cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrocatalytic Activity of PtBi and PtPb Nanoparticles Prepared by Borohydride Reduction in Methanol

Intermetallic compounds PtPb and PtBi have been prepared in nanoparticle form by dissolving Pt and Pb or Bi precursors in anhydrous methanol and coreducing the metal precursors with sodium borohydride. The average domain size determined from pXRD is 10 nm. The particles have been characterized by pXRD, SEM, STEM, EDX, and CBED. SEM and STEM images show the particles to be aggregated, forming clusters and chains. The BET surface area of the nanoparticles was measured using Kr as the adsorbing gas. The electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid and methanol by the as-prepared PtPb and PtBi nanoparticles has been studied by rotating disk voltammetry for potential fuel-cell applications. The PtPb and PtBi nanoparticles displayed enhanced electrochemical activity toward formic acid and methanol oxidation when compared to commercially available Pt and PtRu nanoparticles. The electrocatalytic activity of the PtPb nanoparticles was studied as a function of sonication time of the catalyst ink, and morphology change...
The Advancing Technology of Motorola's Microprocessors and Microcomputers

Starting with the first five-volt microprocessor in 1975, Motorola has gone on to produce an entire family of midrange microcomputers and peripherals designed for high-speed operation and maximum efficiency.
Visual memories for perceived length are well preserved in older adults.

Three experiments compared younger (mean age was 23.7 years) and older (mean age was 72.1 years) observers’ ability to visually discriminate line length using both explicit and implicit standard stimuli. In Experiment 1, the method of constant stimuli (with an explicit standard) was used to determine difference thresholds, whereas the method of single stimuli (where the knowledge of the standard length was only implicit and learned from previous test stimuli) was used in Experiments 2 and 3. The study evaluated whether increases in age affect older observers’ ability to learn, retain, and utilize effective implicit visual standards. Overall, the observers’ length difference thresholds were 5.85% of the standard when the method of constant stimuli was used and improved to 4.39% of the standard for the method of single stimuli (a decrease of 25%). Both age groups performed similarly in all conditions. The results demonstrate that older observers retain the ability to create, remember, and utilize effective implicit standards from a series of visual stimuli.
A Study of the Interaction of a Gravity Current With a Square Cylinder Using Two-Dimensional Numerical Simulations

We studied the interaction of a compositional lock-exchange gravity current with a square cylinder at moderate Reynolds numbers using two-dimensional high-resolution simulations. Recent experimental work obtained measurements of the drag and lift for circular and rectangular cylinders. However, a detailed quantitative description of the flowfield was not given. Our objectives were to provide such description and, from it, explain the physical mechanisms behind the values and the time variation of the drag and lift coefficients. Such information is valuable for the design of submarine structures under the potential impact of gravity currents. Our numerical results agreed well with available experimental measurements. The interaction can be divided into impact, transient, and quasisteady-state stages. The shedding of vortices during the impact stage had an important effect on the drag and lift variation with time. For example, for a specific set of parameters, the suction created by these vortices produced about 40–50% of the drag. The maximum drag and the maximum lift amplitude occurred during the initial impact stage, and their minimum values were found when the square cylinder was closer to the bottom wall.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Thermometry in 3He

Abstract Some of the methods used in measuring the temperatures of the transitions in 3 He are reviewed. Although noise thermometers, γ-ray anisotropy thermometers and even Pt NMR thermometers are satisfactory for furnishing temperature standards, they are not satisfactory secondary thermometers. The susceptibility of CMN and various 3 He properties make more precise and quicker thermometric indications.
The Impact of the HIV/AIDS and Economic Crises on Orphans and other Vulnerable Children in Zimbabwe

(2009). The Impact of the HIV/AIDS and Economic Crises on Orphans and other Vulnerable Children in Zimbabwe. Childhood Education: Vol. 85, International Focus Issue 2009: Helping Children Cope With the Impact of War, Terrorism, and Disaster, pp. 347-351.
Information problems in molecular biology and bioinformatics

In this article we provide an overview of opportunities for research and practice in the domain of molecular biology by information and library scientists. We introduce the changing role of data and information in molecular biology, and how molecular biology is evolving from a technique- and technology-driven science to an information-driven science. We then describe the high-level objectives of molecular biology and some broad classes of problems from an information perspective. We illustrate the high-level objectives with examples of specific tasks performed by biologists. Finally, we provide some programmatic direction for information and library science research streams and insertion points.
The 47,XYY male: a review.

Reviews previous reports relating psychological and physical variables to males with a 47,XYY chromosome complement. No clear relationship of external genitalia, bone and joint abnormalities, dental irregularities, skin disorders, and some hormone levels with an XYY constitution has been established. Increased stature, dermatoglyphic alterations, possible neurological involvement, alterations in testicular cells, and some slight cardiac anomaly may, with properly collected data, prove to be predictable from the XYY genome. Data relevant to psychological and social functioning include diagnoses, personality and behavioral descriptions, and criminal records, age at 1st conviction, and psychometric scores on tests of personality and intelligence. No consistent personality or behavioral constellation has been successfully predicted from the XYY complement. (6 p. ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)
Magnetic Microstructure of Magnetotactic Bacteria by Electron Holography

Off-axis electron holography in the transmission electron microscope was used to correlate the physical and magnetic microstructure of magnetite nanocrystals in magnetotactic bacteria. The magnetite crystals were all single magnetic domains, and the magnetization directions of small superparamagnetic crystals were constrained by magnetic interactions with larger crystals in the chains. Shape anisotropy was found to dominate magnetocrystalline anisotropy in elongated crystals. A coercive field between 300 and 450 oersted was determined for one chain.
Effect of energy storage on generating unit availability and system capacity requirements

Abstract It is generally believed that the failure rates of generating units increases as a function of the number of start/stop cycles experienced. This effect is quantified using some historical data. It follows that energy storage which can level the effective system load cycle will reduce the number of start/stop cycles of generating units and thereby reduce their failure rates. This effect is modeled and shown to be an important benefit of energy storage in terms of system reliability improvement or reduction in required generating capacity.
Three new species of Ammonicera from the Eastern Pacific coast of North America, with redescriptions and comments on other species of Omalogyridae (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia).

The family Omalogyridae comprises some of the smallest known marine snails. Like all micromolluscs, they have been historically neglected and are underrepresented in faunistic surveys. Based on a few focused studies of the family, 15 valid omalogyrid species were previously recognised in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. To these, we add 3 new species based on a morphological analysis of material in the dry collection of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, applying light and scanning electron microscopies. The new species, Ammonicera mcleani , A. mexicana and A. sleursi , are the first omalogyrid species described from the Eastern Pacific coast of North America. Redescriptions of the Australian omalogyrids Ammonicera sucina (Laseron, 1954) and Omalogyra liliputia (Laseron, 1954) are also presented, detailing for the first time ultrastructural aspects of their shell morphology. Additionally, we present here the first record of Ammonicera binodosa Sleurs, 1985b in Sri Lanka, introduce the new combination Ammonicera vangoethemi (Sleurs, 1985c) for Omalogyra vangoethemi , and formally remove Transomalogyra Palazzi & Gaglini, 1979 from Omalogyridae by fixing its type species as Homalogyra densicostata Jeffreys, 1884. Finally, we present lists, geographic records and a bibliography of all currently recognised omalogyrid species in the Indian, Pacific and Antarctic Oceans, as well as an update to a previously published compilation of the Atlantic and Mediterranean representatives of the family.
Defining Ulnar Variance in the Adolescent Wrist: Measurement Technique and Interobserver Reliability

Purpose The measurement technique for ulnar variance in the adolescent population has not been well established. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of a standard ulnar variance assessment in the adolescent population. Methods Four orthopedic surgeons measured 138 adolescent wrist radiographs for ulnar variance using a standard technique. There were 62 male and 76 female radiographs obtained in a standardized fashion for subjects aged 12 to 18 years. Skeletal age was used for analysis. We determined mean variance and assessed for differences related to age and gender. We also determined the interrater reliability. Results The mean variance was –0.7 mm for boys and –0.4 mm for girls; there was no significant difference between the 2 groups overall. When subdivided by age and gender, the younger group (≤15 y of age) was significantly less negative for girls (boys, –0.8 mm and girls, –0.3 mm, p p 0.87–0.97 in boys and 0.82–0.96 for girls). Interrater reliability was excellent (Cronbach's alpha, 0.97–0.98). Conclusions Standard assessment techniques for ulnar variance are reliable in the adolescent population. Open growth plates did not interfere with this assessment. Young adolescent boys demonstrated a greater degree of negative ulnar variance compared with young adolescent girls.
Auditing segment disclosures

What should auditors consider when auditing segment disclosures in financial statements? © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What is What it’s Like? Introducing Perceptual Modes of Presentation

The central claim of this paper is that what it is like to see green or any other perceptible property is just the perceptual mode of presentation of that property. Perceptual modes of presentation are important because they help resolve a tension in current work on consciousness. Philosophers are pulled by three mutually inconsistent theses: representational externalism, representationalism, and phenomenal internalism. I throw my hat in with defenders of the first two: the externalist representationalists. We are faced with the problem of explaining away intuitions that favor phenomenal internalism. Perceptual modes of presentation account for what it is like to see properties in a way that accommodates those intuitions without vindicating phenomenal internalism itself. Perceptual MoPs therefore provide a new way of being an externalist representationalist.
Orosomucoid 1 drives opportunistic infections through the polarization of monocytes to the M2b phenotype

Orosomucoid (ORM, composed of two isoforms, ORM1 and ORM2) has been described as an inducer of M2 macrophages, which are cells that decrease host antibacterial innate immunities. However, it is unknown which phenotypes of M2 macrophages are induced by ORM. In this study, healthy donor monocytes stimulated with ORM (ORM-monocytes) were characterized phenotypically and biologically. CCL1 (a biomarker of M2b macrophages) and IL-10 were detected in monocyte cultures supplemented with ORM1; however, CCL17 (a biomarker of M2a macrophages) and CXCL13 (a biomarker of M2c macrophages) were not produced in these cultures. All of these soluble factors were not detected in the culture fluids of monocytes stimulated with ORM2. Monocytes stimulated with ORM1 were characterized as CD64(-)CD209(-)CD163(+)CCL1(+) cells. MRSA and Enterococcus faecalis infections were accelerated in chimeras (NOD/scid IL-2Rγ(null) mice reconstituted with white blood cells) after inoculation with monocytes stimulated with ORM1 or treatment with ORM1; however, the infections were greatly mitigated in both chimeras inoculated with ORM1-stimulated monocytes and treated with ORM1, after an additional treatment with an inhibitor of M2b macrophages (CCL1 antisense ODN). These results indicate that ORM1 stimulates quiescent monocytes to polarize to M2b monocytes. The regulation of M2b macrophages may be beneficial in controlling opportunistic infections in patients with a large amount of plasma ORM1.
New Absolute Reflectometer

An instrument has been developed for measuring absolute reflectance at near normal incidence in the infrared region of the spectrum. The basic design of the instrument is similar to the Bennett absolute reflectometer except for some differences in implementation. The major sources of systematic errors have been reduced or eliminated. The alignment procedure is described.
Induction of G alpha i2-specific antisense RNA in vivo inhibits neonatal growth

Guanosine triphosphate-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) are key elements in transmembrane signaling and have been implicated as regulators of more complex biological processes such as differentiation and development. The G protein G alpha i2 is capable of mediating the inhibitory control of adenylylcyclase and regulates stem cell differentiation to primitive endoderm. Here an antisense RNA to G alpha i2 was expressed in a hybrid RNA construct whose expression was both tissue-specific and induced at birth. Transgenic mice in which the antisense construct was expressed displayed a lack of normal development in targeted organs that correlated with the absence of G alpha i2. The loss of G alpha i2 expression in adipose tissue of the transgenic mice was correlated with a rise in basal levels of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and the loss of receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylylcyclase. These data expand our understanding of G protein function in vivo and demonstrate the necessity for G alpha i2 in the development of liver and fat.
Overexpression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor on microglial cells induces an inflammatory response.

Microglia are important in the inflammatory response in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We showed previously that macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (M-CSFR), encoded by the c-fms protooncogene, is overexpressed on microglia surrounding amyloid β (Aβ) deposits in the APPV717F mouse model for AD. The M-CSFR is also increased on microglia after experimental brain injury and in AD. To determine the relevance of these findings, we transiently expressed M-CSFR on murine BV-2 and human SV-A3 microglial cell lines using an SV40-promoted c-fms construct. M-CSFR overexpression resulted in microglial proliferation and increased expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase, the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1α, macrophage inflammatory protein 1-α, and interleukin-6 and of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) itself. Antibody neutralization of M-CSF showed that the M-CSFR-induced proinflammatory response was dependent on M-CSF in the culture media. By using a co-culture of c-fms-transfected murine microglia and rat organotypic hippocampal slices and a species-specific real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we showed that M-CSFR overexpression on exogenous microglia induced expression of interleukin-1α by the organotypic culture. These results show that increased M-CSFR expression induces microglial proliferation, cytokine expression, and a paracrine inflammatory response, suggesting that in APPV717F mice increased M-CSFR on microglia could be an important factor in Aβ-induced inflammatory response.
Death by Destruction of Will: Lest We Forget

This report describes an unexplained death following the collapse of will caused by resisted mechanical restraint in a 93-year-old woman with dementia. Clinical and experimental evidence is cited supporting resisted restraint as a significant noxious stimulus that can be linked to sudden death and immune dysfunction. This woman's story serves to remind us of the critical link between mind and body, and of the mortal consequences possible when we forget. (Arch Intern Med. 1995;155:2250-2251)
A Critical Period Defined by Axon-Targeting Mechanisms in the Murine Olfactory Bulb

The olfactory system remains plastic throughout life because of continuous neurogenesis of sensory neurons in the nose and inhibitory interneurons in the olfactory bulb. Here, we reveal that transgenic expression of an odorant receptor has non-cell autonomous effects on axons expressing this receptor from the endogenous gene. Perinatal expression of transgenic odorant receptor causes rerouting of like axons to new glomeruli, whereas expression after the sensory map is established does not lead to rerouting. Further, chemical ablation of the map after rerouting does not restore the normal map, even when the transgenic receptor is no longer expressed. Our results reveal that glomeruli are designated as targets for sensory neurons expressing specific odorant receptors during a critical period in the formation of the olfactory sensory map.
Monoamine and metabolite levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of hibernating and euthermic marmots

Cerebrospinal fluid from yellow-bellied marmots, Marmota flaviventris, was analysed for monoamine and monoamine metabolite content during euthermia and deep hibernation. Dopamine (DA) levels were decreased, while DA metabolite levels, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), were dramatically increased in hibernating marmots. Serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) levels were also greatly enhanced during hibernation while norepinephrine (NE) levels were only moderately increased. These findings demonstrate that cerebrospinal monoamine levels are dynamically altered during hibernation, such that DA versus 5-HT and NE levels undergo opposite changes. Therefore, these data indicate that DA, 5-HT and NE neuronal systems are differentially altered during hibernation in mammals.
Synergistic effect of relaxin and progesterone on cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate levels in the rat uterus☆☆☆

Abstract Cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate is known to modulate smooth muscle contractility. Because both relaxin and progesterone have been demonstrated to affect myometrial cyclic adenosine monophosphate activity, we questioned whether the previously observed synergism of these two hormones in inhibiting uterine contractility is mediated via cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Immature rats were treated with estradiol benzoate ( n = 7) or a combination of estradiol benzoate and progesterone ( n = 7). Uterine horns were isolated, each horn was divided into two segments, and these horn segments were incubated in Ringer-Locke solution, either alone (control) or with 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine (MIX) 0.5 mM, MIX 0.5 mM + relaxin 10 ng/ml, or MIX 0.5 mM + relaxin 50 ng/ml. When compared with uterine segments incubated in MIX alone, treatment with MIX + relaxin 50 ng/ml significantly increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels in animals treated with estradiol benzoate alone or in combination with progesterone. Relaxin 10 ng/ml was sufficient to significantly elevate mean (± SEM) uterine cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels above that of control MIX-treated uteri in animals receiving both estradiol benzoate and progesterone (2.49 ± 0.39 pm/μg deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] versus 1.08 ± 0.16 pm/μg DNA, p
The Next Development in Management Science: A General Theory

The article discusses the evolution of management science through 1963. Classic management principles have been outlined as functions including planning which emphasizes that management is a ration...
STIM1 gates the store-operated calcium channel ORAI1 in vitro

Store-operated Ca(2+) entry through the plasma membrane Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channel in mammalian T cells and mast cells depends on the sensor protein stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and the channel subunit ORAI1. To study STIM1-ORAI1 signaling in vitro, we have expressed human ORAI1 in a sec6-4 strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and isolated sealed membrane vesicles carrying ORAI1 from the Golgi compartment to the plasma membrane. We show by in vitro Ca(2+) flux assays that bacterially expressed recombinant STIM1 opens wild-type ORAI1 channels but not channels assembled from the ORAI1 pore mutant E106Q or the ORAI1 severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mutant R91W. These experiments show that the STIM1-ORAI1 interaction is sufficient to gate recombinant human ORAI1 channels in the absence of other proteins of the human ORAI1 channel complex, and they set the stage for further biochemical and biophysical dissection of ORAI1 channel gating.
Attitudes and Knowledge of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellows Regarding Noninvasive Prenatal Testing

Using cell-free DNA in maternal serum to detect fetal aneuploidy has been shown to have high sensitivity and specificity. The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes and knowledge of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellows regarding noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). A 13 question survey was sent via listserv to US-based MFM fellows. One hundred sixteen fellows responded, a 42.3% response rate, with >75% reporting they are comfortable ordering NIPT. Most (82%) preferred that a patient discuss options with a provider or genetic counselor. Three common methods used to learn about NIPT were: formal educational activities (n = 78, 69%), self-review of the literature (n = 76, 67%), and discussions with peers (n = 73, 65%). On questions related to trisomy 21, accuracy was >70%. However, accuracy was lower regarding use in twin pregnancies (42%) and monosomy X screening (50%).
Mesotrione control and pigment concentration of large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) under varying environmental conditions

BACKGROUND: Mesotrione is a carotenoid biosynthesis-inhibiting herbicide currently labeled for crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) control. Mesotrione control of large crabgrass has been reported to vary with temperature and relative humidity; however, the effect of irradiance on mesotrione efficacy has not previously been reported. Likewise, little is known about pigment concentrations of Digitaria spp. The present research investigated the effects of mesotrione on large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., control and pigment concentrations under varying irradiance at three temperatures. RESULTS: Mesotrione (0.28 kg ha−1) control of large crabgrass did not differ between temperature levels (18, 26 and 32 °C). Control was similar at tested irradiance levels (600, 1100 and 1600 µmol m−2 s−1). Mesotrione reduced large crabgrass chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total carotenoid concentrations, as well as chlorophyll a to b ratios. Treated plant bleaching was highest 7 days after treatment (DAT) but decreased by 21 DAT. Treated plants were less than 10% necrotic 3 and 7 DAT but nearly 35% necrotic 21 DAT. Treated large crabgrass bleaching was highest and photochemical efficiency was lowest 7 DAT. These results indicate that some plant recovery occurs prior to 21 DAT. CONCLUSION: Although mesotrione efficacy has previously been reported to vary according to environmental factors, mesotrione control of large crabgrass did not vary with measured temperature and irradiance levels in this study. On account of crabgrass convalescence, secondary applications of mesotrione may control large crabgrass more effectively when applied prior to 21 DAT. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Equilibrium Mechanisms within the Oceanic Internal Wave Field

Abstract Numerical computations indicate that the nonlinear self-interaction mechanisms, induced diffusion and elastic scattering generate a universal equilibrium spectrum of deep ocean internal waves. This spectrum is approximately that given by the Garrett and Munch model. The short relaxation times of small perturbations to the model demonstrates the equilibrium. A scenario for the genesis and maintenance of the universal equilibrium spectrum is proposed.
In-plant measurement and analysis of mixtures of uranium and plutonium TRU waste using a 252Cf shuffler instrument

The active-passive 252Cf shuffler instrument, installed and certified several years ago in Los Alamos National Laboratory's plutonium facility, has now been calibrated for different matrices to measure Waste Isolation Pilot Plant- destined transuranic-waste. Little or no data currently exists for these types of measurements in plant environments where sudden large changes in the neutron background radiation can significantly distort the results. Measurements and analyses of twenty-two 55-gallon drums, consisting of mixtures of varying quantities of uranium and plutonium in mostly noncombustible matrices, have been recently completed at the plutonium facility. The calibration and measurement techniques, including the method used to separate out the plutonium component, will be presented and discussed. Calculations used to adjust for differences in uranium enrichment from that of the calibration standards will be shown. Methods used to determine various sources of both random and systematic error will be indicated. Particular attention will be directed to those problems identified as arising from the plant environment. The results of studies to quantify the aforementioned distortion effects in the data will be presented. Various solution scenarios will be outlined, along with those adopted here.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Preliminary Analysis of Interactions Between Genotype, Retrospective ADHD Symptoms, and Initial Reactions to Smoking in a Sample of Young Adults

Introduction: Initial reactions to cigarettes predict later regular smoking. Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have also been shown to increase smoking risk and may moderate the relationship between genotype and smoking. We conducted an exploratory study to assess whether ADHD symptoms interact with genetic variation to predict self-reported initial reactions to smoking. Methods: Participants were a subsample of 1,900 unrelated individuals with genotype data drawn from the National Longi- tudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), a nationally representative sample of adolescents followed from 1995 to 2002. Linear regression was used to examine relationships among self-reported ADHD symptoms, genotype, and self- reported initial reactions to cigarettes (index scores reflecting pleasant and unpleasant reactions). Results: Polymorphisms in the DRD2 gene, SLC6A4 gene, and among males, the MAOA gene interacted with retrospec- tive reports of ADHD symptoms in predicting pleasant initial reaction to cigarettes. Polymorphisms in the CYP2A6 gene and, among females, the MAOA gene interacted with retro- spective reports of ADHD symptoms in predicting unpleasant initial reaction to cigarettes. No main effect for any of these polymorphisms was observed nor were any interactions with DRD4 and DAT genes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that genotypes associated with monoamine neurotransmission interact with ADHD
A taxonomy of errors in multiple-target visual search

Multiple-target visual searches are especially error prone; once one target is found, additional targets are likely to be missed. This phenomenon, often called satisfaction of search (which we refer to here as subsequent search misses; SSMs), is well known in radiology, despite no existing consensus about the underlying cause(s). Taking a cognitive laboratory approach, we propose that there are multiple causes of SSMs and present a taxonomy of SSMs based on searchers' eye movements during a multiple-target search task, including both previously identified and novel sources of SSMs. The types and distributions of SSMs revealed effects of working memory load, search strategy, and additional causal factors, suggesting that there is no single cause of SSMs. A multifaceted approach is likely needed to understand the psychological causes of SSMs and then to mitigate them in applied settings such as radiology and baggage screening.
PUMPX: an expert system for pump diagnosis

Diagnosing problems with centrifugal pumps usually requires personnel with extensive experience or education. Centrifugal pumps represent the largest power consumption of any type of liquid movers in industrialized countries. Diagnosis of problems with recommendations from a computerized assistant would be highly useful. This paper describes the implementation of PUMPX, an expert system for diagnosis of pump problems and for recommendation of corrective action. Four main symptoms are included: vibration/noise, high temperature, leaks and low performance. The use of this program can lead to utilization of lower experience personnel for diagnosis and can be used for training. The correct and timely diagnosis and correction of pump problems will lead to reduced power consumption and avoid unnecessary expenditures for upgrades.
Reaction Kinetics of Laboratory-Simulated Kerogen Maturation: ABSTRACT

Application of time and temperature evaluations to maturation and hydrocarbon formation requires knowledge of the chemical kinetics of the maturation process. Lopatin and others have used first-order kinetics, assuming linear dependence of maturation on time for a given temperature and have derived a rate constant whose temperature dependence is governed by the Arrhenius equation. This model may be inadequate as maturation data used in such first-order kinetic equations have generally yielded Arrhenius factor activation energies which vary widely with temperature. We report here a detailed kinetic analysis of the laboratory-simulated maturation of several distinct kerogens having different source organic compositions and utilizing data for the production of CO2, CH4, and higher hydrocarbon gases as a function of time and temperature. In all cases, the dependence of maturation on time departs from linearity. Empirically a dependence on t12/ gives the best fit to the data, indicating possible product inhibition of the maturation process. We develop a simple chain reaction model incorporating this feature for both short and long reaction times. The model yields an effective rate constant which should obey the Arrhenius equation and consistently gives temperature-independent composite activation energies of the same approximate magnitude as is implied by Lopatin's model. The nature of the mineral substrate present with the kerogen influences the rate of maturation, both directly by catalytic action in some cases and indirectly by adsorption of product. Our results suggest a marked difference in kerogen maturation kinetics between closed and open systems, which must be considered in interpreting and comparing laboratory simulations and which may be of considerable significance for hydrocarbon genesis in the field. This may be reflected in a dependence of the kinetics on lithology and porosity of the source or rock unit. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1685------------
Evidence that the genomic RNA of hepatitis E virus is capped.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an unclassified virus with a positive-sense RNA genome and an undefined replication strategy. In order to determine whether the HEV genome is capped or not, we developed a reverse transcription-PCR assay that is based on the ability of a monoclonal antibody to recognize 7-methylguanosine (m7G). Antibody to m7G bound RNA extracted from virions of two different HEV genotypes. The cap analog competitively inhibited the binding of virion RNAs, demonstrating that HEV has a capped RNA genome.
VARIABILITY OF BCG STRAINS (BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUÉRIN)

Three different cultures of BCG propagated for over 2 years in a liquid medium containing Tween 80 and albumin were found to differ in several of their intrinsic properties. Cultures of the three strains were found to consist of morphologically heterogeneous populations—each culture being made up of three main colonial types—spreading, intermediate, and non-spreading. The percentage distribution of colonial types was characteristic for each culture and remained constant during cultivation in liquid media. Injection of the various cultures into mice and guinea pigs resulted in a self-limited disease. The distribution, extent, and duration of the lesions were also characteristic for each culture. Both the spreading and non-spreading substrains derived from the various cultures exhibited the degree of attenuation of virulence characteristic of the parent strain.
The LIM Domain-Containing Dbm1 GTPase-Activating Protein Is Required for Normal Cellular Morphogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Normal cell growth in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae involves the selection of genetically determined bud sites where most growth is localized. Previous studies have shown that BEM2, which encodes a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) that is specific for the Rho-type GTPase Rho1p in vitro, is required for proper bud site selection and bud emergence. We show here that DBM1, which encodes another putative Rho-type GAP with two tandemly arranged cysteine-rich LIM domains, also is needed for proper bud site selection, as haploid cells lacking Dbm1p bud predominantly in a bipolar, rather than the normal axial, manner. Furthermore, yeast cells lacking both Bem2p and Dbm1p are inviable. The nonaxial budding defect of dbm1 mutants can be rescued partially by overproduction of Bem3p and is exacerbated by its absence. Since Bem3p has previously been shown to function as a GAP for Cdc42p, and also less efficiently for Rho1p, our results suggest that Dbm1p, like Bem2p and Bem3p, may function in vivo as a GAP for Cdc42p and/or Rho1p. Both LIM domains of Dbm1p are essential for its normal function. Point mutations that alter single conserved cysteine residues within either LIM domain result in mutant forms of Dbm1p that can no longer function in bud site selection but instead are capable of rescuing the inviability of bem2 mutants at 35 degrees C.
Complementary and Alternative Pain Therapy in the Emergency Department

One primary reason patients go to emergency departments is for pain relief. Understanding the physiologic dynamics of pain, pharmacologic methods for treatment of pain, as well CAM therapies used in treatment of pain is important to all providers in emergency care. Asking patients about self-care and treatments used outside of the emergency department is an important part of the patient history. Complementary and alternative therapies are very popular for painful conditions despite the lack of strong research supporting some of their use. Even though evidenced-based studies that are double blinded and show a high degree of interrater observer reliability do not exist, patients will likely continue to seek out CAM therapies as a means of self-treatment and a way to maintain additional life control. Regardless of absolute validity of a therapy for some patients, it is the bottom line: "it seems to help my pain." Pain management distills down to a very simple endpoint, patient relief, and comfort. Sham or science, if the patient feels better, feels comforted, feels less stressed, and more functional in life and their practices pose no health risk, then supporting their CAM therapy creates a true wholistic partnership in their health care.CAM should be relatively inexpensive and extremely safe. Such is not always the case, as some patients have discovered with the use of botanicals. It becomes an imperative that all providers be aware of CAM therapies and informed about potential interactions and side effects when helping patients manage pain and explore adding CAM strategies for pain relief. The use of regulated breathing, meditation, guided imagery, or a massage for a pain sufferer are simple but potentially beneficial inexpensive aids to care that can be easily employed in the emergency department. Some CAM therapies covered here, while not easily practiced in the emergency department, exist as possibilities for exploration of patients after they leave, and may offer an improved sense of well-being and empowerment in the face of suffering and despair. The foundations of good nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and reengagement in life can contribute much to restoring the quality of life to a pain patient. Adding nondrug therapies of physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, TENS, hypnosis, biofeedback, psychoanalysis, and others can complete the conventional picture. Adding in simple mind/body therapies, touch therapies, acupuncture, or others may be appropriate in select cases, and depending on the circumstances, may effect and enhance a conventional pain management program. Armed with an understanding of pain dynamics and treatments, practitioners can better meet patient needs, avoid serious side effects, and improve care when addressing pain management in the emergency department.
Ethical review of health systems research in low- and middle-income countries: research-treatment distinction and intercultural issues.

In “Ethical Review of Health Systems Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Conceptual Exploration,” Hyder and colleagues (2014) argue that health systems research (HSR) involves different...
TWO THEORIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

The over-exploitation of commonly-held resources is typically analyzed as an instance of market failure that calls for legislation to internalize the social costs that private activities impose on the environment. In this article, I argue that to the extent that this analysis ignores the regulatory effect of the common law, it is unsound. In The Tragedy of the Commons, Garret Hardin points out that there are two solutions to the tragedy: privatize the resource or restrict access to it. Environmental legislation is a means restricting access to the commons. The evolutionary development of common law is a means of privatizing the commons. These represent alternative methods of environmental regulation. Proper public policy analysis requires a comparative assessment of the efficacy of these methods for resolving any particular environmental problem. In many, if not most cases, such an assessment will show common law regulation to be superior to environmental legislation.
Dioxygen activation and bond cleavage by mixed-valence cytochrome c oxidase

Elucidating the structures of intermediates in the reduction of O2 to water by cytochrome c oxidase is crucial to understanding both oxygen activation and proton pumping by the enzyme. In the work here, the reaction of O2 with the mixed-valence enzyme, in which only heme a3 and CuB in the binuclear center are reduced, has been followed by time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy. The results show that O==O bond cleavage occurs within the first 200 micros after reaction initiation; the presence of a uniquely stable Fe---O---O(H) peroxy species is not detected. The product of this rapid reaction is a heme a3 oxoferryl (FeIV==O) species, which requires that an electron donor in addition to heme a3 and CuB must be involved. The available evidence suggests that the additional donor is an amino acid side chain. Recent crystallographic data [Yoshikawa, S., Shinzawa-Itoh, K., Nakashima, R., Yaono, R., Yamashita, E., Inoue, N., Yao, M., Fei, M. J., Libeu, C. P., Mizushima, T., et al. Science, in press; Ostermeier, C., Harrenga, A. , Ermler, U. & Michel, H. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94, 10547-10553] show that one of the CuB ligands, His240, is cross-linked to Tyr244 and that this cross-linked tyrosyl is ideally positioned to participate in dioxygen activation. We propose a mechanism for O---O bond cleavage that proceeds by concerted hydrogen atom transfer from the cross-linked His---Tyr species to produce the product oxoferryl species, CuB2+---OH-, and the tyrosyl radical. This mechanism provides molecular structures for two key intermediates that drive the proton pump in oxidase; moreover, it has clear analogies to the proposed O---O bond forming chemistry that occurs during O2 evolution in photosynthesis.
Circumventing Embryonic Lethality with Lcmt1 Deficiency: Generation of Hypomorphic Lcmt1 Mice with Reduced Protein Phosphatase 2A Methyltransferase Expression and Defects in Insulin Signaling

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), the major serine/threonine phosphatase in eukaryotic cells, is a heterotrimeric protein composed of structural, catalytic, and targeting subunits. PP2A assembly is governed by a variety of mechanisms, one of which is carboxyl-terminal methylation of the catalytic subunit by the leucine carboxyl methyltransferase LCMT1. PP2A is nearly stoichiometrically methylated in the cytosol, and although some PP2A targeting subunits bind independently of methylation, this modification is required for the binding of others. To examine the role of this methylation reaction in mammalian tissues, we generated a mouse harboring a gene-trap cassette within intron 1 of Lcmt1. Due to splicing around the insertion, Lcmt1 transcript and LCMT1 protein levels were reduced but not eliminated. LCMT1 activity and methylation of PP2A were reduced in a coordinate fashion, suggesting that LCMT1 is the only PP2A methyltransferase. These mice exhibited an insulin-resistance phenotype, indicating a role for this methyltransferase in signaling in insulin-sensitive tissues. Tissues from these animals will be vital for the in vivo identification of methylation-sensitive substrates of PP2A and how they respond to differing physiological conditions.
Simulating 2D Gaits with a Phase-Indexed Tracking Controller

Tracking controllers produce realistic motion in simulations by mimicking an input motion. However, current time-indexed trackers adhere strictly to the input motion's timing, causing a lack of robustness. A new phase-indexed tracker for 2D characters can deviate from the input motion's timing. Compared to time-indexed tracking with a state-of-the-art nonlinear quadratic regulator, phase-indexed tracking can withstand force perturbations up to an order of magnitude larger. The phase-indexed controller employs motion constraints that induce a reduced dynamic for which we can design control policies that incorporate prediction.
Map Projections to Represent Possible Effects of Surface Loading

Time-varying surface loads affect many geodetic quantities. To help in understanding this process, I describe map projections which show an area of the Earth’s surface in proportion to the influence a load at that location would have on a measurement at a given place. Such maps illustrate the great importance of nearby regions compared with those more distant, and should be helpful in evaluating possible errors in the computation of loading effects.
Gender, Age, and Crime/Deviance: A Challenge to Self-Control Theory

Focusing on gender and age variations and using various measures of self-control and of crime/deviance, the authors' provide additional evidence concerning the strongest implications of self-control theory—that self-control interprets the main demo-graphic facts about crime/deviance and is of approximately equal import for all sub-categories of individuals. On one hand, the results are strongly supportive of the theory, showing that some measures of self-control not only predict misbehavior but they interpret the associations between gender and age and measures of crime/deviance. On the other hand, self-control does not appear to predict misbehavior equally well among various subcategories of individuals, particularly not for age groups, even failing to predict misbehavior at all for some groupings. Moreover, sup-port for the strongest claims of the theory are not robust, varying depending on how self-control and crime/deviance are measured.
Novel methods in the Particle-In-Cell accelerator Code-Framework Warp

The Particle-In-Cell (PIC) Code-Framework Warp is being developed by the Heavy Ion Fusion Science Virtual National Laboratory (HIFS-VNL) to guide the development of accelerators that can deliver beams suitable for high-energy density experiments and implosion of inertial fusion capsules. It is also applied in various areas outside the Heavy Ion Fusion program to the study and design of existing and next-generation high-energy accelerators, including the study of electron cloud effects and laser wakefield acceleration for example. This paper presents an overview of Warp's capabilities, summarizing recent original numerical methods that were developed by the HIFS-VNL (including PIC with adaptive mesh refinement, a large-timestep ?drift-Lorentz? mover for arbitrarily magnetized species, a relativistic Lorentz invariant leapfrog particle pusher, simulations in Lorentz-boosted frames, an electromagnetic solver with tunable numerical dispersion and efficient stride-based digital filtering), with special emphasis on the description of the mesh refinement capability. Selected examples of the applications of the methods to the abovementioned fields are given.
Ptychochromis inornatus: A New Cichlid (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from Northwestern Madagascar, with a Discussion of Intrageneric Variation in Ptychochromis

Abstract Ptychochromis inornatus, n. sp., is described from the Ankofia basin, northwestern Madagascar. The new species is diagnosed from congeners by the absence of large, black midlateral blotches or bars, and the presence of only two rows of teeth on the second pharyngobranchial toothplate, a robust uncinate process of the first epibranchial bone that is at least twice the diameter of the anterior arm, anterior chest scales that are reduced in size and embedded, a rounded and truncate postero-dorsal margin on the supraoccipital crest, and red fin coloration in life. Ptychochromis inornatus is endemic to the Ankofia drainage basin, with a geographic range extending from the Anjingo River northward to Lake Andrapongy and its surrounding drainages. Intrageneric variation within Ptychochromis is also discussed and comparisons made to the new species.
3,3'-Di-tert-butyl-1,1'-[1,3-phenyl-enebis(methyl-ene)]diurea.

The title compound, C18H30N4O2, contains two tert-butyl urea groups, each connected to a benzene ring though a methyl­ene group. One of the groups occupies a position almost normal to the aromatic plane with a C—N—C—C torsion angle of −94.4 (4)°, while the other is considerably twisted from the ring with a C—N—C—C torsion angle of −136.1 (4)°. In the crystal, pairs of mol­ecules are connected to each other, forming centrosymmetric dimers in which two NH groups of one mol­ecule act as hydrogen-bond donors to one carbonyl O atom of the other mol­ecule. The dimers are linked into sheets parallel to (100) by N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the remaining N—H and C=O groups.