cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the Arctic cisco (Coregonus autumnalis)

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the Arctic cisco, Coregonus autumnalis. Loci were evaluated in 21 samples from the Colville River subsistence fishery. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 18. Observed heterozygosity of loci varied from 0.10 to 1.00, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.09 to 0.92. All eight microsatellite markers were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The loci presented here will be useful in describing population structure and exploring populations of origin for Arctic cisco.
The phosphohydrolase component of the hepatic microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase system is a 36.5-kilodalton polypeptide.

The phosphohydrolase component of the microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase system has been identified as a 36.5-kDa polypeptide by 32P-labeling of the phosphoryl-enzyme intermediate formed during steady-state hydrolysis. A 36.5-kDa polypeptide was labeled when disrupted rat hepatic microsomes were incubated with three different 32P-labeled substrates for the enzyme (glucose-6-P, mannose-6-P, and PPi) and the reaction terminated with trichloroacetic acid. Labeling of the phosphoryl-enzyme intermediate with [32P]glucose-6-P was blocked by several well-characterized competitive inhibitors of glucose-6-phosphatase activity (e.g. Al(F)-4 and Pi) and by thermal inactivation, and labeling was not seen following incubations with 32Pi and [U-14C]glucose-6-P. In agreement with steady-state dictates, the amount of [32P]phosphoryl intermediate was directly and quantitatively proportional to the steady-state glucose-6-phosphatase activity measured under a variety of conditions in both intact and disrupted hepatic microsomes. The labeled 36.5-kDa polypeptide was specifically immunostained by antiserum raised in sheep against the partially purified rat hepatic enzyme, and the antiserum quantitatively immunoprecipitated glucose-6-phosphatase activity from cholate-solubilized rat hepatic microsomes. [32P]Glucose-6-P also labeled a similar-sized polypeptide in hepatic microsomes from sheep, rabbit, guinea pig, and mouse and rat renal microsomes. The glucose-6-phosphatase enzyme appears to be a minor protein of the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum, comprising about 0.1% of the total microsomal membrane proteins. The centrifugation of sodium dodecyl sulfate-solubilized membrane proteins was found to be a crucial step in the resolution of radiolabeled microsomal proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Evolution of the life cycle in land plants

All sexually reproducing eukaryotes have a life cycle consisting of a haploid and a diploid phase, marked by meiosis and syngamy (fertilization). Each phase is adapted to certain environmental conditions. In land plants, the recently reconstructed phylogeny indicates that the life cycle has evolved from a condition with a dominant free-living haploid gametophyte to one with a dominant free-living diploid sporophyte. The latter condition allows plants to produce more genotypic diversity by harnessing the diversity-generating power of meiosis and fertilization, and is selectively favored as more solar energy is fixed and fed into the biosystem on earth and the environment becomes more heterogeneous entropically. Liverworts occupy an important position for understanding the origin of the diploid generation in the life cycle of land plants. Hornworts and lycophytes represent critical extant transitional groups in the change from the gametophyte to the sporophyte as the independent free-living generation. Seed plants, with the most elaborate sporophyte and the most reduced gametophyte (except the megagametophyte in many gymnosperms), have the best developed sexual reproduction system that can be matched only by mammals among eukaryotes: an ancient and stable sex determination mechanism (heterospory) that enhances outcrossing, a highly bimodal and skewed distribution of sperm and egg numbers, a male-driven mutation system, female specialization in mutation selection and nourishment of the offspring, and well developed internal fertilization. The study of evolution of the land plant life cycle requires a multidisciplinary approach that considers morphology, development, genetics, phylogeny, ecology, and evolution in an integrated fashion, and will deepen our understanding of plant evolution.
Differentiation of Self and Psychological Reactance

This study examined the relationship between differentiation of self and psychological reactance. A total of 279 college students completed the Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire, the Therapeutic Reactance Scale, the Questionnaire for the Measurement of Psychological Reactance, and demographic questions. Results showed that three measures of differentiation (i.e., intergenerational individuation, peer intimacy, and peer individuation) significantly predicted psychological reactance. Implications of these results for therapists are provided.
On mitigating the broadcast storm problem with directional antennas

Broadcast has been widely used in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) as a communication means to disseminate information to all reachable nodes. However, the conventional broadcast scheme that broadcast packets omnidirectionally suffers from several drawbacks: excessive amount of redundant traffic, exaggerated interference/contention between neighboring nodes, and limited coverage (as a result of contention/collision). This is termed as the broadcast storm problem in S.Y.Ni et al. [1999]. In this paper, we address this problem in MANETs with the use of directional antennas. We propose three schemes: on/off directional broadcast, relay-node-based directional broadcast and location-based directional broadcast, in the increasing order of implementation complexity. We implement the proposed schemes in qualnet and compare their performances against the conventional broadcast scheme. The simulation results indicate that the proposed schemes outperform the conventional omnidirectional scheme with respect to coverage, latency, and redundancy over a wide spectrum of network topology and node mobility.
Response to Early Reading Intervention Examining Higher and Lower Responders

This study examined the effects of an intensive reading intervention for students demonstrating minimal response to previous, less intensive intervention. Participants received intervention for 13 to 26 weeks in first grade. In second grade, students were screened and those meeting the benchmark (higher responders) did not receive further intervention, whereas those who did not meet benchmark (lower responders) received an additional 26 weeks of a more intensive intervention. Using a regression-discontinuity design, lower and higher responders were compared on several measures of reading. Significant findings for reading comprehension and word reading were demonstrated in favor of the lower responder group. No significant results were shown for reading fluency. Teachers' perspectives of the lower responders' academic competence were significantly lower than those of higher responders.
Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings: Celebrating our Past, Enjoying the Present, Building our Future

This article reviews the history of the Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings. The many special issues of the Journal over the first thirteen years of publication are discussed, highlighting such topics as psychology and primary care, psychology's role in medical settings internationally, diversity issues in medical settings, the impact of relationships on health care, psychology and transplantation, combined psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, public health and psychology, and a series of issues focused upon research, practice, salaries, politics and policies surrounding psychology in medical settings. The 481 published manuscripts are discussed as a reflection of psychology's role in the study and treatment of the most prevalent diseases leading to death and those illnesses most likely to restrict activity and limit quality of life. Several areas of focus for the future of the Journal, and for the field of psychology in medical settings, are presented. The Editor then takes the opportunity to thank those who contributed to the Journal since its inception, including associate editors, advisory board, editorial board members, reviewers, contributors and published authors, readers, publishing editors, and colleagues Tovian and Sweet, co-founders of the Journal. The article concludes with the encouragement that “the future of clinical psychology in medical settings appears bright.”
On the Designing of Planar Optical Lens based on Dielectric Gratings

We present the method of engineering the phase front shape of the reflected or transmitted optical wave from a dielectric grating, so that planar device but work as concave or convex lenses can be designed.
Redox reactions of tonoplast and plasma membranes isolated from soybean hypocotyls by free-flow electrophoresis

Redox reactions were studied in more than 90% pure tonoplast and plasma membranes isolated by free-flow electrophoresis from soybean (Glycine max) hypocotyls. Both types of membrane contained a b-type cytochrome (αmax = 561 nm) and a noncovalently bound flavin, two possible components of a transmembrane electron-transport chain. Isolated tonoplast and plasma membranes reduced ferricyanide, indophenol and various iron complexes with NADH or NADPH as electron donors. The redox activity was inhibited in tonoplast membranes by about 60% by 10 μM p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate, 8% by 500 μM lanthanum nitrate and 10% by 100 μM nitrophenyl acetate. In contrast, the redox activity of isolated plasma membranes was inhibited by about 60% by 500 μM lanthanum nitrate or 100 μM nitrophenyl acetate, but only 25% by 10 μM p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate. The results show that both tonoplast and plasma membranes of soybean contain active electron-transport systems, but that the two systems respond differently to inhibitors.
Radionuclide Methods for Breast Cancer Staging

Staging at initial presentation is one of the important prognostic factors for patients with breast cancer. Depending on the extent of disease spread, staging is divided into locoregional and distant or systemic. Locoregional staging includes axillary and internal mammary lymph node evaluation and distant or systemic staging includes evaluation of sites beyond the lymph node. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is not sensitive to detect small metastasis in axillary lymph node. The current standard of axillary lymph node staging in early-stage breast cancer is therefore sentinel lymph node biopsy. Internal mammary lymph nodes are not commonly included in routine staging. In advanced-stage breast cancer, FDG-PET and PET/computed tomography (CT) are the modalities of choice to evaluate locoregional and distant metastasis. FDG-PET and PET/CT often detect occult metastasis, which is not visible on any other modalities including diagnostic CT scan. Detection of occult metastasis may potentially change in treatment options. This is particularly important in locally advanced breast cancer, which tends to develop early distant metastasis.
Spontaneous rupture of kidney associated with renal papillary necrosis.

Abstract Two cases are presented in which rupture of the kidney was associated with ureteral obstruction from a sloughed papilla secondary to papillary necrosis. In one case papillary necrosis was associated with phenacetin ingestion and a relatively benign course. In the other instance there was a fulminating course in which papillary necrosis was associated with diabetes mellitus. Ureteral obstruction from papillary necrosis requires prompt intervention, the delay of which may lead to renal rupture and extravasation of blood and urine with its inevitable consequences.
Probing the allosteric modulator binding site of GluR2 with thiazide derivatives

Ionotropic glutamate receptors mediate the majority of vertebrate excitatory synaptic transmission and are therapeutic targets for cognitive enhancement and treatment of schizophrenia. The binding domains of these tetrameric receptors consist of two dimers, and the dissociation of the dimer interface of the ligand-binding domain leads to desensitization in the continued presence of agonist. Positive allosteric modulators act by strengthening the dimer interface and reducing the level of desensitization, thereby increasing steady-state activation. Removing the desensitized state for simplified analysis of receptor activation is commonly achieved using cyclothiazide (CTZ), the most potent modulator of the benzothiadiazide class, with the flip form of the AMPA receptor subtype. IDRA-21, the first benzothiadiazide to have an effect in behavioral tests, is an important lead compound in clinical trials for cognitive enhancement as it can cross the blood-brain barrier. Intermediate structures between CTZ and IDRA-21 show reduced potency, suggesting that these two compounds have different contact points associated with binding. To understand how benzothiadiazides bind to the pocket bridging the dimer interface, we generated a series of crystal structures of the GluR2 ligand-binding domain complexed with benzothiadiazide derivatives (IDRA-21, hydroflumethiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorothiazide, trichlormethiazide, and althiazide) for comparison with an existing structure for cyclothiazide. The structures detail how changes in the substituents at the 3- and 7-positions of the hydrobenzothiadiazide ring shift the orientation of the drug in the binding site and, in some cases, change the stoichiometry of binding. All derivatives maintain a hydrogen bond with the Ser754 hydroxyl, affirming the partial selectivity of the benzothiadiazides for the flip form of AMPA receptors.
Parasitism in the bathypelagic fish, Melanostigma pammelas

Abstract Three hundred and thirty-seven specimens of the zoarcid fish, Melanostigma pammelas, collected between December, 1950 and December, 1969 from bathypelagic waters off southern California, were examined for their parasites. Incidences of infection were: digentic Trematoda 61%, Myxosporida 39%, larval Nematoda 9%. Two adult trematodes are described: Fellodistomum melanostigmum nov. sp. from the intestine, and Aponurus pacificus nov. sp. from the stomach. This parasite record is markedly unlike the typical record reported for eastern Pacific mesopelagic fishes in which many larval nematodes and few, if any, adult trematodes were found. Our long-term objective is to explain parasite pattern differences in the deep ocean in terms of their biological and physical environments. Our initial purpose is to determine the numbers and kinds of parasites in M. pammelas.
Avian response to landscape pattern: The role of species' life histories

We suggest that the life histories of species within communities may differ among geographic locations and that communities from distinct biomes may respond uniquely to a given trajectory of landscape change. This paper presents initial tests relevant to these hypotheses. First, the representation of various life-history guilds in avifaunas from the Eastern Deciduous (EDF) and Pacific Northwest (PNW) forests were compared. Three guilds contained more species in the EDF community (large patch and/or habitat interior guild, small patch and/or edge guild, and fragmentation-sensitive guild). The guild of predators requiring large forest tracts was better represented in the PNW. Next, the relative sensitivity of each community to habitat change was ranked based on the life-history traits of their species. The EDF avifauna had a significantly higher index of sensitivity to both forest fragmentation and to landscape change in general. Among the birds with high scores for sensitivity to landscape change were several species that have received little conservation attention thus far including some associated with open-canopy habitats. Lastly, the validity of using life histories to predict community response to landscape change was supported by the fact that the sensitivity scores for PNW species correlated significantly with independent data on species population trends. While more rigorous analyses are suggested, we conclude that knowledge of life histories is useful for predicting community response to landscape change and that conservation strategies should be uniquely tailored to local communities.
Sensor design and interaction techniques for gestural input to smart glasses and mobile devices

Touchscreen interfaces for small display devices have several limitations: the act of touching the screen occludes the display, interface elements like keyboards consume precious display real estate, and even simple tasks like document navigation - which the user performs effortlessly using a mouse and keyboard - require repeated actions like pinch-and-zoom with touch input. More recently, smart glasses with limited or no touch input are starting to emerge commercially. However, the primary input to these systems has been voice.In this paper, we explore the space around the device as a means of touchless gestural input to devices with small or no displays. Capturing gestural input in the surrounding volume requires sensing the human hand. To achieve gestural input we have built Mime [3] -- a compact, low-power 3D sensor for short-range gestural control of small display devices. Our sensor is based on a novel signal processing pipeline and is built using standard off-the-shelf components. Using Mime we demonstrated a variety of application scenarios including 3D spatial input using close-range gestures, gaming, on-the-move interaction, and operation in cluttered environments and in broad daylight conditions. In my thesis, I will continue to extend sensor capabilities to support new interaction styles.
Genetic instability in Drosophila melanogaster: Transpositions of the white gene and their role in the phenotypic expression of the zeste gene*

Seven independent transpositions of the w+ gene have been recovered as derivatives of two separate direct tandem duplications of the white locus. The transpositions map to discrete sites on both major autosomes. Five transpositions were employed to study the role of w+ gene dos-age on zeste (z) gene expression. Each transposition generates a unique zeste phenotype; one transposition is not predictive for another. A functional allele of zeste, z77h, responds to w+ gene dosage contrary to the z response.
Adjuvant Trastuzumab With Chemotherapy Is Effective in Women With Small, Node- Negative, HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND: Several large, randomized trials established the benefits of adjuvant trastuzumab with chemotherapy. However, the benefit for women with small, node-negative HER2-positive (HER2+) disease is unknown, as these patients were largely excluded from these trials. Therefore, a retrospective, single-institution, sequential cohort study of women with small, node-negative, HER2+ breast cancer who did or did not receive adjuvant trastuzumab was conducted. METHODS: Women with ≤2 cm, node-negative, HER2+ (immunohistochemistry 3+ or fluorescence in situ hybridization ≥2) breast cancer were identified through an institutional database. A “no-trastuzumab” cohort of 106 trastuzumab-untreated women diagnosed between January 1, 2002 and May 14, 2004 and a “trastuzumab” cohort of 155 trastuzumab-treated women diagnosed between May 16, 2005 and December 31, 2008 were described. Survival and recurrence outcomes were estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods. RESULTS: The cohorts were similar in age, median tumor size, histology, hormone receptor status, hormone therapy, and locoregional therapy. Chemotherapy was administered in 66% and 100% of the “no trastuzumab” and “trastuzumab” cohorts, respectively. The median recurrence-free and survival follow-up was: 6.5 years (0.7-8.5) and 6.8 years (0.7-8.5), respectively, for the “no trastuzumab” cohort and 3.0 years (0.5-5.2) and 3.0 years (0.6-5.2), respectively, for the “trastuzumab” cohort. The 3-year locoregional invasive recurrence-free, distant recurrence-free, invasive disease-free, and overall survival were 92% versus 98% (P = .0137), 95% versus 100% (P = .0072), 82% versus 97% (P < .0001), and 97% versus 99% (P = .18) for the “no trastuzumab” and “trastuzumab” cohorts, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Women with small, node-negative, HER2+ primary breast cancers likely derive significant benefit from adjuvant trastuzumab with chemotherapy. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
The TSC1-TSC2 complex: a molecular switchboard controlling cell growth.

TSC1 and TSC2 are the tumour-suppressor genes mutated in the tumour syndrome TSC (tuberous sclerosis complex). Their gene products form a complex that has become the focus of many signal transduction researchers. The TSC1–TSC2 (hamartin–tuberin) complex, through its GAP (GTPaseactivating protein) activity towards the small G-protein Rheb (Ras homologue enriched in brain), is a critical negative regulator of mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1). As mTORC1 activity controls anabolic processes to promote cell growth, it is exquisitely sensitive to alterations in cell growth conditions. Through numerous phosphorylation events, the TSC1–TSC2 complex has emerged as the sensor and integrator of these growth conditions, relaying signals from diverse cellular pathways to properly modulate mTORC1 activity. In the present review we focus on the molecular details of TSC1–TSC2 complex regulation and function as it relates to the control of Rheb and mTORCl.
Surfactant Aggregation at a Hydrophobic Surface

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been carried out to investigate the morphology of monolayers of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (C16TAB) at the interface between a hydrophobic substrate and an aqueous solution. The simulation system consisted of two flat hydrophobic surfaces separated by a distance of 70 A along z (direction normal to the interface). Initially, one surface was covered with a uniform monolayer of 94 erect surfactant molecules, with surface area of 45 A2/molecule. The other surface was covered with two hemicylindrical aggregates, each containing 64 surfactant molecules. A 1 ns trajectory was then generated at constant volume and temperature (T = 300 K). The hemicylinder aggregates relaxed to a semielliptical rather than semicircular cross section but were observed to be otherwise stable during the simulation run. The monolayer arrangement was, however, unstable and evolved into hemicylindrical type aggregates. The present simulation provides support for the i...
Laboratory measurement of SO2 deposition velocities on selected building materials and soils

Abstract Measurements of SO 2 deposition velocities have been carried out in the laboratory utilizing a cylindrical flow reactor. Analysis of data from these experiments was carried out using models that specifically account for diffusive transport in the system. Consequently, the resulting deposition velocities were independent of diffusion processes and represent the maximum removal rates that would be encountered in the environment under turbulent atmospheric conditions. The measured values range from 0.04 cm s −1 for asphalt to 2.5 cm s −1 for cement, and were found to be independent of SO 2 and oxygen concentrations, as well as relative humidity and total pressure. Prolonged exposure to SO 2 eventually destroyed the ability of the various solids to remove this species. Overall capacities were found to increase significantly at moderate relative humidities yielding values of 0.4–2.8 g SO 2 m −2 of solid in moist systems. Several experiments indicated that the reactivity of a solid subjected to prolonged SO 2 exposures could be restored by washing the surface with distilled water or exposing the spent solid to ammonia. Some implications of these findings with regard to the environment are discussed.
Origins of the Federal Judiciary: Essays on the Judiciary Act of 1789

Any discussion of the factors contributing to the longevity of the US Constitution must devote great attention to the development of the federal judiciary. Yet surprisingly, little has been written about the origins of the Judiciary Act of 1789, the legislation that established the federal court system. This volume analyses the Judiciary Act from political, economic and legal perspectives, bringing together the insights of leading scholars from a number of different fields.
NGOs: A ‘New Class’ in International Relations

Abstract Nongovernmental organizations have attempted to take control of civil society, displacing traditional governing institutions. This serves the interests of the terrorists, warlords, and mafia dons, who benefit from weak central government, and hinders the West's ability to mobilize allies to participate in the war on terror. NGO leaders who are hostile to the nation-state itself seek to transform a voluntary system of participation in international organizations by sovereign member-states via a “power shift” to an unholy alliance of multinational corporations and NGOs. Since they do not possess the traditional sources of legitimacy enjoyed by nation-states, they seek to impose their will by financial or forceful means—for example, “sanctions” or “humanitarian intervention.” A new class of NGOs has thus emerged that is essentially opposed to the diplomatic, legal, and military measures required for dealing with civilizational conflict.
The gap survival probability and diffractive dissociation

Abstract We study the survival probability for rapidity gaps in a model which includes diffractive dissociation. A Good-Walker model implementation of the minijet model, which consistently includes inelastic diffraction, predicts a much larger survival probability than previous calculations.
How many interracial marriages would there be if all groups were of equal size in all places? A new look at national estimates of interracial marriage

Abstract Popular and scholarly efforts to understand the role of race in American society have long focused on interracial marriage. The most sophisticated of these inquiries adjust observed intermarriage rates for individuals’ opportunities to meet a potential spouse from a given racial group. In this paper we argue that most of these national estimates of homogamy–heterogamy odds ratios fail to account for variation in racial composition across marriage markets. As a result, geographic constraints on interracial marriage are misinterpreted as evidence of social distance between groups. Using data from the 1990 census, we find that national estimates of race effects on partnering decline by between 19 and 53 percent once we control for the racial composition of local marriage markets, as opposed to the racial composition of the US. We discuss the implications of our findings for estimates of the social distance between racial groups, as well as for studies of other forms of intermarriage.
Effects of nitroprusside and redox reagents on NMDA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

We have examined the effects of oxidizing and reducing agents and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on currents evoked by NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) using the Xenopus oocyte expression system. Oocytes were injected with RNA prepared from either whole rat brain or from the NMDAR1 clone recently isolated from rat brain. Bath application of 1-1000 microM SNP, which releases nitric oxide and ferrocyanide, caused a rapid inhibition of NMDA-evoked current in both preparations. The inhibitory effect reversed spontaneously within 15 min. Kainate responses were not affected by SNP. Exposure to the reducing agent, dithiothreitol (DTT), enhanced NMDA currents; the oxidant, 5,5-dithio-bis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB), inhibited NMDA responses, as has been observed in other preparations. The site of action of SNP appeared to be different than the DTT/DTNB redox site for several reasons: SNP and DTNB inhibitions were additive at high doses, DTT did not rapidly reverse SNP effects, and SNP and DTT treatments did not show the same susceptibility to block by the NMDA antagonist, aminophosphonovaleric acid (APV). The results demonstrate that modulation of NMDA receptors by SNP is a property of homomeric channels and is retained when the NMDAR1 subunit is expressed in oocytes.
Workshop — Engineering of Everyday Things — Guided inquiry labs

The “Engineering of Everyday Things” is an NSF funded project with the goal of developing a suite of lab exercises for the fluid and thermal sciences. The exercises use common devices such as a hair dryer and a blender. Common devices are used for two reasons. Since they are already familiar to the students, the purpose and operation of the devices are already apparent, saving time and allowing the students to focus on the principles rather than the equipment. The second reason is that the equipment is inexpensive. All of the exercises use a guided inquiry pedagogy in which key questions are posed to the students who then conduct experiments to try to find the answers. This workshop introduces the participants to the full suite of exercises. After receiving some basic background on qualitative reasoning, and some “warm-up” exercises the participants will have the opportunity to conduct two abbreviated exercises. This will be followed by a general discussion of their experience with them, the pedagogy in general and suggestions for improvements or additions to the suite.
Reduction of the 2-D Heat Equation for Straight Fins of Uniform Profile Into a Quasi 1-D Equation

Owing to the combined action of transverse convection and longitudinal conduction, the temperature in fins varies longitudinally since the transversal temperature change is practically insignificant. Textbooks on heat transfer widely employ the quasi one-dimensional approximation for the analysis of straight fins of uniform profile [1-6]. Unfortunately, justification of this simplistic approach has been based on the prevalent criterion of fins owing large slenderness ratios, i.e., large length and small thickness. This route is a mere geometric consideration that obviates the heat path implications that are inherent to fins. Beginning with the formulation with the 2-D heat conduction equation, the primary aim of this paper is to develop a systematic mathematical procedure for the validity of the quasi 1-D approximation in terms of two parameters: (1) the transverse Biot number and (2) the slenderness ratio.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Complete basis set extrapolated potential energy, dipole, and polarizability surfaces of alkali halide ion-neutral weakly avoided crossings with and without applied electric fields

Complete basis set extrapolations of alkali halide (LiF, LiCl, NaF, NaCl) energy, dipole, and polarizability surfaces are performed with and without applied fields along the internuclear axis using state-averaged multireference configuration interaction. Comparison between properties (equilibrium separation, dissociation energy, crossing distance, diabatic coupling constant, dipole, and polarizability) derived from the extrapolated potential energy (or dipole) surfaces are made with those obtained from direct extrapolation from the basis set trends. The two extrapolation procedures are generally found to agree well for these systems. Crossing distances from this work are compared to those of previous work and values obtained from the Rittner potential. Complete basis set extrapolated crossing distances agree well with those derived from the Rittner potential for LiF, but were significantly larger for LiCl, NaF, and NaCl. The results presented here serve as an important set of benchmark data for the development of new-generation many-body force fields that are able to model charge transfer.
Perceived neighborhood fear and drug use among young adults

Objectives: To examine the association between perceptions of neighborhood safety and drug use, as well as mediation by depression and self-esteem. Methods: The sample included 210 inner-city young adults (18 to 25 years) recruited from the Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Results: Respondents who indicated greater fear of their neighborhood environment also had significantly greater levels of drug use than did those with lower perceived fear. However, this relationship was not a result of lower self-esteem or higher levels of depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Exploratory results point to the need to consider the broader role of the community environment and its impact on drug use among young adults. Language: en
Random flights in Euclidean space. I. General analysis and results for flights with prescribed hit expectance density about the origin

We consider the problem of random flights in Euclidean space defined by a series of displacements, ri, the magnitude and direction of each being independent of all the preceding ones. The displacements are not restricted to prescribed lattice sites. We begin with some new results generalizing a well-known latticewalk relation between the probability of return to the origin and the expected number of times the origin is visited in the course of a random walk. We go on to consider flights for which the hit expectancy is prescribed within a hypersphere of radiusR centered at the flight origin. For uniform hit expectance density (i.e., hit expectancy proportional to volume size) within the sphere, we solve the problem in three and five dimensions for a certain class of displacement probability densities that are prescribed only for displacement distancesr greater thanR. For each such displacement probability τ(r), we find both the value of the hit expectance density and the form of the displacement probability density forr<R that are dictated by the constraint of uniform hit expectance density within the sphere of radiusR. In an appendix, we show the way the common appearance of integral equations of Ornstein-Zernike type in problems of random flight, liquid and lattice-gas structure, and percolation theory yield certain corresponding results in all three areas.
In situ detection of hydrogen-induced phase transitions in individual palladium nanocrystals

Many energy- and information-storage processes rely on phase changes of nanomaterials in reactive environments. Compared to their bulk counterparts, nanostructured materials seem to exhibit faster charging and discharging kinetics, extended life cycles, and size-tunable thermodynamics. However, in ensemble studies of these materials, it is often difficult to discriminate between intrinsic size-dependent properties and effects due to sample size and shape dispersity. Here, we detect the phase transitions of individual palladium nanocrystals during hydrogen absorption and desorption, using in situ electron energy-loss spectroscopy in an environmental transmission electron microscope. In contrast to ensemble measurements, we find that palladium nanocrystals undergo sharp transitions between the α and β phases, and that surface effects dictate the size dependence of the hydrogen absorption pressures. Our results provide a general framework for monitoring phase transitions in individual nanocrystals in a reactive environment and highlight the importance of single-particle approaches for the characterization of nanostructured materials.
Estrogen synthesis and signaling pathways during aging: from periphery to brain

Estrogens are the primary female sex hormones and play important roles in both reproductive and non-reproductive systems. Estrogens can be synthesized in non-reproductive tissues such as liver, heart, muscle, bone and brain, and tissue-specific estrogen synthesis is consistent with a diversity of estrogen actions. In this article we review tissue and cell-specific estrogen synthesis and estrogen receptor signaling in three parts: (i) synthesis and metabolism, (ii) the distribution of estrogen receptors and signaling, and (iii) estrogen functions and related disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson disease (PD). This comprehensive review provides new insights into estrogens by giving a better understanding of the tissue-specific estrogen effects and their roles in various diseases.
Unsupervised Speech Activity Detection Using Voicing Measures and Perceptual Spectral Flux

Effective speech activity detection (SAD) is a necessary first step for robust speech applications. In this letter, we propose a robust and unsupervised SAD solution that leverages four different speech voicing measures combined with a perceptual spectral flux feature, for audio-based surveillance and monitoring applications. Effectiveness of the proposed technique is evaluated and compared against several commonly adopted unsupervised SAD methods under simulated and actual harsh acoustic conditions with varying distortion levels. Experimental results indicate that the proposed SAD scheme is highly effective and provides superior and consistent performance across various noise types and distortion levels.
Ischiorectal abscess a consideration of the origin and the treatment

Abstract A review of 100 cases of ischiorectal and pararectal abscess showed that 44 already had fistular formation upon entering the clinic and 23 had had one or more incomplete operations. The origin and pathology of pararectal inflammatory disease is traced from the relatively simple acute cryptitis to the complex picture of ischiorectal abscess and fistula. Three factors appear to complicate the picture; (1) delay on the part of the patient; (2) delay on the part of the doctor and (3) incomplete therapy. The principal sources of infection of the ischiorectal space other than that outlined, are tuberculosis, pilonidal cyst with abscess, perforated rectal diverticulitis, trauma and malignancy. The entire excision of the fistular tract with widely open drainage is advocated as the desired form of treatment. Bacteriophage therapy as an adjunct to surgery is suggested.
Assessing environmental impacts of treated wastewater through monitoring of fecal indicator bacteria and salinity in irrigated soils

To assess the potential for treated wastewater irrigation to impact levels of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and salinity in irrigated soils, levels of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and environmental covariates were measured in a treated wastewater holding pond (irrigation source water), water leaving the irrigation system, and in irrigated soils over 2 years in a municipal parkland in Arizona. Higher E. coli levels were measured in the pond in winter (56 CFU 100 mL−1) than in summer (17 CFU 100 mL−1); however, in the irrigation system, levels of FIB decreased from summer (26 CFU 100 mL−1) to winter (4 CFU 100 mL−1), possibly related to low winter water use and corresponding death of residual bacteria within the system. For over 2 years, no increase in FIB was found in irrigated soils, though highest E. coli levels (700 CFU g−1 soil) were measured in deeper (20–25 cm) soils during summer. Measurements of water inputs vs. potential evapotranspiration indicate that irrigation levels may have been sufficient to generate bacterial percolation to deeper soil layers during summer. No overall increase in soil salinity resulting from treated wastewater irrigation was detected, but distinct seasonal peaks as high as 4 ds m−1 occurred during both summers. The peaks significantly declined in winter when surface ET abated and more favorable water balances could be maintained. Monitoring of seasonal shifts in irrigation water quality and/or factors correlated with increases and decreases in FIB will aid in identification of any public health or environmental risks that could arise from the use of treated wastewater for irrigation.
Local symbols and place identity: Tucson and Albuquerque

Abstract Urban landscapes abound with symbols of place identity. The names, signs, and logos of commercial and noncommercial establishments provide a lode for systematic analysis. Analysis of Tucson, Arizona, gives ten categories reflecting key physiographic, socioeconomic, historic, and cultural place attributes such as Spanish-Mexican, desert, mountain, sun, and cowboy-western. Having examined names in the present, the study next looks at names for the past century using old telephone and commercial directories. Finally it examines Albuquerque, New Mexico, using the same method.
Characterization of a CHO variant in respect to alkylating agent-induced biological effects and DNA repair.

Abstract From the Chinese hamster ovary line CHO-9 a resistant variant, Cl 3, was isolated after treatment with N -methyl- N ′-nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Cl 3 cells were much more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of MNNG ( D 10 of 1.8 μg/ml MNNG as compared to 0.23 μg/ml for parental line) and other methylating N -nitroso compounds, but they had the same sensitivity to various other alkylating agents. MNNG was equally effective in sensitive parent line and resistant variant in inducing sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and mutations to 6-thioguanine resistance. The increased resistance of Cl 3 was not due to reduced cellular uptake of MNNG, to a more efficient repair of methylated purine bases, or to differences in MNNG-induced inhibition of DNA synthesis. It is concluded that the resistant variant has some unknown tolerance mechanism which alters the cytotoxic, but not the SCE- and mutation-inducing effects of methylating n -nitroso compounds.
Indeterminate results of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay in nonimmunosuppressed children.

Background and Aims QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-IT) assay is a highly sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection. Data on the use of QFT-IT assay in children are scarce and contradictory. The aim of the study was to assess the rate of indeterminate test results and to identify factors contributing to indeterminate results on routine use of QFT-IT assay in nonimmunosuppressed children. Methods This retrospective study included 2173 children with ages ranging from 1 month to 18 years. Determination of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in peripheral blood was performed by commercial QFT-IT assay. Results Indeterminate test results were recorded in ten (0.46%) subjects with ages ranging from 15 months to 15 years. The value of negative control was >8.0 kIU/L in one subject, whereas in the remaining nine subjects indeterminate results were consequential to positive control ( Conclusions Study results showed the rate of indeterminate QFT-IT results in nonimmunosuppressed children of all age groups to be very low. QFT-IT should preferably be performed upon resolution of acute inflammation in order to avoid repeat testing of indeterminate results in a new blood sample and to reduce the cost of testing.
Solubility in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: Importance of the Poynting Correction and Entrainer Effects

Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo simulations were used to investigate the effect of pressure and of entrainers on the solubility of low-volatility species in CO2. Two entrainers were examined, n-octane and methanol, as well as two solutes, hexamethylbenzene and benzoic acid. For the three pressures studied (12, 20, and 28 MPa), the simulations demonstrate that the increase in the solubility with increasing pressure is mostly due to an increase in the solute’s chemical potential (as expressed by the Poynting correction) and not due to an increase in the solvent strength of supercritical CO2. The presence of an entrainer enhances solubility, particularly when the solute and entrainer can form hydrogen bonds. The solubility of benzoic acid is enhanced by an order of magnitude upon addition of methanol entrainer, whereas the enhancements are less than 2 for the other systems.
Batch to flow deoxygenation using visible light photoredox catalysis

Herein we report a one-pot deoxygenation protocol for primary and secondary alcohols developed via the combination of the Garegg–Samuelsson reaction, visible light-photoredox catalysis, and flow chemistry. This procedure is characterized by mild reaction conditions, easy-to-handle reactants and reagents, excellent functional group tolerance, and good yields.
Higher order corrections to the quadratic Ising lattice susceptibility at criticality

Abstract The first three terms in the expansion for the zero-field susceptibility of the quadratic Ising lattice at criticality are known exactly. We have computed the next four terms in this expansion by analyzing Nickel's high temperature series with second-order homogeneous differential approximant and Pade techniques. It is established that these four terms vary as |t| 1 4 , t ln |t|, t, and |t| 5 4 , with t=1−Tc/T, and their respective coefficients are obtained to better than 1% accuracy. The results are in accord with the predictions of the renormalization group when irrelevant variables are neglected. It is concluded that if confluent singularities due to irrelevant variables are present in the Ising susceptibility, the associated exponent must exceed 2.
3-(2,6-Dimethyl­anilino)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-1-ium perchlorate

The structure of the organic cation in the title compound, C(15)H(16)N(3) (+)·ClO(4) (-), contains two essentially planar rings. Mean planes fitted through all non-H atoms of each ring system have an r.m.s. deviation of 0.019 A for the imidazole-based ring and 0.016 A for the 2,6-dimethyl-phenyl ring. The angle between the two planes is 86.76 (2)°. In the crystal structure, N-H⋯O inter-actions form a one-dimensional chain, which propagates in the b-axis direction. C-H⋯O inter-actions are also found in the crystal packing.
Functionally Graded Thermoelectric Materials with Arbitrary Property Gradations: A One-Dimensional Semianalytical Study

This paper presents a semianalytical model to obtain the temperature distribution and energy conversion efficiency for functionally graded thermoelectric materials (FGTEMs) with arbitrary property gradients along the direction of the thermoelectric (TE) device leg. A multilayered material model is employed in which the FGTEM is divided into many layers throughout the length of the TE element where each layer is treated as a homogeneous material with constant Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, and thermal conductivity. An approximate, closed-form temperature solution is obtained by solving the heat conduction equation in each homogeneous layer with the conditions of temperature and heat flux continuity across the interfaces between the homogeneous layers. The energy conversion efficiency is subsequently obtained using the approximate temperature solution. Numerical simulations are focused on the effects of the property gradation profile on the efficiency of FGTEMs with sigmoid property gradients. It is found that the peak efficiency may be increased significantly by using appropriately designed property gradients. The present model provides a convenient analytical tool for optimal design of FGTEMs with improved efficiency.
Phenomenology of the “explosive” crystallization of sputtered non-crystalline germanium films

Certain non-crystalline germanium films (> 10 μm in thickness) prepared by rf-sputtering crystallize “explosively” at room temperature when initiated by pricking the surface with a sharp point (or certain other methods). The propagation velocity of the crystallization at room temperature was found to be as fast a 1200 mm sec−1 depending somewhat on the conditions of film preparation, thickness, etc. The density of several such crystallizable films was determined as 5.05 g cm−3±1%. The crystallite size in the crystallized films, measured by X-ray broadening, was typically larger than 500 A. A model for the crystallization process invokes a cascade energy transfer process, basically thermal in nature.
The Remote Audit

ABSTRACT: Audit practitioners have been progressively adopting communications and analytic technology to extend the scope, change the timing, and reduce the costs of audit processes. These efforts ...