cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Material Characterization of SMA Actuators Under Nonproportional Thermomechanical Loading

The application of SMA actuators in smart structures usually involves thermally induced phase transformation with a variable applied stress in SMA actuators, resulting in thermomechanical nonproportional loading of SMAs in stress-temperature space. To investigate the constitutive response of SMAs under thermomechanical nonproportional loading, experiments for thermally induced phase transformation of binary NiTi SMA wires loaded by an elastic linear spring are performed in the Active Materials Laboratory at Texas A&M University A constitutive model developed by Bo and Lagoudas (1998a, b, c) and lagoudas and Bo (1998) is used as the basis for the theoretical prediction of the response of SMA line actuators loaded by springs with different elastic constants. Model predictions are compared with experimental results.
Inclined-substrate deposition of biaxially textured template for coated conductors

Abstract Inclined-substrate deposition (ISD) offers the potential for rapid production of high-quality biaxially textured buffer layers suitable for YBCO-coated conductors. We have grown biaxially textured MgO films by ISD at deposition rates of 20–100 A/s. Columnar grain structures with roof-tile-shaped surfaces were observed in these films. X-ray pole figure analysis revealed that the (0 0 2) plane of the ISD MgO films is tilted at an angle from the substrate normal. A small φ -scan full-width at half-maximum of ≈9° was observed on MgO films deposited with an inclination angle of 55°. YBCO films were grown on ISD-MgO-buffered Hastelloy substrates by pulsed laser deposition. We obtained a critical current density of ≈2×10 5 A/cm 2 at 77 K in self-field on a sample that is 0.5 μm thick, 0.5 cm wide, and 1 cm long.
Comparison of Patient-Controlled Analgesia With and Without Nighttime Morphine Infusion Following Lower Extremity Surgery in Children

To evaluate the usefulness of a concurrent nighttime morphine infusion in pediatric patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), 36 school-age children undergoing elective lower extremity surgery were randomly assigned to receive morphine by PCA alone, or PCA with a nighttime infusion of morphine (PCA+BI). Postoperatively, patients breathed air and had oxygen saturation recorded continuously for the duration of PCA use. Total morphine requirements were decreased in the PCA group as compared to PCA+BI patients. PCA pump activation, VAS pain, and sedation scores were similar between the two groups at all times. Compared to the PCA group, patients assigned to the PCA+BI group spent more time with SpO2 of 90% or less, during the nighttime infusion (P < 0.05). The use of a nighttime infusion of morphine did not appear to offer any advantage over the use of PCA alone in this patient population.
Just-in-time DNA replication.

Complete and timely replication of the genome is a prerequisite to fulfilling the “dream” of every cell to become two cells [1]. So far, biologists have been successful in identifying the processes involved in DNA replication, but they have not been able to explain a fundamental control problem that cells face, the so-called “random-completion” or “random-gap” problem: how do cells ensure that every last piece of the genome is replicated on time [2]? In a paper in Physical Review E, Scott Yang and John Bechhoefer of Simon Fraser University use insights from condensed-matter physics to answer this question [3]. Using a physical model originally developed to describe the kinetics of first-order phase transitions, they show that, despite the intrinsic stochasticity of the initiation of DNA replication, cells can still control the amount of time it takes to replicate the genome. The authors thus provide a rigorous solution to a long-standing problem in cell biology. The elegance of their formal approach bridging physics and biology, and the depth of their analysis, should inspire scientists from both disciplines.
Integrating Evidence-Based Engagement Interventions Into "Real World" Child Mental Health Settings

This article focuses on an attempt to integrate evidence-based engagement interventions into ‘‘real world’’ outpatient child mental health settings in order to increase access to care for urban youth and their families. More specifically, empirical support for introducing engagement interventions into child clinical settings will be reviewed. Then, specific engagement interventions that are delivered during the initial telephone contact with a child’s adult caregiver or during the first face-to-face contact with a child and family are described with attention paid to the training necessary to assist service providers in adopting this change in practice. Factors that serve to facilitate or impede adoption of evidence-based engagement interventions are also reviewed. Finally, preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of integrating such evidence-supported approaches is presented. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 4:177–186 (2004)]
Analyzing Angular Distributions for Two-Step Dissociation Mechanisms in Velocity-Map Imaging

Increasingly, velocity map imaging is becoming the method of choice to study photoinduced molecular dissociation processes. This paper introduces an algorithm to analyze the measured net speed, P(vnet), and angular, β(vnet), distributions of the products from a two-step dissociation mechanism, where the first step but not the second is induced by absorption of linearly polarized laser light. Typically, this might be the photodissociation of a C-X bond (X = halogen or other atom) to produce an atom and a momentum-matched radical that has enough internal energy to subsequently dissociate (without the absorption of an additional photon). It is this second step, the dissociation of the unstable radicals, that one wishes to study, but the measured net velocity of the final products is the vector sum of the velocity imparted to the radical in the primary photodissociation (which is determined by taking data on the momentum-matched atomic cophotofragment) and the additional velocity vector imparted in the subsequent dissociation of the unstable radical. The algorithm allows one to determine, from the forward-convolution fitting of the net velocity distribution, the distribution of velocity vectors imparted in the second step of the mechanism. One can thus deduce the secondary velocity distribution, characterized by a speed distribution P(v1,2°) and an angular distribution I(θ2°), where θ2° is the angle between the dissociating radical's velocity vector and the additional velocity vector imparted to the product detected from the subsequent dissociation of the radical.
Heterogeneous wetting surfaces with graphitic petal-decorated carbon nanotubes for enhanced flow boiling

Abstract Two-phase cooling is widely employed in temperature-sensitive devices for high heat flux dissipation owing to the benefits of latent heat exchange. The objective of this work is to elucidate the subcooled flow boiling characteristics of heterogeneous wetting surfaces using water as the working fluid. Heterogeneous wetting surfaces with alternating parallel stripes of superhydrophobic (SHo) and superhydrophilic (SHi) regions are fabricated with graphitic petal-decorated carbon nanotube (GPCNT) coatings. Graphitic petals are a carbon nanostructure comprising of stacks of graphene layers standing vertically on a substrate. GPCNTs are synthesized on bulk copper substrates by a two-step microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. A combination of Teflon coating, shadow mask, and oxygen plasma treatment is utilized to create composite wetting surfaces with differing superhydrophilic area fractions and SHo to SHi channel width ratios. Boiling experiments reveal that heterogeneous wetting surfaces with higher superhydrophilic area fraction (0.66 and 0.85) exhibit significant reduction in surface superheat and higher heat transfer coefficients throughout the entire boiling regime as opposed to uniform SHo and SHi boiling surfaces. Flow visualization reveals enhanced active nucleation site density and preferential bubble nucleation in the superhydrophobic channels of composite wetting surfaces. Isolated near-spherical vapor morphologies on surfaces with higher superhydrophilic area fraction promote thin film evaporation and enhanced bubble ebullition cycles, thereby leading to improved two-phase thermal performance.
Suture zone complexities: A review

Abstract Suture zones, marking the sites of obliteration of oceanic lithosphere by subduction and the consequent intracontinental welding of continental masses, are rarely simple, single, easily recognizable lines. Although the obliteration of a major oceanic tract may be marked by an ophiolite-bearing suture or a cryptic suture, many mini-sutures with a wide variety of origins may be present within the convergent zone in addition to many kinds of intracontinental transform, graben, and fold/thrust zones in zones up to several thousand kilometers from the main sutures. This great variety of high-strain zones associated with wide zones of basement reactivation makes it difficult, particulary at deep structural levels in eroded older orogenic systems, not only to recognize a line along which continental masses may be snipped and dismembered to allow continental fragments to be reassembled to former relative positions, but also even to recognize the plate boundary facies indicators that enable one to make a qualitative plate-tectonic analysis because most of these facies indicators are developed at shallow structural levels.
Electrostatic Force Microscopy and Spectral Studies of Electron Attachment to Single Quantum Dots on Indium Tin Oxide Substrates

We report electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) studies combined with wavelength-resolved photoluminescence imaging of electron attachment to individual CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) coupled to semiconducting tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) substrates. Quantitative EFM measurements show unambiguous signatures of 2–3 excess electrons on individual QDs on ITO, while the distribution of measured recombination energies of QDs coupled to ITO shows ≈ −35 meV red shift (compared to QDs drop-cast on clean glass), the signature of a second-order quantum-confined Stark effect resulting from multiple-electron attachment to the QDs. We also show that the extent of QD charging can be tuned by modulating the ITO bias: EFM measurements show that ≈4 electrons are added to QDs under −2 V applied ITO bias, whereas only ≈2 electrons can be removed from the QDs for +2 V applied bias arising from Fermi level mismatch of ITO with respect to the QDs. Voltage-correlated spectral measurements on ITO coupled QDs showed a spectral modula...
Control of RANKL Gene Expression

Osteoclasts are highly specialized cells capable of degrading mineralized tissue and form at different regions of bone to meet different physiological needs, such as mobilization of calcium, modeling of bone structure, and remodeling of bone matrix. Osteoclast production is elevated in a number of pathological conditions, many of which lead to loss of bone mass. Whether normal or pathological, osteoclastogenesis strictly depends upon support from accessory cells which supply cytokines required for osteoclast differentiation. Only one of these cytokines, receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL), is absolutely essential for osteoclast formation throughout life and is thus expressed by all cell types that support osteoclast differentiation. The central role of RANKL in bone resorption is highlighted by the fact that it is the basis for a new therapy to inhibit bone loss. This review will discuss mechanisms that control RANKL gene expression in different osteoclast-support cells and how the study of such mechanisms may lead to a better understanding of the cellular interactions that drive normal and pathological bone resorption.
Calculation of the subgroups of a trivial-fitting group

We describe an algorithm to determine representatives of the conjugacy classes of subgroups of a Trivial-Fitting group, this case being the one prior algorithms reduce to. As a subtask we describe an algorithm for determining conjugacy classes of complements to an arbitrary normal subgroup if the factor group is solvable.
A PIV Study of Natural Convection Induced by Oscillating Thermal Gradients

Microscale fluid flow and mass transfer are of both fundamental and practical importance to the design of solidification systems for melt processing of materials. These microscale fluid flow phenomena are affected by the macroscopic bulk flow motion and heat transfer away from the solidification front. As a first step towards a systematic understanding of the interactions of the micro- and macro-scale phenomena, a miniature cavity of a few millimeters in size is considered, where an oscillating temperature gradient is established to simulate the driving force under perturbed solidification conditions typical of microgravity environments. Flow visualization and velocity measurements of the transient oscillating fluid motion under two sets of thermal conditions are conducted using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique. These experimental results are used to validate numerical simulations carried out using a finite element based model, developed by the authors for the prediction of flows in microgravity environments. The visualized flow pattern and velocity measurements in the two test cases compare very well with the numerical simulations. The numerical model is now ready to be used as a reliable tool for understanding and predicting the structure of fluid flow and heat transfer in microgravity environments.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
A Hobbesian Welfare State

Suppose that we have negative, natural rights to our lives, liberty, and possessions and that these rights are absolute or indefeasible. Then at best only minimal states will be legitimate, where such are states that restrict their activities to the enforcement of the basic rights of individuals and the like. (Indeed, it is possible that no actual states, minimal or not, will be legitimate.) Such appears to be the consequence of absolute natural rights. When made aware of these implications of absolute natural rights, many philosophers deny their existence. In the absence of a convincing defense of absolute natural rights, the defense of the minimal state thereby loses force.
A three-dimensional configuration-space method for 5-axis tessellated surface machining

This paper presents a three-dimensional configuration-space (3D C-space) machining method for 5-axis finish machining of tessellated surfaces. To maximize the step-over distance, the curvature matched method (CM2) is used to approximate the cusp height and the step-over distance. A 3D C-space is then built for each cutter contact point (CC point). Every configuration set in this 3D C-space guarantees that the cutter is gouge-free and that the cusp height is less than the machining tolerance. The inclination angle λ by which the cutter is rotated about LY, the yaw angle ω by which the cutter is rotated about LZ and the height δ by which the cutter is lifted along the normal of the surface are three variables used to build the 3D C-space. Next, the optimal cutter orientation is obtained in this corresponding 3D C-space via a special optimization process. The ideal 3D C-space set, the initial 3D C-space set and the objective function of the optimization process are based on machine tool kinematics. Boundary functions are determined by the geometry feature of the 3D C-space. The penalty function method is employed as the optimization method. In this paper, the cutting accuracy is self-guaranteed to be less than the machining tolerance. The cutting speed is set to be as high as possible based on optimal cutter orientation and maximized step-over distance.
The marine mammal dive response is exercise modulated to maximize aerobic dive duration

When aquatically adapted mammals and birds swim submerged, they exhibit a dive response in which breathing ceases, heart rate slows, and blood flow to peripheral tissues and organs is reduced. The most intense dive response occurs during forced submersion which conserves blood oxygen for the brain and heart, thereby preventing asphyxiation. In free-diving animals, the dive response is less profound, and energy metabolism remains aerobic. However, even this relatively moderate bradycardia seems diametrically opposed to the normal cardiovascular response (i.e., tachycardia and peripheral vasodilation) during physical exertion. As a result, there has been a long-standing paradox regarding how aquatic mammals and birds exercise while submerged. We hypothesized based on cardiovascular modeling that heart rate must increase to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to active muscles. Here, we show that heart rate (HR) does indeed increase with flipper or fluke stroke frequency (SF) during voluntary, aerobic dives in Weddell seals (HR = 1.48SF − 8.87) and bottlenose dolphins (HR = 0.99SF + 2.46), respectively, two marine mammal species with different evolutionary lineages. These results support our hypothesis that marine mammals maintain aerobic muscle metabolism while swimming submerged by combining elements of both dive and exercise responses, with one or the other predominating depending on the level of exertion.
Vertical Movement of Isothermal Lines in Water

We experimentally investigated the development and vertical movement of isothermal lines in cooling columns of confined water. The isothermal line develops spontaneously whenever the bottom of the column cools to ∼4°C before the top. The width of these lines was typically less than 1 cm, with up to a 3 °C thermal gradient across these lines. The velocity was inversely proportional to the diameter of the column. The velocity was 1.4 ± 0.1 cm/min when the column diameter was 2.2 cm, and decreases to 0.4 ± 0.1 cmlmin when the diameter was increased to 12.5 cm. Data presented here also raise serious questions about the claim of new phase transitions in water made by Esposito et al.
17α-Ethinylestradiol sorption to activated sludge biomass: Thermodynamic properties and reaction mechanisms

Abstract Sorption is an important mechanism for removal of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in biological wastewater treatment. In an effort to deepen our understanding of this process, this work investigated the underlying thermodynamic parameters. Biomass was harvested from a membrane bioreactor (MBR) and a sequencing batch reactor (SBR), and sorption experiments were conducted over a range of temperatures. Sorption of EE2 to activated sludge was spontaneous (ΔG values were between −16 and −11 KJ/mol), enthalpy-driven (ΔH values were −37 KJ/mol (MBR) and −48 KJ/mol (SBR)), and entropy-retarded (ΔS values were −74 (MBR) and −119 J/mol/K (SBR)). Although EE2 is nonpolar, hydrophobic interactions were not dominant driving forces. The thermodynamic data also suggested that EE2 sorption to biomass was primarily physisorption, but it also included low-level chemisorption. The FT-IR results suggested that chemical reactions were not significant enough to shift the detectable chemical bonding characteristics of the biomass functional groups.
Chemical Reaction between Colliding Vesicles.

An organic reaction between two populations of vesicles, one containing a nucleophile (blue) and the other an electrophile (red), was examined kinetically. By comparing the rates with those of suitable controls, it was demonstrated that the electrophile is transferred during vesicle collisions, and a fast intra-vesicular reaction ensues.
Electrochemical and optical evaluation of noble metal– and carbon–ITO hybrid optically transparent electrodes

Abstract Optically transparent hybrid electrodes were constructed by sputtering or thermally evaporating layers of varying thickness of Au, Pd, Pt, or C onto an existing conductive indium–tin oxide (ITO) layer on glass. These electrodes were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry; redox probes examined were potassium ferricyanide, tris -(2,2 ′ -bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) chloride, hydroquinone, and para -aminophenol (PAP). Each type of hybrid was evaluated and compared with other hybrids, as well as with bare ITO electrodes and commercially available Au, Pt, and glassy carbon disk electrodes. Our results indicate that these hybrid electrodes are reasonably robust, easy to prepare, and extend the capabilities of bare ITO surfaces with respect to the electrochemical response (especially for organic redox probes), while giving up little in the way of optical transparency. Because of these characteristics, hybrid electrodes should be especially suited to many spectroelectrochemical applications.
Second-trimester fetal growth and the risk of poor obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Objective To compare outcomes of fetuses with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) < 25th percentile in the second trimester to those in fetuses with EFW ≥ 25th percentile in the second trimester. Methods We compared outcomes of 252 pregnancies with an EFW < 25th percentile at 18–24 weeks' gestation with those of 265 controls. All pregnancies had early dating by ultrasonography. We excluded fetuses with aneuploidy, major malformations, second-trimester rupture of membranes, and multiple pregnancies. Results Second-trimester EFW < 25th percentile was significantly associated with higher rates of fetal or neonatal death, third-trimester small for gestational age (SGA), Doppler abnormalities, indicated preterm birth, gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia before labor, lower birth weight, birth weight < 10th percentile, birth weight < 5th percentile, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Many of these associations remained even after excluding patients with oligohydramnios, fetal echogenic bowel, and growth asymmetry. Conclusion Second-trimester SGA, as defined by an EFW < 25th percentile using current growth curves, is associated with poor obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Increased surveillance of such pregnancies may be necessary. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charge variants of tubulin, tubulin S, membrane-bound and palmitoylated tubulin from brain and pheochromocytoma cells

Abstract Isoelectric focusing (IEF) of only ∼1 μg of rat brain tubulin yields 27–30 distinct charge variants in the pH range of 4.5–5.4 with band separations of 0.01–0.02 pH units as detected by silver staining. Variants can be efficiently transferred from the immobilized gradient strip to polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes for reaction with monoclonal antibodies. C-terminal-directed antibodies to α- and β-tubulin yield patterns similar to N-terminal-directed antibodies. Removal of the acidic C-termini with subtilisin to form tubulin S increases the p I values by ∼1 pH unit, leads to a loss in the isoelectric distinction between the α- and β-tubulin variants seen by N-terminal-directed antibodies, and abolishes reactions with all β-variants and all but three α variants by C-terminal-directed antibodies (TU-04 and TU-14). Many, but not all, of the variants are substrates for autopalmitoylation of rat brain tubulin. The distribution of isoelectric variants differs between cytoplasm and membrane fractions from PC12 pheochromocytoma cells. A potential role for different variants is suggested.
Peptidoglycan Transpeptidase Inhibition in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli by Penicillins and Cephalosporins

Peptidoglycan transpeptidase activity has been studied in cells of Escherichia coli 146 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 56 made permeable to exogenous, nucleotide-sugar peptidoglycan precursors by ether treatment. Transpeptidase activity was inhibited, in both organisms, by a range of penicillins and cephalosporins, the Pseudomonas enzyme being more sensitive to inhibition in each case. Conversely, growth of E. coli 146 was more susceptible to these antibiotics than growth of P. aeruginosa 56. Furthermore, similar transpeptidase inhibition values were ob-obtained for the four penicillins examined against the Pseudomonas enzyme, although only two of these (carbenicillin and pirbenicillin) inhibited the growth of this organism. We therefore conclude that the high resistance of P. aeruginosa 56 to growth inhibition by most β-lactam antibiotics cannot be due to an insensitive peptidoglycan transpeptidase.
Metabolic syndrome and discrepancy between actual and self-identified good weight: Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study.

This study examined whether the discrepancy between measured and self-identified good weight (weight discrepancy) predicts metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). This study included 6,413 participants enrolled in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (mean follow-up: 4.8 ± 3.8 years). Weight discrepancy was defined as measured weight minus self-identified good weight. MetSyn was defined using standard definitions. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for incident MetSyn, by weight discrepancy category, were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. The multivariable-adjusted HR for MetSyn was 3.48 (95% CI = 2.48–4.86) for those who maintained higher weight discrepancy over time compared to individuals with lower weight discrepancy. Additional adjustment for body mass index did not change this interpretation (HR = 3.44; 95% CI = 2.46–4.82). Weight discrepancy may be a useful screening characteristic and target for future interventions to further reduce the risk of chronic weight-related disorders, included MetSyn.
Scattering and Bound States: A Lorentzian Function-Based Spectral Filter Approach†

We present a Lorentzian function-based spectral filter method for computing the elements of the quantum scattering matrix (S-matrix) and molecular bound-state spectra. For computing bound-state eigenvalues in a predefined energy window, we use the Lorentzian function within the filter diagonalization framework. From the spectral filter point of view, we find that the formal theoretical structure for computing the S-matrix is the same as those of overlap and Hamiltonian matrix elements necessary for filter diagonalization, and hence, the same computational protocol can be utilized for scattering as well as bound-state studies. Furthermore, we argue that the appropriate scattering boundary conditions can be accurately built while preparing the initial wave packets. For numerical implementation, we have utilized the Lorentzian filter in two complementary series forms: (1) using Chebyshev polynomials with the Hamiltonian as its argument, which is useful for a fully quantum mechanical study; and (2) in terms of a discrete set of short-time quantum propagators, which can additionally be extended to approximate dynamical regimes. The computation of matrix elements for a filter diagonalization application and the scattering matrix requires a product of a series representation of two filter operators for which we have been able to perform a partial resummation of both the series analytically, giving thereby a very compact and rapidly convergent expression. The exponential damping term associated with the Lorentzian filter is very useful for controlling the convergence and removing unwanted features from the computed spectrum. As is true of previous discrete time expansion of the spectral density operator, the present formalism can also be utilized for inverting discrete time signals obtained from various experiments. We illustrate the validity of the present approach by test calculations on a model one-dimensional quantum scattering problem.
Optimal test length for multiple prediction: The general case

The concepts of differential prediction and multiple absolute prediction were developed in earlier papers [2, 3]. Methods for determining optimal distribution of testing time for each type of prediction are available [4, 5] and are appropriate for use provided that no altered time allotment approaches zero. In this article the methods developed in [4, 5] are extended to include cases where the altered time allotment for one or more tests may approach zero. The procedures developed are illustrated by numerical examples, after which the mathematical rationales are provided.
Recent advances in the management of gout and hyperuricemia.

Purpose of reviewTo review the recent advances in the management of gout and hyperuricemia.Recent findingsThe first quality indicators for gout management have been proposed. Selective COX II inhibitors, as well as traditional NSAIDs, are effective in acute gout. A new xanthine oxidase inhibitor, fe
Experiences during development of a dynamic crash response automobile model

A finite element automobile model for use in crash safety studies was developed through reverse engineering. The model was designed for calculating the response of the automobile structure during full frontal, offset frontal, or side impacts. The reverse engineering process involves the digitization of component surfaces as the vehicle is dismantled, the meshing and reassembly of these components into a complete finite element model, and the measurement of stiffness properties for structural materials. Quasi-static component tests and full-vehicle crash tests were used to validate the model, which will become part of a finite element vehicle fleet.
Membrane potential, membrane resistance and an energy requirement for the development of potassium conductance in the fertilization reaction of echinoderm eggs.

Abstract The fertilization reaction of sea urchin ( Lytechinus pictus ) and sand dollar ( Dendraster excentricus ) eggs was followed by simultaneous measurements of membrane potential and membrane resistance. In both species, the fertilization action potential (phase I) was associated with a considerable decrease in resistance, consistent with the interpretation that the first events of activation were associated with an increase in Na + permeability. As the membrane repolarized and the potential paused at a level more negative than that of the unfertilized egg (phase II), the membrane resistance increased to values higher than those of the unfertilized egg. In Dendraster the development of phase III (further repolarization associated with the development of K + permeability to its equilibrium value) was paralleled by a decrease in membrane resistance which reflected the increase in K + conductance. In Lytechinus , the decrease in resistance lagged behind the increase in negative potential as the latter developed to its equilibrium value. If dinitrophenol was added during phase I or early in phase II, the high membrane resistance associated with phase II was sustained and the further development of the membrane potential was blocked. If the DNP was added at the end of phase II, a partial development of the phase III potential was observed. The effects of dinitrophenol were reversible. It is suggested that the development of K + conductance in phase III involves an energy requirement.
Pairing tone trains with vagus nerve stimulation induces temporal plasticity in auditory cortex

The selectivity of neurons in sensory cortex can be modified by pairing neuromodulator release with sensory stimulation. Repeated pairing of electrical stimulation of the cholinergic nucleus basalis, for example, induces input specific plasticity in primary auditory cortex (A1). Pairing nucleus basalis stimulation (NBS) with a tone increases the number of A1 neurons that respond to the paired tone frequency. Pairing NBS with fast or slow tone trains can respectively increase or decrease the ability of A1 neurons to respond to rapidly presented tones. Pairing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with a single tone alters spectral tuning in the same way as NBS-tone pairing without the need for brain surgery. In this study, we tested whether pairing VNS with tone trains can change the temporal response properties of A1 neurons. In naive rats, A1 neurons respond strongly to tones repeated at rates up to 10 pulses per second (pps). Repeatedly pairing VNS with 15 pps tone trains increased the temporal following capacity of A1 neurons and repeatedly pairing VNS with 5 pps tone trains decreased the temporal following capacity of A1 neurons. Pairing VNS with tone trains did not alter the frequency selectivity or tonotopic organization of auditory cortex neurons. Since VNS is well tolerated by patients, VNS-tone train pairing represents a viable method to direct temporal plasticity in a variety of human conditions associated with temporal processing deficits.
Determination of glutamine in cerebrospinal fluid with a tissue-based membrane electrode

Abstract A glutamine-selective sensor consisting of porcine kidney tissue immobilized at an ammonia gas electrode is utilized. It yields good precision and accuracy over the clinically important range of glutamine concentrations (10-4–10-2 M).
Inducible Gene Knockouts in the Small Intestinal and Colonic Epithelium

We have developed two systems for performing Cre-mediated recombination of target genes in the rapidly self-renewing mouse small intestinal and colonic epithelium. When expression of Cre recombinase is placed directly under the control of transcriptional regulatory elements from a fatty acid-binding protein gene (Fabp), deletion of loxP flanked (floxed) DNA sequences is initiated as early as embryonic day 13.5, well before completion of intestinal morphogenesis. By embryonic day 16.5, Fabp-Cre also directs recombination in all cell layers of the transitional epithelium that lines the renal calyces and pelvis, ureters, and bladder. Fabp-Cre expression and recombination are maintained in both epithelia throughout adulthood. The second system allows recombination to be induced only in the gut and at any period during adulthood. This system uses Fabp regulatory elements to direct expression of a reverse tetracycline-regulated transactivator (rtTA). Another transgene encodes Cre under the control oftet operator sequences and a minimal promoter from human cytomegalovirus (tetO-PhCMV-Cre). In the absence of a doxycycline inducer, no basal recombination is detectable in the gut of adult tri-transgenic mice containingFabp-rtTA, tetO-PhCMV-Cre, plus a floxed reporter gene. After 4 days of oral administration of doxycycline, recombination of the reporter is apparent in the small intestinal, cecal, and colonic epithelium. After doxycycline is withdrawn, the recombined locus persists for at least 60 days, indicating that recombination has occurred in epithelial cell progenitors that have long residency times in the proliferative units of the intestine (crypts of Lieberkuhn). This inducible system should have a number of applications for examining gene function at selected times in postnatal life, under selected physiologic or pathophysiologic conditions.
Følner Independence and the amenable Ising model

We define a criterion called Folner Independence for a stationary process over an amenable group. Intuitively, a process satisfies the criterion if, for sufficiently invariant Folner sets, the process in the Folner set is nearly independent of the process outside. We show that Folner Independence implies Finitely Determined. As an application, we show that, in its extreme Gibbs states, the amenable attractive Ising model is Folner Independent (hence Finitely Determined, hence Bernoulli).
Analysis of mitochondrial RNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mitochondrial RNA from grande yeast was analyzed by electrophoresis on agarose-urea, acrylamide-urea, and methyl mercuric hydroxide-agarose gels. These gel systems display more than 40 RNA bands that copurify with mitochondria; these bands are not present in cytoplasmic RNA preparations. Analysis of molecular weight on methyl mercuric hydroxide gels indicates a size range of 200 to 9,500 nucleotides, including 11 species larger than 21S rRNA (3,700 nucleotides). The mitochondrial origin for many of these species was further verified by transfer of RNA from gels to diazobenzyl oxymethyl paper and hybridization to 32P-labeled mitochondrial DNA. The total molecular weight of the catalogued RNA species was approximately 110,000 nucleotides, considerably greater than the size of the 76,000-base-pair genome. These results suggest that large primary transcripts are processed by multiple cleavages to mature RNA species.
Who cares when nobody is watching? Psychopathic traits and empathy in prosocial behaviors

Prosocial behaviors are voluntary acts intended to benefit others. Lack of empathy is a core feature of psychopathy, a constellation of personality traits that includes callousness, egocentricity, and antisociality. While psychopathy is often associated with antisocial behavior, its relation to prosociality may depend upon the class of prosocial behavior and facet of psychopathy considered. Public prosocial behavior may be more motivated by extrinsic social rewards than anonymous prosociality, which may be more motivated by empathy and altruistic motives. It was hypothesized that primary psychopathy, especially affective callousness, would be positively and uniquely associated with public prosociality, and inversely associated with anonymous and altruistic prosociality, and that these associations would be mediated by empathy. In contrast, secondary psychopathy was expected to be weakly and inversely associated with all three types of prosocial behavior and with empathy. In an undergraduate student sample (n = 539), unique and interaction effects were tested in hierarchical regression. Predictions were supported for primary psychopathy. Gender did not moderate associations. Theoretical and practical implications are considered.
Spatially variable surface elevation changes and estimated melt water contribution of Continental Glacier in the Wind River Range, Wyoming, USA: 1966-2011

Seasonal snow melt in the Wind River Range, Wyoming, has been ending earlier over the last several decades leaving the region to rely more on supplemental melt water from mountain glaciers. This leads to the necessity of understanding recent glacial changes. This study uses elevation data from 1966, 2006 and 2011 to calculate surface elevation and volume changes that have occurred on Continental Glacier. Results indicate a mean volume change of −0.034 ± 0.02 km3 and surface elevation change of −0.36 ± 0.19 m y−1 between 1966 and 2006. Detailed spatial analysis shows that the glacier is divided into two sections which are thinning at different rates (lower section: −0.06±0.19 m y−1; upper section: −0.51 ± 0.19 m y−1). The upper section has experienced 97% of the thinning (or 742.5 × 103 m3 of melt water equivalent per year) and increased its rate since 2006 by 27.5%.
Cultural imperialism: A critical theory of interorganizational change

Current theories of organization tend to discuss the management of change across networks in a grammar of instrumental reason, thereby offering legitimacy to the imperialism that emerges when groups come together in a shared‐change experience. However, by adopting principles of critical theory, the social research project initiated by a group of scholars known as the “Frankfurt School”, we may challenge this degradation of knowledge and its companion, human domination. A critical theory of interorganizational change reveals three forms of organizational imperialism: cultural domination, cultural imposition, and cultural fragmentation. From this perspective, we may understand the deleterious human, social and cultural consequences of organizational expansionism, and thereby initiate a dialogue for cultural emancipation, a more meaningful, culturally sensitive approach to change.
Passive user identification using sequential analysis of proximity information in touchscreen usage patterns

Modern touch screen sensors are capable of detecting and reporting finger presence not only upon contact but also as the finger is approaching the screen. This gives us a wealth of additional information, which to the best of our knowledge, has never been analyzed before. Using these new sensor capabilities, we can see exactly how a user performs gestures starting from the finger's approach through the actual touching of the screen.
Communal property and land markets: Agricultural development policy in St. Lucia

Abstract Communal land tenure in St. Lucia was targeted for privatization in 1986 on the premise that its undercapitalization and low productivity could be corrected by establishing an efficient land market. This article takes the neoclassical analysis which was used to support this policy to task. With empirical evidence from St. Lucia, it argues that the inefficiencies attributed to communal land only are not justified. Many of these inefficiencies are, in fact, also shared with freehold tenure. In addition, family land performs socioeconomic functions that cannot be achieved with freehold tenure and fulfills a critical function in the development process.
The wage effects of overschooling revisited

Abstract This study replicates models developed by Verdugo and Verdugo (1989) and Sicherman (1991) to study the wage effects of overschooling. Using the 1985 wave of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, our results confirm earlier work showing that the rate of return to required schooling exceeds the rate of return to overschooling, and that the rate of return to underschooling is negative. At the same time, our results also confirm that, on the average, persons whose schooling exceeds (is less than) the required schooling for their occupation or job, respectively, receive lower (higher) wages than workers with similar levels of schooling in occupations or jobs having the required schooling. These results remain robust for alternative definitions of required, over- and underschooling, as well as for alternative specifications of the wage equations.
Transmission of cancer in man. Tentative guidelines referring to the possible effects of inoculation of homologous cancer extracts in man.

Inoculation of humans with live human cancer extracts may lead to the establishment of progressively growing tumors in the recipients and cause dissemination of a fatal disease. Close relatives are particularly susceptible to the inoculation of tumors from genetically related donors. The results of inoculation of cancer extracts from human patients to unrelated human recipients are unpredictable. In rare instances, the implanted tumors may “take,” grow progressively, and lead to a generalization of the disease. Administration of immunosuppressive drugs, such as azathioprine or prednisone, lowers natural resistance of the host to heterologous tumors; patients receiving such treatment are particularly susceptible to transmission of human cancer.
Evaluation of the celite secondary concentration procedure and an alternate elution buffer for the recovery of enteric adenoviruses 40 and 41

The effective recovery of adenovirus from water is a critical first step in developing a virus occurrence method able to provide accurate data for risk assessments and other applications. During virus concentration, electropositive filters are typically eluted with beef extract, undergo secondary concentration using either an organic flocculation or polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation technique and are ultimately resuspended in sodium phosphate buffer. In this study, an alternative secondary concentration procedure using celite was optimized by identifying the optimal celite and elution buffer to use. Two elution buffers, sodium phosphate and 1× PBS, were evaluated for their impact on real-time PCR. Sodium phosphate produced high levels of PCR inhibition compared to 1× PBS and so 1× PBS was used in subsequent experiments. The two secondary concentration techniques that were tested with adenovirus 40 and 41 gave recoveries of 69% and 65% for the optimized celite method and 75% and 109% for the organic flocculation method, respectively. Fine particle, calcinated celites in combination with 1× PBS elution buffer were shown to be effective at concentrating adenovirus 40 and 41 during secondary concentration and their subsequent detection using PCR. Heat extraction efficiencies were compared to samples processed using a DNA extraction kit to address possible virus aggregation issues. Samples processed through DNA extraction were found to produce realistic adenovirus recoveries compared to exaggerated recoveries using heat extraction.
Learning with noiseless information and payoff-relevant signals*

In models of active learning or experimentation, agents modify their actions to affect the distribution of a signal that provides information about future payoffs. A standard result in the experimentation literature is that agents experiment, if at all, to increase information. This finding is a direct consequence of Blackwell's theorem: one experiment is more informative than another if and only if all expected utility maximizers prefer to observe the first. Blackwell's theorem presupposes, however, that the observed signal only conveys information and does not directly affect future payoffs. Often, however, signals are directly payoff relevant, a phenomenon that we call signal dependence. For example, if a firm is uncertain about its demand and uses today's sales as a signal of tomorrow's demand, then that signal may also directly affect tomorrow's profit if the good is durable or if consumers form consumption habits. Datta, Mirman and Schlee [9] and Bertocchi and Spagat [4] show that, if the signal is payoff relevant, experimentation may indeed reduce information. Here we show that, despite the inapplicability of Blackwell's Theorem, agents always experiment to increase information if the information structure is noiseless: given the true value of the unknown parameter, the signal realization is deterministic. We then apply our framework to analyze Lazear's [16] model of retail clearance sales, a model with both signal dependence and noiseless information.
Modification of polymers by using poly(vinyl butyral)-based additives†

Poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) is the tough polymer film widely used as the interlayer in safety glass laminates such as automotive windshields. This material is now available in pellet form for easy blending into other polymer resins. It has been shown to act as an impact modifier and/or processing aid when blended at low levels into a variety of engineering resins, polyolefins, and PVC. At relatively high loadings, it performs as a permanent plasticizer imparting toughness, flexibility, enhanced processability, and oil resistance. The residual hydroxyl groups in PVB provide active surface sites to enhance paintability and adhesion to other materials. The adhesion of PVB has been found to enhance stiffness/compatibility when glass fibers and minerals are incorporated into engineering resins. The hydroxyl functionality has been used as crosslinking sites to form tough oil-resistant thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) via dynamic vulcanization. J. VINYL. ADDIT. TECHNOL., 12:33–36, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Diffusion‐Coupled Active Dissolution in the Localized Corrosion of Stainless Steels

The authors have examined the anodic dissolution of stainless steels in environments relevant to localized corrosion in neutral chloride solutions. There is a maximum active dissolution rate, for a given potential, which is not associated with the most concentrated localized environment. This observation seems to be significant with respect to the stability of localized corrosion in these alloys. Results of this kind are capable of explaining the existence of a critical pit solution, a protection potential against pitting, multiple steady states, low frequency electrochemical noise and differences between open circuit and potentiostatic behavior.