cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excitation and breakdown of Ar at very high ratios of electric field to gas density

Spatial distributions of 811-nm emission from the 2${p}_{9}$ and 2${p}_{7}$ (Paschen notation) levels of Ar have been measured for electrical discharges in Ar at very high ratios of electric field to gas density (E/n) and low nd, where d is the electrode separation. Normalization of the lowest-E/n data to published electron excitation coefficients yields absolute excitation coefficients for 270E/n43 000 Td (1 Td=${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}21}$ V ${\mathrm{m}}^{2}$) and for 6.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{19}$nd3.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{21}$ ${\mathrm{m}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$. Direct and cascade excitation of 811-nm emisison by electrons calculated using a ``single-beam'' nonequilibrium electron model is an order of magnitude too small to account for the observed emission at the higher E/n.A model which includes Ar excitation and ionization by ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ and by fast Ar (10--200 eV) is developed to explain the observations. The fast atoms are produced by charge-transfer collisions of ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ with Ar. The estimated excitation by ions is negligible and has the wrong spatial dependence. Using the very limited published cross-section data for 811-nm excitation by fast Ar, the model yields spatial dependencies of emission which agree with experiment, but which are too small by factors ranging from 2.5 at 43 kTd to 10 at 6.3 kTd. This variation in the 811-nm emission with E/n is used to obtain energy-dependent excitation cross sections for fast atoms. The good fit of theory to the experimental spatial dependence near the cathode at the higher E/n shows the importance of ionization of Ar by fast Ar atoms. Excitation by backscattered secondary electrons is an important source of 811-nm emission near the anode. Electrical-breakdown and discharge-maintanance voltages from various experiments, including ours, are compared with the predictions of the model. These analyses show that ionization by ions and fast atoms dominates that by electrons from E/ng15 kTd. The estimated ionization by electrons backscattered from the anode provides sufficient feedback to explain much of the electrical-breakdown data and our discharge-maintenance data. Other breakdown data require either a large yield of ionization by backscattered electrons or a very large ion-induced electron yield at the cathode.
Desulfoviridin, a multimeric-dissimilatory sulfite reductase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) Purification, characterization, kinetics and EPR studies

Conditions for the rigorous purification of desulfoviridin, the dissimilatory sulfite reductase from the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) have been established. A final purification by fast protein liquid chromatography yields at least three distinct bands that each exhibit the characteristic absorption spectrum of desulfoviridin. Two of these have been extensively characterized by amino acid analysis, isoelectric focusing, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and formulation of the prosthetic centers. Each contains two pairs of [Fe4S4] and siroheme units. These results stand in marked contrast to recent work claiming significant demetallation of siroheme, excess iron content, and the presence of Fe6S6 clusters. These proposals are critically assessed in light of our results and other published work. Steady-state kinetic parameters have been determined: kcat(SO32-) = 0.31 mol SO32-· s−1· mol heme−1, Km= 0.06 mM; kcat(NO2−) = 0.038 mol NO2−· s−1· mol heme−1, Km= 0.028 mM; kcat(NH2OH) = 29 mol NH2OH · s−1· mol heme−1, Km= 48 mM. A detailed comparison is made with the Escherichia coli and spinach-assimilatory sulfite reductase enzymes and spinach nitrite reductase. Highly purified samples of dissimilatory sulfite reductase display an electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum characteristic of rhombic high spin ferric heme centers, while the fully reduced enzyme shows EPR features typical of [Fe4S4] clusters. The magnetic properties of the prosthetic centers are further characterized by variable temperature experiments and spin quantitation.
Determination of beam position from induced electric signals

Abstract At the NSLS storage rings capacitive pickups (PUEs) with four circular electrodes are used as beam position monitors. The dependence of the induced signal on the actual beam position for the geometry of the vacuum chamber and electrodes is studied both theoretically and experimentally. Four different methods for solving the Dirichlet problem for the NSLS geometry are presented and compared with each other as well as with the measured data. The first method is based on the separation of variables, the next two on conformal mapping and the last one on modeling with the Poisson program. Two sets of bench measurements of the PUE response as a function of the beam position were performed and the results are shown. The PUE response, in accordance with the calculations, is highly nonlinear except around the center of the vacuum chamber. A noniterative method is presented to calculate the beam position from this nonlinear response.
Abnormal uterine artery Doppler velocimetry predicts adverse outcomes in patients with abnormal analytes.

Abstract Objectives Our aim was to determine if uterine artery (UtA) Doppler studies would risk-stratify women with abnormal serum analytes on prenatal genetic screening into those at baseline and increased risk for preeclampsia and small-for-gestational age (SGA). Study design This retrospective cohort study examined outcomes of patients with ⩾one abnormal analyte (PAPP-A 3.0, AFP > 2.5, inhibin > 2.0, or unconjugated estriol Main outcome measures Preeclampsia, preterm preeclampsia, SGA (birthweight (BW) Results We identified 132 patients with ⩾one abnormal analyte, UtA Doppler screening, and delivery outcomes. Twenty-four (18%) had an elevated UtA PI (PI > 1.6); preeclampsia occurred in 16 (12%) and 26 (20%) delivered a SGA neonate. Abnormal UtA Doppler PI increased the likelihood of a composite outcome of preeclampsia or SGA from 27% to 71% (LR 6.48 (2.93, 14.30)); a negative UtA Doppler PI reduced the likelihood to 18% (LR 0.57 (0.42, 0.78)). Abnormal UtA Doppler PI increased the likelihood of a more severe composite outcome of preterm preeclampsia or IUGR from 11% to 39% (LR 5.49 (3.03, 9.97)); a negative UtA Doppler study reduced the likelihood to 4% (LR 0.35 (0.16, 0.80)). Conclusions In patients with abnormal serum analytes, abnormal UtA Doppler PI is significantly associated with preeclampsia or SGA and improves the prediction of these adverse outcomes by 9–15-fold. Providers can incorporate UtA Doppler PI into an abbreviated surveillance regimen; they can be reassured that a normal study markedly decreases the risk of a severe early adverse outcome.
Antiguiding in narrow stripe gain‐guided InGaAs‐GaAs strained‐layer lasers

We present data on strong carrier‐induced antiguiding present in strained‐layer InGaAs‐GaAs‐AlGaAs lasers. We calculate a value of 12.9 for the Petermann K factor, and a corresponding antiguiding factor of b=6.4. The magnitude of the carrier‐induced index depression in the well is estimated to range with drive current from 0.032 to 0.41. In all cases, the antiguiding is much stronger than reported for similar GaAs‐AlGaAs lasers. In addition, we show that emission from short cavity devices occurs from two distinct transitions, with emission from the GaAs barriers contributing a single peak to the far field, and emission from the InGaAs well contributing two lobes. The result is a three‐lobed far‐field pattern at laser threshold of the GaAs barrier emission.
Rationally determined irrationality: An extension of the thesis of rationality as anti-entropic

Abstract In a recent paper, Etzioni (1986) presented the thesis that non-rational behavior was effortless and, therefore, more representative of man's natural decision-making state. Rational behavior required effort, i.e., was costly to the individual, and was best looked on as purposeful deviation from the natural state. The present article comments on Etzioni's thesis and provides some interesting extensions which aligns the theory more closely with existing economic models.
Ovarian influences on the development of sexual behavior in neonatally androgenized rats

Female sexual behavior was studied in male and female rats. Males were castrated on the day of birth (Day 1); some received ovarian implants at that time; others were injected on Day 3 with oil, 5 μg testosterone propionate (TP), or 50 μg TP. Females were ovariectomized at birth, 20, or 60 days of age; on Day 3 all were injected with oil, 5 μg, TP, or 50 μg TP. Prepuberal ovarian tenancy in females tended to counteract the effects on sexual receptivity of TP administered during neonatal life. In males ovarian implants facilitated female sexual behavior at adulthood in oil-injected animals, but did not significantly influence the effect on neonatally injected TP.
THE IRON GATE PROJECT ON THE DANUBE RIVER

(1964). THE IRON GATE PROJECT ON THE DANUBE RIVER. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 45-45.
Multivariate nonlinear regression analysis of trajectory tracking performance using force reflecting joystick in chronic stroke-induced hemiparesis

Individualizing a neurorehabilitation training protocol requires understanding the performance of subjects with various capabilities under different task settings. We use multivariate regression to evaluate the performance of subjects with stroke-induced hemiparesis in trajectory tracking tasks using a force-reflecting joystick. A nonlinear effect was consistently shown in both dimensions of force field strength and impairment level for selected kinematic performance measures, with greatest sensitivity at lower force fields. This suggests that the form of a force field may play a different “role” for subjects with various impairment levels, and confirms that to achieve optimized therapeutic benefit, it is necessary to personalize interfaces.
Characterization of chromatin prepared from the erythrocytes of the common bloodworm glycera dibranchiata

Abstract CHROMATIN prepared from the erythrocytes of the common bloodworm Glycera dibranchiata has low protein/DNA and RNA/DNA mass ratios. Electrophoretic analysis of the total chromatin protein reveals a very low non-histone protein content (11% of the total chromatin protein) and the apparent absence of the very lysine rich histone fraction (f1). The amino acid profiles of the three electrophoretically separable histone fractions are given and the presence of a serine rich histone is noted.
Epidermoid tumor of the cauda equina presenting with urinary stress incontinence

Spinal cord tumors are a rare cause of urinary incontinence. Tumors of the spinal cord usually present with pain, not with isolated urinary complaints. We report a case in which a patient with an epidermoid tumor of the cauda equina presented initially to a gynecologist complaining of urinary incontinence and pelvic relaxation symptoms. Failure to appreciate the neurologic signs on physical examination may have led to a delay in diagnosis and inappropriate management of the patient.
Slow equilibration in systems undergoing diffusion-controlled phase separation on a lattice

We consider binary alloys undergoing phase separation after a deep temperature quench. We present Monte Carlo simulation results showing that such systems freeze when quenched to zero temperature. This holds for a wide range of atomic and vacancy concentrations. We interpret these results in terms of an equilibration mechanism dominated by activated diffusive motion of atoms on a lattice across an interface with an activation energy dependent on the local curvature. We show that in such a case the domain size increases logarithmically for quenches to low temperatures. This logarithmic law is shown to be in excellent agreement with neutron scattering experiments.
Race and welfare reform: the Wisconsin Works W-2 experience.

Abstract This study examined the impact of welfare reform on African American and Caucasian welfare recipients in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to determine if there were differences in their experience with employers and private welfare agencies. The study found that despite having higher education levels and higher job training completion rates, African American welfare recipients did not fare any better than Caucasians in terms of employment. African American welfare recipients were more likely to be required to take pre-employment tests and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuses (AODA) than were Caucasians.
A simplified method for quantitation of iodine-123 iodobenzamide in human plasma: a technical note

To establish a quantitative single-photon emission tomography (SPET) procedure for imaging CNS D2 dopamine receptors, measurement of unchanged iodine-123 iodobenzamide (123I-IBZM) (a selective D2 ligand) in human plasma was investigated. There are three possible radioactive components in human plasma: hydrophilic compounds (iodide ion, etc.), lipophilic metabolites, and unchanged IBZM. Based on the difference in lipophilicity of IBZM and its lipophilic metabolites (LM), a new quantitative method of analysis of 123I-IBZM using a simple solvent extraction was developed. The selective extraction was achieved with n-octane/phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH 7.4). Extraction efficiency was 93.2% ± 0.3% (n=15) for IBZM from plasma, while 99.3% ± 0.2% (n =12) of LM remained in the aqueous plasma fraction. Twenty-one confirmation tests with plasma containing known ratios of IBZM/LM, ranging between 0.39 and 7.60, were performed. The experimental results were very close to the values of the true ratios over the wide range (accuracy ∼ 99%, relative standard error 6.6%). The data from this simplified method are comparable to those obtained by the high-performance liquid chromatography method. This improved method provides an easy and accurate way to quantify unchanged IBZM in human plasma. With appropriate kinetic modeling and in conjunction with a dedicated SPET imaging device for measuring quantitative information, it may be possible to develop a practical method for measuring D2 receptor density in vivo.
Polarization/time-bin basis conversion of entangled photons

We describe a scheme for interconverting photonic entanglement between time-bin and polarization bases. This scheme makes entangled pairs insensitive to birefringement effects and thus has application in fiber-based quantum memories.
Application of isothermal titration calorimetry in bioinorganic chemistry

The thermodynamics of metals ions binding to proteins and other biological molecules can be measured with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), which quantifies the binding enthalpy (ΔH°) and generates a binding isotherm. A fit of the isotherm provides the binding constant (K), thereby allowing the free energy (ΔG°) and ultimately the entropy (ΔS°) of binding to be determined. The temperature dependence of ΔH° can then provide the change in heat capacity (ΔC (p)°) upon binding. However, ITC measurements of metal binding can be compromised by undesired reactions (e.g., precipitation, hydrolysis, and redox), and generally involve competing equilibria with the buffer and protons, which contribute to the experimental values (K (ITC), ΔH (ITC)). Guidelines and factors that need to be considered for ITC measurements involving metal ions are outlined. A general analysis of the experimental ITC values that accounts for the contributions of metal-buffer speciation and proton competition and provides condition-independent thermodynamic values (K, ΔH°) for metal binding is developed and validated.
An inequality for a sum of forms

Abstract The main result provides a matrix generalization of a quadratic inequality for real numbers. As a consequence it follows that the least-squares estimate of a regression matrix converges with probability one to the population matrix.
Observation of SN1987A by neutrino light

On the 54th day of 1987 an event occurred on Earth which gave reality to the fifty-five year old dreams of Baade, Zwicky, and Landauan event which confirmed thoughts of Chandrasekhar and Bethe. Also confirmed were the computer-based calculations of Colgate, Arnett, Burrows, Lattimer, Weaver, Woosley, Wilson and many others. The event was the arrival of a neutrino pulse that had been rushing towards the Earth for 170 000 yr. Had it arrived a few years earlier it would have gone unrecorded. Had its source in the Large Magellanic Cloud been much further away, it would have been too feeble to see. ~1016 neutrinos passed through the IMB detector (in the United States) in a few seconds. Only eight made recorded interactions. Simultaneously the Kamiokande detector (in Japan) recorded eleven. These numbers are in remarkable accord with the expectations of the above thinkers. It is a masterful triumph of the human intellect. Such pulses may pass our way every 10-100 years. *~ The chance that any more will be recorded may not be high since it requires the maintenance of large, complex detectors over these very long time periods. The detectors which recorded these events consisted of large masses of water viewed by many photomultiplier tubes located deep underground. **~ The events seen in the detectors are, individually, not very spectacular. "In the IMB detector, for example, they have energies of only 20-40 MeV, close to that detector's threshold of visibility. An electron of 20 MeV will only light up approximately two dozen of the detector's 2048 phototubes. Such a signal must be picked out from a background due to radioactivity, electronic noise, and neutrino interactions from the atmospheric cosmic ray background. By appropriate filtering one can reduce the data to the cosmic ray neutrino rate, which is about two events per week in the 20-50 MeV energy band. A pulse of eight such events in six seconds is, therefore, truly extraordinary. This is what was recorded by IMB and similarly by a sequence of pulses in Kamiokande on February 23, many powers of ten above that expected from statistical fluctuations in the neutrino background.
Longitudinal magnetic relaxation in superfluid 3He

Longitudinal magnetic relaxation in both /sup 3/He-A and /sup 3/He-B is studied in a variety of magnetic fields and three different geometries. Relaxation as described by Leggett and Takagi is observed for particular geometries in both /sup 3/He-A and /sup 3/He-B within a very limited range of magnetic field and temperature near T/sub c/. Under certain other conditions the longitudinal magnetization in /sup 3/He-A does not relax monotonically in time. Relaxation in /sup 3/He-B very near the critical temperature is shown to be remarkably different following nominal 90/sup 0/ and 180/sup 0/ pulses. Other observations using RF pulses with a time-dependent frequency provide evidence for a negative frequency shift in /sup 3/He-B at large tipping angles in certain geometries.
Indirect fertility analysis in painters exposed to ethylene glycol ethers: sensitivity and specificity.

Semen analysis has proven useful in the clinical diagnosis of infertility and is the most widely used method of monitoring the effects of occupational exposure on male fertility. Collection and analysis of semen samples in a field setting, however, require a highly motivated population and excellent technical resources, limiting the widespread application of the method. Techniques of monitoring male worker fertility using questionnaires to avoid some of the difficulties of semen analysis have been developed. These methods compare the rate of observed births for wives of workers with expected birth rates derived either from U.S. fertility tables or from unexposed workers. The present study compares the sensitivity of this questionnaire method with that of semen analysis in an evaluation of reproductive function in men exposed to ethylene glycol ethers. The reproductive function of 74 married painters exposed to ethylene glycol ethers was compared with that of 51 married controls employed at a shipyard. The groups differed in sperm count, but the questionnaire method showed no effect of exposure on fertility. This analysis suggests that the questionnaire assessment of fertility is less sensitive than semen analysis as a screening tool for male reproductive function.
Physical Activity, Health Benefits, and Mortality Risk

A plethora of epidemiologic evidence from large studies supports unequivocally an inverse, independent, and graded association between volume of physical activity, health, and cardiovascular and overall mortality. This association is evident in apparently healthy individuals, patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease, regardless of body weight. Moreover, the degree of risk associated with physical inactivity is similar to, and in some cases even stronger than, the more traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The exercise-induced health benefits are in part related to favorable modulations of cardiovascular risk factors observed by increased physical activity or structured exercise programs. Although the independent contribution of the exercise components, intensity, duration, and frequency to the reduction of mortality risk is not clear, it is well accepted that an exercise volume threshold defined at caloric expenditure of approximately 1,000 Kcal per week appears to be necessary for significant reduction in mortality risk. Further reductions in risk are observed with higher volumes of energy expenditure. Physical exertion is also associated with a relatively low and transient increase in risk for cardiac events. This risk is significantly higher for older and sedentary individuals. Therefore, such individuals should consult their physician prior to engaging in exercise."Walking is man's best medicine"Hippocrates.
Litomosoides carinii: Effect of splenectomy on the ability of naive Mastomys natalensis to accept transplanted adults

Abstract Fifty-eight male rats Mastomys natalensis , were used in each of two experiments to study the effect of splenectomy on the rejection of transplnted nematodes, Litomosoides carinii . The rats were divided into five groups: splenectomized recipients (SR), normal recipients (NR), splenectomized (S), normal (N) and donor (D). Each group had 12 animals except for the D group which had 10. After patency of the D group (tank infected with Litomosoides carinii ), groups SR and S were splenectomized. Fourteen days later, (three to five L. Carinii derived from the D group) were surgically transplanted into the peritoneal cavity of the SR and NR groups. In the first experiment, weekly sacrifices were made starting at Day 3. In the second experiment, all groups were sacrificed at Day 32. Worms transplanted into the SR group were accepted while those transplanted into the NR group were rejected. Sequentially examined antibody titers after Day 3 fell into two groups, those that were recipients of transplants (SR and NR) and those that were not (NR and SR). After becoming positive on Day 3, the microfilaremia of the SR group rose by Day 31 while that of the NR group fell to near 0. It was concluded that the spleen is necessary for the rejection of transplanted L. carinii by naive M. natalensis .
Magnetization studies of near-room-temperature flux-trapping phenomenon in CuO-based materials

DC magnetization studies on a variety of ceramic and crystalline YBaCuO samples indicate a superconducting-like flux-trappinig behavior occurring at similar temperatures as zero-resistance transition temperatures observed near room temperature. The flux-trapping behavior is exemplified by diamagnetic-like deviations from a positive magnetic background in the zero-field-cooled magnetization, by a divergence between the zero-field-cooled and field-cooled magnetization data, or by a positive Meissner effect in the field-cooled magnetization. These behaviors are consistent with a high-Tc (>250 K) superconducting phase in an inhomogeneous superconductor where the superconducting regions exist as defect structures or surface coatings and whose volume fraction is less than a few percent.
The price of unconditional love: Consumer decision making for high-dollar veterinary care

Abstract Animal companions play an increasingly important role in consumers' lives, and therefore many pets receive acceptance and treatment as members of the family. As the human–animal bond increases, so does consumer spending on pets, including that on high-dollar veterinary care. Unlike human health care, however, consumers must directly pay for the majority of high-dollar veterinary care. When an animal companion is ill, the consumer faces a stressful decision of whether even to engage in the treatment, along with the hardship of paying for it. Despite a rudimentary understanding of the factors relevant in the decision-making process regarding high-dollar veterinary care, knowledge is lacking about this often heart-wrenching choice. Using a depth-interview method, this study examines the decision-making process consumers go through when facing expensive medical treatment for their pets. The research results in an expansion of three a priori themes and the discovery and discussion of three factors that influence consumer decisions about veterinary care across all three themes.
How vegetables make the meal: their hedonic and heroic impact on perceptions of the meal and of the preparer

Objective Although most parents know that vegetables are healthful, vegetables are served at only 23% of American dinners. If added nutrition is not a sufficient motivation, might a parent be more inspired to serve vegetables if doing so improved either the taste of the entree or how loving and thoughtful the server would be perceived? The present paper details two studies which investigated whether serving vegetables changes the perception of the cook and the perception of an entree’s taste. Design In Study 1, people evaluated the personality of a cook who either did or did not include a vegetable in a family dinner. In Study 2, five different meals that either included or did not include a vegetable were rated in terms of the taste of the entree and of the whole meal. Setting US-based online survey. Subjects American mothers (n 500), ranging in age from 18 to 65 years (mean age 38.4 years), with at least two children under the age of 18 years living at home. Results Serving vegetables improved taste expectations for the entree as well as for the whole meal. Additionally, serving a vegetable with a meal also enhanced perceptions of the meal preparer. They were evaluated as being more thoughtful and attentive as well as less lazy, boring and self-absorbed. Conclusions These two studies show new hedonic and heroic motivations for serving vegetables: (i) they increase the hedonic appeal of the meal and (ii) they increase the heroic appeal of the cook. More vegetables are likely to be served with a meal if preparers know that the addition of vegetables makes them appear to be both a better cook and a better person.
Using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to detect sublethally- or lethally-stressed Listeria innocua treated with acetic acid

Abstract Listeria innocua (ATCC 33090) was treated with 1 ml/100 ml (pH = 2.58) or 0.5 ml/100 ml (pH = 2.77) acetic acid in 0.9 g/100 ml saline or in tryptic soy broth with 0.6 g/100 ml yeast extract (TSBYE) containing 1 ml/100 ml acetic acid (pH = 4.13) for up to 63 h at 37 °C. Survival curves for acid treated cells had biphasic shapes which indicated that subpopulations of L. innocua had different levels of sensitivity to acetic acid. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra (1800–900 cm −1 ) showed changes in bands for proteins, lipids, DNA/RNA, and carbohydrates occurred between the control (no acid added, at 0 h) and 51 h treatment (pH = 4.13, TSBYE with 1 ml/100 ml acetic acid), indicative of structural damage to cell walls including teichoic acid moieties, cell membranes, DNA/RNA, and to cytoplasmic proteins. Two multivariate statistical methods (principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant regression (PLSR) were applied. These methods successfully classified spectra of bacteria treated at selected time intervals (control, 3 h, 9 h, 21 h and 51 h) indicating the potential FT-IR spectroscopy has for detecting organic acid stress for Listeria spp.
Conformational, vibrational, and structural studies of 2,2,3,3,3‐pentafluoropropylamine from Raman and infrared spectra of gas, liquid, xenon solutions, and solid supported by ab initio calculations

The Raman and infrared spectra (3500–50 cm−1) of the gas, liquid or solution, and solid were recorded of 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylamine (CF3CF2CH2NH2) and the ND2 isotopomer. Variable temperature (−55 to − 100 °C) studies of the infrared spectra (3600–400 cm−1) of samples dissolved in liquid xenon have been carried out. From these data, two of the five possible conformers have been identified and their relative stabilities obtained. The enthalpy difference was determined between the more stable Tt conformer and the less stable Tg form to be 280 ± 14 cm−1 (3.35 ± 0.17 kJ/mol). The first indicator is the NCCC dihedral angle (G = gauche or T = trans), and the second one (g = gauche or t = trans) is the relative position of the lone pair of electrons on nitrogen with respect to the β-carbon. The percentage of the Tg conformer at ambient temperature is estimated to be 34 ± 2%. The conformational stabilities have been predicted from ab initio calculations utilizing several different basis sets up to aug-cc-pVTZ for both MP2(full) and density functional theory calculations by the B3LYP method. Vibrational assignments have been provided for most of the observed bands for both isotopomers, supported by MP2(full)/6-31G(d) ab initio calculations to predict the harmonic force fields, wavenumbers, infrared intensities, Raman activities, and depolarization ratios for both conformers. Estimated r0 structural parameters were obtained from adjusted MP2(full)/6-311 + G(d,p) calculations. The results are discussed and compared with the corresponding properties of some related molecules. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy and tolerability of newer antihistamines in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.

Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis has markedly expanded in recent years, providing opportunities for more focused therapy, but often leaving both physicians and patients confused over the variety of options. As monotherapy, oral antihistamines are an excellent choice when attempting to control multiple earlyphase, and some late-phase, allergic symptoms in the eyes, nose and pharynx. Unfortunately, despite their efficacy in relief of allergic symptoms, systemic antihistamines may result in unwanted adverse effects, such as drowsiness and dry mouth. Newer second-generation antihistamines (cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine and desloratadine) are preferred over older first-generation antihistamines in order to avoid the sedative and anticholinergic effects that are associated with first-generation agents. When the allergic symptom or complaint, such as ocular pruritus, is isolated, focused therapy with topical (ophthalmic) antihistamines is often efficacious and clearly superior to systemic antihistamines, either as monotherapy or in conjunction with an oral or intranasal agent.
Acceptability of Fairy Shrimp (Streptocephalus seali) as a Diet for Larval Fish

Abstract Fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus seali), brine shrimp (Artemia salina), and a pelleted food were fed to tiger muskellunge (the hybrid of muskellunge, Esox masquinongy, and northern pike, E. lucius) to compare acceptability and nutritional value of the diets. Fairy shrimp, although less nutritious than the pelleted diet, provided a suitable freshwater alternative to brine shrimp.
A bibliography of hydrological, geomorphological, sedimentological, biological and hydrochemical references to the Institute of Hydrology experimental catchment studies in Plynlimon

This bibliography provides a backdrop to the environmental research completed within the context of the Plynlimon catchment study area. It includes the bibliography produced by Kirby et al. in 1991 plus references from (1) a computer-based literature search using all the standard water industry and water research data bases and (2) a questionnaire sent to all the contributors to this special volume of Hydrological and Earth System Sciences. The bibliography does not include the vast number of reports generated for various funding bodies over the years. The bibliography, comprising about 300 publications from 1960 to 1998, shows overwhelmingly the wealth and success of the endeavours of the various institute and university groups working in the Plynlimon catchments.
Arthritis and arthrodesis of the hindfoot

Arthritic involvement of the subtalar, talonavicular, and calcaneocuboid joints is a common cause of pain in the mature hindfoot. Inflammatory, degenerative, and crystalline forms of arthritis may lead to deformity and instability of joints. When medical and nonoperative management fails, painful joints are stabilized best by selective arthrodeses. Whereas, in the past, the triple arthrodesis was used extensively for many types of hindfoot deformities, single joint fusions now are used more commonly. More limited arthrodesis still may allow preservation of some hindfoot motion, thereby resulting in greater function. Various hindfoot arthritides and their biomechanical sequelae, resultant deformities, and treatment options are discussed. Arthrodesis continues to be the best treatment option for patients who have extensive hindfoot arthrosis, regardless of the underlying process.
Nanoparticle inhalation impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation in subepicardial arterioles

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM, mean aerodynamic diameter <or=2.5 microm) has been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease mortality and may contribute to acute coronary events such as myocardial infarction (MI). There is sufficient reason to believe that smaller particles, such as nanoparticles, might be even more detrimental than larger sized particles due to their increased surface area and higher pulmonary deposition. Our laboratory showed that nanoparticle inhalation impairs endothelium-dependent arteriolar vasodilation in skeletal muscle. However, it is not known whether coronary microvascular endothelial function is affected in a similar manner. Rats were exposed to filtered air (control) or TiO(2) nanoparticles (primary particle diameter, approximately 21 nm) via inhalation at concentrations that produced measured depositions (10 microg) relevant to ambient air pollution. Subepicardial arterioles ( approximately 150 mum in diameter) were isolated and responses to transmural pressure, flow-induced dilation (FID), acetylcholine (ACh), the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187, and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were assessed. Myogenic responsiveness was preserved between groups. In addition, there was no difference in the vasodilation to SNP, signifying that smooth muscle sensitivity to nitric oxide (NO) is unaffected by nano-TiO(2) exposure. However, inhalation of nano-TiO(2) produced an increase in spontaneous tone in coronary arterioles and also impaired endothelium-dependent FID. In addition, ACh-induced and A23187-induced vasodilation was also blunted in arterioles after inhalation of nano-TiO(2). Data showed that nanoparticle exposure significantly impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation in subepicardial arterioles. Such disturbances in coronary microvascular function are consistent with the cardiac events associated with particle pollution exposure.
Nutrient Content (% Dry Matter) of Maize as Affected by Different Levels of Fertilizers in Asaba Area of Delta State

This study was carried out in the Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State. University, Asaba campus (Nigeria) from March 2008 to June 2010 to evaluate the nutrient content (% dry matter) of maize as affected by different levels of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer. The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times in a factorial layout. Four different rates of poultry droppings, cattle dung and NPK 20: 10: 10 fertilizer were applied to three maize varieties sown at 75 cm x 15 cm spacing and the maize grains produced were evaluate for their nutrient content in percentage dry matter. The results obtained indicated that hybrid variety 9022-13 had the highest N, P and K contents (1.03, 1.68 and 0.26, respectively). Also, plants that received inorganic fertilizer had the highest values of 1.27% N, 1.64% P and 0.29% K. Based on rates of application, plants that received 450 kgha -1 NPK 20: 10: 10 fertilizer had the highest values of 1.74% N, 1.71% P and 0.49% K. The interaction effects showed that only variety, manure type and rates % application were significant (P < 0.05). Based on this study, it is recommended that (i) Hybrid variety, 9022-13, which was outstanding in its nutrient content be grown in the study area. Alternatively, farmers who prefer open-pollinated varieties could grow BR 9922-DMRSF 2 or Agbor local variety for people who prefer local varieties in maize production (ii) Spacing of 75 cm x 15 cm (88, 888 plants/ha) which resulted in better growth performance and yield should be adopted in maize production (iii) Farmers who prefer mineral fertilizer for increased growth and yield of maize should apply 450 kg ha -1 of NPK 20: 10: 10 (iv) Farmers who practice organic agriculture in Asaba agro-ecological zone should apply 30 tha -1 of poultry manure to enhance maize
Responses of phytoplankton to varied resource availability in large lakes of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

We assessed phytoplankton dynamics in three lakes in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to better understand the connections between changing environmental conditions and aquatic communities. This work primarily describes the connections between resource availability and phytoplankton seasonal succession in these lakes. We hypothesized that algal species efficient at utilizing a given resource (including N, P, Si, and light) would be correlated with low relative concentrations of those resources. The lakes generally exhibited moderate resource limitation, which is characteristic of lakes in subalpine and subarctic regions. Although in proximity, the lakes all exhibited different resource relationships: Lewis Lake was most P limited, Jackson Lake was most N limited, and Yellowstone Lake exhibited a moderate degree of N limitation along with periodic Si limitation. Mixing depths and light penetration were also variable among lakes. In 1996, spring diatom biomass was dominated by Stephanodiscus minutulus, Asterionella formosa, Aulacoseira subarctica,and Synedra sp. Relative abundances and dominance varied among the lakes. A. formosa and Synedra sp. abundances were positively correlated with total N : total P (TN : TP) levels in an analysis of data from all three lakes. A. subarctica was negatively correlated with TN : TP and all light : nutrient ratios. Species exhibiting late season maxima included Cyclotella bodanica, Fragilaria crotonensis,and Stephanodiscus niagarae. C. bodanicaabundances corresponded to high-light/low-N situations, whereas S. niagarae maxima were found in high-TN : TP/low-light conditions. F. crotonensis abundances were most strongly positively correlated with total Si : TP and TN : TP. Environmental correlations were generally in good agreement with the measured physiological requirements of these species. Additionally, local population maxima of major species of diatoms never coincided. Seasonal succession of phytoplankton has been extensively studied and is generally assumed to be a function of changing environmental variables, including but not limited to temperature, light, nutrients, mixing, and herbivory. A number of investigators have attempted to quantitatively correlate these environmental factors with individual species’ abundance and relative dominance with a modest degree of success (Lund 1954; Reynolds 1976; Tilman 1977, 1982; Talling 1987; Sommer 1993). Following these and other examples, we analyzed phytoplankton dynamics over one season in three lakes in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) to determine whether species-specific patterns could be correlated with measured environmental parameters and whether these patterns were consistent with experimental observations of the physiology of particular species of phytoplankton. Mechanistic resource competition theory (Tilman 1982)
Service Quality Delivery Through Web Sites: A Critical Review of Extant Knowledge

Evidence exists that service quality delivery through Web sites is an essential strategy to success, possibly more important than low price and Web presence. To deliver superior service quality, managers of companies with Web presences must first understand how customers perceive and evaluate online customer service. Information on this topic is beginning to emerge from both academic and practitioner sources, but this information has not yet been examined as a whole. The goals of this article are to review and synthesize the literature about service quality delivery through Web sites, describe what is known about the topic, and develop an agenda for needed research.
Evaporative Light Scattering Detection for Supercritical Fluid Chromatography

A high-performance liquid chromatograph-evaporative light scattering detector is modified and interfaced with a supercritical fluid chromatograph. The detector performance is evaluated by monitoring the response of several steroids. Specifically the effects of nitrogen makeup gas flow rate, carbon dioxide modifier type, modifier concentration, evaporative light scattering detector orifice size, and detector temperature are determined. As the nitrogen gas flow rate increases, the response of the analyte decreases, but the increased flow improves peak shape to mimic that obtained with ultraviolet detection. Furthermore, increasing the detector temperature causes the response of the analytes to decrease. A detection limit of 10 ng or less is determined for progesterone and testosterone with 2% and 20% (v/v) methanol-modified carbon dioxide on a Deltabond cyano column (4.6 mm × 15 cm, 5 µm) at 150 mL/min and 1000 mL/min decompressed carbon dioxide. The separations of polyethylene glycols and ginko biloba leaf extract with the optimized conditions
High Performance Gibbs Sampling for IRT Models Using Row-Wise Decomposition

Item response theory (IRT) is a popular approach used for addressing statistical problems in psychometrics as well as in other fields. The fully Bayesian approach for estimating IRT models is computationally expensive. This limits the use of the procedure in real applications. In an effort to reduce the execution time, a previous study shows that high performance computing provides a solution by achieving a considerable speedup via the use of multiple processors. Given the high data dependencies in a single Markov chain for IRT models, it is not possible to avoid communication overhead among processors. This study is to reduce communication overhead via the use of a row-wise decomposition scheme. The results suggest that the proposed approach increased the speedup and the efficiency for each implementation while minimizing the cost and the total overhead. This further sheds light on developing high performance Gibbs samplers for more complicated IRT models.
Use of a Portable Ultrasound Device To Measure Post-Void Residual Volume Among Incontinent Nursing Home Residents

OBJECTIVE To determine the accuracy of a portable ultrasound device for the assessment of post-void residual (PVR) volume among incontinent nursing home (NH) residents. DESIGN Prospective, clinical series. SETTING Seven community-based nursing homes. STUDY POPULATION Two hundred one consecutively assessed incontinent NH residents who were participating in a larger clinical trial. MEASUREMENTS PVR volumes measured by trained research associates using a portable ultrasound device and by in-and-out catheterization were compared. The accuracy of the ultrasound was calculated using the volume obtained by catheterization as the gold standard. RESULTS The ultrasound demonstrated excellent test-retest and interrater reliability. For low PVRs, the device was highly sensitive (.90) for PVR 200 mL) was only .69, repeated measurements may be necessary to exclude high PVR in individual NH residents. Recent changes in ultrasound design should improve its ease of use and accuracy. Although measuring PVR by ultrasound is much easier and more comfortable than catheterization for both NH residents and staff, the cost of the device may be a barrier to its widespread use in the NH setting.
Effect of Metabolic Acidosis Upon Sleep Apnea

The effects of metabolic acidosis upon the pattern of apnea during sleep were assessed in ten sleep apnea patients. Four had pure obstructive apnea, two pure central apnea, and four had mixed apnea. Acidosis was induced with acetazolamide. Acid-base shifts had little effect in pure obstructive and pure central apnea, but had a significant effect in mixed apnea. In two of the mixed apneic patients, metabolic acidosis converted predominantly central apnea into nearly pure obstructive apnea, prolonging apneic periods and worsening hypoxemia. A suggested explanation for this is the greater stimulating effect of acidosis upon the lower bellows muscles than upon the muscles which act to maintain patency of the upper airways. The observation that some patients with mixed sleep apnea appear to have central apnea while relatively alkalotic and obstructive apnea while acidotic emphasizes the need for more careful and detailed characterization of apneic disorders with respect to their responses to body states and therapeutic agents.
Ion-implanted and screen-printed large area 19.6% efficient n-type bifacial Si solar cell

In this paper, we show successful fabrication of high efficiency 19.6 % n-type bifacial solar cells on 239 cm2 Cz using ion implantation of boron and phosphorus along with screen printed metallization. A very low emitter saturation current density (J oe ) of 80 fA/cm2 was obtained from re- grown SiO 2 caped with SiN x on a chemically etched boron emitter. It is also shown that 8% metallization can raise the boron emitter J oe by ∼85 fA/cm2 and phosphorus BSF J ob' by ∼126 fA/cm2. Detailed cell analysis shows that the high base saturation current density (J ob ) is a major performance limiting factor in the 19.6% efficient n-type bifacial cell.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and the Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease Results from NHANES 2001 to 2004

Objective— The purpose of this study was to determine the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the general United States population. Methods and Results— We analyzed data from 4839 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001 to 2004 to evaluate the relationship between 25(OH)D and PAD (defined as an ankle-brachial index P trend Conclusions— Low serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with a higher prevalence of PAD. Several mechanisms have been invoked in the literature to support a potential antiatherosclerotic activity of vitamin D. Prospective cohort and mechanistic studies should be designed to confirm this association.
Components of men's well-being at mid-life.

This study was designed to examine the correlates of psychological well-being for 75 middle-aged professional men. Based on sex-role convergence and role adjustment theories, three sets of predictor variables (i.e., interpersonal family factors, role adjustment, and extra familial interpersonal factors) were hierarchically entered into a multiple regression equation.The well-being outcome was found to be influenced by interpersonal family factors. The role adjustment and extra familial interpersonal factors did not account for a significant increase in variance. The best university predictors of men's well-being at midlife were perceived closeness to child, perceived closeness to wife, adjustment to the husband role, and number of close friends.