cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Situ Nanoscale Redox Mapping Using Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Electrochemical atomic force microscopy tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC-AFM-TERS) was used for the first time to spatially resolve local heterogeneity in redox behavior on an electrode surface in situ and at the nanoscale. A structurally well-defined Au(111) nanoplate located on a polycrystalline ITO substrate was studied to examine nanoscale redox contrast across the two electrode materials. By monitoring the TERS intensity of adsorbed Nile Blue (NB) molecules on the electrode surface, TERS maps were acquired with different applied potentials. The EC-TERS maps showed a spatial contrast in TERS intensity between Au and ITO. TERS line scans near the edge of a 20 nm-thick Au nanoplate demonstrated a spatial resolution of 81 nm under an applied potential of -0.1 V vs Ag/AgCl. The intensities from the TERS maps at various applied potentials followed Nernstian behavior, and a formal potential ( E0') map was constructed by fitting the TERS intensity at each pixel to the Nernst equation. Clear nanoscale spatial contrast between the Au and ITO regions was observed in the E0' map. In addition, statistical analysis of the E0' map identified a statistically significant 4 mV difference in E0' on Au vs ITO. Electrochemical heterogeneity was also evident in the E0' distribution, as a bimodal distribution was observed in E0' on polycrystalline ITO, but not on gold. A direct comparison between an AFM friction image and the E0' map resolved the electrochemical behavior of individual ITO grains with a spatial resolution of ∼40 nm. The variation in E0' was attributed to different local surface charges on the ITO grains. Such site-specific electrochemical information with nanoscale spatial and few mV voltage resolutions is not available using ensemble spectroelectrochemical methods. We expect that in situ redox mapping at the nanoscale using EC-AFM-TERS will have a crucial impact on understanding the role of nanoscale surface features in applications such as electrocatalysis.
tert-Butyl(cyclopentadienyl) Ligands Will Stabilize Nontraditional +2 Rare-Earth Metal Ions

Reduction of the tris(tert-butylcyclopentadienyl) complexes, Cpt3Ln (Cpt = C5H4CMe3), with potassium in the presence of 18-crown-6 forms the crystallographically characterizable Ln(II) complexes, {...
The Diagnostic Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Monitoring Complications After Kidney Transplantation-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Rationale and Objectives Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has increasingly gained acceptance in the postoperative evaluation of kidney-transplantation recipients. Our meta-analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CEUS in identifying post-transplantation complications. Materials and Methods PubMed, Scopus, Ovid Medline, and Cochrane databases were searched from their inception until February 28, 2020, for diagnostic test accuracy studies comparing CEUS to a reference standard for monitoring complications after kidney transplantation. A meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and diagnostic odds ratio using a bivariate random effects model. Sensitivity analysis was performed using R software by stratifying the studies based on study design, sample size, age, and origin of the study to evaluate the influence of these factors on the overall effect. Results Two independent reviewers analyzed 285 publications, out of which 29 were determined directly relevant and 12 (with a total of 542 cases) contained all required data for the meta-analysis. The overall sensitivity of included studies was estimated to be 0.86 (95% confidential interval (CI); 0.78-–0.92). Similarly, the overall specificity was estimated to be 0.90 (95% CI; 0.82–0.94). Log diagnostic odds ratio was 4.25 (95% CI; 3.43–5.07), and the area under the curve of the pooled receiver operating characteristic was 0.94. Stratified sensitivity analyses showed study design, sample size, age group, and origin of the study had no significant impact on the overall diagnostic value of CEUS. Conclusion Evidence suggests that CEUS is a potentially effective and accurate method to evaluate a variety of complications such as rejection, vascular complications, and malignancies after kidney transplantation.
Dynamics of rising magnetized cavities and ultrahigh energy cosmic ray acceleration in clusters of galaxies

We study the expansion of low-density cavities produced by active galactic nucleus jets in clusters of galaxies. The long-term stability of these cavities requires the presence of linked magnetic fields. We find solutions describing the self-similar expansion of structures containing large-scale electromagnetic fields. Unlike the force-free spheromak-like configurations, these solutions have no surface currents and, thus, are less susceptible to resistive decay. The cavities are internally confined by external pressure, with zero gradient at the surface. If the adiabatic index of the plasma within the cavity is Γ > 4/3, the expansion ultimately leads to the formation of large-scale current sheets. The resulting dissipation of the magnetic field can only partially offset the adiabatic and radiative losses of radio-emitting electrons. We demonstrate that if the formation of large-scale current sheets is accompanied by explosive reconnection of the magnetic field, the resulting reconnection layer can accelerate cosmic rays to ultrahigh energies. We speculate that the enhanced flux of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays towards Centaurus A originates at the cavities due to magnetic reconnection.
Characterization of stimulus response curves obtained with transcranial magnetic stimulation from bilateral anterior digastric muscles in healthy subjects.

PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to describe measurements of stimulus-response curves in the anterior digastric muscle (ADM) bilaterally following transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the right and left hemispheres. The first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) was the control muscle. MATERIALS AND METHODS The subjects were 20 healthy young adults. Test sessions determined motor thresholds (MT) and stimulus-response curves (1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 × MT) from either the FDI or ADM following TMS to left and right hemispheres using the double cone coil. Bilateral recordings of MEPs in the left and right ADM allowed us to generate stimulus response curves following ipsilateral and contralateral TMS. RESULTS Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for MEP amplitudes from ipsilateral and contralateral ADMs were >0.60 at motor threshold (MT) and >0.90 at stimulus intensities above MT. There was a linear increase in MEP amplitudes across stimulus intensities for the FDI following contralateral TMS, while MEP amplitudes from the ADM following contralateral and ipsilateral TMS increased linearly across stimulus intensities [F(3, 57) [Muscle × Recording Site × Stim Intensity] = 33.57; p < 0.05]; (ηp2 = 0.64). The slopes of the stimulus-response curve of the contralateral FDI was greater than the slopes of the stimulus response curves of the ipsilateral and contralateral ADM (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The current study provided insights on the methodology for recording stimulus response curves in the ADM with TMS. These findings may translate into a valid, reliable, and relevant clinical outcome to study the pathophysiology of the corticobulbar motor system.
Pulmonary Innate and Adaptive Defenses against Cryptococcus

Clinical and experimental studies clearly substantiate the role of acquired cell-mediated immunity in the establishment of long-term protection against pulmonary cryptococcosis. However, the innate immune system is also centrally involved in both immediate antifungal immune responses as well as promoting adaptive immunity. Surfactant is secreted by type II cells in the alveolar space of the lung, and it is composed of a complex mixture of phospholipids and proteins, including surfactant proteins A and D (SP-A, SP-D), which play a role in innate host defense. Complement plays an important role during innate immune responses to Cryptococcus neoformans cells in extrapulmonary sites as a consequence of its ability to bind to encapsulated yeast cells and function as an opsonin. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been implicated in airway inflammation, and recent evidence suggests the involvement of certain TLRs in mediating a protective C. neoformans response by promoting a Th1-type T-cell adaptive immune response. C. neoformans enters the pulmonary system in both a spore and yeast form and has the ability to remain dormant for many years within the phagosomal compartment before infection is activated. The immune response to this organism is flexible and involves both cellular and humoral factors. However, environmental, genetic, or cryptococcal factors can exert pressures on this flexible program of host defense, leading to chronic and/or progressive infections, including disseminated disease.
Essentials in roentgentherapy of interest to clinicians; with a consideration of its application in gynecology

Abstract 1. 1. The problemof radiotherapy will not be completely solved until the biologic factors entering into this equation have been better understood and more directly controlled. 2. 2. Individualization of cancer patients is of prime importance and for this reason surgery and radiotherapy must supplement each other, and change their roles from predecessor to successor, from time to time, according to the mature judgment of the treating clinician. 3. 3. The localistic conception of cancer must be modified, and malignant disease must in the light of recent advances be considered as a gereral affection characterized by a constitutional morphologic inferiority of some tissue. 4. 4. The success of x-ray therapy in malignant disease is not wholly dependent upont the destruction of the tumor cells, but also, to a very large extent, upont the general cellular immunity of the organism, and upon a preservation and stimulation of the forces governing this immunity. 5. 5. Surgery should be given first choice whenever possible. The remoral of the main malignant focus and large metastatic deposits gives the economy a better chance to utilize its reserve of natural immunity in combating the remaining disorganized malignant stragglers, which must still be weakened by postoperative deep roentgentherapy. 6. 6. The administration of deep x-ray therapy requires training and preparation; the possession of an x-ray apparatus does not indicate therapeutic skill. From a gynecologic viewpoint, I may add that modern gynecology demands, besides a thorough preparation and mastery of surgical technic and a comprehensive understanding of the female patient in particular, also a knowledge of the main principles of radiotherapy. 7. 7. Radiotherapy must be administered by, or under the direction and colse supervision of, clinician, in order to obtain the best resutls. 8. 8. It is quite possible that some of the present day views regarding cancer therapy by means of surgery, radium, or x-rays, will undergo may changes. One thing, however, is certain, that the x-rays as one of the most important weapons in combating deep seated malignant foci will never diseappear from our medical armamentarium.
APPLICATION OF FLAME TEMPERATURE CORRELATIONS TO EMISSIONS FROM A DIRECT-INJECTION DIESEL ENGINE

The influence of flame temperature on NOx, particulate and hydrocarbon emissions from a single-cylinder light-duty direct-injection diesel engine was examined by varying the composition of the intake air with the engine operating at different speeds and loads. At a fixed engine speed, load, and start-of-combustion timing, the effects of intake-gas composition on emissions were found to correlate with variations in the characteristic diffusion flame temperature. Furthermore, this flame temperature dependence was not significantly affected by the engine operating conditions. These results indicate that the flame temperature correlations originally developed for divided-chamber diesel engines can be applied to direct-injection diesel engines.
Natriuretic Peptides and Cardiometabolic Health

Natriuretic peptides are cardiac-derived hormones with a range of protective functions, including natriuresis, diuresis, vasodilation, lusitropy, lipolysis, weight loss, and improved insulin sensitivity. Their actions are mediated through membrane-bound guanylyl cyclases that lead to production of the intracellular second-messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that genetic and acquired deficiencies of the natriuretic peptide system can promote hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, obesity, diabetes mellitus, the metabolic syndrome, and heart failure. Clinically, natriuretic peptides are robust diagnostic and prognostic markers, and augmenting natriuretic peptides is a target for therapeutic strategies in cardiometabolic disease. This review will summarize current understanding and highlight novel aspects of natriuretic peptide biology.
Density and Density Matrices in Density Functional Theory

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses density and density matrices in density functional theory. It also discusses particle number and order; fundamental Hilbert spaces; matrices and restricted operators; local and nonlocal operators; equidensity orbitals and n representability; and negative consequences of a finite model. The computational advantages that may be associated with the use of a density rather than a wavefunction, density functional theory provides the attractive feature that the density is an experimental observable while a wavefunction is not. The momentum density is also observable and provides additional information about the system. The energy of the electronic system and the energy functional, whose existence is established by the Hohenberg–Kohn theorem, are usually divided into sums of contributions. This is always possible so long as each new piece is rigorously defined and as the final piece is defined to be the total minus the sum of the other pieces thus far defined. Such a division is useful provided that the individual pieces as rigorously defined correspond closely to the different physical contributions to the energy they are intended to describe. The chapter also discusses energy contribution, that is, Coulomb energy, kinetic energy, and exchange-correlation energy.
Effect of Atrial Fibrillation Duration on Probability of Immediate Recurrence after Transthoracic Cardioversion

Immediate Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation. Introduction: An immediate recurrence of atrial fibrillation (IRAF) appears to be more common after early restoration of sinus rhythm with an implantable atrial defibrillator than after elective transthoracic cardioversion, which suggests that the probability of IRAF may be related to the duration of AF. Methods and Results: Transthoracic cardioversion was performed 85 ± 187 days (range 7 minutes to 8 years) after the onset of atrial fibrillation in 315 patients (mean age 61 ± 13 years). IRAF was defined as a recurrence of AF within 60 seconds after restoration of sinus rhythm. IRAF occurred in 56% of patients when cardioversion was performed within 1 hour of the onset of AF compared with 12% of patients when cardioversion was performed after 24 hours of AF (P < 0.001). The duration of AF was the only independent predictor of IRAF among the clinical variables of age, gender, structural heart disease, antiarrhythmic drug therapy, and cardioversion energy (P < 0.01). Conclusion: IRAF is more likely to occur when the duration of AF is 24 hours. This observation has clinical implications for the most appropriate timing of cardioversion, particularly in patients who receive device therapy for AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 182-185, February 2003)
Three-Dimensional Optical Image Reconstruction: Finite Element Approach

A finite element-based three-dimensional optical image reconstruction algorithm has been implemented. Successful 3D image reconstruction has been achieved using simulated experimental data.
The effects of centrally blocking hippocampal theta activity on learning and retention.

Although hippocampal theta has been correlated with several possible functions of the hippocampus in mediating behavior, the necessity of this bioelectric response for the occurrence of these behaviors has not been substantiated. The present research investigated this issue by examining the effects of blocking hippocampal theta activity on learning and retention of a simultaneous brightness discrimination, a task whose performance is normally accompanied by theta on 90–95% of the approach trials. Our previous research suggested that the occurrence of theta in this situation is related to functions performed by the hippocampus in mediating specific processes of attention. Theta blocking was accomplished by injecting 2 μ liters of scopolamine hydrobromide (10 μg/μliter) into the medial septal nucleus of cats via a chronically implanted cannula. This procedure resulted in theta occurring on only 6–8% of the approach responses as compared to the normal 92–93% of the trials in the nondrugged state. Animals were administered the drug centrally either during original learning or during retention test sessions. It was found that neither the rate of original task learning nor the amount retained were affected by theta blocking. Thus, theta is not necessary for the occurrence, during learning, of behaviors with which it is normally correlated, and hippocampal theta is clearly not required for either the laying down of memory traces or for the subsequent recall of information from memory as some researchers have contended. The significance of the hippocampal theta pattern as an index of hippocampal functioning is also discussed. EEG and lesion literature are reviewed which suggest that when theta is present, the hippocampus is in a relatively inactive or inhibited state. It is proposed that differences in the frequency of theta in certain behavior situations reflect different degrees of inhibition of the hippocampus.
The Thinnest Cold H I Clouds in the Diffuse Interstellar Medium

We confirm and discuss recently discovered cold H I clouds with column densities among the lowest ever detected. The column densities of the cold neutral medium (CNM) toward 3C 286 and 3C 287 are ~1018 cm-2, below an observational lower limit and also below tiny-scale atomic clouds detected by VLBI and time-variable profiles against pulsars. These column densities are close to the minimum imposed by thermal evaporation. The ratios of the CNM to total H I toward 3C 286 and 3C 287 are ~4% and 2%, respectively. We discuss the CNM fraction and the CNM clouds in relation to several theoretical models.
Increase in nuclear cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase following partial hepatectomy

Abstract The level of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase in the nucleus of rat liver was shown to increase 80% at 3 hr following partial hepatectomy while cyclic AMP-binding activity decreased 28%. Subnuclear fractionation demonstrated that the increase in cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase was localized to the nucleolus and nucleoplasm, with no change in the extranucleolar particulate material. Cyclic AMP-binding activity was decreased in all subnuclear fractions under these conditions. At 16 hr following partial hepatectomy, the level of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase was not changed in the nucleolus but was significantly increased in the nucleoplasm, while cyclic AMP-binding activity was slightly increased in the nucleolus and decreased in the nucleoplasm.
Asymmetric cell division: Implications for glioma development and treatment

Glioma is a heterogeneous disease process with differential histology and treatment response. It was previously thought that the histological features of glial tumors indicated their cell of origin. However, the discovery of continuous neuro-gliogenesis in the normal adult brain and the identification of brain tumor stem cells within glioma have led to the hypothesis that these brain tumors originate from multipotent neural stem or progenitor cells, which primarily divide asymmetrically during the postnatal period. Asymmetric cell division allows these cell types to concurrently self-renew whilst also producing cells for the differentiation pathway. It has recently been shown that increased symmetrical cell division, favoring the self-renewal pathway, leads to oligodendroglioma formation from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. In contrast, there is some evidence that asymmetric cell division maintenance in tumor stem-like cells within astrocytoma may lead to acquisition of treatment resistance. Therefore cell division mode in normal brain stem and progenitor cells may play a role in setting tumorigenic potential and the type of tumor formed. Moreover, heterogeneous tumor cell populations and their respective cell division mode may confer differential sensitivity to therapy. This review aims to shed light on the controllers of cell division mode which may be therapeutically targeted to prevent glioma formation and improve treatment response.
Circumstellar envelope of VX Sgr resolved with long-baseline interferometry at millimeter and midinfrared wavelengths

We report VLBI observations at 7-mm wavelengths of the SiO maser emission in the circumstellar envelope of the late-type, supergiant variable star VX Sagitarius. Synthesis images, the first ever made of the SiO emission from VX Sgr, show that the maser emission at a stellar phase of about 0.4, arises in a ringlike distribution with a radius of about 1.3 R*. The distribution of emission around the limb is asymmetric, as is the spectrum of emission with respect to the stellar systemic velocity. The strongest emission arises from a redshifted center of activity that lies to the south of the star and may indicate an asymmetry in the stellar atmosphere or in the mass loss. The maser emission within 4 km s-1 of the stellar velocity is distributed along the limb and does not show evidence of systematic velocity gradients greater than a few km s-1. However, there may be evidence of acceleration of material away from the star, where outflow velocities increase from about 10 km s-1 at 1.3 R* to at least 20 km s-1 in the OH and H2O maser shells at radii of about 30 R*. The arrangement of the maser emission supports a model having dense velocity coherent structures with characteristic sizes of approximately 0.5 AU in the extended stellar atmosphere. However, a substantial fraction of the maser flux density has been resolved by these observations, as with earlier VLBI observations of at least three times more coarse angular resolution. We speculate that the circumstellar shell has velocity coherent cells on spatial scales of approximately 0.5 to perhaps 100 AU, which give rise to SiO maser emission. The SiO maser emission lies well within the 4.6 R* inner radius of the surrounding dust shell, as measured with the U. C. Berkeley infrared interferometer. The high angular resolution infrared and millimeter observation were made at similar phases during the same cycle, and thus provide strong evidence that the SiO maser emission arises well away from the dust-rich region of the circumstellar envelope.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An investigation of air accidents in Nigeria using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) framework

Increasing air traffic growth has been achieved along with substantial improvement in safety globally. While air traffic is equally growing in Nigeria, safety levels do not appear to be growing side by side. This was gleaned from the spate of accidents and fatalities recorded in the last couple of decades. The study therefore set out to assess safety performance in Nigeria's air transport industry by comparing accidents and fatality rates with global average levels during the period 1985–2008. A content analysis of the accident reports was done using the Human Factors Analysis Classification System (HFACS) as a conceptual framework; this was augmented with results of industry experts assessment of the Nigerian aviation industry. Their assessments were also discussed in the context of the conceptual framework. Accidents and passenger fatality rates in Nigeria were higher than global average figures for most of the years included in the analysis period. Findings on aircraft ages show that these are also higher than world average levels. The aviation industry experts' assessment presented various challenges which include inadequate airport facilities, absence of timely meteorological information and dearth of skilled personnel in Nigeria's aviation industry. The content analysis of the accident reports using the HFACS shows that skill based errors; physical environment and inadequate supervision are the most frequently occurring categories influencing accident occurrences. The Chi-square and Fishers's test used to analyze significant relationships in the HFACS categories obtained in the accident reports showed five pairs of significant associations between adjacent categories. Based on these associations, Supervisory Violations:-Crew Resource Management:- Decision Errors path is deemed the most potent for accident occurrences. Findings from the research point to the need to address personnel skill, physical environment issues (mostly weather related) and supervisory competence.
Concepts and capabilities of a database computer

The concepts and capabilities of a database computer (DBC) are given in this paper. The proposed design overcomes many of the traditional problems of database system software and is one of the first to describe a complete data-secure computer capable of handling large databases.This paper begins by characterizing the major problems facing today's database system designers. These problems are intrinsically related to the nature of conventional hardware and can only be solved by introducing new architectural concepts. Several such concepts are brought to bear in the later sections of this paper. These architectural principles have a major impact upon the design of the system and so they are discussed in some detail. A key aspect of these principles is that they can be implemented with near-term technology. The rest of the paper is devoted to the functional characteristics and the theory of operation of the DBC. The theory of operation is based on a series of abstract models of the components and data structures employed by the DBC. These models are used to illustrate how the DBC performs access operations, manages data structures and security specifications, and enforces security requirements. Short Algol-like algorithms are used to show how these operations are carried out. This part of the paper concludes with a high-level description of the DBC organization. The actual details of the DBC hardware are quite involved and so their presentation is not the subject of this paper.A sample database is included in the Appendix to illustrate the working of the security and clustering mechanisms of the DBC.
Guided wave phased array beam steering in composite plates

Guided wave phased array systems have great potential in structural health monitoring (SHM), especially for aircraft applications due to its capability of steering the emitted guided wave beam to inspect a large area with the sensor array at just one accessible position. However, when the guided wave phased array is applied to composite panels of an aircraft component, the anisotropic behavior of the composite materials leads to a significant influence on the beam steering performance of the phased array. In this study, mode neighborhoods in dispersion curves where guided waves have quasi-isotropic behavior (i.e. constant or similar phase velocities in different wave propagation directions) are explored for unidirectional, cross-ply, and quasi-isotropic composite plates. It was demonstrated that the energy skewness of guided waves was well suppressed in these mode neighborhoods. Furthermore, by utilizing a modified delay-and-sum beam forming algorithm, the guided wave beam of a linear phased array can be steered quite well to the desired directions in a composite plate.
Hyperlipidemia: When does treatment make a difference?

PreviewAt what age and under what circumstances should patients be screened for hyperlipidemia? Does lipid-lowering therapy extend life in patients with coronary artery disease? Drs Wise and Schultz examine current guidelines for screening and treatment and also discuss the challenges that confront busy primary care physicians in recognizing hyperlipidemia and in encouraging patient compliance with drug therapy.
Nitrate and nitrite nitrogen in fresh, stored and processed table beets and spinach from different levels of field nitrogen fertilisation.

Nitrogen fertilisation increased the content of nitrate-N in fresh table beets and spinach but had little or no effect on accumulation of nitrite-N. Interconversion of nitrate to nitrite did not occur when fresh beets and spinach were stored at 35°F. Large quantities of nitrate-N were lost by leaching during the processing of canned beets, spinach and pureed spinach baby food. These processing procedures and storage of the processed products for six months did not give rise to increased amounts of nitrite-N Nitrate- and nitrite-N contents of some commercial products are also reported.
The portable parallel implementation of two novel mathematical biology algorithms in ZPL

This paper shows that mathematical models of biological pattern formation are ideally suited to data parallelism. We present two new algorithms, one for simulating the dynamic structure of fibroblasts, and the other for studying the self-organization of motile bacteria. We describe implementations of these algorithms using a high level data parallel language called ZPL, and we give performance results for the Kendall Square Research KSR-2 and the Intel Paragon that include comparisons against sequential Fortran.
The Social Self as Gendered: A Masculinist Discourse of Divorce

Divorce functions as a prism, malting available for examination an array of issues. Pulled into question are the shape and dictates of extra-familial institutions and practices, such as the juridical and economic: and the character of family life, parenting and domestic arrangements. Also brought into view are matters of interpersonal relations and gender identity: it is “unfamiliar situations” which call forth “taken as given identities” and present opportunities to observe the effects of identity upon behavior (Foote 198 1 , p. 338):
ATOFMS Characterization of Individual Model Aerosol Particles Used for Exposure Studies

Given growing concerns over the observed relationship between ultrafine particles and adverse human health effects, there is a major need in the community performing human/animal exposure studies for methods that can be used for the generation of high concentrations of ultrafine particles (<100 nm) with controllable compositions. The Palas spark discharge generator (Palas GFG 1000) is commonly used to generate “soot-like” particles for such studies. However, before such methods can be used routinely in the lab, it is important to assess the chemical variability and reproducibility of the ultrafine particles produced using such techniques. The goal of this study involves performing the on-line assessment of the chemical variability of individual ultrafine and fine (50–300 nm) particles produced by a Palas generator. The aerodynamic size and chemical composition of 12C and 13C elemental carbon (EC), composite iron–carbon (Fe-12C), and welding particles were analyzed using aerosol time-of-flight mass spectro...
Rectilinear steiner tree heuristics and minimum spanning tree algorithms using geographic nearest neighbors

We study the application of the geographic nearest neighbor approach to two problems. The first problem is the construction of an approximately minimum length rectilinear Steiner tree for a set ofn points in the plane. For this problem, we introduce a variation of a subgraph of sizeO(n) used by YaO [31] for constructing minimum spanning trees. Using this subgraph, we improve the running times of the heuristics discussed by Bern [6] fromO(n2logn) toO(n log2n). The second problem is the construction of a rectilinear minimum spanning tree for a set ofn noncrossing line segments in the plane. We present an optimalO(n logn) algorithm for this problem. The rectilinear minimum spanning tree for a set of points can thus be computed optimally without using the Voronoi diagram. This algorithm can also be extended to obtain a rectilinear minimum spanning tree for a set of nonintersecting simple polygons.
Linear free energy relations in modeling heterogeneous catalytic reactions

Abstract Modeling a complex heterogeneous catalytic reaction involves consideration of each elementary rate or equilibrium step. In principle, each step can be modeled with an analog reaction. For example, first order Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetics can be modeled by combining two analogs, one for adsorption and one for surface rearrangement. The result is the sum of two Hammett-type relations. A linear free energy relation, which must be empirically established, proves the validity of the model and thereby elucidates the details of the catalytic process. The recent work of Mochida and Yoneda is discussed to demonstrate the important utility of linear free energy modeling procedures in the study of heterogeneous catalytic reactions.
Clinical Manifestations of Lung Cancer

The incidence and mortality of lung cancer continue to increase steadily. Clinical manifestations are varied, and have been presented as related (1) to the primary tumor, (2) to tumor extension or metastases, (3) to systemic effects, and (4) to several syndromes associated with lung cancer.
The absorption spectrum of laser-produced UF5 molecules in the 350–700 nm region

Abstract UF 5 molecules are generated from the laser photolysis of UF 6 samples in an absorption cell and the low-resolution absorption features in the 350–700 nm region of the UF 6 photodissociation products have been characterized.
Future heat vulnerability in California, Part II: projecting future heat-related mortality

Through the 21st century, a significant increase in heat events is likely across California (USA). Beyond any climate change, the state will become more vulnerable through demographic changes resulting in a rapidly aging population. To assess these impacts, future heat-related mortality estimates are derived for nine metropolitan areas in the state for the remainder of the century. Heat-related mortality is first assessed by initially determining historical weather-type mortality relationships for each metropolitan area. These are then projected into the future based on predicted weather types created in Part I. Estimates account for several levels of uncertainty: for each metropolitan area, mortality values are produced for five different climate model-scenarios, three different population projections (along with a constant-population model), and with and without partial acclimatization. Major urban centers could have a greater than tenfold increase in short-term increases in heat-related mortality in the over 65 age group by the 2090s.
Gun Policy and Serious Mental Illness: Priorities for Future Research and Policy

Policies to restrict access to firearms among persons with serious mental illness are popular, but are they supported by evidence? As this literature review demonstrates, some things are clear: most persons with serious mental illness are not violent; risk assessment tools are not reliable at predicting who will be violent; and persons with serious mental illness and a history of substance use and abuse or trauma are more likely to be violent. More research is needed to develop thoughtful gun restriction policies that do not further stigmatize mental illness, the authors said.
The proliferation of postselves in American civic and popular cultures

Abstract The close of the twentieth century, coinciding with Americans' increasing belief in an afterlife, witnessed some curious phenomena in popular and civic cultures indicating an increasing presence of the dead in everyday life. Contrary to the thesis that postmodern secular societies pay no respect to the dead, we argue that extreme individualism, capitalism, and technological innovations have together heightened the potency of transcendence drives and increased the number, visibility, and influence of postselves. Further, that the events of 9/11 affected this American immortalist zeitgeist, fueling the nation's culture wars.
Tests of Three Causal Models of Halo Rater Error

Abstract Three different conceptualizations of halo rater error have been identified in the performance appraisal literature. Fisicaro and Lance (1990) referred to these as "General Impression" (GI), "Salient Dimension" (SD), and "Inadequate Discrimination" models. The purpose of this study was to compare the explanatory power of these halo rater error models in terms of their ability to account for observed halo rating error. We found that both the GI and SD models accounted for substantial proportions of rating variance, but the GI model did so much more parsimoniously. We discuss the need to determine the generalizability of the present findings to additional rating contexts and to the individual level of analysis.
Becoming Generative: Socializing Influences Recalled in Life Stories in Late Midlife

Through content analysis of adult autobiographies, this study explored possible developmental antecedents of generativity—an adult’s commitment to caring for and contributing to the well-being of future generations. A sample of 158 African-American and Euro-American adults in their late 50s completed self-report measures of generativity and various forms of societal engagement, and then each participant was interviewed in depth to tell the story of his or her life. Replicating past studies, generativity was positively associated with current political and civic engagement and with involvement in religious institutions. For the entire sample, high levels of generativity were predicted by narrative accounts of positive socializing influences coming from the family, teachers and mentors, the education system, and other valued societal institutions. Among the African-American subsample, however, socioeconomic status trumped these positive socializing influences as a strong statistical predictor of generativity, even as African-Americans scored higher than Euro-Americans on both generativity and positive socializing influences. Gender differences also emerged. The results suggest that both social class and positive socializing influences from individuals and institutions may shape generativity for midlife American adults and that these developmental relationships may differ as a function of race/ethnicity and gender.
Elastic-Plastic Analysis of Unidirectional Composites:

This paper considers the elastic-plastic analysis of unidirectional-filament reinforced composites subjected to longitudinal loading. The method of anal ysis is based on special generalized plane strain conditions, finite element techniques and Prandtl-Reuss incremental plasticity relations. The results for a boron/ aluminum composite and a boron/epoxy composite were compared to show the relation between composite behavior and the material properties of the matrix.
Pentacoordinate (μ-Oxo)diiron(III) Thiolate Complexes and Dimeric Iron(II) Precursors

The (μ-oxo)diiron(III) complexes of N,N‘-bis(2-methyl-2-mercaptopropane)-1,5-diazacyclooctane (H2bme*-daco) and N,N‘-bis(mercaptoethyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane (H2bme*-daco) ligands present uncommon examples of well-characterized (μ-oxo)diiron(III) species in the presence of sulfur donors. Whereas the reaction of molecular oxygen with a solution of diiron(II) complex, [(bme*-daco)Fe]2, affords slow formation of the μ-oxo species, the presence of O2 in the reaction of free ligand with the iron source, Fe(acac)3, gave good yields in shorter time. With the less sterically encumbered derivative, [(bme-daco)Fe]2, the only successful route to [(bme-daco)Fe]2O required single O-atom sources such as 4-chloropyridine N-oxide to be present during the preparation of the complex; attempted use of molecular O2 either during the synthesis or following isolation of the iron(II) dimer [(bme-daco)Fe]2 resulted in decomposition. That is, both the reactant [(bme-daco)Fe]2 and the product [(bme-daco)Fe]2O are unstable toward O2...
The ‘B’ in EBD is not just for bullying

Problems in defining emotional and behavioural difficulties of all types, including bullying, are discussed. Interactions among seeing, naming and communicating about these phenomena are considered. School and community characteristics of students with emotional and behavioural difficulties are touched upon. Major problems in definition and prevention of such difficulties include the dilemma of difference, cultural heterogeneity and statistics.
Senescence in sweet corn as influenced by phosphorous nutrition 1

Abstract Nutrient availability can affect the onset of senescence. Phosphate‐phosphorus (P) was added at the recommended and five times the recommended level to a Bernow fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic Glossic Paleudalf soil at Lane, OK. Senescence in stalk and shank internodes and cobs was rated in shrunken‐2 sweet corn (Zea mays L.) cultivars at various developmental stages. Plant dry weight was determined at fresh market harvest. Stalk internode senescence rating increased through harvest. The internode subtending the ear node was almost completely senescent at anthesis. There were statistical, but likely not biologically important, differences in stalk internode senescence between cultivars. Increased P occasionally increased stalk internode senescence rating and reduced plant dry weight. Increased P either decreased, or had no effect on, shank internode or cob senescence.
Variable dual-frequency electrostatic wave launcher for plasma applications.

A variable tuning system is presented for launching two electrostatic waves concurrently in a magnetized plasma. The purpose of this system is to satisfy the wave launching requirements for plasma applications where maximal power must be coupled into two carefully tuned electrostatic waves while minimizing erosion to the launching antenna. Two parallel LC traps with fixed inductors and variable capacitors are used to provide an impedance match between a two-wave source and a loop antenna placed outside the plasma. Equivalent circuit analysis is then employed to derive an analytical expression for the normalized, average magnetic flux density produced by the antenna in this system as a function of capacitance and frequency. It is found with this metric that the wave launcher can couple to electrostatic modes at two variable frequencies concurrently while attenuating noise from the source signal at undesired frequencies. An example based on an experiment for plasma heating with two electrostatic waves is used to demonstrate a procedure for tailoring the wave launcher to accommodate the frequency range and flux densities of a specific two-wave application. This example is also used to illustrate a method based on averaging over wave frequencies for evaluating the overall efficacy of the system. The wave launcher is shown to be particularly effective for the illustrative example—generating magnetic flux densities in excess of 50% of the ideal case at two variable frequencies concurrently—with a high adaptability to a number of plasma dynamics and heating applications.
Structural and Biochemical Studies of Human 4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate Aldolase: Implications for Hydroxyproline Metabolism in Primary Hyperoxaluria

Background 4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate (HOG) aldolase is a unique enzyme in the hydroxyproline degradation pathway catalyzing the cleavage of HOG to pyruvate and glyoxylate. Mutations in this enzyme are believed to be associated with the excessive production of oxalate in primary hyperoxaluria type 3 (PH3), although no experimental data is available to support this hypothesis. Moreover, the identity, oligomeric state, enzymatic activity, and crystal structure of human HOGA have not been experimentally determined.
Influence of rubber content on static and dynamic properties of polystyrene

Mechanical properties, deformation modes under both uniaxial tension and compression, low temperature mechanical relaxation behavior, and resistance to fracture under dynamic loading have been investigated for a medium impact grade of polystyrene, Shear yielding is the dominant mode of plastic deformation in compression while matrix crazing, together with some tearing and cavitation of the rubber phase, occurs in tension. The craze microstructure, as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), is typical of that noted in polystyrene, with sharp craze-bulk interfaces and a characteristic midrib section. The presence of a third phase, possibly a processing aid, is evident in the TEM scans and in the dynamic mechanical data. The present data, together with the data obtained on polystyrene and on high impact polystyrene, are used to show the strong influence of rubber content on various mechanical properties, such as the tensile craze yielding stress, ductility, compression yield strength, degree of strain softening, and fatigue durability.
Effect of temperature on the growth rate of Griffithsia tenuis C. Agardh (rhodophyta: ceramiales)

Clonal cultures of Griffithsia tenuis were grown for 18 days (Erdschreiber solution, LD 12 : 12, 2200 lux) at 13, 18, 22 and 25°C. The optimum temperature for growth (increase in number of cells) under these conditions was 22°C.
Burkitt's lymphoma cell leukemia in a turkish boy

Burkitt's lymphoma, associated with massive bone marrow and eyelid involvement that terminated with a manifested leukemic picture, was observed in a Turkish boy. Review of the world literature revealed the fact that Burkitt's lymphoma with a frankly leukemic picture is a rare condition, and usually has a very acute course with a poor prognosis.
Antisolvent crystallization in porous hollow fiber devices

Abstract This paper examines antisolvent crystallization under a new perspective and in the unique environment offered by porous hollow fiber membrane devices. The latter are compact, extremely efficient on a volumetric basis, easy to scale up and control. Their inherent characteristics promote the creation of homogeneous concentration conditions on a scale considerably smaller than existing industrial crystallizers without the necessity of a large energy input, properties that are desirable but rarely achieved in industrial crystallizers. Mixing studies were performed to examine the maximum achievable supersaturation in porous hollow fiber devices. It was shown that they are able to offer the supersaturation levels necessary to perform antisolvent crystallization. Moreover, supersaturation is created uniformly due to the large number of feed introduction points, the membrane pores. In addition, radial mixing is substantial in contrast with traditional tubular devices and the characteristic time involved in this process is comparable to the device residence time. Porous hollow fiber antisolvent crystallization of aqueous L -asparagine monohydrate systems proved successful. Mean crystal sizes up to two times smaller compared to batch stirred crystallizers were obtained in standalone membrane hollow fiber crystallizers (MHFC) and their combinations with completely stirred tanks. The CSD was confined below 165 μ m for the former and 75 μ m for the latter, levels that are sufficient for most pharmaceutical crystalline products, for which bioavailability and formulation concerns dictate the desired CSD. In addition, porous hollow fiber devices achieved comparable or slightly higher nucleation rates with respect to batch stirred crystallizers and similar values compared to tubular precipitators. Considerable improvements can be obtained by carefully designing membrane hollow fiber crystallizers.