cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcium and TOC loading: effect of hydroxyl and carboxyl substituents

Abstract Calcium loading onto granular activated carbon (GAC) was evaluated in batch reactor tests for a series of single ring aromatic compounds. In the pH range from 7 to 9 when these aromatic rings contained adjacent carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, the level of calcium loaded was always greater than with compounds that did not contain this arrangement. Also with these compounds, the presence of calcium increased the loading of the organic onto GAC. When rings contained only carboxyls, only hydroxyls or carboxyl and hydroxyl groups not adjacent to one another, the calcium loading was much lower. For the compounds evaluated with only carboxyl groups (benzoic acid and phthalic acid), calcium loading onto GAC at pH greater than 8 was the same as when no organic compound was present in the system. It was noted that there was not a relationship between the ability of a ligand to form aqueous complexes and the effect of that ligand on calcium loading. Specifically phthalate was the strongest complexing ligand evaluated, but it did not cause significant calcium loading onto GAC. Calcium loading was found to increase in relation to the acidity constants of the organic ligands: increasing calcium loading was observed as the value (pKa 2 –pKa 1 ) increased. These results are consistent with the formation of hydrophobic Ca-ligand assemblages within the GAC.
Cold-induced stress increases the intensity of Chlamydia genital infection in mice.

Background/Purpose(s) Genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease worldwide. The infection can cause serious reproductive health complications including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Stress is implicated as a risk factor for various infections; however, its effect on Chlamydia genital infection and complications are unknown. Methods We investigated the effect of cold-stress on resistance to Chlamydia genital infection, stress hormone production, and the functions of immune cells in a mouse model. Mice were infected intravaginally with CT after a 24-day cold-stress application. The course of infection was monitored by cervicovaginal swabbing for isolation of live Chlamydia in tissue culture. The production of stress hormones and cytokines in genital tracts, spleen or blood were assessed. Results Exposure of mice to 24-day stress resulted in: (a) increased susceptibility to Chlamydia genital infection and greater intensity of infection, (b) increased plasma or tissue noradrenaline and adrenaline levels, and (c) decreased mRNA and protein levels of major cytokines and chemokines in the spleen and genital tract. Conclusion These results suggest that cold-induced stress induces the production of catecholamines, which may play a critical role in the modulation of the immune system leading to increased susceptibility and greater intensity of Chlamydia genital infection that could promote the development of complications.
An efficient and accurate approximation to double substitution coupled cluster wavefunctions

Abstract An approximate CCD theory in an efficient electron pair operator form has been applied to He 2 with very accurate results.
Evidence of minimal cerebral asymmetries for the processing of English words and American sign language in the congenitally deaf

Abstract Previous investigators reported that auditory association cortex is usually larger within the left than within the right hemisphere, even in the newborn. They suggested that this asymmetry could play a causal role in the predominant tendency for language processes to lateralize in the left rather than in the right hemisphere. For congenitally deaf persons, however, the role of auditory association area asymmetry presumably would be nullified. This question was addressed by comparing the performances of congenitally deaf college students and hearing persons on lateralized tachistoscopic tasks thought to reflect hemispheric language and spatial processing efficiencies. The results indicated that indicated that congenitally deaf Ss showed minimal half-field asymmetries for both English word stimuli and for American Sign Language stimuli (drawings of hand configurations representing letters and words for the deaf Ss). Results were interpreted as supporting auditory experience as a major determinant of cerebral functional asymmetries and as contradictory to clinical reports that had suggested that the cerebral organization of “communicative” functions were entirely comparable in deaf and hearing persons.
Perceptions of Ethical Leadership and the Ethical Environment and Culture: IntegratedEthicsTM Staff Survey Data from the VA Health Care System

Background: To enhance understanding of ethical leadership and the ethical environment and culture (EL/EEC) in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system, we mapped selected questions from the VA IntegratedEthics™ Staff Survey (IESS), a national survey of employees’ perceptions of ethical practices, to the Ethical Leadership Compass Points (ELC), a tool to help leaders cultivate an environment and culture that makes it easy for employees to “do the right thing.” The ELC distills insights and principles from organizational and business ethics and provides leaders with specific behaviors that can be incorporated into daily administrative routines. Methods: We analyzed the responses of 88,605 VA employees to the 2010 IESS questions that previously were mapped to the ELC. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize overall distribution of responses to the survey questions, and Pearson's chi-squared tests were performed to assess differences in responses by employee characteristics. Multi...
16 Comparisons of macrophyte cover and community primary productivity on two southern california shores

Light-saturated net photosynthetic rates and cover of rocky intertidal macrophytes were determined between January and March 2003 at two southern California sites characterized by different macrophyte standing stocks. Overall macrophyte cover at Little Corona del Mar was low (75.4%) and was dominated by articulated corallines, and small, turf-forming crustose algae that provide little habitat structure. Macrophyte cover was higher at Dana Point (99.4%), where larger, frondose seaweeds were more abundant (34% vs < 5% cover). Our light-saturated photosynthetic rates for Little Corona del Mar and Dana Point macrophytes were similar to values for the same species obtained during the 1970s and 1980s. Highest photosynthetic rates were obtained for thinner, sheet-like, and branched, frondose seaweeds, while lowest rates were found for articulated coralline and crustose algae. We estimated the net community productivity of the two sites using photosynthetic rates (calculated as mg C m−2 · h−1) and percent cover data for the most abundant populations. We also compared our community productivity estimates for Little Corona del Mar and Dana Point with values for the same sites calculated using macrophyte cover values obtained during the mid-1970s. Re-sampling studies of these and other regional sites reveal that lower-producing, crustose and coralline algae have become increasingly abundant while the cover of higher-producing, frondose algae has declined on many southern California shores. Our studies at Little Corona del Mar and Dana Point, indicate that changing macrophyte abundances can have significant effects on the primary productivity of rocky intertidal communities.
Studies on the ribosome-bound β-galactosidase of Escherichia coli

Sucrose gradients are used to show that all the ribosome-bound β-galactosidase is bound to a fraction of the ribosomes which behaves in the same way as ribosomes actively engaged in protein synthesis. By following the kinetics of appearance of β-galactosidase on ribosomes after induction and its disappearance with the removal of inducer, it is shown that there is a fraction of the ribosome-bound β-galactosidase that meets the kinetic requirements of an intermediate in protein synthesis. Analysis of the results of kinetic experiments also shows that there is another fraction of ribosome-bound β-galactosidase which does not turn over. This fraction may represent enzyme still stuck to its site of synthesis by a failure in the synthetic mechanism. Examination of the β-galactosidase removed from ribosomes shows that all the ribosome-bound activity can be removed and obtained in the form of full-size (16 s) molecules.
Differences in Wisc-III Scores for Boys and Girls With Specific Learning Disabilities:

WISC-III IQs and subtest scaled scores of 440 students (333 boys, 107 girls) with Specific Learning Disabilities were examined for differences as a function of gender. Boys exhibited statistically higher Full Scale, Verbal, and Performance IQs than did girls as well as higher scores on six of seven subtests. Girls outperformed boys only on the Coding subtest. On only four subtests, Arithmetic, Similarities, Picture Arrangement, and Digit Span, were mean gender differences not present. The factor structure of the WISC-III varied as a function of gender. Object Assembly and Coding did not contribute to "g" for boys whereas only Coding did not contribute to "g" for girls. In addition, the second and third rotated factors differed slightly for boys and for girls. Regression findings revealed that Object Assembly, Coding, and Comprehension for girls and only Object Assembly for boys yielded betas > .20. Discriminant analysis yielded three subtests, Object Assembly, Coding, and Information, that most differenti...
Renal arteries: Clinical comparison of three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiographic sequences and radiographic angiography

PURPOSE: To prospectively compare three magnetic resonance (MR) angiographic techniques in the renal arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five adult patients underwent three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography with three different sequences: conventional, tilted optimized nonsaturating excitation (TONE), and selective inversion-recovery rapid gradient-echo (SIR-RAGE). Fifteen also underwent radiographic angiography. Stenosis grade measured with each MR angiographic technique was compared with that measured with radiographic angiography by using correlation coefficients. Visible artery lengths with each MR angiographic technique were compared by using the Turkey method. RESULTS: Correlation between stenosis grades with each MR angiographic technique and with radiographic angiography was good (P < .01). Stenosis was correctly excluded with SIR-RAGE findings in six patients. Mean visible artery length was greatest with SIR-RAGE (P < .01). CONCLUSION: SIR-RAGE depicts a greater length of renal artery...
Microindentation tests as a tool for the estimate of mechanical properties and the modeling of the interfacial behavior of ceramic matrix composites

Abstract This article has the scope of presenting the usefulness of microindentation tests for the estimate of in situ mechanical properties of the matrix and fibers as well as the assessment of interfacial behavior in ceramic matrix composites. For this concern, we have choosen the example of Hi-Nicalon–BN–silicon nitride ceramic matrix composite. Using the multiple unloading procedure, which has been described in detail elsewhere [Drissi-Habti M, Nakano K. Comput Sci Technol 1997;57 (in press)], the longitudinal Young's modulus of the fiber and the matrix have been estimated. The values are in good agreement with previous results [Drissi-Habti M, Nakano K. Comput Sci Technol 1997;57 (in press)]. Using the same technique, the interfacial properties have been checked. When varying the maximum applied load and considering a constant interfacial shear stress, the presence of Poisson's effect has been identified and a model, based on a Coulomb law of friction, has been proposed to derive frictional stress values adjusted for the contribution of the expansion of the fibers. From the results presented herein, the main point which should be noted is the wide range of applications permitted by the microindentation technique for the micromechanical characterization of ceramics and ceramic matrix composites.
Andrew Wyeth and N.C. Wyeth: a psychodynamic perspective on father and son.

This paper examines the relationship between two extraordinary artists, father and son—N.C. Wyeth (1882–1945) and Andrew Wyeth (1917–2009)—and their art. N.C. Wyeth, the father, the most famous illustrator of his day, painted scenes full of drama and action, often of men engaged in violent life and death struggles. N.C. was unable to separate from his powerful mother and yearned for his iconic father. He thought himself an artistic failure and dedicated himself to raising his children to be geniuses. The youngest son, Andrew Wyeth, who lived a “secret life,” painted scenes often characterized by pathos: bleak and barren landscapes, leaden skies, tire tracks, gray framed houses, desiccated fields, and circling buzzards. In the father–son relationship, we often seen three themes perpetuated developmentally: (1) the son's identification with the innermost conflicts of his father; (2) the yearning for the iconic father of his youth; and (3) a continuation and disavowal of his father's life. These themes are p...
Hydrocarbon Radiation Chemistry in Ices of Cometary Relevance

Abstract Recent discoveries of acetylene, methane, and ethane in Comet Hyakutake, C/1996 B2, have led us to investigate these and other hydrocarbons in irradiated ices of cometary relevance. Laboratory experiments showed that chemical reactions, particularly those involving H atoms, influence the C 2 H 6 :CH 4 ratio in H 2 O + hydrocarbon mixtures.
Ubiquitin proteasome system stress underlies synergistic killing of ovarian cancer cells by bortezomib and a novel HDAC6 inhibitor.

Purpose: Elevated metabolic activity of ovarian cancer cells causes increased ubiquitin-proteasome-system (UPS) stress, resulting in their greater sensitivity to the toxic effects of proteasomal inhibition. The proteasomes and a potentially compensatory histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6)-dependent lysosomal pathway mediate eukaryotic protein turnover. We hypothesized that up-regulation of the HDAC6-dependent lysosomal pathway occurs in response to UPS stress and proteasomal inhibition, and thus, ovarian cancer cell death can be triggered most effectively by coinhibition of both the proteasome- and HDAC6-dependent protein degradation pathways. Experimental Design: To address this hypothesis, we examined HDAC6 expression patterns in normal and cancerous ovarian tissues and used a novel HDAC6-specific inhibitor, NK84, to address HDAC6 function in ovarian cancer. Results: Abnormally high levels of HDAC6 are expressed by ovarian cancer cells in situ and in culture relative to benign epithelium and immortalized ovarian surface epithelium, respectively. Specific HDAC6 inhibition acts in synergy with the proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib (PS-341) to cause selective apoptotic cell death of ovarian cancer cells at doses that do not cause significant toxicity when used individually. Levels of UPS stress regulate the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to proteasome/HDAC6 inhibition. Pharmacologic inhibition of HDAC6 also reduces ovarian cancer cell spreading and migration consistent with its known function in regulating microtubule polymerization via deacetylation of α-tubulin. Conclusion: Our results suggest the elevation of both the proteasomal and alternate HDAC6-dependent proteolytic pathways in ovarian cancer and the potential of combined inhibition of proteasome and HDAC6 as a therapy for ovarian cancer.
Susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans Biofilms to Antifungal Agents In Vitro

Microbial biofilms contribute to virulence and resistance to antibiotics by shielding microbial cells from host defenses and antimicrobial drugs, respectively. Cryptococcus neoformans was demonstrated to form biofilms in polystyrene microtiter plates. The numbers of CFU of disaggregated biofilms, 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide reduction, and light and confocal microscopy were used to measure the fungal mass, the metabolic activity, and the appearance of C. neoformans biofilms, respectively. Biofilm development by C. neoformans followed a standard sequence of events: fungal surface attachment, microcolony formation, and matrix production. The susceptibilities of C. neoformans cells of the biofilm and planktonic phenotypes to four antifungal agents were examined. The exposure of C. neoformans cells or preformed cryptococcal biofilms to fluconazole or voriconazole did not result in yeast growth inhibition and did not affect the metabolic activities of the biofilms, respectively. In contrast, both C. neoformans cells and preformed biofilms were susceptible to amphotericin B and caspofungin. However, C. neoformans biofilms were significantly more resistant to amphotericin B and caspofungin than planktonic cells, and their susceptibilities to these drugs were further reduced if cryptococcal cells contained melanin. A spot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and light and confocal microscopy were used to investigate how antifungal drugs affected C. neoformans biofilm formation. The mechanism by which amphotericin B and caspofungin interfered with C. neoformans biofilm formation involved capsular polysaccharide release and adherence. Our results suggest that biofilm formation may diminish the efficacies of some antifungal drugs during cryptococcal infection.
HPSm2: A refined single-chip microengine

The authors describe the high-performance single-chip microarchitecture of HPSm, which is being refined to provide a second chip, the HPSm2, with a 33% performance improvement. They relate how they are achieving this by making the HPS data path more regular and migrating many of the hardware functions to the compiler. >
Epigenetic regulation of miRNA-cancer stem cells nexus by nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals, the bioactive food components represented by many naturally occurring dietary compounds, have been investigated for a few decades for their numerous beneficial effects, including their anticancer properties. The initial interest in the cancer-preventing/therapeutic ability of these agents was based on their ability to affect multiple signaling pathways that are deregulated in cancer cells. With a shift in the focus of cancer research to the emerging areas such as epigenetic regulation, microRNAs (miRNAs) and the cancer stem cells (CSCs), nutraceuticals initially appeared out of place. However, research investigations over the last several years have slowly but firmly presented evidence that supports a relevance of these agents in modern day research. While nutraceuticals are increasingly being realized to alter miRNA/CSCs expression and function, the molecular mechanism(s) are not very clearly understood. Epigenetic regulation is one mechanism by which these agents exert their anticancer effects. In this focused mini review, we summarize our current understanding of epigenetic regulation of miRNAs and CSCs by nutraceuticals. We discuss both direct and indirect evidences that support such an activity of these compounds.
The psychosocial challenges of solid organ transplant recipients during childhood

A large proportion of pediatric solid organ transplant recipients are young children, yet dedicated studies on the challenges faced by these patients are sparse. The present article aims to provide a summary of key considerations for pediatric solid organ transplant teams, describing what challenges are more likely for younger patients and how they might identify and address these circumstances. Our findings suggest that the mental health of patients and caregivers, issues at school, neurocognitive difficulties, and self-management are areas of particular relevance for children. We offer several recommendations that stem from these identified areas of concern. Dedicated focus on the well-being of younger patients could in the long-term stave off adverse events that are often associated with adolescence. In the short-term, certainly intervening in any of these domains could lead to improved quality of life during childhood.
Approaches to the study of developmental variability in human skeletal populations.

The study of osteological remains of human populations has moved, in recent years, towards an orientation more in keeping with other developments in the field of human biology. However, many investigators continue to ignore the skeletons of the immature members of their samples, despite the wide range of information offered by the study of developmental patterns. These patterns include linear and proportional growth as well as those which permit studies of the rate of maturation, a parameter useful in many ways. The dynamics of the compact bone layers of long bones permit one to make certain nutritional and epidemiological inferences and afford an approach which extends beyond the traditional “growing years” into adulthood and eventual senescence. The analysis of growth patterns can add increased meaning to human biological variability in archaeological contexts if applied prudently and with a knowledge of developmental processes in the living.
Resupply Mechanism to a Contaminated Aquifer: A Laboratory Study of U(VI) Desorption from Capillary Fringe Sediments

Abstract Contaminated capillary fringe sediments are believed to function as long-term source of U(VI) to Hanford’s 300 Area groundwater uranium plume that discharges to the Columbia River. The deep vadose zone at this site experiences seasonal water table elevation and water compositional changes in response to Columbia River stage. Batch and column desorption experiments of U(VI) were performed on two mildly contaminated sediments from this system that vary in hydrologic position to ascertain their U(VI) release behavior and factors controlling it. Solid phase characterization of the sediments was performed to identify mineralogic and chemical factors controlling U(VI) desorption. Low adsorbed U(VI) concentrations prevented spectroscopic analysis. The desorption behavior of U(VI) was different for the two sediments in spite of similar chemical and textural characteristics, and non-carbonate mineralogy. Adsorption strength and sorbed U(VI) lability was higher in the near-river sediment. The inland sediment displayed low sorbed U(VI) lability (∼10%) and measurable solid-phase carbonate content. Kinetic desorption was observed that was attributed to regeneration of labile U(VI) in the near river sediment, and carbonate mineral dissolution in the inland sediment. The desorption reaction was best described as an equilibrium surface complexation reaction. The noted differences in desorption behavior appear to result from U(VI) contamination and hydrologic history, as well as sediment carbonate content. Insights are provided on the dynamic adsorption/desorption behavior of contaminants in linked groundwater–river systems.
The Aesthetics and Politics of Colonial Collecting: India at World Fairs

In the second half of the nineteenth century, objects from India were repeatedly assembled for display at international exhibitions, known then and now as world fairs. Their transience and ephemerality set world fairs apart as extraordinary phenomena in the world of collecting. They are special because, despite the permanence they imply, they do not last; they come and they go. Their buildings are constructed, and then, by international charter, they are deconstructed. They are also special because they place objects in the service of commerce and in the service of the modern nation—state, with the inevitable imperial encounters that these two forces promote. In doing so, they yoke cultural material with aesthetics, politics and pragmatics.
Cubagua’s Pearl-Oyster Beds: The First Depletion of a Natural Resource Caused by Europeans in the American Continent

Cubagua’s Pearl-Oyster Beds: The First Depletion of a Natural Resource Caused by Europeans in the American Continent Interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the causes and mechanisms of depletion of natural resources can provide powerful tools in biological conservation policy. We report here what we believe was the first case of a depletion of a natural resource in the American continent by Europeans: the pearl-oyster (Pinctada imbricata) beds off the coast of Cubagua, Venezuela, in the early sixteenth century. Key words: Pearl-oysters, Depletion, Natural Resources, Overexploitation, Human Rights, Venezuela, Cubagua.
The Comprehensive Race Socialization Inventory

This pilot study introduces the comprehensive race socialization inventory (CRSI), an amalgam and extension of existing inventories that systematically captures the race socialization process within Black families. Using survey data collected in 2000 and 2001 from a convenience sample of Black adolescents (n = 18) and a random sample of Black college students (n = 225), the authors compare data yielded from the CRSI with data yielded from existing inventories of race socialization. The authors find that CRSI components such as (a) onset and recency, (b) the most useful message, (c) multiple sources, (d) anticipatory socialization messages, and (e) socializing behaviors are absent from existing race socialization inventories. Because the CRSI captures these critical components of the race socialization process, the authors argue that it is an improvement over existing inventories. The authors report measures of central tendency and dispersion to demonstrate the utility of the CRSI and also discuss its reliability and validity.
Estimates of the ground accelerations at Point Reyes Station during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake

We have developed an analytical solution for the rocking and overturning response of a two-dimensional, symmetric rigid block subject to a full sine wave of horizontal ground acceleration. We use this solution to provide lower-bound estimates of the peak ground acceleration at Point Reyes Station, California, during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake that toppled the San Francisco-bound train. Our results, for a 3% damping ratio, indicate that for a single cycle of a sine wave the minimum toppling accelerations at 1, 1.5, and 2 Hz are 0.35g, 0.5g, and 1.05g, respectively. For more realistic accelerograms the toppling accelerations are about 1.1g (complex synthetic) and 0.76g (Lucerne record of the 1992 Landers earthquake).
RESEARCH NOTE : THE USE OF DECOLORIZED BLOOD PROTEIN IN A CHEESE SPREAD

Protein isolates prepared from cattle blood collected at time of slaughter represent a potential source of large quantities of high quality protein. New protein preparations are valued not only for their nutritional benefits but also for their effects on the functional or mechanical properties of foods. A process for decolorizing blood proteins and including them in the manufacture of a white cheese with the body and texture of a cream cheese is described. The experimental cheese appeared to have most of the characteristics of a similar commercial product yet it contained 23.6% more protein.
Acquired Diverticula of the Vermiform Appendix

A case of multiple acquired diverticula of the vermiform appendix is reported, in which the diagnosis was made before operation by barium enema examination. This event has not previously been reported in the English literature.
Model for Multistage Compressors to Predict Unsteady Inlet-Compressor Interactions

The design of supersonic airbreathing propulsion systems must include an assesment of how the inlet/engine combination responds to flow disturbances that might affect the system during operation. The movement of the terminal normal shock is of particular concern because excessive upstream displacement can cause inlet instabilities. The engineering approach to this problem is to use an unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code to analyze the inlet flowfield in conjunction with an outflow boundary condition, imposed at the compressor face. If the characteristic time scale of the disturbance is short, then internal reverberations within the compressor may play an important role in the transients. In this case only a simultaneous, coupled inlet‐compressor computation is capable of yielding the correct result. The complexity of unsteady compressor flows currently makes such computations impractical within the constraints of engineering projects. This article offers a simple, one-dimensional compressor model that utilizes the acoustic reflection and transmission coefficients of individual compressor components as building blocks. Incorporation of the model into existing unsteady inlet CFD codes would eliminate the need for a boundary condition at the compressor face, with no significant impact on overall computational time. Calculated results agree well with experimental data.
Population Structure of the Endangered Mitchell's Satyr, Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii (French): Implications for Conservation

Abstract Basic ignorance about the ecology and life history of the endangered Mitchell's satyr butterfly, Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii, is impeding conservation efforts. To assist with recovery, we examined Mitchell's satyr butterfly population structure using mark-release-recapture techniques at two sites in southwestern Michigan in 1997 and 1998. During the single annual flight period spanning 2 to 3 wk from mid June to late July, the sex ratio changed over time, with males predominating early in the flight period and females in the latter half of the season. Scott's Method 1 and recapture decay plotting showed average residence times of 1.4 to 5.3 d. Males were more catchable than females, a probable consequence of behavioral differences between the sexes. Males were commonly found patrolling through the vegetation in search of mates, whereas females were rarely observed in undisturbed flight. Daily population estimates were obtained by the Jolly stochastic method and total brood size and flight are...
Kinetics and site requirements of ether disproportionation on γ-Al2O3

Abstract Measured rates of methyl propyl ether (MPE), an asymmetric ether, conversion on γ-alumina at 623 K verify that hydration rates are negligible compared to disproportionation rates below 2.0 kPa of water. Steady state kinetic measurements establish that diethyl ether (DEE) disproportionation rates possess reaction orders between 0 and 1. A mechanism for DEE disproportionation in which ethanol monomers and reactive ethoxy species are the primary surface species is consistent with measured pressure dependencies. The intrinsic rate constant of DEE disproportionation is nearly identical to that of unimolecular ethanol dehydration, revealing the similarity in the rate-limiting steps of these two reactions. In-situ pyridine titration studies verify that DEE disproportionation and unimolecular ethanol dehydration possess similar site requirements and densities (0.3 and 0.2 sites nm−2, respectively) while bimolecular ethanol dehydration occurs on a separate pool of catalytic sites.
Radiation Induced Microstructural Evolution in Reactor Pressure Vessel Steels

The evolution of the fine scale microstructural features leading to irradiation embrittlement of reactor pressure vessel steels is described. Copper rich phases undergo accelerated precipitation from supersaturated solution due to radiation enhanced diffusion. In steels with significant trace quantities of copper the precipitates, characterized by high concentrations and small sizes, are the dominant embrittling feature. Precipitate concentrations, sizes, volume fractions and compositions are consistent with thermodynamic and kinetic models that rationalize the effects of a number of irradiation and metallurgical variables. Phosphide and carbonitride phases may also develop along with new manganese nickel rich precipitates, promoted by high nickel contents. These features may lead to severe embrittlement at high fluence even in low copper steels. While their detailed identity and characteristics are not known, defect cluster-solute complexes with a range of thermal stability are important both directly and indirectly; for example, in mediating flux and temperature effects. In conjunction with the application of state-of-the-art characterization methods, development of advanced modeling tools will be needed to address a number of outstanding issues.
Should Addicts Get Welfare

This articles explores the history of federal SSI/SSDI benefits for those disabled by addictions, the competing definitions of addiction itself, and the policy rationales for repeated changes in the rules. I argue, as a policy matter, that addicts should be allowed to receive SSI/SSDI disability payments, perhaps subject to conditions, as the empirical evidence indicates such benefits encourage rehabilitation and reduce the incidence of addiction.
“[My] family has gone through that”: How high school students determine the trustworthiness of historical documents

Abstract This mixed-methods study explores how high school students ( n =35) enrolled in a school with a high Latino/a population evaluate the trustworthiness of documents in two historical reasoning tasks: one about the Dust Bowl in the 1930s and the other about the experiences of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in the 1920s. Students indicated whether they trusted each document, provided a rationale for their trust (or distrust) of each document, and ranked the trustworthiness of the documents. We also interviewed 10 focal students to explore students’ reasoning in more in-depth ways than the written responses allowed. We found that students tended to trust the secondary source documents more than the primary source documents because, as they argued, the secondary source documents contained more facts. In contrast, students were less likely to trust the primary source documents, particularly the songs, arguing that they were more opinion-based than factual. We also found that some students had an emotional response to the content of some of the documents, and in some cases, these emotional responses shaped how they viewed the documents’ trustworthiness. Additionally, students’ heritage may have played a role in some students’ trust justifications for some documents in the experiences of Mexicans and Mexican Americans task. We conclude with implications for curriculum and instruction.
The evolution and future of pricing capabilities

For the past 20 years, faced with increased business and pricing complexity, pricing scholars and practitioners have paid more and more attention to pricing capabilities. Grounded in resource-based view and capability-based view of the firm, pricing capabilities have moved over time from a non-existing concept to an emerging theory rich in both qualitative and quantitative research papers. From the mid-2000 to today, pricing scholars have demonstrated the need to pay greater attention toward pricing capabilities to increase competitive advantage and firm performance. This article examines the evolution of the concept of pricing capabilities over time, the current state of pricing capabilities theory and the future ahead for this emerging field.
Ecological Consequences of Nest Site Fidelity in Black Brant

Empirical tests of ecological advantages of site fidelity in birds are few because consequences of dispersal are rarely measured. We examined the relationship between dispersal distance between consecutive nesting attempts and age, nest success, reproductive performance, and spring environment for female Black Brant (Branta hernicla nigricans) nesting colonially at the Tutakoke River, Alaska, 1987-1993. We found little evidence of fidelity to natal sites. Young brant moved towards a peripheral area of the colony. Successfully breeding brant dispersed shorter distances than those failing to nest successfully. Brant that initiated nests early dispersed farther than brant that initiated nests late. Neither nest success nor initiation date in year t + 1 were related to dispersal distance (year t to year t + 1), but clutch size declined with dispersal distance. Although generally not significant, annual variation (interaction) in the relationship between dispersal distance and measures of reproductive performance (i.e., initiation date and clutch size) suggest that this relationship may be influenced by spring weather conditions. Evidence for the advantages of site fidelity in brant was equivocal. Dispersal distance explained little variation associated with reproductive performance. Variation in individual bird quality, environmental conditions, and demographic status may be more important determinants of breeding performance in brant than potential benefits of site fidelity.
Kinetic Model of Gas Transport in Carbon Nanotube Channels

Carbon nanotubes represent a rare experimental realization of a nanofluidic channel, which has molecularly smooth walls and nanometer scale inner diameter. This unique combination of properties giv...
The role of complete Freund's adjuvant in the immunoprotection of L2C guinea pig leukemia.

SummaryLeukemia L2C is a syngeneic guinea pig leukemia which grows progressively in strain 2 guinea pigs. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that immunization of strain 2 guinea pigs with irradiated L2C cells in aqueous medium or in complete Freund's adjuvant 12 days before lethal leukemic challenge successfully protected almost every animal against leukemia. In the present study, immunization with irradiated L2C cells in aqueous medium and complete Freund's adjuvant was directly compared using immunization period of shorter duration and challenges with higher numbers of leukemic cells. Under these conditions a distinct advantage to the use of complete Freund's adjuvant was observed with the more rapid development of high levels of tumor immunity. These studies with guinea pig leukemia suggest that in immunotherapy trials of human leukemia, tumor cells or extracts should be administered directly in mycobacterial adjuvants.
Peculiarities in Ankle Cartilage

Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is the most common form of osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle joint. PTOA occurs as a result of several factors, including the poor regenerative capacity of hyaline articular cartilage as well as increased contact stresses following trauma. The purpose of this article is to review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and potential targets for treatment of PTOA in the ankle joint. Previous reviews primarily addressed clinical approaches to ankle PTOA, while the focus of the current article will be specifically on the newly acquired knowledge of the cellular mechanisms that drive PTOA in the ankle joint and means for potential targeted therapeutics that might halt the progression of cartilage degeneration and/or improve the outcome of surgical interventions. Three experimental treatment strategies are discussed in this review: (1) increasing the anabolic potential of chondrocytes through treatment with growth factors such as bone morphogenetic protein-7; (2) limiting chondrocyte cell death either through the protection of cell membrane with poloxamer 188 or inhibiting activity of intracellular proteases, caspases, which are responsible for cell death by apoptosis; and (3) inhibiting catabolic/inflammatory responses of chondrocytes by treating them with anti-inflammatory agents such as tumor necrosis factor-α antagonists. Future studies should focus on identifying the appropriate timing for treatment and an appropriate combination of anti-inflammatory, chondro- and matrix-protective biologics to limit the progression of trauma-induced cartilage degeneration and prevent the development of PTOA in the ankle joint.
Coexistence of two lymphomas with distinctive histologic, ultrastructural, and immunologic features

The unusual coexistence of two distinct lymphomas in a 44-year-old woman is described. Nodular, poorly differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma and diffuse histiocytic lymphoma were present in separate sites and were readily distinguished both histologically and ultrastructurally. In addition, the lymphocytic lymphoma was shown to be derived from complement receptor B lymphocytes of follicular center cell type, whereas the histiocytic lymphoma cells were devoid of complement receptors, receptors for IgG (Fc receptors), and surface immunoglobulin. Despite intensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the patient died within eight months of the initial diagnosis. Although histiocytic lymphoma was widely disseminated at autopsy, lymphocytic lymphoma was not found. Presumably the histiocytic lymphoma was refractory to therapy, in contrast to the lymphocytic lymphoma, which was selectively eradicated.
Plant Genetic Resistance to Viruses

Plants have evolved a variety of active and passive mechanisms to defend themselves against viral pathogens, and disease resistance genes have been incorporated into crop plants to protect against diseases caused by viruses. The specificity of resistance genes is usually limited to a virus species or group of highly related species, and there is not natural resistance available to all viruses of economic importance. For these reasons, there has also been great interest in developing or engineering novel virus resistance traits based on our knowledge of plant antiviral immune systems such as RNA silencing. With the recent emergence of technologies based on site-specific nucleases that can be used to manipulate the sequence of genes within crop plant genomes, there are now opportunities to further exploit our knowledge of plant-virus interactions to develop plants with novel forms of resistance. However, viruses have the potential to rapidly evolve to overcome resistance whether it is natural or engineered. Therefore, it is essential that we understand factors that influence the durability of resistance traits to maximize their longevity. In this chapter, we briefly highlight different forms of natural and engineered virus resistance mechanisms, discuss approaches to use genome editing for developing virus resistant plants, and explore the issue of durability as it relates to both natural and engineered resistance traits. Finally, we consider future research prospects that will continue to expand our knowledge of host-virus interactions and provide a solid foundation for understanding and possibly predicting resistance durability.
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and ethnic disparities in perceived severity of heart failure: results from the Rapid Emergency Department Heart Failure Outpatient Trial (REDHOT) multicenter study of BNP levels and emergency department decision making in patients presenting with shortness of breath.

Abstract Background Previous studies have shown that in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with heart failure, there is a disconnect between the perceived severity of congestive heart failure (CHF) by physicians and the severity as determined by B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Whether ethnicity plays a role in this discrepancy is unknown. Methods and Results The Rapid Emergency Department Heart Failure Outpatient Trial (REDHOT) was a 10-center trial of 464 patients seen in the ED with acute dyspnea and BNP level higher than 100 pg/mL on arrival. Physicians were blinded to BNP levels. Patients were followed for 90 days after discharge. A total of 151 patients identified themselves as white (32.5%) and 294 as black (63.4%). Of these, 90% were hospitalized. African Americans were more likely to be perceived as New York Heart Association class I or II than whites ( P = .01). Blacks who were discharged from the ED had higher median BNP levels than whites who were discharged (1293 vs. 533, P = .004). The median BNP of blacks who were discharged was actually higher than the median BNP of blacks who were admitted (1293 vs. 769, P = .04); the same did not hold true for whites. BNP was predictive of 90-day outcome in both blacks and whites; however, perceived severity of CHF, race, and ED disposition did not contribute to the prediction of events. Conclusion In patients presenting to the ED with heart failure, the disconnect between perceived severity of CHF and severity as determined by BNP levels is most pronounced in African Americans.
Aeolian dune sediment flux heterogeneity in Meridiani Planum, Mars.

Abstract It is now known unambiguously that wind-driven bedform activity is occurring on the surface of Mars today, including early detections of active sand dunes in Meridiani Planum’s Endeavour crater. Many of these reports are only based on a few sets of observations of relatively isolated bedforms and lack regional context. Here, we investigate aeolian activity across central Meridiani Planum and test the hypothesis that dune sites surrounding Endeavour crater are also active and part of region-wide sediment migration driven by northwesterly winds. All 13 dune fields investigated clearly showed evidence for activity and the majority exhibited dune migration (average rates of 0.6 m/Earth-year). Observations indicate substantial geographic and temporal heterogeneity of dune crest fluxes across the area and per site. Locations with multiple time steps indicate dune sand fluxes can vary by a factor of five, providing evidence for short periods of rapid migration followed by near-stagnation. In contrast, measurements at other sites are nearly identical, indicating that some dunes are in a steady-state as they migrate. The observed sediment transport direction was consistent with a regional northeasterly-to-northwesterly wind regime, revealing more variations than were appreciated from earlier, more localized studies. Craters containing shallow, degraded, flat-floored interiors tended to have dunes with high sediment fluxes/activity, whereas local kilometer-scale topographic obstructions (e.g., central peaks, yardangs) were found to be inversely correlated with dune mobility. Finally, the previous, more limited detections of dune activity in Endeavour crater have been shown to be representative of a broader, region-wide pattern of dune motion.
Natural Enterovirus and Fecal Coliform Contamination of Gulf Coast Oysters

The numbers of fecal coliforms and enteroviruses present in oysters and/or their growing waters of two Mississippi reefs were determined over a 12-month period. Bacterial and viral levels reflected the classification of the waters at each location as set by the Mississippi State Board of Health in compliance with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program, but statistically significant correlations between these levels were not observed. Twelve viral isolates were found at an approved oyster harvesting location, eight of which were identified as poliovirus type 1. At the prohibited site, 146 viruses were isolated including poliovirus types 1 and 2, echovirus type 24 and several isolates which remain to be identified. The number of virus isolates from samples from each location represented approximately 35% of the number of plaques observed; however, no consistent ratio of plaque to confirmed virus was demonstrated. The results suggest that the fecal coliform levels in oyster growing waters do not reflect the level of virus contaminaton in either approved or prohibited waters.
Dual channel microcantilever heaters for selective detection and quantification of a generic mixture of volatile organic compounds

In this work, two types of III-V nitride heterojunction based dual channel microcantilevers are demonstrated to perform selective detection of various organic vapors in a dilute mixture. The detection scheme relies on self-heating or passive heating of the unfunctionalized cantilever channels and the analytes can be identified by correlating the sensor response with the latent heat of evaporation of the analytes. When both types of cantilevers are used together, the devices can not only identify each constituent of a VOC mixture, but also determine the concentration of each of them.