cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reproductive hormones mediate changes in the gut microbiome during pregnancy and lactation in Phayre's leaf monkeys.

Studies in multiple host species have shown that gut microbial diversity and composition change during pregnancy and lactation. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these shifts are not well understood. Here, we use longitudinal data from wild Phayre’s leaf monkeys to test the hypothesis that fluctuations in reproductive hormone concentrations contribute to gut microbial shifts during pregnancy. We described the microbial taxonomic composition of 91 fecal samples from 15 females (n = 16 cycling, n = 36 pregnant, n = 39 lactating) using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and assessed whether the resulting data were better explained by overall reproductive stage or by fecal estrogen (fE) and progesterone (fP) concentrations. Our results indicate that while overall reproductive stage affected gut microbiome composition, the observed patterns were driven by reproductive hormones. Females had lower gut microbial diversity during pregnancy and fP concentrations were negatively correlated with diversity. Additionally, fP concentrations predicted both unweighted and weighted UniFrac distances, while reproductive state only predicted unweighted UniFrac distances. Seasonality (rainfall and periods of phytoprogestin consumption) additionally influenced gut microbial diversity and composition. Our results indicate that reproductive hormones, specifically progestagens, contribute to the shifts in the gut microbiome during pregnancy and lactation.
A unifying analysis of projected gradient descent for ℓp-constrained least squares

Abstract In this paper we study the performance of the Projected Gradient Descent (PGD) algorithm for l p -constrained least squares problems that arise in the framework of compressed sensing. Relying on the restricted isometry property, we provide convergence guarantees for this algorithm for the entire range of 0 ⩽ p ⩽ 1 , that include and generalize the existing results for the iterative hard thresholding algorithm and provide a new accuracy guarantee for the iterative soft thresholding algorithm as special cases. Our results suggest that in this group of algorithms, as p increases from zero to one, conditions required to guarantee accuracy become stricter and robustness to noise deteriorates.
More than just accent? The role of dialect words in children's language-based social judgments.

Abstract Recent research suggests that young children are capable of distinguishing between phonetically dissimilar spoken accents yet have difficulty in distinguishing between phonetically similar accents. The current studies aimed to determine whether the presence of dialect-specific vocabulary enhances young children’s ability to categorize speakers. In Study 1, 4- to 7-year-old children performed tasks in which they matched speakers based on the dialect-specific vocabulary the speakers used. Participants were successful in matching speakers based on vocabulary at a rate significantly greater than chance. In Study 2, participants performed a task in which they inferred a speaker’s future dialect-specific vocabulary use based on the speaker’s previous vocabulary use. Participants were able to infer a speaker’s vocabulary use at a rate significantly greater than chance, and participants also showed social preference for and selective trust of speakers who used the participants’ native dialect vocabulary over those who used a non-native dialect vocabulary. These interesting results suggest that when accent differences are too subtle for children to categorize speakers, dialect-specific vocabulary may enhance young children’s ability to categorize a speaker. The results of preference and selective trust questions also suggest that children as young as 4 years use their knowledge of a speaker’s vocabulary to guide their preferred social interactions, choosing to interact with others who speak similarly to them.
On Teaching Planning Theory and Practice: Four Striking Exercises

Part of the appeal of abstraction in planning theory appears to be that it might free us up from the messy particulars making “cases” unique. But still we often hear the echoes of the wise saying, ...
“Fly on the wall” moments reveal whiteness-at-work for contested white graduate students

Contested white students often feel caught between two worlds, liminally situated, betwixt and between monoracial constructions of race. They are a subset of undergraduate and graduate students who...
Selective forwarding detection (SFD) in wireless sensor networks

Security is the critical subject in wireless sensor networks. Therefore, WSNs are susceptible to several types of security attacks. One reason to attack sensor networks is the limited capacity of sensor nodes. The security attacks could affect the most significant applications in WSNs area such as military surveillance, traffic monitor, and healthcare. Thus, there are different types of detection approaches against security attacks on the network layer in WSNs. Also, there are severe constraints on sensor nodes like reliability, energy efficiency, and scalability, which affect the security in WSNs. Since the sensor nodes have limited capabilities for most of these constraints, a selective forwarding attack is difficult to detect in the networks. Malicious nodes in the selective forwarding attack, work as normal nodes. However, it attempts to find the sensitive messages and drop them before sending the packet to other nodes. In order to keep this type of attacks away from networks, we propose a multi layers approach (SFD) that preserves the safely of data transmission between sensor nodes while detecting the selective forwarding attack. Furthermore, the approach includes reliability, energy efficiency, and scalability.
Muscle and tendon: properties, models, scaling, and application to biomechanics and motor control

Skeletal muscles transform neural control signals into forces that act upon the body segments to effect a coordinated motor task. This transformation is complex, not only because the properties of muscles are complex, but because the tendon affects the transmission of muscle force to the skeleton. This review focuses on how to synthesize basic properties of muscle and tendon to construct models applicable to studies of coordination. After a review of the properties of muscle and tendon, their integrated ability to generate force statically and dynamically is studied by formulating a generic model of the "musculotendon actuator", which has only one parameter, the ratio of tendon length at rest to muscle fiber length at rest. To illustrate the utility of the model, it is analyzed to show how this one parameter specifies whether excitation-contraction or musculotendon contraction is the rate-limiting process of force generation, whether elastic energy is stored in tendon or muscle, and whether hip- and knee-extensor actuators function as springs or dashpots during walking.
Molecular Mechanisms of Granuloma Formation in Schistosomiasis

Trematodes of the genus Schistosoma reside in the bloodstream of their definitive vertebrate hosts, where they avoid immune destruction and survive for years or decades. Widespread species such as S. mansoni and S. japonicum remain important causes of intestinal and hepatic schistosomiasis in humans throughout South America, Africa and Asia, while S. haematobium, the causative agent of human urinary schistosomiasis, remains prevalent in many areas of Africa. Other species, such as S. bovis and S. mattheei, are of considerable veterinary concern. Despite their continued presence at intravascular locations for periods of years, the adult parasites themselves provoke remarkably little tissue damage or inflammation. In contrast, the eggs produced by adult schistosomes can cause considerable tissue damage and stimulate intense inflammatory and immune reactions. Indeed, the clinical classification of schistosomiasis as hepatic, intestinal or urinary depends on which organ or system is most severely affected by parasite eggs. Frequently over 100 μm long and possessing a tough proteinaceous shell, schistosome eggs trapped in host tissues such as the liver are not readily eliminated. Consequently, like other focal stimuli of chronic inflammation, parasite eggs become the focus of granulomatous inflammatory reactions known as granulomas. Persistence of eggs and the granulomas that surround them results in fibroblast activation, synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, formation of intractable fibrotic scars and disruption of tissue architecture, ultimately leading to organ dysfunction and the clinical manifestations of schistosomiasis. In this chapter, we review the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive granuloma formation in schistosomiasis. Experimental S. mansoni infections in the laboratory mouse closely resemble those observed in humans, both pathologically and immunologically, and provide an extremely malleable and useful model of the human disease. We will therefore pay particular attention to the latest insights obtained using this murine model of schistosome infection.
Studies on Metal Hydride Electrodes with Different Weights and Binder Contents

LaNi4.27Sn0.24 electrodes were characterized using electrochemical techniques at different alloy weights and binder contents. For a given alloy weight, the polarization resistance (Rp) increases with the state of charge (SOC). This arises due to changes from α to β phase at the alloy surface. The electroactive surface area for the hydrogen adsorption/desorption reaction changes with SOC and this also contributes to the variation of Rp. Since the interfacial area increases with alloy content, the polarization resistance decreases with increase in the alloy weight. An increase in the alloy weight reduces Rp and lowers the total resistance. The electrode utilization decreases by increasing the binder content and the electrode weight. A theoretical model is presented to study the effect of alloy weight and particle size on the electrode performance. The model simulations predict lowering of the utilization with increase in the electrode weight. The effect of particle size on the energy and power density of the electrode was also studied.
Status of the Superconducting 2 GeV Linear Electron Accelerator

The design and construction of the accelerator is discussed. In particular, the design of the niobium accelerating structure, refrigerator, dewar, helium distribution system, and the injector and control system are described.
TECHNIQUES FOR ASSESSING BMP EFFECTIVENESS IN THE ABSENCE OF HISTORICAL BASELINE DATA

Phosphorus (P) levels in Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) surface runoff must be reduced by at least 25%. To achieve this basin regulatory target, EAA growers must implement effective farm drainage P-reduction best management practices (BMPs). This study was conducted to address concerns regarding the absence of farm-level P drainage databases and uncertainty surrounding methods to assess P-reductions under untested BMP designs. Ten farms representative of EAA production systems were instrumented to monitor unit area P load (UAL) discharges from August 1992 through April 1996. Phosphorus discharge trends during baseline and subsequent BMP operations were compared using three different analytical methods. Each method employs some measure of hydrologic adjustment to UAL data in order to address the strikingly different rainfall distributions (which directly influence farm drainage requirements) that occurred during baseline and BMP monitoring periods. The first method involves the calculation of total UAL to rainfall (UAL:R) ratios for each period and these “normalized” UALs are then compared. The second method involves the reexpression of daily rainfall and UAL data into separate baseline and BMP cumulative databases. Plotting cumulative UAL against cumulative rainfall provides daily resolution of rainfall effects on drainage discharge and allows for cumulative distribution slope comparisons between monitoring periods. The third method assesses farm discharge trends over time using a model developed by state regulators to annually evaluate basin P-reduction compliance. The model calculates a 12-month rainfall-adjusted UAL (AUAL) based on the comparison of current load (and rainfall distribution) to an earlier 10-year period of record database. With method 1, BMP UAL:R were 3 to 33% lower than for baseline, reflecting UAL reductions under modified water management (BMPs) responses to rainfall. With method 2, BMP cumulative distribution slope values for six farms were 6 to 35% smaller than baseline, reflecting long-term UAL reductions under BMPs. Omitting disproportionate basin-wide flooding effects during a single storm event, eight farms recorded reductions. For these eight farms, AUALs calculated with method 3 declined by 15 to 83% over a three-year period. Across all three analyses, two farms suffered increasing UAL trends after major crop rotation changes without concurrent hydraulic BMP implementation. Despite high rainfall variability and limited baseline data, these three analysis methods verify farm-level P reductions under BMPs for sugarcane, vegetable, rice, and mixed-crop systems.
A new "tool" for transcatheter atrial defect closure: the St. Jude SL2™ sheath.

Background Orienting the left atrial disc of an atrial septal defect (ASD) closure device parallel to the septum is important, particularly in cases of ASD with deficient retroaortic rim. Standard vascular sheaths can make this challenging. We report the use of an electrophysiologic sheath, the SL2™ St. Jude Vascular sheath (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN) for closure of ASD. Methods All patients undergoing ASD closure between July 2010 and February 2011 at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore in which the SL2 sheath was used were reviewed. Results Nine patients underwent transcatheter ASD or PFO (1/9) closure with the SL2 sheath. Mean age was 22.7 years (range, 3–58); weight was 46.5 kg (range, 14.7–78.6). The Amplatzer ASD Occluder (AGA Medical Corp., Plymouth, MN) was used in all cases. The mean measurement of the ASDs via “stop-flow” technique was 13.3 mm (range, 4–19). The mean device size was 13.9 mm (range, 5–20) or 105% the size of the defect. The retroaortic rim was deficient (<2 mm) in 3 of 9. ASD closure was achieved in 9 of 9. In all, the left atrial disk was brought toward the atrial septum parallel to the atrial septum, and repositioning or recapturing of the device was unnecessary in any case. Mean fluoroscopy time was 9.3 min (range, 2.2–18). No significant complications. Conclusions The SL2 sheath was useful to position the ASD device parallel to the atrial septum, eliminating the need for redeployment during the procedure. This sheath was useful in those cases of deficient retroaortic rim in this study. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Energetic Plasticity Underlies a Variable Response to Ocean Acidification in the Pteropod, Limacina helicina antarctica

Ocean acidification, caused by elevated seawater carbon dioxide levels, may have a deleterious impact on energetic processes in animals. Here we show that high PCO2 can suppress metabolism, measured as oxygen consumption, in the pteropod, L. helicina forma antarctica, by ∼20%. The rates measured at 180–380 µatm (MO2 = 1.25 M−0.25, p = 0.007) were significantly higher (ANCOVA, p = 0.004) than those measured at elevated target CO2 levels in 2007 (789–1000 µatm, = 0.78 M−0.32, p = 0.0008; Fig. 1). However, we further demonstrate metabolic plasticity in response to regional phytoplankton concentration and that the response to CO2 is dependent on the baseline level of metabolism. We hypothesize that reduced regional Chl a levels in 2008 suppressed metabolism and masked the effect of ocean acidification. This effect of food limitation was not, we postulate, merely a result of gut clearance and specific dynamic action, but rather represents a sustained metabolic response to regional conditions. Thus, pteropod populations may be compromised by climate change, both directly via CO2-induced metabolic suppression, and indirectly via quantitative and qualitative changes to the phytoplankton community. Without the context provided by long-term observations (four seasons) and a multi-faceted laboratory analysis of the parameters affecting energetics, the complex response of polar pteropods to ocean acidification may be masked or misinterpreted.
A gene apparently determining the extent of sialylation of lysosomal alpha-mannosidase in mouse liver.

Organ-specific electrophoretic heterogeneity of lysosomal α-mannosidase has been observed within individual strains of inbred mice. Polymorphism between C57BL/6J and CBA/J for liver lysosomal α-mannosidase is determined by a single genetic locus on chromosome 5 and appears to be the result of differences in sialylation of the lysosomal enzyme. Two different patterns of expression of development of the liver electrophoretic forms have been observed.
T cell disorders in primary immunodeficiency diseases

During the past decade knowledge of the events of cellular maturation and of regulatory cellular interactions involved in the normal immune response has expanded rapidly as a result of the interplay between studies of patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases and basic laboratory studies in animal systems. Progress in our understanding of disorders of T cell function in immunodeficiency diseases has been facilitated by advances in a number of areas including: 1) The demonstration that T cells are not a homogeneous population but encompass subpopulations of lymphocytes with different and at times opposing functions; 2) The identification of unique cell surface determinants on mouse T cells and more recently on human T cells that appear as these cells mature and differentiate. In many cases T cell subpopulations with different functional capabilities bear different surface determinants; 3) The development of in vitro techniques to assess the functional behavior of isolated subpopulations of T cells and for the evaluation of T cell function in man.
Em lens waveguide transition

In the paper, a lens waveguide transition section between cylindrical coaxial waveguides of different size is specified. If it is required that transmission-line impedances be matched to the lens impedance and also that the transit time for TEM waves following different paths be equal, then an initial-value problem arises. Solutions to this problem then determine the lens geometry and material.
Undamped nonlinear beam excited by additive L2-regular noise

Abstract Stability of a nonlinear elastic beam excited by a space-time dependent nonrandom force or a L 2 -regular random noise f ( x , t ) (white in time, with general spatial covariance) is considered. It is supposed that the transversal displacement y of the beam with length l is governed by the quasilinear partial differential equation (PDE) ρ 0 h y t t + D y x x x x − [ N 0 + e ∫ 0 l ( y x ′ ) 2 d x ′ ] y x x + k y = f ( x , t ) , 0 x l , t ≥ 0 . As a main result we show that its expected energy is linearly bounded at time t in spite of the presence of additive L 2 -regular space-time noise and cubic-type nonlinearities. Appropriate partial-implicit discretization with similar qualitative behavior, consistency and stability are discussed as well. The technique of Lyapunov-type functionals processing the information on the related energy E is exploited. We compare our results to those for the linear beam. In both cases, the expected energy E [ E ] ( t ) is nondecreasing and growing linearly in time t . In fact, for all nonrandom t ≥ s and additive L 2 -regular noise f with covariance operator Q ( f ) with finite trace, it satisfies the trace formula E [ E ] ( t ) = E [ E ] ( s ) + Trace ( Q ( f ) ) ( t − s ) / 2 .
Communist, utilitarian, and capitalist cache policies on CMPs: caches as a shared resource

As chip multiprocessors (CMPs) become increasingly mainstream, architects have likewise become more interested in how best to share a cache hierarchy among multiple simultaneous threads of execution. The complexity of this problem is exacerbated as the number of simultaneous threads grows from two or four to the tens or hundreds. However, there is no consensus in the architectural community on what "best" means in this context. Some papers in the literature seek to equalize each thread's performance loss due to sharing, while others emphasize maximizing overall system performance. Furthermore, the specific effect of these goals varies depending on the metric used to define "performance". In this paper we label equal performance targets as Communist cache policies and overall performance targets as Utilitarian cache policies. We compare both of these models to the most common current model of a free-for-all cache (a Capitalist policy). We consider various performance metrics, including miss rates, bandwidth usage, and IPC, including both absolute and relative values of each metric. Using analytical models and behavioral cache simulation, we find that the optimal partitioning of a shared cache can vary greatly as different but reasonable definitions of optimality are applied. We also find that, although Communist and Utilitarian targets are generally compatible, each policy has workloads for which it provides poor overall performance or poor fairness, respectively. Finally, we find that simple policies like LRU replacement and static uniform partitioning are not sufficient to provide near-optimal performance under any reasonable definition, indicating that some thread-aware cache resource allocation mechanism is required.
Measurements of thermally induced nanometer-scale diffusion depth of Pt∕Ti∕Pt∕Au gate metallization on InAlAs∕InGaAs high-electron-mobility transistors

Platinum diffusion in InAlAs was investigated utilizing a Pt∕Ti∕Pt∕Au gate contact on an In0.52Al0.48As∕In0.53Ga0.47As∕InP high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) structure. Capacitance-voltage measurements on large gate field-effect transistors and high-resolution cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy enabled the measurement of Pt diffusion depth with nanometer-scale accuracy. A continuous increase in Pt diffusion depth was observed at an annealing temperature of 250 °C with increasing time. After a 40 min anneal, a diffusion depth of 8 nm was measured. Such a deep Pt diffusion in a HEMT structure not only changes device parameters but also constitutes a serious reliability problem during device operation.
Continuous perfusion of pulmonary arteries during total cardiopulmonary bypass favorably affects levels of circulating adhesion molecules and lung function

Abstract Objectives: Lung injury is a serious complication of cardiopulmonary bypass in infants with congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension. Cessation of blood flow in the pulmonary arteries during cardiopulmonary bypass is known to provoke lung dysfunction. We assessed the effect of continuous pulmonary perfusion on circulating adhesion molecules and on lung function. Methods: Fourteen infants with congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension were enrolled in the study. During total cardiopulmonary bypass, 8 patients underwent continuous perfusion of the pulmonary arteries (perfusion group), and the remaining 6 patients did not (control group). Plasma levels of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule 1, soluble granule membrane protein 140, and sialyl Lewis x and PaO 2 /fraction of inspired oxygen ratios were measured before commencement and serially for 24 hours after termination of bypass. Results: Plasma levels of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule 1 decreased significantly at the termination of bypass in both groups but returned to prebypass levels immediately in the control group, whereas in the perfusion group the values remained significantly less than those before bypass. Plasma levels of soluble granule membrane protein 140 in the control group were significantly higher at 6 and 12 hours after bypass than levels before bypass, whereas in the perfusion group the values remained at the prebypass level throughout the postbypass period. Trends of plasma levels of sialyl Lewis x were alike in both groups. PaO 2 /fraction of inspired oxygen ratios in the control group decreased significantly from 6 hours after bypass, whereas values in the perfusion group remained at the prebypass value throughout the postbypass period. Conclusions: This study suggests that in infants having congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, continuous pulmonary perfusion during total cardiopulmonary bypass minimizes ischemic insult and neutrophil-endothelial interaction mediated by adhesion molecules in the pulmonary microvessels. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001;122:242-8
Synthesis, biophysical properties, and oxygenation potential of variable molecular weight glutaraldehyde-polymerized bovine hemoglobins with low and high oxygen affinity†

In a recent study, ultrahigh molecular weight (Mw ) glutaraldehyde-polymerized bovine hemoglobins (PolybHbs) were synthesized with low O2 affinity and exhibited no vasoactivity and a slight degree of hypertension in a 10% top-load model.(1) In this work, we systematically investigated the effect of varying the glutaraldehyde to hemoglobin (G:Hb) molar ratio on the biophysical properties of PolybHb polymerized in either the low or high O2 affinity state. Our results showed that the Mw of the resulting PolybHbs increased with increasing G:Hb molar ratio. For low O2 affinity PolybHbs, increasing the G:Hb molar ratio reduced the O2 affinity and CO association rate constants in comparison to bovine hemoglobin (bHb). In contrast for high O2 affinity PolybHbs, increasing the G:Hb molar ratio led to increased O2 affinity and significantly increased the CO association rate constants compared to unmodified bHb and low O2 affinity PolybHbs. The methemoglobin level and NO dioxygenation rate constants were insensitive to the G:Hb molar ratio. However, all PolybHbs displayed higher viscosities compared to unmodified bHb and whole blood, which also increased with increasing G:Hb molar ratio. In contrast, the colloid osmotic pressure of PolybHbs decreased with increasing G:Hb molar ratio. To preliminarily evaluate the ability of low and high O2 affinity PolybHbs to potentially oxygenate tissues in vivo, an O2 transport model was used to simulate O2 transport in a hepatic hollow fiber (HF) bioreactor. It was observed that low O2 affinity PolybHbs oxygenated the bioreactor better than high O2 affinity PolybHbs. This result points to the suitability of low O2 affinity PolybHbs for use in tissue engineering and transfusion medicine. Taken together, our results show the quantitative effect of varying the oxygen saturation of bHb and G:Hb molar ratio on the biophysical properties of PolybHbs and their ability to oxygenate a hepatic HF bioreactor. We suggest that the information gained from this study can be used to guide the design of the next generation of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) for use in tissue engineering and transfusion medicine applications.
IR absorption of silicate glasses studied by ion dynamics computer simulation. I. IR spectra of SiO2 glass in the rigid ion model approximation

Abstract IR spectra, calculated by the ion dynamics computer simulation method (IDCS), are presented for a variety of pair potential models of silica. A number of factors entering the determination of the reliability of the calculated spectral frequencies and line shapes are investigated. Major differences are found between characteristic IR frequencies calculated from the different pair potentials, all of which give comparable radial distribution functions. All pair models have a common failing: they predict principal IR peak separations which are too small. We relate this finding to a common failure of pair models to account for the experimental intertetrahedral bond angle. The greater sensitivity to pair potential of the IR spectrum over radial distribution function is consistent with the proposed sensitivity series: structure
Computer imaging: A project for pattern classification with range images

A series of three laboratory exercises were developed to introduce undergraduate students specializing in computer vision and image processing to three-dimensional imaging. These lab exercises were consolidated into a term project in the Image Analysis and Computer Vision course at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The difficulty encountered in introducing undergraduate students to 3-D imaging was the expense of the equipment. Because equipment expense placed a limitation on the number of 3-D cameras available and consequently, the number of students that could use the equipment, the image database used in this project was captured by graduate students only. At the end of the term, the students evaluated the effectiveness of the project. Eighty eight percent of the students strongly agreed or agreed that they “gained insight into the process of developing algorithms for automatic object classification via images.” Additionally, 83% of the students strongly agreed or agreed that “this project is an excellent enhancement to the in-class lectures.” © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 17: 225–231, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae20183
Standard State Thermodynamic Properties of Ba2+(aq), Co2+(aq), and Cu2+(aq) up to 598.15 K, and Temperature Effect on Ligand Field

Integral heat of solution measurements of barium chloride to 619.81 K, copper oxide in an excess of perrhenic acid to 585 K, and cobalt perrhenate in perrhenic acid to 573 K were measured in a high dilution calorimeter (≤10−3 m) at psat, from which the high temperature thermodynamic properties of aqueous barium chloride, copper perrhenate, and cobalt perrhenate were obtained. From the known differences between the corresponding properties for aqueous perrhenate and chloride ions, the thermodynamic properties of completely ionized aqueous copper and cobalt chloride were obtained from ionic additivity. The enthalpy and derived heat capacity data at higher temperatures (T > 473.15 K) suggest that the ligand field stabilization energy of Co2+(aq) may be disappearing.
Solubility Studies of Silver Sulfonamides

The solubilities of silver sulfapyridine, silver sulfamethazine, and silver sulfamethizole as a function of pH were determined in nitric acid-potassium nitrate, acetate, and sulfonic acid buffers. All silver sulfonamides showed an increase in solubility with increasing hydrogen-ion concentration, a behavior which closely paralleled the protonation of the p-amino function of the sulfonamide. A silver-ion selective electrode was used to measure silver-ion.concentrationi n solution and the methods of known subtraction and known addition were used to measure total silver. Both silver sulfamethizole and silver sulfamethazine were ionized completely in solution. Silver sulfapyridine was ionized completely only in the more acidic pH 2–3 range. A comparison of the physical properties of the silver salts for which mortality studies were available revealed a unique set of properties for silver sulfadiazine.
Formulation and its energy balance verification for ultrasonic non-destructive characterization of a single fibre composite interphase

Abstract It is widely acknowledged that the structural performance of fibre-reinforced composites is critically affected by the interphase, the finite-thickness layer located between the fibres and matrix. A need to characterize the interphase thus arises. A promising ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique for the characterization of the interphase is considered. For the successful design and implementation of the technique, an understanding of elastic wave propagation and scattering involved in this technique is required. As a fundamental approach, a two-dimensional plane-strain model is formulated for elastic wave scattering of time-harmonic plane incident waves from a single fibre having a homogeneous interphase embedded in an elastic matrix. Two modes of incident waves, longitudinal and in-plane shear, are considered. The formal solution to the formulated problem is found via the normal mode expansion method. A computer program is developed for the calculation of the formal solution and its validity is confirmed by two methods: limiting case analysis and energy balance analysis.
Optical nonlinearity and bistability in liquid crystals

Molecular reorientation and laser heating induced by an optical field can yield significant changes in the refractive indices in a nematic liquid crystal. A c.w. laser beam is intense enough to induce a phase retardation much larger than 2pi in a nematic film less than 100 pm thick. Optical bistability in such a film sandwiched between mirrors can be readily observed. Coupling between the two mechanisms for induced refractive indices can lead to interesting results in the bistable operation.
Soft tissue contractures from melorheostosis involving the upper extremity

Melorheostosis is a rare disorder characterized by a linear hyperostosis of cortical bone, joint pain, stiffness, deformity, and limited motion. In the hand, the disease is often disabling because of progressive contractures of the joints and soft tissues involved. Two cases of melorheostosis involving the radial side of the hand and upper extremity are reported. Splinting or surgical release did not result in permanent correction of the soft tissue contractures. Retraining patients to use their unaffected hand should be considered early in the course of the disease.
Instantaneous damage detection of bridge structures and experimental verification

An extended Kalman filtering (EKF) method was developed and applied to instantaneously identify elemental stiffness values of a structure during damaging seismic events based on vibration measurement. This method is capable of dealing with nonlinear as well as linear structural responses. Identification of the structural elemental stiffness enables location as well as quantification of structural damage. The instantaneous stiffness values during an event can provide highly useful information for post-event capacity estimation. In this study, a large-scale shaking table test of a 3-bent concrete bridge model was performed in order to verify the proposed damage detection method. The bridge model was shaken to different damage levels by a sequence of earthquake motions with increasing intensities. The elemental stiffness values of the structure were instantaneously identified in real time during the damaging earthquake excitations using the EKF method. The identified stiffness degradations and their locations agreed well with the structural damage observed by visual inspection and strain measurements. More importantly, the seismic response accelerations analytically simulated using the instantaneous stiffness values thus identified agreed well with the measured accelerations, demonstrating the accuracy of the identified stiffness. This study presents an experimental verification of a structural damage detection method using a realistic bridge model subjected to realistic seismic damage.
Popular political opinion in England 1660–1685

(1989). Popular political opinion in England 1660–1685. History of European Ideas: Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 13-29.
Rashba spin-orbit interaction in graphene and zigzag nanoribbons

We investigate the effects of Rashba spin-orbit (RSO) interactions on the electronic band structure and corresponding wave functions of graphene. By exactly solving a tight-binding model Hamiltonian we obtain the expected splitting of the bands---due to the SU(2) spin symmetry breaking---that is accompanied by the appearance of additional Dirac points. These points are originated by valence-conduction-band crossings. By introducing a convenient gauge transformation we study a model for zigzag nanoribbons with RSO interactions. We show that RSO interactions lift the quasidegeneracy of the edge band while introducing a state-dependent spin separation in real space. Calculation of the average magnetization perpendicular to the ribbon plane suggest that RSO could be used to produce spin-polarized currents. Comparisons with the intrinsic spin-orbit interaction proposed to exist in graphene are also presented.
Histopathology of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, infected with a nuclear polyhedrosis

Abstract The histopathology of a nuclear polyhedrosis of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni , infected with four viral preparations was investigated. As previously reported, the nuclei of hypodermis, fat body, tracheal matrix, and blood cells of the cabbage looper showed signs of infection. Polyhedra were also observed in the sarcolemma, neurilemma of nerves, segmental ganglia, subesophageal ganglion, and brain (including some neurones of these nerve tissues), testicular sheath, wing buds, some parts of silk glands and Malpighian tubules, and in connective tissue surrounding the midgut. Infection of midgut epithelium was observed infrequently following treatment with any preparation. Although two types of polyhedra, small and large, predominated in all four virus materials, polyhedra of different grades in size, but always of the same size in the same nucleus, were also observed.
Cerebrovascular complications and utilization of endovascular techniques following transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas: a study of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2001–2010

Cerebrovascular complications following transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors are rare and often evaluated and treated with endovascular techniques. We determined the utilization rate and outcomes of endovascular procedures in transsphenoidal pituitary resection patients using an administrative database. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2001–2010, patients receiving transsphenoidal resection of benign pituitary tumors were identified. The rate of cerebrovascular complications and utilization of endovascular repair procedures and cerebral angiography were compared between high (≥75 procedures/year) and low volume (<75 procedures/year) centers. Chi squared tests were used to compare categorical variables. 70,878 were patients included in this study. ICH/SAH occurred in 0.9 % of patients (652/70,878) and stroke occurred in 0.5 % of patients (327/70,878). Patients treated at high volume centers had significantly lower rates of stroke (0.5 % vs. 1.0 %, P = 0.04), and ICH/SAH (0.5 vs. 1.0 %, P = 0.05) when compared to patients treated at low-volume centers. Overall, 531 patients (0.7 %) received post-operative angiography and 83 patients (0.1 %) received endovascular repair procedures. High volume center patients underwent angiography in 0.4 % of cases compared to 0.9 % for low volume center patients (P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in endovascular repair procedure rates at high and low volume centers (0.1 vs. 0.2 %, P = 0.37). Cerebrovascular surgical complications requiring cerebral angiography and endovascular repair are rare among transsphenoidal pituitary resection patients. These occur with higher frequency at low volume centers and are associated with high mortality rates.
Hydropower's future, the environment, and global electricity systems

Hydropower is a well established electricity system on the global scene. Global electricity needs by far exceed the amount of electricity that hydrosystems can provide to meet global electricity needs. Much of the world's hydropower remains to be brought into production. Improved technology, better calibrated environmental parameters for large projects have become the norm in the past 15 years. How and why does hydropower retain a prominent role in electricity production? How and why does hydropower find social acceptance in diverse social systems? How does hydropower project planning address issues beyond electricity generation? How does the systems approach to hydropower installations further analysis of comparative energy sources powering electricity systems? Attention to the environmental impact of hydropower facilities forms an integral part of systems analysis. Similarly, the technical, political and economic variables call for balanced analysis to identify the viability status of hydro projects. Economic competition among energy systems requires in context assessments as these shape decision making in planning of hydropower systems. Moreover, technological change has to be given a time frame during which the sector advances in productivity and share in expanding electricity generation. The low production costs per kWh assure hydropower at this juncture, 2009, a very viable future.
Indoleamine accumulation by retinal neurons exposed to blood.

Exposing rabbit retinas for one minute to an incubation medium containing 10 μl of blood diluted in 20 ml of medium was sufficient to produce serotonin-like immunoreactivity in some of the retinal indoleamine-accumulating neurons. Retinas from rabbits that had been perfused before the eyes were removed had no detectable immunoreactivity. Our results support the conjecture that the serotonin sometimes detected in the retina originates in the blood. Why the cells have a carrier for a molecule that they do not normally contain remains unclear.
Biochemical properties of sodium channels in a wide range of excitable tissues studied with site-directed antibodies

Antibodies against a peptide (SP19) corresponding to a highly conserved, predicted intracellular region of the sodium channel alpha subunit bind rat brain sodium channels with a similar affinity as the peptide antigen, indicating that the corresponding segment of the alpha subunit is fully accessible in the intact channel structure. These antibodies recognize sodium channel alpha subunits from rat or eel brain, rat skeletal muscle, rat heart, eel electroplax, and locust nervous system. alpha subunits from all these tissues except rat skeletal muscle are substrates for phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Disulfide linkage of alpha and beta 2 subunits was observed for both the RI and RII subtypes of rat brain sodium channels and for sodium channels from eel brain but not for sodium channels from rat heart, eel electroplax, or locust nerve cord. Treatment with neuraminidase reduced the apparent molecular weight of sodium channel alpha subunits from rat and eel brain and eel electroplax by 22,000-58,000, those from heart by 8000, and those from locust nerve cord by less than 4000. Our results provide the first identification of sodium channel alpha subunits from rat heart and locust brain and nerve cord and show that sodium channel alpha subunits are expressed with different subunit associations and posttranslational modifications in different excitable tissues.
A few good women - on top management teams

AbstractOur study extends the upper echelon framework to gender diversity in top management teams (TMTs), a topic that has received littleattention in management. We study the direct impact of representation of women on TMTs on organizational performance. We also study themoderating effects of environmental characteristics on the TMT women–performance linkage. In a sample of 679 firms from the 1998Fortune 1000 list, our results show a positive relationship between the proportion of women on TMTs and organizational performance. Themoderating effects of environmental characteristics, namely, munificence, dynamism, and complexity, are not supported. These results revealthat the role played by top women managers transcends the demands of the environment. Our study has implications for the careerdevelopment of women. In addition, our results have the potential to generalize to managers from other nationalities.D 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Keywords: Women; Top management teams; Performance; Fortune 1000 firms
Sample matrix effects in micellar electrokinetic capillary electrophoresis

Several factors related to sample matrix which can influence peak height in micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography were studied. The ionic strength of the sample did not affect greatly the peak height. High concentration of surfactants or organic solvents in the sample decreased the peak height. On the other hand, using a surfactant in the sample different from the one in the electrophoresis buffer or the addition of polyethylene glycol to the sample enhanced slightly the peak height. A high surfactant concentration in the buffer increased the migration time as well as the plate number and the peak height. Matrix effects are more profound with large than with small sample injections. In general, the effect of sample matrix in MECC is much less than that observed in capillary zone electrophoresis. It is recommended to prepare the standards in the same matrix as that of the sample or to add the analytes directly to the sample to avoid any bias in the results.
Relationship between knee kinetics during jumping tasks and knee articular cartilage MRI T1rho and T2 relaxation times.

Background Articular cartilage of young healthy individuals is dynamic and responsive to loading behaviors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of cartilage T1ρ and T2 relaxation times with loading kinetics during jumping tasks in healthy young individuals.
Pt-CeO2 nanofibers based high-frequency impedancemetric gas sensor for selective CO and C3H8 detection in high-temperature harsh environment

Abstract High-temperature gas sensors are highly demanded to improve the combustion efficiency and reduce the emission of pollutant. In this study, Pt-CeO 2 nanofibers (Pt-CeO 2 NFs) were prepared using a facile two-step synthetic route (electrospinning followed by calcination). The impedance spectroscopy of the Pt-CeO 2 NFs based sensor was investigated in pure N 2 and different gas mixtures (O 2 , CO, CO 2 , NO, SO 2 , and C 3 H 8 balanced by N 2 ) with various concentrations at 800 °C. For the first time, the sensor without solid electrolyte was operated at high frequency (100 kHz), so that the sensor response towards O 2 , CO 2 , NO and SO 2 (balanced with N 2 ) was completely eliminated and strong reducing gases (e.g., CO and C 3 H 8 ) can be selectively detected with good sensitivity, suggesting that high-frequency impedancemetric technique is a promising approach to improve the selectivity of high-temperature harsh environment gas sensors when operated at an appropriate frequency.
Restabilization of electrosterically stabilized colloids in high salt media

For electrostatically stabilized colloids, an increase in salt concentration typically causes a decrease in stability, until the electrical double layer is collapsed, in which case the instability remains as salt concentration is increased further. In cases when adsorbed polymer is used to impart stability, the onset of aggregation can most often be correlated with the onset of poor polymer solvency. Therefore, it is anticipated that when a charged latex is stabilized by a thin nonionic polymer which is salted out, the colloidal stability should either decrease or remain constant upon an increase in salt concentration. In the present work, however, an increase in stability is observed for several salts at relatively high concentrations, a phenomenon referred to herein as “restabilization”. The specific circumstances in which this unexpected behavior occurs and the possible causes for it are discussed.
Imaging the evolution of an ultracold strontium Rydberg gas

Clouds of ultracold strontium $5s48s\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{}^{1}{S}_{0}$ or $5s47d\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{}^{1}{D}_{2}$ Rydberg atoms are created by two-photon excitation of laser-cooled $5{s}^{2}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{}^{1}{S}_{0}$ atoms. The spontaneous evolution of the cloud of low orbital angular momentum (low-$\ensuremath{\ell}$) Rydberg states towards an ultracold neutral plasma is observed by imaging resonant light scattered from core ions, a technique that provides both spatial and temporal resolution. Evolution is observed to be faster for the $S$ states, which display isotropic attractive interactions, than for the $D$ states, which exhibit anisotropic, principally repulsive interactions. Immersion of the atoms in a dilute ultracold neutral plasma speeds up the evolution and allows the number of Rydberg atoms initially created to be determined.