cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite-basis-set optimized effective potential exchange-only method

The finite-basis-set optimized effective potential (OEP) method is presented from an integral equation point of view. It is shown that the projection method for solving the OEP integral equation provides a consistent and convenient approach for including orbital-dependent functionals and potentials in the finite-basis-set implementations of the Kohn–Sham theory. Different finite-basis-set realizations of the OEP method are introduced and tested within the exchange-only approximation. An exact condition involving the local multiplicative exchange potential and the nonlocal Hartree–Fock exchange potential built from Kohn–Sham orbitals is incorporated in our schemes. Numerical results are presented.
Scaling gauge invariance and constancy of the speed of light

We prepose to extend Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism by treating the speed of light as a scalar function of space-time. This leads to scaling gauge invariance. As a consequence we find a conserved magnetic monopole current and nonconservation of electric charge.
Lines of force of the geomagnetic field in space

Abstract The lines of force of the geomagnetic field at various latitudes and longitudes in the northern hemisphere are approximately traced to their intersections with the earth's surface in the southern hemisphere, using an electronic computer and the first nine Gauss coefficients. Those lines leaving the average northern auroral zone are traced to their intersection of the geomagnetic field with the earth's surface. These points of intersection are found to be very nearly at the average southern auroral zone deduced from auroral observations and from magnetic measurements of disturbance. It is concluded, therefore, that the geomagnetic field has stability and a simple character even at distances as great as about 6 earth radii above the earth, measured in the equatorial plane, even during auroral displays. It is also concluded that solar streams at such times do not seriously distort the field lines connecting the auroral zones.
PTC124 improves readthrough and increases enzymatic activity of the CPT1A R160X nonsense mutation.

Deficiency of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) results in impaired hepatic long-chain fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis. We have previously described a patient with a severe CPT1A phenotype who is homozygous for the nonsense mutation 478 C > T (R160X). It has been known for some time that gentamicin can promote readthrough of nonsense codons. Recently, a new compound (PTC124) with less clinical toxicity than gentamicin has been indicated as a therapy for patients with nonsense mutations for multiple genetic diseases. The study is designed to investigate whether PTC124 can promote readthrough of the R160X CPT1A mutation and increase normal sized CPT1 protein expression and activity in the patient’s skin fibroblasts. Our study demonstrated that after both PTC 124 and gentamicin treatment, there was an increase in CPT1 activity in patient fibroblasts to levels that are similar to that of the mild Inuit P479L variant. Our results provide additional evidence for proof of principle that PTC124 is a potential therapeutic agent for treating patients with any genetic condition that results from a nonsense mutation.
Microbe-Enhanced Environmental Fatigue Crack Propagation in HY130 Steel ✫

Abstract Research was undertaken to characterize the effect of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) on aqueous environment-enhanced fatigue cracking in a high-strength alloy steel. Desulfovibrio vulgaris in Postgate C solution greatly increased rates of ambient-temperature fatigue crack propagation (FCP) in tempered martensitic HY130 steel (MIL-S-24371A) under cathodic polarization and low-frequency, constant stress intensity range (ΔK) loading. Crack growth rates (da/dN) in the SRB solution increased 50- to 1,000-fold relative to FCP in sterile sodium chloride (NaCl) solution at −1,000 mVSCE and under vacuum, respectively. The presence of microbes shifted fatigue cracking from a transgranular path (typical in sterile NaCl) to an intergranular crack path consistent with the enhanced growth rates. The SRB reduced fatigue crack initiation resistance, countering the beneficial effect of cathodic polarization for sterile NaCl. Metal embrittlement and increased hydrogen uptake at the occluded crack tip caused by ba...
Preliminary Models of Risk and Protective Factors for Childhood Homesickness: Review and Empirical Synthesis

Empirical research and conventional wisdom have suggested numerous risk and protective factors for the development of homesickness. Yet no study has integrated predictors and sequelae of homesickness into a testable statistical model. As a first step in developing a pathogenic model of homesickness in children, this study measured, factor analyzed, and modeled 14 predictors and 8 sequelae of homesickness. Using a sample of 293 boys, ages 8–16, spending 2 weeks at an overnight summer camp, this study tested 2 alternate models, focusing on the roles of boys' interpersonal attitudes, perceived control, and separation expectations in the subsequent development of homesickness. Results indicated that interpersonal attitudes and perceived control may predict boys' preseparation beliefs about whether they will become homesick. This “homesick disposition” combines with little prior separation experience to account for 69% of the variance in self-reported homesickness. Homesickness was not a powerful predictor of negative emotion, whereas interpersonal attitudes and perceived control predicted 70% of the variance in negative emotion. Results are discussed in the context of contemporary theories of homesickness.
Radiative transfer modeling of Saturn's outer B ring

The present investigation of Voyager images of the Saturn outer B ring's light-scattering behavior gives attention to the four radial regions formed by brighter and darker areas within and outside the 'spokes'. The B-ring particles are found to have a strongly backscattering phase function and a large-particle scattering albedo of 0.54 in the dark regions and 0.58 in the bright ones; these albedos are interpretable as due to multiple scattering among very pure ice grains covering the ring particle surfaces. It is shown that dark micrometeoroid impacts into the B ring would have darkened the particles to their current spherical albedo in as little as 100 to 200 million years.
Repetitive Process Control of Laser Metal Deposition

The Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) process is an additive manufacturing process in which a laser and a powdered material source are used to build functional metal parts in a layer by layer fashion. While the process is usually modeled by purely temporal dynamic models, the process is more aptly described as a repetitive process with two sets of dynamic processes: one that evolves in position within the layer and one that evolves in part layer. Therefore, to properly control the LMD process, it is advantageous to use a model of the LMD process that captures the dominant two dimensional phenomena and to address the two-dimensionality in process control. Using an identified spatial-domain Hammerstein model of the LMD process, the open loop process stability is examined. Then, a stabilizing controller is designed using error feedback in the layer domain.© 2014 ASME
Decision making under uncertainty with ordinal information

We consider the problem of decision making under uncertainty where the payoffs are measured on an ordinal scale. First the case in which no information is available with respect to the uncertainty is studied. Here decision functions are obtained which reflect the attitude of the decision maker. Next the case where a possibility distribution exists with respect to uncertain variable is considered. Finally we look at the case where both possibilistic and probabilistic uncertainty co-exist.
Value-Added Teacher Estimates as Part of Teacher Evaluations: Exploring the Effects of Data and Model Specifications on the Stability of Teacher Value-Added Scores.

In this study we explored the effects of statistical controls, single versus multiple cohort models, and student sample size on the stability of teacher value-added estimates (VAEs). We estimated VAEs for all 5 th grade mathematics teachers in a large urban district by fitting two level mixed models using four cohorts of student data. We found that student sample size had the largest effect on changes in teachers’ relative standing and designation into performance groups, while control variables affected VAEs only minimally. However, we also found that teacher VAEs showed a fair degree of stability; year-to-year correlations ranged between .62 and .66, and changes in teacher effectiveness systematically varied by teacher experience, with beginning teachers showing the largest improvements over the four years under study. Our results suggest that some model specifications are likely to produce teacher value-added scores that can reflect meaningful differences in teachers while we also found that other models might produce VAEs that might be unreliable.
Controlled release of Repifermin® from polyelectrolyte complexes stimulates endothelial cell proliferation

The therapeutic value of many growth factors is often hindered by the narrow therapeutic index and sustained concentrations required for efficacy. Controlled release approaches provide a valuable tool to achieve these goals; however, growth factor stability must be maintained. Repifermin® is a truncated form of fibroblast growth factor-10, also known as keratinocyte growth factor-2, that exhibits promise in wound healing applications; however, controlled release formulation presents a challenge for this labile protein. Taking advantage of the heparin-binding motif of this class of biopharmaceuticals, Repifermin® was effectively stabilized and packaged in polyelectrolyte complexes. In the presence of dextran sulfate, the unfolding temperature of this growth factor was increased by ∼10°C as confirmed by a variety of spectroscopic techniques. Dextran sulfate with bound Repifermin® was then complexed with several polycations (chitosan, poly-L-lysine, and polyethylenimine) resulting in the formation of ∼250 nm polyelectrolyte complexes that entrapped the protein with ∼70–80% efficiency. Release was controlled for more than 10 days and the mitogenic activity of Repifermin® on human umbilical cord vascular endothelial cells was significantly enhanced, whereas no effect was noted for free Repifermin®. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:268–280, 2009
Risk of repeat mitral valve replacement for failed mitral valve prostheses

Abstract Background Advances in tissue prosthetic valve design and manufacturing have stimulated renewed interest in the use of biological valves in younger patients. This approach, however, risks reoperation. We therefore reviewed our recent experience with repeat mitral valve replacement to better define its contemporary risks. Methods Using a computerized database, we identified and compared 106 patients undergoing repeat mitral valve replacement with 562 control patients undergoing primary mitral valve replacement between January 1993 and December 2000 at our institution. Results There were no significant differences between repeat and primary surgery groups with respect to age (mean 66 ± 12 vs 64 ± 13 years), gender distribution (women 65% vs 64%), preoperative functional class, ejection fraction, or active endocarditis (6.6% vs 3.4%). The indication for reoperation in the repeat group was structural dysfunction in 49 patients (46%), paravalvular leak in 21 patients (20%), nonstructural dysfunction in 11 patients (10%), and progression of other native valve disease in 8 patients (8%). Prior prostheses were mechanical in 46 patients (43%). Mean time to reoperation was 11.5 ± 7.1 years. There were 5 deaths out of 106 patients in the repeat group (4.7%) and there were 23 deaths out of 562 patients in the control group (4.1%) ( p = NS). Multivariate analysis identified prior myocardial infarction ( p = 0.014, odds ratio 2.9) and nonelective surgical status ( p = 0.004, odds ratio 2.3) as significant predictors of operative mortality. Conclusions The risk of repeat mitral valve replacement was low suggesting that there should be less reluctance to recommend patients choose a bioprosthesis over a mechanical prosthesis. Given the expected durability of current designs, bioprosthetic use may be explored in younger patients without subjecting those individuals to excessive risk.
Modeling and implementing a business process using WebSphere Lombardi Edition 7.1

Business process management (BPM) helps companies to simplify, transform, and automate their processes, and to better integrate them with technology. As a result, the processes become more predictable, flexible, and cost-efficient. In turn, the business itself becomes more efficient and effective in communication and decision-making. It is able to reduce costs, to innovate, to react more quickly to change, and to increase its return on investment.
NOAA administrator reviews agency progress and challenges

The approach of the new year is a traditional time to tally up successes, failures, and the path ahead. Jane Lubchenco, administrator of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), examined some agency advances and significant challenges during the 7 December Union Agency Lecture at the AGU Fall Meeting, during a press briefing, and in an interview with Eos. Lubchenco focused on several key areas including the concern about monitoring, mitigating, and managing extreme events; budgetary pressures the agency faces in current fiscal year (FY) 2012 and in FY 2013, with President Barack Obama on 18 November having signed into law a bill, HR 2112, following congressional agreement on a budget legislation conference report; and NOAA's newly released scientific integrity policy (see “NOAA issues scientific integrity policy,” Eos Trans. AGU, 92(50), 467, doi:10.1029/2011EO500004, 2011).
Polymer-based valves with tunable opening pressures for biomedical applications

A series of polymer-based Polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) ball valves with different opening pressures have been developed for biomedical applications. By tuning different weight ratios of the two components (the base and the curing agent) of PDMS, the valves will have different opening pressures because of different stiffness of the PDMS materials. The curing conditions and mechanical properties of the PDMS material with different ratios have been thoroughly studied. The compressive Young's modulus of the material can be tuned from 310 KPa to 2.0 MPa. Such kind valves can be fabricated by injection molding, one of the cheapest fabrication techniques. Also such kind valve has no dead volume and easily to be integrated into micro-total analysis systems (μTAS).
SERS Spectroscopy Used To Study an Adsorbate on a Nanoscale Thin Film of CuO Coated with Ag

In this work, 5, 15, and 30 nm Ag island films over CuO thin films (AgFOCuF) were prepared as SERS substrates. The spectra of 4-mercaptopyridine (4-Mpy) adsorbed on these AgFOCuF and bare Ag island films are compared. The Raman spectrum of a bare 5 nm Ag island film is weak. However, the Raman signal of 4-Mpy from 5 nm AgFOCuF substrate is enhanced and can be readily ascribed to surface plasma resonance of silver and charge transfer between the silver and CuO nanoparticles. Moreover, the difference between the spectra of 4-MPY adsorbed on CuO film partially covered with Ag island film and CuO film entirely covered with Ag film confirms that the observed Raman scattering arises from the interaction between CuO film and Ag island film.
Comparative feeding value of a cubed alfalfa:corn plant product as an exclusive diet for exercising horses

Summary In a switchback experiment, six mature Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred geldings weighing approximately 495 kg and in average body condition score of 5.4 were fed two diets and exercised daily. Horses were randomly assigned to a conventional diet or alfalfa:corn plant cubes as an exclusive diet. During the 21-day adaptation period, level of work increased daily digestible energy requirements to approximately 1.75 times maintenance. Sweat production was estimated on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. A 4-day digestion trial was conducted on days 17, 18, 19 and 20. Horses performed a standardized exercise test on day 21 by galloping 18 minutes at a heart rate of 150 beats per minute followed by 2 minutes at 200 beats per minute. Venous blood samples, heart rates, respiration rates and rectal temperatures were taken before exercise, immediately after and throughout recovery from the test. Then, the horses were abruptly switched to opposite diets and the procedures were repeated. No noticeable digestive disturbances occurred as a result of the abrupt introduction of diets to horses. Furthermore, no “cribbing” problems or apparent cases of choking were observed throughout the study. Horses consumed the cubed diet slower (P .1) between diets. Only slight increases (P>.05) in body condition were observed at the end of each period. Heart rate, respiration and rectal temperature increased (P
Television violence and its effect on children

Television (TV) has become a large part of children's activities. Much discussion exists as to the level of violence on TV programs and its effect on children's behavior. This article reviews the literature, discusses social issues, and presents some interventions available to nursing professionals to assist children and families in coping with the impact of TV on children's lives.
B MESON AND ITS CURRENT.

We examine the assumption that the $B$ meson (1220 MeV, ${J}^{\mathrm{PC}}={1}^{+\ensuremath{-}}$) and its chiral partner are gauge fields. This leads to the introduction of an internal $\mathrm{SU}(6)$ group which contains $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}(3)$ as a sub-group. We discuss the appropriate formalism and mass degeneracy breaking by means of the use of non-linear realizations of the group.
Residue determination of hydrazine in water by derivatization and gas chromatography

Abstract A method is described for the determination of hydrazine residue in water. Hydrazine is converted to the acetone azine, which is extracted with methylene chloride and determined by gas chromatography using a nitrogen/phosphorus detector. The limit of detection is 0.1 part per billion (10 9 ), and the recoveries ageraged 92% for water fortified with 0.1 to 10 parts per billion of hydrazine. The derivatization of trace levels of hydrazine with a large excess of acetone was compared in a predominantly aqueous system and a methanolic system. The derivatization proceeds quantitatively in 53 min in the methanolic system and in less than 2 m in in the aqueous system. Excellent yields of the azine were obtained at ppb levels.
Microstructural engineering through donor and acceptor doping in the grain and grain boundary of a polycrystalline semiconducting ceramic

This paper deals with the concept of microstructural engineering through donor and acceptor dopings within the grain and at the grain boundary of a polycrystalline semiconducting ceramic. These concepts are derived from an analysis of the “prebreakdown” and the “upturn” current-voltage characteristics of a ZnO varistor and from the construction of corresponding defect models as a function of donor and acceptor dopants at the grain and grain boundary. By using Li, Al, and Na as dopants, it is shown that the dopants can be grain or grain boundary specific in the ZnO microstructure and that they can act as donors, acceptors, or both, depending on the nature and concentration of dopants and their location on the host crystal lattice structure. In the case of the ZnO varistor, the grain and grain boundary properties can thus be tuned independently or concurrently by systematic engineering of the entire microstructure through defect dopings that are specific to the grain, grain boundary, or both. Following a detailed analysis of the defect models thus developed for the ZnO varistor, a set of ground rules are proposed for applying these concepts of donor and acceptor dopings at the grain and grain boundary to the general case of microstructural engineering in a polycrystalline semiconducting ceramic.
Relationship between constructional praxis and dressing in the head-injured adult.

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential relationship between dressing ability and constructional praxis performance in a head-injured population. Thirty-seven patients with severe head injuries were rated on dressing ability and constructional praxis tasks in a rehabilitation setting. Three constructional praxis measures were taken: graphic, two-dimensional, and three-dimesional abilities. A significant relationship was found between mean dressing ability scores and all three constructional praxis scores. These findigs suggest that a portion of inability to dress is perceptual not motor, in origin in individuals with severe head-injuries, and that constructional praxis re-training has functional significance for the patient. No relationship was found between presencce or absence of Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT scan) abnormality and dressing or constructional praxis disability. Language: en
Distributed source coding in wireless sensor networks using LDPC coding: the entire Slepian-Wolf rate region

In this paper, we propose a scheme for distributed source coding (DSC) that achieves any arbitrary rate on the Slepian-Wolf rate region using a single systematic LDPC code. This method is based on sending a fraction of the information bits along with a fraction of parity bits generated by the LDPC code. First, we study the problem of DSC of two correlated sources at the symmetric rate. We propose to use nonuniform LDPC codes for this application. Then, we generalize our approach to any arbitrary rate. The detailed construction of this scheme is investigated. We illustrate that the design procedure for the LDPC code simplifies to the design of rate-adaptive LDPC codes that need unequal error protection. It is shown that the performance of DSC at any arbitrary rate is almost the same as that of asymmetric rates. Because of the proposed decoding algorithm, each of the sources is decoded independently (only part of the information bits are being exchanged between the decoders). Therefore, this approach does not suffer from the problems of heavy damage or propagation of errors. This method can be easily applied to joint source-channel coding.
PMU based transient stabilization using FACTS

Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) and Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) have great potential for stabilizing response of the power grid to the large disturbances. A combination of both technologies can result in very powerful near-real time sensing and control capable of monitoring and counteracting the effects of very fast disturbances. In this paper we propose fast switching of FACTS devices which is guaranteed to transiently stabilize the system using very fast and accurate PMU measurements. The nonlinear control law proposed in this paper is based and designed upon understanding the physical system-wide effects of a fault. The control law can be interpreted in terms of controling stored energy flow dynamics and it is also derived using energy-based high gain control methods for nonlinear systems. As such, it is entirely scalable and applicable to any size system. The location of PMUs and the design of systemwide communications for given locations of FACTS devices is directly determined using the designed control law. FACTS control of this type would not be possible without having the accuracy and sampling rate of PMUs.
Toward massive distributed file systems

Massive scale in distributed file systems remains an elusive goal. Existing systems are generally limited to only a few hundred clients or make restrictive assumptions, such as that widely shared files are read-only. It is argued that a truly massive system must scale for all kinds of files; file access traces suggest that occasionally written files make up too large a proportion of shared reads to be ignored. The file access patterns that are likely to be important in the large-scale systems of the future are outlined, and a scheme for constructing dynamic client hierarchies that may work on a much greater scale than conventional approaches is described. >
Prediction of solvent-induced morphological changes of polyelectrolyte diblock copolymer micelles

Self-assembly processes of polyelectrolyte block copolymers are ubiquitous in industrial and biological processes; understanding their physical properties can also provide insights into the design of polyelectrolyte materials with novel and tailored properties. Here, we report systematic analysis on how the ionic strength of the solvent and the length of the polyelectrolyte block affect the self-assembly and morphology of the polyelectrolyte block copolymer materials by constructing a salt-dependent morphological phase diagram using an implicit solvent ionic strength (ISIS) method for dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations. This diagram permits the determination of the conditions for the morphological transition into a specific shape, namely vesicles or lamellar aggregates, wormlike/cylindrical micelles, and spherical micelles. The scaling behavior for the size of spherical micelles is predicted, in terms of radius of gyration (R(g,m)) and thickness of corona (Hcorona), as a function of solvent ionic strength (c(s)) and polyelectrolyte length (NA), which are R(g,m) ∼ c(s)(-0.06)N(A)(0.54) and Hcorona ∼ c(s)(-0.11)N(A)(0.75). The simulation results were corroborated through AFM and static light scattering measurements on the example of the self-assembly of monodisperse, single-stranded DNA block-copolynucleotides (polyT50-b-F-dUTP). Overall, we were able to predict the salt-responsive morphology of polyelectrolyte materials in aqueous solution and show that a spherical-cylindrical-lamellar change in morphology can be obtained through an increase in solvent ionic strength or a decrease of polyelectrolyte length.
Dod Applications of Implantation-Modified Materials

This paper reviews areas under investigation within DoD involving the application of ion implantation to problems in wear, friction, corrosion, and fatigue. Specific results on the modification of metal fatigue in T i turbine blade alloys and the modification of sliding wear of steels are reviewed and discussed in terms of the mechanisms which are thought to be acting to improve the metal properties.
Suppressing bullfrog larvae with carbon dioxide.

Abstract Current management strategies for the control and suppression of the American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus = Rana catesbeiana Shaw) and other invasive amphibians have had minimal effect on their abundance and distribution. This study evaluates the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) on pre- and prometamorphic Bullfrog larvae. Bullfrogs are a model organism for evaluating potential suppression agents because they are a successful invader worldwide. From experimental trials we estimated that the 24-h 50% and 99% lethal concentration (LC50 and LC99) values for Bullfrog larvae were 371 and 549 mg CO2/L, respectively. Overall, larvae that succumbed to experimental conditions had a lower body condition index than those that survived. We also documented sublethal changes in blood chemistry during prolonged exposure to elevated CO2. Specifically, blood pH decreased by more than 0.5 pH units after 9 h of exposure and both blood partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and blood glucose increased. These findings su...
Burnout: Stresses in consultation-liaison psychiatry

Abstract The burnout syndrome encompasses both behavioral and emotional symptoms that produce vocational difficulties. Psychiatrists involved in consultation-liaison work may be subjected to unique stresses—including role ambiguity and role con flict—in addition to the stresses that foster burnout in other health care professionals. Patients with complex medical-psychiatric problems, disinterested consultees, and specific situational constraints such as unpredictable schedules and uncomfortable work settings exert further demands. This paper examines these various areas of difficulty and proposes coping strategies. Peer-group support, effective division leadership, routine assessment of goals, and flexible approaches can help relieve the strains inherent in consultation-liaison psychiatry.
Role of Postmarketing Surveillance in Contemporary Medicine

Contemporary medicine is a large and complex system involving many participants, all of whom play a critical role in managing the risks intrinsic to medical product use. Despite the robust premarket review and approval process of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), new information will inevitably be learned in the postmarketing period about the safety of medicines and how they are and should be used. For much of this information, FDA relies on public reports about possible adverse events. In turn, the public depends on FDA to communicate the most up-to-date safety information on medical products to better inform treatment decisions. Expanding the scope and strengthening the capabilities of the drug safety surveillance system are among key FDA projects designed to reduce avoidable injury and death from medication use. Although improving drug safety is our goal and obligation to the public, FDA cannot protect the public adequately without the active involvement of all participants in healthcare.
Plantar fibromatosis: a review of primary and recurrent surgical treatment.

Plantar fibromatosis can be quite disabling to the patient, as well as a technical challenge to the surgeon. Patients who undergo previous local excisions and in whom aggressive recurrences develop...
Ultrastructural studies of the effects of reserpine on mouse abdominal sympathetic paraganglia

Male and female A/Jax mice 10–18 days of age were given one, two, or three daily subcutaneous injections of Serpasil (Reserpine USP; 2.5 mg/kg) and sacrificed 24 hours after the last injection. Abdominal extra-adrenal tissue was processed for electron microscopy to determine the effects of this catecholamine depleting drug on the dense cored cytoplasmic granules of the parenchymal chief cells. Electron microscopic investigations of sympathetic paraganglia from treated animals revealed a marked decrease in granule opacity as compared to that seen in cells from control animals. The cells with granules reduced in opacity following reserpine treatment could be consistently distinguished from those of non-treated animals which led us to assume that the drug depleted the amine content from its storage site in the granule without completely destroying the granule structure. These results further substantiate our earlier speculations that the granules in abdominal paraganglion chief cells of the mouse contain catecholamines.
Observations of Strong Surface Radar Ducts over the Persian Gulf

Abstract Ducting of microwave radiation is a common phenomenon over the oceans. The height and strength of the duct are controlling factors for radar propagation and must be determined accurately to assess propagation ranges. A surface evaporation duct commonly forms due to the large gradient in specific humidity just above the sea surface; a deeper surface-based or elevated duct frequently is associated with the sudden change in temperature and humidity across the boundary layer inversion. In April 1996 the U.K. Meteorological Office C-130 Hercules research aircraft took part in the U.S. Navy Ship Antisubmarine Warfare Readiness/Effectiveness Measuring exercise (SHAREM-115) in the Persian Gulf by providing meteorological support and making measurements for the study of electromagnetic and electro-optical propagation. The boundary layer structure over the Gulf is influenced strongly by the surrounding desert landmass. Warm dry air flows from the desert over the cooler waters of the Gulf. Heat loss to the ...
Profiles and ages of young fault scarps, north-central Nevada

The geomorphic characteristics of young fault scarps can be used as a key to the ages of fault displacements. The principal features of scarps younger than a few thousand years are a steep free face, a debris slope standing at about 35°, and a sharp break in slope at the crest of the scarp. The principal slope of older scarps declines with age, so that scarps of about 12,000 yr of age have maximum slope angles of 20° to 25°, and slopes as low as 8° to 9° represent ages much older than about 12,000 yr. The crestal break in slope broadens with age. The material in the scarp face, whether loose fanglomerate or indurated bedrock, controls to a large extent the rate of scarp degradation. Where more than one displacement has occurred along a fault, a composite or multiple scarp develops. Composite or multiple scarps suggest mean recurrence intervals on individual faults measured in thousands of years.
The Role of the Surface of Glass Reinforcement Fibers on Their Physical Properties and Performance in Composites

The widely held explanation for mechanical failure of silicate and silica glasses rests upon the existence of Griffith-flaw and associated free ion diffusion concepts used to model crack growth. However, this theory has consistently failed to provide complete agreement with the experimental results. This dilemma coupled with the reports of single-valued strengths in fibers cannot be rationalized by the modification of the intrinsic Griffith-flaw distribution to essentially a delta function. It is for these reasons that the field-enhanced ion diffusion model has been introduced. The inclusion of a term for the electrostatic potential in the thin-film solution of Fick’s second law has been shown to be consistent with the experimental results. Therefore, the effects on alkali ion migration as a consequence of the local variations in charge density that occur on the solution side of the glass/water interface play a direct role on the chemical corrosion mechanism. Thus chemistry which can modify the surface potential can alter the rate of aging of glass. It has been found that the chemistry which has been used to modify the corrosion behavior of glass fibers can also alter composite properties. These modifications no doubt arise from changes in the interphase region. We report on the effects of treatments on initial fiber strengths, aging resistance, and preliminary results of composite properties (made from our treated fibers).
Review of The Cowherds, Moonshadows: Conventional Truth in Buddhist Philosophy

The present book is co-authored by a group of scholars, many of them well-known and well-regarded experts in Buddhist and western thought, who call themselves ‘The Cowherds.’ This playful name is taken from a famous statement against speculative philosophical analysis made by the seventh-century Indian Madhyamaka philosopher Candrakīrti, who believed that one should refrain from attempting to prove any more about reality than what is known by ‘cowherds’—by which Candrakīrti means ‘the man on the street.’ What is knowable and real, for the Mādhyamika (the advocate of Madhyamaka), is only conventional truth, ordinary reality. The ultimate truth is emptiness (śūnyatā). What, then, is conventional truth, and if it is merely conventional, what makes it true? How can such a doctrine serve to promote the Buddha’s ethical and meditative path to liberation? The Cowherds take up these philosophical questions—a task that, ironically, Candrakīrti assumed ordinary cowherds would eschew. The doctrine of the Two Truths—conventional and ultimate—is a fascinating and subtle topic, and it has been understood and presented in diverse, disputed ways across Buddhist traditions and modern scholarship. Some authors seem to read the doctrine as speaking about different levels of reality and others about conceptual or linguistic truth. ‘Convention’ is sometimes said to refer to ordinary practice, other times to a kind of error or obscuration. Even when agreement is reached on these interpretive issues, the difficult task of working out the philosophical implications has only begun. A multi-authored work, with numerous methods and traditions represented, is therefore a sensible approach to a topic about which there is no one truth. Yet The Cowherds provide more unity than a conventional, piecemeal collection of articles. This is a jointly planned, multi-authored work (they call it a ‘polygraph’), which is clearly the result of in-depth collaboration and consultation. The various essays share terminology, philosophical examples, references, and conceptual schemes; and the reader benefits by seeing many sides of a complex issue without SOPHIA (2013) 52:397–399 DOI 10.1007/s11841-013-0373-1
597 Limitations of NSQIP in Reporting Complications for Patients Undergoing Pancreactectomy: Underscoring the Need for a Pancreas-Specific Module

Background Large centralized databases are used with increasing frequency for reporting hospital-specific and nationwide trends and outcomes after various surgical procedures in order to improve quality of surgical care. American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) is a risk-adjusted, case-weighted complication tracking initiative that reports 30-day outcomes from more than 400 academic and community institutions in the US. However, the accuracy of event reporting specific to pancreatic surgery has never been examined in depth.
American Fair Trade: Proprietary Capitalism, Corporatism, and the 'New Competition,' 1890–1940

Rather than viewing the history of American capitalism as the unassailable ascent of large-scale corporations and free competition, American Fair Trade argues that trade associations of independent proprietors lobbied and litigated to reshape competition policy to their benefit. At the turn of the twentieth century, this widespread fair trade movement borrowed from progressive law and economics, demonstrating a persistent concern with market fairness - not only fair prices for consumers but also fair competition among businesses. Proponents of fair trade collaborated with regulators to create codes of fair competition and influenced the administrative state's public-private approach to market regulation. New Deal partnerships in planning borrowed from those efforts to manage competitive markets, yet ultimately discredited the fair trade model by mandating economy-wide trade rules that sharply reduced competition. Laura Phillips Sawyer analyzes how these efforts to reconcile the American tradition of a well-regulated society with the legacy of Gilded Age of laissez-faire capitalism produced the modern American regulatory state.
Diverse Perspectives of Parents, Diverse Concepts of Parent Involvement and Participation: What Can They Suggest to Researchers?

Diversity of experiences and perspectives, it is widely agreed, should be a source of strength in home–school partnerships, as in other aspects of educational endeavor. Yet often, in the literature, diversity is presented as a complication to be overcome. A limiting mindset often prevails, both in theory and practice, where diversity is regarded as an issue or barrier, even amidst the best of intentions to be inclusive. In this chapter, we argue that this limiting mindset on diversity may in fact derive in part from the conceptual frameworks with which we in the USA contemplate and conduct research on diversity issues in home–school relationships. We make this point by taking the discussion outside the framework of the American literature. First, we offer our summary and interpretation of several general principles that describe the purpose, nature, and value attached to parental involvement in the USA. Next, we turn to the field of Italian education, in particular, to conceptualizations about partecipazione, or participation, a term for the idealized way in which parents, teachers, and community members should take an active part in the life, culture, and decisions concerning children and the educational services created for them. We draw mainly from the writings of a network of early educational leaders from cities of northern and central Italy (e.g., Bologna, Milan, Modena, Pistoia, Reggio Emilia, and others)—places which have carried out the strongest experiments in creating and sustaining systems of home–school community.
Sheet beam model for intense space charge: Application to Debye screening and the distribution of particle oscillation frequencies in a thermal equilibrium beam

A one-dimensional Vlasov-Poisson model for sheet beams is reviewed and extended to provide a simple framework for analysis of space-charge effects. Centroid and rms envelope equations including image charge effects are derived and reasonable parameter equivalences with commonly employed 2D transverse models of unbunched beams are established. This sheet beam model is then applied to analyze several problems of fundamental interest. A sheet beam thermal equilibrium distribution in a continuous focusing channel is constructed and shown to have analogous properties to two- d three-dimensional thermal equilibrium models in terms of the equilibrium structure and Deybe screening properties. The simpler formulation for sheet beams is exploited to explicitly calculate the distribution of particle oscillation frequencies within a thermal equilibrium beam. It is shown that as space-charge intensity increases, the frequency distribution becomes broad, suggesting that beams with strong space-charge can have improved stability.
Analysis of Hypersonic Nonequilibrium Flow over Ablating Surface

The initial values and boundary conditions of an ablating surface are studied using different kinetic models for calculating the external species concentration of nonequilibrium air over the intensively reacting interface. From the high-temperature air composition, an assessment of the existing chemical kinetic models for a carbonaceous ablator has been made for possible efficiency and accuracy improvements. A formulation of the boundary conditions on the interface has also been derived from the governing equation system to clearly separate aerodynamic simulation from the computational surface thermochemistry. This set of boundary conditions will be adopted as the theoretical base for sustaining research in ablation.
Dehydrogenase activities of human platelets.

Summary1. The presence in versene-col-lected, freshly prepared human platelets of a number of active dehydrogenase systems has been demonstrated. 2. Platelets can be lysed readily by various chemical and physical means, the resulting preparations being homogeneous and opalescent, but completely lacking in dehydrogenase activity. Evidence has been obtained to indicate that platelets have to be morphologically intact for dehydrogenase systems to be active. 3. The dehydrogenase systems present in platelets are activated by sulfhydryl-containing substances, the most marked effects of those studied being produced by cysteine and reduced glutathione. 4. The addition to platelets of sulfhydryl-oxidizing or mercaptide-forming agents results in platelet destruction apparently different in nature from that brought about by lysing agents not reacting with sulfhydryl groups. 5. Preliminary indications are that platelet destruction occurring during storage can be reduced by sulfhydryl-containing substances or environm...
Endometrial Cultures Obtained by a Triple-Lumen Method From Afebrile and Febrile Postpartum Women

Transfundal endometrial cultures obtained from afebrile women who delivered vaginally were uniformly free of bacteria and contained Ureaplasma urealyticum in only 2 of 14 women. A protected triple-lumen transcervical method to obtain an endometrial culture recovered organisms from 6 (43%) of the 14 women. Compared with cultures from afebrile women, organisms were recovered from 51 (93%) of 55 febrile postpartum women by using the triple-lumen transcervical culture method (P less than .001). Among febrile women there was a correlation between the recovery of group B Streptococcus, enterococcus, Gardnerella vaginalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and anaerobic bacteria from the cervix and their recovery from the endometrium. Protected transcervical methods used to obtain postpartum endometrial cultures reduce cervical contamination, but semiquantitation of the culture is useful to further increase culture specificity.
The ball-on-three-ball test for tensile strength: Refined methodology and results for three hohokam ceramic types

Weak impacts, such as those caused by bumping vessels together or knocking vessels over, are a major cause of ceramic vessel breakage. The ball-on-three ball test for resistance to biaxial flexure is intended to test resistance to weak impacts. Ceramic types with greater resistance to biaxial flexure should therefore have longer use lives than those having less resistance. Data on ceramic strength are also important for understanding technological change and the demand for exchanged vessels. This paper refines the original methodology for use of the ball-on-three-ball test (Neupert 1994) and explores the strength of Hohokam plainware and Red-on-buff ceramics from south-central Arizona. Gila Plain sherds exhibit the most resistance to biaxial flexure of the three types tested. Casa Grande Red-on-buff sherds appear to be stronger than earlier Sacaton Red-on-buff sherds. Whole and reconstructed Casa Grande Red-on-buff mortuary vessels are also significantly less fragmented than Sacaton Red-on-buff mortuary vessels from the sites of Snaketown (AZ U:13:1) and AZ U:13:21, suggesting that Casa Grande Red-on-buff vessels have greater resistance to weak impacts.
Seasonal abundance of aphid-borne virus vectors (Homoptera: Aphididae) in flue-cured tobacco as determined by alighting and aerial interception traps

Seasonal phenology of alate aphids migrating into and through flue-cured tobacco fields and use of aphid trap data to identify important aphid species as potential virus vectors were investigated. Aerial interception traps and alighting traps were found to sample different aphid populations. Of the aphid taxa caught, only two, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Dactynotus sp., were recorded by both trap types. The first period of alate aphid activity was indicated by both trap types 12–16 days after transplanting of tobacco. A second period of alate activity was indicated by the alighting traps 30–40 days after transplanting. M. persicae , the only tobacco-colonizing aphid in North Carolina, accounted for ca. 90% of the aphids collected in the second period; >95% of the aphids collected during the first period were noncolonizing species. Aerial interception traps did not detect migration of M. persicae into tobacco. The utility of examining the number of aphids alighting per plant, rather than the number of aphids caught per trap, is discussed in relation to actual insect pressure and virus spread.