religious contexts, however, has been downplayed in archaeological discussions of Revolt-era nativism. This paper examines the contexts of these appropriations during and prior to the revolts, and elsewhere in the Spanish colonies. I argue that the multiple indexical properties of the particular objects which were appropriated lend them to reinterpretation as markers of indigenous autonomy, and that “nativism” is more appropriately defined as the consolidation of indigenous identity than the elimination of foreign influence.
Acculturation and the Prevalence of Depression in Older Mexican Americans: Baseline Results of the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging

OBJECTIVE: HTo determine the association between acculturation, immigration, and prevalence of depression in older Mexican Americans. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis from a cohort study. SETTING: Urban and rural counties of the Central Valley of Northern California. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine Latinos recruited from a population-based sample (85% Mexican Americans) with a mean age of 70.6 (range 60–100; standard deviation (SD) = 7.13); 58.2% were women. MEASUREMENTS: Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression scale (CES-D). Acculturation was measured with the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans—II. Psychosocial, behavioral, and medical histories were also obtained. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression (CES-D ≥ 16) was 25.4%. Women were at greater risk (32.0%) than men (16.3%; male/female odds ratio (OR) = 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.90–3.09). The prevalence of depression was higher among immigrants (30.4%, OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.36–2.13), bicultural participants (24.2%, OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.24–2.24), and less-acculturated participants (36.1%, OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 2.22–3.93) compared with U.S.-born (20.5%) and more-acculturated groups (16.1%). When adjustments for education, income, psychosocial, behavioral, and health-problem factors were made, the least-acculturated participants were at significantly higher risk of depression than highly acculturated Mexican Americans (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.06–2.31). CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with previously reported estimates of a higher prevalence of depression for older Mexican Americans than non-Hispanic Caucasians and African Americans and are the first to report the prevalence and risk of depression for older U.S.-born and immigrant Mexican Americans. The high prevalence of depression of the least acculturated group may be related to cultural barriers encountered by immigrants and less-acculturated older Mexican Americans and to poorer health status.
Hydromagnetics and period changes in RR Lyrae stars

Balazs-Detre and Detre have drawn an interesting parallel between the observed time scales of variability in the sun and in RR Lyrae stars. Additional information is presented here to support their conjecture that an analog of the solar magnetic cycle is operating in RR Lyrae stars. Rough considerations of the expected changes of photospheric radius and of magnetic energy content during a magnetic cycle suggest that the pulsation periods of these stars should also change in time. Within the large observational and theoretical uncertainties, the predicted period changes are compatible with those observed.
Goniothalenol: a novel, bioactive, tetrahydrofurano-2-pyrone from (annonaceae)

Abstract Fractionation of the stem bark of the title plant, monitoring for bioactivity with brine lethality, led to the isolation of goniothalenol (I). Mass, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR spectral data helped to characterized I as a phenyltetrahydrofurano-2-pyrone, as a novel heterocyclic ring system for natural compounds. X-Ray crystallographic analysis confirmed the structure and established the configuration for I.
Molecular evolution of dentin phosphoprotein among toothed and toothless animals

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is the largest member of the SIBLING family and is the most abundant noncollagenous protein in dentin. DSPP is also expressed in non-mineralized tissues including metabolically active ductal epithelia and some cancers. Its function, however, is poorly defined. The carboxy-terminal fragment, dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) is encoded predominantly by a large repetitive domain that requires separate cloning/sequencing reactions and is, therefore, often incomplete in genomic databases. Comparison of DPP sequences from at least one member of each major branch in the mammalian evolutionary tree (including some "toothless" mammals) as well as one reptile and bird may help delineate its possible functions in both dentin and ductal epithelia. The BMP1-cleavage and translation-termination domains were sufficiently conserved to permit amplification/cloning/sequencing of most species' DPP. While the integrin-binding domain, RGD, was present in about half of species, only vestigial remnants of this tripeptide were identified in the others. The number of tandem repeats of the nominal SerSerAsp phosphorylation motif in toothed mammals (including baleen whale and platypus which lack teeth as adults), ranged from ~75 (elephant) to >230 (human). These repeats were not perfect, however, and patterns of intervening sequences highlight the rapidity of changes among even closely related species. Two toothless anteater species have evolved different sets of nonsense mutations shortly after their BMP1 motifs suggesting that while cleavage may be important for DSPP processing in other tissues, the DPP domain itself may be required only in dentin. The lizard DSPP had an intact BMP1 site, a remnant RGD motif, as well as a distinctly different Ser/Asp-rich domain compared to mammals. The DPP domain of DSPP was found to change dramatically within mammals and was lost in two truly toothless animals. The defining aspect of DPP, the long repeating phosphorylation domain, apparently undergoes frequent slip replication and recombination events that rapidly change specific patterns but not its overall biochemical character in toothed animals. Species may have to co-evolve protein processing mechanisms, however, to handle increased lengths of DSP repeats. While the RGD domain is lost in many species, some evolutionary pressure to maintain integrin binding can be observed.
Research methodology: Taming the cyber frontier: Techniques for improving online surveys

The World Wide Web and other new electronic technologies might soon become prime survey vehicles due to convenient, verifiable, low-cost delivery and return systems as well as easy access and feedb...
The history of ethical decision making in neonatal intensive care.

Neonatal ethics has focused on 2 questions: is withholding potentially live-saving treatment from neonates ethically justified? and if so, who has the authority to decide? This article details how ...
Empathy: Conceptualization, measurement, and relation to prosocial behavior

Empathy, sympathy, and related vicarious emotional responses are important concepts in developmental, social, and clinical psychology. The purpose of this paper is to examine conceptual and methodological issues concerning the assessment of vicarious emotional responding and to present data from a series of multimethod studies on the assessment of empathy-related reactions and their association with prosocial behavior. The findings presented are consistent with several conclusions: (a) In some contexts, physiological, facial, and self-report indexes can be useful markers of vicarious emotional responses, (b) other-oriented sympathetic responding is positively related to prosocial behavior (particularly altruism) whereas personal distress reactions sometimes are associated with low levels of helping, and (c) physiological arousal is higher for personal distress than sympathetic reactions.
A unifying framework for distributed simulation

A theory of distributed simulation applicable to both discrete-event and continuous simulation is presented. It derives many existing simulation algorithms from the theory and describes an implementation of a new algorithm derived from the theory. A high-level discrete-event simulation language has been implemented, using the new algorithm, on parallel computers; performance results of the implementation are also presented.
DC electric field effects on Ehrenfest-like relations at the glass transition

Abstract There have been numerous studies on the effects of dc and alternating electric fields on phase transitions in small-molecule mixtures and high-molecular weight polymers. Furthermore, textbook examples discuss modifications in the melting temperature of pure materials that are subjected to uniform dc fields. This thermodynamic analysis extends some of these predictions to second-order phase transitions. Upon invoking both volume and entropy continuity via the integral approach to phase equilibrium at second-order transitions, electric field effects on the glass transition are developed that parallel the Ehrenfest equations for the pressure dependence of Tg. Both Tg-field equations predict small changes in the glass transition temperature that scale as the square of the electric field strength. If one equates the dependence of Tg on the magnitude of the electric field via (i) volume continuity and (ii) entropy continuity, it is possible to obtain the electric-field analog of the Prigogine–Defay equality, in which thermophysical properties and discontinuous observables at the zero-field and field-dependent second-order phase transition temperatures are related. When the temperature and pressure dependencies of the relative electric permittivity (i.e., dielectric constant) are neglected in the absence of external fields, one recovers the classic Prigogine–Defay equality (i.e., the lower limit of the Prigogine–Defay ratio) that was developed from a consideration of volume and entropy continuity for the pressure dependence of Tg, by invoking the differential approach to phase equilibrium.
Homer's syndrome: An unusual presentation of Hodgkin's disease

Horner's Syndrome (ptosis, anisocoria, and anhydrosis) developed in a 22-year-old woman. A mediastinal mass was noted on chest x-ray. Further evaluation led to a diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease, nodular sclerosis type. Horner's syndrome is an unusual initial manifestation of Hodgkin's disease, and, in this case, it was due to oculosympathetic damage from mediastinal compression. Because the potential for cure is high in Hodgkin's disease, this diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with Horner's syndrome.
Interaction of V, Al, and N in Microalloyed Forging Steels after Hot Deformation

A medium-carbon V-microalloyed steel (38MnSiVS5) with three different Al levels (0.006, 0.020, and 0.031 wt pct) was used to examine the interaction of V, Al, and N after hot deformation. A complete thermomechanical cycle was simulated in the laboratory using a Gleeble® 1500. Specimens were heated to a soaking temperature that varied from 1100 to 1250 °C for 5 or 45 min and control cooled to 1000 °C in 6 min, where they were compressed to 40 pct reduction at a strain rate of 1.0 s-1. After compression, the specimens were control cooled to 500 °C at 0.25 °C·s-1 and die quenched to room temperature. Additional specimens were processed without the compression step for comparison. The thermal and thermomechanically processed specimens were characterized by quantitative metallography and microhardness testing. The thermomechanically processed specimens with 0.006 wt pct Al maintained their hardness while reducing pearlite fraction by approximately 10 pct. The thermomechanical processed specimens with 0.020 and 0.031 wt pct Al showed a significant drop in microhardness and pearlite fractions, as compared to the thermal only processed specimens. The decrease in microhardness and pearlite fraction for the two higher-Al–containing alloys in both the thermal and thermomechanically processed specimens appears to follow the same linear trend, suggesting that AlN precipitation reduces the amount of N in solid solution, lowers the temperature at which V(C,N) precipitation occurs, and effectively reduces such strain-induced precipitation.
Computing the productivity of multistation serial manufacturing systems: a heuristics approach

Abstract Analytical models to evaluate the performance of multistation serial production systems are difficult to build and solve. Based on the insights obtained from a two-station continuous materials flow production line, a heuristic is developed to approximate the production rate of longer lines.
Conditions favouring the introduction of positive switching costs for adopters of abstract compatibility standards

Research shows vendors manipulate open standards to introduce positive switching costs for product users. This article explores the possibility of manipulating abstract vertical compatibility standards based on the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) to create switching costs for adopters. Vertical standards formalise business processes and data formats unique to specific industries. Manipulating vertical standards does not optimise or enhance proprietary hardware capabilities since vertical standards are not embedded in physical products, and any manipulation is easily detected and quite correctable, so it is unclear whether positive switching costs can be introduced by any supplier. This paper describes why vertical standards are not immune to manipulation, and explores some conditions which may make the manipulation of purely abstract compatibility standards possible. A series of testable propositions are presented, and evidence that shows asymmetries exist to permit the introduction of positive switching costs is discussed. Further research in this area is discussed.
Porto Santo in Pleistocene Times

THE Geological Society of America has recently published an extremely interesting review and summary of the recent work and opinions of specialists on the Pleistocene, by Dr. H. F. Osborn and Dr. C. A. Reeds. The chronology and changes of level are fully discussed, and we are invited to consider the evidence in favour of changes in sea-level depending upon the amount of water withdrawn as ice. It is improbable that the views of Deperet, in particular, will be accepted as they stand; but it must be admitted that the glacial periods produced some world-wide changes of level, and the question how great these were becomes an extremely interesting one.
Bidding for contracts

In a competitive procurement, a buyer seeks to institute a bidding and contracting procedure which selects the most efficient firm to undertake the contract while offering terms that promote risk sharing between buyer and contractor. This paper develops a model to analyze formally the trade-off between the objectives of risk sharing and efficient contractor selection.
Measuring the diffusion of noble gases through a porous medium using prompt gamma activation analysis

Detection of anthropogenic noble gas isotopes in the atmosphere is an important indication that a below ground nuclear-test has taken place. Diffusion plays a critical role in the transport of these gases through the geological media to the surface where they can be detected. Better techniques are need with which to study the diffusion of noble gases through porous systems. Here we demonstrate the suitability of using prompt gamma activation analysis to measure the time dependent concentration of argon as a result of its diffusion through a porous medium that is saturated with nitrogen at atmospheric pressure. The experiments were conducted in a 1 m long tube, 10 cm diameter, and packed with fine SiO2 sand. Prompt gamma activation analysis was used to measure the concentration of argon within the experimental system as a function of time.
Dissipation, energy transfer, and spin-down luminosity in 2.5D PIC simulations of the pulsar magnetosphere

We perform 2.5D axisymmetric simulations of the pulsar magnetosphere (aligned dipole rotator) using the charge conservative, relativistic, electromagnetic particle in cell code picsar. Particle in cell codes are a powerful tool to use for studying the pulsar magnetosphere, because they can handle the force-free and vacuum limits and provide a self-consistent treatment of magnetic reconnection. In the limit of dense plasma throughout the magnetosphere, our solutions are everywhere in the force-free regime except for dissipative regions at the polar caps, in the current layers, and at the Y-point. These dissipative regions arise self-consistently, since we do not have any explicit dissipation in the code. A minimum of ≈15–20 per cent of the electromagnetic spin-down luminosity is transferred to the particles inside 5 light cylinder radii. However, the particles can carry as much as ≳ 50 per cent of the spin-down luminosity if there is insufficient plasma in the outer magnetosphere to screen the component of electric field parallel to the magnetic field. In reality, the component of the spin-down luminosity carried by the particles could be radiated as gamma-rays, but high-frequency synchrotron emission would need to be implemented as a sub-grid process in our simulations and is not present for the current suite of runs. The value of the spin-down luminosity in our simulations is within ≈10 per cent of the force-free value, and the structure of the electromagnetic fields in the magnetosphere is on the whole consistent with the force-free model.
“I Make Documentaries to Give Voice to the Voiceless…”: The Film Practice of Yoruba Richen

During this moment in world affairs, the documentary—especially social and political ones—is enjoying what can be characterized as a renaissance. Distressing as it is, the documentarian has an endl...
ISOLATION OF PURIFIED RAT LEYDIG CELLS USING CONTINUOUS PERCOLL GRADIENTS

Continuous, isoosmotic Percoll gradients were utilized to isolate highly purified (90-95%) Leydig cells from rat testicular interstitial cell suspensions. The purified Leydig cells were contained in the third of four bands generated on the gradient, and retained their morphological and biochemical integrity. The cells in the purified Leydig cell fraction stained positively for 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity, appeared characteristic of steroid synthesizing cells when examined electron microscopically, specifically bound 125I-hCG and responded to hCG stimulation in vitro by producing testosterone. This procedure for isolating purified Leydig cells has advantages over methods currently in use as the gradients are essentially isoosmotic throughout, are easily generated, relatively inexpensive to use, and are readily applicable to sterile procedures when cell culture is anticipated.
High efficiency P3HT/PCBM solar cell

We report a nearly twofold increase of short circuit current: from Isc ∼ 10 mA/cm2 to Isc = 16–20 mA/cm2 in P3HT/PCBM solar cells (SC) employing freshly prepared regio-regular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (RR-P3HT) without special purification. The power conversion efficiency is enhanced to η≥ 4% as compared to our best η=3.8% in SC with commercial polymer despite the decreased filling factor (FF= 0.42, as compared to best FF = 0.59). We used our earlier found [1] procedures with optimal post heat treatment temperatures and time for our polymer SC. We also discovered a strong correlation between the device preparation procedures and performance. The optimal phase separation of PCBM and RR-P3HT into a bi-continuous network structure occurs after quite long solution stirring times (enhanced homogenization) and surprisingly very short annealing time at optimal temperature. We also found that the optimal concentration of PCBM in a RR-P3HT matrix is rather low, only c∼35 wt%, contrary to high c∼80 wt% in PPV based SC.
“Unanticipated consequences” in anti-poverty programs

Abstract Many anti-poverty programs have unanticipated consequences. A typology is provided, and one of its categories is illustrated with examples: insufficient attention to the economics of the institutions that implement anti-poverty programs. This in turn leads to practical suggestions for improving these institutions, especially through better information and incentives.
Epidermal growth factor and cyclic AMP stimulation of distinct protein kinase activities in Leydig cell tumor membranes

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and cyclic AMP were found to stimulate distinct protein kinase activities in plasma membranes prepared from the M5480P murine Leydig cell tumor. EGF stimulated the phosphorylation of two protein bands with apparent molecular weights of 60,000 and 180,000, while cyclic AMP stimulated the phosphorylation of a minor component of molecular weight 220,000. The two types of kinases could also be distinguished on the basis of differential susceptibility to conditions of membrane preparation. These results suggest that EGF stimulates a cyclic AMP-independent protein kinase in murine Leydig cell tumors at the level of the plasma membrane.
The nature of comprehension errors in Broca's conduction and Wernicke's aphasics.

Summary The purpose of the study was to ascertain if Broca's aphasics have a comprehension defect which is dependent on syntactic relationships, to ascertain how this comprehension defect, if present, is different from that seen in Wernicke's and conduction aphasias. Twenty-six aphasic patients (nine Broca's, eight conduction, nine Wernicke's) and eight controls were given a test which helped differentiate comprehension errors caused by syntactic incompetence from those caused by lexical incompetence. Wernicke's aphasics made significantly more lexical errors than each of the other groups. There were no significant differences between the lexical errors made by the other groups (Broca's, conduction, and control. There were no significant differences between Broca's and conduction aphasics, however, both these groups made more syntactic errors than. the controls.
Interrelationship of peace river parameters as a basis of the iron index: a predictive guide to the Florida red tide

Abstract Selected stations on the Peace River were sampled over a 12-month period before, during and after an outbreak in 1972 of the Florida red tide ( Gymnodinium breve Davis) near Charlotte Harbor into which the Peace River drains. Interrelationships were determined between selected chemical parameters (chelating agents, including humic and tannic acid; trace metals, iron and molybdenum concentrations: and orthophosphate) and physical parameters (rainfall and mean river discharge). Positive linear correlation coefficients were obtained between molybdenum and the other parameters. The constituent fluxes (amount of constituent delivered per unit time) were determined at three individual stations, and the results were compared with calculated values. Deviations from calculated values are probably the result of an accidental spill of phosphate slime into the river. The significance of the iron variation in terms of the red tide outbreak was considered. The maximum observed iron index (amount of iron potentially delivered to the red tide outbreak area during a 3-month period) immediately preceded the September 1972 red tide, which supports the predictive value of the iron index for this phenomenon.
Kinetics of histidine deligation from the heme in GuHCl-unfolded Fe(III) cytochrome C studied by a laser-induced pH-jump technique.

We have developed an instrumental setup that uses transient absorption to monitor protein folding/unfolding processes following a laser-induced, ultrafast release of protons from o-nitrobenzaldehyd...
Psychiatric Uses of Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are being used for psychiatric indications with increasing frequency. The potential indications for carbamazepine (CBZ), valproic acid (VPA), clonazepam, and phenytoin are reviewed, with emphasis on double-blind controlled studies where available. Dosage guidelines, adverse effects, and monitoring parameters are reviewed for each of these drugs. The pathophysiological basis for anticonvulsant effectiveness is presented for mood disorders and aggression. CBZ and VPA represent second and third line agents after traditional lithium therapy in bipolar disorder. Clonazepam may be effective in the acute treatment of manic agitation. These alternative agents, when used for appropriate indications, may help the clinician manage the treatment-resistant manic patient. CBZ is also effective for the treatment of aggression and potentially effective for alcohol withdrawal.
The Relationship Between the Accumulated Number of Role Transitions and Hard Drug Use among Hispanic Emerging Adults

AbstractEmerging adults (ages 18 to 25) who experience multiple role transitions in a short period of time may engage in hard drug use as a maladaptive coping strategy to avoid negative emotions from stress. Given the collectivistic values Hispanics encounter growing up, they may experience additional role transitions due to their group-oriented cultural paradigm. This study examined whether those who experience many role transitions are at greater risk for hard drug use compared to those who experience few transitions among Hispanic emerging adults. Participants completed surveys indicating their hard drug use in emerging adulthood, role transitions in the past year of emerging adulthood, age, gender, and hard drug use in high school. Simulation analyses indicated that an increase in the number of role transitions, from 0 to 13, was associated with a 14% (95% CI, 4 to 29) higher probability of hard drug use. Specific role transitions were found to be associated with hard drug use, such as starting to dat...
A phyletic perspective on the allometry of plant biomass‐partitioning patterns and functionally equivalent organ‐categories

Biomass-partitioning patterns influence the functioning of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation at all levels, ranging from individual growth and reproduction to the flow of mass and energy through entire communities. For this reason, leaf, stem and root dry biomass-partitioning patterns across taxonomically and ecologically diverse seed plants (spermatophytes) have been intensively investigated, both empirically and theoretically. By contrast, phyletically disparate plants (e.g. green and brown algal macrophytes, mosses and pteridophytes) have not been examined to determine whether the partitioning of their body parts into 'leaf', 'stem' and 'root' analogs accords with that of spermatophytes. In this review, the biomass-partitioning patterns of siphonous and brown algal macrophytes, mosses and pteridophytes were compared allometrically with those of spermatophytes and were shown to be largely in statistical accordance (thus lending support to the hypothesis that a single scaling relationship exists across eukaryotic photoautotrophs). This concordance is argued to support the hypothesis of functional equivalence across analogous, but developmentally different, body parts, a feature that permits the use of simpler biological model systems with which to derive analytical explanations for the biomass-partitioning patterns reported for more complex seed plants.
Aneurysm of the vein of Galen: A new cause forBallantyne syndrome

Summary Ballantyne syndrome is a condition of multiple causes and is characterized by maternal, placental, andfetal edema. We describe the first case of Ballantyne syndrome in a patient whose fetus had ultrasonographic demonstration of an aneurysm of Galen's vein
Obstructive jaundice in macroglobulinemia.

Dysproteinemias usually present with bleeding from mucosal membranes. It has never been reported to cause hemobilia. We are reporting two cases of macroglobulinemia that presented with obstructive jaundice secondary to hemobilia. Although we are not sure of the source of the hemobilia, cholecystectomy and removal of the blood clots from the common bile duct resulted in alleviation of jaundice and no further gross biliary bleeding. There was no recurrence of jaundice in either case in one year and eight months respectively.