cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved Maximum Power Point Tracking of Partially Shaded PV Arrays Using Particle Swarm Optimization with Zone Initialization

When modules in a solar array experience varying irradiance, a Global Maximum (GM) and multiple Local Maximums (LMs) can originate on the Power-Voltage (P-V) curve. In this work, we demonstrate that the efficiency and accuracy of detecting and tracking the GM point using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique can be improved via selective Zone Initialization (ZI) of particles compared to random particle distribution in conventional PSO. Our PSO-based ZI algorithm is up to 17% faster and 23.4% more accurate in finding the Global Maximum power resulting in an efficient and improved Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) of partially shaded Photovoltaic systems.
Comprehensive review of chromium deposition and poisoning of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) cathode materials

Abstract A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a clean and efficient energy conversion device. The development of intermediate-temperature SOFCs has made it preferable to use metallic interconnects (MICs) to greatly reduce the cost and significantly increase the efficiency compared to ceramic interconnect materials. However, gaseous chromium species will evaporate from the chromium-containing layer formed on the surface of commonly used MICs. Volatile chromium species have been shown to form solid deposits which poison the cathodes of SOFCs, causing drastic cell performance degradation and thereby limiting commercialization. In this review, we systematically summarize the status and progress of research on this topic and compare the variations in chromium poisoning phenomena under numerous SOFC operating conditions. Moreover, approaches to alleviate chromium poisoning are evaluated and discussed.
Broad Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Cell Tropism and Immunopathology in Lung Tissues From Fatal Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients manifest with pulmonary symptoms reflected by diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), excessive inflammation, and thromboembolism. The mechanisms mediating these processes remain unclear. Methods We performed multicolor staining for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) proteins and lineage markers to define viral tropism and lung pathobiology in 5 autopsy cases. Results Lung parenchyma showed severe DAD with thromboemboli. Viral infection was found in an extensive range of cells including pneumocyte type II, ciliated, goblet, club-like, and endothelial cells. More than 90% of infiltrating immune cells were positive for viral proteins including macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, B cells, and T cells. Most but not all infected cells were angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) positive. The numbers of infected and ACE2-positive cells are associated with extensive tissue damage. Infected tissues exhibited high levels of inflammatory cells including macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, and NK cells, and low levels of B cells but abundant T cells consisting of mainly T helper cells, few cytotoxic T cells, and no regulatory T cells. Robust interleukin-6 expression was present in most cells, with or without infection. Conclusions In fatal COVID-19 lungs, there are broad SARS-CoV-2 cell tropisms, extensive infiltrated innate immune cells, and activation and depletion of adaptive immune cells, contributing to severe tissue damage, thromboemboli, excess inflammation, and compromised immune responses.
Laparoscopic side-to-side duodenoduodenostomy versus diamond-shaped anastomosis for annular pancreas in the neonate

Background The aim of this report is to present our experience of the last 5 years with repairs of congenital annular pancreas in neonates to determine the efficacy and outcomes of laparoscopic side-to-side duodenoduodenostomy compared to laparoscopic diamond-shaped anastomosis. Methods A total of 35 patients with congenital annular pancreas in neonates were operated by laparoscopic procedure at our hospital during January 2015 and September 2020. Twenty patients underwent laparoscopic side-to-side duodenoduodenostomy (group A), and 15 patients of the control group underwent laparoscopic diamond-shaped anastomosis (group B). The clinical data between the two groups were compared. Results The operative time is 77.5 ± 18.7 min in group A (range 50 ~ 125 min), and 92.5 ± 20.2 min in group B (range 75-155 min) (P = 0.029). Feedings started on postoperative day 4.5 ± 0.9 (range 3-6 days) in group A, whereas 6.5 ± 0.8 (range 4-7 days) in group B (P = 0.013). The cases in group A were discharged uneventfully in a mean of 9.2 ± 2.3 (range 7-15 days) postoperative day, and 11.4 ± 3.7 days (range 8-20 days) in group B (P = 0.041). The cases of group A have been followed up for 33.1 ± 15.4 months (range 3-60 months), group B had been followed up for 32.0 ± 14.0 months (range 6-55 months) (P > 0.05), and all the cases were doing well at the last follow-up examination. Conclusion Laparoscopic side-to-side duodenoduodenostomy is beneficial to the recovery of intestinal function postoperatively in the neonate with annular pancreas.
Murga y minstrel a inicios del siglo XX en Valparaíso y otros puertos poscoloniales: estereotipos de negritud en agrupaciones cómicas y carnavalescas

Intentando comprender la presencia de una compania de musicos blancos representando negros en Vina del Mar en 1911, este articulo aborda el uso generico de la palabra murga, para una agrupacion que presenta elementos esteticos y escenicos propios del minstrel americano. Este vinculo nos permite reflexionar sobre como la comicidad en el carnaval, en el teatro y en los medios de comunicacion, utilizo significados sobre la propia identidad blanca frente a un otro negro o mestizo, risible o ridiculo. El contrapunto con expresiones musicales y escenicas en puertos como Ciudad del Cabo y Buenos Aires, nos permite tambien contrastar la influencia del blackface en otros territorios, y en como esas sociedades enfrentaron las desigualdades raciales mediante la comicidad y lo festivo.
Theory and phenomenology of supernova neutrinos

The theory and phenomenology of supernova neutrinos is reviewed, with focus on the most recent advancements on the neutrino flux predicted by supernova numerical models, on neutrino oscillations inside the star and in the Earth, and on the physics of the diffuse supernova neutrino background. Future directions of research are briefly summarized.
Video coding using vector zerotrees and adaptive vector quantization

Summary form only given. We present a new algorithm for intraframe coding of video which combines zerotrees of vectors of wavelet coefficients and the generalized-threshold-replenishment (GTR) technique for adaptive vector quantization (AVQ). A data structure, the vector zerotree (VZT), is introduced to identify trees of insignificant vectors, i.e., those vectors of wavelet coefficients in a dyadic subband decomposition that are to be coded as zero. GTR coders are then applied to each subband to efficiently code the significant vectors by way of adapting to their changing statistics. Both VZT generation anti GTR coding are based upon minimization of criteria involving both rate and distortion. In addition, perceptual performance is improved by invoking simple, perceptually motivated weighting in both the VZT and the GTR coders.
A Recursive Analysis of Dissection Strategies.

Publisher Summary An idea used frequently in the top level design and analysis of computer algorithms is to partition a problem into smaller subproblems whose individual solutions are combined to give the solution to the original problem. If the subproblems have a structure essentially identical to the original problem, this process is described recursively, and the partitioning proceeds until the subproblems can be solved trivially. The chapter presents a simple formalism for analyzing structurally recursive algorithms and presents an application of this analysis to study the strategy known as nested dissection for ordering sparse matrices whose graphs are n × m grids. It also discusses structural recursion formalism and presents the derivation of asymptotic complexity (order of magnitude) of several numerical algorithms including n × n nested dissection.
Health physics personnel: a need unfulfilled

For the past decade, the demand for health physics personnel, at both the professional and technical levels, has been increasing, and indeed has become quite acute in recent years. The need for health physics personnel is demonstrated by a summary of projected requirements and potential candidates by the year 1991. Suggestions made for ensuring the availability of qualified health physics personnel includes: 1) a characterization study of health physicists should be conducted, with emphasis on industry, to determine qualifications, job satisfaction factors, and other data pertinent to entry and retention in the field; 2) the curricula currently offered by post-secondary schools should be evaluated for quality and relevance; and 3) an industry standard or protocol for qualification and training of health physics should be developed and implemented.
Littlewood–Paley Theory and Multipliers

In this chapter we are concerned with orthogonality properties of the Fourier transform. This orthogonality is easily understood on L 2, but at this point it is not clear how it manifests itself on other spaces. Square functions introduce a way to express and quantify orthogonality of the Fourier transform on L p and other function spaces. The introduction of square functions in this setting was pioneered by Littlewood and Paley, and the theory that subsequently developed is named after them. The extent to which Littlewood–Paley theory characterizes function spaces is remarkable.
Effect of stage of the estrous cycle on the motility of the uterus in the guinea pig in vivo.

Abstract A method is described for the recording of uterine motility in the nonpregnant and intact, unanesthetized, and unrestrained guinea pig with an implanted extraluminal strain gauge transducer. One hundred and ten 1 hour polygraph records were made from 8 animals during the 16 day estrous cycle. The usual pattern was one of contractions of greater force and lower frequency about the time of estrus as compared to contractions of lesser force and higher frequency during diestrus. The day of the estrous cycle on which the transducer was implanted was shown to be critical because of the cycle of myometrial hypertrophy and regression. This method provides a practical means of measuring uterine motility during the estrous cycle, during mating and sperm transport, and during ova transport and implantation.
A Spatio-Temporal Framework for Spectral Analysis and Control of Interarea Oscillations in Wind-Integrated Power Systems

This brief presents an analytical method to study the effects of wind farm location on the interarea oscillation spectrum of large radial power systems along with a means to shape this spectrum. We consider a continuum representation of the electromechanical swing equations for the power system with the wind power injection modeled as a spatial point source forcing applied at a certain electrical distance from one end of the transfer path. The resulting forced hyperbolic wave equation for the rotor phase angle is used to derive an analytical expression for the spectrum of the power flow as a function of the wind power injection location. A simulation study shows that judicious siting of the wind farm can provide effective damping to a particular set of modes. Finally, we show how the analysis framework can be extended to provide a means of shaping the interarea oscillation spectrum for a grid with a wind farm at an arbitrary location using a simple optimal control design for the wind power output.
Quantifying the Rates of Sn Whisker Growth and Plastic Strain Relaxation Using Thermally-Induced Stress

Whiskers and hillocks that grow out of Sn-based coatings are a critical reliability issue in Pb-free electronics. Although their growth is widely regarded as a stress-relaxation mechanism, quantitative understanding of the relationship between the stress, growth kinetics, and strain relaxation is still lacking. In this work, the well-controlled strain induced by thermal-expansion mismatch was used to study the whiskering behavior of electroplated Sn films. Stress was quantified by monitoring wafer-curvature and the density of whiskers and hillocks was measured simultaneously by use of optical microscopy. Evolution of the volume of individual features was also measured by scanning electron microscopy after different periods of heating. The measurements were used to develop a model for temperature-dependent and stress-dependent growth kinetics of whiskers and hillocks and to determine the amount of strain relaxation which occurs as a result of their formation.
Predictors of Milk Consumption in U.S. School-Aged Children

Abstract Attainment of peak bone mass by early adulthood may be one of the most effective means of preventing osteoporosis. Milk consumption in the developmental years can influence bone acquisition. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of milk consumption in U.S. school-aged children using dietary intake data from the USDA 1994-95 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII). Average daily milk intake was assessed in grams/day for children ages 5-17, who provided two full days of dietary intake data. Sociodemographic variables, type of milk consumed (skim, 1%, 2%, whole) as well as maternal milk intake (type and amount) were examined as possible predictors. The Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software program was used to format the data for analysis. USDA sample weights and design information were applied using the Survey Data Analysis System (SUDAAN) to obtain correct variance estimates and to allow for generalizations to the entire U.S. school-aged population (weighted sample of 68,717,533). Average daily milk consumption (all types) was 300.4grams/day. Using multiple correlation regression analysis, sex and geographic region as well as maternal milk intake (both type and amount) were identified as significant (p
Strategies for assessing the cumulative effects of wetland alteration on water quality

Assessment of cumulative impacts on wetlands can benefit by recognizing three fundamental wetland categories: basin, riverine, and fringe. The geomorphological settings of these categories have relevance for water quality.
THE IMPACT OF JOB SATISFACTION ON TURNOVER INTENT: A TEST OF A STRUCTURAL MEASUREMENT MODEL USING A NATIONAL SAMPLE OF WORKERS

For the past century, worker turnover has been of keen interest for both managers and researchers. Based upon the literature, a structural measurement model incorporating four core antecedents of t...
The stimulatory effect of males on the initiation but not the maintenance of ovarian cycling in cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus)

Prior studies have shown that female cotton-top tamarins usually do not ovulate while living with natal groups, and most females do not ovulate until they are paired with an unfamiliar adult male. To examine the role of unfamiliar adult males on stimulating ovarian function, four cotton-top females were studied during three conditions: females living with their natal group for six weeks, living alone but exposed to a single unfamiliar adult male located 15 cm away from the female's cage for four weeks, and living with an unfamiliar adult male for six weeks. Behavior and urinary hormonal concentrations were measured during the three conditions. Exposure to the male consisted of visual, auditory, and airborne olfactory contact. First ovulation occurred during exposure to the unfamiliar male in three of the four females indicating that direct physical or sexual contact with the male is not required for onset of ovarian cycling. The fourth female did not ovulate even during six weeks of direct contact with the unfamiliar adult male. In addition, four parous females in either family groups (3) or singly caged (1) were examined for ovarian function 4-6 months after the death or removal of their mates. All femals continued to cycle in the absence of the male indicating that the male was not needed to continue ovarian cycling. In fact, two of the females were pregnant at the time their males died and both delivered normal infants and resumed cycling. The results of this study indicate that an unfamiliar adult male may facilitate the onset of ovarian cycling without being in direct contact with the female and visual, auditory, or airborne olfactory cues may be involved. Once repeated ovarian cycling occurs the male is not required to maintain ovarian function.
DNA Binding and Dimerization Determinants for Thyroid Hormone Receptor α and Its Interaction with a Nuclear Protein

The gel retardation assay was used to analyze the role of the thyroid hormone receptor a (TRα) ligandbinding domain (LBD) in controlling receptor interaction with a thyroid hormone responsive element (TRE). While wild type receptor TRα binds to the TRE mainly as monomer, deletion of 85 amino acids from its C-terminus results in a mutant receptor with enhanced DNA binding that forms several slow mobility complexes as revealed by gel retardation assay. Receptor deletion mutants that lack most of the LBD show significantly elevated DNA binding and are still able to bind to DNA as two complexes. Thus, the C-terminal end of TRα appears to interfere with the dimerization/oligomerization function and DNA binding of TRα. All C-terminal deletion mutants have lost their T3-responsive activator function, but some show constitutive activity. Nuclear factor from several cell lines, including CV-1, F9, and GC cells, interacts with TRα receptor to form a larger molecular weight complex as determined by gel retardation a...
The Study of Variation from Two Perspectives

The field of sociolinguistics has a great deal in common with the field of forensic linguistics. One of their primary similarities is a focus on linguistic variation. Both fields analyze variation across groups of speakers, variation within speakers, variation between speakers, variation over time, and variation in perception. Sociolinguistic research can be directly applied to forensic linguistic issues. Model research projects are presented to demonstrate how to combine sociolinguistic and forensic linguistic goals and techniques into unified projects. This paper highlights how sociolinguists can advance the field of forensic linguistics in the United States.
Inclusion of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Secondary School Hearing Students' Perspectives

This paper focuses on secondary school hearing students' perspectives on inclusion of peers who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) in their general education classrooms. Adopting insights from contact theory and ecological theory of human development, the researchers examined the effects of contact related factors (contact experience, closeness, and class norms) and demographical variables (class setting, grade level, and gender) on hearing students' attitudes toward inclusion of peers who are D/HH through the use of self-reported survey data. The findings and their implications for educational practice are also discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Letters of Washington Irving

This article is the second part of the article "Seven Letters of Washington Irving" published in the previous issue of The Journal (9:1). These four Irving letters here printed, dated nearly a year later (April-December 1805) were addressed to his brothers Peter and William Irving and to a friend, Andrew Hicks, and give us glimpses of Irving during the second half of his first visit to Europe from Italy to Paris and London.
Psychologic aspects of cancer genetic testing: a research update for clinicians.

Genetic testing for cancer susceptibility raises a number of important and distinctive psychological issues. Unlike other medical tests, genetic tests provide information not only about the individual tested but also about that individual's parents, siblings, and children. Although findings from psychosocial research concerning cancer genetic testing are now becoming available, this research is limited by the fact that it has focused on participants in research-based protocols that have received thorough counseling and education. Under these circumstances, it appears that most individuals who are informed of their genetic status are not likely to experience significant psychological distress. The risks of psychological distress, family disruption, and non-adherence to surveillance guidelines are likely to be greater when testing is offered in clinical settings that do not provide adequate patient education, genetic counseling, informed consent, and follow-up. There is an urgent need for research concerning the impact of genetic testing on health-related behavior, family dynamics, and the responses of patients who receive differnt levels of counseling and education. Such research can inform the development of clinical practice standards to insure that the potential medical benefits of genetic testing are not outweighed by the psychological costs of education and counseling.
Carpal tunnel pressure alters median nerve function in a dose-dependent manner: a rabbit model for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract Background: An in vivo animal model for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is presented which allows for graded application of pressure to the median nerve within the carpal canal. We hypothesized that such pressure would cause electrophysiologic changes in the median nerve in a dose-related manner, with NCS/EMG changes consistent with CTS in humans. Methods: In 40 New Zealand white rabbits, ranging from 2 to 2.5 kg, angioplasty catheters were placed in the carpal tunnel in the forepaws and pressures ranging from 50 to 80 mm Hg applied to one side while the contralateral side served as the control and remained uninflated. Pressure was applied until a 15% increase in distal motor latency was obtained for 2 consecutive weeks by nerve conduction studies. Results: All the experimental limbs exhibited a 15% increase in distal motor latency. None of the control limbs showed a significant increase in distal motor latency. In the experimental animals the 15% delay was achieved in approximately 4–5 weeks in the 50–70 mm Hg groups and in approximately 1 week in the 80 mm Hg group. Conclusion: This new animal model for CTS demonstrates a direct cause and effect relationship between carpal tunnel pressure and median nerve dysfunction. We anticipate that this in vivo model with clinically relevant outcomes will facilitate identification of injury mechanisms, and will serve as a basis for future development of novel interventions and treatments.
Synthetic mimic of antimicrobial peptide with nonmembrane-disrupting antibacterial properties.

Polyguanidinium oxanorbornene (PGON) was synthesized from norbornene monomers via ring-opening metathesis polymerization. This polymer was observed to be strongly antibacterial against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as nonhemolytic against human red blood cells. Time-kill studies indicated that this polymer is lethal and not just bacteriostatic. In sharp contrast to previously reported SMAMPs (synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides), PGON did not disrupt membranes in vesicle-dye leakage assays and microscopy experiments. The unique biological properties of PGON, in same ways similar to cell-penetrating peptides, strongly encourage the examination of other novel guanidino containing macromolecules as powerful and selective antimicrobial agents.
Scientific goals for the MMT's multi-laser-guided adaptive optics

The MMT's five Rayleigh laser guide star system has successfully demonstrated open loop wavefront sensing for both ground-layer and laser tomography adaptive optics (AO). Closed loop correction is expected for the first time in the autumn of 2006. The program is moving into its second phase: construction of a permanent facility to feed AO instruments now used with the telescope's existing natural star AO system. The new facility will preserve the thermal cleanliness afforded by the system's adaptive secondary mirror. With the present laser power of 4 W in each of the Rayleigh beacons, we will first offer ground-layer correction over a 2 arcmin field in J, H, and K bands, with expected image quality routinely 0.2 arcsec or better. Later, we will also offer imaging and spectroscopy from 1.5 to 4.8 μm with a tomographically corrected diffraction limited beam. The development of these techniques will lead to a facility all-sky capability at the MMT for both ground-layer and diffraction-limited imaging, and will be a critical advance in the tools necessary for extremely large telescopes of the future, particularly the Giant Magellan Telescope. We describe the present state of system development, planned progress to completion, and highlight the early scientific applications.
Correlates of weight loss behaviors among low-income African-American, Caucasian, and Latina women.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence and correlates of weight reduction behaviors among low-income women. METHODS: A total of 1,709 Caucasian, African-American, and Latina women aged 12-58 years attending a federally funded family planning clinic reported their weight loss behaviors during the past 30 days, including using diet pills, exercising, purging (vomiting, laxatives, diuretics), and dieting. Approximately 60% (n = 999) had a body mass index of 25 or greater. RESULTS: Overall, 35.3% (n = 603) of women dieted, 43.7% (n = 746) exercised, 15.1% (n = 258) used diet pills, and 4.3% (n = 69) purged. Only 14.8% (n = 253) of the sample reported both dieting and exercising. The odds of exercising for weight loss decreased as parity increased. Those who smoked currently or in the past were more likely than nonsmokers to report purging (odds ratio [OR] 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2, 5.4). African Americans were least likely to diet or exercise compared with Caucasians and Latinas. Exposure to family members using diet pills (OR 4.6; 95% CI 3.2, 6.5), dieting (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.6, 2.8), or purging (OR 5.6; 95% CI 2.7, 11.9) was associated with increased odds of performing these behaviors oneself. CONCLUSION: This research demonstrates that low-income women frequently use maladaptive strategies, such as diet pills and purging, to lose weight. Obesity and family exposure to these behaviors places women at increased risk of unhealthy behaviors. Interventions designed to reduce obesity must include precautions regarding the dangers of these practices. (Obstet Gynecol 2004;103:231-9.
Heme biosynthesis in the heart.

Abstract The rates of biosynthesis of heme a and heme b in hearts of fed and fasted rats were measured using an isolated heart perfusion system. δ-Aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity was decreased in hearts of fasted rats to about 30% of values in hearts obtained from fed rats. [ 14 C]Glycine incorporation into hemes a and b of cardiac tissue obtained from fasted rats was also decreased to about 30% of values obtained in hearts from fed rats. Cobalt addition to the perfusion fluid led to a decrease in cardiac δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity just as cobalt administration to rats does in vivo . These studies strongly suggest that δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity regulates the rate of synthesis of hemes a and b in the heart.
Insoluble groups with the rewriting property P8

Abstract Let n be an integer greater than 1, and let G be a group. An n -tuple x 1 , x 2 ,… x n of elements of G is called rewritable if there is a nontrivial permutation π of {1,2…, n } such that x 1 x 2 … x = x π (2)⋯ x π (π) . the group G is said to have the rewriting property P n if every n -tuple of G is rewritable. The authors have previously shown that all groups with P 7 are soluble, whereas the alternating group A 5 has P 8 . Thus the least n for which P n contains a nonabelian simple group is 8. In this article the authors confirm conjectures of R. Brandl concerning the structure of insoluble groups with P 8 . In particular, let G be an insoluble group. Then G has the rewriting property P 8 if and only if it is a semidirect product H ⋉ K where H is abelian. K is isomorphic with the alternating group of degree 5, and | H : C H ( K )| = 1 or 2.
Mediterranean Crossings: The Politics of an Interrupted Modernity

Mediterranean Crossings: The Politics of an Interrupted Modernity, by Iain Chambers, Durham: Duke University Press, 2008. i + 181 pp., US$21.95 (paperback), ISBN: 978-0-8223-4150-5 In Mediterranean...
Focusing: A mechanism for instability of nonlinear finite difference equations

Abstract A mechanism for the destabilization of numerical algorithms for partial differential equations is suggested. The novelty of the work is that it attempts to explain the dynamical process by which noise can localize on a spatial grid and cause finite amplitude instability thresholds to be exceeded at distinct locations.
Publications of Economists in Relation to Journals, Schools, and Dissertations.

Many regional and state universities now regard research and scholarship as well as teaching as a focal activity of their faculty. However, as yet, their doctoral degree recipients have not displayed the research prowess of graduates of the major national universities. This longitudinal study of a random sample of 512 Ph.D. economists found that 34% have published at least one article in the 260 journals referenced in theJournal of Economic Literature. Those economists writing their dissertations in the field of general economics had a higher tendency to publish than those in other fields. Graduates of the 10 highest-ranked schools published 38.8% of all journal articles between 1969 and 1986, while graduates of the top 20 schools published 65.2% of the articles. Graduates of the top 20 schools published at least 20% more than other graduates. In addition, graduates of the top 20 schools published an average of 2.28 articles, which is at least 38% more than the average for graduates of lower-ranked schools. It is probable that the much better publication record of top-school graduates in academic careers is explained by a host of factors, including level of training, old school ties and contacts, as well as employment in top-ranked research-supporting schools.
AN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL STUDY OF PATIENTS WITH WILLIAMS SYNDROME

Between July, 1982 and December 1986, 36 patients with Williams syndrome were evaluated. The mean age at examination was 8.2 years with a range of 0.5-43 years. There were 30 whites, 2 blacks, 2 Hispanics, and 1 Asian. There was a tendency toward ocular hypotelorism with short palpebral fissures; the mean inner canthal distance was 38% for age, while the outer canthal distance was 27%. Of the white patients, 23 had blue irides, 6 hazel and 1 brown. All 6 non-white pateitns had brown irides. All patients with brown irides and, in addition, six patients with blue and three patients with hazel irides did not have stellate iris patterns. Thirty-one percent of the patients had strabismus, similar to previous observations. Three types of optic disc and vascular changes not previously described in the syndrome were noted. Hypermetropic discs were noted in 13 patients. Seventeen patients had simplex vertical branching and three had situs inversus vasorum. Although the latter two findings are considered normal variants, they seem more common in Williams syndrome patients. Accentuated retinal vascular tortuosity has been previously reported, but was not present in any of our patients. In addition, no patients had evidence of ocular manifestations of hypercalcemia. Because of the high Incidence of ocular manifestations in Williams syndrome, we recommend ophthalmologic evaluation of all such patients.
Mutagenesis and chemical rescue indicate residues involved in beta-aspartyl-AMP formation by Escherichia coli asparagine synthetase B.

Site-directed mutagenesis and kinetic studies have been employed to identify amino acid residues involved in aspartate binding and transition state stabilization during the formation of β-aspartyl-AMP in the reaction mechanism ofEscherichia coli asparagine synthetase B (AS-B). Three conserved amino acids in the segment defined by residues 317–330 appear particularly crucial for enzymatic activity. For example, when Arg-325 is replaced by alanine or lysine, the resulting mutant enzymes possess no detectable asparagine synthetase activity. The catalytic activity of the R325A AS-B mutant can, however, be restored to about 1/6 of that of wild-type AS-B by the addition of guanidinium HCl (GdmHCl). Detailed kinetic analysis of the rescued activity suggests that Arg-325 is involved in stabilization of a pentacovalent intermediate leading to the formation β-aspartyl-AMP. This rescue experiment is the second example in which the function of a critical arginine residue that has been substituted by mutagenesis is restored by GdmHCl. Mutation of Thr-322 and Thr-323 also produces enzymes with altered kinetic properties, suggesting that these threonines are involved in aspartate binding and/or stabilization of intermediatesen route to β-aspartyl-AMP. These experiments are the first to identify residues outside of the N-terminal glutamine amide transfer domain that have any functional role in asparagine synthesis.
Improving near-field confinement of a bowtie aperture using surface plasmon polaritons

Bowtie aperture is known to produce subdiffraction-limited optical spot with high intensity. In this work, we investigate integrating a bowtie aperture with circular grooves to reduce the divergence of the near-field produced by the bowtie aperture. Numerical results indicate that surface waves reflected from circular grooves improve the field confinement of a bowtie aperture along the polarization axis. These circular grooves with period near half the wavelength of surface plasmon polaritons reduce the spot size by as much as 40% at distances between 20 and 100 nm from the surface and create a more symmetrical optical spot.
Cook is faster than Karp: a study of reducibilities in NP

It is unknown whether Cook reducibility of a set A to a set B (i.e. reduction of A to B by a Turing machine operating in polynomial time with free procedural calls to an algorithm for B), is more general than Karp reducibility (i.e. reduction of A to B by a function computable in polynomial time) on sets in NP. While it is conjectured that Cook reducibility is indeed a more general notion than Karp reducibility on sets in NP, proving this would imply that P is not equal to NP. More tractable subcases of the problem are investigated, proving, for example, that Cook reducibility is much faster than Karp reducibility on some classes of NP-complete sets. >
Impact of the current profile evolution on tearing stability of ITER demonstration discharges in DIII-D

A set of >100 DIII-D ITER demonstration discharges was analysed with the goal of characterizing the tearing stability of ITER baseline scenario plasmas on the energy and resistive evolution time scales. In DIII-D these discharges are limited by the appearance of an n = 1 tearing instability, after the discharge has run at constant pressure for several confinement times (?E 200?ms). Since the resistive time is 1?s, the current profile is still evolving when the modes appear. Across the ranges of pressure explored around the ITER design value, the probability of a discharge remaining stable equals that of encountering a mode; therefore, it seems that the tearing stability boundary cannot be characterized as a pressure limit. The internal inductance, a measure of the current distribution, does not contain enough detail to describe the tearing stability limits precisely, despite clear evidence that the evolution of the current profile is the cause of the instability and not the reaching of a ? limit. The onset of the instability does not seem to be correlated with the plasma rotation or the presence of ELMs.
Endoscopic resection of ampullary neoplasms.

The endoscopic treatment of benign ampullary neoplasm in expert hands carries at least a 10% procedural or postprocedural risk. As such,consider referral to a center with more experience. Papillectomy (plus sphincterotomy/stent) is both safer and more effective than thermal therapies alone. Stent therapy alone is acceptable (preferably metal stents) in patients of high surgical risk or those with unresectable cancer. Surgery is the treatment of choice for all other good-risk patients with demonstrable invasive cancer. Finally, long-term follow-up is mandatory for patients with benign disease who are treated endoscopically to rule out recurrence or residual intraductal disease.
The interaction of microsomal cytochrome P450 2B4 with its redox partners, cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome b5

Cytochrome P450 2B4 is a microsomal protein with a multi-step reaction cycle similar to that observed in the majority of other cytochromes P450. The cytochrome P450 2B4-substrate complex is reduced from the ferric to the ferrous form by cytochrome P450 reductase. After binding oxygen, the oxyferrous protein accepts a second electron which is provided by either cytochrome P450 reductase or cytochrome b(5). In both instances, product formation occurs. When the second electron is donated by cytochrome b(5), catalysis (product formation) is ∼10- to 100-fold faster than in the presence of cytochrome P450 reductase. This allows less time for side product formation (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide) and improves by ∼15% the coupling of NADPH consumption to product formation. Cytochrome b(5) has also been shown to compete with cytochrome P450 reductase for a binding site on the proximal surface of cytochrome P450 2B4. These two different effects of cytochrome b(5) on cytochrome P450 2B4 reactivity can explain how cytochrome b(5) is able to stimulate, inhibit, or have no effect on cytochrome P450 2B4 activity. At low molar ratios ( 1) of cytochrome b(5) to cytochrome P450 reductase, cytochrome b(5) inhibits activity by binding to the proximal surface of cytochrome P450 and preventing the reductase from reducing ferric cytochrome P450 to the ferrous protein, thereby aborting the catalytic reaction cycle. When the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of cytochrome b(5) are equal, it will appear to have no effect on the enzymatic activity. It is hypothesized that cytochrome b(5) stimulates catalysis by causing a conformational change in the active site, which allows the active oxidizing oxyferryl species of cytochrome P450 to be formed more rapidly than in the presence of reductase.
The Effect of Different Diluents and Dilution Rates on Fertilizing Capacity of Turkey Semen

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION THE use of artificial insemination to improve fertility of turkeys is increasing steadily. Dilution of the semen seems to be the most obvious approach for making a more efficient use of the spermatozoa collected. Although various diluents have been tried with cock semen, little work has been reported on turkey semen diluents and on the extent to which the semen can be diluted. It should also be pointed out that often no statistical analysis was made even when small numbers were used. The experiment presented here was designed to test the effect of diluting the semen on fertility and duration of fertility of hens. EXPERIMENTAL One hundred and thirty-three Empire White hens were housed in 13 pens. Two pens contained 9 hens each, one pen 15 hens and the other pens 10 hens each. The hens were trap-nested daily and the eggs dated and stored at 50°–55°F. Eggs . . .
Leiomyoma of the external auditory canal—a case report and brief review of the literature

Leiomyoma usually originates from the uterus and alimentary tract, but rarely from the soft tissue of the head and neck. It is extremely rare that leiomyoma appears in the external auditory canal. A 47-year-old male with left external auditory canal leiomyoma presented with conductive hearing impairment and post-auricular swelling. Tumor excision was successful via a retroauricular approach. The pathological examination demonstrated a vascular leiomyoma without malignant change. To date, including our case, only three cases of external auditory canal leiomyoma have been reported. The tumor occurs mainly in adult males aged around 50 and should be included in the differential diagnoses for external auditory canal tumor. The proper treatment of choice is complete excision. In case of an external auditory canal tumor, even if it is believed to be benign before surgery, precise pathologic examination is required to exclude the possibility of malignancy.
The origin of thermodynamic stability of microemulsions

Abstract The adsorption of surfactant and cosurfactant on the surface of the globules decreases the interfacial tension between oil and water to very low values. In addition, the decrease of the bulk concentrations of the surfactant and cosurfactant decreases their chemical potential both in the bulk and at the interface, thus decreasing the free energy of the system (dilution effect). The thermodynamic stability of microemulsions is due to the fact that the total free energy change caused by these effects can become negative. The theory can explain the occurence of stable microemulsions for both non-ionic and ionic surfactants.
Competitive Trait Anxiety in Male and Female College Athletes

Abstract This study investigated issues related to competitive trait anxiety (CTA) among university varsity athletes. Sixty-four male and 64 female athletes completed the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) and an 18-item questionnaire. The questionnaire measured fear of failure, fear of evaluation, importance of sport success, success/failure in sport, and satisfaction with sport experiences. It was hypothesized that these issues would be significantly related to CTA. Questionnaire responses were factor analyzed, and the four resultant factors were entered into a regression analysis of males' and females' SCAT scores. A fear of failure scale (performance worries items) and a fear of evaluation scale (expectancy of criticism items) were significantly related to males' SCAT scores (R2 = .22). Only the fear of failure scale was significantly related to the females' SCAT scores (R2 = .24). Results support the proposed relationships of fear of failure and fear of evaluation to CTA, but also suggest that the...
Katalysatorkonzept zur Reduzierung des Dieselpartikelfilter-Volumens

Dieselpartikelfilter sind aus heutigen modernen Personenkraftwagen, die von einem Dieselmotor angetrieben werden, nicht mehr wegzudenken. Der Dieselpartikelfilter ist mittlerweile Stand der Technik. Durch seine Reduktion der Rusemissionen tragt er signifikant zur Erhaltung der Luftqualitat insbesondere in Ballungszentren bei. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt einen neuen Ansatz von Arvin Meritor.
Deciphering the peptide iodination code: influence on subsequent gas-phase radical generation with photodissociation ESI-MS.

Iodination of tyrosine was recently discovered as a useful method for generating radical peptides via photodissociation of carbon-iodine bonds by an ultraviolet photon in the gas phase. The subsequent fragmentation behavior of the resulting odd-electron peptides is largely controlled by the radical. Although previous experiments have focused on mono-iodination of tyrosine, peptides and proteins can also be multiply iodinated. Tyrosine and, to a lesser extent, histidine can both be iodinated or doubly iodinated. The behavior of doubly iodinated residues is explored under conditions where the sites of iodination are carefully controlled. It is found that radical peptides generated by the loss of a single iodine from doubly iodinated tyrosine behave effectively identically to singly iodinated peptides. This suggests that the remaining iodine does not interfere with radical directed dissociation pathways. In contrast, the concerted loss of two iodines from doubly iodinated peptides yields substantially different results that suggest that radical recombination can occur. However, sequential activation can be used to generate multiple usable radicals in different steps of an MSn experiment. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that in actual peptides, the rate of iodination for tyrosine versus mono-iodotyrosine cannot be predicted easily a priori. In other words, previous assumptions that mono-iodination of tyrosine is the rate-limiting step to the formation of doubly iodinated tyrosine are incorrect.
An axisymmetric model of pore-grain boundary separation

In the final stage of ceramic sintering, pores can either move with, or separate from, grain boundaries. The outcome is critical to the resulting ceramics. This paper studies an axisymmetric model of a single pore on a moving grain boundary. Two rate processes, grain boundary migration and surface diffusion, are concomitant. Surfaces move to reduce the total surface and grain boundary energy. A finite element method is formulated to simulate the transient separation process. Using an independent method, we also obtain steady state solutions of the pore moving with the grain boundary. The steady state problem has multiple solutions with a surprisingly rich mathematical structure. Finite element simulations show that some steady state solutions are stable, and others unstable. We find that the pore–grain boundary separation condition is insensitive to the dihedral angle.
Formation of the very low density lipoprotein and metabolism of [1-14C]-oleate by perfused livers from rats treated with triiodothyronine or propylthiouracil.

To gain insight into the mechanism(s) responsible for changes in plasma lipid concentrations in thyroid disease, the metabolism of [1-14C]-oleate by perfused livers from hypothyroid [propylthiouracil (PTU) treated], euthyroid and hyperthyroid (T3 treated) rats was compared. Livers from hyperthyroid animals secreted decreased amounts of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and incorporated less [1-14C]-oleate into VLDL triglyceride, but produced more ketone bodies and incorporated more radioactivity from [1-14C]-oleate into ketones than did livers from euthyroid animals. Conversely, incorporation of [1-14C]-oleate into perfusate and VLDL triglyceride was increased in livers from hypothyroid animals, while rates of production of 14CO2 were diminished. Plasma T3 concentration was inversely correlated with VLDL triglyceride (r = −0.70, p < 0.003) and VLDL apoprotein (r = −0.72, p < 0.008), but directly correlated with ketogenesis (r = 0.71, p < 0.002). Thyroid hormone diminished esterification of fatty acids, and inhibited the hepatic production of triglyceride and secretion of VLDL and stimulated ketogenesis, whereas thyroid hormone deficiency increased hepatic esterification of fatty acid to triglyceride, tended to increase output of the VLDL, and diminished oxidation of fatty acid through the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The surface lipid (phospholipid, cholesterol) to apoprotein ratio was directly correlated with the output of VLDL triglyceride (r = 0.85, p < 0.0005). Furthermore, the lipid composition of the secreted VLDL particle was influenced by thyroid status. Plasma T3 concentration was directly correlated with the molar ratios of phospholipid/triglyceride (r = 0.73, p < 0.001), cholesterol/triglyceride (r = 0.85, p < 0.0001), and cholesteryl ester/triglyceride (r = 0.80, p < 0.0002) in the VLDL particle. A direct correlation was also demonstrable between the ratio apoprotein/triglyceride and plasma T3 concentration (r = 0.72, p < 0.0084), while the ratio was inversely correlated with output of VLDL triglyceride (r = −0.76, p < 0.0038). The percentage of certain of the polymorphic forms of arginine-rich peptide was increased, while apo C-III3 was decreased in VLDL produced by livers from hypothyroid rats. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that as output of VLDL diminished in the progression from hypothyroidism to hyperthyroidism, the VLDL particle secreted became smaller with a larger ratio of surface to core components.