cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of solidification microstructure on the magnetic properties of Ni–Mn–Sn Heusler alloys

Abstract There have been many investigations to identify new alloys exhibiting large magnetic field-induced strain and more recently, the giant magnetocaloric effect. For any particular alloy system, it is necessary to adjust composition to alter the magnetic ordering and structural transformation temperatures to achieve the desired field-induced response. For the Ni–Mn–Sn alloy system, this compositional tuning has dramatic effects on microstructural development significantly affecting both transitions. Solidification induced chemical variations, when not fully equilibrated, have been found to mask the intrinsic magnetostructural behavior in Ni50Mn37Sn13. The use of a phase purity criterion was found to be an insufficient descriptor for determining homogeneity. When both structural and chemical homogenization are achieved, the nature and sequence of the transitions were found to be: (1) austenite paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition, (2) coupled ferromagnetic austenite to paramagnetic martensite magnetostructural transition, and (3) paramagnetic to ferromagnetic martensite transition with Curie–Weiss behavior on heating above its Curie temperature.
A new kinetic model for time-dependent polar plasma outflow - Initial results

A new time-dependent kinetic plasma outflow model has been developed, which uses a kinetic description of the parallel motions of the ion guiding centers, while assuming the electrons are a massless neutralizing fluid. The ions, O(+) and H(+) are followed as individual particles which respond to the gravitational, magnetic mirror and ambipolar electric forces as they move in one dimension along a magnetic flux tube. Results are presented for a case where the electron temperature in the flux tube is raised from a value near the ion temperature (3000 K) to a value of 10,000 K.
Radiation induced redox reactions and fragmentation of constituent ions in ionic liquids. 2. Imidazolium cations.

In part 1 of this study, radiolytic degradation of constituent anions in ionic liquids (ILs) was examined. The present study continues the themes addressed in part 1 and examines the radiation chemistry of 1,3-dialkyl substituted imidazolium cations, which currently comprise the most practically important and versatile class of ionic liquid cations. For comparison, we also examined 1,3-dimethoxy- and 2-methyl-substituted imidazolium and 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium cations. In addition to identification of radicals using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and selective deuterium substitution, we analyzed stable radiolytic products using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and tandem electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESMS). Our EPR studies reveal rich chemistry initiated through “ionization of the ions”: oxidation and the formation of radical dications in the aliphatic arms of the parent cations (leading to deprotonation and the formation of alkyl radicals in these arms) and ...
Interchange of Translational, Rotational and Vibrational Energy in Molecular Collisions

The change in internal energy of molecules upon collisions has been analysed. Formulae, (26) to (27-C), for the effective cross section of inelastic collisions have been obtained as functions of known properties of the molecules, subject to certain conditions. These conditions are: the atoms which come into contact during collision must belong to the first row of the periodic table; the vibrational quantum numbers which suffer a change must be small.
β-adrenoceptors and the epithelial layer in airways

As an inflammatory disorder of the respiratory system, asthma is characterized by bronchial hyper-responsiveness that appears to involve alterations of the bronchial epithelium. The existence of epithelial beta-receptors is of particular importance to respiratory function, and epithelial dysfunction in asthma may impair beta-adrenoceptor function and lead to bronchial hyper-responsiveness. After reviewing the structure and function of the respiratory epithelium and the role of epithelial beta-adrenoceptors, an in vitro model allowing the detailed study of the regulation of airway smooth muscle by epithelial cells is described. Studies with this model have demonstrated that epithelial beta-adrenoceptors participate in modulating the tone of bronchial smooth muscle cells. Activation of these beta-adrenoceptors leads to bronchial myorelaxation, probably mediated by one or more inhibitory substances generated within the epithelium. In addition, beta-adrenoceptor activity may affect smooth muscle tone indirectly by regulating mucociliary clearance and the paracellular exchange of inflammatory mediators. Since some respiratory diseases seem to be associated with beta-adrenoceptor dysfunction, therapy with beta-agonists may be beneficial by acting on beta-adrenoceptors located both on smooth muscle cells and on epithelial cells.
Longitudinal Data Sets: Evidence for Ontogenetic Development or Chronicles of Cultural Change

Limitations of single-cohort data sets are discussed, and their pitfalls are illustrated by means of a multiple-cohort study of the cognitive ability of spatial orientation. The questions of gender differences in age changes and experimental attrition are further illustrated by examining a study of the questionnaire-derived personality traits of social responsibility. Finally, implications are suggested for the internal and external validity of inferences drawn from analysis of the Ginzberg-Yohalem data set.
Metabolic risk factors in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and renal calculi.

Purpose: We performed a prospective study to determine the incidence and spectrum of metabolic abnormalities predisposing to stone formation in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and renal calculi.Materials and Methods: A total of 47 consecutive patients with congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent metabolic evaluation of stone risk factors. Of these patients 21 had associated stones (study group), while 26 did not (control group). Logistical regression, Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher’s exact tests were performed to determine whether there was a significant difference between these groups in regard to the presence of metabolic risk factors.Results: Demographically and symptomatically the 2 groups were equivalent except that the study patients were older. The 24-hour urinary excretion of calcium was significantly higher in study than in the control patients (p = 0.007). While the incidence of hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria was also higher in the study population, these diffe...
Conical Horn: Gain and Amplitude Patterns

The conical horn radiation characteristics (gain, aperture phase distributions, loss factors, and amplitude patterns) are revisited based on the spherical and quadratic aperture phase distributions. Calculations of the conical horn gain, using over the aperture either the dominant -mode of a circular waveguide or the modal variations of a conical waveguide, are calculated using the aperture phase distribution represented by spherical and quadratic wavefronts. The gains are compared with the classical data by Gray and Schelkunoff, in an attempt to confirm their validity and accuracy and to determine whether they were derived based on spherical or quadratic phase distribution. In addition, more accurate loss factors, to account for amplitude and phase tapering over the conical horn aperture, are derived which improve the conical horn gain. New formulas for the design of optimum gain conical horns, based on the more accurate spherical aperture phase distribution, are derived and reported, and guidelines are provided for their utility. This paper also introduces a method to calculate accurately the far-zone amplitude patterns in the E and H planes, including those in the far side and back lobe regions, of a conical horn by utilizing geometrical optics and diffraction theory.
Cancer and occupational exposure to arsenic: A study of pesticide workers

Mortality and morbidity experience was studied in 1,393 persons exposed to considerably high air concentrations of inorganic arsenicals for varying lengths of time during the manufacture and packaging of various pesticides in a plant in Baltimore, Maryland. Study subjects were traced for the period 1946–1977, and vital status was determined for 86.9% of 1,050 men and 66.8% of 343 women. The observed numbers of deaths from all and selected causes were compared with the expected numbers of deaths derived from population mortality rates. Among men, 23 deaths from lung cancer and 2 deaths from anemias represented statistically significant excesses over the expected numbers (P < 0.05). Lung cancer mortality was especially high in male production workers with presumed high exposure to arsenicals for a prolonged period of time. A dose-response effect was suggested for lung cancer mortality which increased with length of arsenical exposure, but no such relationship appeared for nonarsenical exposure. Workers with high arsenical exposure also had increased frequencies of such forms of arsenism as keratoses and perforation of the nasal septum. Analysis of the 23 male lung cancer deaths and 23 matched controls suggested a relationship, though not statistically significant, between lung cancer and antecedent keratoses. These findings provide strong evidence for a causal relationship between occupational exposure to inorganic arsenicals and lung cancer.
Bimetallic Pd–Cu Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts

A series of Vulcan carbon-supported Pd-Cu catalysts with various molar ratios of Pd to Cu was prepared by co-impregnation followed by a reduction in a hydrogen atmosphere at three different temperatures. The degree of alloying between the two metals, alloy composition, and particle size and size distribution were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for these various compositions was determined using the thin-film rotating disk electrode technique. Our study reveals that the Pd-Cu bimetallic electrocatalysts, with a suitable degree of alloying, offer a greatly enhanced ORR activity compared to the Pd monometallic electrocatalyst. The best electrocatalytic activities were observed for the bimetallic catalysts that showed alloy nanoparticles with a Pd-Cu molar ratio of approximately 1:1.
An Overview of the Effects of Some Physico-Chemical and Mechanical Characteristics of Particulates on the Compaction and Post-Compaction Properties of Compacts

(1993). An Overview of the Effects of Some Physico-Chemical and Mechanical Characteristics of Particulates on the Compaction and Post-Compaction Properties of Compacts. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy: Vol. 19, No. 17-18, pp. 2119-2141.
Genetic associates/counselors in genetic services

A survey of US directors of genetic services showed that about 38% of the non-physician professionals providing such services are genetic associates/counselors (GAs). Over 90% of GAs appear to be involved in direct human services, rather than in the performance of laboratory procedures or research. Although they wanted GAs to be competent in communication and inter-personal skills, counseling, and community education, employers and potential employers tended to rank a background preparation in and knowledge of psychosocial principles relatively less important than a knowledge of biological principles. The possible consequences of these attitudes are discussed in light of the fact that GAs represent a new profession which is still evolving and struggling to define its professional role in genetic services. Despite some role ambiguities, employers familial with their work expressed a strong vote of confidence in these professionals.
Bone health and antiseizure drugs: diagnosis and management

There is growing evidence for the association of antiepileptic medications (AEDs) and bone disease. Increased rates of vitamin D deficiency, elevated laboratory markers of bone turnover and increased rates of osteopenia, osteomalacia and fracture have all been reported. Although most commonly attributed to anticonvulsants that induce hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, recent studies suggest that valproate, a CYP inhibitor, is also problematic. Data specific to other newer AEDs are lacking. Drug-induced inactivation of vitamin D is the most widely proposed mechanism for AED-related bone disease, however, other not yet fully elucidated pathways must also contribute. There are currently no evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis or treatment of bone disease specific to persons on AED therapy. Periodic screening for vitamin D deficiency and with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is likely beneficial. Prophylactic supplementation with vitamin D and calcium can be considered for all patients on AEDs, unless ...
FIELD AND LABORATORY COMPARISON OF HATCH RATES IN AEDES ALBOPICTUS (SKUSE)

Laboratory experiments attempting to elicit a response based on a natural condition rely on the assumption that the laboratory treatment accurately mimics field conditions. With Aedes albopictus (Skuse), laboratory experiments analyzing hatch rates assume that the laboratory stimuli resemble those received by the eggs in field conditions. With the use of a colonized strain of Ae. albopictus, an analysis of the hatch rates comparing both field and laboratory settings was conducted. Additionally, hatch rates were compared for mosquitoes exposed to regular, periodic hatch stimulation (as usually seen in laboratory experiments) and random hatch stimulation (as seen in the field). In both experiments, laboratory treatments were not found to differ significantly from the field treatments, indicating that experimental results achieved in the lab are relevant to field situations.
Measurements and computation of low mass transfer coefficients for FCC particles with ozone decomposition reaction

The mass transfer coefficients and Sherwood numbers for catalyzed fluid cracking catalyst particles were measured and computed in a two-dimensional (2-D) bubbling fluidized bed, with ozone decomposition reaction. The measured and computed Sherwood numbers, using 3- and 2-D kinetic theory based computational fluid dynamics simulations, were of the order of 10−6–10−2. The low Sherwood numbers were in reasonable agreement with the literature data for small particles, at low Reynolds numbers. The computational fluid dynamics simulations showed that it is possible to compute conversions in fluidized bed reactors without using the conventional model with empirical mass transfer coefficients. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Invasive Plants can Inhibit Native Tree Seedlings: Testing Potential Allelopathic Mechanisms

The mechanisms by which invasive species affect native communities are not well resolved. For example, invasive plants may influence other species through competition, altered ecosystem processes, or other pathways. We investigated one potential mechanism by which invasive plants may harm native species, allelopathy. Specifically, we explored whether native tree species respond differently to potential allelopathic effects of two invasive plant species. We assessed the separate effects of Lolium arundinaceam (tall fescue) and Elaeagnus umbellata (autumn olive) on three common successional tree species: Acer saccharinum (silver maple), Populus deltoides (eastern cottonwood), and Platanus occidentalis (sycamore). Tall fescue and autumn olive are widely planted and highly invasive or persistent throughout North America where they often grow in forest edges, old fields, and other sites colonized by pioneering tree species. In an exploratory greenhouse experiment, we applied aqueous extracts derived from soil, leaf litter, or live leaves to native trees. We compared these treatments to a sterile water control and also to minced leaves leached in water, a common, but potentially less realistic method of testing for allelopathy. For all tree species, minced leaves from tall fescue reduced the probability that seedlings emerged, and minced leaves of autumn olive reduced the number of days to emergence. During other demographic stages, the three native tree species diverged in their responses to the invasive plants. Platanus occidentalis exhibited the widest range of responses, with reduced root biomass due to minced tissue from both invasive species, reduced days to emergence and marginally reduced survival from minced tall fescue, and reduced leaf biomass from tall fescue leaf litter. Populus deltoides appeared insensitive to most extracts, although survival was marginally increased with application of minced or fresh leaf extracts from autumn olive. In addition, minced tall fescue shortened the time to seedling emergence for Acer saccharinum, potentially a positive effect. Overall, results suggest that allelopathy may be one mechanism underlying the negative impacts of tall fescue and autumn olive on other plant species, but that effects can depend strongly upon the source of allelochemicals and the tree species examined.
Bio-inspired optimization for electromagnetic structure design using full-wave techniques on GPUs

SUMMARY The electromagnetic modeling of antennas and radio frequency devices has become increasingly challenging as the applications demand intricate and complex designs, such as fine features embedded in electrically large structures or integrated systems (e.g., antennas on vehicles). Often the design stage is further challenged by the need to find an optimal solution, which results in a numerically intensive problem. The objective of this paper is to investigate the use of graphics processing units (GPUs) in such challenging design and optimizations. Two full-wave approaches (method of moments and rigorous coupled wave analysis) are discussed along with a bio-inspired optimization technique, namely the particle swarm optimization. The inherent parallel nature of the GPUs is utilized in implementing the most numerically intensive parts of these full-wave methods. Furthermore, the independent search mechanism employed by the particle swarm optimization in its agent-based search renders itself to parallelism offered by GPUs. The paper demonstrates the acceleration achieved by the GPUs in designing a variety of radio frequency structures such as reconfigurable patch antennas and antireflective surfaces. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the cost and performance of vegetative treatment systems on open beef feedlots in the Midwestern United States

United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) regulations require concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to control open feedlot runoff resulting from storms up to and including a 25 year-24 hour storm event. Runoff collection systems commonly used in the United States for open beef feedlots consists of a basin designed to intercept runoff and provide storage until field conditions exist for land application. An alternative system being evaluated by a three-state research team is a vegetated treatment system (VTS) designed to infiltrate all of the feedlot runoff. This paper reports the runoff volumes and the mass of five physical parameters released from nine CAFO's utilizing VTS's located in the U.S. Great Plains region (six sites in Iowa, two in Nebraska, one in Minnesota). Comparisons between sites were made based on the volume and mass of these parameters retained within the system. The performances of the nine VTS varied depending on site specific rainfall, stocking densities, feedlot to VTA ratio, and system design. Five of the nine VTAs monitored in 2009 did not report an actual release from their system. The percent runoff controlled varied by site ranging from a high of 100 percent to a low of -6 percent. The overall average percent of mass reduced from five tested parameters varied from 100 to 72 percent.
Optimal experiment design for PET quantification of receptor concentration

The mathematical models used to analyze positron emission tomography (PET) data obtained for receptor quantitation have many unknown parameters which must be estimated from the data. Obtaining unique and precise estimates of the model parameters from PET data is difficult as a result of the complex interdependence of the parameters. Here the authors address the task of estimating the concentration of myocardial beta-adrenergic receptors using unlabeled and /sup 18/F-labeled S(-)-fluorocarazolol as the receptor ligand. For a three-injection study the authors have optimized the ligand injection times and dosages using the D-optimal criterion for estimating receptor concentration. They found that in optimizing a three-injection experimental design, the dose of ligand in the third injection approaches zero so that the optimal three-injection design is actually a two-injection experiment. Using this optimal experiment, the authors demonstrate estimates of receptor concentration that are almost five times as precise as compared to an empirically designed three-injection experiment.
The Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) of New Jersey, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT: Black fly larvae and pupae were collected from eighteen New Jersey (NJ) counties spanning all five physiographic provinces, and all five watershed management regions. Collections were made year round from small, medium, and large sized streams, and yielded a total of 40 black fly species in five genera. These collections include three new occurrence records for NJ, Simulium vittatum, S. notiale, and S. definitum; and complete NJ collection data for S. anchistinum. New county occurrence records for Prosimulium canutum, P. clandestinum, S. impar, S. parnassum and S. vandalicum are also reported. Collections included four NJ Simulium species limited to the Coastal Plain, and three species restricted to the upper Delaware River in NJ. The most pestiferous group of NJ black flies, the S. jenningsi group, was represented by seven species found in all five physiographic provinces of the state. A region along the eastern glacial terminus which includes northern NJ supports a regional simuliid species di...
THE FIELD OF MANAGEMENT'S DEVOTION TO THEORY: TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?

Many nice things can be said about theory. Theories help us organize our thoughts, generate coherent explanations, and improve our predictions. In short, theories help us achieve understanding. But theories are not ends in themselves, and members of the academic field of management should keep in mind that a blanket insistence on theory, or the requirement of an articulation of theory in everything we write, actually retards our ability to achieve our end: understanding. Our field’s theory fetish, for instance, prevents the reporting of rich detail about interesting phenomena for which no theory yet exists. And it bans the reporting of facts—no matter how important or competently generated—that lack explanation, but that, once reported, might stimulate the search for an explanation. It is well known that the top journals in management require that all manuscripts contribute to theory (Colquitt & Zapata-Phelan, 2007; Rynes, 2005; Sutton & Staw, 1995). 1 The current editorial statement of AMJ (its “Information for Contributors”) mirrors those of our other top journals and illustrates this insistence explicitly: “All articles published in the Academy of Management Journal must also make strong theoretical contributions.” And, believe me, there is no breaching or skirting this policy. After years of comparing notes with colleagues about the rejection letters we have received, it seems the most annoying passage—which I am sure editors have preprogrammed for handy one-click insertion—is this one: “The reviewers all agree that your paper addresses an important topic and is well argued; moreover, they find your empirical results convincing and interesting. At the same time, however, the reviewers believe the paper falls short in making a theoretical contribution. Therefore, I’m sorr y... etc., etc., etc.”
Evolution of mating systems in Lycopersicon hirsutum as deduced from genetic variation in electrophoretic and morphological characters

Populations in the central part of the distribution are mostly self-incompatible and tend to be highly variable for allozymic and morphological characters; those in the north and south limits are entirely self-compatible and tend to be genetically highly uniform. Gradations in variability are observed in the intermediate regions. Flower size tends to diminish in the peripheral areas. The extensive differences in genotype observed between the north and south marginal populations are not compatible with the concept of a single origin of self-compatibility, but suggest, along with other evidence, that the substitution of different alleles resulted from differentiation in the marginal areas from older, self-incompatible stocks of the central region. The conclusions regarding patterns of genetic variation and nature of evolution of mating systems inL. hirsutum conform to a remarkable extent with those reached previously forL. pimpinellifolium, a species that is distinct in morphology and ecological preferences yet has a similar latitudinal distribution.
Multiline two-dimensional guided-mode resonant filters

A novel multiline filter using a two-dimensional guided-mode resonant (GMR) filter is proposed. The filter concept utilizes the multiple planes of diffraction produced by the two-dimensional grating. Multiple resonances are obtained by matching the guided modes in the different planes of diffraction to different wavelengths. It is shown that the location and the separation between resonances can be specifically controlled by modifying the periodicity of the grating and the other physical dimensions of the structure. This is in contrast to the one-dimensional GMR filters where the location of the resonances is material dependent. Two-line reflection filter designs with spectral linewidths less than 1 nm and a controllable spectral separation of up to 23% of the short resonance wavelength are presented using rectangular-grid grating GMR structures. Three-line filters are designed in hexagonal-grid grating GMR structures with two independently controllable resonance locations.
A minimal error conjugate gradient method for ill-posed problems

For the ill-posed operator equationTx=y in Hilbert space, we introduce a modification of the usual conjugate gradient method which minimizes the error, not the residual, at each step. Moreover, the error is minimized over the same finite-dimensional subspace that is associated with the usual method.
A Kinetic Study of the Growth of Fatty Acid Vesicles

Membrane vesicles composed of fatty acids can be made to grow and divide under laboratory conditions, and thus provide a model system relevant to the emergence of cellular life. Fatty acid vesicles grow spontaneously when alkaline micelles are added to buffered vesicles. To investigate the mechanism of this process, we used stopped-flow kinetics to analyze the dilution of non-exchanging FRET probes incorporated into preformed vesicles during growth. Oleate vesicle growth occurs in two phases (fast and slow), indicating two pathways for the incorporation of fatty acid into preformed vesicles. We propose that the fast phase, which is stoichiometrically limited by the preformed vesicles, results from the formation of a “shell” of fatty acid around a vesicle, followed by rapid transfer of this fatty acid into the preformed vesicle. The slower phase may result from incorporation of fatty acid which had been trapped in an intermediate state. We provide independent evidence for the rapid transformation of micelles into an aggregated intermediate form after transfer from high to low pH. Our results show that the most efficient incorporation of added oleate into oleic acid/oleate vesicles occurs under conditions that avoid a large transient increase in the micelle/vesicle ratio.
Micellar Structure Break-Up and Recovery in Turbulent Flow of Drag-Reducing Surfactant Solutions

Some surfactant solutions in turbulent flow exhibit up to 80% wall friction reduction compared to water flow. This drag reduction is believed to result from the interactions between flow turbulence and large structures formed of cylindrical micelles. These shear-induced structures (SIS) form when the micelles are exposed to shear generated by the flow field. When the shear stress in the flow exceeds a critical level, the drag reduction disappears (i. e. “mechanical degradation” takes place), but only temporarily so. If the stress is subsequently reduced below the critical level, the drag reduction reappears. In this work, we studied the phenomenon of mechanical degradation as a tool for temporary local elimination of the drag-reducing effectiveness of surfactant solutions. Our fundamental objective here was a better understanding of the degradation phenomena under various flow conditions, and their possible connection with the micellar kinetics and relaxation phenomena observed in still fluids.
In what language do you speak to yourself? A review of private speech and bilingualism

Abstract Private speech and bilingualism have been fruitful but generally separate avenues for investigating the relations between social interaction, language, and cognition. Surprisingly, the private speech of bilinguals has received little attention outside the context of second language acquisition. This paper reviews extant research regarding (1) how the developmental trajectory and general purposes of bilinguals' private speech compare to that of monolinguals, (2) how bilingual linguistic and social interactions influence bilingual private speech, and (3) potential bilingual advantages in the use of private speech. The small number of relevant studies tentatively suggest that bilinguals' private speech follows a similar trajectory to that of monolinguals, and that bilinguals use private speech for the same general purposes as monolinguals. The social origins of private speech are evident in some bilinguals' propensity to switch languages during private speech, and language switching appears more common in balanced bilinguals than less-balanced bilinguals. Evidence on bilingual advantages in private speech is mixed. In some studies, balanced bilinguals have demonstrated a wider variety of private speech uses, and more developmentally advanced private speech than less-balanced bilinguals. Balanced bilinguals appear capable of carrying out reasoning using private speech in two languages, while less balanced bilinguals may rely primarily on one language for complex verbal thinking. A case is made for reviving and elaborating the verbal mediation hypothesis as a unified explanation for reported verbal and nonverbal bilingual cognitive advantages. Future research on bilinguals' development of unique forms of private speech and verbal mediation is recommended.
The Range of Peirce's Relevance (Continued)

2. The Present Range A survey of the fields in which Peirce's relevance is now recognized may best begin with that in which such recognition is most nearly universal. The commonest English form of the name of that field is now semiotics. As a field of systematic study, it is still so young that there are as yet few if any univer sity departments bearing its name; but there are several interdisciplinary programs and research centers, and several national societies and journals; and there is an International Association for Semiotic Studies, which was founded at Paris in 1969; which publishes the most voluminous journal in the field, Semiotica-, and which held its first congress at Milan in 1974 and its sec ond at Vienna in 1979. At the latter there were three "working sessions" devoted to "Investigations into Peirce's Theory of Signs." The Charles S. Peirce Society holds its regular single-session annual meeting in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Eastern Division of the American Philosophical Association; but, by invitation, it has been holding twoor even three-session meetings in conjunction with the annual meetings of the Semiotic Society of America. Moreover, the latter Society frequently has one or more Peirce sessions in its own program. Papers on Peirce are in creasingly frequent in the semiotic societies of other countries also. It may soon be the case, if it is not so already, that more papers on Peirce are presented to semiotic societies and published in semiotic journals than to all other professional societies and in all other professional journals taken together. Though the history of semiotics may be traced back to the ancient Greeks, and though Peirce and Saussure had modern predecessors, it has become common to recognize them as the modern founders of semiotics. (Saussure's term "s?miologie" is already obsolete, and so, apparently, is Peirce's preferred spelling "semeiotic") Peirce's most fundamental published papers go back to 1867-1871, a decade before Saussure's M?moire and half a century before his Cours. Those early papers of Peirce were first ^published, and much of his relevant later work was first published, in 1931 1935, in the first six volumes of his Collected Papers, one of whose two editors was Charles Hartshorne, an older colleague of Charles Morris at the
Pontin, a novel interactor of mutant p53 that promotes mutant p53 gain of function

Many tumor-associated mutant p53 proteins gain new activities to promote tumorigenesis, which is termed as gain of function of mutant p53 (GOF). Currently, the mechanisms of mutant p53 GOF remain elusive. We recently identified the AAA+ ATPase pontin as a critical regulator of mutant p53 GOF, thus providing a novel mechanism for mutant p53 GOF.
The neutron Hypothesis: Derivation of the Mass of the proton From the Frequency equivalents of a neutron, electron, Bohr Radius, and Ionization energy of Hydrogen

The mass of a proton is an important fundamental constant, but a logical rational for its mass is unknown. This paper demonstrates a method to accurately and logically derive the frequency equivalent of the mass of a proton, v p , from frequency equivalents of the masses of a neutron and electron, the Bohr radius, and the ionization energy of hydrogen. The hypothesis is that the fundamental constants are all related to annihilation frequency of the neutron (v n ) which is the fundamental frequency. The hypothesis states that the fundamental constants must be related to simple linear relationships on the ln ln planes based solely on the slopes and intercepts of two lines related to hydrogen, the weak kinetic line (electron, and Bohr radius), and the electromagnetic line (Planck constant, and ionization energy of hydrogen). The mass of the proton can be derived by subtracting the components lost in the beta decay process from v n . Each n is a principal quantum number and associated with at least one fundamental constant including the primes: 7, electron, 5, Bohr radius, 3, ionization energy, and 2, neutrino. The total kinetic energy lost in the beta decay process is related to the other principal quantum numbers which are not primes including 4, 6, and 8. There is a 2nd factor related to the principal quantum number 5 utilizing all of the slopes and intercepts of the two hydrogen lines. v n minus the sum of these lost frequency equivalents is 2.26873187 × 10 23 Hz. v p is 2.26873183 × 10 23 Hz. The relative error is 2 × 10 −8 . The derived mass equivalent of a proton is 1.67262166 × 10 −27 kg. The relative error is 2 × 10 −8 . The known proton mass is 1.6726216 × 10 −27 kg. The known relative error is 5 × 10 −8 kg.
Bovine Collagen Xenograft Repair of Extensive Surgical Scalp Wounds With Exposed Calvarium in the Elderly: Increased Rates of Wound Healing.

BACKGROUND Postsurgical scalp wounds that extend to the calvarium present a challenge for repair, especially in the elderly patient with multiple comorbidites. When second-intention healing is selected for closure, patients often have prolonged healing times. OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical outcomes of animal-derived collagen xenograft placement on postsurgical scalp wounds extending to the calvarium. METHODS Eleven patients (ages, 61 through 95 years) with calvarium-exposed wounds treated solely with bovine-derived collagen xenografts were reviewed with follow-up extending 12 to 30 weeks after initial surgery. RESULTS Increased rates of healing were found in the xenograft-treated wounds as compared with previous studies of calvarium-exposed wounds healed by second intention alone. Advantages of animal-derived collagen xenografts include immediate coverage of the wound, simple application, low cost, and avoidance of the morbidity associated with local flap, graft, and free flap repairs. CONCLUSION In patients with postsurgical scalp defects with exposed calvarium, collagen xenograft placement may expedite second-intention healing and offer other advantages in the elderly population.
Amino Acid Dating of Bone Nuclei in Manganese Nodules from the North Pacific Ocean

The extent of racemization of isoleucine and aspartic acid has been measured on cetacean ear bones from the center of eight manganese nodules in order to estimate the ages of the nuclei of the nodules and the rates of accretion of ferromanganese oxide layers. Age estimates obtained range from about 0.4 to 6 m.y., and rates of growth from less than 1 to about 10 mm/m.y. These rates are consistent with those obtained by other nucleus dating methods (K-Ar and fission track) and by layer dating methods (230Th, 231Pd, 10Be and 26Al).
CooperRiis Healing Community

This chapter profiles CooperRiis Healing Community, a private, not-for-profit therapeutic community established in 2003 in Mill Spring, North Carolina. The chapter explores CooperRiis’ philosophy, the phases of recovery that provide a framework for programming and activities, and the levels of care offered in the community. The chapter details CooperRiis’ focus on assisting clients develop goals in seven domains of recovery and on the conduct of research as a basis for continuous quality improvement.
Monopoly and Competition in Scandinavia

IN all three Scandinavian countries, including Denmark, manufacturing industry is a major contributor to the Gross National Product. In Denmark manufacturing, handicrafts, utilities, and building and construction accounted for 37 per cent of the GNP in 1949.1 In Norway the corresponding percentage was 46,2 and in Sweden it would be well over 40.3
Structural Conditions of Two Types of 3-DOF Parallel Mechanisms with Zero-Torsion Characteristics

The tilt-and-torsion angles are used for representations of the orientation workspace of parallel mechanisms (PMs). For the zero-torsion PMs, it needs only two angles to represent the orientation workspace. However, there are few studies about the structural conditions of zero-torsion PMs. This paper deals with the derivation of structural conditions of two types of three-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) parallel mechanisms with zero-torsion characteristics. The PMs include a class of 3-[PP]S PMs and the 3-RSR one, both of which have been widely used as the orientational stages. The structural conditions of these PMs that satisfies zero-torsion characteristics have been derived from a conventional kinematics-based approach. The results indicates that the zero-torsion 3-[PP]S PMs have at least the characteristic of z-axial symmetry, while the zero-torsion 3-RSR PM should be mirror-symmetrical in structure.
A SMART Data Analysis Method for Constructing Adaptive Treatment Strategies for Substance Use Disorders

Aims To demonstrate how Q-learning, a novel data analysis method, can be used with data from a sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial (SMART) to construct empirically an adaptive treatment strategy (ATS) that is more tailored than the ATSs already embedded in a SMART. Method We use Q-learning with data from the Extending Treatment Effectiveness of Naltrexone (ExTENd) SMART (N = 250) to construct empirically an ATS employing naltrexone, behavioral intervention, and telephone disease management to reduce alcohol consumption over 24 weeks in alcohol dependent individuals. Results Q-learning helped to identify a subset of individuals who, despite showing early signs of response to naltrexone, require additional treatment to maintain progress. Conclusions Q-learning can inform the development of more cost-effective, stepped-care strategies for treating substance use disorders.
Preliminary examination of soybean oil derived material as a potential rejuvenator through Superpave criteria and asphalt bitumen rheology

Abstract The increased use of recycled asphalt materials in bituminous mixtures has led to increasing interest in rejuvenators. Rejuvenators are primarily used to restore the rheological properties of aged bitumens to their unaged state. In this work, the effect of adding a soybean-derived biomaterial at a 0.75% by mass of bitumen to a polymer modified PG64-28 and a neat PG58-28 is studied. Dynamic Shear Rheometer, Bending Beam Rheometer, and Rotational Viscometer are used to characterize the bitumens rheology. The effect of aging on the longevity of the soybean additive is examined. It was revealed that this material is a viable candidate as a rejuvenator. At such low dosage, it had a remarkable effect on the fatigue and low temperature properties of both bitumens. It also led to a notable decrease in the complex shear modulus accompanied by an increase in the phase angle, which is essentially reversing the effect of aging.
Online-relaying-based image communication in unmanned aerial vehicle networks

The use of small and miniature unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for remote sensing and surveillance applications has become increasingly popular in the last two decades. The intermittent connectivity in a sparse UAV network makes it challenging to efficiently gather sensed image data. This paper investigates the communication of sensed images from a set of mobile survey UAVs to a static base station through the assistance of a relay UAV. Given the planned routes of survey UAVs, a set of relay waypoints are found for the relay UAV to meet the survey UAVs and receive the sensed images. An Online Message Relaying technique (OMR) is proposed to schedule the relay UAV to collect images. Without any global collaboration between the relay UAV and the survey UAVs, OMR utilizes a markov decision process (MDP) that determines the best schedules for the relay UAV such that the image acquisition rate could be maximized. Evaluation results show that the proposed relaying technique outperforms traditional relaying techniques, such as the traveling salesman problem (TSP) and the random walk, in terms of end-to-end delay and frame delivery ratio.
Dimethyl Fumarate Modulates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Organs After Sepsis in Rats

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction induced by a disrupted host response to infecting pathogens. Evidences suggest that oxidative stress is intrinsically related to sepsis progression. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a novel oral therapeutic agent with anti-oxidant properties which exerts protective effects through activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of DMF in different organs of rats submitted to an animal model of sepsis. Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure and sham-operated rats was considered control group. The experimental groups were divided into sham + vehicle, sham + DMF, sham + NAC, CLP + vehicle, CLP + DMF, and CLP + NAC. Rats were treated by oral gavage with DMF immediately after and 12 h after surgery, or NAC (s.c.) at 3, 6, and 12 h after surgery. Twenty-four hours after sepsis induction, neutrophil infiltration, nitrite/nitrate concentrations, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were evaluated in the heart, liver, lung, and kidney. Septic animals presented increased neutrophil infiltration, NO metabolism, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, and decreases of SOD and CAT activities, mainly in the heart, liver, and lung, while DMF-treated animals showed significant reduction in neutrophil infiltration, NO metabolism, and oxidative damage followed by increased SOD and CAT activities. DMF is effective in preventing oxidative stress and inflammation in rats 24 h after sepsis induction.
Geographic health disparities in the Los Angeles pediatric esophageal foreign body population.

Abstract Objective To assess geographical sociodemographic differences in the pediatric esophageal foreign body population of Los Angeles. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 128 consecutive pediatric patients at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) from 2014 to 2017 with a diagnosis of a retained foreign body in the esophagus removed by rigid or flexible esophagoscopy. Sociodemographic information including zip code of residence was extracted and analyzed with Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and multivariable logistic regression. Results The average age of patients with a retained esophageal foreign body in this study was 2.5 years old, 52.3% were male, 91.4% had no past medical history, 53.1% were Hispanic, 82.0% had public health insurance, and 63.3% were transfers from an outside hospital. The most common foreign body removed was a coin. There were no significant differences in gender, race, type of health insurance, or income between patients that lived within 10 miles of CHLA versus farther than 10 miles. On multivariable analysis, zip codes with a high volume of esophageal foreign bodies were more likely to be lower income neighborhoods. Gender, race, type of health insurance, and distance from CHLA were not risk factors for zip codes with a high volume of esophageal foreign bodies. Conclusion Geographic areas in the greater Los Angeles community with a high volume of retained esophageal foreign bodies requiring endoscopic removal at our institution are associated with lower income neighborhoods. Further studies should be performed to better understand health disparities within the U.S. pediatric esophageal foreign body population.
The value of communication in turbulent environments: how SMEs manage change successfully in unstable surroundings

Few studies exist on how communication influences the successful implementation of change initiatives in SMEs experiencing turbulent environments. The purpose of this paper is to bridge this gap by exploring a case study where managerial communication skills influence the ability to manage change successfully in a turbulent environment. A detailed case study approach is used to describe the particular ways management uses communication to effect change while experiencing a very unstable turbulent environment. This research proposes a model where communication at its centre is the means by which conceptualisation changes the process as it relates to the implementation of change initiatives in a turbulent environment. Communication is the prominent component to the successful implementation of change initiatives in turbulent environments. In other words, without the communication element, successful implementation of change in a turbulent environment is very questionable. The findings of this research point to the importance of communication as a key linking all pieces of the model together in order for SMEs to manage change successfully under environmental turbulences. Therefore, if one fails in one's communication attempts, one's change implementation will fail.
Healthcare in a Virtual Environment: Workload and Simulation Sickness in a 3D CAVE

Much of patient care takes places in patients’ homes, but we do know very little about how patients deal with their health and chronic illness condition(s) while at home and how the physical environment can have an impact on their care. In this study, we focus on patients’ management of their personal health information management (PHIM) in the home.