cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Base Case Simulation of a Semi-Batch Emulsion Copolymerization Process

It has been long recognized that emulsion polymerization is a complex heterogeneous process involving transport of monomers and other species and free radicals between aqueous phase and organic phases. Though there are a number of models available in the literature, most of them deal only with specific aspects in emulsion polymerization and are far from being general. To simulate this complicated process and to achieve an adequate level of understanding, a Polymer Plus' software from Aspen Technology, Inc. has been used. The objective of this work is to illustrate the principle use of Polymers Plus' and to simulate and analysis the free-radical seeded emulsion copolymerization of styrene-butadiene process model in a semi-batch reactor. The base case simulation can be used to gain process understanding by analyzing how process variables and operating conditions during the course of a semi-batch reactor affect product quality.
AEGIS--attribute experimentation guiding improvement searches

The development of a quality heuristic is a challenging undertaking. While some work has been done to link solution quality and problem inputs, relatively little has been done to methodically address that linkage. This research, a meta-heuristic framework called AEGIS, is an initial attempt to integrate problem characteristics into the solution process itself. As the name implies, the goal is to provide guidance to the solution process, through a well-defined learning process. By utilizing statistical techniques and concepts, this study will demonstrate how such knowledge may be used to drive the function of the algorithm.
Low-energy photon production in neutrino neutral-current interactions

The search for ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}$ oscillations by the MiniBooNE Collaboration at Fermilab has revealed a low-energy signal which could be due either to electrons produced by ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}$ or photons produced by the interaction of the weak neutral current on the target nucleus. One contribution to the latter is a Wess-Zumino-Witten anomaly leading to a term in the Lagrangian proportional to ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\kappa}\ensuremath{\lambda}}{Z}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}{F}_{\ensuremath{\kappa}\ensuremath{\lambda}}$. This term is normalized with the help of the known rates for the processes ${f}_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and $\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}{a}_{1}$. A rate of about $1/4$ of that employed in several previous estimates is obtained. As the anomaly term had already been found to play a subdominant role in photon production (e.g., in comparison with $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$ excitation and decay), the present estimate reduces its strength even further.
High‐throughput Screening Methods for Oxidoreductases

Originally published in: Enzyme Assays. Edited by Jean-Louis Reymond. Copyright © 2006 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA Weinheim. Print ISBN: 3-527-31095-1 The sections in this article are Introduction High-throughput Methods for Various Oxidoreductases Dehydrogenases Colorimetric Screen Based on NAD(P)H Generation Screens Based on NAD(P)H Depletion Oxidases Galactose Oxidase d-Amino Acid Oxidase Peroxidases Oxygenases Assays Based on Optical Properties of Substrates and Products Assays Based on Gibbs' Reagent and 4-Aminoantipyrine para-Nitrophenoxy Analog (pNA) Assay Horseradish Peroxidase-coupled Assay Indole Assay Laccases ABTS Assay Poly R-478 Assay Other Assays Conclusions Acknowledgements Keywords: enzyme assays; high-throughput screening systems; oxidoreductases; dehydrogenases; oxidases; oxygenases; laccases
Testing the Fraunhofer line discriminator by sensing fluorescent dye

The experimental Fraunhofer Line Discriminator (FLD) has detected increments of Rhodamine WT dye as small as 1 ppb in 1/2 meter depths. It can be inferred that increments considerably smaller than 1 ppb will be detectable in depths considerably greater than 1/2 meter. Turbidity of the water drastically reduces luminescence or even completely blocks the transmission of detectable luminescence to the FLD. Attenuation of light within the water by turbidity and by the dye itself are the major factors to be considered in interpreting FLD records and in relating luminescence coefficient to dye concentration. An airborne test in an H-19 helicopter established feasibility of operating the FLD from the aircraft power supply, and established that the rotor blades do not visibly affect the monitoring of incident solar radiation.
Backward bifurcations in a model coupling within-host and between-host dynamics

Analysis of a mathematical model that couples explicitly the within-host and between-host dynamics in an environmentally-driven infectious disease will be presented. The within-host sub-system is linked to a contaminated environment (E) via an inoculation rate g(E) for the hosts. The within-host parasite load V(E) can affect the environment contamination, which directly contributes to the infection rate of hosts for the between-host sub-system. When the two sub-systems are considered in isolation (i.e., g(E)=0), the dynamics are standard and simple. That is, either the infection-free equilibrium is stable or a unique positive equilibrium is stable depending on the relevant reproduction number being less or greater than 1. However, when the two sub-systems are explicitly coupled (i.e., g(E)>0), the full system exhibits more complex dynamics including backward bifurcations; that is, multiple positive equilibria can exist with one of which being stable even when the relevant reproduction number is less than 1. Analytic results are obtained which help determine the conditions for various bifurcations as well as global dynamics of the sub-systems. The analysis is carried out by separating the fast and slow variables based on the fact that the immunological and epidemiological processes occur on very different time scales, which provides the possibility to use tools from singular perturbation theory. Numerical simulations of the full system confirm the analytic results.
Spherical collapse in ν Λ CDM

The abundance of massive dark matter halos hosting galaxy clusters provides an important test of the masses of relic neutrino species. The dominant effect of neutrino mass is to lower the typical amplitude of density perturbations that eventually form halos, but for neutrino masses $\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.4\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{eV}$ the threshold for halo formation can be changed significantly as well. We study the spherical collapse model for halo formation in cosmologies with neutrino masses in the range ${m}_{\ensuremath{\nu}i}=0.05--1\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{eV}$ and find that halo formation is differently sensitive to ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ and ${m}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}$. That is, different neutrino hierarchies with a common ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ are in principle distinguishable. The added sensitivity to ${m}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ is small but potentially important for scenarios with heavier sterile neutrinos. Massive neutrinos cause the evolution of density perturbations to be scale dependent at high redshift which complicates the usual mapping between the collapse threshold and halo abundance. We propose one way of handling this and compute the correction to the halo mass function within this framework. For $\ensuremath{\sum}{m}_{\ensuremath{\nu}i}\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.3\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{eV}$, our prescription for the halo abundance is only $\ensuremath{\lesssim}15%$ different than the standard calculation. However for larger neutrino masses the differences approach 50--100% which, if verified by simulations, could alter neutrino mass constraints from cluster abundance.
Evidence on Possible Mycoplasma Etiology of Aster Yellows Disease I. Suppression of Symptom Development in Plants by Antibiotics

Antibiotics suppressed development of aster yellows (AY) disease symptoms in plants of china aster [ Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees.] and annual chrysanthemum ( Chrysanthemum carinatum , Schousb.). When inoculated chrysanthemum plants were treated by any of several techniques with tetracycline antibiotics or chloramphenicol, symptoms failed to appear during treatment but appeared 1 to 4 weeks after treatments were terminated. Under continuous administration of chlortetracycline, aster plants with AY symptoms developed symptomless axillary growth, including flowers. Streptomycin, oleandomycin, kanamycin, tylosin, carbomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, neomycin, sulfanilamide, penicillin, vancomycin, or cycloserine had no discernible effect on development of AY symptoms. Treatment of plants with tetracycline antibiotics before exposure to inoculative (pathogen-transmitting) vectors delayed the appearance of symptoms or prevented AY infection. Remission of AY symptoms in inoculated plants treated with chlortetracycline was correlated with an inhibition of multiplication of AY agent, as measured by bioassay of extracts. The data give additional support to the hypothesis that aster yellows disease is caused by a mycoplasma-like microorganism. Images
Stages of User Activity Model as a Basis for User-System Interface Evaluations:

This paper discusses the results of the first phase of a research project concerned with developing methods and measures of user-system interface effectiveness for command and control systems with graphical, direct manipulation style interfaces. Due to the increased use of prototyping user interfaces during concept definition and demonstration/validation phases, the opportunity exists for human factors engineers to apply evaluation methodologies early enough in the life cycle to make an impact on system design. Understanding and improving user-system interface (USI) evaluation techniques is critical to this process. In 1986, Norman proposed a descriptive “stages of user activity” model of human-computer interaction. Hutchins, Hollin, and Norman (1986) proposed concepts of measures based on the model which would assess the directness of the engagements between the user and the interface at each stage of the model. This first phase of our research program involved applying three USI evaluation techniques to...
Bringing out the best features of expression data.

Scientists are constantly classifying objects based on observation: A Drosophila geneticist sexes flies; a taxonomist sorts butterflies according to genus and species; a physician interviews patients, observing symptoms and rapidly classifying patients according to their disease, and predicting how they will respond to various therapies. The most successful patient interview is accompanied by prior knowledge of what questions to ask, and which observable variables (“features”) are most salient to the classification problem at hand. Although the process of learning salient features in biology and medicine has traditionally been based on a combination of experience, intuition, and anecdotal evidence, it has increasingly been approached from a statistical perspective. However, choosing patient features salient to diagnosis from among tens of thousands of potential features, after drawing on experience from only tens of patients, is a whole new ball game. This is the challenge facing those who seek to derive diagnostic markers from gene expression array data.
Forgiveness and mental health practice

Forgiveness has become a very popular topic in recent years. To this end, various definitions and practices have been offered to facilitate it in counselling. This article seeks to provide some specific resources to the mental health counsellor when utilising forgiveness in counselling. By reviewing various psychological and theological definitions of forgiveness, guidelines will be offered to assist the spiritually sensitive counsellor to facilitate forgiveness that fosters further participation in the reign of God from a Christian spiritual perspective. Specifically, counsellors approaching the therapeutic use of forgiveness from Fowler's perspective address some of the concerns using forgiveness mainly as a therapeutic intervention.
Demonstration of the Phenomena of Microbial Persistence and Reversion with Bacterial L-Forms in Human Embryonic Kidney Cells

A series of experiments was undertaken in which human embryonic kidney (HEK) fibroblasts were infected with either relatively stable or stable L-forms of Streptococcus faecalis. The infected cells were maintained by splitting over long periods (1 to 2 months) while samples were withdrawn for culture and electron microscopic studies. Relatively stable S. faecalis L-forms could be cultured from infected cells only during the first week after infection, although L-form-like material was frequently detected at later periods by electron microscopy. HEK cells continued to proliferate and showed no gross histopathology until reversion occurred. At reversion, electron microscopy revealed the presence of intracellular L-forms, transitional variants, and intra- and extracellular bacterial forms. Unlike relatively stable L-forms, stable L-forms were culturable throughout the experimental period. These experiments demonstrate the phenomena of persistence and reversion in vitro. Electron microscopy indicated that the L-forms entered the HEK cells, where they underwent morphological changes. Observations suggested that these altered L-forms (elementary bodies) persisted in the cell until reversion to the parent bacterial form was triggered. Infected cells, when treated with L-form antiserum and stained with fluorescein-conjugated goat anti-rabbit serum, were consistently positive regardless of cultural findings.
Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Neuroprotectin D1/Protectin D1 and Its Natural Stereoisomers: Assignments of Dihydroxy-Containing Docosatrienes

Protectin D1, neuroprotectin D1 when generated by neural cells, is a member of a new family of bioactive products generated from docosahexaenoic acid. The complete stereochemistry of protectin D1 (10,17S-docosatriene), namely, chirality of the carbon-10 alcohol and geometry of the conjugated triene, required for bioactivity remained to be assigned. To this end, protectin D1/neuroprotectin D1 (PD1) generated by human neutrophils during murine peritonitis and by neural tissues was separated from natural isomers and subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Comparisons with six 10,17-dihydroxydocosatrienes prepared by total organic and biogenic synthesis showed that PD1 from human cells carrying potent bioactivity is 10R,17S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,7Z,11E,13E,15Z,19Z-hexaenoic acid. Additional isomers identified included trace amounts of Delta15-trans-PD1 (isomer III), 10S,17S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-hexaenoic acid (isomer IV), and a double dioxygenation product 10S,17S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-hexaenoic acid (isomer I), present in exudates. 18O2 labeling showed that 10S,17S-diHDHA (isomer I) carried 18O in the carbon-10 position alcohol, indicating sequential lipoxygenation, whereas PD1 formation proceeded via an epoxide. PD1 at 10 nM attenuated (approximately 50%) human neutrophil transmigration, whereas Delta15-trans-PD1 was essentially inactive. PD1 was a potent regulator of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) infiltration (approximately 40% at 1 ng/mouse) in peritonitis. The rank order at 1- to 10-ng dose was PD1 approximately PD1 methyl ester >> Delta15-trans-PD1 > 10S,17S-diHDHA (isomer I). 10S,17S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,7Z,11E,13E,15Z,19Z-hexaenoic acid (isomer VI) proved > or = PD1 in blocking PMN infiltration, but was not a major product of leukocytes. PD1 also reduced PMN infiltration after initiation (2 h) of inflammation and was additive with resolvin E1. These results indicate that PD1 is a potent stereoselective anti-inflammatory molecule.
Nonuniform solution growth of potassium aluminum sulfate

Abstract Growth of potassium aluminum sulfate crystals from aqueous solution under nonuniform conditions was studied using an impinging jet technique. Variation of supersaturation along the crystal surface resulted in breakdown of uniform growth as predicted theoretically. Typically, a plateau was formed, with inclusions surrounding a central inclusion free region. The size of the inclusion free region, where growth is uniform, was determined by the jet Reynolds number, supersaturation, and temperature. The surface features of this region suggest growth by step propagation with the source of steps at the jet stagnation point. Data for the growth coefficient C were obtained from C = G/σmin, where G is the experimentally measured growth rate and σmin is the supersaturation at the breakdown point obtained from transport modeling. Good agreement with the results of others was obtained.
Reduced-time migration of transmitted PS waves

We develop the novel theory of transmitted PS migration and show that PS transmitted arrivals in a Gulf of Mexico vertical seismic profile (VSP) data set can be migrated to accurately image a salt sheet even though the receiver array is below the transmitting boundary. We also show that migrating transmitted arrivals is effective in illuminating the base of an orebody invisible to PP reflections. In general, interfaces that bisect wavepath propagation (i.e., the source and receiver are on opposite sides of the interface and therefore invisible to PP reflections) can be imaged by migration of PS transmitted waves. These results suggest that migration of PS transmitted waves opens new opportunities in imaging nearly vertical impedance boundaries that are typically invisible to conventional reflection imaging of crosswell and VSP data.We also present a new interferometric method, denoted as reduced‐time migration, which uses the arrival‐time difference between the direct P‐wave and subsequent events to incre...
Normative communication processes and associated emotion in mobile health groups

This project uses content analysis to investigate normative communication processes and associated emotion in two case studies. Individuals were formed into groups and used a mobile health application, VERA, to perform 'health behaviors' (such as indicating what they were eating or their exercise behaviors) for other group members via mobile posts. Initial results indicate that these performances tended to be more normatively descriptive than judgmental. In addition, in both cases comparisons between judgmental and descriptive performances showed more negative emotion with judgmental performances. Further analysis will involve determining normative performance patterns over time in the groups, as well as whether the performer's self report of emotion was similar to or different from the performed normative emotion. These findings will better our understanding of how norms are developed and used in group contexts, which could lead to more effective normative health interventions.
Thermal effects in rudimentary crack edge inelastic zone growth under stress wave loading

Inelastic zone growth at the edges of a pre-stressed crack due to stress-wave loading by diffraction is considered. The Dugdale zone model is used, and the surrounding material is a weakly-coupled thermoelastic solid. The growing zone acts as a heat flux site for the solid. A transient analysis for the brief period after zone growth initiation is performed and, for generality, the crack itself is allowed to extend. Expressions for the heat flux and the inelastic zone edge temperature rise are obtained, and show dependence on several important parameters. In particular, the temperature rise is enhanced by the presence of a pre-existing zone, yet varies inversely with the zone growth rate. This rise increases rapidly upon stress wave diffraction, but levels off at values on the order of those found in stress-state analyses.
The Consumption Based Capital Asset Pricing Model, Regime Shifts, And The Japanese Economy

Like many industrial nations over the last four decades, the Japanese economy has undergone a number of regime shifts, making parameter estimations difficult. One of the most significant shifts occurred in inflation in the mid 1970s as OPEC suddenly raised oil prices. This abrupt change likely caused consumers' expectations of future inflation to deviate significantly from realized (ex‐post) inflation. Using a Markov chain model, inflation forecasts that take into consideration changing regimes are employed to derive a unique set of real stationary variables that are likely to better represent consumers' expectations and are an alternative to the standard approach of adjusting nominal variables with ex‐post inflation. We employ these real variables in the consumption‐based capital asset pricing model (CCAPM). Estimates of the representative investor's coefficient of relative risk aversion (CRRA) are derived within the framework typically used to examine the equity premium puzzle. Our tests confirm that the equity premium puzzle, if it exists in Japan, is not as significant as previously thought.
Control loop performance assessment. 1. A qualitative approach for stiction diagnosis

A spate of industrial surveys over the past decade indicate that only about one-third of industrial controllers provide acceptable performance. Since significant commercial benefits exist in diagnosing and improving the remaining two-thirds of the industrial controllers, the past few years have seen an emergence of control loop performance monitoring techniques using routine operating data. About 20−30% of all control loops oscillate due to valve problems caused by static friction or hysteresis. In the first of this two-part paper, a qualitative pattern recognition approach is described for stiction diagnosis. Stiction in control valves leave distinct qualitative shapes in the controller output (OP) and controlled process variable (PV) data. These shapes can be generally categorized as being square, triangular, and saw-toothed. To classify the patterns that evolve due to stiction, a pattern recognition approach using dynamic time warping (DTW) technique is proposed. The success of our proposed approach is...
Management of Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis

Juvenile myasthenia gravis is an uncommon autoimmune disorder. Its management is not standardized. Juvenile myasthenia gravis is pathophysiologically similar to myasthenia gravis in adults. However, a number of significant particularities related to race, age at onset, severity, and antibody status complicate the management. We summarize the unique clinical features of juvenile myasthenia gravis and review the therapeutic options.
Electron Transport Patterns in TiO2 Nanocrystalline Films of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

This study reports synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles for fabricating the TiO2 nanocrystalline films used in dye-sensitized solar cells: phase-pure anatase nanoparticles from a titanate-directed route, and brookite (27%) and rutile (1.2%)-containing anatase nanoparticles from a sol−gel route. After nanoparticle-necking into films, X-ray diffraction pattern simulation shows that the defect density of the anatase (AN) films is less than that of the brookite/rutile-containing anatase (AN-br) films. The defect states in the AN-br films lower the short circuit current and conversion efficiency of the resulting solar cells. Intensity-modulated photocurrent/photovoltage spectroscopic analysis demonstrates electron transport in trap-free and trap-limited diffusion modes and shows that the defects serve as electron trap state to retard electron transport for collection and increase the traveling time prior to recombination. Impedance analysis shows that the trap-free mode extends the electron diffusio...
Chemical potential as a driving force for nonisothermal moisture movement in wood

An equation is derived to describe transverse nonisothermal moisture movement in wood, based upon a gradient of chemical potential. When compared with a previously derived equation based upon a gradient of activated moisture molecules, this new equation predicts an accentuated effect of the thermal gradient relative to the moisture gradient at high wood moisture contents and a decreased effect at low moisture contents. The two equations yield identical results at a moisture content in equilibrium with a relative humidity of approximately 53 percent.
Compact plants reduce biological control of Myzus persicae by Aphidius colemani

Common horticultural practices, such as the use of plant growth regulators, may negatively influence the outcome of biological control programs. Plant growth regulators are applied to many ornamental and agricultural crops and can result in compact plants that have more branches and are bushier than untreated plants. Since plant architectural complexity can have strong effects on natural enemy foraging efficiency and pest suppression, our hypothesis was that the use of plant growth regulators would reduce aphid suppression by the parasitoid Aphidius colemani. In this study we investigated how the plant growth regulator paclobutrazol and the parasitic wasp A. colemani interact to affect the abundance and behavior of Myzus persicae. We found that paclobutrazol alone reduced aphid abundance compared to untreated plants. However, when parasitoids were present, paclobutrazol and associated changes in plant architecture reduced parasitism and increased aphid abundance compared to untreated plants. A likely mechanism for this result is that significantly more M. persicae fed in concealed locations on paclobutrazol-treated plants than on untreated plants. This study demonstrates that paclobutrazol reduced the efficacy of biological control by A. colemani and suggests that plant growth regulators could also affect biological control of other organisms.
Accumulation of CPC-precipitable material at apical cell surfaces during formation of the optic cup.

Accumulation of extracellular material at the apical surfaces of cells in the optic vesicle was studied by precipitation with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and scanning electron microscopy. Treatment at low salt concentration to preserve all precipitable material indicated an initial appearance of surface material at the time that the retinal primordium first formed. The amount of precipitate increased as the optic cup formed, particularly at the margins of the cup. Stability of the precipitate during subsequent washing at higher salt concentrations suggested that the apical cell surface material contained highly acidic glycosaminoglycans. The greatest resistance to extraction occurred during the period in which invagination was most pronounced.
Dissociation between the Joro spider toxin sensitivity of recombinant a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors and their ability to increase intracellular calcium

We compared the toxin sensitivity, Ca2+ flux response and rectification properties of recombinant alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors obtained by transfecting human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells with different ratios of GluR1 and GluR2 cDNAs (10:1 to 1:10). Simultaneous measurements of kainate-activated Ca2+ fluxes and inward currents, using fura-2 microfluorimetry under voltage clamp conditions, suggested the existence of GluR2 containing channels which are permeable to Ca2+ and insensitive to Joro spider toxin (JSTx). Imaging experiments showed that JSTx inhibition of the Ca2+ response induced by kainate was reduced by increasing the relative amount of GluR2. However, even at GluR1/GluR2(R) ratios of 1:1 and 1:4, cells were still able to flux Ca2+ when stimulated by kainate. GluR2 similarly inhibited the ability of JSTx to reduce kainate-evoked inward currents in whole cell patch-clamp experiments. Variations in the rectification properties of the AMPA currents, induced by changes in the cDNA ratio, were not always correlated with the changes in toxin sensitivity and [Ca2+]i response. Thus, cells with almost linear I-V relationships were partially blocked by JSTx and still Ca2+ permeable. Our results indicate a dissociation between the toxin sensitivity and Ca2+ flux through GluR2 containing AMPA receptors and suggest that receptors with diverse Ca2+ permeabilities are generated by the expression of variable amounts of GluR2.
A Team Approach To Proficiency Testing in African Languages

This paper focuses on a major pressing problem in the field of African language teaching, that of developing common standards and procedures for language proficiency assessment, given Africa's more than 1500 distinct languages. The authors report the results of a workshop to examine the application of ACTFL proficiency testing to African languages, specifically to address the possibility of an alternative proficiency testing procedure for those languages for which certified testers may never be available. The potential and problems of a team assessment approach are discussed.
First Principles Study of Polymer-Metal—Metal-Oxide Adhesion

Abstract Ab initio, local orbital quantum molecular dynamics is used to study the binding of molecules and polymers to an aluminum and amorphous alumina surface. Specific examples are methane, ethylene, polyethylene and a poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) monomer on Al and PMMA on alumina. The hydrocarbons exhibit very little binding to Al, while we find that a clean Al surface strips the carbonyl oxygen from PMMA. For PMMA on alumina, a strong chemical bond is formed between the carbonyl group of PMMA and surface Al atoms for the alumina surface.
Generalized Trust in Multi-organizational Policy Arenas: Studying Its Emergence from a Network Perspective

This study tests hypotheses linking the structural characteristics of policy networks to the feelings of trust of their members. A social capital perspective suggests that actors in denser networks should trust others more, while an alternative “centrality” approach suggests that trust may be a byproduct of the occupation of key positions in the group. The author tests these expectations with data mapping policy networks in twenty-two estuaries in the United States and finds that centrality is a better predictor of trust. This opens room for questioning the real value of trust as a necessary ingredient in the solution of collective action dilemmas.
Patient-ventilator interactions in new modes of patient-triggered ventilation.

Recently, synchronized modes of conventional mechanical ventilation became available for neonatal ventilatory support, but there has been little information regarding details of patient-ventilator interactions during pressure support, volume support, or any other volume-targeted modes of synchronized ventilation in newborn infants. Our objective was to obtain comparative data on patient-ventilator interactions and stability of delivered tidal volume (V(T)) for the different modes of synchronized mechanical ventilation in stable ventilated newborn infants. We examined the effects of pressure support ventilation (PSV) and volume guarantee (VG) modes of a prototype Drager Babylog ventilator on peak and mean airway pressures (PIP and Paw), inspiratory time (t(in)), and V(T) in 23 ventilated newborn infants. Twelve infants were studied while on assist/control (AC) and 11 on synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV). Mean birth weight was 1,650 +/- 1,180 g, gestational age 31 +/- 6 weeks, and age at time of study was 19 +/- 26 days. Data for 400-600 breaths from each infant were downloaded directly from the ventilator pressure and volume-monitoring module, and analyzed using ANOVA for repeated measures. Mean values and breath-to-breath variability were compared for 20-min periods of AC or SIMV followed by PSV, PSV+VG, and back to baseline AC or SIMV. PSV and PSV+VG led to shorter t(in) and thus to lower Paw, compared to AC. Mean PIP was similar across all AC modes but more variable during VG, reflecting the servocontrol of PIP. V(T) did not differ between AC modes, but was significantly less variable with VG added. PSV and PSV+VG led to lower and less variable PIP and Paw, compared to SIMV, because t(in) was shorter and every breath was supported in PSV and PSV+VG. V(T) was similar in SIMV, PSV, and PSV+VG, but less variable with PSV+VG. Arterial blood gas tensions were similar across all ventilation modes. We conclude that the ventilator prototype functioned as intended. Breath-to-breath tidal volume variability was significantly reduced in VG modes, although not completely eliminated.
Bifurcations and competing coherent structures in the cubic-quintic Ginzburg–Landau equation I: Plane wave (CW) solutions

Abstract Singularity theory is used to comprehensively investigate the bifurcations of the steady-states of the traveling wave ODEs of the cubic-quintic Ginzburg–Landau equation (CGLE). These correspond to plane waves of the PDE. In addition to the most general situation, we also derive the degeneracy conditions on the eight coefficients of the CGLE under which the equation for the steady states assumes each of the possible quartic (the quartic fold and an unnamed form), cubic (the pitchfork and the winged cusp), and quadratic (four possible cases) normal forms for singularities of codimension up to three. Since the actual governing equations are employed, all results are globally valid, and not just of local applicability. In each case, the recognition problem for the unfolded singularity is treated. The transition varieties, i.e. the hysteresis, isola, and double limit curves are presented for each normal form. For both the most general case, as well as for various combinations of coefficients relevant to the particular cases, the bifurcation curves are mapped out in the various regions of parameter space delimited by these varieties. The multiplicities and interactions of the plane wave solutions are then comprehensively deduced from the bifurcation plots in each regime, and include features such as regimes of hysteresis among co-existing states, domains featuring more than one interval of hysteresis, and isola behavior featuring dynamics unrelated to the primary solution branch in limited ranges of parameter space.
Gatekeeping and personal values: misuses of professional roles.

To the extent that moral arguments about emergency contraception (EC) turn on issues of a provider's conscientious objection versus patient autonomy, we agree that Robert Card (2007) has made a val...
Effects of a disulfide (Ellman's reagent) and thiols on oxidative phosphorylation and ion transport by rat liver mitochondria

Abstract The disulfide, 5,5′-dithio- bis -2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB), inhibits oxidative phosphorylation and uptake of calcium and phosphate ions by rat liver mitochondria. Half-maximal inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation is obtained with an amount of inhibitor of approximately 5 nmoles/mg of protein. Complete inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and uptake of phosphate as well as abolition of phosphate-linked calcium uptake results from preincubation of mitochondria with DTNB followed by removal of excess inhibitor by washing. DTNB-treated mitochondria can be restored to normal function by additional incubation with dithiothreitol (DTT) followed by removal of excess DTT by washing. Oxidative phosphorylation during state 3 respiration can be completely stopped by DTNB and restored by DTT. It is concluded that one or more highly reactive -SH groups are essential for oxidative phosphorylation and ion transport in mitochondria.
Is there an optimal time for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is safe in acute cholecystitis, but the exact timing remains ill-defined. This study evaluated the effect of timing of LC in patients with acute cholecystitis. Prospective data from the hospital registry were reviewed. All patients admitted with acute cholecystitis from June 1994 to January 2004 were included in the cohort. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted in 1,967 patients during the study period; 80% were women, mean patient age was 44 years (range, 20–73 years). Of the 1,967 LC procedures, 1,675 were successful, and 292 were converted to an open procedure (14%). Mean operating time for LC was 1 h 44 min (SD ± 50 min), versus 3 h 5 min (SD ± 79 min) when converted to an open procedure. Average postoperative length of stay was 1.89 days (± 2.47 days) for the laparoscopic group and 4.3 days (± 2.2 days) for the conversion group. No clinically relevant differences regarding conversion rates, operative times, or postoperative length of stay were found between patients who were operated on within 48 h compared to those patients who were operated on post-admission days 3–7. The timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis has no clinically relevant effect on conversion rates, operative times, or length of stay.
Capturing the distributional behaviour of the maximum likelihood estimator of a changepoint

We consider the problem of estimating the unknown changepoint in a sequence of time-ordered observations. Upper and lower bounds are derived for the asymptotic distribution of the maximum likelihood estimator and methods of approximation are suggested. A computationally efficient algorithm is presented for deriving the bounds and approximations for the asymptotic probabilities of the maximum likelihood estimator when the parameters before and after the changepoint are unknown. We also show an essentially exponential rate of convergence of the probability distribution of the maximum likelihood estimator from finite samples to the case of infinite samples. We apply the algorithm to the cases of normal and exponential distributions. For the exponential distribution the lower and upper bounds for the right tail probabilities of the maximum likelihood estimator, and the two approximations, are identical. This is not the case for the normal distribution. Finally, we apply our changepoint analysis for the case of the exponential distribution to data on explosions in British coal mines.Keywords:Maximum likelihood estimator; Maximum of a random walk; Negative drift; Parameter change.
The Hamiltonian structure of classical chromohydrodynamics

Noncanonical Hamiltonian structures are presented both for Yang-Mills/Vlasov plasmas and for ideal fluids interacting with Yang-Mills fields. The Hamiltonian structure for the Yang-Mills/Vlasov system passes over to that for the Yang-Mills fluid in the “cold-plasma” limit. The resulting Hamiltonian structure is shown to correspond to a Lie algebra.
Going nonlinear with dark energy cosmologies

We propose an efficient method for generating high accuracy ($\ensuremath{\sim}1%$) nonlinear power spectra for grids of dark energy cosmologies. Our prescription for matching matter growth automatically matches the main features of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy power spectrum, thus naturally including ``CMB priors.''
Rapid detection of Salmonella typhimurium on fresh spinach leaves using phage-immobilized magnetoelastic biosensors

This paper presents an investigation into the use of magnetoelastic biosensors for the rapid detection of Salmonella typhimurium on fresh spinach leaves. The biosensors used in this investigation were comprised of a strip-shaped, goldcoated sensor platform (2 mm-long) diced from a ferromagnetic, amorphous alloy and a filamentous fd-tet phage which specifically binds with S. typhimurium . After surface blocking with bovine serum albumin, these biosensors were, without any preceding sample preparation, directly placed on wet spinach leaves inoculated with various concentrations of S. typhimurium . Upon contact with cells, the phage binds S. typhimurium to the sensor thereby increasing the total mass of the sensor. This change in mass causes a corresponding decrease in the sensor's resonant frequency. After 25 min, the sensors were collected from the leaf surface and measurements of the resonant frequency were performed immediately. The total assay time was less than 30 min. The frequency changes for measurement sensors (i.e., phageimmobilized) were found to be statistically different from those for control sensors (sensors without phage), down to 5 × 10 6 cells/ml. The detection limit may be improved by using smaller, micron-sized sensors that will have a higher probability of contacting Salmonella on the rough surfaces of spinach leaves.
Promoters from kin1 and cor6.6, two homologous Arabidopsis thaliana genes: transcriptional regulation and gene expression induced by low temperature, ABA, osmoticum and dehydration

The Arabidopsis thaliana genes kin1 and cor6.6 belong to the same family and were expressed at higher levels following low temperature and ABA treatments. In an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of gene regulation by low temperature, the relationship between low-temperature- and abscisic acid (ABA)-induced gene expression and possible differential expression of the two genes, we have cloned a 5.3 kb genomic fragment harboring kin1 and cor6.6 and their respective 5' sequences. The putative promoters of both genes were fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) coding sequence and GUS expression was analysed in transgenic tobacco and Arabidopsis plants. The cor6.6 promoter produced a higher basal level of expression than the kin1 promoter in transgenic tobacco. Enzyme assays of inducible GUS activity in transgenic Arabidopsis and tobacco plants showed that GUS activity directed by both kin1 and cor6.6 promoters was significantly induced by ABA, dehydration and osmoticum, but not by low temperature. Northern analysis revealed, in contrast, that GUS mRNA was significantly induced in these transgenic plants by low temperature. Further analysis showed that, at low temperature, GUS protein synthesis from the induced GUS mRNA was inhibited. Together these results reveal induction of kin1 and cor6.6 transcription by low temperature, exogenous ABA and dehydration. However, low-temperature expression is dramatically reduced at the translational level.
Role Allocation, Position Structuring, and Ambilineal Descent1

The formal analyses are based on sets of nominal definitions. As such, these definitions have no truth value in reference to empirical phenomena. The validity of any definition can be judged solely in terms of its logical relation to other definitions. If the logic is correct, the definition is valid. Nominal definitions are provided for "status" and "role" and related concepts, for ambilineal and unilineal subsets and their derivative concepts, and for genealogical space. These definitions may be thought of as "ideal-typical" models. The usefulness of the models should be judged by their power to predict to empirical systems. No empirical system will fit any model exactly but any empirical system will be explicable in terms of the models to the degree that it has elements similar to the elements of the models. Although this paper is directed primarily toward an elucidation of ambilineal descent, the concepts developed here are, I believe, applicable to the analysis of any type of social system. The more general concepts (e.g., status and role) underlie the more particular ones (e.g., ambilineal subset, kin-type, unilineal descent group), and I believe that the latter cannot be understood without a good grasp of the former. The analysis of ambilineal descent is merely an application of the general principles to a particular phenomenon. In the latter half of this paper I do not always make explicit reference to the correspondences between the particular phenomena I discuss therein and the general principles developed in the first half of the paper, but I assume that by the time the reader has reached that point, he will be aware of the relations between the general and the particular. I do this for ease of exposition and to avoid unnecessary jargon. Analyses of "social structure" are frequently carried out in terms of status and role concepts. As with many other such concepts their definitions are assumed to be fairly well delineated, while in fact there is still a great deal of ambiguity involved in their use. This confusion stems, primarily, from the tendency since Linton (1936) to define status and role in terms of one another. Linton, for example, held that a status was a position in a "social structure" and that a role was the dynamic aspect of a status. Since by these definitions status and role have no existence independently of one another, it follows that they are in fact only a single concept and should be used as such. To name a status is to imply a role and vice versa. Biddle (1961), among others, has noted
The Initiation of Creation

is a dependent clause the scholarly world has been divided on the question of the inter-relationship of verses 1-3 and the consequent translation and interpretation of these verses. The question, because it has radical significance for the understanding of the nature of creation as presupposed by the writer of these verses, has stimulated no lack of interest 1); both the position that verse 1 is a complete sentence and the position that it is not have been defended again and again, but there is, at the present moment, no unanimity of opinion. In view of this state of affairs, it seems extremely unlikely that this unanimity is going to be reached either in the near or distant future. Thus, one hesitates to add still another voice to the continuing controversy concerning this perplexing problem. However, even though he knows that he can not hope to convince the scholarly world of the correctness of one of these positions, the author has become disturbed about a factor which has become increasingly obvious in the current discussion of the problem and, since he views it as being extremely dangerous to the whole field of Biblical interpretation, must raise his voice in protest. As was mentioned above, the manner in which these verses are
Toward Controlled Area Electrode Assemblies: Selective Blocking of Gold Electrode Defects with Polymethylene Nanocrystals

Using electrochemical and chemical probes, we demonstrate that thin films of crystalline polymethylene (PM), formed via solution decomposition of diazomethane on gold surfaces, exist in the form of a heterogeneous distribution with microscopically small pores at low average PM coverages. For evaporated gold substrates, as the PM loading increases above ∼0.8 μg·cm-2, a mass density equivalent to an ∼7 nm thick, fully dense planar film, a transition from a micropore to a blocked electrode occurs. This microstructural picture is confirmed by the ability to backfill open areas with alkanethiolates and electropolymerized aniline. Parallel experiments on sputter-deposited gold films show that the blocking threshold occurs at much lower average PM coverages and alkanethiolate chemisorption data suggest that the open pores are approaching the sizes of individual molecules. These results can be rationalized by a more uniform nucleation of PM nanocrystals across sputter-deposited relative to evaporated surfaces. Th...
Diagnosis and Initial Management of Parkinson's Disease

A 62-year-old man presents with an intermittent tremor in his left hand and some vague discomfort in the left arm. Physical examination shows a minimal rest tremor in the left hand that disappears with use of the limb, mild rigidity at the left wrist and elbow, slowness of finger tapping with the left hand, and decreased arm swing on the left while walking. How should he be evaluated and treated?