cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Routing on Constrained Devices

Routing is critical to fully enable end-to-end communication between IoT devices and applications. IoT routing, however, is heavily affected by topology and device constraints that make traditional routing mechanisms less than ideal. The power limitations of devices affects the flow of traffic to applications and forces IoT routing mechanisms to comply with certain requirements. This chapter starts by presenting relevant WSN routing technologies that introduce concepts that serve as the base of IoT routing. The chapter then focuses on analyzing RPL and LOADng IoT specific routing standards.
Characterization of mononeuropathy of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the calf.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS Isolated injuries to the lateral cutaneous nerve of the calf (LCNC) branch of the common peroneal nerve can cause obscure chronic posterolateral knee and upper calf pain and sensory symptoms. Routine examination and electrodiagnostic testing do not detect them because the LCNC has no motor distribution and it is not interrogated by the typical peroneal nerve conduction study. There are only about 10 prior cases, thus scant physician awareness, so most LCNC injuries remain misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, hindering care. METHODS We extracted pertinent records from seven patients with unexplained posterolateral knee/calf pain, six labeled as complex regional pain syndrome, to investigate for mononeuropathies. Patients were asked to outline their skin area with abnormal responses to pin self-examination independently. Three underwent an LCNC-specific electrodiagnostic study, and two had skin-biopsy epidermal innervation measured. Cadaver dissection of the posterior knee nerves helped identify potential entrapment sites. RESULTS Initiating events included knee surgery (three), bracing (one), extensive kneeling (one), and other knee trauma. All pin-outlines included the published LCNC neurotome. One oftwo LCNC-specific electrodiagnostic studies revealed unilaterally absent potentials. Longitudinal, controlled skin biopsies documented profound LCNC-neurotome denervation then re-innervation contemporaneous with symptom recovery. Cadaver dissection identified the LCNC traversing through the dense fascia of the proximolateral gastrocnemius muscle insertion. DISCUSSION Isolated LCNC mononeuropathy can cause unexplained posterolateral knee/calf pain syndromes. This series characterizes presentations and supports patient pin-mappings as a sensitive, globally available, low-cost diagnostic aid. Improved recognition may facilitate more rapid, accurate diagnosis and, thus, optimize management and improve outcomes.
The β3 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: Modulation of gene expression and nicotine consumption

Genetic factors explain approximately half of the variance in smoking behaviors, but the molecular mechanism by which genetic variation influences behavior is poorly understood. SNPs in the putative promoter region of CHRNB3, the gene that encodes the β3 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), have been repeatedly associated with nicotine behaviors. In this work we sought to identify putative function of three SNPs in the promoter region of CHRNB3 on in vitro gene expression. Additionally, we used β3 null mutant mice as a model of reduced gene expression to assess the effects on nicotine behaviors. The effect of rs13277254, rs6474413, and rs4950 on reporter gene expression was examined using a luciferase reporter assay. A major and minor parent haplotype served as the background on which alleles at the three SNPs were flipped onto different backgrounds (e.g. minor allele on major haplotype background). Constructs were tested in three human cell lines: BE(2)-C, SH-SY5Y and HEK293T. In all cell types the major haplotype led to greater reporter gene expression compared to the minor haplotype, and results indicate that this effect is driven by rs6474413. Moreover, mice lacking the β3 subunit showed reduced voluntary nicotine consumption compared that of wildtype animals. These data provide evidence that the protective genetic variant at rs6474413 identified in human genetic studies reduces gene expression and that decreased β3 gene expression in mice reduces nicotine intake. This work contributes to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the human genetic associations of tobacco behaviors.
Obstructions of the superior vena cava

Abstract The clinical picture of obstruction of the superior vena cava is a symptom complex and not a specific disease entity. Many papers, case reports, and discussions of various aspects of obstruction of the superior vena cava have appeared in medical literature over a period of many years, but it is difficult to find a brief summary of well-established criteria for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. The purpose of this present paper is threefold: (1) to review the essential points of the literature since 1934; (2) to report two additional cases of obstruction of the superior vena cava, one of particular interest; and (3) to summarize in one place the major points of diagnosis and treatment as related to this unusual syndrome.
The Ecology of Geitonogamous Pollination

Working as a natural historian in the 1700s, C.K. Sprengel wrote a pioneering book demonstrating that many hermaphroditic species require pollinator visits in order to produce seed (see Chapters 1 and 2). He did not provide a scientific explanation as to why cross-pollination is important, but in the next century Darwin, H. and F. Muller, and others proposed that various outcrossing mechanisms have evolved to avoid selfing and the consequences of inbreeding (Darwin, 1876; see Baker, 1983). Darwin also recognized that the potential for selfing is greatest in species with massive floral displays because having many flowers promotes the transfer of self-pollen to other flowers on the same genetic individual (geitonogamy). Following Darwin’s lead, many authors have suggested that the avoidance of selfing has been a major factor in the evolution of traits such as dioecy, self-incompatibility, monoecy, temporal separation of male and female organs (dichogamy), spatial separation of anthers and stigmas within flowers (herkogamy), and having few open flowers per day (see reviews by Arroyo, 1976; Lloyd, 1979; Bawa and Beach, 1981; Willson, 1983; Wyatt, 1983; Richards, 1986; Charlesworth and Charlesworth, 1987; Thomson and Brunet, 1990; de Jong, et al., 1992a; Harder and Barrett 1995; Hodges, 1995; also see Chapters 6, 8, and 14).
CELL LINE AVAILABILITY : WHERE TO GET THE CELL LINES YOU NEED

The availability and utility of cell lines with limited and continuous doubling potential are summarized and documented. Reference to national cell banks is included with pertinent and current contact information. The continuing need for vigorous application of quality control procedures is emphasized with data illustrating frequencies of microbial infection in cultured cell lines as well as high incidences of cross-contamination of one cell line with another.
Ethics expertise and cultural competence.

Cross-cultural ethics should be regarded by physicians as an area of medical expertise that can help resolve conflicts that arise between the health traditions of international patients and those traditions that are upheld in the United States. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Cardinal Interpolation and Spline Functions IV. The Exponential Euler Splines

As background for our discussion we recall a result from [10]. First a few definitions. Let ℐ n denote the class of cardinal spline functions S(x) of degree n (n≧1) having their knots at the integer points of the real axis. This means that S(x)∈ℐ n , provided that the restriction of S(x) to every unit interval (v, v + 1) is a polynomial of degree n at most, and that $$S\left( x \right) \in C^{n - 1} \left( { - \infty ,\,\infty } \right).$$ (1) Furthermore, let $$\vartheta _n^* \, = \,\left\{ {S\left( x \right);\,S\left( {x + \frac{1} {2}} \right) \in \vartheta _n } \right\}.$$ (2) The elements of ℐ* n are again cardinal spline functions of degree n, but having their knots at v+1/2 half way between consecutive integers.
Does Question Format Matter? Valuing an Endangered Species

A three-way treatment design is used to compare contingent valuation response formats. Respondents are asked to value an endangered species (the red-cockaded woodpecker) and the restor- ation of its habitat following a natural disaster. For three question formats (open-ended, payment card, and double-bounded dichotomous choice), differences in survey response rates, item non-response rates, and protest bids are examined. Bootstrap techniques are used to compare means across formats and to explore differences in willingness to pay (WTP) distribution functions. Convergent validity is found in a comparison of mean WTP values, although some differences are apparent in the cumulat- ive distribution functions. Differences across formats are also identified in item non-response rates and proportion of protest bids. Overall, the payment card format exhibits desirable properties relative to the other two formats.
New Challenges for Integrated Circuit Solutions

Integrated circuit solutions have been one of the enabling technologies, contributing to the success of wireless communications. As the focus of the new generation is moving towards higher bandwidths and new services and applications, challenges for the integrated circuit solutions are ever growing. Development focus has shifted from component design and optimization towards significant system oriented content captured both in the hardware platform and supporting software. This integrated approach challenges existing development models, and affects other disciplines related to wireless system development. This paper explores major challenges for integrated circuit solutions emerging from the system-oriented approach.
Patterns of region-specific chorion gene expression in the silkmoth and identification of shared 5' flanking genomic elements.

Abstract Time-dependent and cell-specific changes in concentrations of total RNA, of poly A+ RNA, and of specific mRNAs have been measured throughout silkmoth choriogenesis. Levels of total RNA and of poly A+ RNA are maintained throughout much of choriogenesis, but decrease at least fourfold during the very late period, in parallel with a decrease in overall protein synthesis. Very late period changes in total RNA and in poly A+ RNA are less pronounced in the aeropyle crown region, where a subset of chorion proteins is preferentially synthesized, than in the flat region. Maximal accumulation of the E1 and E2 chorion mRNAs occurs preferentially in the aeropyle crown region during the very late period. Uridine pulse-labeling studies suggest that E1 and E2 transcription is similarly aeropyle crown region-specific and immediately precedes the time of maximal E1 and E2 RNA accumulation and protein synthesis. Sequences from the 5′ flanking regions of E1 and E2 genes have been compared. Several oligonucleotide sequences are present in both genes, and some are duplicated. These are potential cis-acting, regulatory elements.
The Rhetorical Dynamics of Judicial Situations: Joseph Story, Ciceronian Rhetoric, and the Judicial Response to American Slavery

Abstract This essays offers a rhetorical interpretation of judicial opinions Joseph Story wrote in four U.S. Supreme Court cases concerned with the slavery question: U.S. v. La Jeune Eugenie (1822), Groves v. Slaughter (1841), U.S. v. Amistad (1841), and Prigg v. Pennsylvania (1842). I argue that Story, a jurist trained in the intellectual traditions of the early republic, performed judicial argument as a kind of rhetorical action dependent upon Ciceronian controversia, a mental habit of arguing pro et contra on any matter in dispute. In consequence of this approach to judicial argument, Story's opinions do not represent a choice between positive law or natural law, neither do they represent a commitment to legal instrumentalism or legal formalism; rather they present controversial responses to rhetorical situations broadly conceived.
Natural anti-HIV agents. Part IV. Anti-HIV constituents from Vatica cinerea

In a continuing search for anti-HIV compounds from plants of Vietnam, 19 compounds, including a new triterpene, were isolated from an extract of the leaves and stem of Vatica cinerea. The new triterpene was determined to be a cycloartane triterpenoid with 29 skeletal carbons and was assigned the name vaticinone (1). The known triterpenes included three cycloartanes, a lanostane, two dammaranes, three lupanes, an ursane, and an oleanane. A chlorophyll isolate was identified as pheophorbide a (13). The majority of the triterpenes, the sesquiterpene, 1-hydroxycyclocolorenone, and pheophorbide a showed anti-HIV activity, with the chlorophyll being the most active, demonstrating an IC(50) value of 1.5 microgram/mL (2.5 microM), while being completely devoid of toxicity up to a concentration of 20 microgram/mL (33.8 microM). Vaticinone (1) was found to inhibit the replication of HIV-1, with an IC(50) value of 6.5 microgram/mL (15.3 microM; selective index = 1.4). The structures of these isolates were determined by spectral data including 1D and 2D NMR spectra.
A spectral climatology for atmospheric compensation

Most Earth observation hyperspectral imagery (HSI) detection and identification algorithms depend critically upon a robust atmospheric compensation capability to correct for the effects of the atmosphere on the radiance signal. Atmospheric compensation methods typically perform optimally when ancillary ground truth data are available, e.g., high fidelity in situ radiometric observations or atmospheric profile measurements. When ground truth is incomplete or not available, additional assumptions must be made to perform the compensation. Meteorological climatologies are available to provide climatological norms for input into the radiative transfer models; however no such climatologies exist for empirical methods. The success of atmospheric compensation methods such as the empirical line method suggests that remotely sensed HSI scenes contain comprehensive sets of atmospheric state information within the spectral data itself. It is argued that large collections of empirically-derived atmospheric coefficients collected over a range of climatic and atmospheric conditions comprise a resource that can be applied to prospective atmospheric compensation problems. This paper introduces a new climatological approach to atmospheric compensation in which empirically derived spectral information, rather than sensible atmospheric state variables, is the fundamental datum. An experimental archive of airborne HSI data is mined for representative atmospheric compensation coefficients, which are assembled in a scientific database of spectral and sensible atmospheric observations. We present the empirical techniques for extracting the coefficients, the modeling methods used to standardize the coefficients across varying collection and illumination geometries, and the resulting comparisons of adjusted coefficients. Preliminary results comparing normalized coefficients from representative scenes across several distinct environments are presented, along with a discussion of the potential benefits, shortfalls and future work to fully develop the new technique.
The carotid and orbital retia of the pronghorn, deer and elk

Selective cooling of the brain during heat stress has been shown by others to be a method of temperature regulation for mammals having carotid retia. This study describes the macroscopic anatomy of the cranial circulation of elk, deer and pronghorn as it might pertain to the functioning of carotid retia and orbital retia as heat exchangers. Emphasis has been placed on describing the source of venous blood bathing these retia, for blood flow from these sources to the ophthalmic plexus and cavernous sinus will establish a temperature difference between arterial and venous blood, and influence the magnitude of this gradient. The pronghorn possesses a carotid rete with greater density and smaller calibre vessels overall and a more highly vascular orbital rete compared to the elk and the deer. These anatomical differences may indicate differences in efficiency of heat exchange in the retia. It is suggested that the orbital rete is anatomically in a position to moderate extremes of temperature by cooling arterial blood flowing to neural tissue of the eye and olfactory bulbs.
Plasma gun experiments and modeling of disruptions

Abstract Potentially high erosion due to ablation from plasma disruptions looms as a nemesis for advanced fusion devices such as ITER. Under some conditions, it is believed that the material ablated during a disruption forms a “vapor shield” that mitigates subsequent ablation. This paper presents new experimental data that identifies an absorption surface in the ablating plasma that is above the irradiated armor surface. We also present a summary of progress in modeling using a 1-D Lagrangian hydrodynamics code. Experimental erosion data will be reviewed from the PLADIS facility, a plasma gun at the University of New Mexico on several materials, including Be, tungsten, copper, graphites. Profile measurements of the crater topology showed the eroded Be surface to be much rougher than that of carbon and to demonstrate erosion rates that were almost factors of four greater than graphite. Plasma guns at the D.V. Efremov Scientific Research Institute and at TRINITI, both in the Russian Federation, are being utilized to confirm spectroscopic vapor shield data.
Evidence for a decline in the atmospheric accumulation rate of CHClF2 (CFC-22)

CHClF2 (CFC-22) is a promising substitute for atmospheric ozone damaging, fully halogenated hydrocarbons. Atmospheric CFC-22 measurements derived from ground-based solar spectra recorded between December 1980 and May 1988 are reported which show that the CFC-22 total column increased at an average annual exponential rate of 7.8 percent + or - 1.0 percent (2 sigma). Compared with other atmospheric data, these measurements indicate that CFC-22 is increasing at a more rapid rate than either CFC-11 or CFC-12, the two most abundant chlorofluorocarbons, but that the rate of CFC-22 increase is likely to have declined over the past few years.
Degree complexity bounds on the intersection of algebraic curves

The intersection of algebraic curves in three and higher dimensional spaces is considered. An algebrogeometric technique is developed for obtaining an upper bound on the number of intersection points of two irreducible algebraic curves. The asymptotic bounds are shown to be a function of only the degrees of the two intersecting curves. Some specific examples involving curves in 3-space are analyzed.
A search for free fractional electric charge elementary particles

A direct search was carried out in bulk matter for free fractional electric charge elementary particles using the largest mass single sample ever studied| about 17.4 mg of silicone oil. The search used an improved and highly automated Millikan oil drop technique. No evidence for fractional charge particles was found. The concentration of particles with fractional charge more than 0.16 e (e being the magnitude of the electron charge) from the nearest integer charge is less than 4.71 x 10{sup -22} particles per nucleon with 95% confidence.
Identification of hydrogen configurations in p-type GaN through first-principles calculations of vibrational frequencies

We present first-principles calculations for stable and metastable geometries of various hydrogen-related configurations in p-type GaN, including isolated interstitial H as well as Mg-H and Be-H complexes. We also calculate the associated vibrational stretching and wagging modes, systematically including anharmonic contributions to the vibrational frequencies; the anharmonicity is large due to the light mass of the hydrogen atom. Based on our investigations of a large number of configurations we derive a correlation between the vibrational frequency of the stretching mode and the bond length in the N-H bond. The results are compared with experimental results; in particular, we address a new configuration for the Mg-H complex that agrees with the geometrical information extracted from polarization-dependent infrared spectroscopy [B. Clerjaud et al., Phys. Rev. B 61, 8328 (2000)].
Serum aldosterone is associated with inflammation and aortic stiffness in normotensive overweight and obese young adults

Circulating aldosterone is increased in obesity and is associated with arterial stiffening in hypertensives and older adults. The aim of this article was to determine whether serum aldosterone is associated with pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of arterial stiffness, in normotensive overweight and obese adults aged 20–45 years (n = 344). Heart-femoral, femoral-ankle, and brachial-ankle PWV were measured. The sample was 77% female with mean body mass index 32.9 kg/m2 (SD 3.9), median serum aldosterone 106.5 pg/mL (interquartile range 79.9, 155.5), and mean 24-hour urinary sodium excretion 185.9 mEq/day (SD 69.6). Higher serum aldosterone was not significantly correlated with any PWV measure in bivariate analysis. However, in multiple linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, race, height, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and waist circumference, higher log aldosterone was associated with greater log heart-femoral PWV (β(se) = 0.042(0.021), P = .049). After adjusting for C-reactive protein, this ass...
Nucleophilic destruction of organophosphate toxins: A computational investigation

Abstract Computed reaction enthalpies, free energies, and activation barriers in vacuo are presented for the nucleophilic detoxification of the organophosphorus compounds (H)(H O)P( O)F, (H)(H3C O)P( O)F and (H3C)(CH(CH3)2 O)P( O)F via the reaction R1 OH + (R2)(R3 O)P( O)F → (R2)(R3 O)P( O)(O R1) + H F for a wide variety of R1 OH nucleophiles. Density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) computational level was employed for all the calculations. A multi-step Wright-type reaction mechanism [J. B. Wright, W.E. White, J. Mol. Struct. (THEOCHEM) 454 (1998) 259], which proceeds via a proton transfer from the nucleophile to the fluorine atom through the phosphinyl oxygen atom, was consistently found to have a lower activation barrier in the gas-phase than for the corresponding mechanism that operates via a proton transfer from the nucleophile directly to the fluorine atom. Of the nucleophilic agents investigated, peroxybenzoic acid and o-iodosobenzoic acid had the lowest classical activation barrier for the Wright-type mechanism.
Investigation of graphene-based nanoscale radiation sensitive materials

Current state-of-the-art nanotechnology offers multiple benefits for radiation sensing applications. These include the ability to incorporate nano-sized radiation indicators into widely used materials such as paint, corrosion-resistant coatings, and ceramics to create nano-composite materials that can be widely used in everyday life. Additionally, nanotechnology may lead to the development of ultra-low power, flexible detection systems that can be embedded in clothing or other systems. Graphene, a single layer of graphite, exhibits exceptional electronic and structural properties, and is being investigated for high-frequency devices and sensors. Previous work indicates that graphene-oxide (GO) - a derivative of graphene - exhibits luminescent properties that can be tailored based on chemistry; however, exploration of graphene-oxide's ability to provide a sufficient change in luminescent properties when exposed to gamma or neutron radiation has not been carried out. We investigate the mechanisms of radiation-induced chemical modifications and radiation damage induced shifts in luminescence in graphene-oxide materials to provide a fundamental foundation for further development of radiation sensitive detection architectures. Additionally, we investigate the integration of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with graphene-based devices to evaluate radiation induced conductivity in nanoscale devices. Importantly, we demonstrate the sensitivity of graphene transport properties to the presence of alpha particles, and discuss the successful integration of hBN with large area graphene electrodes as a means to provide the foundation for large-area nanoscale radiation sensors.
Infinite multiplicity of roots of unity of the Galois group in the representation on elliptic curves

Abstract Let K be a number field, K ¯ an algebraic closure of K and E / K an elliptic curve defined over K. Let G K be the absolute Galois group Gal ( K ¯ / K ) of K ¯ over K. This paper proves that there is a subset Σ ⊆ G K of Haar measure 1 such that for every σ ∈ Σ , the spectrum of σ in the natural representation E ( K ¯ ) ⊗ C of G K consists of all roots of unity, each of infinite multiplicity. Also, this paper proves that any complex conjugation automorphism in G K has the eigenvalue - 1 with infinite multiplicity in the representation space E ( K ¯ ) ⊗ C of G K .
Irreversible blockade of high-affinity choline uptake in rat brain by N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ).

Abstract N -Ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ), an agent that causes irreversible covalent modification of protein carboxyl residues, has been used previously to produce irreversible occlusion of neurotransmitter receptors as well as other cellular proteins. The present investigation was undertaken to ascertain the mechanism by which EEDQ inhibits stimulus-dependent acetylcholine (ACh) release from rat brain hippocampal synaptosomes. Brief pretreatment with EEDQ (up to 100 μM) eliminated completely calcium-evoked [ 3 H]acetylcholine ([ 3 H]ACh) release and reduced de novo synthesis of transmitter by greater than 90%. Studies revealed that pretreatment with EEDQ in vitro caused a time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of high-affinity [ 3 H]choline uptake (HACU) by synaptosomes. EEDQ-induced inhibition of HACU was not reversed by repeated tissue washing; however, co-incubation with hemicholinium-3, a highly specific and reversible inhibitor of HACU, protected against EEDQ-induced inhibition of HACU, as well as the loss of stimulus-dependent [ 3 H]-ACh release. In vivo administration of EEDQ (20 mg/kg, s.c.) to rats caused marked reductions (46–65%) in synaptosomal HACU as well as the number of membrane binding sites for the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist l -[benzilic-4,4'- 3 H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([ 3 H]QNB) in the hippocampus and striatum. Treatment with atropine (100 mg/kg) prevented the reduction in [ 3 H]QNB binding but did not influence EEDQ-induced inhibition of HACU. Taken together, these results indicate that EEDQ causes a direct and irreversible inhibition of high-affinity choline transporters on CNS cholinergic nerve terminals and, therefore, may be a useful investigational tool for characterization of the turnover and regulation of this transporter protein in vivo .
Theory of Superfluidity

The generator-coordinate method, well known in nuclear physics, is employed to derive the Bogoliubov theory of superfluidity of a boson system. The treatment is fully number conserving. Analogies to a normal Fermi system (especially to the random-phase approximation for that system) are pointed out, and some further insight into the nature of superfluidity is gained. Possible generalizations are mentioned.
Duty Cycle Testing of Current Limiting Station and Intermediate Lightning Arresters

The testing of lightning arresters has been reasonably well defined by ASA C62.1-1962, but the comparatively recent development of current limiting arresters makes it necessary to re-examine some industry standards to determine whether they provide adequate proof of current limiting arrester performance. The duty cycle test requires revision because it does not subject lightning arresters to a rate-of-rise of current comparable with what might be obtained in service. Tests must be made with higher rates-of-rise to insure that failure of loss of protective characteristics will not occur under actual service conditions.
Sorption and partitioning parameters of benzotriazole compounds

Abstract Benzotriazole compounds have major commercial applications as anticorrosive agents in automotive antifreeze and airplane deicer fluids. This study assesses the sorption of benzotriazole (BT), 5-methylbenzotriazole (MBT), and 5-chlorobenzotriazole (CBT) from aqueous solutions to four top soils. The concentration range of 10–500 mg l −1 was used with soils differing in total organic carbon content from 0.27 to 1.72%. Batch systems facilitated the equilibrium sorption with analysis by HPLC. The sorption of these compounds was as much as 60% by mass to a soil with 0.33% Org. C. The log octanol–water partition coefficients (log K ow ) were determined to be 1.23 for BT, 1.89 for MBT, and 2.17 for CBT. The relationship between the log of the sorption partition coefficient, log K oc and log K ow differed from previous correlations because hydrophobicity was not the only factor affecting sorption. These compounds have substantial permanent dipole moments as well as being hydrophobic. At high pH where CBT molecules approach their p K a , sorption was approximately 50% less (by mass) than that of relatively non-ionized CBT molecules.
Record-Breaking Intervals: Detecting Trends in the Incidence of Self-Similar Earthquake Sequences

We introduce a method of resolving temporal incidence trends in earthquake sequences. We have developed a catalog partitioning method based on canonical earthquake scaling relationships, and have further developed a metric based on record-breaking interval (RBI) statistics to resolve increasing and decreasing seismicity in time series of earthquakes. We calculated the RBI metric over fixed-length sequences of earthquake intervals and showed that the length of those sequences is related to the magnitude of the earthquake to which the method is sensitive—longer sequences resolve large earthquakes, shorter sequences resolve small-magnitude events. This sequence length effectively constitutes a local temporal catalog constraint, and we show that spatial constraints can be defined from rupture length scaling. We have applied the method to several high-profile earthquakes and have shown that it consistently resolves aftershock sequences after a period of accelerating seismicity before the targeted mainshock. The method also suggests a minimum detectable (forecastable) mainshock magnitude on the basis of the catalog’s minimum completeness magnitude $$m_{\rm c}$$ .
'Flowing Myrrh upon the Handles of the Bolt': Bodily Border, Social Norms and their Transgression in the Song of Songs

This article presents a feminist approach to the Song of Songs that widely relies on Judith Butler's performative gender theory. It opens with a close reading of the appearances of the human body in the Song, showing that abundance of references to liquids in the biblical text carry strong allusions to body fluids. The article subsequently discusses the possibility of observing these references via a contemporary approach which views the human body's coherent form as a social construct, referring to Butler's reading of Mary Douglas's Purity and Danger . The article shows that through Butler's gender theory, one detects the connection between the fluidity of the corporeal borders in the Song, and the protagonists' exceptional gender behaviour.
The Life and Lasting Influence of Srinivasa Ramanujan

Srinivasa Ramanujan was a self-taught mathematical genius, born in 1887 in India. In the short span of 32 years, he attained great distinction. Ramanujan's theorems, questions, and solutions and the famous notebooks in which he recorded his findings have inspired many scholars and researchers since his death in 1920. A citation analysis of Ramanujan's articles shows the impact of his work on the research and academic community well into the twenty-first century.
High frequency radio observations of the Stephan's Quintet region

RADIO observations have been reported for several apparently interacting astronomical systems1,4. These observations do not provide conclusive data as to the frequency of occurrence of radio emission from multiple systems compared with that for normal galaxies. Although the detected radio fluxes do not generally fall in the ‘radio galaxy’ range, there is evidence that for some interacting systems at least, there is a statistical excess of the number of radio sources in their vicinity5,6. The aperture synthesis observations mostly show sources coincident with member galaxies; a few show emission from regions between the galaxies. In the case of Stephan's Quintet, observations7 with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) at 1.415 GHz suggest an arc-shaped source partially encircling a point source centred on NGC7319.
Increased atherosclerosis in mice with increased vascular biglycan content.

Objective The response to retention hypothesis of atherogenesis proposes that atherosclerosis is initiated via the retention of atherogenic lipoproteins by vascular proteoglycans. Co-localization studies suggest that of all the vascular proteoglycans, biglycan is the one most closely co-localized with LDL. The goal of this study was to determine if over-expression of biglycan in hyperlipidemic mice would increase atherosclerosis development.
What makes a good principal? How teachers assess the performance of principals

Abstract This paper examines the performance of public school principals as rated by teachers they supervise. Work experience outside of education does not raise performance ratings, nor does administrative experience at the current or previous schools. The only experience which is associated with higher performance ratings is teaching experience. Graduate training, even in school administration, is generally associated with lower performance ratings, a finding which raises questions about the licensing requirements for principals in most states. Finally, teachers tend to rate a principal of their own race or sex higher, an effect most pronounced for women, who consistently give male principals lower evaluations. [JEL I21]
Polymer matrix composites: Conductivity enhancement through polypyrrole coating of nickel flake

The electrical resistance of polymeric materials loaded with conductive fillers can be divided into three major categories: the intrinsic resistance of the filler and matrix, the particle–particle contact resistance, and the tunnelling resistance. A method for decreasing both the particle–particle contact and the tunnelling resistance in nickel-filled low-density polyethylene composites which involves coating the nickel with polypyrrole (PPy) using admicellar polymerization has been developed. It is believed that these resistances are reduced by the formation of PPy "molecular wires" which occur as a result of chain entanglements at high filler loadings. Coating the nickel particles with PPy leads to a three-order-of-magnitude increase in conductivity at concentrations well above the percolation threshold without significantly changing the thermal or mechanical properties of the composite. © 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers
Evidence for a cytoplasmic melatonin receptor

MELATONIN, a secretion of the pineal gland, has profound inhibitory effects on the development and maturation of gonadal organs in mammals1. Pinealectomy of the rat or hamster results in premature enlargement of the uterus and ovary2,3 in females and gonadal organs in males4,5, while melatonin administration reverses the effects of pinealectomy and suppresses gonadal growth and maturation in these species1. The physiological site and mechanism of action are uncertain. The hormone seems to act both in the central nervous system and at peripheral sites; previous studies have demonstrated inhibition of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion by the pituitary5,6 as well as inhibition of oestrogen and progesterone synthesis by ovarian tissue slices7,8. Since other hormones are known to exert their effects through binding to receptor proteins in target organs, we have examined melatonin binding in hamster and rat tissues and human ovaries, and here report evidence for the presence of a specific melatonin receptor in the supernatant fraction of several organs.
Sustained release of dexamethasone from hydrophilic matrices using PLGA nanoparticles for neural drug delivery

The release of the anti-inflammatory agent dexamethasone (DEX) from nanoparticles of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) embedded in alginate hydrogel (HG) matrices was investigated. DEX-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared using a solvent evaporation technique and were characterized for size, drug loading, and in-vitro release. The crosslinking density of the HG was studied and correlated with drug release kinetics. The amount of DEX loaded in the nanoparticles was estimated as approximately 13 wt%. The typical particle size ranged from 400 to 600 nm. The in-vitro release of DEX from NPs entrapped in the HG showed that 90% of the drug was released over 2 weeks. The impedance of the NP-loaded HG coatings on microfabricated neural probes was measured and found to be similar to the unmodified and uncoated probes. The in-vivo impedance of chronically implanted electrodes loaded with DEX was maintained at its initial level, while that of the control electrode increased by 3 times after about 2 weeks after implantation until it stabilized at approximately 3 MOmega. This improvement in performance is presumably due to the reduced amount of glial inflammation in the immediate vicinity of the DEX-modified neural probe.
A convenient synthesis of lacto-N-biose I [β-d-Galp-(1 → 3)-β-d-GlcpNAc] linked oligosaccharides from phenyl O-(tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-galactopyranosyl)-(1 → 3)-4,6-di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-1-thio-β-d-glucopyranoside☆

The synthesis of two tetrasaccharides and one trisaccharide containing lacto-N-biose I (β-d-Galp-(1 → 3)-β-d-GlcpNAc) as their terminal unit was accomplished through development and utilization of a key glycosyl donor, namely, phenyl O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-galactopyranosyl)-(1 → 3)-4,6-di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-1-thio-β-d-glucopyranoside.
Community structure of arboreal caterpillars within and among four tree species of the eastern deciduous forest

. 1. A seasonally replicated experimental design was used to address the question of how differences within and among host tree species affect arboreal caterpillar communities. 2. Seasonal variation influenced caterpillar community composition most significantly, and the similarity among caterpillar assemblages did not necessarily follow the pattern of phylogenetic relatedness among host trees. 3. Species richness and abundance of caterpillars were higher on oaks and maples than on American beech. Diversity partitioning models revealed that β diversity was only occasionally greater or less than expected by chance alone. 4. When β diversity was significant, values tended to be greater than expected by chance among replicate trees within each species and lower than expected by chance among the four tree species. 5. Differences among trees appeared important for determining patterns of species presence/absence for rare species and influencing patterns of species dominance within caterpillar assemblages. Differences among tree species had a significant effect on overall lepidopteran community composition and mean species diversity (i.e. α diversity). 6. Because β diversity of caterpillars among host trees was lower than expected by chance, host specificity within the Lepidoptera may be less prevalent than thought previously.
Towards the origin of the memory effect in oxide glasses

Abstract Glass samples with same composition and properties but different thermal histories can exhibit different behavior upon a subsequent heat-treatment, a phenomenon known as the memory effect. Generally, it is considered that the memory effect is due to nanoscale density fluctuation, which exists in all glasses and causes non-exponential relaxation with more than one relaxation time. Earlier, we studied the memory effect of various silica glasses and found that some pure silica glasses did not exhibit the memory effect while some silica glasses with higher impurity contents exhibited the memory effect. Based upon this finding, we suggested that the phenomenon originated from concentration fluctuation rather than density fluctuation. In this study, the memory effect in 6 mol% K 2 O–94 mol% SiO 2 glass was investigated. The K 2 O–SiO 2 glass system has a metastable immiscibility below the glass transition temperature and the chosen glass composition is the critical composition corresponding to the estimated critical temperature of the immiscibility boundary. Thus, it is expected that this glass composition would exhibit large super-critical concentration fluctuation, which increases with decreasing heat-treatment temperature. Density fluctuation, on the other hand, increases with increasing heat-treatment temperature. A much larger memory effect was observed at the lower heat-treatment temperature for the present glass. This result supports our earlier contention that the origin of the memory effect is composition fluctuation rather than density fluctuation.
Metal-metal oxide systems for nanocomposite formation by reaction milling

Abstract Displacement reactions between a metal oxide and a more reactive metal can be induced by high energy ball milling. The reaction may progress gradually, producing a nanocomposite powder. The mechanical agitation may also initiate combustion in highly exothermic systems, melting the reaction mixture and destroying the ultrafine microstructure. In order to avoid this problem, reaction couples with a smaller driving force have been investigated. The role of intermediate phases in understanding the mechanism of these mechanochemical processes is emphasized. The reduction of Cr 2 O 3 by aluminum or zinc and the reduction of Fe 3 O 4 by zinc are identified as promising candidates for furthern investigations.
Regulation of tumor necrosis factor production by monocyte-macrophages and lymphocytes

TNF, a cytokine originally considered the product of only one cell type, the monocyte-macrophages, is now known to be produced by cells of many different lineages, with mechanisms of stimulation typical for each cell type analyzed. The fact that many different cell types can produce a cytokine such as TNF that has a very large spectrum of biologic functions on almost any target cell type is suprising. The functions of the cell types that produce TNF, e.g. monocyte-macrophages, neutrophils, T and B cells, are profoundly affected by TNF itself. Furthermore, TNF is able to induce its own gene, making these autocrine circuits even more complex. Because TNF has important systemic effects and it has been shown to be in vivo a major and necessary pathogenetic factor in situations such as endotoxin shock, graft-versus-host disease, and hypothermia induced by anti-T cell antibodies, it is clear that its production and its localization should be highly regulated in vivo and that our understanding of the regulation of TNF production based almost exclusively on in vitro observation is still very limited. Further analysis of the fine mechanisms of regulation of TNF production in vivo is required for a better under standing of the role of TNF in physiological and pathological conditions.
cisplatin-Based chemotherapy Options for Recurrent and/or Metastatic squamous cell cancer of the Head and neck

Recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) is a devastating malignancy with a poor prognosis. Treatment is limited to chemotherapeutic approaches. Cisplatin is an established and effective treatment for R/M HNSCC, and many studies have investigated cisplatin treatment in combination with other agents. Even when being treated with first line therapy (cisplatin + 5-fluorouracil + cetuximab), overall survival is only 10 months, indicating the need for novel chemotherapeutics and treatment regimens. Current research is focused on molecular targeting therapies inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor, phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, and vascular endothelial growth factor pathways. A variety of clinical trials have been completed and are currently underway with encouraging results. Finally, future directions of cisplatin-based R/M HNSCC treatment may include targeting specific pathways known to induce cisplatin resistance, such as nucleotide excision repair and inhibition of apoptosis, in hopes to enhance response to cisplatin therapy.
Sources of fast-monoenergetic neutrons: more recent developments

Accelerator based monoenergetic neutron sources are reviewed for neutron energies between 20 keV and 200 MeV. In particular the reactions 3H(p,n)3He, 7Li(p,n)7Be, 11B(p,n)11C, 2H(d,n)3He, 2H(t,n)4He, 3H(d,n)4He, 1H(t,n)3He, 1H(7Li,n)7Be, 1H(11B,n)11C, 1H(13C,n)13N, and 1H(15N,n)15O are considered. Special emphasis is laid on new developments at low and high energies, on sources of kinematically collimated neutrons, and on intense monoenergetic sources.
Elimination of fat and protein prior to the selective staining of bone.

The technic of staining skeletal systems previously described is often unsatisfactory for fetal specimens of Aves, because of the large amount of fat and protein. The writer avoids this by introducing two preliminary steps: (1) The specimen is placed in equal parts of glycerin, 95% alcohol and distilled water, and 10% aqueous pepsin (with a drop of 6N HC1 added) injected into the yoik sac, with 2-3 hours incubation at 40oC. (2) While in 5% aqueous KOH (with a few drops of 2% H2O2), the fat areas are injected with cellosolve; and the specimen is left in this solution until skeletal elements become clearly visible. Staining in alizarin red S then follows.
Role of hydrogen-bonding in the formation of polar achiral and nonpolar chiral vanadium selenite frameworks.

A series of organically templated vanadium selenites have been prepared under mild hydrothermal conditions. Single crystals were grown from mixtures of VOSO4, SeO2, and either 1,4-dimethylpiperazine, 2,5-dimethylpiperazine, or 2-methylpiperazine in H2O. Each compound contains one-dimensional [VO(SeO3)(HSeO3)]nn- secondary building units, which connect to form three-dimensional frameworks in the presence of 2,5-dimethylpiperazine or 2-methylpiperazine. Differences in composition and both intra-secondary building unit and organic–inorganic hydrogen-bonding between compounds dictate the dimensionality of the resulting inorganic structures. [1,4-dimethylpiperazineH2][VO(SeO3)(HSeO3)]2 contains one-dimensional [VO(SeO3)(HSeO3)]nn- chains, while [2,5-dimethylpiperazineH2][VO(SeO3)(HSeO3)]2·2H2O contains a three-dimensional [VO(SeO3)(HSeO3)]nn- framework. The use of racemic 2-methylpiperazine also results in a compound containing a three-dimensional [VO(SeO3)(HSeO3)]nn- framework, crystallizing in the noncentros...