cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamics of concentrated electrolyte solutions

Abstract A new equation is derived for the activity coefficient of an electrolyte in a liquid solvent (such as water) as a function of electrolyte concentration. This equation contains contributions from long-range electrostatic forces and from short-range attractive forces; it holds from high dilution to the solubility limit. The new equation is based upon extended Debye-Huckel theory for long-range effects and upon the local-composition concept for short-range effects. For a single-electrolyte solution, the new equation contains only one adjustable energy parameter and three other parameters that are ion-specific, not electrolyte-specific. Therefore, extension to multicomponent electrolyte solutions follows without additional assumptions. Ion-specific parameters are reported for H+, K+, Li−, Br− and Cl− ions. Calculated and experimental activity coefficients are in excellent agreement for aqueous solutions of HBr, HC1, KBr, KCl, LiBr and LiCl.
Integumental organs of unknown function on chelipeds of deep-sea crabs, genus Hypsophrys.

Homolid crabs (Hypsophrys) from water deeper than 700 m in the Straits of Florida and Arabian Sea have smooth darkened oval spots contrasting with the surrounding roughened integument on inner and outer surfaces of each pincer at the base of the fixed finger. Cuticle is thinner over these spots than over surrounaing tissues. Beneath each spot is an organ composed of two markedly contrasting layers of tissue: (1) an outer, densely staining layer of tightly packed tubules, relatively straight and perpendicular to the overlying surface proximally but progressively convoluted and narrowed distally, finally ending blindly in association with the overlying thinned cuticle; (2) an inner layer of relatively large, eosinophilic, irregular cells with dark nuclei also trending at a right angle to the integument and bulging into the hemal sinus of the hand but separated from it by an epidermal lining. Droplets secreted from the inner layer apparently move into and along the tubules. Similar organs are known in no other crabs. The function is unknown but the structure suggests that they may be photophores.
Optical properties of nanosized gold particles

Gold particles smaller than 2 nm in diameter were grown in glass. Their optical absorption spectrum did not show the usual plasma absorption band for gold particles; this band was spread by the small particle size. The absorption spectrum was calculated from the bulk optical properties of gold, modified for the small particle size; there was good agreement between calculated and measured spectra. The smallest particles containing from 20 to 40 gold atoms showed a λ−4 dependence of absorption on wavelength λ. This result implies that the absorption in these particles was entirely from free electrons at wavelengths above 0.3 μm.
The Chlamydia protease CPAF: caution, precautions and function.

Recent biochemical and genetic studies have called into question many of the functions proposed for the chlamydial protease CPAF (Zhong et al ., 2001). In 2012, we demonstrated that the proteolysis of multiple reported substrates was occurring during the preparation of lysates from Chlamydia infected cells rather than in intact cells (Chen et al ., 2012). The recent report by Snavely et al . of a CPAF null mutant now provides genetic evidence that CPAF is not necessary for many Chlamydia induced phenotypes nor for a successful intracellular infection (Bavoil & Byrne, 2014; Snavely et al ., 2014). The proteolysis observed when analyzing Chlamydia infected cells must be carefully interpreted because lysates prepared under standard conditions contain CPAF proteolytic activity (Chen et al ., 2012). In general, proteolysis during lysate preparation is not a problem for protein analysis because proteases in cell lysates are typically inactive on ice and are readily inhibited with a protease inhibitor cocktail. However, CPAF is unusual because it remains active in cell lysates at 4 °C and is resistant to most protease inhibitors (Zhong et al ., 2000; Jorgensen et al ., 2011; Chen et al ., 2012). As an unfortunate consequence of this ongoing enzymatic activity, CPAF cleaves or degrades numerous host proteins during lysate preparation from infected cells. Multiple studies have reported that CPAF mediated proteolysis of specific host proteins begins at about 10–20 h postinfection (hpi) (Dong et al ., 2004; Kumar & Valdivia, 2008; Christian et al ., 2011). However, we did not detect the published proteolysis of 11 host proteins, even as late as 48 hpi, if we inhibited CPAF activity at the time of lysate preparation (Chen et al ., 2012). These doubts about the proteolysis of proposed CPAF targets challenge …
iChoice: Applied value-sensitive human-computer interaction design

This work looks at the design and use of peer-to-peer file sharing software as a vehicle for examining sociotechnical interactions, particularly how values influence the design and use of technologies. By studying peer-to-peer network use it is my hope that issues of personal and community values align with their stated moral objectives. Guided by Value-Sensitive Design (VSD) and Participatory Design (PD) theories, I have developed, designed, and evaluated a new application that takes into account stated user values throughout each phase of the design process. Results showed that when an application explicitly incorporates user feedback, said users will have a more enjoyable experience and will be more likely to choose those technologies that reflect their values.
Ground-penetrating radar survey at Wroxeter

Two seasons of ground-penetrating radar were undertaken at selected locations within the Roman town of Wroxeter. Both surveys used a GSSI system incorporating a 300 MHz antenna. A strategy has been developed to collect large data sets in an efficient manner. The results have been processed and displayed as time-slice images to facilitate interpretation of complex data collected over part of this Roman urban landscape. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autoradiographic localization of muscarinic agonist binding sites in the rat central nervous system with (+)-cis-[3H]methyldioxolane.

(+)-cis-[3H]Methyldioxolane ((+)-[3H]CD), a potent muscarinic agonist, was used to label high-affinity agonist states of muscarinic receptors in thin tissue sections of the rat central nervous system. Light microscopic autoradiography of atropine-sensitive (+)-[3H]CD binding sites revealed regions of dense labeling (superior colliculus, inferior colliculus, lateral geniculate body, hypoglossal (XII) nucleus, facial (VII) nucleus, tractus diagonalis) and regions of sparse labeling (hippocampus, dentate gyrus). The inverse regional correlation between high-affinity (+)-[3H]CD states and binding sites for the muscarinic antagonists [3H]pirenzepine (r = −0.79) and (-)-[3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (r = −0.30) underscores potentially important differences between agonist and antagonist binding to CNS tissue slices.
STUDIES ON THE POTENTIATION OF ENDOTOXIN IN MICE BY EXPOSURE TO COLD.

Abstract : Mice exposed to 5 C show a drop in body temperature at a time when they are more sensitive than normal mice to bacterial lipopolysaccharide than (LPS). Injection to 5 mg cortisone acetate protects against the lethal effects while 8 units but not 2 units of ACTH enhance lethality. These data suggest that adrenocortical exhaustion due to cold is in part responsible for the altered sensitivity of LPS. In support of this interpretation is the increase in urine volume and urinary nitrogen excreted by mice at 5 C compared with those of 25 C. Endotoxin decreses both. The decrease is counteracted by cortisone administration but not by ACTH.
SU-E-T-280: CT Texture Analysis of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Is Not Predictive of SNP Status

Purpose: Several single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been shown to be associated with overall survival in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer. Also, CT texture analysis of the tumor has shown that tumor heterogeneity is associated with overall survival. Here we investigate whether there is any association between texture features and SNP status. Methods: 139 NSCLC patients were identified who had been treated for chemo‐radiation therapy, and for whom both SNP data and 4DCT simulation images with consistent imaging parameters were available. 14 geometric and texture features, selected from a previous reproducibility/redundancy study, were extracted from the physician‐drawn target on the exhale‐phase CT images. The data were randomly divided into a training set consisting of 2/3 of the patients (n=93), and a test set consisting of the remaining 50 cases. For each SNP and texture feature, the Kruskal‐Wallis test was used to investigate whether there were differences in the texture features between patients of different genotypes. To get an estimate of how many false positives would be expected per SNP, permutation tests were performed, where the SNP genotypes were randomly permuted among the patients and the Kruskal‐Wallis tests were repeated. This process was repeated 500 times. Results: 6 comparisons met the nominal P<0.05 in the training set, but none of these were confirmed in the test data, indicating that there are no association between texture features and SNPs. When the analysis was repeated with the entire dataset, 9 comparisons were significant at the P<0.05 level, but permutation analysis indicated that 8.1 comparisons would have P<0.05 by chance. Conclusion: There is no strong evidence for an association between any of the 12 SNPs and 14 texture features investigated here. Our next step is to investigate whether combining SNPs and CT textures has a better predictive capability than using SNPs only.
High performance nano-titania photocatalytic paper composite. Part I: Experimental design study for TiO2 composite sheet using a natural zeolite microparticle system and its photocatalytic property

Nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalytic papers were successfully prepared using a natural zeolite microparticle retention aid in papermaking. Applying a factorial experimental design, natural zeolite has been demonstrated to be the most significant and interactive factor for increasing the TiO2 retention rate in paper stock. The photocatalysis of as-prepared sheets was evaluated with toluene as one of the representative volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Under UV irradiation, it was shown to be effective in removing gaseous toluene by photodecomposition, assisted by adsorption. It was revealed that natural zeolite plays an important role in both increasing retention rate of TiO2 nanoparticles and enhancing photocatalytic efficiency of the paper. The photocatalytic paper can be potentially applied for environmental purification.
Maternal Mortality: 19-Year Experience in an Eastern North Carolina Tertiary Center

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/41-2-4455 Objective : To examine the cases and causes of maternal mortality at a tertiary care center in eastern North Carolina and to identify risk factors associated with maternal deaths. Design: A retrospective study of hospital records, death certificates, and autopsy reports was done on all obstetrical deaths from 1988 through 2006 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital (PCMH). Results : Fourteen maternal deaths were identified during this period. Nine deaths were direct maternal deaths, and five were indirect. Nine of the deaths were potentially preventable through proper preconceptional counseling, early identification, and treatment of diseases such as preeclampsia and premature rupture of membranes. The limitations to this study include lack of detail regarding the prenatal care and nonavailability of autopsy reports for several of the patients. Conclusion: Preconceptional counseling, to educate patients on pregnancy risk and self identification of preeclampsia, prompt medical diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia and premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and quick transfers to level II or III hospitals with appropriate specialists to care for these patients could reduce maternal mortality in this region. Finally, the risk factors that increase the area’s maternal mortality include its rural location, its low socioeconomic status, and the high number of African-American and single women.
Activation of Cyclic AMP-Generating Systems in Brain Membranes and Slices by the Diterpene Forskolin: Augmentation of Receptor-Mediated Responses

The diterpene forskolin markedly activates adenylate cyclase in membranes from various rat brain regions and elicits marked accumulations of radioactive cyclic AMP in adenine-labeled slices from cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, striatum, superior colliculi, hypothalamus, thalamus, and medulla-pons. In cerebral cortical slices, forskolin has half-maximal effects at 20-30 microM on cyclic AMP levels, both alone and in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor ZK 62771. The presence of a very low dose of forskolin (1 microM) can augment the response of brain cyclic AMP-generating systems to norepinephrine, isoproterenol, histamine, serotonin, dopamine, adenosine, prostaglandin E2, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. Forskolin does not augment responses to combinations of histamine-norepinephrine adenosine-norepinephrine, or histamine-adenosine. For norepinephrine and isoproterenol in rat cerebral cortical slices and for histamine in guinea pig cerebral cortical slices, the presence of 1 microM-forskolin augments the apparent efficacy of the amine, whereas for adenosine, prostaglandin E2, and vasoactive intestinal peptide, the major effect of 1 microM-forskolin is to increase the apparent potency of the stimulatory agent. In rat striatal slices, forskolin reveals a significant response of cyclic AMP systems to dopamine and augments the dopamine-elicited activation of adenylate cyclase in rat striatal membranes. The activation of cyclic AMP systems by forskolin is rapid and reversible, and appears to involve both direct activation of adenylate cyclase and facilitation and/or enhancement of receptor-mediated activation of the enzyme.
Attenuation models of the earth

Free oscillation and body wave data are used to construct average Q models for the earth. The data set includes fundamental and overtone observations of the radial, spheroidal and toroidal modes, ScS observations and amplitudes of body waves as a function of distance. The preferred model includes a low-Q zone at both the top and the bottom of the mantle. In these regions the seismic velocities are likely to be frequency dependent in the “seismic” band. Absorption in the mantle is predominantly due to losses in shear. Compressional absorption may be important in the inner core. A grain-boundary relaxation model is proposed that explains the dominance of shear over compressional dissipation, the roughly frequency independent average values for Q and the variation of Q with depth. In the high-Q regions, the lithosphere and the midmantle (200–2000 km), Q is predicted to be frequency dependent. However, the low-Q regions of the earth, where Q is roughly frequency independent, dominate the observations of attenuation.
Effect of Granulating Method on Dissolution Rate of Compressed Tablets. III

AbstractThe dissolution rates of dexamethasone granules prepared by all the methods were slower than the dissolution rates of the corresponding tablets. This was shown to be the result of a reduction of the average particle size on compaction. The dissolution rates of sulfadiazine tablets prepared by microgranulating and slugging were slower than the corresponding granules. This was demonstrated to be the result of enlargement of the granules on compaction. For both drugs the microgranulating procedure gave the most rapid dissolution of tablets and granules. In case of the dexamethasone formulation, direct compression exhibited the slowest dissolution rate. The dissolution rates of sulfadiazine granules and tablets prepared by the wet granulating method were also unsatisfactory.
The Action of Antibiotics on Intestinal Flora of Poultry 2. Effect on the Growth of Intestinal Bacteria In Vitro

Abstract IN A previous report (Eisenstark and Sanford, 1953) it was recorded that antibiotic-fed birds failed to exhibit profound changes in the over-all numbers of various groups of intestinal microorganisms, at least as enumerated by the counting techniques employed. Several current theories of antibiotic mode of action were discussed and two additional theories were introduced which previously had not been given serious consideration. In this series of reports experimental data will be presented and analyzed for compatibility with the various theories in an effort to solve the mechanism whereby antibiotics promote weight gains in poultry. In this paper the effects of antibiotics upon macrogrowth and microcellular changes of intestinal microbes growing in vitro is reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS Observations of macrogrowth were made by pouring plates of bacteria in suitable media and placing antibiotic-containing filter-paper pads on the hardened surface (see Figures 1 and 2). In experiment 1, the pads had …
Adolescent pregnancy: Understanding the impact of age and race on outcomes

tPurpose: To determine the independent effects of maternal age and race/ethnicity on poor pregnancy outcomes, with and without controlling for other factors. Methods: Logistic regression analysis of 54,447 linked birth, fetal death, and infant death certificates in California from 1980–87. Results: Women of young maternal age (10–13 years) are approximately 2.5 times more likely to have a low birthweight infant and 3.4 times more likely to have a preterm birth than women of "prime" childbearing age. African-American women are 1.7 times more likely to have a low birthweight infant, and 2 times more likely to have a preterm birth than their white and Hispanic counterparts. The association of infant death with maternal age and race/ethnicity is statistically significant in the unadjusted models, however, those associations disappear completely when birthweight and gestational age are considered. Interactions between maternal age and race/ethnicity explained very little of the variability for any of the outcomes. Conclusions: Maternal age at delivery and race/ethnicity are independently and significantly associated with poor pregnancy outcomes such as low birthweight and premature births. However, young maternal age and race/ethnicity do not appear to interact in a manner that produces a differential effect on the birth outcomes assessed in this study. The incidence of infant mortality is unrelated to maternal age or race/ethnicity, after controlling for prematurity and low birthweight, underscoring the importance of intervention efforts aimed at their prevention.
Generalized Matrix Valued Invariants

Abstract The trace ring of generic matrices, Tm, n, can be viewed as the invariant ring of a matrix ring over a polynomial ring or, equivalently, a ring of PGLn( C )-equivariant functions that take values in Mn( C ). This paper contains a proof of a structure theorem for the invariants of tensor powers of the above-mentioned matrix ring and shows, in most cases, how this invariant ring relates to (T⊗ r)**. Corollaries to these characterizations include a generalization of the Artin-Schofield Theorem and a description of the projective locus of Tm, n.
Improved classification of small-scale urban watersheds using thematic mapper simulator data

The utility of Landsat MSS classification methods in the case of small, highly urbanized hydrological basins containing complex land-use patterns is limited, and is plagued by misclassifications due to the spectral response similarity of many dissimilar surfaces. Landsat MSS data for the Conley Creek basin near Atlanta, Georgia, have been compared to thematic mapper simulator (TMS) data obtained on the same day by aircraft. The TMS data were able to alleviate many of the recurring patterns associated with MSS data, through bandwidth optimization, an increase of the number of spectral bands to seven, and an improvement of ground resolution to 30 m. The TMS is thereby able to detect small water bodies, powerline rights-of-way, and even individual buildings.
Vitality and growth in HIV-infected gay men☆

The emphasis in the psychosocial literature on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been placed, correctly, on the traumatic impact of AIDS in terms of mortality, bereavement, suicide, psychopathology, and coping with life amid enormous multiple stressors. However, an important aspect of the HIV epidemic has been paid only minimal attention: many HIV-positive gay men have experienced beneficial, or even life-transforming, aspects of their situation. Seven HIV-positive gay men are described here who have successfully integrated HIV into a framework of world- and self-beliefs that allows for coherence, stability, emotional vitality, and positive self-regard. Eight general characteristics of these men are presented. These men represent a subgroup from a sample of 19 subjects in a qualitative clinical interview study exploring how HIV-positive gay men ascribe meaning to AIDS and their own HIV infection [1].
Reversal in Bit Patterned Media With Vertical and Lateral Exchange

The extent to which dipolar interactions affect switching field distributions and thermal stability, and subsequently system performance, depends closely on the areal density, materials properties, and the architecture of the media, as well as the recording scheme and field profiles. This paper assesses, via micromagnetic simulations, the potential of heterogeneous capped bit patterned media and other proposed patterned media designs for ultra-high-density magnetic recording with respect to writability, switching field distributions, and thermal stability at different areal densities. Such media is comprised of an array of homogeneous or exchange coupled composite elements with vertical anisotropy that is ferromagnetically or antiferromagnetically coupled to a continuous horizontal layer. It is shown that such systems, characterized by lateral and vertical exchange, enable ultra-high-density recording at low switching fields while ensuring high thermal stability and low switching field distributions. Mechanisms leading to improved performance in capped systems are investigated. Structural and material considerations are provided for all media models.
Structure of keratan sulfate from bonefish (Albula sp.) larvae deduced from NMR spectroscopy of keratanase-derived oligosaccharides

Structural details of keratan sulfate (KS) glycosaminoglycan, isolated from early-metamorphosing larvae (leptocephali) of bonefish (Albula sp.), are described. Bonefish KS was analyzed by first hydrolyzing the purified compound with KS endo-beta-galactosidase (keratanase) from Pseudomonas spp., and then examining the resulting oligosaccharides with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at 400 MHz. Spectral analyses were performed by COSY and HMQC. The results showed that a single oligosaccharide was produced whose structure is consistent with that of a tetrasaccharide containing two, beta-linked, N-acetyllactosamine units. Enzymic evidence indicated that the internal galactose of the tetrasaccharide was O-sulfated at C-6, and that the reducing-end galactose was unsulfated. Spectral data for C-1 of the two galactose residues were consistent with the proposed sulfation pattern. In addition, spectral evidence confirmed that a C-6 on one of the sugars was sulfated: this sulfate was tentatively assigned to the internal galactose. Chemical studies have shown that an additional sulfate group is present, but its assignment could not be confirmed, owing to the complexity of the spectral data. The known specificities of keratanase, and the production of a single tetrasaccharide, however, require that the additional sulfate reside on C-6 of either of the two available N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) moieties, and that it cannot alternate between the two. The inability of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase from beef kidney to liberate GlcNAc from the tetrasaccharide provided preliminary support for the view that this sulfate is located on the nonreducing-end GlcNAc. We conclude that the native, high molecular weight (M(r) = 55,000) KS polymer from bonefish larvae consists of a disulfated disaccharide alternating with an unsulfated disaccharide in the adjacent N-acetyllactosamine unit, with this pattern repeating itself in a regular fashion along most, or all, of the chain. This structure could provide an explanation for the ability of bonefish KS chains to self-associate into dimers. Although the N-acetyllactosamine repeat is characteristics of KS in general, the sulfation pattern is different from that postulated for the well-characterized KS chains of lower molecular weight obtained from mammalian cornea and cartilage. An additional difference was the inability to demonstrate sialic acid in bonefish KS.
The significance of carbohydrate metabolism in flavonoid synthesis in strawberry leaf disks

Abstract The production of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and flavonoids in illuminated strawberry leaf disks was dependent on a supply of carbon dioxide, while in darkness carbon dioxide had no effect on the small rates of production. An external supply of sucrose could remove the carbon dioxide dependency of flavonoid and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase production and a supply of carbon dioxide could remove the stimulation of phenylalanione ammonia-lyase and flavonoid production brought about by external sucrose. The uptake and metabolism of external sucrose by leaf disks was stimulated by light and the light-stimulated uptake was inhibited by DCMU. The synthesis of flavonoids and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase were inhibited by DCMU probably through its inhibition of CO 2 fixation or sucrose uptake. Photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism were found to be of extreme importance in controlling the synthesis of flavonoids in leaf disks.
Intervertebral disc shape variation and its relationship to degeneration using principal components analysis of a population of MR images

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is implicated in low back pain, which is a costly and prevalent disease. Since the IVD is a mechanically active organ, it is important to consider its mechanical behavior as one factor in the degenerate pathology. Strain can be measured directly by imaging methods, but the stress distribution within the disc must be calculated. The stress distribution for a particular strain state is dependent on the IVD’s material properties and its geometry. While the material properties of the tissues comprising IVD have been extensively studied, its three-dimensional geometry remains incompletely characterized. Prior whole-disc models have been constructed from single IVDs. While this approach ensures that the geometry has a physiological basis, it is uncertain the degree to which results from a single IVD shape can be generalized to the entire population.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Global Business Citizenship and Voluntary Codes of Ethical Conduct

This article describes the theory and process of global business citizenship (GBC) and applies it in an analysis of characteristics of company codes of business conduct. GBC is distinguished from a commonly used term, “corporate citizenship,” which often denotes corporate community involvement and philanthropy. The GBC process requires (1) a set of fundamental values embedded in the corporate code of conduct and in corporate policies that reflect universal ethical standards; (2) implementation throughout the organization with thoughtful awareness of where the code and policies fit well and where they might not fit with stakeholder expectations; (3) analysis and experimentation to deal with problem cases; and (4) systematic learning processes to communicate the results of implementation and experiments internally and externally. We then identify and illustrate the three attributes of a code of conduct that would reflect a GBC approach. The three attributes are orientation, implementation, and accountability. The various components of these attributes are specified and illustrated, using website examples from six global petroleum companies.
Bipyrimidine-Bridged Mixed-Metal Trimetallic Complexes of Ruthenium(II) with Rhodium(III) or Iridium(III), {[(bpy)(2)Ru(bpm)](2)MCl(2)}(5+).

Bipyrimidine-bridged trimetallic complexes of the form {[(bpy)2Ru(bpm)]2MCl2}5+, where M = RhIII or IrIII, bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine, and bpm = 2,2‘-bipyrimidine, have been synthesized and characterized. These complexes are of interest in that they couple catalytically active rhodium(III) and iridium(III) metals with light-absorbing ruthenium(II) metals within a polymetallic framework. Their molecular composition is a light absorber−electron collector−light absorber core of a photochemical molecular device (PMD) for photoinitiated electron collection. The variation of the central metal has some profound effects on the observed properties of these complexes. The electrochemical data for the title trimetallics consist of a RuII/III oxidation and sequential reductions assigned to the bipyrimidine ligands, Ir or Rh metal centers, and bipyridines. In both trimetallic complexes, the first oxidation is Ru based and the bridging ligand reductions occur prior to the central metal reduction. This illustrates that the h...
Strongly inhomogeneous conduction in cobaltite films : Non-Gaussian resistance noise

Strongly non-Gaussian conductance fluctuations are found in relatively large (e.g., $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}\text{ }{\text{cm}}^{3}$) samples of (001)-oriented $\ensuremath{\sim}50\text{-nm}$-thick epitaxial films of the nominally ferromagnetic and metallic perovskite cobaltite ${\text{La}}_{0.5}{\text{Sr}}_{0.5}{\text{CoO}}_{3}$. Field dependences of Boltzmann factors of individual fluctuators show them to be magnetic regions with of order $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{4}\text{ }\text{Bohr}$ magnetons. Given the size of the fluctuating regions, the size of the discrete conductance fluctuations would be anomalously large unless the conductance were strongly inhomogeneous as expected for magnetoelectronic phase-separation effects known to occur in some bulk cobaltites at lower concentrations or with polycrystalline structure. Temperature dependences of Boltzmann factors indicate small energy and entropy changes, more like magnetic rotations than like fluctuations between phases. The films, like bulk samples of the same composition, show resistance increasing with temperature in Van der Pauw measurements; but resistance in strip-shaped regions weakly decreases with temperature, indicating particularly extreme effects of the inhomogeneous magnetic orientation dependent conductivity.
Methylation of f1 DNA by a restriction endonuclease from Escherichia coli B

Abstract Bacteriophage f1 duplex DNA containing hybrid SB sites, the genetic sites which confer upon DNA sensitivity to Escherichia coli B-specific restriction and modification, were prepared in vitro . The hybrid SB sites (modified and mutant) were tested for their ability to be methylated in vitro by endonuclease R · Eco B, the enzyme responsible for both B-specific restriction and modification in vivo . DNA containing hybrid (modified) SB sites can be methylated. One methyl group is added to the DNA per hybrid (modified) SB site. On the other hand, DNA containing hybrid (mutant) SB sites is refractory to modification. The nature and the function of the SB site as well as the implications of these observations for f1 recombination are discussed.
Anger and combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder

We examined whether combat-related PTSD was differentially associated with particular dimensions of anger on two multi-index, psychometric instruments and whether the proportion of variation in PTSD scores explained by anger was significantly greater than that by demographic and exposure variables. We also examined the reliability and validity of a subset of Mississippi Scale items as an anger measure. Participants were 143 Vietnam combat veterans. Anger accounted for over 40% of the variance in Mississippi PTSD scores (minus the anger items) above that associated with age, education, and combat exposure. Veterans with structured-interview–diagnosed PTSD were significantly differentiated from those without PTSD on all anger indices. The results point to anger treatment as a high priority for combat-related PTSD.
Exposure to Amorphous Silica Fibers and Other Particulate Matter During Rice Farming Operations

Abstract Occupational exposure to biogenic amorphous silica fibers was found during all phases of rice farming. Exposure during field preparation was the highest, followed by harvest and then rice stubble burning. The highest personal exposure was 1.9 fibers/cc for fibers >5 μm in length in the respirable dust fraction. The highest level seen in area samples was 9.9 fibers/cc for fibers >5 μm in length in the respirable dust fraction. The median fiber length was 2.8 μm, with a range from 0.5 to 20 μm. (Fibers <d0.5 μm were not counted.) Ninety percent of fibers were <9 μm in length. The median fiber width was 0.9 μm, with a range from 0.2 to 7 μm. Ninety percent of fibers were <2.5 μm in width. Samples for airborne amorphous silica fibers were collected with personal sampling pumps and polycarbonate filters. Samples were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence to identify composition and electron diffraction to determine the crystalline state of fibers. Fiber counting methodology was adapted from standard asbes...
Ultrasonic Quantum Oscillations in Chromium

Measurements of quantum oscillations in the ultrasonic attenuation have been made to investigate the Fermi surface of chromium in the "single-$\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{Q}}$" state. Several frequency branches were followed over the entire Fermi surface and many of these data agree with earlier de Haas-van Alphen and ultrasonic results. Three branches display harmonic behavior which is exact when the measuring field is in the basal plane, but which deviates smoothly from exactness as the field is rotated toward $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{Q}}$. The most likely explanation of this feature is that of magnetic breakdown among nonextremal orbits on the Fermi surface. The lack of degeneracy of the branches at certain symmetry axes prevented identifying the data with the location of sections of the Fermi surface. The data in one family of branches agree point by point with the de Haas-van Alphen results when the measuring field is near the basal plane, but differ as the field approaches $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{Q}}$. For the remaining data, symmetry arguments may not be applicable because of changes in the topology caused by magnetic breakdown.
Three Farms: Making Milk, Meat, and Money from the American Soil

Three representative profiles of farmers across the nation--a Massachusetts dairy farmer, an Iowa farmer devoted to raising corn and hogs, and a Califor agribusiness--document the plight of America's small farmers and their vanishing way of life.
Why Does Joint Attention Look Atypical in Autism

This essay answers the question of why autis- tic children are less likely to initiate joint attention (e.g., use their index finger to point to indicate interest in something) and why they are less likely to respond to bids for their joint attention (e.g., turn their heads to look at something to which another person points). It reviews empirical evidence that autistic toddlers, children, ado- lescents, and adults can attend covertly, even to social stimuli, such as the direction in which another person's eyes are gazing. It also reviews empirical evidence that autistics of various ages understand the intentionality of other persons' actions. The essay suggests that autistics' atypicalresistancetodistraction,atypicalskillatparallel
Heat transfer and thermal losses in above-core regions

Abstract Heat transfer and thermal losses in above-core regions can substantially influence the conversion of thermal energy to damage potential following postulated core-disruptive accidents in a liquid metal fast breeder reactor. Any assessment of these influences is complex and difficult to substantiate because of the transient, interactive environment in which they occur. This paper develops a perspective for the role of heat-transfer processes in the context of fluid-structure dynamics, containment strength, accident severity, sodium involvement, and uncertainties in current knowledge. The Clinch River Breeder Reactor (CRBR) is used as an example to quantify this perspective. Containment limits are estimated for CRBR to allow a comparative evaluation of the containment tolerance as different physical effects are considered. For a conservative estimate of containment failure threshold and for neutronic excursions resulting in fuel-vapor expansions, the CRBR system tolerence for energetic accidents increases if we include the effects of fluid-structure dynamics and coupled fluid dynamics and heat transfer. Further, additional accommodation for greater sodium involvement (work-potential augmentation) is possible if all heat-transfer processes are considered together. This perspective can contribute valuable insight as decisions are made to reduce the uncertainty in the risk to the public by means of improved analysis of the energetics problem.
Erosion of heat-treated AISI 4140 steel

Solid-particle erosion was studied on AISI 4140 steel heat treated to have a Vickers hardness (Hv) of 288–650 kg mm−2. The experiments were conducted in vacuum with 143 μm Al2O3 abrasive impacting at 50–100 m s−1 at an angle of 30° or 90°. Erosion rates were nearly independent of hardness for Hv ⩽ 365 kg mm−2, but increased with hardness for Hv > 365 kg mm−2. The improved erosion resistances of the softer alloys were attributed to increased ductilities.
Vanadate as an oral antidiabetic agent

Today's need for effective oral glucose lowering agents and the recent advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of insulin action have increased attention to the use of vanadate as an oral euglycaemic agent. Vanadate has metabolic actions like insulin. It is efficacious in rodent models of insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM). Moreover, recent clinical trials of two to three week duration in human NIDDM and IDDM subjects demonstrated that oral vanadate improved insulin sensitivity in all NIDDM subjects and some IDDM subjects. No major side effects were observed. Although vanadate is a potent protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) inhibitor, the precise glucose lowering mechanism is debatable since the metal is unstable and it is metabolised by cells. Recently chemists have taken advantage of the complex chemical properties of vanadate and have synthesised a variety of vanadium derivatives that are much more potent than vanadate. Some show in vitro en...
Development of a scale for assessment of agitation following traumatic brain injury

Development and initial validation of a scale for assessment of agitation in traumatic brain-injured individuals is described. Items were selected from an initial 39-item pool based on their testability, differentiation of agitation, frequency of occurrence, and representation of the full domain of the construct. The resulting 14-item instrument, called the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS), was subsequently tested on an independent sample of 35 head-injured subjects. Reliability was examined via measures of internal consistency and qualitative evaluation of principal components factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha exceeded .80 for all rates. Comparable values of theta were found and qualitative criteria of internal consistency were met. The ABS score accounted for between 36% and 62% of the variance in 15 of 16 correlations with simultaneous, independent observations of agitation. Results of initial validation are discussed in light of classic test theory and research necessary for determination of construct validity.
Development of High Temperature Liquid Metal Heat Transfer Fluids for CSP Applications

In response to the DOE Sunshot Initiative to develop low-cost, high efficiency CSP systems, UCLA is leading a multi-university research effort to develop new high temperature heat transfer fluids capable of stable operation at 800°C and above. Due to their operating temperature range, desirable heat transfer properties and very low vapor pressure, liquid metals were chosen as the heat transfer fluid. An overview of the ongoing research effort is presented.Development of new liquid metal coolants begins with identification of suitable candidate metals and their alloys. Initial selection of candidate metals was based on such parameters as melting temperature, cost, toxicity, stability/reactivity Combinatorial sputtering of the down selected candidate metals is used to fabricate large compositional spaces (∼ 800), which are then characterized using high-throughput techniques (e.g., X-ray diffraction). Massively parallel optical methods are used to determine melting temperatures. Thermochemical modeling is also performed concurrently to compliment the experimental efforts and identify candidate multicomponent alloy systems that best match the targeted properties. The modeling effort makes use of available thermodynamic databases, the computational thermodynamic CALPHAD framework and molecular-dynamics simulations of molten alloys. Refinement of available thermodynamics models are performed by comparison with available experimental data. Characterizing corrosion in structural materials such as steels, when using liquid metals, and strategies to mitigate them are an integral part of this study. The corrosion mitigation strategy we have adopted is based on the formation of stable oxide layers on the structural metal surface which prevents further corrosion. As such oxygen control is crucial in such liquid metal systems. Liquid metal enhanced creep and embrittlement in commonly used structural materials are also being investigated. Experiments with oxygen control are ongoing to evaluate what structural materials can be used with liquid metals. Characterization of the heat transfer during forced flow is another key component of the study. Both experiments and modeling efforts have been initiated. Key results from experiments and modeling performed over the last year are highlighted and discussed.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Heat recovery from poultry processing scald water

Abstract Overflow water normally wasted from the scald tank in a poultry processing plant, was used to heat incoming cold replacement water. In winter, the 5-plate bank heat exchanger distributed a heat gain of 102 kW to the cold water and the overall heat transfer coefficient was 479 Wm−2 °K−1; in spring and summer, heat gain dropped to 54·6 kW and the overall heat transfer coefficient was 472 Wm−2 °K−1. A ratio between actual heat transferred to the cold water to the maximum heat that would be transferred if the cold water were raised to the inlet temperature of the hot water, was a measure of effectiveness. The effectiveness of the system was 0·542. With two-shift operation reclaimed heat could have paid for the system in 88 days under winter conditions or in 165 days under spring and summer conditions.
Augmenting the antifungal activity of an oxidizing agent with kojic Acid: control of penicillium strains infecting crops.

Oxidative treatment is one of the strategies for preventing Penicillium contamination in crops/foods. The antifungal efficacy of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; oxidant) was investigated in Penicillium strains by using kojic acid (KA) as a chemosensitizing agent, which can enhance the susceptibility of pathogens to antifungal agents. Co-application of KA with H2O2 (chemosensitization) resulted in the enhancement of antifungal activity of either compound, when compared to the independent application of each agent alone. Of note, heat enhanced the activity of H2O2 to a greater extent during chemosensitization, whereby the minimum inhibitory or minimum fungicidal concentrations of H2O2 was decreased up to 4 or 13 fold, respectively, at 35–45 °C (heat), when compared to that at 28 °C (normal growth temperature). However, heat didn’t increase the antifungal activity of KA, indicating specificity exists between heat and types of antifungals applied. The effect of chemosensitization was also strain-specific, where P. expansum (both parental and fludioxonil-resistant mutants) or P. italicum 983 exhibited relatively higher susceptibility to the chemosensitization, comparing to other Penicillium strains tested. Collectively, chemosensitization can serve as a potent antifungal strategy to lower effective dosages of toxic antifungal substances, such as H2O2. This can lead to coincidental lowering of environmental and health risks.
Hemoglobin, Myoglobin, and Total Pigments in Beef and Chicken Muscles: Chromatographic Determination

Spectrophotometric determinations of myoglobin (Mb) and hemoglobin (Hb) in bovine longissimus and psoas and chicken thigh and drumstick muscles were compared using size exclusion (SE) and hydrophobic interaction (HI) high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Detection limit (61 ng) and standard deviation for total pigments were lower with SE than with HI. Bovine and chicken Mb and Hb coeluted with SE-HPLC. Mb and Hb from bovine muscles were separated using HI-HPLC, but pigment concentrations in chicken muscles were below detection limits of the HI-HPLC method. The amounts of Mb and Hb in longissimus and psoas muscles differed with individual cattle.
Evaluation of Biochar as a Potential Filter Media for the Removal of Mixed Contaminants from Urban Storm Water Runoff

AbstractUrban storm water runoff can carry a wide range of contaminants, many of which exceed federal maximum contaminant levels, into surface water resources (e.g., rivers and lakes). The use of filtration systems has received greater attention for its potential to remove particulate matter and other contaminants. Biochar is expected to have excellent potential as an adsorbent or filter given its large surface area and microporous structure. This study evaluated the potential use of biochar as a filter media through a series of column experiments. A column with an inner diameter of 7 cm (2.75 in.) and a length of 61 cm (24 in.) using biochar as filter media was constructed to examine its effectiveness for the removal of mixed contaminants [total suspended solids (TSS), nutrients, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and E. coli] from synthetic storm water. The results demonstrated that this filter reduced the TSS in the storm water effluent by an average of 86% and the concentrations of...