cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of neptunium(V) sorption and desorption on goethite: An experimental and modeling study

Abstract Various sorption phenomena, such as aging, hysteresis and irreversible sorption, can cause differences between contaminant (ad)sorption and desorption behavior and lead to apparent sorption ‘asymmetry’. We evaluate the relevance of these characteristics for neptunium(V) (Np(V)) sorption/desorption on goethite using a 34-day flow-cell experiment and kinetic modeling. Based on experimental results, the Np(V) desorption rate is much slower than the (ad)sorption rate, and appears to decrease over the course of the experiment. The best model fit with a minimum number of fitting parameters was achieved with a multi-reaction model including (1) an equilibrium Freundlich site (site 1), (2) a kinetically-controlled, consecutive, first-order site (site 2), and (3) a parameter ψ 2 , de , which characterizes the desorption rate on site 2 based on a concept related to transition state theory (TST). This approach allows us to link differences in adsorption and desorption kinetics to changes in overall reaction pathways, without assuming different adsorption and desorption affinities (hysteresis) or irreversible sorption behavior a priori. Using modeling as a heuristic tool, we determined that aging processes are relevant. However, hysteresis and irreversible sorption behavior can be neglected within the time-frame (desorption over 32 days) and chemical solution conditions evaluated in the flow-cell experiment. In this system, desorption reactions are very slow, but they are not irreversible. Hence, our data do not justify an assumption of irreversible Np(V) sorption to goethite in transport models, which effectively limits the relevance of colloid-facilitated Np(V) transport to near-field environments. However, slow Np(V) desorption behavior may also lead to a continuous contaminant source term when metals are sorbed to bulk mineral phases. Additional long-term experiments are recommended to definitely rule out irreversible Np(V) sorption behavior at very low surface loadings and environmentally-relevant time-scales.
"Non-parallel transport" of enzyme protein by the pancreas.

Pancreozymin differentially enhances the secretion of trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen by an in vitro pancreas. This may suggest selective secretion of these enzymes.
Ex-ante economic analysis of alternative mulch-based management systems for sustainable plantain production in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract Due to rapid loss of soil fertility in traditional cropping systems and subsequent yield decline, plantain fields in Southeastern Nigeria are usually reverted to fallow after three years. This study investigates the potential of mulch-based systems for long term plantain production: alley cropping with Dactyladenia barteri and natural bush, and a cut-and-carry technique with Pennisetum purpureum. Model results simulate yields decline observed under traditional cropping systems due to a decrease in soil fertility. The adoption of mulch-based technologies is conditioned by capital availability. However, when adequate capital is available, mulch-based systems are quite profitable. Under baseline conditions, the alley cropping system with natural bush outperforms the other two improved technologies with a 154% and 72% increase in net returns over continuous and shifting traditional systems, respectively. The traditional system had the worst performance without fertilizer use. A sensitivity analysis shows that the increase in net return due to fertilizer in the alley cropping and traditional systems is at least 25%. This analysis indicates that credit programs that reach small farmers and land reform that gives them secure title are essential to widespread adoption of mulch-based plantain systems.
Photochemical reactivity of sulfamethoxazole and other sulfa compounds with photodiode array detection

Abstract The photochemical activities of six sulfa compounds [sulfacetamide (CET), sulfadiazine (DIA), sulfaguanidine (GUA), sulfamerazine (MER), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and sulfamethizole (MET)] under different experimental conditions such as photolysis time, solvent and buffer pH are investigated by photodiode array (PDA) spectrophotometry. With no photolysis, the sulfa drugs CET and DIA show no absorbance at 332 nm and the other compounds only modest absorbance. Upon photolysis for 4 min, absorbance enhancements at 332 nm of three to four times for GUA and MET and 12–15 times for SMX and MER are observed. For CET and DIA after photolysis, the (absorbance) l/mg is now approximately 0.01–0.02 units. Although two pH optima of approximately 3–4 and 7 are noted, the optimum solvent for photolysis is ethanol without pH adjustment. For flow injection (FI) with on-line photolysis and PDA detection, a mobile phase of 100% ethanol with a step flow rate from 0.1 to 1 ml/min is used providing a 4-min reaction time. The FI detection limit for SMX with photolysis at 330 nm is 1 mg/l. The relative standard deviation data ( n =4) of seven individual points in a calibration curve from 5 to 150 mg/l are 0–4%. The recovery of SMX from pharmaceutical tablets is 99.7% indicating no interference from trimethoprim which is not photochemically active.
Enhanced Self-frequency Shift of Cavity Soliton in Mode-locked Octave-spanning Frequency Comb Generation

We show a significant self-frequency shift of ultrafast cavity solitons associated with Kerr frequency combs in a dispersion-flattened nonlinear cavity. Dispersion induces a frequency shift up to 20% of the pump frequency.
Energy policy: The nuclear landscape

The accident at Fukushima has convinced many nations to phase out nuclear power. Economics will be the deciding force, says Peter Bradford.
Transcription factors and the control of inner ear development.

Abstract The development of the cells and tissues of the inner ear is controlled in part by the sequential expression of transcription factors, and recent studies have begun to define the roles played by such factors in morphogenesis of the labyrinth. A number of transcription factors have been shown to be expressed during inner ear development. Moreover, several genetic disorders of inner ear development in human and mouse have recently been identified as being caused by mutations of genes controlling transcription factors. In addition, the targeted mutation of several transcription factor genes influence the development of specific inner ear cell types, and suggest a critical role for these factors in controlling inner ear cell lineages. In particular, the POU-domain transcription factors are widely expressed in the developing ear. Gene deletion studies suggest that the Class IV POU-domain transcription factor Brn-3·1 is required for the development of auditory and vestibular hair cells, while Brn-3·0 is necessary for appropriate migration and numbers of spiral ganglion neurons.
Human capital, social integration, and tournaments: A test of graduate student success models

A tournament model emphasizes variation in graduate department resources and environments and is compared to human capital models of graduate student success. Success is defined as participation of sociology students in professional activities and commitment to various professional aspirations. Data from a random survey of 25 sociology graduate programs provided student achievement indicators and department resource factors that are regressed on student success rates. Both the department resource factors and student background variables show substantial effects on success, and human capital factors are moderated by the opportunity structure of the graduate program itself. Women students have lower academic aspirations and racial/ethnic minority students participate in professional activities at lower rates, when student achievement factors are controlled. Academic and private-sector career goals and department resource effects on graduate student involvement are discussed.
In situ studies of the role of excess Ga on the growth morphology of thin GaN layers

Abstract Homoepitaxial GaN growth and heteroepitaxial growth of GaN on 6H-SiC(0 0 0 1) is studied in situ by low energy electron microscopy and low energy electron diffraction with the goal to elucidate the dominant influence of excess Ga on the growth morphology on substrates with different surface preparation. High-resolution cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy is used to determine the shape and internal structure of the GaN crystals. The results clearly show that (0 0 0 1)-face-terminated growth can be obtained only with Ga-rich conditions and that it is possible with significant excess Ga to reverse the microfaceting appearing in the very early stages of growth. (0 0 0 1)-face-terminated growth is discussed in terms of quasi-liquid phase epitaxy from an adsorbed Ga layer.
Solid state transformer in the future smart electrical system

The concept of the solid state transformer has been investigated extensively in the past decade with the emphasis mainly focused on the circuit topology investigation. With the technology being more and more mature and acceptable, the application issue of solid state transformer in the future smart electrical system needs to be investigated. This paper characterizes and summarizes the main features of the solid state transformer, and correspondingly presents possible application areas of solid state transformer in the future smart electrical system. The future distribution system architecture is proposed and a new wind energy system is presented based on the multifunctional utilization of SST. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the proposal.
Use of tree cavities by fox squirrels and raccoons in Indiana

We investigated interspecific relationships between fox squirrels ( Sciurus niger ) and raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) through a comparison of use of dens in winter at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in southcentral Indiana, January–March 1984–1985. Fox squirrels selected dens with smaller entrances and volumes; dens of squirrels were located greater distances from water than cavities used by raccoons and unused cavities. Dens occupied by fox squirrels had smaller entrances and shorter distances to forest openings than cavities previously used by fox squirrels, but unoccupied when examined. Den sites of raccoons did not appear to be a limiting resource in winter because of a large number of unused cavities. Raccoons were not important competitors for cavities used by fox squirrels, but squirrels selected maternal or rest sites that could restrict vulnerability to predation by raccoons by limiting access to cavities. Selection of den sites relative to thermoregulatory costs also could influence choice of dens by fox squirrels.
Phase diagram of the Bose-Hubbard model on a ring-shaped lattice with tunable weak links

Motivated by recent experiments on toroidal Bose-Einstein condensates in all-optical traps with tunable weak links, we study the one-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model on a ring-shaped lattice with a small region of weak hopping integrals using quantum Monte Carlo simulations. Besides the usual Mott insulating and superfluid phases, we find a phase which is compressible but nonsuperfluid with a local Mott region. This ``local Mott'' phase extends in a large region of the phase diagram. These results suggest that the insulating and conducting phases can be tuned by a local parameter, which may provide additional insight into the design of atomtronic devices.
Thoracic insufficiency syndrome in patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

Patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) develop thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS), which can lead to life-threatening complications. Features contributing to TIS in patients with FOP include costovertebral malformations with orthotopic ankylosis of the costovertebral joints; ossification of intercostal muscles, paravertebral muscles, and aponeuroses; and progressive spinal deformity, including kyphoscoliosis or thoracic lordosis. Pneumonia and right-sided congestive heart failure are the major life-threatening hazards that result from TIS in patients with FOP. Prophylactic measures to maximize pulmonary function, minimize respiratory compromise, and prevent influenza and pneumonia may be helpful in decreasing the morbidity and mortality from TIS in patients with FOP.
Effect of genotype × alcoholism interaction on linkage analysis of an alcoholism-related quantitative phenotype

Studies have shown that genetic and environmental factors and their interactions affect several alcoholism phenotypes. Genotype × alcoholism (G×A) interaction refers to the environmental (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) influences on the autosomal genes contributing to variation in an alcoholism-related quantitative phenotype. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of G×A interaction on the detection of linkage for alcoholism-related phenotypes. We used phenotypic and genotypic data from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism relating to 1,388 subjects as part of Genetic Analysis Workshop 14 problem 1. We analyzed the MXDRNK phenotype to detect G×A interaction using SOLAR. Upon detecting significant interaction, we conducted variance-component linkage analyses using microsatellite marker data. For maximum number of drinks per a 24 hour period, the highest LODs were observed on chromosomes 1, 4, and 13 without G×A interaction. Interaction analysis yielded four regions on chromosomes 1, 4, 13, and 15. On chromosome 4, a maximum LOD of 1.5 at the same location as the initial analysis was obtained after incorporating G×A interaction effects. However, after correcting for extra parameters, the LOD score was reduced to a corrected LOD of 1.1, which is similar to the LOD observed in the non-interaction analysis. Thus, we see little differences in LOD scores, while some linkage regions showed large differences in the magnitudes of estimated quantitative trait loci heritabilities between the alcoholic and non-alcoholic groups. These potential hints of differences in genetic effect may influence future analyses of variants under these linkage peaks.
Embryogenesis: Degenerate Phosphatases Control the Oocyte-to-Embryo Transition

The oocyte-to-embryo transition requires drastic reorganizations within a short timeframe. Recent studies show that, in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, phosphotyrosine-binding pseudo-phosphatases are key regulators of this critical developmental transition.
Effects of aging on pain responses and analgesic efficacy of morphine and clonidine in rats

Abstract Changes in pain response and the analgesic efficacy of morphine and clonidine during senescence were studied in three groups of rats with different ages (54.4 ± 1.2, 162.2 ± 3.7, and 327.8 ± 1.7 days, mean ± se ), using the hot plate assay as the nociceptive test. We found a progressive decrease in the hot plate latency, and a gradual reduction in the analgesic potency of morphine and clonidine in aging rats. We speculate that such changes were related to a decline in the content of catecholamines and acetylcholine, as well as a decrease in concentrations of dopamine, acetylcholine, and opiate receptors in the aging brain. These results have implications for the role of the medullary nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis as a common neural substrate for pain suppression and analgesia promoted by morphine and clonidine.
Gains from configuration: The transboundary protected area as a conservation tool

Abstract Nearly two hundred transboundary protected areas comprise a portion of the global conservation landscape the size of India, with further expansion anticipated. Proponents claim that transboundary protected areas outperform isolated protected areas in achieving conservation objectives, while regional case studies have led critics to challenge this claim. Empirical investigation into the relative performance of transboundary protected areas is fundamentally limited since these areas cannot be directly compared to the isolated protected areas that might otherwise have emerged in the same location. This paper develops a game theory model of park formation to compare counterfactual transboundary and isolated protected areas. The model suggests that under certain conditions, transboundary protected areas can achieve greater conservation and production objectives, even in the absence of international cooperative park management. The paper establishes five sufficient conditions for transboundary protected areas to provide greater national welfare, domestic conservation value, or global conservation value than counterfactual isolated protected areas. These conditions are tested for three common conservation objectives. The results suggest that when the objective of conservation is species persistence or interior habitat, conservation groups should encourage transboundary protected areas. However, when the objective of conservation is to extend reserve coverage to the maximum number of species, conservation groups should encourage protected areas where species richness is greatest, whether or not these areas span international borders.
Shared and Simple Effects of Determinants of Mean Arterial Pressure During Handgrip and Mirror Tracing Tasks

Abstract Hierarchical linear regression (HLR) can be used to quantify the relative contribution specific cardiovascular (CV) mechanisms make to blood-pressure responses. The impact particular mecha...
Iron(II) and zinc(II) monohelical binaphthyl salen complexes.

A new chiral binaphthyl salen ligand with rigid polyaromatic sidearms gives monohelical complexes (FeII and ZnII) of predetermined handedness.
A clinically relevant population of leukemic CD34(+)CD38(-) cells in acute myeloid leukemia.

Relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is thought to reflect the failure of current therapies to adequately target leukemia stem cells (LSCs), the rare, resistant cells presumed responsible for maintenance of the leukemia and typically enriched in the CD34+CD38− cell population. Despite the considerable research on LSCs over the past 2 decades, the clinical significance of these cells remains uncertain. However, if clinically relevant, it is expected that LSCs would be enriched in minimal residual disease and predictive of relapse. CD34+ subpopulations from AML patients were analyzed by flow cytometry throughout treatment. Sorted cell populations were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization for leukemia-specific cytogenetic abnormalities (when present) and by transplantation into immunodeficient mice to determine self-renewal capacity. Intermediate (int) levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity reliably distinguished leukemic CD34+CD38− cells capable of engrafting immunodeficient mice from residual normal hematopoietic stem cells that exhibited relatively higher ALDH activity. Minimal residual disease detected during complete remission was enriched for the CD34+CD38−ALDHint leukemic cells, and the presence of these cells after therapy highly correlated with subsequent clinical relapse. ALDH activity appears to distinguish normal from leukemic CD34+CD38− cells and identifies those AML cells associated with relapse.
Pollen Response-Surface Estimates of Late-Quaternary Changes in the Moisture Balance of the Northeastern United States

Quantitative estimates of late-Quaternary climate in the northeastern United States are reconstructed from fossil pollen data to evaluate changes in the regional moisture balance inferred from water-level fluctuations. We use environmental response surfaces to calibrate modern pollen data (for 17 different taxa) to an index of effective soil moisture and mean annual precipitation. We apply these response surfaces to fossil pollen data from 60 sites in the region to reconstruct changes in soil moisture and mean annual precipitation at 3000-yr intervals from 12,000 yr B.P. to present. The mapped reconstructions of soil moisture and mean annual precipitation illustrate how the regional moisture balance of the Northeast may have changed over the last 12,000 yr in response to changing climate. Reconstructions of annual precipitation show a gradual increase from 30% below modern values at 12,000 yr B.P. to near-modern values by 6000 yr B.P. and then remain relatively constant thereafter. Reconstructed changes in the index of effective soil moisture, however, show a pattern of near-modern values at 12,000, 6000, and 3000 yr B.P., with significantly lower values estimated for 9000 yr B.P., the time of maximum pine pollen abundances in the Northeast. This pattern of change is similar to the change in regional moisture balance inferred from stratigraphic records of water-level fluctuations. These results confirm previous interpretations, based on records of water-level fluctuations, that conditions in the Northeast were significantly drier during the early to middle Holocene than at other times during the last 12,000 yr.
Transition from Laboratory to Clinical Practice in NOTES: Role of NOSCAR

The way to move natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) from the laboratory to the clinical arena is to do high-quality research in the areas recommended by the NOSCAR working group representing barriers to NOTES procedures. Additionally, good experimental work needs to be done to determine whether the theorized advantages of the NOTES approach actually represent reality. It is anticipated that monies will continue to flow to sponsor the necessary research in NOTES. It is clear that momentum continues to build in this exciting new potential paradigm shift in minimally invasive surgery, but one of the keys is to produce good science to validate the NOTES approach.
Increased 5-HT1B receptor density in the basolateral amygdala of passive observer rats exposed to aggression.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that repeated observations of aggressive incidents (i.e., chronic passive exposure to aggression) increase aggressiveness of a passive observer and downregulate the densities of serotonin 5-HT 1B receptors in some tegmental regions. However, other brain areas (e.g., medial- and basolateral amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus) have been implicated in different types of aggressive behavior including fear-induced defensive rage, steroid-induced aggression, and other types of aggression (e.g., learned aggression). The present study analyzed 5-HT 1B receptor densities in those brain regions of aggressive observers to compare them with neurochemical markers of the different types of aggression. It was hypothesized that passive exposure to aggression for 23 consecutive days would result in altered 5-HT 1B receptor densities in the ventromedial hypothalamus, medial amygdaloid nucleus, CA1 of the hippocampus, globus pallidus, dentate gyrus, and/or basolateral amygdala. Here we report that observer rats exposed to aggression exhibited higher densities of 5-HT 1B receptors in only the basolateral amygdala, compared with those exposed to the non-aggressive condition. These results suggest that chronic passive exposure to aggression may elicit a form of learned aggression rather than fear- or steroid-induced aggression among passive observers. In addition, our study implies that 5-HT 1B receptors play brain-region specific roles in expressing aggression.
Reply: Glucocorticoid use and skin cancers

Sir, We appreciate Dr Purdue's interest in our report on use of glucocorticoids and skin cancers. As suggested in his letter, we reclassified indication for steroid use into two categories: (1) atopic conditions (i.e. ‘respiratory conditions and asthma’ and ‘allergies’) and (2) non-atopic conditions (i.e. ‘musculoskeletal and connective tissue disease’, ‘neoplasm’, ‘gastrointestinal disease’, and ‘other condition’) (Table 1). In the reanalysis of the data, we noted an error in Table 1 of the original report. There were only two controls that used glucocorticoids for allergies (the seven controls in the original report included users of inhaled steroids). The correct numbers appear in Table 1 below and are restricted to oral users. The odds ratios associated with oral glucocorticoid use, stratified by Dr Purdue's classification, are shown in Tables 2 and ​and3Table3. The results for ‘any use’ differ very slightly from the original report because we removed individuals with more than one indication or with missing data on the indication for use for this reanalysis. Table 1 Oral glucocorticoid use according to indication among skin cancer cases and controls Table 2 Association between oral glucocorticoid use and BCC, with further analysis by indication Table 3 Association between oral glucocorticoid use and SCC, with further analysis by indication The data for basal cell carcinomas (BCC) provide some support for his hypothesis, that is, the association may be limited to non-atopic conditions (Table 2). However, lack of precision in our risk estimates prevents us from drawing any firm conclusions. In our original report, the association was stronger for squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), and for this cell type, the risk associated with oral glucocorticoid use does not differ much by type of condition (Table 3). Unfortunately, we were unable to perform the recommended analysis of inhaled steroid use since the indications for use almost exclusively fell into the atopic category (Table 4). The potential effect of immune response and immunosuppression on the incidence of skin cancer is of considerable interest to us. We hope that further studies will address commonly used immune-modulating drugs along with atopic conditions, and that this, in turn, will shed light on this pathway to human malignancies. Table 4 Indication for glucocorticoid use among those who use inhaled steroids
Binding of Chicken, Bovine, and Rabbit Immunoglobulins by Avian, Bovine, and Human Strains of Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract Sixty-six strains of Staphylococcus aureus of avian, bovine, and human origin were tested for their ability to bind chicken, bovine, and rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG). A microtitration plate hemagglutination assay and a direct-tube enzyme immunoassay were used to determine qualitative differences. Twice as many chicken and bovine S. aureus isolates than human strains reacted positively to chicken IgG. Mean binding values of chicken IgG were also twice as high for chicken and bovine S. aureus isolates when compared with human-derived strains. Isolates of bovine and human origin displayed a high affinity for bovine IgG and rabbit IgG, whereas few isolates from chickens bound substantial quantities of the nonavian IgG species. These results demonstrate that preparations of staphylococcal protein A with affinities for immunoglobulins from poultry and other animals can be obtained by screening large numbers of isolates, especially those obtained from an animal species, such as chickens, that is the same as the source of the immunoglobulin one wishes to bind.
A photoemission-into-electrolyte study of surface plasmon excitation on high index faces of silver

Abstract By use of photoemission-into-electrolyte spectroscopy on a cylindrical silver single crystal the optical excitation and decay of surface plasmons on high index faces of silver has been studied. After electrochemical roughening the surface plasmon excitation showed a pronounced polarization dependence. Photoemission, induced by the decay of the excited plasmon, was only detected for orientations very close to the densely packed Ag(111) face.
Lack of Increased Immediate Early Gene Expression in Rats Reinstating Cocaine-Seeking Behavior to Discrete Sensory Cues

Drug-seeking behavior elicited by drug-associated cues contributes to relapse in addiction; however, whether relapse elicited by drug-associated conditioned reinforcers (CR) versus discriminative stimuli (DS) involves distinct or overlapping neuronal populations is unknown. To address this question, we developed a novel cocaine self-administration and cue-induced reinstatement paradigm that exposed the same rats to distinct cocaine-associated CR and DS. Rats were trained to self-administer cocaine in separate sessions. In one, a DS signaled cocaine availability; in the other, cocaine delivery was paired with a different CR. After extinction training and reinstatement testing, where both cues were presented in separate sessions, rats were sacrificed and processed for cellular analysis of temporal activity by fluorescent in situ hybridization (CatFISH) for activity regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) mRNA and for radioactive in situ hybridization for Arc and zif268 mRNAs. CatFISH did not reveal significant changes in Arc mRNA expression. Similar results were obtained with radioactive in situ hybridization. We have shown that while rats reinstate drug seeking in response to temporally discrete presentations of distinct drug-associated cues, such reinstatement is not associated with increased transcriptional activation of Arc or zif268 mRNAs, suggesting that expression of these genes may not be necessary for cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior.
CONSCIOUSNESS-RAISING: LINKING THEORY, CRITICISM, AND PRACTICE

Abstract As a form of discursive practice, consciousness‐raising links recovery, recuperation, and the development of theory. The recovery of texts by women and recovery from the dynamics of suppression by which women's voices were silenced encompasses an enormous conversation among women through time. As a recuperative process criticism promotes an appreciation of women's artistry and eloquence and challenges the capacity of traditional theory to analyze or evaluate women's discourse. Finally, extracting theoretical principles from the practices of women through time suggests alternative ways of viewing rhetoric.
Tensile and fracture properties of a phthalonitrile polymer

Abstract The properties of a polymer prepared from an aromatic diether-linked phthalonitrile resin, 4,4′-bis(3,4-dicyanophenoxy)biphenyl, and cured with 1,3-bis(3-amino phenoxy) benzene are reported. The resin is easily processed from the melt of the monomer in a controlled manner as a function of the amine content and processing conditions. The resulting polymers show an excellent retention of mechanical properties following inert atmosphere post-cure to 375°C and oxidative ageing at 315°C for 100 h. Results are reported for the effects of cure, post-cure and ageing conditions on the tensile and fracture properties of these polymers.
Relation of title length to number of authors in journal articles

The number of authors of papers in four scientific journals is positively correlated with the number of significant words in the titles of the same papers. A fifth journal showed no correlation. Implications for information retrieval are explored and tentative explanations are offered.
Submillimeter-Wave Receivers--A Status Report

A recent survey of U.S. and Western European research groups, working on heterodyne submillimeter receivers in the 300-1000-GHz frequency range, is presented. This survey provides a description of the technology that each research group is developing, and information on the state-of-the-art of submillimeter receivers and local oscillator sources. A brief description of submillimeter receiver components is also given.
A sharper view from the top.

Maintaining a precise representation of sound frequency in auditory cortex is difficult because of converging diffuse thalamocortical inputs. A recent study demonstrates that this is accomplished via recurrent intracortical connections.
Supercritical fluid extraction of wood pulp with analysis by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract A supercritical fluid (SF) extraction method for the analysis of extractable material in eight hardwood and softwood pulp samples was investigated. While the majority of the extractable material in a Soxhlet extract with methylene chloride was determined to be fatty acids, the presence of their corresponding methyl esters along with fatty acids was noted in the SF extract. Grinding the samples increased extractable fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) by 10-fold, and in-situ derivatizations resulted in higher FAME recoveries than derivatization after SFE. Liquid trapping enhanced recoveries of lower FAMEs when compared with tandem (solid/liquid) trapping. In-situ acetylations sometimes yielded acetylated glucoses during SFE. Large differences in FAME concentrations were seen for hardwood samples, but lesser differences were seen for the softwood pulp samples.
Solar Water Purification by Pasteurization

A new passive solar water pasteurization system has been designed, built and tested. The system contains no valves and regulates flow based on the density difference between two columns of water. The new system eliminates boiling problems encountered in previous designs. Boiling is undesirable because it may contaminate treated water. The system has produced over 100 liters per day of treated water with a collector area of 0.45m2 . Work is ongoing to develop a theoretical understanding of system behavior, to analytically model it and to further improve system performance.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Steric Control of Reactivity of Non-Heme μ-Hydroxo Diiron(II) Complexes with Oxygen: Isolation of a Strongly Coupled μ-Oxo Fe(II)Fe(III) Dimer

The reactions of [Fe2(OH)(R3CCOO)2(Me3tacn)2]+ (R = F (1-F), Me (1-Me), Ph (1-Ph)) with dioxygen initially afford a μ-oxo bridged mixed valent diiron(II)(III) complex [Fe2O(R3CCOO)2(Me3tacn)2]+ (R ...
On negative eigenvalues of regular graphs

Abstract In this Note we prove that if { G n } is a sequence of connected k -regular graphs in which the length of odd cycles approaches infinity as n →∞, then the lim sup of the smallest eigenvalue of G n greater than − k is at most −2 k−1 as n tends to infinity.
EBV-immortalized isogenic human B-cell clones exhibit differences in DNA-protein complex formation on the BZLF1 and BRLF1 promoter regions among latent, lytic and TPA-activated cell lines

The reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus from latency requires the transcriptional induction of the viral encoded lytic cycle initiator gene, BZLF1, and a concomitant switch from OriP to OriLyt directed viral DNA replication. To investigate the role of host cell factors in these events, a series of EBV-immortalized clonal lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) were derived from the spontaneous outgrowth of peripheral blood lymphocytes from a single EBV-seropositive individual. We show that the state of virus activation among this family of isogenic clonal LCL differs, suggesting that each B-cell clone expresses a different complement of cellular factors that influence the state of viral activation. As a first step in the identification of factors involved in EBV reactivation, nuclear extracts were prepared from tightly latent, spontaneously replicating and latent LCL treated with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and sodium butyrate. The extracts were used in gel mobility shift analyses to compare DNA-protein complex formation among a series of target DNA sequences, including OriLyt and promoter sequences from BZLF1 and BRLF1. The DNA-protein complex patterns were reproducible and indistinguishable among extracts obtained from the latent LCL, but differed from those observed in extracts obtained from the spontaneously replicating LCL, particularly in regard to the binding of a CREB protein to the BZLF1 promoter. Moreover, extracts prepared from LCL treated with TPA to induce virus reactivation resulted in the formation of complexes that differed from those prepared from the spontaneously replicating LCL. Taken together, these data suggest that B-cell factors govern the state of viral activation and that EBV may be reactivated by more than one pathway.
Wide bandgap semiconductors and their application to light emitting devices

Abstract Numerous applications, ranging from multicolor displays to high density data storage, have awaited the availability of such devices as bright light emitting diode (LED) devices and injection lasers at the short wavelength end of the visible spectrum. Recent developments have been made in this arena, especially with blue/green injection lasers.
Multipurpose Cryogenic Surface Apparatus: A Liquid Nitrogen‐Chilled Sample Tray

The use of cryogenic techniques allows collection and storage of large numbers of samples for later processing for biochemical assays. In large field studies it is very difficult to obtain an accurate measure of leaf area as the samples are collected while preserving biological activity. Measurement of leaf area at the time of processing is also difficult because thawing of leaf tissue can cause degradation of leaf biochemical components and processes. The objective of this study was to design a liquid N 2 -chilled tray that allows cryogenically preserved samples to be sorted and measured without the risk of sample thawing. A stainless steel lid (working surface) was brazed to a stainless steel pan, creating a reservoir that could be filled with liquid N 2 . The working surface could then be maintained at approximately the temperature of liquid N 2 . Enzyme activities and polyacrylamide gel separations of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) and phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylas (PEPCase) of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] were used to assess the performance of the tray. Enzyme activity assays and gel separations of Rubisco and PEPCase confirm that biological activity is maintained through use of the multipurpose cryogenic surface (MCS) tray.
Reasonable Decisions in Portfolio Assessment: Evaluating Complex Evidence of Teaching

A central dilemma of portfolio assessment is that as the richness of the data available to readers increases, so do the challenges involved in ensuring acceptable reliability among readers. Drawing on empirical and theoretical work in discourse analysis, ethnomethodology, and other fields, we argue that this dilemma results, in part, from the fact that readers cannot avoid forming the data of a portfolio into a pattern—a coherent "story" or "stories"—in order to evaluate it. Our article presents case studies of readers independently evaluating the same portfolios. We show that even readers who hold a shared vision of effective teaching and who cite much the same evidence can, nonetheless, develop significantly different "stories." Our analysis illustrates that some portfolios are more ambiguous than others and are thus more likely to result in such divergent readings. We argue that more fine grained understandings of portfolio ambiguities and disagreements between readers over "stories" can help us respond to the challenges posed by the rich data of portfolio assessments.
A simple stone-tool technology in monkeys

Abstract The purpose of this research was to examine the use and modification of stone tools by tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella). Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, six of 11 monkeys produced stone-flakes by striking stones against hard surfaces. In Experiment 2, three of 15 monkeys used stones as cutting tools. Two of these monkeys combined tools and one of them modified stones prior to using them as tools. The results of this study demonstrate a simple stone-tool technology in monkeys. These data provide further evidence for cross-species continuity in the tool-using and tool making abilities of primates and indicate that stone-tool technology may have evolved in the hominid lineage earlier than has been confirmed by the existing archaeological record.
α1- and α2-Adrenoceptor Control of Sodium Transport Reverses in Developing Hypertension

Abstract —α-Adrenergic receptor (AR) activation enhances sodium retention in certain forms of hypertension. The objective of the present study was to understand the role of α-ARs in regulating sodium transport by distal tubules (DT). DT cells were isolated from kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats at 6 weeks, when hypertension is developing, or at 12 weeks, when hypertension is established. The α 1 -AR agonist phenylephrine increased 22 Na uptake by 50% into DT cells of 6-week SHR; no effect was observed with WKY cells. The α 2 -AR agonist B-HT 933 increased uptake by only 10%. At 12 weeks, the pattern of α-AR regulation was reversed: α 1 -AR–induced sodium uptake was only 15%, whereas α 2 -AR activation increased sodium uptake by 35% in SHR and WKY cells. α 1 -AR–induced sodium uptake in 6-week SHR cells was abolished by prazosin; α 2 -AR–stimulated sodium uptake was blocked by yohimbine in 12-week SHR and WKY. Competitive binding studies were performed with [ 3 H]prazosin and α 1A -, α 1B -, and α 1D -selective antagonists with DT cell membranes from 6- and 12-week SHR and WKY. α 2 -AR subtypes were determined with [ 3 H]rauwolscine and α 2A - and α 2B -selective antagonists. Expression of α 1B -ARs was increased 4-fold in DT cells during the developing phase of hypertension in SHR. No change was detected in α 2 -AR expression. DT cells transiently increase [Ca 2+ ] i in response to α 1 -AR agonists from 6-week but not 12-week SHR. Conversely, α 2 -AR agonists increase [Ca 2+ ] i at 12 weeks. In summary, during developing hypertension, α 1 -ARs increase sodium uptake and [Ca 2+ ] i in SHR cells. Expression of α 1B -ARs is selectively upregulated during developing hypertension. In established hypertension (and normotension), α 2 -ARs regulate sodium transport and [Ca 2+ ] i in DT cells. We conclude that a molecular switch of α 1 -AR and α 2 -AR signaling occurs in DT cells during the development of hypertension.
American Red Cross Digital Operations Center (DigiDOC): an essential emergency management tool for the digital age.

Social media is becoming the first source of information and also the first way to communicate messages. Because social media users will take action based on the information they are seeing, it is important that organizations like the Red Cross be active in the social space. We describe the American Red Cross’s concept for a Digital Operations Center (DigiDOC) that we believe should become an essential part of all emergency operations centers and a key piece of all agencies that operate in disasters. The American Red Cross approach is a practical and logical approach that other agencies can use as a model.( Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness . 2014;8:445-451)
The Difference a Cohort Makes: Understanding Developmental Learning Communities in Community Colleges:

Learning communities, a small cohort of students enrolled together in two or more linked courses, have become a popular intervention to help under-prepared students succeed in college. Though learning communities abound in practice, the key structural feature of a learning community—the cohort—may not be fully understood. Authors posit that a cohort needs both a structural and communal component to function well. This study examines qualitative data from a pilot site and four community colleges that participated in a random assignment evaluation. Authors observed differences between learning community and non-learning community experiences in terms of classroom climate and academic support networks for students. Differences can be attributed to both the structural nature of the cohort as well as emergent social group dynamics. As such, the cohorts within learning communities appeared to act as mechanisms for increasing student interaction and interdependence. The authors anticipate that these gains in the...
A multifaceted phosphate tether: application to the C15-C30 subunit of dolabelides A-D.

Construction of the C15−C30 subunit of dolabelide utilizing a temporary phosphate tether is described. Two routes are reported that make use of the orthogonal protecting- and leaving-group properties innate to phosphate esters. One route relies on a selective terminal oxidation, while a second utilizes a CM/selective hydrogenation sequence. Both routes depend on a highly regio- and diastereoselective cuprate addition to set the requisite stereochemistry at C22.
A cross-sectional analysis of light at night, neighborhood sociodemographics and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin concentrations: implications for the conduct of health studies

Background There is accumulating evidence that circadian disruption, mediated by alterations in melatonin levels, may play an etiologic role in a wide variety of diseases. The degree to which light-at-night (LAN) and other factors can alter melatonin levels is not well-documented. Our primary objective was to evaluate the degree to which estimates of outdoor environmental LAN predict 6-sulftoxymelatonin (aMT6s), the primary urinary metabolite of melatonin. We also evaluated other potential behavioral, sociodemographic, and anthropomorphic predictors of aMT6s.
Practical Solutions of the Behrens-Fisher Problem

Abstract The Behrens-Fisher problem is that of comparing the means of two populations when the ratio of their variances is unknown. Solutions are discussed in terms of interval estimation and testing. Of the six solutions compared, three are preferred by the writer and judged practical, and for these, approximations are given for the power of the tests.
Exceptionally rapid thermal isomerization of B-(3-hexyl)-bis(bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl)borane. A convenient and highly efficient synthetic route for the conversion of internal acyclic olefins into terminal olefins and their derivatives

Abstract The thermal isomerizations of B-(3-hexyl)bis(bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl)borane and B-(3-hexyl)bis(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl)borane were compared with that of B-(3-hexyl)bis(2,5-dimethylcyclohexyl)borane at 150°C in diglyme. B-(3-Hexyl)bis(bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl)borane isomerizes approximately 3 times faster than B-(3-hexyl)bis(2,5-dimethylcyclohexyl)borane and nearly 60 times more rapidly than B-(3-hexyl)bis(bicyclo[2.2.2]heptyl)borane and also yields a 100% equilibrium boron distribution on C(1) in just 15 minutes, both characteristics making the thermal isomerization of organoboranes a more attractive synthetic route for the conversion of internal acyclic olefins into terminal olefins and their derivatives.
Quadratic invariance is necessary and sufficient for convexity

In decentralized control problems, a standard approach is to specify the set of allowable decentralized controllers as a closed subspace of linear operators. This then induces a corresponding set of of Youla parameters. Previous work has shown that quadratic invariance of the controller set implies that the the set of Youla parameters is convex. In this short note, we prove the converse. We thereby show that the only decentralized control problems for which the set of Youla parameters is convex are those which are quadratically invariant.