cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of an Intermediate-Temperature Anode-Supported Planar SOFC Via Tape Casting and Lamination

Many physical and chemical problems in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are induced by the operating temperature of approximately 800 ~ 1000°C. The focus of the research in SOFC’s is, thus, on running the systems at the intermediate operating temperature range below 800 °C. A way to achieve this includes changing the electrolyte material in order to get a good ionic conductivity in the intermediate temperature range below 800 °C. In this work, gadolinium doped ceria is selected as the electrolyte, which was mixed with NiO for the anode material, and tape cast and laminated to produce a novel graded IT-SOFC . The cross-section of the SOFC cell was observed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showing a dense electrolyte layer. The operating temperature to test the cell was 500 and 550 °C. The electrochemical properties of the cell were measured using impedance spectroscopy. The ASR of unit cells was found to be between 2.67 and 4.62 Ω∙cm2. The electrochemical performance is discussed under the effect of porosity gradients at 500 and 550 °C.
Generalized pruritus due to carcinoma of the stomach and cured by gastrectomy

1. A case of generalized pruritus of the skin due to carcinoma of the stomach and cured by gastrectomy is reported. 2. “Idiopathic” and “senile” pruritus in a certain (unknown) percentage of cases may be a manifestation of silent visceral carcinoma. 3. Under proper circumstances gastrectomy for gastric malignancy may be a feasible procedure even in patients of advanced age.
Implementing sustainable business practices in a hotel and expanding green certification markets in the Midwestern United States

The hotel industry is known for catering to travellers' demands for accommodation away from home, occasionally bringing the objective to provide comfort and services into conflict with the goal of environmental conservation. Utilising a sustainable business certification previously created by the Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) for office buildings and restaurants, a new set of hotel-specific certification standards was developed. A trial certification of one hotel was performed to ensure that the proposed IGBA standards would effectively address the unique challenges to implementing behavioural and structural changes in the pursuit of environmental sustainability. Finally, a survey of hotel patrons' preferences was performed regarding sustainable business practices in hotels. It was assessed whether those participating hotels in the certification process could anticipate a decrease in operating costs and environmental externalities by targeting several key consumption points. By demonstrating ...
The Concept of Value Further Considered

I. Relation of value concept to causal theory of value, 675. — II. Various roots of relative conception of value: "Relativity of Knowledge," 676. — Geometrical conceptions of relativity; parallel argument for relativity of value, 677. — Doctrine of fixed sum total of values, 680. — Haney's expressions, 681. — Usage in English, French and German, 681. — III. General rise or fall of values, 682. — Can one good alone have value ? 683. — Abstract v. concrete ratios, 684. — "Rate of exchange" as abstract ratio, 685. — "Rate of exchange" useless for economic analysis: views of J. B. Clark, Bohm-Bawerk, Carver and C. M. Walsh, 685. — IV. Illustrations of need of absolute value concept, 687. — Fisher's "general price level" an indefensible substitute, 688. — Shift in Laughlin's argument, 690. — V. Speed and value as ratios, 691. — The "mathematician's fallacy," 692. — Differences between measurement of speed and measurement of values, 693. — VI. "Rate of exchange" as "price," 695. — VII. Different consequences of absolute and relative value concepts in economic analysis, 695. — (1) Value a wider concept than exchange, 695. — Value in sociology and in economics, 696. — Value and exchange in socialistic state, 696. — (2) Value and exchangeability not correlated, 697. — Nor do prices always correctly express values, except in static theory, 698. — Values as causes of prices, 698. — Temporal relation of cause and effect, 698. — (3) Prices often partly controlled by non-economic values, 699. — Law, custom, and morals in relation to prices, 699. — Exchange theory of value cannot shirk consideration of these cases, 702. — VIII. (4) "Power in exchange" as equivalent of value, 702. — IX. (5) Schumpeter's use of relative concept as regards land value, 703. — X. Conclusion, 705.
Facial-Feature Resemblance Elicits the Transference Effect

In transference, a perceiver’s representation of a significant other is activated and used to interpret and respond to a new target person who bears some resemblance to the particular significant other. Integrating research on face perception and transference, we hypothesized that transference can occur on the basis of the resemblance of a target’s facial features to those of a perceiver’s significant other. Experimental results supported this hypothesis. Manipulating an upcoming interaction partner’s facial features to resemble those of participants’ significant other led participants to make representation-consistent inferences about and evaluations of the partner. Moreover, participants undergoing transference experienced shifts in their self-concept, so that they described themselves more like the person they are when with the relevant significant other. The results represent the first evidence of transference processes occurring through facial-feature resemblance. Implications for research on impress...
Characterization of Particle Size, Number, and Mass Emissions From a Diesel Powered Generator

Total (volatile plus solid) and solid particle size, number, and mass emitted from a 3.8 kW diesel powered generator were characterized using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) that measures the size distribution of particles, and a catalytic stripper that facilitates the measurement of solid particles. The engine was operated at a constant speed for six steady-state engine operations ranging from idle to rated power. The solid particle size distributions were mainly monomodal lognormal distributions in nature reflecting a typical soot agglomerate size distribution with a number mean diameter in the size range from 98 nm to 37 nm as the load decreases from high to low. At idle, M6, however, the solid particle distribution was bimodal in nature with a high number of solid nanoparticles in the sub-20 nm size range. It is likely that these solid particles nucleated later in the combustion process from metallic ash typically present in the lube oil. The total particle size distributions exhibited a bimodal structure only at light load, M5, engine operation, where a high number of volatile nanoparticles were observed. The rest of the operating conditions exhibited monomodal distributions although the nature of the particles was vastly different. For the medium load modes, M2, M3, and M4, the particles were mainly solid particles. For the rated power, M1, and idle, M6, modes of engine operation, significant number of volatile particles grew to a size nearing that of soot particles making the distribution monomodal, similar to that of a solid particle distribution. This shows that monomodal distributions are not necessarily solid particle but they can be strongly dominated with volatile particles if significant particle growth takes place like the case at M1, and M6. The total number and mass concentration were extremely high at engine rated power. The number concentration exceeded 1.2 billion particles per cubic centimeter and the mass exceeded 750 milligrams per cubic meter. The number concentration is more than five orders of magnitude higher than a typical ambient level concentration, and the mass concentration is more than four orders of magnitude higher. It is important to indicate, however, that if the engine power rating is lowered by 35 percent from its designated level, both particle mass and number emissions will be reduced by two orders of magnitude. By measuring total and solid particle size and number concentration of particles, one can calculate other metrics such as surface area and mass to provide detail information about particle emissions. Such information can serve as an important database where all metrics of particle emissions are captured.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The transition from surface to bulk oxide growth on Pt(1 0 0): Precursor-mediated kinetics

Abstract We investigated the kinetics governing the transition from surface (2D) to bulk (3D) oxide growth on Pt(1 0 0) in ultrahigh vacuum as a function of the surface temperature and the incident flux of an oxygen atom beam. For the incident fluxes examined, the bulk oxide formation rate increases linearly with incident flux (ΦO) as the oxygen coverage increases to about 1.7 ML (monolayer) and depends only weakly on the surface temperature in the limit of low surface temperature (TS 525 K), the bulk oxide formation rate increases with Φ O 2 for oxygen coverages as high as 1.6 ML, and decreases with increasing surface temperature. We show that the measured kinetics is quantitatively reproduced by a model which assumes that O atoms adsorb on top of the 2D oxide, and that this species acts as a precursor that can either associatively desorb or react with the 2D oxide to form a 3D oxide particle. According to the model, the observed change in the flux and surface temperature dependence of the oxidation rate is due to a change in the rate-controlling steps for bulk oxide formation from reaction at low temperature to precursor desorption at high temperature. From analysis of flux-dependent uptake data, we estimate that the formation rate of a bulk oxide nucleus has a fourth-order dependence on the precursor coverage, which implies a critical configuration for oxide nucleus formation requiring four precursor O atoms. Considering the similarities in the development of surface oxides on various transition metals, the precursor-mediated transition to bulk oxide growth reported here may be a general feature in the oxidation of late transition metal surfaces.
Ilvaite: A study of temperature dependent electron delocalization by the mössbauer effect

The mixed valence iron silicate ilvaite, CaFe 2 2+ Fe3+Si2O8(OH), displays electron delocalization associated with Fe2+→Fe3+ charge transfer as observed by Mossbauer spectroscopy. Previous studies report the observation of an ‘electron hopping phenomenon’ with resolution of discrete valence states below 320 K. Mossbauer spectra of a suite of naturally occurring ilvaites were recorded over a temperature range, 80 K to 575 K. Five quadrupole doublets were resolved by computer fitting and assigned to Fe2+(A), Fe2+(B), Fe3+(A), and Fe2+(A)→Fe3+(A)‖c and ⊥c. Contrary to prior work, doublets associated with electron delocalization are resolved at 80 K and preclude the use of a Verwey-type order-disorder model. We propose a thermal activation model and discuss its criteria from molecular orbital and mineralogical viewpoints.
Application of a Computerized Image-Intensifier Radionuclide Imaging System to the Study of Regional Left Ventricular Dysfunction

A light-sensitive, self-scanning, silicon diode array has been used to interface an image-intensifier gamma camera to a digital computer for performing high resolution dynamic radionuclide angiocardiography. The spatial resolution of this image-intensifier camera (IIC) system, which does not perform pulse-height analysis, is somewhat worse than that of the Anger camera (AC) at count-rates below 50 K cps. Between 50 K and 250 K cps the IIC demonstrates linear countrate performance without the distortion and resolution loss associated with the AC. The ability of the IIC to maintain resolution at extremely high count-rates is of particular value for performing first transit, radionuclide bolus washout studies of cardiac dynamics. The high contrast and increased information density achieved by this approach provides accurate measurement of left ventricular volume and its first derivative with respect to time as verified by direct comparison with left cine ventriculography (cine). For the study of regional left ventricular wall motion, radionuclide images corresponding to end-diastole and end-systole have been used to compute functional images which accurately describe abnormally contracting segments of the left ventricular wall. The ability to study left ventricular volume and segmental wall motion without left heart catheterization is of significant diagnostic and investigative value.
Electronic structure of SixGe1−x semiconductor solid solutions

Abstract The electronic structure of SixGe1−x solid solutions is studied by means of a semi-ab initio method without involving the virtual crystal approximation. The calculations are performed on large cubic cells of the diamond lattice which contain a total of 64 Si and Ge atoms homogeneously distributed in different compositional ratios. The basis functions and the potentials used in the calculation give good band structures of elemental Si and Ge respectively. The calculated variation of band gap with x is in agreement with optical experiment: the two linear curves of gap vs concentration have different slopes at high and low x values with a crossing-over at about x=0.28. The band gaps are direct for xe (0, 0.28) and indirect for x ≥ 0.28. The density of states (DOS) of the solid solution can be very well approximated by the weighted average of the bulk Si and Ge DOS. There is a very slight charge transfer of about 0.05 electron per atom from Si to Ge.
Vibrational matrix elements of the quadrupole moment functions of H2, N2 and CO†

The quadrupole moment functions (molecular quadrupole moment versus internuclear distance) have been determined by quantum mechanical calculations for H2 (by Kolos and Wolniewicz), N2 (by Wahl and Nesbet), and CO (by Nesbet). These functions are used with numerical vibrational wave functions to compute matrix elements which are useful for calculations of scattering cross sections, energy transfer rates and excitation probabilities, and infrared intensities of forbidden bands.
Mindfulness‐Based Relationship Education For Couples Expecting Their First Child—Part 1: A Randomized Mixed‐Methods Program Evaluation

This article is Part 1 of a two-part series, in which we report on our evaluation of a mindfulness-based relationship enhancement program for couples who are expecting their first child. In this mixed-methods randomized clinical trial, we assigned 33 couples to the 4-week Mindful Transition to Parenthood Program treatment group (n = 16 couples) or to a waitlist control condition (n = 17 couples). Men in the treatment group significantly improved in relationship satisfaction, mindfulness, and negative affect; women had no significant treatment effects. Small to large effect sizes were present for treatment group men and women in multiple areas. Mixed-methods analyses demonstrated that this intervention may be especially helpful for men because of differences in social support needs, effects of program enrollment, and relational processes in the prenatal period.
A Method for Determining Offtracking of Multiple Unit Vehicle Combinations

Abstract The required road width around curves on forest roads is largely determined by the difference in wheel paths between the inside front tractor wheel and the inside rear trailer wheel. This difference, known as offtracking, is a function of the vehicle and road geometry. This paper presents a method for determining the offtracking of fixed and variable length multiple unit vehicle combinations travelling over forest roads. The computational method numerically integrates the differential equations which compute the path (tractrix) that the rear of a vehicle follows from a given steering curve. A unique three- point solution method is used to determine the instantaneous center of rotation for trailers in the vehicle combination. The method is shown to have good agreement with experimental data. It is suitable for use on microcomputers for single and multiple curves. A microcomputer program, OFFTRACK, was developed using this methodology.
Predicting bulk damage in NIF triple harmonic generators

Recently reported experiments have investigated the statistics of laser damage in KDP and KD*P. Automated damage tests have allowed cumulative failure and damage probability distributions to be constructed. Large area tests have investigated the feasibility of on-line laser conditioning and damage evolution for tripler harmonic generation (THG) crystals on the National Ignition Facility (NIF). These tests have shown that there is a nonzero probability of damage at NIF redline fluence (14.3 J/cm2, 351 nm, 3 ns) and that the damage pinpoint density evolves exponentially with fluence. In this paper, the results of these tests are used in conjunction with model spatial profiles of the NIP beam to predict the level of damage created in the THG crystal. A probabilistic calculation based on the overlap of the beam fluence and damage probabiity distribution shows that the overall damage probability is less than 3% for well-conditioned, high quality KDP/KD*P crystals of conventional or rapid growth. The number density of generated pinpoints has been calculated by mapping the damage evolution curves onto the NlF model profile. This shows that the number of damage pinpoints generated in high fluence portions of the NIF beam will be low for well-conditioned THG crystals. In contrast, unconditioned triplers of the same material will exhibit an increase in pinpoint density of greater than 20x. To test the validity of these calculations a 37 cm, conventionally grown KD*P tripler from the Beamlet laser was scatter mapped for bulk damage. The tripler had been exposed to NE-like fluences during its operational lifetime on Beamlet and exhibited very low levels of bulk pinpoint damage, essentially supporting the predictions based on tests and modeling.
Reactivation of Mutator transposable elements of maize by ultraviolet light.

After epigenetic loss of Mutator activity, the family of Mu elements in Zea mays becomes immobile and highly methylated; in addition, Mu9, the presumptive autonomous regulatory element, is transcriptionally silent and its copy number decreases in successive crosses to non-Mutator lines. Spontaneous reactivation, scored as restoration of somatic instability of potentially mutable alleles of Bronze-2, of such cryptic Mutator lines is rare, occurring with a frequency of about 10−4. Irradiation of pollen with 254 nm ultraviolet light increases reactivation rate in the progeny kernels by up to 40-fold. Accompanying reactivation, the copy number of Mu9 elements increased, two-fold in one line and 20 to 40-fold in a second line. Reactivation may involve direct DNA damage or immediate physiological stress in the treated pollen.
Regression of subcutaneous B16 melanoma tumors after intratumoral delivery of an IL-15-expressing plasmid followed by in vivo electroporation

In vivo electroporation has been used to efficiently deliver drugs and ‘therapeutic’ genes to tumors, including melanoma lesions. This study reports on the effect of intratumoral delivery of an optimized DNA plasmid expressing interleukin-15 (pIL-15) on established murine melanoma tumors. IL-15 has been demonstrated to have a pivotal role in the function of memory CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, which are critical for tumor immunosurveillance. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were injected with B16.F10 melanoma cells and randomized into different experimental groups: untreated (P−V−E−), treated with pIL-15 (P+) or backbone plasmid (V+), with or without electroporation (E+ or E−). Treatment was performed intratumorally with 50 μg of plasmid on days 0, 4 and 7 and tumor volume/size, tumor regression and long-term survival were measured. At day 100 after initiation of treatment, the percentage of mice surviving with complete tumor regression in the P−V+E+, P+V−E−, P+V−E+ and P−V−E− treatment groups were 0, 12.5, 37.5 and 0%, respectively. These results demonstrate the ability of pIL-15 to mediate B16 melanoma regression, with the effect being significantly enhanced by electroporative delivery. This is the first description of the ability of a naked DNA plasmid expressing IL-15 to alone mediate complete regression of B16 melanoma tumors and underscores the potential clinical use of these plasmids for the treatment of malignant tumors when delivered with in vivo electroporation.
CONVERGENT EVOLUTION : THE NEED TO BE EXPLICIT

Convergence as a phenomenon in molecular evolution is an issue that confuses many discussions. Often the problem is that not enough care is taken to state exactly what kind of convergence one has in mind. Functional and mechanistic convergence are both common, and some structural convergence has probably occurred, but a convincing case for genuine sequence convergence has yet to be made.
Polymorphisms and disease: hotspots of inactivation in methyltransferases

Methyltransferases catalyze the methylation processes essential for protein/DNA repair, transcriptional regulation, and drug metabolism in vivo. More than 500 human methyltransferase polymorphisms have been identified, many of which are linked to disease. We mapped all available coding polymorphisms of seven methyltransferases onto their structures to address their structural significance, and identified a polymorphic hotspot ∼20A from the active site in four of the proteins. Molecular dynamics simulations of these proteins reveal a common mechanism of destabilization: the mutations alter important side-chain contacts within the polymorphic site that are propagated through the protein, thereby distorting the active site. We propose that this hotspot might have arisen to modulate enzymatic activity, with decreased activity actually conferring an advantage in three of the four methyltransferases.
Using random set theory to calculate reliability bounds for a wing structure

This paper shows how uncertainty can be propagated through a computer model when the input data consists of uncertainty affected by imprecision and randomness. The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is used to determine the dominant air pressure distributions on a wing, and the uncertainty in the POD modal amplitude variables is propagated through a finite element (FEM) structural model to calculate the reliability bounds for the wing. It is shown that: (i) when working with imprecise input, the traditional probabilistic approach is inadequate because it would force the designer to add unavailable information; (ii) the proposed mathematical model of uncertainty is capable of capturing the incomplete knowledge upon which important conceptual and preliminary decisions must be made; (iii) this approach indicates if and where resources should be invested to acquire more information; (iv) the proposed techniques can be easily implemented using existing numerical codes; (v) a limited number of model runs is ...
A fine structural analysis of the statocyst in Aplysia californica

Each statocyst in Apylsia californica contains 13 neurons. The statocyst nerve, which connects each statocyst to the cerebral ganglion, contains only the 13 axons of the statocyst neurons. The size of the statocyst, the number of neurons in the statocyst, and the average axonal diameter does not change even though the statocyst nerve lengthens greatly as the animal enlarges. A description of the statoconia and the supporting cells in this organ has been given. This prepazation may be useful for microelectrode studies designed to test whether the gap and cytoplasmic specializations that are used to identify active synapses, are necessary for all types of chemical synaptic transmission.
Regional, structural and strain analyses of terranes in the Western Metamorphic Belt, Central Sierra Nevada, California

Abstract A comparison of total strains in 225 samples from the Western Metamorphic Belt, Sierra Nevada, shows that strain types and intensities strongly depend on rock type. Greywackes and clast-supported conglomerates are least strained, whereas more intense strains occur in lapilli tuffs, pebbly mudstones and slates. Large belts of volcanic rock record plane strain whereas nearby slate and greywacke sequences record flattening-type strain suggesting that volume losses of 45–65 % occurred in slates and 0–26% in greywackes. Lapilli tuffs record less than 11% volume loss. The differences in volume loss and strain from one rock type to another require that discontinuities in total strain occur at most lithologic contacts. Independently of the lithologic control, regional structural patterns and strain fields support the delineation of three terranes (Foothills, Merced River and Northern Sierra) and two distinct domains (western and eastern Foothills terranes) at these latitudes within the Western Metamorphic Belt. These terranes, each bordered by large ductile shear zones, differ in average strain intensity and orientation but not in strain type. In the Foothills terrane strain intensities decrease from moderate values in the western Foothills terrane to low values in the eastern Foothills terrane. Strain intensities in the study area are highest in the Melones and Bear Mountains fault zones and in terranes east of the Melones Fault. Structures associated with regional deformation in each terrane do not extend far across terrane boundaries; multiple generations of regionally developed structures are, therefore, rare in this part of the Western Metamorphic Belt. Outside of fault zones, we see one regionally developed cleavage in the Foothills terrane, a single but older cleavage in the Merced River terrane and two still older cleavages in the Northern Sierra terrane. However, younger deformations may have reactivated and rotated older structures in adjacent terranes. The timing and kinematics of the deformation in the Foothills terrane suggest that faulting and rigid-body rotations preceded pervasive shortening, continued fault movement and rotation of faults to steep dips. If orientations of ductile structures reflect plate motions, structures in the Merced River terrane suggest Jurassic-Triassic orthogonal NNE convergence, whereas structures in the Foothills terrane support late Jurassic orthogonal NE convergence changing to oblique ENE convergence about 150 Ma ago.
Some formal models of grading principles

The present paper offers an analysis of grading principles from the viewpoint of statistical decision theory and game theory. The mistaken notion is widely held that the plain man is really clear about practical ethical and moral issues and that philosophers need only tidy up certain wayward corners of the subject.2 Personally I find difficult the problem of devising any general ethical rules of behavior for simple two-person games; the ethical complexities of progressive taxation, tariff barriers, or treatment of sexual psychopaths are beyond any exact conceptual analysis. That decisions are and must be made about these issues no more proves that their ethical aspects are completely understood than does the fact that the Romans built bridges prove that they had any quantitative grasp of the mechanical theory of stress.
Kinetics of Vapor‐Phase Hydration of Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide prepared by calcining the carbonate at 1000°C was sintered at 1800°C and ground under methanol. Well-sized 2 to 5 and 5 to 10μ fractions were separated. After outgassing at 550°C in vacuum, the powders were hydrated at various temperatures to 98°C in a wide range of water vapor pressures, and the reaction was followed gravimetrically with a silica helix balance. At low temperatures and vapor pressures, where nucleation is exceedingly slow, the hydration of prenucleated samples was studied. The results are interpreted on the basis of a model in which an interface reaction controls the progress of the reaction. The reaction rate varies with the water vapor pressure p according to a function (p/p* - 1), where p 0.3 psat. and appears to correspond to the equilibrium adsorption pressure. This suggests that the reaction depends on an adsorbed water vapor film which has free access to the reacting surface. The reaction rate constant varies with temperature according to an Arrhenius-type equation, with an activation energy 16,100 cal per mole.
The influence of light deprivation on implantation in the rat.

The normal pattern of blastocyst implantation in the rat is dependent on the so-called prenidation estrogen surge. Suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH) release by the pituitary interferes with this estrogen release and thereby inhibits implantation. In this study, darkness or blinding during pregnancy increased the variability in distribution of implantation sites and reduced the total number. It is suggested that these effects result, in part, from increased pineal secretion that accompanies light deprivation and, to some extent, interferes with LH release. Since inhibition of implantation following light deprivation is not substantial, however, the pineal would appear to play a minor role in neuroendocrine regulation of the implantation of blastocysts.
A visual analysis of prescription drug advertising imagery: Elaborating Foss's rhetorical techniques

By combining two methods of rhetorical visual analysis developed by Sonja Foss, this study “elaborates” her techniques. An analysis of a prescription drug advertisement that was commonly seen in general interest magazines was used, to test the elaborated method. Three criteria were used to judge the elaborated method: explanatory power, internal consistency, and simplicity. The elaborated method seemed to have some advantage in terms of explaining visual phenomena and the two methods logically fit together (were internally consistent). The criterion of simplicity was, however, less easily assessed.
Control design of shape memory alloy based multi-arm continuum robot inspired by octopus

Highly flexible continuum arms have been investigated thoroughly. Materials and actuators employed include cables, pneumatic muscles, and also shape memory alloys (SMAs). SMA is a smart material that can be applied to continuum robot due to their intrinsic compliance. It can elongate or contract by applying external forces and return to its original shape when given appropriate current. However, control of the SMA actuated robot is still a challenge. This paper takes inspiration from octopus neurophysiology and designs a hierarchical controller for the SMA based continuum robotic arm.
The design, synthesis and characterization of a porphyrin-peptide conjugate

Abstract The design and synthesis of a novel peptide strapped porphyrin is described. CD spectroscopy and 1H NMR are supportive of the design.
Moxalactam for Treatment of Nosocomial Infections

Sixty-five episodes of nosocomial infections of the blood, lungs, urinary tract, soft tissues, bones, or central nervous system were treated with intravenous moxalactam (3-12 g per day). Bacteremia was documented in 21 patients. Despite the severely compromised condition of many patients, 80% of the infections responded satisfactorily, as defined by clinical and microbiologic cure or improvement. Of the 21 cases of nosocomial bacteremia, 14 (67%) responded satisfactorily. Of the six cases of bacteremia caused by gram-negative bacilli resistant to aminoglycosides, three responded satisfactorily. Moxalactam therapy also resulted in cure or improvement in nine (69%) of 13 pulmonary infections, and it was used alone to cure one case of meningitis-ventriculitis due to Klebsiella pneumoniae. Seven of 13 therapeutic failures involved Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and moxalactam-resistant P. aeruginosa emerged during therapy for 12 patients. Adverse effects, usually mild diarrhea, occurred in 9.2% of the patients. Except for some severe infections due to P. aeruginosa, moxalactam is effective and safe therapy for nosocomial infections caused by susceptible organisms.
An ethics toolbox for neurotechnology.

It is a truism that science is a doubleedged sword.20 th century atomicphysics revolutionized our understanding of material world and gave us new forms of energy but also created the deadliest weapons of all time, which continue to threaten civilization. The 21 st century’s most transformative science may well be neuroscience. We are living in a time of rapid progress, as neuroscientists gain new insights into the basic science of brain function and leverage them with a range of technologies from nanomaterials to machine learning. The articles in this issue of Neuron show the promise held by many of these methods for advancing basic science and treating neurological and psychiatric illness. In the midst of this rapid progress, how can we encourage the development of ethical technologies and applications? Of course we will not have complete control over the field’s development, and we will not even all agree on what constitutes an ethical use. Here I suggest that a constructive first step is to stock our ethics ‘‘toolbox.’’ These tools will help us recognize ethical issues, analyze them, and communicate with each other about them.
Alternative spawning strategy and temperature for larval emergence of longfin dace (Agosia chrysogaster) in stream mesocosms

Abstract To determine if the strategy of spawning in saucer-like depressions is obligate or facultative for longfin dace (Agosia chrysogaster), we collected adults from four sites in the upper Gila River (southwestern New Mexico), stocked them in separate outdoor stream-mesocosms lined with cobble substrate, and made daily observations for the presence of saucer-nests and hatched larvae. Larvae were observed from three of the four mesocosms and emerged at temperatures ranging from 19.2–24.0°C. The absence of saucer-nests in all mesocosms throughout the study indicates that longfin dace can spawn over cobble substrate and have larvae hatch successfully, suggesting that longfin dace can use an alternate spawning strategy when sand substrate is not available for construction of saucer-nests.
Coordination of intercellular Ca(2+) signaling in endothelial cell tubes of mouse resistance arteries.

Objective To test the hypothesis that Ca2+ responses to GPCR activation are coordinated between neighboring ECs of resistance arteries. Methods EC tubes were freshly isolated from superior epigastric arteries of C57BL/6 mice. Intercellular coupling was tested using microinjection of propidium iodide. Following loading with fluo-4 dye, intracellular Ca2+ responses to ACh were imaged with confocal microscopy. Results Cell-to-cell transfer of propidium iodide confirmed functional GJCs. A 1 μm ACh stimulus evoked Ca2+ responses (9.8 ± 0.8/min, F/F0 = 3.11 ± 0.2) which pseudo-line-scan analysis revealed as composed of Ca2+ waves and spatially restricted Ca2+ release events. A 100 nm ACh stimulus induced Ca2+ responses of lower frequency (4.5 ± 0.7/min) and amplitude (F/F0 = 1.95 ± 0.11) composed primarily of spatially restricted events. The time interval between Ca2+ waves in adjacent cells (0.79 ± 0.12 s) was shorter (p < 0.05) than that between nonadjacent cells (1.56 ± 0.25 s). Spatially restricted Ca2+ release events had similar frequencies and latencies between adjacent and nonadjacent cells. Inhibiting intracellular Ca2+ release with 2-APB, Xestospongin C or thapsigargin eliminated Ca2+ responses. Conclusions With moderate GPCR stimulation, localized Ca2+ release events predominate among cells. Greater GPCR stimulation evokes coordinated intercellular Ca2+ waves via the ER. Calcium signaling during GPCR activation is complex among cells, varying with stimulus intensity and proximity to actively signaling cells.
Estimated longevity and changes in spirituality in the context of advanced congestive heart failure.

Objective To examine (1) advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) patients' estimates of their longevity and changes in these estimates over time; (2) clinical, functional, and psychological adjustment correlates of these longevity estimates; and (3) correspondence of changes in longevity and changes in multiple dimensions of spirituality over time. Methods Longitudinal questionnaire-based study of 111 patients diagnosed with severe CHF assessed at two time points separated by 6 months. Results Nearly half of the participants estimated their longevity as at least 5-10 years, and there was very little change in estimates across the assessment periods. Longevity estimates were minimally related to clinical or functional indicators, but longer estimates were related to fewer depressive symptoms and higher levels of life satisfaction. Multivariate regression analyses indicated that shifting longevity estimates toward less time or toward uncertainty was related to increases in religious life meaning and forgiveness and to decreased spiritual struggle over the 6-month interval. No effects were observed for daily spiritual experiences. Significance of results Because very little is known about how individuals estimate their remaining life span, these results establish information regarding their basis (i.e., not clinical or functional) and stability, at least in the context of advanced heart failure. In addition, the notion that individuals become more spiritual as they perceive the approach of death was borne out in terms of multiple aspects of spirituality.
On the diagonal scaling of Euclidean distance matrices to doubly stochastic matrices

We consider the problem of scaling a nondegenerate predistance matrix A to a doubly stochastic matrix B. If A is nondegenerate, then there exists a unique positive diagonal matrix C such that B = CAC. We further demonstrate that, if A is a Euclidean distance matrix, then B is a spherical Euclidean distance matrix. Finally, we investigate how scaling a nondegenerate Euclidean distance matrix A to a doubly stochastic matrix transforms the points that generate A. We find that this transformation is equivalent to an inverse stereographic projection.
Calculating the Time-Mean Oceanic General Circulation and Mixing Coefficients from Hydrographic Data

Abstract The relation between the circulation calculated from averaged hydrographic data (such as the Levitus data), and the actual time average circulation is examined using a CTD dataset which provides both time and space coverage of a region of the Mediterranean Sea. The connection between eddy mixing coefficients calculated from hydrographic data and the eddy fluxes (u′T′) they are intended to parameterize is also considered. An inverse model is used to calculate circulation and mixing coefficients from the time average data. Then, the actual time averaged circulation is estimated by averaging six realizations of the instantaneous velocity field, and mixing coefficients are calculated by directly parameterizing the eddy fluxes of heat and salt. Comparing the results obtained by the different procedures, it is concluded that the horizontal time average circulation can be reliably estimated from averaged and smoothed climatological data, but that it is nearly impossible to obtain physically meaningful m...
Endogenous and Silencing-Associated Small RNAs in Plants

A large set of endogenous small RNAs of predominantly 21 to 24 nucleotides was identified in Arabidopsis. These small RNAs resembled micro-RNAs from animals and were similar in size to small interfering RNAs that accumulated during RNA silencing triggered by multiple types of inducers. Among the 125 sequences identified, the vast majority (90%) arose from intergenic regions, although small RNAs corresponding to predicted protein-coding genes, transposon-like sequences, and a structural RNA gene also were identified. Evidence consistent with the derivation of small RNAs of both polarities, and from highly base-paired precursors, was obtained through the identification and analysis of clusters of small RNA loci. The accumulation of specific small RNAs was regulated developmentally. We propose that Arabidopsis small RNAs participate in a wide range of post-transcriptional and epigenetic events.
A solution to the charging problems in capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers

We report on a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) featuring isolation posts (PostCMUT) as a solution to the charging problems caused by device fabrication and operation. This design improves the device reliability. The PostCMUTs were fabricated using a newly developed process based on the wafer-bonding technique. Paired tests showed the superior reliability characteristics of the PostCMUT design compared to those of conventional CMUT designs. No deleterious effect of the new design was seen in preliminary ultrasonic tests or in process yield. PostCMUTs, a design that serves as a solution to the aforementioned reliability problem, constitutes a major contribution to CMUT commercialization.
Shock-Induced Depolarization of Refractory Myocardium Prevents Wave-Front Propagation in Defibrillation

The elimination of most, if not all, propagating wave fronts of electrical activation by a shock constitutes a minimum prerequisite for successful defibrillation. However, the factors responsible for the prevention of postshock propagating activity are unknown. We investigated the determinants of this effect of defibrillation shocks in 23 Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts by optically mapping cardiac cellular electrical activity by means of laser scanning. The optical action potentials obtained by this method were continuously recorded from 100 ventricular epicardial sites before, during, and after shock delivery during fibrillation. Analysis of activation maps showed that postshock propagating activity arose from areas depolarized by the shock. In 273 shock episodes, 898 sites at the border of shock-depolarized areas (BSDAs) from which wave-front propagation could have arisen were identified. The incidence of postshock propagation from BSDA sites was inversely related to refractoriness, as indexed by coupling interval (CI) or the optical takeoff potential (V¯ m ). Specifically, there was a near-zero probability of postshock propagation if the shock caused depolarization at CIs m s. We conclude that the incidence of postshock wave-front propagation decreases with increasing refractoriness at the BSDA and that shock-induced depolarization of effectively refractory myocardium (ie, depolarized to ≥60% APA) is required to guarantee the cessation of continued wave-front propagation in defibrillation.
Children's Motivations for Video Game Play in the Context of Normal Development:

Electronic games are now an everyday part of childhood and adolescence. The debate has moved from whether children should play video games to how to maximize potential benefits and to identify and minimize potential harms. To do this, we must understand what motivates children to play electronic games and what needs the games meet. Drawing on a survey of 1,254 middle school children, focus groups with boys and their parents, and findings from other quantitative and qualitative research, the author describes a variety of motivations for video game play (including games with violent content) and how these may vary based on factors such as mood, environment, personality, and developmental stage. The findings are put into the context of normal development, and suggestions are given for parents, educators, and researchers.
Hypersensitivity reaction associated with sterile ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction

Infection and obstruction remain significant problems associated with shunts. We studied the clinical and pathological findings in 29 patients who underwent surgical procedures to revise malfunctioning ventriculoperitoneal shunts. The preoperative diagnosis for shunt malfunction was infection in 8 cases, and obstruction in 18 cases. A pathologist NK independently examined the shunt hardware removed from the patients without knowledge of the clinical diagnosis. There were 19 ventricular catheters, 15 valves, and 14 abdominal catheters examined. Fourteen of the patients had had three or more shunt revisions. Three of these patients had evidence of some hypersensitivity reaction due to the shunt hardware (multiple eosinophils and giant cells in tissue enveloping shunt hardware). Of the 15 patients who had two or less shunt revisions, none had evidence of hypersensitivity on pathological examination of the shunt hardware. We conclude that pathological examination of shunt hardware is helpful in understanding noninfectious causes of shunt malfunction. We have identified a subgroup of patients who developed a hypersensitivity-like reaction around the shunt that in certain instances may lead to shunt malfunction. It is important to identify these patients for they may be more likely to have multiple episodes of shunt malfunction.
Novel ion‐containing reverse osmosis membranes. I. Preparation and selected properties

Grafting and subsequent quaternization of 2- and 4-vinylpyridine to poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and to poly(3,3-bis(chloromethyl)oxetene), Penton, films have been exploited to prepare novel ion-containing membranes. 2-Vinylpyridine-grafted Penton films are the most attractive system for further study since the PVC grafts were unstable under the requisite extraction conditions. Although the sterically less hindered 4-vinylpyridine-grafted films were easier to quaternize, weight gain calculations indicated that complete quaternizations were only achieved with the 2-vinylpyridine-grafted films. High ionic concentrations were obtained in the grafted membranes. The mechanical properties of the wet films were measured. Salt absorption studies demonstrated that significant salt exclusion was achieved at relatively high salt concentrations although the grafted films sorbed up to 30 vol % water.
Understory vegetation as an indicator for floodplain forest restoration in the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley, U.S.A

In the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley (MAV), complete alteration of river-floodplain hydrology allowed for widespread conversion of forested bottomlands to intensive agriculture, resulting in nearly 80% forest loss. Governmental programs have attempted to restore forest habitat and functions within this altered landscape by the methods of tree planting (afforestation) and local hydrologic enhancement on reclaimed croplands. Early assessments identified factors that influenced whether planting plus tree colonization could establish an overstory community similar to natural bottomland forests. The extent to which afforested sites develop typical understory vegetation has not been evaluated, yet understory composition may be indicative of restored site conditions. As part of a broad study quantifying the ecosystem services gained from restoration efforts, understory vegetation was compared between 37 afforested sites and 26 mature forest sites. Differences in vegetation attributes for species growth forms, wetland indicator classes, and native status were tested with univariate analyses; floristic composition data were analyzed by multivariate techniques. Understory vegetation of restoration sites was generally hydrophytic, but species composition differed from that of mature bottomland forest because of young successional age and differing responses of plant growth forms. Attribute and floristic variation among restoration sites was related to variation in canopy development and local wetness conditions, which in turn reflected both intrinsic site features and outcomes of restoration practices. Thus, understory vegetation is a useful indicator of functional progress in floodplain forest restoration.
A Shortcut for Computing Stream Depletion by Wells Using Analog or Digital Modelsa

Theory indicates that the effect of a discharging well on a nearby stream is independent of the length of the reach. The theory was confirmed using a digital computer model of short and long reaches of a stream-aquifer system. Digital computations using short reaches of most stream-aquifer systems will give results comparable in accuracy to one of a long reach with considerably less effort and expense.