cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Weak Emergence

The concept of weak emergence is a refinement or specification of the intuitive, general notion of emergence. Basically, a fact about a system is said to be weakly emergent if its holding both (i) is derivable from the fundamental laws of the system together with some set of basic (non-emergent) facts about it, and yet (ii) is only derivable in a particular manner, called "simulation." This essay analyzes the application of this notion Conway's Game of Life, and concludes that a modification of the notion would provide a better refinement of the general notion of emergence. It is proposed that emergence be taken as a matter of degree, defined in terms of the amount of simulation required to derive a fact.
Dipeptidase activities in rat brain synaptosomes can be distinguished on the basis of inhibition by bestatin and amastatin: Identification of a kyotorphin (Tyr-Arg)-degrading enzyme

The neuropeptide kyotorphin (Tyr-Arg) was degraded by rat brain synaptosomes via a synaptic membrane-bound peptidase which was inhibited by bestatin but not by amastatin. The Km for kyotorphin was 8×10−6 M and the Ki for bestatin was 1×10−7 M. The kyotorphin-degrading enzyme was distinguished from at least one other dipeptide-hydrolyzing activity in synaptosomes which was inhibited by both bestatin and amastatin. Gel permeation chromatography of detergentextracted synaptosomes resulted in the separation of the dipeptide-hydrolyzing activities. A single kyotorphin-degrading enzyme peak was observed which had a Mr=52,000. The activity peak could degrade other dipeptides including Phe-Arg, a synaptic membrane-generated metabolic of bradykinin. The kyotorphin-degrading enzyme appears to be novel and can be distinguished from other known dipeptidases on the basis of substrate specificity, subcellular localization, and inhibition profile.
Bifurcations into pathology for Hamiltonian systems

Abstract This paper presents a geometric analysis of bifurcations leading to chaos for Hamiltonian systems with two degrees of freedom of the form x = y, y = −▽V(x) . Two bifurcation parameters are considered. One is the energy level and the other is an angle, Φ, between two homoclinic orbits. Though global non-linearities are necessary, the results are obtained by local analysis of the flow near the origin where it is assumed that D2V(0) = −I, the 2 × 2 identity matrix. For a fixed energy level it is shown that as Φ decreases through 90 ° the two homoclinic orbits bifurcate into two homoclinic orbits, a periodic orbit, and connecting orbits. These orbits can then be used to define a compact region in R 4. Now treating the energy as a parameter value the trajectory of orbits passing through this compact region can be described using symbolic dynamics. In this case it is shown that a single periodic orbit bifurcates into three periodic orbits whose stable and unstable manifolds intersect transversely.
The outcome of pelvic reconstruction with non-vascularised fibular grafts after resection of bone tumours

We retrospectively evaluated 18 patients with a mean age of 37.3 years (14 to 72) who had undergone pelvic reconstruction stabilised with a non-vascularised fibular graft after resection of a primary bone tumour. The mean follow-up was 10.14 years (2.4 to 15.7). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was 76.5% (50% to 100%). Primary union was achieved in the majority of reconstructions within a mean of 22.9 weeks (7 to 60.6). The three patients with delayed or nonunion all received additional therapy (chemotherapy/radiation) (p = 0.0162). The complication rate was comparable to that of other techniques described in the literature. Non-vascularised fibular transfer to the pelvis is a simpler, cheaper and quicker procedure than other currently described techniques. It is a biological reconstruction with good results and a relatively low donor site complication rate. However, adjuvant therapy can negatively affect the outcome of such grafts.
A Pebble Bed Reactor cross section methodology

Abstract A method is presented for the evaluation of microscopic cross sections for the Pebble Bed Reactor (PBR) neutron diffusion computational models during convergence to an equilibrium (asymptotic) fuel cycle. This method considers the isotopics within a core spectral zone and the leakages from such a zone as they arise during reactor operation. The randomness of the spatial distribution of fuel grains within the fuel pebbles and that of the fuel and moderator pebbles within the core, the double heterogeneity of the fuel, and the indeterminate burnup of the spectral zones all pose a unique challenge for the computation of the local microscopic cross sections. As prior knowledge of the equilibrium composition and leakage is not available, it is necessary to repeatedly re-compute the group constants with updated zone information. A method is presented to account for local spectral zone composition and leakage effects without resorting to frequent spectrum code calls. Fine group data are pre-computed for a range of isotopic states. Microscopic cross sections and zone nuclide number densities are used to construct fine group macroscopic cross sections, which, together with fission spectra, flux modulation factors, and zone buckling, are used in the solution of the slowing down balance to generate a new or updated spectrum. The microscopic cross-sections are then re-collapsed with the new spectrum for the local spectral zone. This technique is named the Spectral History Correction (SHC) method. It is found that this method accurately recalculates local broad group microscopic cross sections. Significant improvement in the core eigenvalue, flux, and power peaking factor is observed when the local cross sections are corrected for the effects of the spectral zone composition and leakage in two-dimensional PBR test problems.
In vitro and in vivo percutaneous absorption of catechol

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel found insufficient data to conclude that catechol could be used safely in permanent hair dye products. Information was lacking on the extent of oxidation and skin absorption of remaining catechol. In vitro percutaneous absorption studies were conducted in human and rat skin using a consumer permanent hair dye spiked with 0.6% catechol. A 30-min application demonstrated 0.4% of the applied dose was absorbed through human skin and 0.2% through rat skin. The minimal absorption observed was due to the short exposure time and to partial oxidation of catechol by the dye developer. The fate of catechol remaining in rat skin after exposure in vitro and in vivo was investigated with additional absorption studies using catechol in ethanol. At 72 h, 24-h application of 4% catechol resulted in skin absorption of 81% of the applied dose in vitro and 53% in vivo. Skin levels measured at 24 h remained unchanged after 72 h. Therefore the skin reservoir did not contribute to the estimated systemic absorption. A deconvolution technique employed to predict skin absorption using plasma levels from intravenous and dermal administration overestimated in vivo skin absorption due to volatility of catechol in an ethanolic vehicle.
Adult Notions of Adults' and Children's Perceptions of Consumer Product Risk

An experiment was performed to examine adults' perceptions of other adults' and children's perceptions of risk. The differences in how adults assess risk to themselves, to other adults, and to children based on their own perceptions and on the perceptions they believe the “others” will hold for themselves were explored. Results found that adult subjects do judge risk as greater for others than for themselves, particularly for young children. A “superiority bias” was found, such that products were assessed to be more risky for others than others would assess for themselves. Implications of a discrepancy between the perceptions adults assign to children and the perceptions of children themselves is discussed.
Fundamentals of the Dempster-Shafer theory

In this paper, I discuss the basic notions of the Dempster Shafer theory. Using a simple engineering example, I highlight sources of confusion in the Dempster Shafer literature, and some questions that arise in the course of applying the Dempster Shafer algorithm. Finally, I discuss the measure theoretic foundation that reveals the intimate connections between the Dempster Shafer theory and Probability theory.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The effect of As passivation on the molecular beam epitaxial growth of high-quality single-domain CdTe(111)B on Si(111) substrates

The effect of As passivation of Si(111) substrates on the subsequent molecular beam epitaxial growth of CdTe(111) is investigated through a detailed comparison of the microstructures of two types of films. The film grown on a substrate treated with a Te flux is found to exhibit a rough film-substrate interface and has very poor crystalline quality with a (111)A orientation. In contrast, a CdTe film grown under identical conditions except for the Si substrate treated with an As flux is observed to have an atomically abrupt film-substrate interface and a single-domain structure in the technologically more relevant (111)B orientation. A growth mechanism for the formation of these high-quality single-domain CdTe(111)B films is proposed.
Optical Fiber-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensor Using Au Nanovoid Arrays

Plasmonic properties of gold nanovoid array substrates for fiber-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing are studied numerically and experimentally. In the nanovoid arrays, each void has openings on both sides, bottom hole facing the fiber tip for introducing incident light and collecting scattered light and the top hole exposed to the analyte solution for interrogating analyte molecules in the voids. Electromagnetic field modes are confined strongly in and around these nanovoids, acting as localized plasmon resonators. The enhanced electric field extends hundreds of nanometers into the voids, resulting in a large SERS-active zone several orders of magnitude larger than nanoparticle-based structures. The effect of structural parameters of the nanovoid arrays, including void diameter, Au film thickness, and bottom hole diameter, on electric field confinement in the voids is investigated using three-dimensional finite difference time domain simulation. Au nanovoid arrays are fabricated using a scalable, inexpensive nanosphere lithography fabrication method. The largest SERS signal is realized by tuning the localized plasmon resonance peak of Au nanovoid arrays to the laser excitation wavelength. Multiplexed detection capability with the fiber-based SERS sensor using Au nanovoid arrays is demonstrated by measuring the Raman spectrum of a mixture solution of diethylthiatricarbocyanine and crystal violet.
Protein Catalysis of the Retinal Subpicosecond Photoisomerization in the Primary Process of Bacteriorhodopsin Photosynthesis

The rate of retinal photoisomerization in wild-type bacteriorhodopsin (wt bR) is compared with that in a number of mutants in which a positively charged (Arg82), a negatively charged (Asp85 or Asp212), or neutral hydrogen bonding (Asp115 or Tyr185) amino acid residue known to be functionally important within the retinal cavity is replaced by a neutral, non-hydrogen bonding one. Only the replacements of the charged residues reduced the photoisomerization rate of the 13-cis and all-trans isomers present in these mutants by factors of ∼1/4 and ∼1/20, respectively. Retinal photo- and thermal isomerization catalysis and selectivity in wt bR by charged residues is discussed in terms of the known protein structure, the valence-bond wave functions of the ground and excited state of the retinal, and the electrostatic stabilization interactions within the retinal cavity.
Hepatic transport of the magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent Fe(III)‐N‐(3‐Phenylglutaryl)desferrioxamine B

We have studied the hepatic transport of Fe(III)-N-(3-phenylglutaryl)desferrioxamine B (Fe-PGDF). Using 59Fe-PGDF in biliary cannulated rats we have shown that 32 ± 2% of an iv bolus dose was excreted into the bile. In animals pretreated with a saturating dose of taurocholate, oxyphenonium, or bromosulfophthalein (BSP), 25 ± 6%, 23 ± 1%, or 1.6 ± 0.8% of the dose, respectively, was excreted into the bile. Magnetic resonance images indicated that BSP blocked uptake of Fe-PGDF by the hepatocytes. Possible enterohepatic recycling of 59Fe-PGDF was investigated in linked rat experiments. All of the material excreted into the bile of the donor, 28 ± 10% of the dose, was recovered in the gastrointestinal tract of the recipient, but none was found in its bile or urine. These results suggested that uptake of Fe-PGDF by the hepatocytes occurred via the BSP transporter and that no enterohepatic recycling of the contrast agent occurred. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.
Linear and branched bicin linkers for releasable PEGylation of macromolecules: controlled release in vivo and in vitro from mono- and multi-PEGylated proteins.

The utility of PEGylation for improving therapeutic protein pharmacology would be substantially expanded if the authentic protein drugs could be regenerated in vivo. Diminution of kinetic constants of both enzymes and protein ligands are commonly encountered following permanent bioconjugation with poly(ethylene glycol) polymers. In further development of releasable linker technology, we investigated an amino PEG anchimeric prodrug system, based on either the linear or branched bicin3 (BCN3) linkage, one promising representative of several aliphatic ester structures synthesized from N-modifed bis-2-hydroxyethylglycinamide (bicin). Protein models included an enzyme, lysozyme, and a receptor ligand, interferon-beta-1b, for preparation of linear or branched mono- and multi-PEGylated conjugates as inactive PEG-BCN3 prodrugs. The kinetics of protein release, both in plasma (in vitro) and in mice (in vivo), correlated with the number of PEG attachments, and the plasma half-lives of PEG release spanned a duration...
Hyperspherical Harmonics for Triatomic Systems

A recursion procedure for the analytical generation of hyperspherical harmonics for triatomic systems, in terms of row-orthonormal hyperspherical coordinates, is presented. Using this approach and an algebraic Mathematicaprogram, these harmonics were obtained for all values of the hyperangular momentum quantum number up to 40 (about 2.3 million of them). Their properties are presented and discussed. Since they are regular at the poles of the triatomic kinetic energy operator, are complete, and are not highly oscillatory, they constitute an excellent basis set for calculating the local hyperspherical surface functions in the strong interaction region of nuclear configuration space. This basis set is, in addition, numerically very efficient and should permit benchmark-quality calculations of state-to-state differential and integral cross sections for those systems.
The Effect of Hypothalamic Lesions on Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Concentration in the Chicken Pituitary

Studies of thyroid activity following hypothalamic lesions have provided indirect evidence of TSH influence on the pars distalis of birds. The present study examined the influence of hypothalamic lesions on TSH assays of the rostral and caudal lobes of the pars distalis. Lesions of the septomesencephalic tract increased TSH levels in the rostral lobe but had no influence on the caudal lobe. Lesions of the supraoptic or ventrolateral nuclei neither stimulated nor depressed TSH in either lobe of the pars distalis.
Parasitism in diversified agroecosystems: phenology of Trichogramma minutum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Parasitism ofOstrinia nubilalis egg masses byTrichogramma minutum was observed in maize-bare ground monocultures and polycultures of maize/bean/squash and maize/clover. Parasitism rates were 1.9 times higher in monocultures than in polycultures; seasonal phenology of parasitism, however, was similar in both. Parasitism first occurred during the late whorl/early tassel stage of maize; peak parasitism occurred during the mid to late tassel stage, and then dropped off rapidly. We speculate that direct predation of egg masses, and ammensal preemptive competition for egg masses byColeomegilla maculata may have contributed to the decline in parasitism rates in both monocultures and polycultures during the latter part of the season.
Wavelength agile FSO transceiver

The design of a free-space optical (FSO) transceiver suitable for the demands of establishing reliable communication between mobile nodes such as UAVs requires the solution of difficult problems related to pointing, acquisition and tracking. To accommodate the inevitably larger misalignment conditions encountered in mobile applications, the receiver must possess a large field of view (for angular misalignments), be tolerant of translations away from the optical axis of the receiver antenna, and maintain a large collecting area to realize a workable power budget for the overall link. The transmitter must be able to deliver the best quality beam, in terms of peak power and power distribution, in the direction of the receiver as possible. The link must also tolerate the effects of atmospheric turbulence and weather, which normally cause signal fade or complete signal loss. One approach to turbulence mitigation is to use a wavelength diversity scheme. The optimum wavelength for transmission varies with turbulence strength, absorption, and weather effects such as rain and fog. We have constructed an FSO transmitter and receiver based on optical fiber bundles and adapted the transmitter to be capable of wavelength diverse transmission. In this paper, we present an experimental investigation of the performance of the system as a function of transmission misalignment, turbulence, and weather for a wavelength diversity scheme, which consists of switching between transmission wavelengths, for reducing the impact of turbulence. Three wavelengths, 850nm, 1310nm, and 1550nm, are emitted by one or more transmitting fibers, and the effects of turbulence and misalignment experimentally evaluated in an indoor environment. A system is designed to detect changes in transmission and switch the transmitter to the appropriate wavelength. The receiver retained the link for a reduced range of misalignment at all wavelengths without adjustments, indicating that adjustment of the receiver immediately after a wavelength changes was not necessarily required.
Evaluation of Phosphate Materials for Control of Acid Production in Pyritic Mine Overburden

Acid mine drainage is a serious and pervasive threat to surface and groundwater quality in the USA. Recent research has indicated that phosphate can be effective at immobilizing Fe and inhibiting the production of acid associated with the oxidation of pyritic mine wastes. Four phosphate materials were replicate tested for their ability to inhibit acid production from pyritic coal overburden using a soxhlet humidity cell leaching technique. These materials included two apatite ores (Comineo ore and Texas Gulf ore) at an application rate of 30 g kg⁻¹ by weight apatite [Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH] and two byproducts of the phosphate industry (Cominco waste and Stauffer sludge) at rates of 10, 30, and 50 g kg⁻¹ apatite by weight. Results of leachate analyses indicate that all phosphate sources at all rates of application resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreases in titratable acidity vs. a control Acidity reductions ranged from a low of 7% for samples treated with Cominco waste (10 g kg⁻¹) to a high of 67% for Texas Gulf ore-treated samples. Texas Gulf ore, Stauffer sludge (10, 30, and 50 g kg⁻¹) and Cominco waste (10, 30, and 50 g kg⁻¹) significantly reduced dissolved total Fe concentrations in leachate, with Stauffer sludge (50 g kg⁻¹) and Texas Gulf ore producing the most notable diminutions (62 and 63%, respectively). Maximum decreases in sulfate (SO²⁻₄) concentrations of 26, 20, and 25% were achieved by applications of Texas Gulf ore and Stauffer sludge (30 and 50 g kg⁻¹), respectively. The more effective overall performance of the Stauffer sludge and Texas Gulf ore was attributed to the considerably greater relative surface area and P solubility of these amendments. Results of a scanning electron microscope examination of amendments corroborate these findings. Research funds were provided by the U.S. Bureau of Mines.
Aragonite Precipitation by “Proto-Polyps” in Coral Cell Cultures

The mechanisms of coral calcification at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels are poorly understood. In this study, we examine calcium carbonate precipitation using novel coral tissue cultures that aggregate to form "proto-polyps". Our goal is to establish an experimental system in which calcification is facilitated at the cellular level, while simultaneously allowing in vitro manipulations of the calcifying fluid. This novel coral culturing technique enables us to study the mechanisms of biomineralization and their implications for geochemical proxies. Viable cell cultures of the hermatypic, zooxanthellate coral, Stylophora pistillata, have been maintained for 6 to 8 weeks. Using an enriched seawater medium with aragonite saturation state similar to open ocean surface waters (Ω(arag)~4), the primary cell cultures assemble into "proto-polyps" which form an extracellular organic matrix (ECM) and precipitate aragonite crystals. These extracellular aragonite crystals, about 10 µm in length, are formed on the external face of the proto-polyps and are identified by their distinctive elongated crystallography and X-ray diffraction pattern. The precipitation of aragonite is independent of photosynthesis by the zooxanthellae, and does not occur in control experiments lacking coral cells or when the coral cells are poisoned with sodium azide. Our results demonstrate that proto-polyps, aggregated from primary coral tissue culture, function (from a biomineralization perspective) similarly to whole corals. This approach provides a novel tool for investigating the biophysical mechanism of calcification in these organisms.
Bidirectional priming in infants

In associative priming, the direct activation of one concept indirectly activates others that are associated with it, depending on the directionality of the association. We asked whether associative priming in preverbal infants is bidirectional. Infants associated a puppet imitation task with an operant train task by watching an adult model target actions on the puppet in the incidental context of the train. Later, priming of the forgotten memory of the train task reactivated the infants’ memory of the puppet task (Experiment 1), and priming of the infants’ forgotten memory of the puppet task reactivated their memory of the train task (Experiment 2). The finding that associative priming was bidirectional offers new insights into the nature of the mnemonic networks formed early in infancy. Additionally, the fact that the present association was formed rapidly and incidentally suggests that a fast mapping, general learning mechanism, like that posited to mediate word-object learning, was responsible for its encoding.
Canal-centering ability of two rotary file systems

The ability of two nickel-titanium rotary file systems to maintain the original path of the canal were compared by using a new split-mold design (the Endodontic Cube). The mesial roots of 10 mandibular first- and second-molar teeth with separate canals from orifice to foramen were divided into two groups based on canal curvature and morphology. Working lengths for each canal were determined 1.0 mm short of where the file tip was visible on the external surface of the root. The teeth were embedded in composite resin by using the Endodontic Cube as a mold and sectioned into five pieces. ProFile Ni-Ti .06 taper Series 29 and ProFile GT rotary instrumentation techniques were randomly assigned to one of the canals and used in a crown-down fashion to a 0.217 ProFile and a 0.06 GT master apical file, respectively. Digital photographs were made of the middle three sections and the software features of Adobe Photoshop were used to measure the movement of the canal centers by superimposing the images of the instrumented and uninstrumented canals. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Both systems remained centered within the canal with minimal deviation from the original canal path. The largest mean movement was less than 0.15 mm. The Endodontic Cube was an effective tool for studying and comparing instrumentation techniques.
Impact of manufactured housing component assembly redesign on facility layout and production process

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the impact of the component assemblies redesign on the material handling costs associated with the facility layout and also, on the productivity of the assembly process. Component assemblies are the sub‐assemblies that are incorporated into the manufactured house as it progresses on the assembly line.Design/methodology/approach – Floor assembly is used as an example to demonstrate the impact of the component assembly redesign process. A step‐by‐step process of assembling a floor in the case study factory is described and changes to the process are proposed. The existing and redesigned floor assemblies are analyzed using the factory layout analysis models and the production simulation models.Findings – The proposed redesign resulted in a small savings of less than 1 per cent in the material handling costs and a substantial savings of around 20 per cent in the production time.Research limitations/implications – The work described in this paper is based o...
Metallophilic interactions in closed-shell d10 metal-metal dicyanide bonded luminescent systems Eu[AgxAu1-x(CN)2]3 and their tunability for excited state energy transfer

We report on the heterobimetallic system, Eu[AgxAu1-x(CN)2]3 (x = 0−1) in which sensitization of europium luminescence occurs by energy transfer from [AgxAu1-x(CN)2]- donor excited states. The donor states have energies which are tunable and dependent on the Ag/Au stoichiometric ratio. These layered systems exhibit interesting properties, one of which is their emission energy tunability when excited at different excitation wavelengths. In this paper, we report on their use as donor systems with Eu(III) ions as acceptor ions in energy transfer studies. Luminescence results show that the mixed metal dicyanides with the higher silver loading have a better energy transfer efficiency than the pure Ag(CN)2- and Au(CN)2- donors. The better energy transfer efficiency is due to the greater overlap between the donor emission and acceptor excitation. Additionally, more acceptor states are available in the high silver loading mixed metal Eu(III) complexes. The results from a crystal structure determination and Raman ...
Dosage-dependent switch from G protein-coupled to G protein-independent signaling by a GPCR

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mostly signal through heterotrimeric G proteins. Increasing evidence suggests that GPCRs could function in a G-protein-independent manner. Here, we show that at low concentrations of an agonist, β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs) signal through Gαs to activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. At high agonist concentrations, signals are also transduced through β2-ARs via an additional pathway that is G-protein-independent but tyrosine kinase Src-dependent. This new dosage-dependent switch of signaling modes of GPCRs has significant implications for GPCR intrinsic properties and desensitization.
A performance evaluation of three membrane bioreactor systems: aerobic, anaerobic, and attached-growth.

Water sustainability is essential for meeting human needs for drinking water and sanitation in both developing and developed countries. Reuse, decentralization, and low energy consumption are key objectives to achieve sustainability in wastewater treatment. Consideration of these objectives has led to the development of new and tailored technologies in order to balance societal needs with the protection of natural systems. Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are one such technology. In this investigation, a comparison of MBR performance is presented. Laboratory-scale submerged aerobic MBR (AMBR), anaerobic MBR (AnMBR), and attached-growth aerobic MBR (AtMBR) systems were evaluated for treating domestic wastewater under the same operating conditions. Long-term chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) monitoring showed greater than 80% removal in the three systems. The AnMBR system required three months of acclimation prior to steady operation, compared to one month for the aerobic systems. The AnMBR system exhibited a constant mixed liquor suspended solids concentration at an infinite solids retention time (i.e. no solids wasting), while the aerobic MBR systems produced ∼0.25 g of biomass per gram of COD removed. This suggests a more economical solids management associated with the AnMBR system. Critical flux experiments were performed to evaluate fouling potential of the MBR systems. Results showed similar critical flux values between the AMBR and the AnMBR systems, while the AtMBR system showed relatively higher critical flux value. This result suggests a positive role of the attached-growth media in controlling membrane fouling in MBR systems.
Multi-length scale evaluation of the temperature-tunable mechanical properties of a lyotropic mesophase

The thermoreversible mechanical properties of a non-ionic polymer, lipid-based complex fluid were investigated by oscillatory and steady shear rheology, and analyzed in the context of mesophase architecture and polymer–water interactions. The sol phase (G″>G′) is observed at lower temperatures (5–17 oC) than the gel phase (G′>G″; 20–50 oC) and is driven by the temperature-induced changes in water solubility of polyethylene glycol (PEG). In the sol state, water solvated, extended PEG chains cannot interact within the confines of a two-dimensional hexagonally ordered array of prolate micelles that possess sufficient lattice dimensions to accommodate the polymer chains. With increasing temperature, the less water-soluble PEG adopts a compacted conformation that shields the polymer from bulk water. The densely coiled PEG chains localized within the interstitial water layers of a multi-lamellar structure promote chain entanglement and formation of a hydrogen-bonded network with the surrounding water layer, resulting in a soft gel. The strength of the hydrogen bonds within the network and therefore gel strength can be adjusted over an order of magnitude by temperature modulation between 20 and 50 oC. These studies identify principles useful in the preparation of stimuli-responsive mechanical materials. The mechanical characteristics of a non-ionic polymer, lipid-based complex fluid that exhibits a thermoinverted phase transition (sol phase at lower temperature than the gel state) were examined by combined rheology, small-angle X-ray, and neutron diffraction studies and Raman spectroscopy. The temperature-driven water solubility and thus conformational changes of amphiphile-tethered polyethylene oxide (PEO) regulates the formation and strength of the hydrogen-bonded network. These studies identify principles useful in the preparation of stimuli-responsive mechanical materials.
Is a cause conceptualized as a generative force?: Evidence from a recognition memory paradigm

How do naive observers conceptualize the causes of behavior? We report evidence that people frequently view an antecedent event, feeling, or motivation as a cause to the extent that it is judged to be a relatively powerful force. Participants in three studies read about situations in which two mental antecedents (e.g., two different attitudes, motivations, or feelings) were consistently associated with the target behavior. One of these antecedents was always described as more typical of the target figure. In one version, for example, Jean's mistakes on the job were said to be consistently accompanied by job-related stress (relatively typical of Jean) and irritation with her coworkers (relatively atypical of her). Study 1 suggested that an explicit statement about the relative power or intensity of these antecedents influenced causal attributions more than did an explicit statement about their relative covariation with the target behavior. Although the vignettes in studies 2 and 3 contained no information about the power of the antecedents, recognition memory performance indicated that participants inferred that the more typical antecedent was a more powerful force than the atypical antecedent. Analyses also suggest that the tendency to attribute more power to a typical antecedent mediates covariation-inconsistent judgments of causality. In addition, studies 2 and 3 demonstrate the utility of a recognition memory task for identifying implicit inferences.
A model for examination of underrepresented groups in the IT workforce

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that attract as well as discourage women and other students who display an initial interest in IT careers. Of particular interest is the comparison of computer science (CS) and information systems (IS) majors because prior research has focused almost exclusively on CS students. An initial investigation of success rates in the first programming course at two universities indicates that neither gender nor age is a good predictor of success in this course. This paper presents a research model based on review of the literature and on Vroom's expectancy theory. Future research will examine the relationships between predictor variables and valence and expectancy regarding IT as a career.
The thermal decomposition of salts of boronic acids

Abstract Salts with the formula M[RB(OH)3] (where M is Li, Na or K, and R is C6H5 or C6H11) and M[C6H5B(OH)3]2 (where M is Ca, Sr or Ba) were prepared. The thermal decomposition in air and in nitrogen proceeded through a series of intermediate compounds to the respective anhydrous metaborate salt. The possible nature of these intermediate compounds is considered.
Implemented Institutional Design and Conflict

Regional Economic Institutions and Conflict Mitigation: Design, Implementation, and the Promise of Peace. By Yoram Z. Haftel . Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2012. 262 pp., $75.00 hardcover (ISBN-13: 978-0-472-11834-2). This convincing examination of the effect of regional economic organizations (REOs) on conflict mitigation emphasizes an idea often overlooked: The heterogeneity of international organizations is important for understanding their effect. In Regional Economic Institutions and Conflict Mitigation , Yoram Haftel builds off two prominent debates: the effect of international institutions (e.g., Mearsheimer 1994/1995; Keohane and Martin 1995; Martin and Simmons 1998) and, more importantly, whether these bodies mitigate conflict (e.g., Russett, Oneal, and Davis 1998; Bearce and Omori 2005). Haftel advances the understanding of the dynamic relationship between international organizations and conflict by delving into the micro-foundations associated with the conflict-mitigating effect of REOs. His argument is grounded in the premise that the characteristics of REOs vary and, as a result, their effects on mitigating conflict will differ. By disaggregating the components of the institutions to understand their individual and combined effects, this excellent book persuasively adds nuance to these debates by moving beyond the question of whether or not institutions matter in mitigating conflict to assess the conditions under which they do. Drawing from neoliberal and constructivist approaches, Haftel proposes four intuitive mechanisms to trace the link between institutional design and conflict mitigation: opportunity cost, information, conflict management, and socialization mechanisms. Each of the mechanisms is linked to three key design elements of REOs: economic scope, frequency of meetings of high-level officials, and institutional independence. In tying institutional components to these mechanisms, Haftel emphasizes the importance of also considering the REO as the sum of its parts, that …
Graphite electrodes for conductivity measurements on beta Alumina

Graphite was painted as an electrode material onto polycrystalline specimens of the solid electrolyte beta alumina for two-electrode measurements of electrolyte conductivity. Graphite turned out to be useful between room temperature and at least 600 °C giving frequency independent resistances in the range above, say, 20 kHz.
Dynamical controls on sub-global climate model grid-scale cloud variability for Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM) case 4

[1] Global climate models (GCMs) produce large errors in cloudiness and cloud radiative forcing when simulating midlatitude, synoptic-scale cloud systems. This is because they do not represent the subgrid-scale processes in these systems that create subgrid variability in cloud optical thickness and cloud top pressure. Improving GCM performance will require a better understanding of these controls on subgrid cloud variability. To begin addressing this issue, this paper uses a mesoscale model, the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS), to simulate two case study synoptic storms with much higher resolution than is possible in a GCM. These storms were observed during the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program's March 2000 Intensive Observing Period (IOP) in the U.S. southern Great Plains (SGP), otherwise knows as ARM case 4. We find that RAMS is able to capture the observed storm morphology, lifecycle, and vertical structure of the atmospheric dynamic and thermodynamic variables. RAMS is also able to capture the observed fine-scale vertical structure and temporal variation of the cloud field. Given this agreement with observations, we then characterize the model-simulated variability in cloudiness and other variables such as vertical velocity. In both storms, there is a high degree of spatial and temporal variability in the vertical motion field across multiple scales. The variability in above-boundary layer cloudiness is closely linked to this dynamical variability. This suggests that a parameterization for subgrid cloud water based on subgrid vertical velocity could be used to improve GCM simulations of midlatitude clouds.
The circuitry of abulia: Insights from functional connectivity MRI

Background Functional imaging and lesion studies have associated willed behavior with the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Abulia is a syndrome characterized by apathy and deficiency of motivated behavior. Abulia is most frequently associated with ACC damage, but also occurs following damage to subcortical nuclei (striatum, globus pallidus, thalamic nuclei). We present resting state functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) data from an individual who suffered a stroke leading to abulia. We hypothesized that, although structural imaging revealed no damage to the patient's ACC, fcMRI would uncover aberrant function in this region and in the relevant cortical networks.
Absorption of Retinol from the Retinol:Retinol-Binding Protein Complex by Small Intestinal Gut Sheets from the Rat☆☆☆

Abstract Absorption of retinol by the absorptive cells of the small intestine is a necessary first step in the metabolism of vitamin A. Previous studies had suggested that absorption of retinol from the retinol:retinol-binding protein complex (retinol:RBP) might be receptor mediated. We investigated the specificity of this process by determining the absorption of retinol from retinol:RBP by small intestinal sheets obtained from the suckling rat. We found that the absorption of retinol from retinol:RBP was a saturable process. Unlike the absorption of free retinol, absorption of retinol from retinol:RBP was not inhibited by N -ethylmaleimide. The absorption was specifically competable by unlabeled retinol:RBP and by both apo- and holocellular retinol-binding protein, but not by β-lactoglobulin. This suggests that a specific mechanism is present for the absorption of retinol bound to RBP.
Graft derived reafferentation of host spinal cord is not necessary for amelioration of lesion-induced deficits: Possible role of migrating grafted astrocytes

The present study explores the ability of fetal spinal cord homografts into lesioned host C3 fasiculus gracilis to influence the expected deterioration of hindlimb performance following this lesion. Rats were trained to traverse a narrow platform for a water reward. Animals were ranked for hindlimb performance utilizing slips, recovery and manner of traversing the platform. After training the animals, numbers were recorded, laminectomy performed at C3 and subject fasiculus gracilis (FG) bilaterally aspirated. Half the subjects were randomly selected for implantation of two, one mm segments of 14 day gestation cervical spinal cord. Recorded lesion-only and lesion-transplanted animals were tested 21, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days later. C3 fetal transplants significantly decreased the severity of hindlimb deficit at 21 and 90 days postlesion (p less than 0.05). The C1-FG of both groups contained no nerve fibers. However, the host nucleus gracilis of lesion-transplant animals contained normal sizes and numbers of neurons whereas the lesion-only group did not. This neuronal maintenance may have been due to factor(s) secreted by transplant derived astrocytes which migrated at 0.72-0.76 mm/day and reside in the host nucleus gracilis.
Embodiment and emplacement : identities, representation and landscape in sun city retirement communities

This article focuses on the embodiment, emplacement and representation of aged identities and suggests that more attention be paid to the spatiality of age relations. Identities are both externally imposed and self nominated. Using the example of retirees I explored the ways in which particular places are involved in the creation of identities. Sun City retirement communities are shown to 1) have a material form that serves the retiree identity, 2) be represented in particular ways that contribute to that identity and 3) simultaneously act as a representation. The article asks whether or not these communities are indicative of a shift to postmodernism, characterized by increased emphasis on surveillance, security, simulations, consumerism, and fragmentation of identities, in both life courses and landscapes.
Mammalian lens dipeptidyl aminopeptidase III.

Abstract An intracellular exopeptidase identified as dipeptidyl aminopeptidase III (DAP III) was found to be abundant in the bovine lens. The enzyme contained in aqueous extracts exhibited a marked preference, compared to other dipeptidyl-β-naphthylamides, for the release of Arg-Arg from Arg-Arg-2-NNap at the optimum pH 9.0 and 37°. The K m for this substrate was estimated to be 2.83 × 10 −5 M. Lens DAP III was inhibited by EDTA, p-chloromercuriphenyl sulfonate, and puromycin. Lens aminopeptidase activities measured at pH 7.5 on the β-naphthylamides of leucine, alanine, and arginine, included for comparison, suggested that not only is leucine aminopeptidase abundant, but also other aminopeptidases that appear to include alanine aminopeptidase and aminopeptidase B.
Anesthetic implications of illicit drug use

Individuals who abuse illicit drugs have an increased incidence of traumatic injury, medical illness, and drug overdose. Subsequently, many of these drug abusers will require perianesthesia care. The health care professionals responsible for their care must have an understanding of the prevalence, the pharmacology, and medical complications of illicit drug use, including the potential interactions with anesthetic agents.
Twists and turns in the search for the elusive renin processing enzyme: focus on “Cathepsin B is not the processing enzyme for mouse prorenin”

having worked for many years on relatively basic questions germane to the venerable renin-angiotensin system, we were musing with some fascination recently on the continuing evolution of our understanding of the system. In particular, we were taking note of the considerable amount of dogma, with
Do No Evil: Unnoticed Assumptions in Accounts of Conscience Protection.

In this paper, I argue that distinctions between traditional and contemporary accounts of conscience protections, such as the account offered by Aulisio and Arora, fail. These accounts fail because they require an impoverished conception of our moral lives. This failure is due to unnoticed assumptions about the distinction between the traditional and contemporary articulations of conscience protection. My argument proceeds as follows: First, I highlight crucial assumptions in Aulisio and Arora’s argument. Next, I argue that respecting maximal play in values, though a fine goal in our liberal democratic society, raises a key issue in exactly the situations that matter in these cases. Finally, I argue that too much weight is given to a too narrow conception of values. There are differences between appeals to conscience that are appropriately categorized as traditional or contemporary, and a way to make sense of conscience in the contemporary medical landscape is needed. However, the normative implications drawn by Aulisio and Arora do not follow from this distinction without much further argument. I conclude that their paper is a helpful illustration the complexity of this issue and of a common view about conscience, but insofar as their view fails to account for the richness of our moral life, they fail to resolve the issue at hand.
Neurogranin Controls the Spatiotemporal Pattern of Postsynaptic Ca2+/CaM Signaling

Neurogranin (Ng) is a postsynaptic IQ-motif containing protein that accelerates Ca2+ dissociation from calmodulin (CaM), a key regulator of long-term potentiation and long-term depression in CA1 pyramidal neurons. The exact physiological role of Ng, however, remains controversial. Two genetic knockout studies of Ng showed opposite outcomes in terms of the induction of synaptic plasticity. To understand its function, we test the hypothesis that Ng could regulate the spatial range of action of Ca2+/CaM based on its ability to accelerate the dissociation of Ca2+ from CaM. Using a mathematical model constructed on the known biochemistry of Ng, we calculate the cycle time that CaM molecules alternate between the fully Ca2+ saturated state and the Ca2+ unbound state. We then use these results and include diffusion of CaM to illustrate the impact that Ng has on modulating the spatial profile of Ca2+-saturated CaM within a model spine compartment. Finally, the first-passage time of CaM to transition from the Ca2+-free state to the Ca2+-saturated state was calculated with or without Ng present. These analyses suggest that Ng regulates the encounter rate between Ca2+ saturated CaM and its downstream targets during postsynaptic Ca2+ transients.
Six-hour versus 48-hour patch testing with varying concentrations of potassium dichromate

This study examines the possibility of using patch contact times shorter in duration than the standard 48 hours. Using varying concentrations of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), this study analyzed results from two sets of patches applied to the backs of 11 subjects for durations of 6 and 48 hours, respectively. Results showed that after the 48-hour application period, all subjects reacted to K2Cr2O7 at some concentration. For the patches applied for 6 hours, 7 of the 11 subjects (64%) reacted to K2Cr2O7 at some concentration. Minimum elicitation thresholds (METs), the lowest concentration at which a reaction was observed, were established for both the 6-hour and 48-hour application times. The ratio of an individual's 6-hour MET to their 48-hour MET was calculated to evaluate the feasibility of patch testing with a higher concentration of an allergen for a shorter time period. Although the results clearly indicated that a higher concentration of allergen is required in order to elicit a reaction at 6 versus 48 hours, a fair amount of interindividual variability is exhibited by these 6-hour to 48-hour MET ratios. This observed variability would seem to preclude the use of 6-hour duration patch contact times for routine patch testing with K2Cr2O7.