cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The complexation of iron by marine humic acid

Abstract Cation exchange capacity measurements, performed before and after removal of humic acid from Narragansett Bay sediments, indicate that low concentrations of these organic substances strongly influence the ability of the sediment to react with metal ions. Atomic absorption and spectrophotometric methods allow quantitative determination of the extent of reaction between a naturally occurring humic acid and iron in artificial seawater. Humic acid-iron complexes are formed whose solubilities depend on the humic acid-iron ratio used in the experiment. This study suggests that humic acid is a transporting agent for trace metals in a marine environment.
New information on body size and cranial display structures of Pterodactylus antiquus, with a revision of the genus

Pterodactylus antiquus has long been thought to have been quite small (~50 cm wingspan) and to have differed from P. longicollum, Ctenochasma, Germanodactylus, and Gnathosaurus in lacking a bony cranial crest, though a soft tissue crest and occipital lappet have been described. This article describes a new specimen of P. antiquus larger than all previously known specimens, which demonstrates that the species exceeded 1 m in wingspan and had a low bony cranial crest. A smaller, incipient crest was identified on the holotype specimen. Additional specimens, including the counterpart of Wellnhofer’s original occipital lappet specimen, provide evidence of the occipital lappet and the soft tissue crest extending upward above the naso-antorbital fenestra and orbit. In order to provide a proper taxonomic context for the findings, the recent synonymization of the species Pterodactylus antiquus and P. kochi on the basis of shared correlation of tooth number and skull length despite perceived differences in dentition and skull, neck, and trunk proportions is reviewed. A measurement error that had made it appear that P. antiquus differed significantly from P. kochi in proportions is documented, and after correction of the measurement error and reevaluation of the dental evidence there are no significant differences between the two nominal species. Thus, the synonymization of P. antiquus and P. kochi was appropriate, and a revised diagnosis is presented. In addition, the species P. longicollum and P. micronyx, which for some years have been viewed as not congeneric with P. antiquus, are placed in a new genus and transferred to Aurorazhdarcho, respectively.
Balloon pericardiotomy for recurrent pericardial effusions following Fontan revision

Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy (PBP) has been used in patients with recurrent pericardial effusions in which the chest and pericardium had not been previously entered and therefore concerns about adhesions were minimal. Few reports have depicted PBP for patients with recurrent pericardial effusions following open-heart surgery, in which adhesions may play a greater role. We report a successful creation of a pericardial window using PBP in a child with recurrent pericardial effusions after a Fontan revision. This technique offers a simpler approach to the treatment of recurrent pericardial effusions after open-heart surgery in patients with 8 congenital heart disease.
Evolution in the structure and function of aspartic proteases

Aspartic proteases (EC3.4.23) are a group of proteolytic enzymes of the pepsin family that share the same catalytic apparatus and usually function in acid solutions. This latter aspect limits the function of aspartic proteases to some specific locations in different organisms; thus the occurrence of aspartic proteases is less abundant than other groups of proteases, such as serine proteases. The best known sources of aspartic proteases are stomach (for pepsin, gastricsin, and chymosin), lysosomes (for cathepsins D and E), kidney (for renin), yeast granules, and fungi (for secreted proteases such as rhizopuspepsin, penicillopepsin, and endothiapepsin). These aspartic proteases have been extensively studied for their structure and function relationships and have been the topics of several reviews or monographs (Tang: Acid Proteases, Structure, Function and Biology. New York: Plenum Press, 1977; Tang: J Mol Cell Biochem 26:93-109, 1979; Kostka: Aspartic Proteinases and Their Inhibitors. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 1985). All mammalian aspartic proteases are synthesized as zymogens and are subsequently activated to active proteases. Although a zymogen for a fungal aspartic protease has not been found, the cDNA structure of rhizopuspepsin suggests the presence of a "pro" enzyme (Wong et al: Fed Proc 44:2725, 1985). It is probable that other fungal aspartic proteases are also synthesized as zymogens. It is the aim of this article to summarize the major models of structure-function relationships of aspartic proteases and their zymogens with emphasis on more recent findings. Attempts will also be made to relate these models to other aspartic proteases.
Influence of light on growth and pigmentation of the yeast Phaffia rhodozyma

Light and antimycin markedly affected growth and carotenoid synthesis by Phaffia rhodozyma. Exposure of the yeast to high light intensities on agar plates resulted in growth inhibition and decreased carotenoid synthesis. The carotenoid compositions of the yeast were also notably changed by light. Beta-zeacarotene increased, whereas beta-carotene and xanthophylls decreased including astaxanthin, phoenicoxanthin, and 3-hydroxy-3',4'-didehydro-beta,psi-caroten-4-one (HDCO). In liquid medium, growth of the wild-type strain (UCD-FST-67-385) was inhibited by antimycin, but this inhibition was relieved by exposure to light. Light also stimulated carotenoid synthesis about twofold in these antimycin-treated cells. Light may have rescued growth by induction of an alternative oxidase system which facilitated electron disposal when the main respiratory chain was inhibited by antimycin. Isolation and characterization of the oxidase enzymes should be useful in strain development for increased carotenoid production.
The effect of various intracanal oxidizing agents on the push-out strength of various perforation repair materials.

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intracanal oxidizing agents on the strength of materials used to repair root perforations. Study Design. Standardized perforations in bovine root samples were repaired with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Super-EBA cement (S-EBA), or intermediate restorative material (IRM). After 7 days, 10 samples from each group were tested for push-out strength with an Instron machine (controls). The remaining samples were immersed in NaOCl, sodium perborate mixed with saline (SPB+S), Superoxol (SO), sodium perborate mixed with Superoxol (SPB+SO), or saline for 7 days to investigate the effect of irrigating and walking bleach compounds on the perforation repair materials. Push-out strength values were compared with those of the dry materials to determine whether any loss of integrity had occurred. Results. MTA was statistically significantly less resistant across conditions to displacement than S-EBA or IRM. IRM was consistent across treatment conditions, whereas S-EBA lost strength when exposed to NaOCl, SPB+S, or SPB+SO. Exposure to SPB+S had the greatest effect on all 3 materials. Conclusions. IRM performed consistently as a perforation repair material despite exposure to oxidizing agents, whereas MTA was less resistant to dislodgement than either IRM or S-EBA and was more affected than IRM by sodium perborate-containing bleaching solutions. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2003;95:490-4)
The formation of europium sulfide by the H2SEu2O3 reaction at high temperatures

Abstract The Eu 2 O 3 -H 2 S reaction has been studied over the temperature range 350 to 2000°C. The reaction sequence with increasing temperature is Eu 2 O 3 → Eu 2 O 2 S → Eu 3 S 4 → EuS. Ferromagnetic EuS is the stable equilibrium phase above 900°C. Oxygen analyses of the resulting phases showed that samples prepared at ∼ 1250° contained the minimum concentration of oxygen as an impurity (> 75 PPM). The growth of EuS single crystals using low oxygen content starting material is described and the physical properties summarized.
Hormones and sugar penetration in skeletal muscle

Abstract Hormonal effects on D-xylose penetration in the uncut rat diaphragm were compared with those in the uncut frog peroneus muscle. The in vitro influence of certain hormones on Na + , K + and glycogen content of frog muscle is described. Parenteral administration of testosterone, desoxycorticosterone, relaxin, and Δ4-cholestenone produced a significant increase in the subsequent in vitro xylose distribution in the rat diaphragm muscle cell. Estradiol and growth hormone were less effective in this regard and thyronine was completely without effect. A frog muscle preparation which retains its properties of contractility as well as Na + and sugar exclusion for 11 days in vitro is described. The direct action of triiodothyronine, to bring about an increased xylose penetration and a concomitant loss of K + and glycogen but no change in Na + distribution, was demonstrated using the frog muscle preparation. These effects of triiodothyronine appear specific since thyronine exhibited no such actions. Cortisol was without direct effect upon xylose distribution, Na + , K + and glycogen content of frog muscle. DOC exhibited a direct effect on Na + retention of the frog muscle cell although no influence on K + or glycogen content was demonstrable. Insulin increased the xylose distribution with similar facility at 3°C and 23°C; thus, the insulin effect on sugar penetration exhibited no temperature dependency in frog muscle. The capability of insulin to augment sugar penetration under conditions wherein no effect on net glycogen could be demonstrated in the presence of glucose is presented. The implications of these results are discussed and certain questions are raised regarding the expression of hormone action.
Undefinability of truth and nonstandard models

Abstract We discuss Robinson's model theoretic proof of Tarski's theorem on undefinability of truth. We present two other “diagonal-free” proofs of Tarski's theorem, and we compare undefinability of truth to other forms of undefinability in nonstandard models of arithmetic.
Ovarian Follicular Development during the Rat Estrous Cycle: Gonadotropin Receptors and Follicular Responsiveness

The LH and FSH receptor content in thecal and granulosa cells of large antral follicles was measured by in vitro binding assays and in vivo autoradiography during the rat estrous cycle. Specific binding of l’25I]-hCG to granulosa cells increased from <1000 cpm/llg DNA on estrus, metestrus and diestrus to 6000 CPM/Mg DNA on proestrus. Specific binding of l’2511-hFSH to granulosa cells was consistently between 2000 and 3000 cpm/ g DNA throughout the cycle. Specific hCG binding to thecal cells also increased between diestrus and proestrus, while specific hFSH binding to thecal cells was essentially nondetectable. The increase in LH receptors in large antral follicles from diestrus to proestrus could be correlated with an increased ability of these follicles to produce cyclic AMP and estradiol during in vitro incubations with increasing concentrations (0.06-60 pg/mI) of 0LH. Incubation of antral follicles collected on metestrus, diestrus and proestrus with and without testosterone revealed a progressive increase in both follicular aromatase activity and endogenous androgen production. It is concluded that in the presence of low and unchanging LH and FSH concentrations from metestrus to proestrus large antral follicles become more responsive to LH. This responsiveness is associated with an increase in LH receptors both in thecal and granulosa cells and increased production of estradiol. Although the hormonal stimulus for the increase in granulosa cell LH receptor on proestrus is not known, it is suggested that increased follicular estradiol might play a pivotal role.
Measurement of adenosine, inosine and hypoxanthine in human term placenta by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

An analytical method was developed for measuring adenosine, inosine and hypoxanthine in freshly delivered human term placentas. Representative freeze-clamped samples were taken from the sub-maternal surface of each placenta. Acid-soluble extracts of the samples were analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography on columns packed with 10-micron porous octadecylsilica, using gradient elution with a linear increase in methanol concentration in ammonium phosphate buffer. Resolution of hypoxanthine from xanthine and adenosine from adenine, and quantitation of hypoxanthine and adenosine were achieved using 0.05 M ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, pH 6.5, as the low-strength eluent. Resolution of inosine from a prominent peak of beta-NAD was optimized using 0.02 M ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, pH 5.6, as low-strength eluent. Recovery of standards was greater than 90%. Mean contents (+/- S.D.) of the analytes in placentas from seven normal deliveries were, adenosine 30.6 +/- 11.5 nmol/g, inosine 68.0 +/- 25.8 nmol/g and hypoxanthine 217 +/- 127.5 nmol/g.
Absorption bands due to silver particles in the glasses containing halogen ions

Abstract The absorption bands due to silver particles formed in the glasses containing a small amount of halogen ions were measured and the peak positions were compared with those calculated by the Mie theory. The absorption peaks occurred at about 405–410 nm in the glasses without halogen ions. However, they shifted to far longer wavelengths in the halogen-containing glasses, occurring at about 470–510 nm in the glasses with Cl ions (0.26%) and at about 520–530 nm with Br ions (0.19%), respectively. The comparison of the experimental results with the calculated values on the peak position suggested that the absorption bands observed in the halogen-containing glasses heat treated for a prolonged time were due to nearly spherical silver particles formed in silver halide crystals.
On the non existence of envy-free and egalitarian-equivalent allocations in economies with indivisibilities

Abstract We consider economies with indivisible goods (houses, jobs) and one infinitely divisible good. An allocation is envy-free if no agent prefers someone else's consumption to his own. An allocation is egalitarian-equivalent if there is a reference bundle that every agent finds indifferent to his consumption. We show that in such economies there may be no allocation that is both egalitarian-equivalent and envy-free.
Torque Transient of Magnetically Driven Flow for Viscosity Measurement

Viscosity is a good indicator of structural changes for complex liquids, such as semiconductor melts with chain or ring structures. This paper discusses the theoretical and experimental results of the transient torque technique for non-intrusive viscosity measurement. Such a technique is essential for the high temperature viscosity measurement of high pressure and toxic semiconductor melts. In this paper, our previous work on oscillating cup technique was expanded to the transient process of a magnetically driven melt flow in a damped oscillation system. Based on the analytical solution for the fluid flow and cup oscillation, a semi-empirical model was established to extract the fluid viscosity. The analytical and experimental results indicated that such a technique has the advantage of short measurement time and straight forward data analysis procedures.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Regulation of pharyngeal motility by FMRFamide and related peptides in the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis.

The medicinal leech possesses FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in neural processes and somata associated with the pharynx and pharyngeal ganglia. The pharynx possessed about 25 immunoreactive somata; about half of the approximately 20 neurons of the pharyngeal ganglia were immunoreactive. We provide brief descriptions of several neurons located in the first neuromere of the subesophageal ganglion involved in controlling pharyngeal motility. Double-labeling experiments indicate that one of these cells, named Swallow neuron 1 (SW1), contains a FMRFamide-like peptide. Stimulation of SW1 caused the mouth to open and the pharynx to dilate. Upon termination of SW1 stimulation, the mouth closed, and a peristaltic wave progressed from the mouth down the length of the pharynx. Stimulation of SW1 did not produce 1:1 postsynaptic potentials in pharyngeal muscle cells. Thus, SW1 is apparently not a motor neuron. The pharynx responded to application of FMRFamide and related peptides by producing a series of 20- to 35-s phasic contractions superimposed upon an increase in basal tonus. The peptide-induced response was quantified by measuring increases in basal tonus, peak tension, and integrated area. Although there were some differences in the order of potency depending upon which parameter was considered, the approximate order of potency of RFamide peptides tested was: pQDPFLRFamide ≥ FMRFamide ≈ YGGFMRFamide ≥ YMRFamide ≈ FLRFamide ≈ GGKYMRFamide ≈ YLRFamide > leucomyosuppressin ≈ perisulfakinin. Except for differences in potency, each of the RFamide peptides produced similar contractile waveforms. FMRFamide-induced responses were reduced by the protein kinase C inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I (10 μM), the nonspecific protein kinase inhibitor H-7 (50 μM), and were increased by the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid (1 μM). However, the FMRFamide-induced response was unaffected by the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 (1 μM), the phosphodiesterase inhibitor theophylline (1 mM), the phospholipase A2 inhibitor OBAA (0.1 μM) or the cation channel blocker amiloride (100 μM).
Effect of protein kinase C on endoplasmic reticulum cholesterol.

Abstract Plasma membrane cholesterol both regulates and is regulated by effector proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through a feedback system that is poorly understood. We now show that ER cholesterol varies over a fivefold range in response to experimental agents that act upon protein kinase C (PKC). Agents that activate Ca 2+ -dependent PKC [phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and bryostatin 1] increased the level of ER cholesterol; inhibitors such as staurosporine and calphostin C decreased it. Rottlerin, a selective inhibitor of the PKC-δ isoform, also increased ER cholesterol. The esterification of plasma membrane cholesterol was altered by protein kinase C-directed agents in a corresponding fashion. Furthermore, the regulatory effect of plasma membrane cholesterol on the esterification of ER cholesterol was blocked by PKC-directed agents. These findings suggest that multiple protein kinase C isoforms participate in the regulation of ER cholesterol and therefore in cholesterol homeostasis.
Mycoplasma pneumonia-associated mucositis

We present a case of a young man with severe mucositis following an upper respiratory tract infection limited to the ophthalmic and oral mucosa while sparing the rest of the skin, genitalia and perianal regions. Investigations revealed that the mucositis was a rare extrapulmonary manifestation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. He had progressive vision-threatening symptoms despite antibiotics and best supportive care and thus was treated with intravenous corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, temporary ocular amniotic membrane grafts and tarsorrhaphy. The patient made an almost complete recovery over 6 weeks.
Some new morphological observations on poly-3,3-bis(chlormethyl)-oxacyclobutane

Various aspects of the morphology of both solution and bulk crystallized poly-3,3-bis(chloromethyl)-oxacyclobutane (BCMO) have been studied in order to extend the generality of the current concepts of polymer morphology. In contrast to polyethylene, dark field electron micrographs of BCMO crystals do not reveal significant sectorization. BCMO lamellae do not thicken when annealed on a substrate (viewed in electron microscope or as a sediment mat of single crystals studied by small angle x-ray). The deformation of BCMO crystals is similar to that reported for polyoxymethylene single crystals in almost every respect.
Effective radiation dose from radiologic studies in pediatric trauma patients.

Evaluation of the pediatric trauma patient frequently requires radiologic studies. Although low-dose radiation from diagnostic radiology is considered safe, lifetime risks per unit dose of radiation are increased in children compared to adults. The total effective dose of radiation to a typical pediatric trauma patient is unknown. We sought to estimate the total effective dose of radiation related to the radiologic assessment of injured children admitted to a pediatric Level I trauma center. We reviewed the radiology records of all children admitted directly to a trauma center in 2002 and tabulated all plain films, computed tomograms, angiographic/fluoroscopic studies, and nuclear medicine studies. Using age-adjusted effective doses (which incorporate biologic effects of radiation), we computed each patient’s total effective dose of radiation. Of 506 admitted patients, 394 (78%) underwent at least one radiologic study. The mean total effective dose per patient was 14.9 mSv (median: 7.2 mSv; interquartile range: 2.2–27.4 mSv). On average, computed tomography accounted for 97.5% of total effective dose. Age and injury severity score did not predict total effective dose. We conclude that in pediatric trauma patients, the estimated total effective dose of radiation varied widely. Computed tomography contributed virtually the entire total effective dose. Regarding radiographic evaluation of pediatric trauma patients, the risks and benefits of current practices should continue to be evaluated critically, because lifetime risks associated with radiation exposure are inversely proportional to age at exposure.
Perfluorosulphonic acid (Nafion) membrane as a separator for an advanced alkaline water electrolyser

Nafion membranes of two different equivalent weights (eq. wt) were evaluated as a separator in an alkaline electrolyser with nickel screen electrodes in both KOH and NaOH electrolytes over the concentration range of 10–30 wt % and at temperatures from 25 to 160° C. For the same current densities, the cell voltage with 30% KOH electrolytes was more than twice that with 30% NaOH. This result correlates with the water content of the membrane which is almost twice as high in NaOH electrolytes. Thinner membranes and membranes of lower equivalent weight give lower cell voltages. Materials and performance considerations indicate that a membrane of 1000 eq. wt is the optimum separator for an alkaline electrolyser. Indications are that LiOH may be an even better electrolyte than NaOH for use with Nafion membranes. Further improvements in performance can be expected by membrane pretreatment such as exposing the membrane to elevated temperature in water. Nafion membranes have excellent physical and mechanical properties in alkaline electrolyte and can be used at temperatures up to 250° C.
Equal optical path beam splitters by use of amplitude-splitting and wavefront-splitting methods for pencil beam interferometer

A beam splitter to create two separated parallel beams is a critical unit of a pencil beam interferometer, for example the long trace profiler (LTP). The operating principle of the beam splitter can be based upon eitehr amplitude-splitting (AS) or wavefront-splitting (WS). For precision measurements with the LTP, an equal optical path system with two parallel beams is desired. Frequency drift of the light source in a non-equal optical path system will cause the interference fringes to drift. An equal optical path prism beam splitter with an amplitude-splitting (AS-EBS) beam splitter and a phase shift beam splitter with a wavefront-splitting (WS-PSBS) are introduced. These beam splitters are well suited to the stability requirement for a pencil beam interferometer due to the characteristics of monolithic structure and equal optical path. Several techniques to produce WS-PSBS by hand are presented. In addition, the WS-PSBS using double thin plates, made from microscope cover plates, has great advantages of economy, convenience, availability, and ease of adjustment over other beam splitting methods. Comparison of stability measurements made with the AS-EBS, WS-PSBS, and other beam splitters is presented.
An investigation of number-concept appreciation in a rhesus monkey

In order to determine if nonhuman primates have some type of number-concept appreciation, the ability to form a concept of the third object in a row of three, four, five, six or seven objects was studied in an adolescent rhesus monkey. The problem was presented to the subject in a Wisconsin General Test Apparatus. Square wooden blocks, placed on a 45-hole formboard were used as the experimental stimuli. Position of rows of blocks was varied, either being placed in the center of the first row or randomly on the formboard. The subject learned to discriminate the third block in a row of blocks in a total of 62 days. The results of the present experiment indicate that monkeys can learn the concept of third. These results agree with those of other studies of number concept in nonhuman primates and lend further support to the idea that nonhuman primates have at least some type of number appreciation.
Designing Knowledge Scaffolds to Support Mathematical Problem Solving

We present a methodology for designing better learning environments. In Phase 1, 6th-grade students' (n = 223) prior knowledge was assessed using a difficulty factors assessment (DFA). The assessment revealed that scaffolds designed to elicit contextual, conceptual, or procedural knowledge each improved students' ability to add and subtract fractions. Analyses of errors and strategies along with cognitive modeling suggested potential mechanisms underlying these effects. In Phase 2, we designed an intervention based on scaffolding this prior knowledge and implemented the computer-based lessons in mathematics classes. In Phase 3, we used the DFA and supporting analyses to assess student learning from the intervention. The posttest results suggest that scaffolding conceptual, contextual, and procedural knowledge are promising tools for improving student learning.
Anatomy of an intruded coal, I: Effect of contact metamorphism on whole-coal geochemistry, Springfield ( No. 5 ) (Pennsylvanian) coal, Illinois Basin

Abstract If time and heating rate are important agents in coal maturation, one might expect to see differences in chemical changes in response to maturation depending on the means of increased rank. Using a suite of samples obtained from an intruded Pennsylvanian-age coal in southern Illinois, we present whole-coal chemical data. Comparing these data to extant geochemical data for coals that have undergone normal burial maturation, we evaluated the hypothesis that if coal alteration occurs rapidly (due to intrusion) rather than gradually (burial maturation), then different relationships are seen in chemical composition (proximate and ultimate analyses) and vitrinite reflectance. The Pennsylvanian-age (Asturian [Westphalian D]) Springfield (No. 5) coal is mined at the Big Ridge Mine, near Eldorado, southern Illinois. This high volatile B bituminous coal was intruded by an ultramafic igneous intrusion during the early Permian. Alteration occurs out to ~ 1.2× dike thickness and includes an increase in random vitrinite reflectance (Rm) from levels ~ 0.7% to over 5.3%, loss of liptinites, and formation of devolatilization vacuoles and fine mosaic texture. Decreases in volatile matter (VM) and increases in fixed carbon (FC) appear to be less than would be expected for the level of reflectance seen within the alteration halo. Carbonate minerals have a major influence on proximate analyses but even following the removal of carbonates, the decrease in VM is still less than would be seen in coals of similar vitrinite reflectance that were altered by normal burial maturation. Carbonate mineralization also contributes to variability in ultimate analysis values approaching the intrusion, particularly for %C and %O. After carbonate removal, data for these coals do not appear to follow the normal burial coalification tracks when plotted on a van Krevelen diagram and on a Seyler chart. These differences suggest that a slightly different maturation pathway may have been followed by these coals and by others that were altered rapidly by intrusion.
A quantitative comparison of surgical approaches for posterolateral osteochondral lesions of the talus.

BackgroundExposure of the posterolateral talar dome for osteochondral autograft transfer can be challenging. The purpose of this study is to compare surgical exposures for perpendicular access to t...
Dissociative recombination in krypton: Dependence of the total rate coefficient and excited-state production on electron temperature

Microwave afterglow and grating spectrometric apparatus are used to study dissociative recombination in krypton. Over the electron temperature range $300\ensuremath{\le}{T}_{e}\ensuremath{\le}8400$ K and with ${T}_{+}={T}_{\mathrm{gas}}=300$ K, the total rate coefficient may be represented by $\ensuremath{\alpha}[{{\mathrm{Kr}}_{2}}^{+}]=1.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}{[\frac{300}{{\mathrm{T}}_{e}(\mathrm{K})}]}^{0.55}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/sec, with an uncertainty of \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 10%. At thermal energy (300 K) excited states of Kr* having energies up to that of the ${\mathrm{Kr}}_{2}^{+}$ ion in its ground electronic and vibrational state are observed to result from the dissociative recombination. With microwave heating to ${T}_{e}\ensuremath{\sim}7000$ K, additional, higher-lying Kr* states (up to \ensuremath{\sim} 0.5 eV above the ${\mathrm{Kr}}_{2}^{+}$ ion ground state) are observed. In both cases the excited states most strongly populated by dissociative recombination appear to be the $5p$ states.
Regulation of Akt/PKB Activation by Tyrosine Phosphorylation

Activation of Akt/PKB by growth factors requires multiple phosphorylation events. Phosphorylation of Thr308 and Ser473 of Akt by its upstream kinase(s) or autophosphorylation is critical for optimal activation of its kinase activity. Here, we present evidence that tyrosine phosphorylation is required for Akt activation. Epidermal growth factor treatment induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Akt in COS1 and PC3M cells, which is abrogated by PP2, a selective inhibitor for Src family tyrosine kinases. Elevated Akt activity is observed in v-Src transformed NIH3T3 cells, which is accompanied with increased tyrosine phosphorylation of Akt. Akt activity induced by growth factors is significantly reduced in SYF cells lacking Src, Yes, and Fyn, which can be restored by introducing c-Src, but not the kinase-inactive Src, back to these cells. Furthermore, we have identified two tyrosine residues near the activation loop of Akt that are important for its activation. Substitution of these residues with phenylalanine abolishes Akt kinase activity stimulated by growth factors. These two YF mutants fail to block Forkhead transcription factor activity in 293 cells and are unable to prevent apoptosis induced by matrix detachment. Our data suggest that, in addition to phosphorylation of Thr308 and Ser473, tyrosine phosphorylation of Akt may be essential for its biological function.
Predicting the achievement of 6 grades of physical independence from data routinely collected at admission to rehabilitation.

Abstract Stineman MG, Ross RN, Granger CV, Maislin G. Predicting the achievement of 6 grades of physical independence from data routinely collected at admission to rehabilitation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:1647–56. Objective To develop prognostic indexes with which to establish the likelihood of individuals achieving specific grades of physical independence by the conclusion of inpatient rehabilitation. Design Logistic regression with prospective validation. Setting Five hundred sixty inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Participants Records of 218,290 adults discharged in 1995 were used to establish the grades and the indexes predicting those grades. There were 259,806 1997 discharges included in the validation. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Six physical independence grades reflecting the most likely profiles of performance across the 13 motor FIM™ items. Results After severity adjustment, patients 65 years of age or younger, compared with those 84 years of age or older, had odds ratios of reaching higher grades ranging from 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–1.7) to 7.5 (95% CI, 4.3–13.1). Admission to rehabilitation within 2 weeks of disability was associated with more favorable prognoses. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from .80 to .94 for the indexes, with minimal shrinkage on prospective validation. Conclusion The models have sufficient reliability to establish from admission information the likelihood that a patient will achieve a specific grade of physical independence by the time of discharge from rehabilitation. The capacity to quantify prognosis has clinical, policy, and research applications.
Combat in the Fiddler Crabs Uca Pugilator and U. Pugnax: a Quantitative Analysis

The aggressive behavior of two temperate species of fiddler crabs (Uca pugilator and U. pugnax) was studied in the field. Most of the fights wer between Residents (crabs owning burrows) and Wanderers seeking to displace them, though less commonly, fighting occurred between Residents occupying adjacent burrows. Over 400 fights were observed in each species. The two species showed differences in the sequences of acts performed during fights. Uca pugnax also performed two acts never observed in U. pugilator. Wanderers were rarely successful in displacing Residents of the same size or larger, but they won a small percentage of fights when they were larger than the Resident. Uca pugilator Wanderers select Residents that are slightly smaller, but we found no evidence for size selection in U. pugnax. Strongly motivated Wanderers repeatedly performed a key act (Downpush), which was also strongly correlated with successfully displacing Residents. Combat duration and number of acts were not related to temperature, the time of day, or the time in relation to low tide. However, the incidence of fighting increases in the early afternoon. Most of the fights occur within 1-3 hours after low tide. Differences between the species in the tempo and length of fights were observed. An hypothesis, based upon habitat differences and the value of burrows as a resource, is presented to account for these differences. We compared our data to CRANE'S (1967) for U. rapax, a tropical species. There are some important differences between her findings and ours, even though U. pugnax is closely related to U. rapax. We suggest that at least one of her opinions on the significance of aggression in tropical fiddlers is in conflict with evolutionary theory. Some of her other ideas do not apply to temperate species, where climatic factors may be responsible for behavioral convergence. Our data also indicate that the differences and similarities between species are sufficiently provocative to warrant further comparative studies.
South Asia: Free trade area and trade liberalization

Abstract The paper's focus is on the current policies of open regionalism and trade liberalization in South Asia. Amidst global economic transformation, the formulation and implementation of these policies are challenging tasks for all economies in the region. The theoretical as well as practical arguments of trade creation and coordinated trade liberalization, along with recent economic gains made from these policies, support the economic initiatives taken by South Asian leaders. The establishment of the South Asian Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA) and its eventual promotion to SAFTA, along with the renewed interest in trade liberalization and enhanced investment, have opened up a new range of challenges and opportunities in the region. The need for building economic institutions to facilitate regional development is a critical factor. ( JEL : F02, F12, F13, F14, O.53)
Anion A– • HX Clusters with Reduced Electron Binding Energies: Proton vs Hydrogen Atom Relocation upon Electron Detachment

Clustering an anion with one or more neutral molecules is a stabilizing process that enhances the oxidation potential of the complex relative to the free ion. Several hydrogen bond clusters (i.e., A— • HX, where A— = H2PO4— and CF3CO2— and HX = MeOH, PhOH, and Me2NOH or Et2NOH) are examined by photoelectron spectroscopy and M06-2X and CCSD(T) computations. Remarkably, these species are experimentally found to have adiabatic detachment energies that are smaller than those for the free ion and reductions of 0.47 to 1.87 eV are predicted computationally. Hydrogen atom and proton transfers upon vertical photodetachment are two limiting extremes on the neutral surface in a continuum of mechanistic pathways that account for these results, and the whole gamut of possibilities are predicted to occur.
The efficacy of maternal age screening for Down's syndrome in Wessex.

The uptake of amniocentesis in Wessex for the period 1986–1988 was 36 per cent (2873 of 8004 births), a proportion that has not altered significantly since 1984. There is a large difference in uptake between women in the lower risk age group, 35–36 years, and those in the higher risk group, 37 + years, and very considerable differences in uptake among different districts. The prenatal detection over the 3-year study period for women aged 35 or more, after correction for spontaneous loss of Down's syndrome fetuses between prenatal detection and birth, is 53 per cent, a figure that must be inflated due to our failure to ascertain all liveborn Down's syndrome patients.
Seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy: I. Reliability of scalp/sphenoidal ictal recording

We determined both (1) the reliability (reproducibility) of seizure onset location in patients with temporal lobe recorded with extracranial EEG and (2) if interictal spike (IIS) location influences that reliability. EEGs were recorded with the 10-20 system and sphenoidal electrodes. Between 1985 and 1993, 166 patients with suspected temporal lobe epilepsy were eligible for inclusion with a total of 734 seizures recorded. Each seizure onset was classified as either localized, lateralized, or nonlocalized. Individual patients were then grouped according to interictal spike location (i.e., unilateral, bilateral, or none) as well as by ictal onset reproducibility patterns (i.e., concordant, semiconcordant, conflicting, or nonlocalized) based on each patient's monitoring session. Seizure onset location was reproducible in 68% of the cases and variable patterns of seizure onset were seen in 32% of patients. Patients with unilateral IIS (68%) were more likely to have consistent ictal onset patterns than patients with bilateral IIS (27%). The first seizure more often predicted subsequent seizure onset patterns when it was localized than when it was nonlocalized. Of 18 patients with conflicting temporal lobe seizures, up to four seizures were necessary to detect independent bilateral temporal lobe seizures.
Proportional integral distributed optimization for dynamic network topologies

This paper investigates proportional-integral distributed optimization when the underlying information exchange network is dynamic. Proportional-integral distributed optimization is a technique which combines consensus-based methods and dual-decomposition methods to form a method which has the convergence guarantees of dual-decomposition and the damped response of the consensus methods. This paper extends PI distributed optimization to allow for dynamic communication networks, permitting agents to change who they can communicate with, without sacrificing convergence to the collective optimum.
SOLVING THE TOLL DESIGN PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE USER GROUPS

Congestion pricing has been regarded as an efficient method to reduce network-wide travel cost. In this study, a methodology for toll design is developed to provide policy-makers with suggestions on both where to charge tolls and how much the tolls should be. As opposed to the traditional approach of marginal social cost pricing, this methodology is capable of dealing with the more realistic case, in which only a small number of links can be tolled. Furthermore, this methodology can accommodate multiple user groups. Specifically, we make several simplifying assumptions which enable us to convert a traditional bilevel formulation of the toll design problem into a single level, standard nonlinear optimization problem.
An Adaptive Filtering Procedure for Estimating Regression Quantiles

Applications of reliability theory and some forms of chance-constrained programming need real-time, nonstationary estimates of regression quantiles to trigger preventive actions, thereby avoiding undesirable system states. We have designed the Quantile Estimation Procedure QEP for this purpose. QEP is a new adaptive filter that nonparametrica11y estimates time-varying parameters of multivariate regression quantiles. Results of Monte Carlo tests show that QEP provides accurate estimates for a range of stochastic processes. Falling within this range is the case study of this paper on monitoring compliance with short-term air quality standards.
Financial fragility, effective demand and the business cycle

A shifting equilibrium model of effective demand is constructed, in which the state of long run expectations is non‐constant, and is affected by the disappointment of short‐run expectations. It is shown that this model gives rise to cumulative expansions/contractions in nominal income. Changes in the financial fragility of households and firms in the course of these expansions/contractions are then allowed for, together with commercial bank reactions to changing financial fragility. It is shown that turning points in the expansions/contractions of nominal income can arise, resulting in a model of aggregate fluctuations in which the business cycle is aperiodic and of no fixed amplitude.
Direct entry longitudinal range dispersion of unmanned Mars landers.

Longitudinal range dispersion of unmanned Mars landers using VM-8 and VM-9 atmospheric models, discussing Syrtis Major as possible landing site
A domain decomposition method for solving thin film elliptic interface problems with variable coefficients

A domain decomposition method is developed for solving thin film elliptic interface problems with variable coefficients. In this study, the elliptic equation with variable coefficients is discretized using second-order finite differences while a discrete interface equation is obtained using the immersed interface method in order to obtain a second-order global accuracy. The obtained linear system is solved using a preconditioned Richardson iteration, which is shown to converge fast when the grid size in the thickness direction is much smaller than the grid sizes in both the length and width directions. To simplify the computation, a domain decomposition algorithm is obtained based on a parallel Gaussian elimination procedure. The method is illustrated by a numerical example. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low-energy electron diffraction and photoemission study of epitaxial films of Cu on Ag{001}

The epitaxy of Cu on Ag{001} is studied by qualitative and quantitative low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and by angle-resolved photoemission. LEED indicates that ultrathin (two- to three-atomic-layer) films have a limited amount of long-range order, and the ordered component has interlayer spacings of 1.45\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.06 \AA{}, which compares well with the theoretically determined cubic lattice constant 2.87\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.06 \AA{} of a metastable body-centered-cubic (bcc) modification of Cu. Thicker (10- to 12-layer) films have almost no long-range order, and photoemission indicates that regions of bcc and fcc Cu coexist amid large amounts of defects.
More supersymmetric technicolor

Abstract We propose a supersymmetric model of particle physics in which supersymmetry is broken by strong gauge forces. Unlike previous realistic supersymmetric technicolor theories, the model contains only one extra strong gauge group, and it lends itself readily to grand unification. The model also has no light axions which can burn out stars. A variety of new particles, many weighing less than 100 GeV, are predicted. A no-go theorem due to Witten is discussed.
Mental health problems and aging: a short quiz.

The mental health needs of older adults remain largely unmet. This gap is due, in part, to a lack of adequately trained professionals and paraprofessionals. The sixteenitem quiz presented in this article has two purposes: 1) to present an overview of salient empirical and theoretical issues in the area of mental health and aging, and 2) to promote discussion of these topics. Each item is documented with supporting literature. In addition, average scores, item difficulties, and item-to-total correlations are presented for two groups of undergraduate students.
A comprehensive analysis of piRNAs from adult human testis and their relationship with genes and mobile elements

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a recently discovered class of small non-coding RNAs whose best-understood function is to repress mobile element (ME) activity in animal germline. To date, nearly all piRNA studies have been conducted in model organisms and little is known about piRNA diversity, target specificity and biological function in human. Here we performed high-throughput sequencing of piRNAs from three human adult testis samples. We found that more than 81% of the ~17 million putative piRNAs mapped to ~6,000 piRNA-producing genomic clusters using a relaxed definition of clusters. A set of human protein-coding genes produces a relatively large amount of putative piRNAs from their 3’UTRs, and are significantly enriched for certain biological processes, suggestive of non-random sampling by the piRNA biogenesis machinery. Up to 16% of putative piRNAs mapped to a few hundred annotated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes, suggesting that some lncRNA genes can act as piRNA precursors. Among major ME families, young families of LTR and endogenous retroviruses have a greater association with putative piRNAs than other MEs. In addition, piRNAs preferentially mapped to specific regions in the consensus sequences of several ME (sub)families and some piRNA mapping peaks showed patterns consistent with the “ping-pong” cycle of piRNA targeting and amplification. Overall our data provide a comprehensive analysis and improved annotation of human piRNAs in adult human testes and shed new light into the relationship of piRNAs with protein-coding genes, lncRNAs, and mobile genetic elements in human.
Vibrational spectra of C2ν deuterium substituted pyridines. 4—pyridine‐2,3,5,6‐d4 and pyridine‐d5

Pyridine-2,3,5,6,-d4 has been prepared. The isotopic composition and label specificity of each of three preparations were verified by mass spectroscopy and proton NMR. The liquid phase Raman and the liquid and vapor phase infrared spectra of pyridine-2,3,5,6-d4 and pyridine-d5 at room temperature are reported. The vibrational spectra of these compounds are completely analyzed and a summary of the assignment for all eight C2ν deuterium labeled pyridines is given.
Current Issues: A Group Supervisory Approach to Preschool Fluency Therapy

Blended individual-group supervision (BIGS) was described by Murphy and Watson (2004) as a technique to combine both individual and group supervision styles using the tenets of the teaching clinic ...