cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A facile method for the N-formylation of primary and secondary amines by liquid phase oxidation of methanol in the presence of hydrogen peroxide over basic copper hydroxyl salts

Abstract N-formylation reactions by catalytic oxidation of methanol in the presence of primary or secondary amines and hydrogen peroxide has been investigated using a liquid phase reaction system over basic copper hydroxyl salts. A series of basic copper hydroxyl salts was prepared by the conventional precipitation method using aqueous ammonia and sodium hydroxide as precipitating agents. PXRD, SEM, FT-IR, BET were employed for physical characterization of the prepared basic copper hydroxyl salts. The composition of the catalytic material obtained was found dependent on the nature of the anion associated with the copper salt precursor. The copper hydroxyl chloride catalyst has shown the best catalytic performance in terms of the reaction rate and product selectivity whereas for the copper oxide catalyst the reaction rate was extremely slow. It is interesting to observe that 4-piperidone protected with acid-sensitive functional groups such as N-acetyl piperazine and ethylene glycol can also be formylated from moderate to good yields by these catalysts.
The Midcontinental Journal of Archaeology 2003–2005: A Retrospective

Archaeologists have long recognized that the Hopewell period was marked by the movement of exotic raw materials and artifacts across the eastern United States. The use of archaeometric techniques to trace the sources of these materials is well established. However, little work has been done on sourcing the pipestone used in Hopewell pipes. In this research we use Portable Infrared Mineral Analyzer (PIMA) technology to identify the presence of Minnesota catlinite as a raw material used for pipes recovered from the Tremper Mound (33SC4) caches in the Scioto Valley of Ohio. A new radiocarbon date places the deposition of these caches between B.C. 50 and A.D. 79. The presence of catlinite pipes in Ohio and in Wisconsin, but rarely in Illinois, suggests the existence of a direct west-to-east route from the catlinite quarries through Wisconsin to Ohio. This movement of catlinite appears to have been a short-term Hopewellian event and the material was not used again until late prehistoric times.
Factors Associated with the Development of Anemia After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Introduction Anemia is common after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and may exacerbate the reduction in oxygen delivery that underlies delayed cerebral ischemia. Fall in hemoglobin may relate to blood loss as well as inflammatory suppression of erythropoiesis. Identifying factors associated with anemia may facilitate targeted interventions, such as the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, which could minimize the burden of anemia and reduce red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requirements.
Properties of amorphous GaN from first-principles simulations

Amorphous GaN (a-GaN) models are obtained from first-principles simulations. We compare four a-GaN models generated by ``melt-and-quench'' and the computer alchemy method. We find that most atoms tend to be fourfold, and a chemically ordered continuous random network is the ideal structure for a-GaN albeit with some coordination defects. Where the electronic structure is concerned, the gap is predicted to be less than 1.0 eV, underestimated as usual by a density functional calculation. We observe a highly localized valence tail and a remarkably delocalized exponential conduction tail in all models generated. Based upon these results, we speculate on potential differences in $n$- and $p$-type doping. The structural origin of tail and defect states is discussed. The vibrational density of states and dielectric function are computed and seem consistent with experiment.
Enteroenteric Intussusception Due to Balloon-Retained Gastrostomy Catheter

There are a variety of retention devices on gastrostomy catheters including pigtails, balloons, and mushrooms. Although dislodgement is the most common complication related to retention device failure, a second unusual complication may occur when bowel peristalsis causes distal migration of the retention device. This usually occurs when the device is not affixed externally. Rarely, the retention device may act as a lead point for an intussusception.
Rule flow logic verification: a simulation based approach

In complex rule flow logic verification, simulation based testing approach is one feasible way which tries to go through all the feasible paths. As the baseline, the total number of feasible paths is usually desired to know although it is usually a huge number. The calculation algorithm of feasible paths in a rule flow is proposed in this paper. Using air cargo loading planning rule as an example, we also show how the coverage rate of stochastic algorithm drops sharply as the simulation going on. From rule topologic structure, we propose branch risk measure to denote the impact of the logic error in the branch. This paper also explores to locate the source of logic error through branch tagging and failure test case clustering. The technologies are illustrated in the load planning rule scenario.
Theoretical analysis of inward hemispheric release above and below drug solubility

A detailed analysis of inward diffusional drug release from devices with hemispheric and related geometries is presented. When drug is loaded below its solubility, an infinite series describes drug concentration profiles and release kinetics, with an excellent approximation resulting when only one term of this series is retained. A connection between this geometric setting and diffusion in constricted porous domains is pointed out, as is the utility of mean first passage times and mean residence times derived for this model. For the case of drug loaded above its solubility, the pseudosteady state (PSS) approximation of Bechard and McMullen [J. Pharm. Sci. 77 (1988) 222] is compared against numerical results calculated for the full model in which the PSS assumption is removed. A close match is observed. Asymptotic analysis of the PSS expressions shows that the previously used zero-order release assumption is not quite correct, even at later times, and this affects parameter estimation procedures. A comparison between the model of Bechard and McMullen and earlier obtained experimental data [J. Pharm. Sci. 72 (1983) 17] reveals some qualitative discrepancies that are yet to be explained.
Induction of hepatic tryptophan pyrrolase and tyrosine transaminase by histones and other polypeptides.

Intraperitoneal injection of histones and other polypeptides into adrenalectomized mice increases hepatic tyrosine-alpha-ketaglutarate transaminase and tryptophan pyrolase activity
New melt-processable thermoplastic polyimides for opto-electronic applications

The rapid development and adoption of digital technology is leading to an increase in demand for smaller, faster digital data devices and faster digital telecommunication networks. This trend requires increased network bandwidth to handle large amounts of data and seamless integration of network devices with compatible end-user devices. This need is being met by using fiber-optic and photonics technology, infra-red (IR) signals to transmit information, and is fundamental changing the communication industry, thereby creating a need for new polymeric materials. New ULTEM* polyetherimide (PEI) and EXTEM* thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) resins meet the material requirements for the optoelectronics industry. These resins have building blocks enabling IR light transmission without degrading signal quality. They can be injection-molded into thin, precision optical lenses and connectors. ULTEM* resins are been widely used in this industry as fiber-optic components in trans-receivers. EXTEM* resins are amenable to lead-free soldering (LFS), a greener industrial assembly process. While still being IR-transparent, EXTEM* resin is an ideal material for LFS capable substrates, connectors and lenses. An optical product portfolio has been developed and is being presented as a solution to the opto-electronics component industry and some of the successful applications therein.
Door-to-ECG time in patients with chest pain presenting to the ED

Abstract Objective To describe time to electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition, identify factors associated with timely acquisition, and evaluate the influence of time to ECG on adverse clinical outcomes. Methods We measured the door-to-ECG time for emergency department patients enrolled in prospective chest pain registry. Clinical outcomes were defined as occurrence of myocardial infarction or death within 30 days of the visit. Results Among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 34% and 40.9% of patients with non–ST-elevation ACS and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), respectively, had an ECG performed within 10 minutes of arrival. A delay in ECG acquisition was only associated with an increase risk of clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI at 30 days (odds ratio, 3.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-14.72; P = .04). Conclusion Approximately one third of patients with ACS received an ECG within 10 minutes. A prolonged door-to-ECG time was associated with an increased risk of clinical outcomes only in patients with STEMI.
A review of research on smoking cessation interventions for adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Background: Recent studies show that 75–85% of people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the United States smoke cigarettes, compared with 23% of the general population. Moreover, people with these illnesses on average have life expectancies 25 years lower than the general population, and smoking is a contributor. Aims: To review intervention research and evaluate the methods and clinical findings associated with attempts to eliminate, or reduce, smoking in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Methods: PubMed and PsychInfo were searched from early 1990 through 2007 with select keywords. Thirteen treatment studies addressing smoking cessation interventions in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders or severe mental illness were identified. Results: Nicotine replacement therapy, psychosocial interventions, and bupropion have been studied. Overall, treatment compliance was moderate, quit rates were low, and relapse to smoking was high. Modest evidence supports the efficacy of bupropion an...
(±)-(2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8-Octa­hydro-2-oxo­naphthalen-1-yl)acetic acid: hydrogen-bonding pattern of the mono­hydrate of an unsaturated bicyclic γ-keto acid

In the title compound, C12H16O3·H2O, the water of hydration accepts a hydrogen bond from the carboxyl group and donates hydrogen bonds to the carboxyl carbonyl and the ketone groups of two different neighbors, yielding a complex three-dimensional hydrogen-bonding array. There are two independent hydrated mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit (Z′ = 2) related by a pseudo-translation.
On the Kleene degrees of Π 1 1 sets

Contre-exemple a la conjecture de Simpson. Etude de la notion de saut dans les degres de Kleene
An initial-value method for the solution of certain nonlinear diffusion equations in biology

Abstract The steady-state one-dimensional diffusion equation with a nonlinear source term is a class of differential equations governing the behavior of many biological systems. As with other types of nonlinear differential equations, exact analytical solutions exist only in some very special cases. Previously, analytical solutions could be obtained only by a linearization process; moreover, the analytical solutions thus obtained approach the exact solution in a very limited range of some physical parameters. On the other hand, numerical solutions obtained by using digital computers, although exact, usually require an iteration process due to the two-point nature of the boundary conditions in such problems. In this article a method of transformation is introduced that makes it possible to transform the governing differential equation from a boundary-value to an initial-value problem. As a result, exact numerical solutions to this class of equations can be obtained in a single step. Numerical solutions of the concentration profiles in an enzyme system are presented as an illustration of the method.
SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF COMBINATIONS OF CHEMICALS POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH BEANY AROMA IN FOODS

Combinations of chemicals often associated with beaniness in foods were studied using descriptive sensory analysis. A highly trained descriptive panel evaluated combinations (two chemicals at a time) of chemicals containing either one beany and one non-beany chemical, two beany chemicals, or two non-beany chemicals to determine whether an overall beany characteristic was present. Overall beany character was found in various combinations from each grouping, including combinations of chemicals that alone were not considered beany. As in previous research, not all levels of chemicals imparted beaniness. When beaniness was present, the intensity was in the low range. The highest overall beany intensity was detected in the combination of 1-octen-3-one, a beany chemical, and hexanal, a non-beany chemical. Hexanal is abundant in volatiles of soybean products, but does not impart beany aroma individually. Also, combinations of hexanal and other non-beany chemicals produced an overall beany odor that was not found in the individual chemicals.
Small molecule modulators of HIV Rev/Rev response element interaction identified by random screening.

A high throughput scintillation proximity assay with biotinylated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Rev protein and tritiated Rev response element RNA was used to screen over 500 000 small molecules. Several chemical classes of inhibitors and two chemical classes of enhancers of binding were identified, with the molecular weight range being 400–600. The most common structural motif of inhibitor was an acidic moiety at the end of a linear aromatic system. Most of these modulators had EC50 values in the 1–10 μM potency range, with several below 1 μM. Several classes displayed structure–activity relationships suggesting specific molecular interactions between small molecule and macromolecule. Several molecules were confirmed as inhibitors in a gel shift assay and by surface plasmon resonance analysis. Furthermore, one inhibitor was shown to bind the Rev protein with a binding constant equal to its IC50 value, consistent with the mechanism of inhibition being binding Rev. Thus, small molecules can modulate this macromolecular protein–RNA interaction in vitro. However, no compound demonstrated HIV antiviral activity in a relevant cell-based assay.
Sex, Lies, and Video Games: The Portrayal of Male and Female Characters on Video Game Covers

Two hundred twenty-five console video game covers obtained from online retail sites were examined for portrayals of men and women. We hypothesized that males would be portrayed more often, but that females would be portrayed in a more hyper-sexualized manner. Male characters were almost four times more frequently portrayed than female characters and were given significantly more game relevant action. However, in spite of their less frequent appearance, female characters were more likely to be portrayed with exaggerated, and often objectified, sexiness. Further, violence and sexiness was paired more frequently for female characters than violence and muscular physiques for the male characters. The potential influence these negative portrayals could have on gamers is discussed.
Fecal indicators in sand, sand contact, and risk of enteric illness among beachgoers

Background:Beach sand can harbor fecal indicator organisms and pathogens, but enteric illness risk associated with sand contact remains unclear.Methods:In 2007, visitors at 2 recreational marine beaches were asked on the day of their visit about sand contact. Ten to 12 days later, participants answe
Combining Supervised Learning Techniques to Key-Phrase Extraction for Biomedical Full-Text

Key-phrase extraction plays a useful a role in research areas of Information Systems IS like digital libraries. Short metadata like key phrases are beneficial for searchers to understand the concepts found in the documents. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of different supervised learning techniques on biomedical full-text: Sequential Minimal Optimization SMO and K-Nearest Neighbor, both of which could be embedded inside an information system for document search. The authors use these techniques to extract key phrases from PubMed and evaluate the performance of these systems using the holdout validation method. This paper compares different classifier techniques and performance differences between the full-text and it's abstract. Compared with the authors' previous work, which investigated the performance of Naive Bayes, Linear Regression and SVMreg1/2, this paper finds that SVMreg-1 performs best in key-phrase extraction for full-text, whereas Naive Bayes performs best for abstracts. These techniques should be considered for use in information system search functionality. Additional research issues also are identified.
Commercial Detection Methods for Biotinylated Gene Probes: Comparison with 32p-labeled DNA Probes

This study had two objectives: (a) to determine whether biotinylated DNA probes could be substituted for32P-labeled DNA probes to detect the presence of the TEM-1 β-lactamase gene in crude bacterial preparations, and (b) to evaluate two commercial detection systems for biotinylated probes—an alkaline phosphatase kit produced by Bethesda Research Laboratories (BRL) and an acid phosphatase kit produced by Enzo Biochem. Both the kits produced nonspecific reactions with TEM-1-negative organisms. Treatment with chloroformphenol and proteinase K did not remove these nonspecific reactions. When plasmid DNA was purified by electrophoresis and transferred to nitrocellulose filters by the Southern blot method, there was no qualitative difference between the biotinylated and radioactive probes. However, the32P-labeled probes were quantitatively 100 times more sensitive than the biotinylated probes. In addition, the Enzo Biochem kit and the32P-labeled probes could be used with charged nylon membranes, whereas the BRL kit could be used only with nitrocellulose filters.
The decomposition of the middle latency auditory evoked potential (MLAEP) Pa component into superficial and deep source contributions.

The results of recent investigations have suggested that the Middle Latency Auditory Evoked Potential (MLAEP) Pa component derives its physiological origins from both cortical and subcortical sources. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if support for this hypothesis could be obtained from the off-line manipulation of the topographically recorded Pa component. The mutichannel MLAEP from 15 normal hearing, neurologically intact subjects was collected following monaural left and right ear click stimulation. Data was originally collected using the linked ear reference and was subsequently re-referenced using the common average reference (CAR). These mapped data were converted off-line to source current density using the source derivation (SD) technique described by Hjorth (1975, 1980). This technique is sensitive to current activity that is generated in the superficial cerebral cortex. These SD maps of the MLAEP were subsequently subtracted from the CAR maps of the MLAEP. The derived CAR-SD maps are believed to represent that activity that is generated deep to the cerebral cortex (Hjorth and Rodin 1988). Interpretation of the mapped data have demonstrated support for the hypothesis that Pa is generated by a minimum of two systems including: 1) bilateral sources located in the posterior temporal lobes, and 2) a deeper midline generator system.
Dynamic Statistical Process Control

Although some control techniques such as Shewhart and CUSUM Control Charts are not new, their application in industry for process control is relatively new. In recent years manufacturing industries have begun to discover and appreciate the power and efficiency of statistical process control techniques. These charts have been successfully used in some areas and have created confusion in others. The confusion is normally due to incorrect application of the methods and lack of sufficient understanding of the theory and assumptions underlying these charts. One of the important assumptions in using Shewhart and CUSUM charts is that the individual measurements are statistically independent. In many industrial situations this assumption is not valid. Namely, the measurements are correlated. As a result the application of the above techniques ends in incorrect conclusions and hence, confusion. The purpose of this paper is to discuss appropriate methods for dealing with these situations. Time series modeling will be discussed. It will be shown how the correlations in data can be used for more precisely predicting and controlling a process.
NextVC2 — A next generation virtual world command and control

In this paper we introduce a new approach to Virtual World-based Command and Control environments for multi-domain operations. Our target scenario is a military coalition operation in a common operation setting. All coalition partners participate in a common virtual command and control environment while different operational contexts take place simultaneously, at different levels of information release. Context-dependent information release is regulated through policies that are seamlessly enforced by the command and control framework without requiring the explicit participation (or knowledge) of users. A prototype of the proposed capability was implemented and demonstrated as an extension to OpenSim. In this paper, we describe our approach, some details of our prototype implementation, and our preliminary capability demonstrations.
Molecular spectroscopy in astrophysics: the case of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract The role of molecular spectroscopy in astrophysics and astrochemistry is discussed in the context of the study of large, complex, carbon-bearing molecules, namely, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These molecular species are now thought to be widespread in the interstellar medium in their neutral and ionized forms. Identifying the carriers responsible for unidentified interstellar spectral bands will allow to derive important information on cosmic elemental abundance as well as information on the physical conditions (density, temperature) reigning in specific interstellar environments. These, in turn, are key elements for a correct understanding of the energetic mechanisms that govern the origin and the evolution of the interstellar medium. A multidisciplinary approach — combining astronomical observations with laboratory simulations and theoretical modeling — is required to address these complex issues. Laboratory spectra of several PAHs, isolated at low temperature in inert gas matrices or seeded in a supersonic jet expansion, are discussed here and compared to the astronomical spectra of reddened, early type, stars. The electronic spectroscopy of PAHs in the ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared domains is reviewed and an assessment of the potential contribution of PAHs to the interstellar extinction in the ultraviolet and in the visible is discussed.
A spatio-temporal model for assessing winter damage risk to east coast vineyards

Climate is an essential component in site suitability for agriculture in general, and specifically in viticulture. With the recent increase in vineyards on the East Coast, an important climactic consideration in site suitability is extreme winter temperature. Often, maps of annual minimum temperatures are used to determine cold hardiness. However, cold hardiness of grapes is a more complicated process, since the temperature that grapes are able to withstand without damage is not constant. Rather, recent temperature cause acclimation or deacclimation and hence, have a large influence on cold hardiness. By combining National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather station data and leveraging recently created cold hardiness models for grapes, we develop a dynamic spatio-temporal model to determine the risk of winter damage due to extreme cold for several grape varieties commonly grown in the eastern United States. This analysis provides maps of winter damage risk to three grape varieties, Chard...
On the design of contractions and settling chambers for optimal turbulence manipulations in wind tunnels

The sensitivity of a moderate axisymmetric contraction of turbulence to upstream conditions is parametrically investigated in terms of turbulence intensities and integral length scales. Semi-empirical correlations are derived to characterize the development of turbulence intensities and integral length scales downstream of typical wind-tunnel turbulence manipulators. A new approach is described, permitting wind-tunnel designers to select the characteristic mesh of the turbulence manipulators, a well as the distance from them to the contraction, in order to obtain certain required turbulence characteristics in the test section at the exit of the contraction. The design charts strongly suggest that it may not be possible to achieve small scales and low intensities simultaneously, when using a contraction ratio of nine or larger. The results also confirm that the rapid distortion theory is only valid, with a proper viscous dissipation correction, up to the 'critical point' of a contraction. At that point, the scales of the various components of the velocity are equal and intercomponent transfer from the lateral to the streamwise velocities commences.
Blocking and pseudoblocking: the reply of Rattus norvegicus to Apis mellifera.

Blaser, Couvillon, and Bitterman (2006) presented data obtained with honeybees that in principle challenged all traditional interpretations of blocking. They administered A + followed by either A + or + alone (where + indicates an unconditioned stimulus) and then tested on X. They observed less responding to X when they administered A + than when + alone was administered, a phenomenon they called “pseudoblocking”. Here we examined pseudoblocking in a rat fear-conditioning preparation. In Experiment 1, using a control procedure that was similar to our usual blocking control, we obtained conventional blocking but failed to observe pseudoblocking in our analogue to Blaser et al.'s procedure. In Experiment 2, we used Blaser et al.'s control procedure and again failed to observe the pseudoblocking effect with rats when we used the experimental context as an analogue to the honeybee feeder used by Blaser et al. After reviewing their protocol and previously published studies from their laboratory, we hypothesize...
Epidemiology of endometriosis among parous women.

Objective To report the prevalence of endometriosis and its associated risk factors among multiparous women, and to determine the relationship between the location and depth of this disease and certain medical and behavioral characteristics. Methods Over a 6-year period, 3384 multiparous women underwent laparoscopy for tubal sterilization. Endometriosis was detected in 126 patients (3.7%), who were consequently evaluated for severity of the disease. To conduct a case-control study, 504 patients with no evidence of endometriosis were randomly selected from a group of women who underwent sterilization. Information obtained through physical examination and a self-administered questionnaire was studied by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Most endometriosis lesions were minimal. Factors associated with an increased risk for endometriosis included: advanced age (odds ratio [OR] 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–3.7), Asian race (OR 8.6, 95% CI 1.4–20.1), long cycle length (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.7), one live birth (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1–4.3), long duration of intrauterine device use (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.1–8.1), and long duration of uninterrupted menstrual cycles (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.4). Present oral contraceptive use was protective for disease (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2–0.9). The role of these factors varied among different disease locations (ovary, uterus and tubes, posterior broad ligaments and cul-de-sac), and depth (superficial or deep). Conclusions The prevalence of endometriosis is relatively low among multiparous women, and certain menstrual and reproductive characteristics are associated with its development. Furthermore, the relationship between various factors and endometriosis appears to be site and depth specific. Our findings suggest that asymptomatic endometriosis may be clinically important.
Involvement of Myova and Actin in Insulin Granule Trafficking

Pancreatic beta-cells secrete insulin in response to elevated blood glucose. After synthesis, insulin granules are transported initially by kinesin-I, then transferred to MyoVa within the actin cortex. Granule trafficking models propose that MyoVa tethers granules within the actin cortex, which acts as a secretion barrier. Upon glucose stimulation, actin cytoskeletal reorganization allows granule diffusion or transport by MyoVa to the plasma membrane. To determine how MyoVa and actin contribute to granule trafficking, we tracked eGFP-labeled granules in INS-1 cells (resolution: 23nm/50ms), analyzing their movement by mean square displacement. At rest, granules display 3 modes of motion: paused, diffusive, and directed. Glucose stimulation increases the percentage of granules undergoing MyoVa and/or kinesin-directed motion with little change in the dynamic movements of peripheral actin cytostructures. However, Jasplakinolide treatment, which changes actin's depolymerization rate, inhibits actin cytostructural dynamics and reduces the percentage of granules with directed movement. Therefore, a dynamic actin cytoskeleton is required for efficient granule transport. By introducing Qdot-labeled MyoVa into cells, we will track granules and the steps of associated MyoVa to distinguish between MyoVa's proposed roles as granule transporter or tether.
Speculations about the Effects of Fire and Lava Flows on Human Evolution

Recent research argues that an association with fire, stretching back millions of years, played a central role in human evolution resulting in many modern human adaptations. Others argue that hominin evolution was driven by the roughness of topographic features that resulted from tectonic activity in the African Rift valley. I combine these hypotheses to propose that, for millions of years, active lava flows in the African Rift provided consistent but isolated sources of fire, providing very specific adaptive pressures and opportunities to small isolated groups of hominins. This allowed these groups of early hominins to develop many fire specific adaptations such as bipedalism, smaller teeth and mouths, shorter intestines, larger brains, and perhaps a host of social adaptations. By about 1.8 million years ago, Homo erectus emerged as a fire adapted species and mastered the technology necessary to make fire itself. This technology allowed them to move into the rest of the world, taking a new kind of fire with them that would change ecosystems everywhere they went. This hypothesis is supported by recent geologic work that describes a large lava flow occurring in the region of the Olduvai Gorge during the 200 000 year time period we believe Homo erectus emerged in the area.
Soap-bubble growth

A simple theory describing the dynamics of two-dimensional arrays of soap bubbles is proposed, and compared with a recent experiment. The average area of bubbles scales linearly at late times. Agreement with experiment is satisfactory, although not conclusive.
The Preparation and Cycloaddition Reactions of Pentafluoro-1,3-pentadienes

3,4,5,5,5-Pentafluoro-1,3-pentadienes were prepared from 1 : 1 adducts of perfluoropropylene and alcohols by dehydration followed by dehydrofluorination. When 2-methyl-3,4,5,5,5-pentafluoro-1,3-pentadiene was heated at 130–220°C, an intramolecular cyclization occurred to give 1-methyl-2,3-difluoro-3-trifluoromethylcyclobutene in 73–87% yields. α-Trifluoromethyl-β-acetylacrylic acid and 1-trifluoromethyl-2-fluoro-3-methylenecyclobutene were synthesized from the cyclobutene by oxidation and dehydrofluorination, respectively. Several polyfluorocyclobutanes with a perfluoropropenyl group were prepared by the cross-cycloaddition of the pentafluoro-1,3-pentadienes with the fluoroolefins such as 1,1-difluoro-2,2-dichloroethylene, trifluorochloroethylene, and perfluoropropylene.
Shock Compression of Organic Polymers and Proteins: Ultrafast Structural Relaxation Dynamics and Energy Landscapes

The response of organic polymers and proteins including poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) to a short duration 4.5 GPa shock pulse, termed a “nanoshock”, is studied using ultrafast coherent Raman spectroscopy (CARS) to monitor density-dependent vibrational frequency shifts of a dye molecule probe. In conventional shock compression experiments, a two-part response of PMMA to fast compression is usually explained with a phenomenological viscoelastic model. The molecular basis for this two-part response is discussed here using an energy landscape model to describe large-amplitude structural relaxation of shocked supercooled liquids. The polymers and the protein show an instantaneous response to the steeply rising shock front, viewed as a vertical transition to a new region of the energy landscape with radically different topography. A slower ∼300 ps response is also observed, attributed to large-amplitude structural relaxation along the rugged shocked energy landscape...
Temperature and pressure effects in supercritical-fluid chromatography

Abstract In the search for a suitable programming technique, the effects of pressure and temperature in superficial-fluid chromatography were studied. Both pressure and inverse temperature programming can be used to influence the retention characteristics. The selectivity of separation can further be controlled by a “moderator”. Values of height equivalent to a theoretical plate for model compounds were measured within a wide range of operating conditions and correlated with pressure drop measurements. The results suggest that a compromise between the particle size and pressure drop is necessary.
A CRACK GROWTH APPROACH TO LIFE PREDICTION OF SPOT‐WELDED LAP JOINTS

Fatigue behaviour of spot-welded lap joints is modelled as a single-degree-of-freedom crack growth problem. Although such a model involves simplification of a complicated problem, predictions are in good agreement with experimental results. The model developed here allows a design engineer to analyse the fatigue behaviour of spot-welded steel sheets, which are commonly used in structures, without knowledge of metallurgical and fine geometric details of spot-welds. Only fatigue properties of the sheet metal are needed, so no laboratory facilities are required to generate fatigue data specific to spot-welds or weld metal.
Targeting underspecified segments: A formal analysis of feature-changing and feature-filling rules ☆

In this paper, we discuss how the difference between feature-changing and feature-filling processes has not been adequately addressed in rule-based, derivational phonology. We explore two different theories of these processes. One theory analyzes feature-changing in two steps—set subtraction and then set unification. Another analyzes feature-changing in one step—a function that alters the polarity of features. We argue that empirical evidence favours the two-step over the one-step process. In particular, the two-step process provides an account for the lack of rules that target specified segments independently of underspecified segments (so-called by-passing rules). It also explains why there are no attested examples of purely phonological rules that switch the polarity of certain features (e.g., changing /t/ and /d/ to [d] and [t] respectively).
Reduction of radiation-pressure-induced fluctuations in interferometric gravity-wave detectors

The performance of an interferometric gravity-wave detector is analyzed, treating both the motion of the mirrors and the optical fields quantum mechanically, in continuous time. Kerr cells in each arm of the interferometer are used to counter the effects of radiation-pressure fluctuations, a feedback loop is used to keep the interferometer operating at the proper null, and a large mean-field assumption is used to linearize the analysis. When narrow-band disturbances are being measured, the performance of this interferometer can greatly surpass the standard quantum limit. When the Kerr cells are removed, the interferometer operates at the standard quantum limit, and this analysis agrees with earlier studies.
Asymptotic behavior of waves

Abstract The asymptotic conjugation relation lim t→±∞ ‖g( χ t )M(e itp )ƒ − M(g(∇ρ))M(e itp )ƒ‖ 2 = 0 is established for all ƒ∈L 2 (R n ) under mild assumptions on ϱ and g, where M(h)ƒ = F −1 (h f ) denotes Fourier multiplication. The asymptotic estimate lim t→±∞ χ j |χ| ∂ u ∂ t ± ∂ u ∂χ j 2 = 0 for finite energy solutions u of the wave equation is deduced from (∗), along with generalizations to a class of first-order symmetric hyperbolic systems of partial differential equations that are homogeneous and constant coefficient, and a weakened version for the Klein-Gordon equation. Also deduced from (∗) is the fact that for a free Schrodinger particle the probability of being in the set tA at time t tends to the probability that the velocity is in A as t → ±∞.
Preliminary analysis of distributed in situ soil moisture measurements

Abstract. Surface soil moisture content is highly variable in both space and time. Remote sensing can provide an effective methodology for mapping surface moisture content over large areas but ground based measurements are required to test its reliability and to calibrate retrieval algorithms. Recently, we had the opportunity to design and perform an experiment aimed at jointly acquiring measurements of surface soil water content at various locations and remotely sensed hyperspectral data. The area selected for the experiment is located in central Umbria and it extends for 90km2. For the area, detailed lithological and multi-temporal landslide inventory maps were available. We identified eight plots where measurements of soil water content were made using a Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR). The plots range in size from 100m2 to 600m2, and cover a variety of topographic and morphological settings. The TDR measurements were conducted during four days, on 5 April, 15 April, 2 May and 3 May 2004. On 3 May the NERC airborne CASI 2 acquired the hyperspectral data. Preliminary analysis concerning the matching between the landslides and the soil moisture were reported. Statistical and geostatistical analysis investigating the spatial-temporal soil moisture distribution were performed. These results will be compared with the data of surface temperature obtained from the remotely sensed hyperspectral sensor.
Sizing the fungal and algal genomes of the lichen Cladonia grayi through quantitative PCR

Using a method based on quantitative PCR, we determined that the nuclear genome sizes for the mycobiont and photobiont of the lichen Cladonia grayi are 28.6 Mb and 106.7 Mb, respectively. This is the first genome size determination for lichens, and suggests that between 20,000 and 25,000 genes function in C. grayi. The mycobiont genome size is near the middle of the range observed within the Pezizomycota, the subphylum containing all known ascomycete lichen fungi. The genome size of the photobiont (the green alga Asterochloris sp.) is near the lower end of its class, the Trebouxiophyceae. Genomes in this size range can be sequenced at relatively low cost with current pyrosequencing-based methods. The genome sizing method requires very small amounts of precisely quantified DNA and should be applicable to any lichen whose symbionts can be reliably isolated from one another. Since the symbionts used in this project were isolated from soredia, the lichen’s vegetative propagules, we also describe a method for the establishment of axenic symbiont cultures from large numbers of soredia.
Coordinated activation of candidate proto-oncogenes and cancer testes antigens via promoter demethylation in head and neck cancer and lung cancer

Background: Epigenetic alterations have been implicated in the pathogenesis of solid tumors, however, proto-oncogenes activated by promoter demethylation have been sporadically reported. We used an integrative method to analyze expression in primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and pharmacologically demethylated cell lines to identify aberrantly demethylated and expressed candidate proto-oncogenes and cancer testes antigens in HNSCC. Methodology/Principal Findings: We noted coordinated promoter demethylation and simultaneous transcriptional upregulation of proto-oncogene candidates with promoter homology, and phylogenetic footprinting of these promoters demonstrated potential recognition sites for the transcription factor BORIS. Aberrant BORIS expression correlated with upregulation of candidate proto-oncogenes in multiple human malignancies including primary non-small cell lung cancers and HNSCC, induced coordinated proto-oncogene specific promoter demethylation and expression in non-tumorigenic cells, and transformed NIH3T3 cells. Conclusions/Significance: Coordinated, epigenetic unmasking of multiple genes with growth promoting activity occurs in aerodigestive cancers, and BORIS is implicated in the coordinated promoter demethylation and reactivation of epigenetically silenced genes in human cancers.
The Forcing of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation

The Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO), defined as the leading empirical orthogonal function of North Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies, is a widely used index for decadal variability. It is shown that the PDO can be recovered from a reconstruction of North Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies based on a first-order autoregressive model and forcing by variability of the Aleutian low, El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and oceanic zonal advection anomalies in the Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension. The latter results from oceanic Rossby waves that are forced by North Pacific Ekman pumping. The SST response patterns to these processes are not orthogonal, and they determine the spatial characteristics of the PDO. The importance of the different forcing processes is frequency dependent. At interannual time scales, forcing from ENSO and the Aleutian low determines the response in equal parts. At decadal time scales, zonal advection in the Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension, ENSO, and anomalies of the Aleutian low each account for similar amounts of the PDO variance. These results support the hypothesis that the PDO is not a dynamical mode, but arises from the superposition of sea surface temperature fluctuations with different dynamical origins.
Anuria Following Blunt Trauma in a Renal Transplant Patient

Renal transplantation is the preferred treatment for end stage renal disease. The expansion of patient selection criteria, and improvement in allograft survival and patient survival rates have increased the size of the recipient pool. These patients are a t increased risk of renal injury after blunt trauma to the abdomen. The transplant kidney lacks the structural protection that a native kidney receives from fie thoracic rib cage, and the thick posterior spinal and abdominal musculature. We report on a patient who presented with anuria and recurrent hypertension after receiving blows to the flank and abdomen. Ultrasonography and a quantitative renal scan suggested acute rejection. However, arteriography and computerized tomography (CT) confirmed a diagnosis of Page kidney due to compression by hematoma with evidence of active bleeding. Surgical exploration with decompression and evacuation of the perinephric hematoma resulted in prompt diuresis. By postoperative day 5 serum creatinine had returned to baseline and hypertension had resolved. To our knowledge we report the first case of Page kidney in a renal allograft recipient resulting from blunt trauma. CT is probably the most accurate initial imaging study in this situation. Surgical technique is discussed in detail. Prompt diagnosis and effective intervention will optimize chances of graft salvage.
Disproportionate enhancement of myocardial contractility by the xanthine oxidase inhibitor oxypurinol in failing rat myocardium.

Objective: Xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors enhance myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness of normal rat myocardium. We examined whether this inotropic action is preserved or magnified in failing rat myocardium and whether the magnitude of this effect correlates with tissue xanthine-oxidoreductase (XOR) activity. Methods: Hearts of 18–20 month-old SHHF (spontaneous hypertensive/heart failure) rats with end-stage heart failure, as well as of normal control rats, were perfused with the XO inhibitor oxypurinol. Afterwards, [Ca2+]i and tension were measured simultaneously in fura-2-loaded intact isolated right ventricular trabeculae. XOR activity was determined fluorometrically in myocardial homogenates. Results: In failing myocardium, 100 μM oxypurinol significantly increased systolic twitch tension (by 87 and 92% at 1.0 and 1.5 mM extracellular [Ca2+], respectively), without altering [Ca2+]i transient amplitude. Oxypurinol did not alter the midpoint or cooperativity of the steady-state tension-[Ca2+]i relationship, but significantly enhanced maximum Ca2+-activated tension by 75% in failing myocardium. Oxypurinol also exerted a positive inotropic effect in failing myocardium, which was, however, of significantly smaller relative magnitude. Failing rat myocardium exhibited higher XOR activity than nonfailing myocardium, and this activity was largely suppressed in oxypurinol-treated preparations. Conclusions: The magnitude of functional improvement with XOR inhibitors depends on the initial level of XOR activity. Specifically, the inotropic actions of oxypurinol are more pronounced in failing rat myocardium, a tissue that exhibits enhanced XOR activity. Our findings rationalize how XO inhibitors boost cardiac contractility and improve mechanoenergetic coupling, and why the effects might be relatively ‘selective’ for heart failure.
Positive cytokine production in failed metal-on-metal total hip replacements.

Tissues surrounding failed conventional total hips have been shown to produce inflammatory cytokines that can induce osteoclastic bone resorption. We evaluated the cytokine profiles of tissues from 5 failed metal-on-metal total hip replacements. Serial frozen sections were stained using immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization techniques. Inflammatory and osteoclast-stimulating cytokines were noted in the tissues. As compared to a group of 5 metal-polyethylene hip tissues, we found fewer CD68 positive macrophages, and lower levels of TGF- &#103 and TNF- &#102 , but no differences in CD3 positive lymphocytes, IL-1 &#103 , IL-6 and PDGF- &#102 in the metal-on-metal tissues. This may be due, in part, to the presence of wear particles from sources other than the bearing surfaces. Thus, cytokines associated with bone resorption and implant loosening may occur in total hips despite the use of alternative bearing materials.
Time-resolved beam-quality characterization of copper-vapor lasers with unstable resonators

Beam quality (BQ) of a 4-cm copper-vapor laser (CVL) with unstable resonators of different magnifications was characterized based on time-resolved far-field measurement. It was found that the BQ improvement after each round trip of the cavity cannot be predicted correctly from resonator theory. With a cavity Fresnel number of ~ 300, the achievable CVL BQ at the later part of the pulse was limited to approximately 4 times diffraction limited (×DL), even with a cavity magnification of 130. A pronounced temporal BQ oscillation, which is synchronized with the temporal pulse modulation, was also observed throughout the entire pulse. Examination of the temporal evolution of the far-field spot with use of a gated camera revealed that the strong presence of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) in the cavity during the entire laser pulse severely limited the achievable BQ because of consecutive cavity feedback that included this highly divergent ASE. BQ deterioration caused by intense ASE throughout the pulse was reduced when a cavity with a smaller Fresnel number was used.