cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photo-induced graft polymerization of N-isopropyl acrylamide on thin film composite membrane: Produced water treatment and antifouling properties

Abstract Thin film composite (TFC) nanofiltration membranes are widely used for waste water treatments. However, membrane fouling constitutes a major obstacle for the applications of TFC technology for the treatment of waste water. Fouling is caused by undesired interactions between colloids (e.g. oil droplets in water) with the membrane active surface. The consequence is a sharp decline in permeate flux and changing permeate quality with operation time, which has detrimental effects on the efficiency and economics of the membrane process. Membrane fouling could be controlled by altering the surface chemistry of membrane. Changing the membrane surface chemistry by surface modification of temperature responsive polymer is an attractive approach to reduce membrane fouling. In this study, we made an approach to modify the membrane surface with temperature responsive polymer such as poly( N -isopropyl acrylamide) poly(NIPAM) by photo-induced graft polymerization method. Membrane surfaces were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy and attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared analysis. Changes in surface chemistry and morphology confirmed the grafting of poly(NIPAM). Hydrophilicity of the grafted membrane has been improved significantly which was determined by contact angle measurements. Furthermore, grafted membranes shows temperature responsive property which was characterized by lower critical solution temperature of poly(NIPAM) at temperature ∼30 °C. Grafted membrane was used for the treatment of waste water obtained from coal bed methane gas exploration which is known as produced or co-produced water. Permeate flux through the grafted membrane has been decreased due the blockage of surface/pores. However, grafted membrane gave better results in terms of separation such as salt rejection. Initial salt rejection of grafted membrane is 48.04% as compared to the 7.2% for un-grafted membrane. FESEM revealed used grafted membranes are capable to release the foulants after lukewarm (∼40 °C) water wash.
SEM study of Strongylus vulgaris larva-induced arteritis in the pony

Summary This paper describes the histological and scanning electron microscopical examinations of the right colic artery of eight ponies. Lesions all had large thrombi surrounding a larva or larvae, with arterial wall thickening. Endothelial shape change, degeneration and loss were present. Fibrin-platelet red blood cell aggregates were present on endothelial surfaces as well as on the surface of thrombi. Damage to the intima appeared to produce the conditions for progressive thrombus formation. Resume Cet article rapporte les resultats obtenus dans l'etude de l'artere colique droite de sept poneys a l'aide du microscope scanner electronique et du point de vue histologique. Toutes les lesions comportaient de gros thrombus formes autour d'une ou de plusieurs larves et un epaississement de la paroi arterielle. Des modifications de l'endothelium -perte, degenerescence et alterations morphologiques furent constatees. Des agregats de fibrine, de plaquettes et de globules rouges furent observes sur les surfaces endotheliales et sur la surface des caillots. Les lesions de l'intima favoriserent la formation des thrombus. Zusammenfassung Dieser Artikel beschreibt die histologischen und elektronen-mikroskopischen (Raster) Untersuchungen der rechten Colon-Arterie von acht Ponys. Die Lasionen wiesen alle grosse Thromben um eine oder mehrere Larven herum auf, begleitet von einer Verdickung der Arterienwand. Veranderungen des Epithelsaussehens, Degeneration und Endothels verlust warens nachzuweisen. Aggregate von Fibrin, Thrombozyten und Erythrozyten fanden sich auf den Endotheloberflachen, sowie auf der Oberflache der Thromben. Der Schaden an der Intima scheint die Voraussetzungen fur die progressive Thrombusbildung zu schaffen.
An in-depth analysis of electric cell-substrate impedance sensing to study the attachment and spreading of mammalian cells.

The attachment and spreading of fibroblast cells on a gold surface coated with fibronectin or ovalbumin were studied by a modified electric cell−substrate impedance sensor. In this system, cells were cultured in a well, equipped with a detecting gold electrode (surface area of 0.057 mm2) and a gold counter electrode (18 mm2). Based on a comprehensive theoretical framework, the impedance of the electrode−electrolyte interface and a cell layer was precisely obtained for frequencies ranging from 1 to 10 kHz. Surface concentrations of the protein adsorbed on the gold surface were determined by a surface plasmon resonance biosensor. The resistance change of the electrode−electrolyte interface at 4 kHz increased linearly with the number of fibroblast cells attached on the detecting electrode. The slope of the linear relationship appeared to depend on the type of coating protein. As the surface area occupied by the cells was also proportional to the cell number, the resistance change was in turn proportional to ...
CLIPS implementation of a knowledge-based distributed control of an autonomous mobile robot

We implement an architecture for the planning and control of an intelligent autonomous mobile robot which consists of concurrently running modules forming a hierarchy of control in which lower-level modules perform 'reflexive' tasks while higher-level modules perform tasks requiring greater processing of sensor data. A knowledge-based system performs the task planning and arbitration of lower-level behaviors. This system reasons about behavior selection (fusion) based on its current knowledge and the situation at hand provided by monitoring the status from lower-level behaviors and the map builder. We implement this knowledge-based planning module in CLIPS (C Language Implementation Production System), a rule-based expert systems shell. CLIPS is written in and fully integrated with the C language providing high probability and ease of integration with external systems. We discuss implementation issues including the implementation of control strategy in CLIPS rules and interfacing to other modules through the use of CLIPS user-defined external functions.
Laboratory Experiments on Eddy Generation by a Buoyant Coastal Current Flowing over Variable Bathymetry

Irminger rings are warm-core eddies formed off the west coast of Greenland. Recent studies suggest that these eddies, which are implicated in the rapid springtime restratification of the Labrador Sea, are formed by an internal instability of the West Greenland Current (WGC), triggered by bathymetric variations. This study seeks to explore the effect of the magnitude and downstream length scale of bathymetric variations on the stability of a simple model of the WGC in a series of laboratory experiments in which a buoyant coastal current was allowed to flow over bathymetry consisting of piecewise constant slopes of varying magnitude. The currents did not form eddies over gently sloping bathymetry and only formed eddies over steep bathymetry if the current width exceeded the width of the sloping bathymetry. Eddying currents were immediately stabilized if they flowed onto gently sloping topography. Bathymetric variations that persisted only a short distance downstream perturbed the flow locally but did not lead to eddy formation. Eddies formed only once the downstream length of the bathymetric variations exceeded a critical scale of about 8 Rossby radii. These results are consistent with the observed behavior of the WGC, which begins to form Irminger rings after entering a region where the continental slope abruptly steepens and becomes narrower than the WGC itself in a region spanning about 20–80 Rossby radii of downstream distance.
T -Matrix Perturbation Theory for the Faddeev Equations

A $T$-matrix perturbation theory for the Faddeev equations is developed in two different ways giving slightly differing results for the first-order correction to the ground-state energy of the three-body system, and both expressions differ from the result recently obtained by Fuda. The application of the theory to the system of three identical spinless particles is discussed.
Liquid Permeation of Isopropanol and Water in a Silicone Rubber

Abstract The feasibility of using a silicone rubber membrane to separate mixtures of isopropyl alcohol and water, including the azeotropic composition, has been demonstrated and a quantitative measure of efficiency of separation has been developed. One of the problem areas in studying liquid permeation is the variability in the polymer membrane structure. Such factors as the presence of solvents and plasticizers, previous thermal history, previous solvent history, and the degree of crystallinity of the polymer behavior affect membrane behavior. However, as the polymers are better understood, these drawbacks for the researcher may be of advantage to those tailoring a polymer to a specific use.
Cytokinin stimulates dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium uptake in moss protoplasts.

Abstract Ca2+ influx through dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive Ca2+ channels is thought to be an early event in cytokinin-induced bud formation in moss protonema because DHP antagonists inhibit bud formation in the presence of cytokinin and DHP agonists stimulate bud formation in the absence of cytokinin [Conrad, P. A. & Helper, P. K. (1988) Plant Physiol. 86, 684-687]. In the present study, we established the presence of a DHP-sensitive Ca2+ transport system by measuring 45Ca2+ influx into moss protoplasts. Ca2+ influx was stimulated by external KCl (up to 5 mM), indicating that transport is voltage-dependent. K(+)-induced Ca2+ influx was DHP-sensitive with > 50% inhibition at 500 nM nifedipine. Ca2+ influx was stimulated by increasing concentrations of the DHP Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K8644 with half-maximal effects at 25 nM; this stimulation was seen only in the absence of K+, suggesting that the agonist works preferentially on polarized membranes. Ca2+ influx was also inhibited by phenylalkylamines (verapamil) and benzothiazepines (diltiazem). The phytohormone 6-benzylaminopurine consistently stimulated Ca2+ influx with a Km value of 1 nM, whereas adenine, indoleacetic acid, and gibberellic acid had no effect on Ca2+ transport. The cytokinins kinetin and trans-zeatin caused a greater stimulation of Ca2+ influx and induced more bud formation than did 6-benzylaminopurine. These results indicate that Ca2+ is taken up into moss protoplasts through voltage-dependent DHP-sensitive Ca2+ channels on the plasma membrane and that one of the cytokinin effects in the induction of bud formation is regulation of this plasma membrane Ca2+ channel.
It hurts both ways: How social comparisons harm affective and cognitive trust

Organizations often expect employees to collaborate with and trust the same coworkers with whom they compete for promotions and raises. This paper explores how social comparisons in self-relevant achievement domains influence affective and cognitive trust. We find that both upward and downward social comparisons harm trust. Upward comparisons harm affective trust and downward comparisons harm cognitive trust. We find no benefits of upward comparisons on cognitive trust, and we find no benefits of downward comparisons on affective trust.
The influence of facility characteristics and permit conditions on the effectiveness of environmental regulatory deterrence

This paper analyzes the influence of facility characteristics and permit conditions on the effectiveness of regulatory pressure—stemming from inspections and sanctions—at inducing better environmental performance from individual polluting facilities. The study considers the influence of various facility characteristics, especially those relating to size and operation (e.g., capacity utilization), and permit conditions that vary across facilities (e.g., effluent limit level). To capture this influence, the paper analyzes the interactions between regulatory pressure and facility characteristics/permit conditions when estimating the level of environmental performance. The empirical analysis examines wastewater discharges by U.S. chemical manufacturing facilities for the years 1995–2001.
Do Interruptions Affect Content Production

Interruptions have become a persistent annoyance in our lives; they reduce performance in many domains. Traditional interruption research uses time and errors as measures of disruption. However, in...
Typologies of attentional networks

Attention is a central theme in cognitive science - it exemplifies the links between the brain and behaviour, and binds psychology to the techniques of neuroscience. A visionary model suggested by Michael Posner described attention as a set of independent control networks. This challenged the previously held view of attention as a uniform concept. The idea that disparate attentional networks correlate with discrete neural circuitry and can be influenced by focal brain injuries, mental state and specific drugs has since been supported by converging data from several modern methodologies. Given the recent explosion in empirical data, attentional typologies provide powerful conceptual tools with which to contextualize and integrate these findings.
Feasibility of ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiogram for thoracic duct embolization.

Abstract Purpose To show the feasibility of opacifying the thoracic duct using ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiogram (IL) for thoracic duct embolization (TDE). Materials and Methods Six patients (two women and four men, mean age, 59.2 y [range, 43–74 y]) underwent IL and TDE for chylothorax. Under ultrasound guidance, a needle was positioned in a groin lymph node, and lipiodol was injected. The thoracic duct was catheterized, and embolization was performed as indicated. Cumulative times from start of the procedure until initiation of the lymphangiogram, until identification of target lymphatic, until catheterization of the thoracic duct, and until completion of the procedure were collected. Times were compared with times of a control group of six patients (two women and four men, mean age, 66.7 y [range, 49–82 y]) who had undergone TDE using pedal lymphangiography (PL). Results The procedure of opacification, catheterization, and embolization of the thoracic duct was successful in all cases. Cumulative times (mean ± standard deviation) in the IL and PL groups from start of the procedure until ( i ) initial lymphangiogram were 20.5 minutes ± 8.6 and 46.5 minutes ± 22.6, ( ii ) identification of a target lymphatic for catheterization were 60.5 minutes ± 18.2 and 110.5 minutes ± 31.6, ( iii ) catheterization of the thoracic duct were 79.0 minutes ± 28.9 and 128.2 minutes ± 37.0, and ( iv ) completion of procedure were 125.8 minutes ± 49.0 and 152.8 minutes ± 36.4. Conclusions IL is a feasible technique to visualize the thoracic duct for embolization. Using IL, the thoracic duct may be more quickly visualized and catheterized for TDE than with PL.
The magnetic and spectral properties of the DI-μ-chlorobis[trichlorocuprate (II)] anion, [Cu2Cl8]4−

Abstract The magnetic susceptibility of [Co(en) 3 ] 2 [Cu 2 Cl 8 ]Cl 2 ·2H 2 O exhibits an antiferromagnetic transition near 15.5°K. Spin coupling is confirmed by EPR measurements. The near infrared spectrum of the complex is also reported.
Updated Partial Cross Sections of Proton‐Nucleus Reactions

We have updated our 1973-1990 cross section calculations by using the measured partial cross sections of the hydrogen target of the transport collaboration for beams of nuclei 10 ≤ Z ≤ 28, of the hydrogen-carbon targets of Webber et al. for beams of 5 ≤ Z ≤ 28, and of the University of Minnesota-Washington University-Caltech collaboration for beams of Fe, Kr, Ag, La, Ho, and Au nuclei. We have developed 18 modifications of equations of cross section parameters. Exact values of partial cross sections are important for evaluating the source composition of cosmic rays that have small relative abundances relative to the secondary spallation products, e.g.,13C,14N,18O,25Mg,26Mg, and 31P. The isotopic ratios 13C/12C,18O/16O,22Ne/20Ne, and (25Mg +26Mg)/24Mg are affected by the Wolf-Rayet star contributions to cosmic rays, while 14N and particularly H and He are affected by the suppression of light nuclei in cosmic rays. The abundance of P is crucial in distinguishing between the two models: (1) stellar flare versus (2) enhanced nonvolatile grain-sputtering material contribution to cosmic rays. The earlier S and T cross sections of 20Ne and 24Mg into 14N and 15N are increased by a factor of 1.5, which reduces the calculated source component of N. The earlier calculated S and T cross sections of Au (and presumably of the Pt to Pb group), into elements with ΔZ 60 above the solar system abundances.
The Effectiveness of Nutrient Solutions Given to Young Turkey Poults in Drinking Water or by Oral and Parenteral Dosage

Abstract Studies have been conducted with young turkey poults to determine the effectiveness of several commercial nutrient preparations for stimulating early growth and reducing poult mortality. A single oral dosage of a complete nutrient solution (Ambex) was effective, especially when poults were held for 12 hours before starting. The addition of several commercial “stress packs” or water soluble zinc bacitracin to the drinking water of poults for the first 14 days was also effective, especially if the commercial preparations contained soluble antibiotics.
Quantitative prediction of the viscoelastic instability in cone-and-plate flow of a Boger fluid using a multi-mode Giesekus model

Abstract Analysis and experiments have shown that the flow of a viscoelastic fluid between a rotating cone and plate is unstable to a three-dimensional time-dependent instability which results in a secondary motion that, close to onset, has the form of a Bernoulli spiral. Here we report results of a linear stability analysis for a multi-mode formulation of the Giesekus constitutive equation with parameters determined by regression to the linear relaxation spectrum and steady-state shear flow properties of the constant viscosity solution of polyisobutylene, polybutene and tetradecane first characterized by Quinzani et al. (J. RheoL, 34 (1990) 705-748). The numerically calculated stability boundaries for the onset of the elastic instability are compared to flow visualization experiments and provide quantitative agreement for both the critical Deborah number and the non-axisymmetric azimuthal structure of the spiral instability. The results are qualitatively similar to the predictions obtained from non-linear models with a single relaxation time, such as a single-mode Giesekus model or the FENE dumbbell model proposed by Chilcott and Rallison; however, the more precise fit of the first normal stress coefficient supplied by the multi-mode model appears necessary for quantitative prediction of the experiments. Quasi-linear models lacking shear-thinning behavior in the first normal stress coefficient Ψ1(γ), such as single- or multi-mode formulations of the Oldroyd-B model, are incapable of even qualitative prediction of the dependence of the stability boundaries on Debroah number observed in experiments with viscoelastic polymer solutions.
Lilly lecture 1987. The triumvirate: beta-cell, muscle, liver. A collusion responsible for NIDDM.

Apres l'ingestion de glucose, l'insulino-secretion du pancreas est stimulee et la combinaison de l'hyperglycemie et de l'hyperinsulinemie doit induire la captation de glucose dans les territoires splanchique (foie et tube digestif) et peripherique (muscles) et la suppression de la production hepatique du glucose. Le but de cette conference est de prouver que, bien que la perturbation du metabolisme hepatique du glucose joue un role dans le maintien de l'etat diabetique, le foie ne joue probablement pas de role majeur dans le developpement precoce de l'hyperglycemie a jeun des DNID
Low-synchronization translation lookaside buffer consistency in large-scale shared-memory multiprocessors

Operating systems for most current shared-memory multiprocessors must maintain translation lookaside buffer (TLB) consistency across processors. A processor that changes a shared page table must flush outdated mapping information from its own TLB, and it must force the other processors using the page table to do so as well. Published algorithms for maintaining TLB consistency on some popular commercial multiprocessors incur excessively high synchronization costs. We present an efficient TLB consistency algorithm that can be implemented on multiprocessors that include a small set of reasonable architectural features. This algorithm has been incorporated in a version of the MACH operating system developed for the IBM Research Parallel Processor Prototype (RP3).
In vitro assays for the diagnosis of IgE-mediated disorders

Abstract Advances in technology have provided new laboratory tools for the quantitation of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in serum and on the surface of basophils. This review examines the evolution from qualitative IgE antibody assays of the late 1960s to the present-day, third-generation, automated and quantitative allergen-specific IgE assays. The latest technology trend is toward microarrays in which crude or purified native and recombinant allergens can be spotted in microdot arrays on silica chips to permit extensive panels of specific IgE measurements to be performed with small quantities of serum. Although these technologies hold promise, their diagnostic performance requires further assessment once their technical details have been optimized. Potential abuses of this newer IgE antibody technology include the use of allergosorbent specificities (eg, especially food and drugs) that lack validation, application of IgE antibody measurements in the diagnosis of non-IgE–dependent disorders (eg, aspirin sensitivity), and modification of IgE antibody assays to measure food-specific IgG antibody for which there is no clinical indication. Basophil mediator release assays have evolved to include flow cytometric methods that can quantitatively detect the presence of cell surface–bound allergen-specific IgE antibodies. Assays for histamine and leukotriene C 4 released after in vitro basophil activation are now more accurate and standardized. Current analytic methods for IgE antibodies provide more quantitative and reproducible measurements of IgE than ever before, although still with less sensitivity that traditional skin testing. The current challenge is to translate the quantitative IgE antibody results into a more accurate diagnosis of allergic disease.
Glucose-6-phosphatase Activity in Copper-Deficient Rats.

Copper deficiency has been reported to cause glucose intolerance in rats by interfering with normal glucose utilization. Accordingly, copper deficiency was produced in rats to study its effects on glucose-6-P phosphohydrolase and carbamyl-P: glucose phosphotransferase activities of hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.9), a major enzyme involved in maintaining glucose homeostasis. When measured in homogenates treated with deoxycholate, total glucose-6-P phosphohydrolase was 23% lower and total carbamyl-P:glucose phosphotransferase was 17% lower in copper-deficient rats compared to controls. Latency, or that portion of total activity that is not manifest unless the intact membranous components are disrupted with deoxycholate also was lower in copper-deficient rats. Glucose-6-P phosphohydrolase was 5% latent in copper-deficient rats compared to 24% in controls and carbamyl-P : glucose phosphotransferase was 55% latent in copper-deficient rats compared to 65% in controls. The decrease in latency appears to compensate for the lower total enzyme activities in such a manner as to allow the net expression of these activities in the intact membranous components of the homogenate to remain unaltered by copper deficiency. It thus appears unlikely that copper deficiency affects glucose homeostasis in vivo by altering the net rate of glucose-6-P hydrolysis or synthesis by glucose-6-phosphatase. These observations are interpreted on the basis of a multicomponent glucose-6-phosphatase system in which the total enzyme activity expressed in intact membranous preparation is limited by substrate specific translocases that transport substrate to the membrane-bound catalytic unit. A decrease in latency can then be interpreted as a functional increase in translocase activity and may constitute a compensating mechanism for maintaining constant glucose homeostasis when glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic activity is depressed as it is in copper deficiency.
High temperature sulfidation of six alloys

Six ferrous alloys were exposed for 100 h to a gas mixture containing 1 pct hydrogen sulfide and 3 pct steam at a temperature of 650 °C. Their relative resistances to corrosive attack were in the order: plain carbon (worst), Inconel 600, Incoloy 800, 316 stainless, 304 stainless and Armco 18SR (best).
Equilibrium decomposition pressures of thallium(I) hexafluorophosphate.

Simultaneous Knudsen-effusion and torsion-effusion measurements have been performed with TlPF6(cr) over the temperature range 490 to 570 K. The results demonstrate that TlPF6 sublimes in the temperature range 490 to 520 K according to: TIPF6(cr)=TIF(cr)+PF5(g) and sublimes congruently in the temperature range 520 to 570 K according to the generl reaction: TIPF6(cr)=αTIF(g)+12(1−α)TI2F2(g)+PF5(g) . Evaluation of the effusion results based on these two reactions leads to a mean value for the degree of dissociation α = 0.47. The second-law standard molar enthalpies for the reactions are ΔfHmo(505 K) = (126.2±3.6) kJ·mol−1 and ΔfHmo(545 K) = (256.0±7.1) kJ·mol−1, respectively. These two values lead to the corresponding ΔfHmo(TlPF6, cr, 505 K) = −2020 kJ·mol−1 and ΔfHmo(TlPF6, cr, 545 K) = −2044 kJ·mol−1.
Regulation of FGF21 Expression and Secretion by Retinoic Acid Receptor-related Orphan Receptor α

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormone produced by fat and the liver that plays an important role in lipid metabolism. FGF21 expression is induced by peroxisome proliferator-actived receptor α in response to physiological conditions requiring increased fatty acid oxidation. Retinoic acid receptor-related receptor α (RORα) is another nuclear receptor that plays a critical role in lipid metabolism as well as in regulation of the circadian rhythm. In this study we demonstrate that RORα directly regulates the expression and secretion of FGF21. A canonical ROR response element was identified in the proximal promoter of the FGF21 gene and shown to exhibit functional activity. Overexpression of RORα in HepG2 cells resulted in increased expression and secretion of FGF21. Suppression of RORα expression caused a decrease in FGF21 expression and secretion, suggesting that RORα contributes to the basal expression of FGF21. These data suggest that one mechanism by which RORα regulates lipid metabolism may be by modulation of FGF21 secretion. Furthermore, this study identifies a clear link between RORα, a key regulator of the mammalian clock, and FGF21, an important hormone regulating glucose and lipid homeostasis.
Additional Notes on Gastrointestinal Activity during Avoidance Behavior

Gastrointestinal activity in humans during avoidance responding was compared with that under conditions of passive reception of mild stimulation, as well as resting level. Results were contradictory to findings of Davis and Berry (1963) but tended to confirm those of Sternbach (1962) as well as to support Brady's (1963) work with peptic ulcer development in “Executive” monkeys.
Dynamic analysis of piles and pile groups embedded in homogeneous soils

A boundary element formulation for the dynamic analysis of axially and laterally loaded single piles and pile groups is presented. The piles are represented by compressible beam-column elements and the soil as a hysteretic elastic half-space. The governing equations of motion for the pile domain have been solved exactly for distributed periodic loading intensities. These solutions are then coupled with a numerical solution for the motion of the soil domain by satisfying equilibrium and compatibility at the pile-soil interface. The results obtained from the analysis compare favourably with those from alternative analyses, e.g. finite element, but at greatly reduced computational costs.
Systematical Measurement of Molecular Iodine Hyperfine Transitions in the Wavelength Range of 500-517 Nm

We report new measurement of the hyperfine spectra of molecular iodine BlarrX transitions in the wavelength range of 500-517 nm. Four effective hyperfine parameters, eqQB, CB, dB , and deltaB are determined for an extensive number of rovibrational levels in the B state, yielding rich information about the rotational and vibrational dependence of the hyperfine interactions. In particular, abnormal variations in the hyperfine parameters and strong u-g mixing at several levels are observed in this intermediate region
The Effect of Biomass Density, Temperature, and Substrate on Transport Survival of Market-Size Freshwater Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Abstract After harvest, adult prawn are often transported for sales to live markets, such as ethnic Asian outlets, in major urban centers. Poor survival during transportation has hindered development and expansion of these markets. Methodologies to increase survival during transport could contribute to industry viability. Three independent trials were conducted. In the first trial, three biomass densities (25, 50 and 100 g/L) were evaluated in 100-L, open plastic containers aerated with pure oxygen and compressed air. Water quality analyses were performed prior to stocking. After 24 hours in the model transport containers, water quality analysis was conducted and all prawn were removed, determined to be alive or dead, and each group weighed and counted. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) for prawn survival (overall mean 98%) among the three densities. Concentrations of dissolved oxygen and nitrite were not effected by hauling density (P < 0.05). Total ammonia-nitrogen and un-ionized ammonia-ni...
Reconstruction algorithms for geophysical applications in noisy environments

Remote determination of underground geophysical structures is a matter of considerable interest. Detecting such structures by scanning the area of interest with electromagnetic radiation is shown to reduce to the problem of solving an inconsistent system of equations for a spatial attenuation distribution. This paper examines the employment of reconstruction algorithms to solve such systems of equations, and it presents significant modifications to a standard algorithm that vastly improves its performance in the presence of noisy data. The process of in situ coal gasification is taken as an example to illustrate the superior performance of the modified algorithm.
Directional bilateral asymmetry in human sacral morphology

Directional bilateral asymmetries in human gross skeletal morphology are largely attributable to differential mechanical loading from handedness during endochondral bone growth. While much has been done in the way of identifying directional asymmetries of the upper limb in relation to handedness, comparatively little research has focused on asymmetry in the lower body. The present paper analyses asymmetry in the human sacrum in a sample of 238 modern individuals. Measurements of right and left sides of the lateral and posterior breadths of the alae and the maximum height of the auricular surface were used. Asymmetry was calculated as: [(left side − right side) ÷ right side] * 100. Directional asymmetry was identified using a one-sample t-test against a hypothesized mean of zero. Significant directional asymmetry (P < 0.05) was found in all three dimensions. The pattern of asymmetry is consistent with models describing the influence of right-handedness on the lower body, which predicts that left side dimensions will be larger. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The interaction with the lower ionosphere of electromagnetic pulses from lightning: Excitation of optical emissions

A self consistent and fully kinetic simulation of the interaction of lightning radiated electromagnetic (EM) pulses with the nighttime lower ionosphere indicates that optical emissions observable with conventional instruments would be excited. For example, emissions of the 1st and 2nd positive bands of N2 occur at rates reaching 7 x 10(exp 7) and 10(exp 7) cu cm/s respectively at 92 km altitude for a lightning discharge with an electric field E(sub 100) = 20 V/m (normalized to a 100 km distance). The maximum height integrated intensities of these emissions are 4 x 10(exp 7) and 6 x 10(exp 6) R respectively, lasting for approx. 50 micrometers.
Electrical properties of dendritic spines

Since the discovery of dendritic spines by Ramon y Cajal2, their functional role has remained a matter of speculation. The early hypotheses all consider the establishment of physical contacts with presynaptic terminals as the main function of spines. In a similar spirit, Swindale20 has proposed in a recent issue of TINS that spines are primarily a morphological device for connecting axons and dendrites. Ideas of this type, as Swindale points out, do not preclude other functions of spines, nor do they explain why spines should be as plastic as a number of recent studies suggest.
Fabrication and evaluation of dye-sensitized solar cells with photoanodes based on electrospun TiO2 nanotubes

Abstract Two types of electrospun TiO 2 nanotubes were prepared by the technique of co-axial electrospinning followed by pyrolysis of electrospun core–shell nanofibers at 500 °C. The SEM/TEM images showed that both types of TiO 2 nanotubes were polycrystalline with diameters of ~400–500 nm and crystallite/grain sizes of ~10 nm. The XRD results indicated that the TiO 2 nanotubes possessed the anatase crystalline phase/structure. Upon sonication, both types of TiO 2 nanotubes could be shortened; whereas the average lengths were different ( i.e. , shorter and longer TiO 2 nanotubes). The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with photoanode based on the shorter TiO 2 nanotubes had higher short-circuit current density and device efficiency while lower open-circuit voltage than the DSSC with photoanode based on the longer TiO 2 nanotubes. The results are discussed in terms of dye loading amount and electron recombination lifetime.
Evolving concepts of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory arthritis and is a major cause of disability. It existed in early Native American populations several thousand years ago but might not have appeared in Europe until the 17th century. Early theories on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis focused on autoantibodies and immune complexes. T-cell-mediated antigen-specific responses, T-cell-independent cytokine networks, and aggressive tumour-like behaviour of rheumatoid synovium have also been implicated. More recently, the contribution of autoantibodies has returned to the forefront. Based on the pathogenic mechanisms, specific therapeutic interventions can be designed to suppress synovial inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.
BRCA1 promoter methylation predicts adverse ovarian cancer prognosis

Abstract Objective. To compare the clinical outcome of ovarian cancer patients whose tumors contain BRCA1 genes silenced by promoter hypermethylation to patients with germline BRCA1 mutations and to patients with wild-type BRCA genes. Methods. Ovarian cancers from a hospital-based tumor bank were characterized as having a BRCA1 mutation; or a methylated BRCA1 , BRCA1 pseudogene or MLH1 promotor; or a wild-type BRCA gene. Survival of patients with methylated BRCA1 promoters ( N = 11) was compared to that of patients with wild-type BRCA genes ( N = 30) and BRCA1 mutations ( N = 22). A methylator phenotype was defined to include tumors with hypermethylation of BRCA1 , hMLH1 and/or dBRCA1 pseudogene promoters ( N = 23). Results. All cohorts had comparable clinical factors except for age at diagnosis. Median age of methylated BRCA1 and wild-type BRCA patients was older than BRCA1 mutation carriers (60 and 63 versus 48 years; P = 0.04). The median disease-free interval was significantly shorter for patients with a methylated BRCA1 promoter (9.8 months) than for BRCA1 mutation carriers (39.5 months; P = 0.04). Median overall survival was also significantly shorter for patients with a methylated BRCA1 promoter (35.6 months) than BRCA1 mutation carriers (78.6 months; P = 0.02). The combined methylator phenotype cohort had significantly shorter survival (36.1 months) compared to wild-type BRCA patients (63.3 months; P = 0.02). Conclusion. These data suggest that methylation of the BRCA1 promoter is associated with poor patient outcome. BRCA1 may be part of a global panel of methylated genes associated with aggressive disease.
Index to collectors and type specimens represented in the portion of Hobart and William Smith Colleges Herbarium (DH) deposited at New York Botanical Garden (NY) in 1983

An index to the collectors and types included in the portion of the Hobart and William Smith Colleges Herbarium (DH) recently deposited at the New York Botanical Garden (NY) is presented.
An in-beam polarimeter for intermediate energy protons using p + d elastic scattering

The importance of high quality spin-observable data in intermediate energy nuclear physics requires that techniques be developed for obtaining accurate and reliable measurements of incident beam polarizations in a nondestructive manner. For this purpose, we have constructed, installed, and calibrated two transmission-type polarimeters at IUCF, in which p+d elastic scattering is used to determine the two transverse polarization components of a high energy proton beam. In this report, we discuss some of our experimental design considerations, and provide technical details on the actual implementation schemes chosen. Representative spectra are shown, and typical performance capabilities are described. We have also completed a calibration of the effective analyzing power of the polarimeter (Apol) as a function of the incident (beam) proton energy, and find Apol ≈ 0.51 over the entire proton energy range studied in this work ( ∼ 150–200 MeV) when θdlab = 42.6°.
Towards situated speech understanding: visual context priming of language models

Fuse is a situated spoken language understanding system that uses visual context to steer the interpretation of speech. Given a visual scene and a spoken description, the system finds the object in the scene that best fits the meaning of the description. To solve this task, Fuse performs speech recognition and visually-grounded language understanding. Rather than treat these two problems separately, knowledge of the visual semantics of language and the specific contents of the visual scene are fused during speech processing. As a result, the system anticipates various ways a person might describe any object in the scene, and uses these predictions to bias the speech recognizer towards likely sequences of words. A dynamic visual attention mechanism is used to focus processing on likely objects within the scene as spoken utterances are processed. Visual attention and language prediction reinforce one another and converge on interpretations of incoming speech signals which are most consistent with visual context. In evaluations, the introduction of visual context into the speech recognition process results in significantly improved speech recognition and understanding accuracy. The underlying principles of this model may be applied to a wide range of speech understanding problems including mobile and assistive technologies in which contextual information can be sensed and semantically interpreted to bias processing.
Polar Effects Control Hydrogen-Abstraction Reactions of Charged, Substituted Phenyl Radicals

The rate of hydrogen atom abstraction from tributyltin hydride, benzeneselenol, thiophenol, and tetrahydrofuran was measured in the gas phase for charged phenyl radicals with different neutral substituents at the meta- or ortho-position. A charged pyridinium substituent (meta or para) allowed the manipulation of the radicals in the Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer that was used to carry out the experiments. All the reaction rates were found to be similarly affected by substituents on the radical: meta, H < Br ∼ Cl < CN (most reactive); ortho, H < CF3 ∼ Cl ∼ F. The experimental observations parallel the transition-state energies calculated for hydrogen abstraction from methanol. However, the calculated reaction exothermicities do not correlate with the reactivity trends. Instead, a correlation exists between the reactivity and electron affinity of the radicals. We conclude that the electron-withdrawing substituents studied here lower the reaction barrier by increasing the polari...
Reproductive Biology of Sheepshead in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Sheepsheads Archosargus probatocephalus collected from commercial and recreational catches in Louisiana coastal waters were group-synchronous fractional spawners. Spawning occurred during late February through late April. Gonadosomatic index values corresponded with histological examination of gonads with regard to onset of gonadal development, peak spawning, and cessation of spawning activity; however, specific events could not be identified from gonadosomatic index values alone. Estimates of batch fecundity and spawning frequency were inconclusive in this study because of sample design. Most individuals were mature by age 2. All males over age 3 and all females over age 4 in our study were mature.
The Neisseria Transcriptional Regulator PilA Has a GTPase Activity

The pilA gene of Neisseria gonorrhoeae encodes the response regulator of a two-component regulatory system that controls pilin gene expression. Examination of the primary sequence of PilA indicates that the protein contains at least two functional domains. The N-terminal region has a proposed helix-turn-helix motif thought to be involved in DNA binding. This region also contains the residues that are presumed to form the acidic pocket involved in phosphorylation by PilB, the sensor kinase of the system. The C terminus of the protein has extensive homology to the G (GTP-binding) domains of the eukaryotic signal recognition particle (SRP) 54-kDa protein and the α subunit of the SRP receptor, or docking protein. This homology also extends to similar regions of the bacterial SRP homologs Ffh and FtsY. Here, we demonstrate that purified PilA has significant GTPase activity, and that this activity has an absolute requirement for MgCl2 and is sensitive to KCl and low pH. We also show that PilA has a strict specificity for GTP, and that GTP hydrolysis follows first order kinetics, with a maximum velocity (Vmax) of 1900 pmol of Pi produced per min per mg of protein and a Km for GTP of 9.6 μM at 37°C.
Anisotropic polarizability tensor of a dimer of nanospheres in the vicinity of a plane substrate

We derive analytically the effective dipole polarizability tensor of a dimer of spheres located near a plane substrate. This is used to determine the extinction cross sections and other optical properties of the particles, and we use the results to study the experimentally observed red and blue shifts of the plasmon resonance of the dimer as a function of the distance between the particles or between the particles and the substrate. The results show that bringing the dimer towards the surface always leads to red shifted plasmon excitation. The plasmon resonance of the dimer may be red shifted or blue shifted as the particles are brought toward each other (at fixed distance from the surface) depending on the polarization. The size of the blue shift is smaller when the particles are close to the surface than when they are far away, but the red shifts are essentially unchanged.
Interactions of bovine brain tubulin with pyridostigmine bromide and N,N'-diethyl-m-toluamide.

Pyridostigmine bromide (PB), an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, has been used as a prophylactic for nerve gas poisoning. N,N′-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) is the active ingredient in most insect repellents and is thought to interact synergistically with PB. Since PB can inhibit the binding of organophosphates to tubulin and since organophosphates inhibit microtubule assembly, we decided to examine the effects of PB and DEET on microtubule assembly as well as their interactions with tubulin, the subunit protein of microtubules. We found that PB binds to tubulin with an apparent Kd of about 60 μM. PB also inhibits microtubule assembly in vitro, although at higher concentrations PB induces formation of tubulin aggregates of high absorbance. Like PB, DEET is a weak inhibitor of microtubule assembly and also induces formation of tubulin aggregates. Many tubulin ligands stabilize the conformation of tubulin as measured by exposure of sulfhydryl groups and hydrophobic areas and stabilization of colchicine binding. PB appears to have very little effect on tubulin conformation, and DEET appears to have no effect. Neither compound interferes with colchicine binding to tubulin. Our results raise the possibility that PB and DEET may exert some of their effects in vivo by interfering with microtubule assembly or function, although high intracellular levels of these compounds would be required.
Genetic improvement of lean meat growth and feed efficiency in pigs

Optimising selection procedures for feed efficiency and lean meat growth in pigs is important because feed costs form a high cost component of production. In this paper a number of breeding objectives used in pig industries are reviewed and the concept of the linear-plateau growth model is outlined. This concept allows optimisation of selection for feed intake of the growing pig taking the pigs potential for protein deposition into account. This is a first step towards further collaboration between geneticists and scientists from other disciplines in order to gain a better understanding of physiological consequences of selection. The necessity of recording individual feed intake in group housed pigs has led to the development of electronic feeders. These computerised systems provide additional data including repeated weight and feed intake records as well as feeding pattern traits. How to make best use of this extra information in breeding programmes needs to be explored further. Implications of testing pigs under ad libitum and restricted feeding are outlined and results from selection experiments and commercial group house environments are summarised. The comparison of testing procedures shows that restricted feeding benefits selection for lean meat growth. However, in commercial environments the benefits depend on how well variation in feed intake can be controlled. Testing procedures should be expanded to explain a larger part of variation in daily feed intake, as is currently the case. This unexplained variation may be related to the animal’s activity, social interactions between animals and response to various stressors that occur in commercial group housed environments.
Magnetic Equivalent Circuit Simulations of Electrical Machines for Design Purposes

New developments in power electronics technology, materials, and changing application requirements are driving advances in electric machines. But limitations of standard motor design, particularly induction machine design, limit performance capabilities in drive applications. Computer-aided design tools are not available to overcome these limitations. This paper presents a magnetic equivalent circuit modeling approach geared towards design. Magnetic equivalent circuits are flexible in terms of size and accuracy, have moderate computational complexity, are easily parameterized, and can be extended readily to three-dimensional analysis. Comparisons with results from finite element models and measurements indicate that magnetic equivalent circuits, corrected for local saturation, are a promising option for a design tool.