cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rheological characterization of cementitious grouts used to dispose of intermediate-level radioactive waste by hydrofracturing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

The hydrofracturing process is a waste disposal process in use at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the permanent disposal of locally generated waste solutions. This process is now being modified for use in the disposal of sludge that results from the sodium hydroxide neutralization of acid waste solutions. In this process, the sludges will be slurried in a bentonite clay suspension and mixed with a solids blend of cement and other additives. The amount of dry solids required for each liter of waste slurry will be determined from a rheogram that relates the viscosity of the slurry with the grams per liter recommended for grouts with desirable flow properties. A description of the process and the development of rheograms are included. Data are presented on the use of chemical additives to control the flow properties of grouts.
Annealing of hydrogen-impregnated and irradiated vitreous silica

Abstract The effects of isochronal thermal annealing are reported for a type I commercial vitreous silica which had been saturated with hydrogen at 45 MPa and irradiated to 56 MGy. It has been shown previously that several hundred wtppm of Si–OH and Si–H are formed in this glass by an identical treatment, accompanied by a decrease in density of 520 ± 20 ppm. Infrared spectra of this glass indicate that it contains free Si–OH, hydrogen-bonded Si–OH, molecular H2O, and Si–H. Annealing of this glass initially results in a large change in the shape of the hydroxyl band, with a shift in intensity from one region to another. The initial change in shape is followed by a gradual decrease in band intensity with a return to the pre-irradiated shape. These changes are interpreted as indicating that the H2O molecules react with the network to form additional Si–OH during the initial stages of annealing. At higher temperatures Si–OH and Si–H begin to react to produce H2, which diffuses out of the glass. Hydrogen-bonded Si–OH is converted to free Si–OH at even higher temperatures. The infrared band due to Si–H does not change in shape, but decreases in intensity during annealing. Sample density, as measured using a sink-float method, increases by 480 ± 50 ppm during thermal annealing.
Halogen-Capped Aniline Trimers. Away from the Polyaniline Paradigm by Isosteric Replacement of Amino Groups: A Theoretical Study

Halogen-capped aniline trimers represent an important class of molecules that are no longer appropriate models for polyaniline, but they can nevertheless be expected to demonstrate useful properties in their own right. Such molecules are herein investigated by DFT (density functional theory) calculations of important thermodynamic parameters and are compared and contrasted to the parameters of amino-capped aniline trimers. The implications for the utility of such materials in corrosion control/inhibition are highlighted.
Molecular Characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi erp Promoter/Operator Elements

Many Borrelia burgdorferi Erp outer surface proteins have been demonstrated to bind the host complement regulator factor H, which likely contributes to the ability of these organisms to evade the host innate immune system. B. burgdorferi controls Erp protein synthesis throughout the bacterial infectious cycle, producing the proteins during mammalian infections but repressing their synthesis during tick infections. Defining the mechanism by which B. burgdorferi regulates the expression of these virulence determinants will provide important insight into the biological and pathogenic properties of the Lyme disease spirochete. The present study demonstrates that two highly conserved DNA sequences located 5' of erp operons specifically bind bacterial proteins. Analyses with B. burgdorferi of transcriptional fusions between erp promoter/operator DNAs and the gene for green fluorescent protein indicated that the expression of these operons is regulated at the level of transcriptional initiation. These analyses also indicated significant differences in the promoter strengths of various erp operons, which likely accounts for reported variations in expression levels of different Erp proteins. Mutagenesis of promoter-gfp fusions demonstrated that at least one of the proteins which bind erp operator DNA functions as a repressor of transcription.
Bioassay Vessel Rupture Analysis

Two high-pressure bioassay vessels failed at the Savannah River Site during separate events using a standard procedure for microwave heating of biosamples. Improper installation of the thermal shield in the first vessel caused the rupture during microwave heating. The second vessel rupture is attributed to over pressurization during testing. The vessel rupture appeared to initiate in the mold parting line, the thinnest cross-section of the octagonal vessel. No material flaws were found in the vessel that would impair structural performance during typical usage. Limits to thermal cycling have been suggested to avoid premature vessel rupture due to fatigue.
Transient severe mitral regurgitation after mitral valve repair is associated with a poor clinical outcome: a small case series.

Background: During mitral valve repair, patients with transesophageal echo-detected immediate postoperative systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) and mitral regurgitation (MR) are successfully medically managed. They have been shown to do well in a short-term follow-up. However, the long-term outcome has not been investigated. The objective of this project was to investigate the longterm outcome of these patients. Methods: This is an observational, retrospective study of 385 patients who underwent MVR. All cases of SAM and MR in this report were successfully medically managed with conservative therapy preventing the need for immediate surgical reintervention. Patients were divided into two groups based on the severity of MR. Group I had grade ≤ 2 + MR (<moderate) and Group II had ≥ 3+(moderate or severe). Repeat MV surgical procedure or admission to the hospital for congestive heart failure with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or Class IV was identified as a poor outcome. Results: Twelve patients (3.1 %) were identified as having SAM with MR, which was medically managed intraoperatively. Patients were followed an average of 35 months. There were four patients (33.3%) in Group II. None of the eight patients (0%) in Group I had a poor outcome whereas three of the four patients (75%) in Group II had a poor outcome (OR = 3; P value = 0.018). Conclusion: These data suggest that despite the immediate improvement in MR and SAM, it is the degree of transient MR that further stratifies patients into good or poor long-term outcomes. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 25, September 2008) mitral valve repair, mitral regurgitation, systolic anterior motion, transesophageal echocardiography, outcome Historically, patients with immediate postoperative, transesophageal echo-detected systolic anterior motion (SAM) and mitral regurgitation (MR) underwent a second pump-run to reconstruct or replace the repaired valve. These patients are successfully medically managed by withdrawing inotropic therapy coupled with aggressive hydration. This has resulted in the resolution of the SAM and resulting MR. These patients have been shown to do well in the immediate postoperative period and short-term follow-up and this finding seems to justify this continued practice. However, the long-term outcome of MVR procedures with postoperative
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Risk of Incident Stroke in Community-Living Adults”

We thank Drs Zou and Zheng for their comments.1 We agree that future research will need to establish whether measuring fibroblast growth factor …
Discharge patterns of cochlear ganglion neurons in the chicken

Physiological recordings were made of the compound action potential from the round window and single neurons in the cochlear ganglion of normal adult chickens (Gallus domesticus). The compound action potential threshold to tone bursts decreased from approximately 42 dB at 0.25 kHz to 30 dB between 1 and 2 kHz and then increased to 51 dB at 4 kHz. Most of the cochlear ganglion cells had characteristic frequencies below 2 kHz and the thresholds of most neurons were roughly 30–35 dB lower than the compound action potential thresholds. At any given characteristic frequency, thresholds varied by as much as 60 dB and units with the highest thresholds tended to have the lowest spontaneous rates. Spontaneous discharge rates ranged from 0 to 200 spikes/s with a mean rate of 86 spikes/s. Interspike interval histograms of spontaneous activity often contained regular peaks with the time interval between peaks approximately equal to 1/(characteristic frequency). Tuning curves were sharply tuned and V-shaped with approximately equal slopes to the curves above and below characteristic frequency. Q10dB and Q30dB values for the tuning curves increased with characteristic frequency. Post stimulus time histograms showed sustained firing during the stimulus and were characterized by a slight-to-moderate peak at stimulus onset. Most units showed vigorous phase-locking to tones at characteristic frequency although the degree of phase-locking declined sharply with increasing characteristic frequency. Discharge rate-level functions at characteristic frequency had a mean dynamic range of 42 dB and a mean saturation firing rate of 327 spikes/s. In general, the firing patterns of cochlear ganglion neurons are similar in most respects to those reported in other avians, but differ in several important respects from those seen in mammals.
Plasma and brain cholecystokinin levels in cancer anorexia

The syndrome of cancer anorexia includes early satiety in man and a reduction in the duration of feeding in experimental animals. These aberrations suggest dysfunction of peripheral and/or central nervous system satiety mechanisms in tumor-bearing individuals. Since the gut peptide, cholecystokinin (CCK), has been implicated as a potent satiety cue in man and animals, plasma and brain concentrations of CCK were measured by radioimmunoassay in anorectic tumor-bearing rats. Plasma concentrations of immunoreactive CCK were not significantly altered in either an acute Walker 256 carcinosarcoma or more chronic methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma animal model of cancer anorexia. However, levels of immunoreactive CCK were significantly reduced in the hypothalamus and cerebral cortex of animals bearing the methylcholanthrene sarcoma during both mild and severe anorexia. These data demonstrate that elevations in immunoreactive CCK are not a major factor in the etiology of cancer anorexia. If brain CCK is involved in satiety, tumor-bearing rats may be attempting to compensate for their anorexia by down-regulating CCK production.
Pictorial Negations: Preferences for Different Circle-Slash Variations:

A circle with a 45-degree slash overlayed on a pictorial has been increasingly used to depict a negation. However, in some cases this overlay could obscure critical parts of the symbol making the depiction difficult to recognise. The present study investigated whether participants would judge the acceptability of various kinds of circle-slash negation differently. Sixteen pictorials in both left-facing and right-facing orientations were combined with four versions of the red circle and slash: a conventional slash over the symbol, a slash under the symbol, a translucent slash, and a partial slash. Sixty participants rank ordered the combinations. The results generally indicated that the over and under versions were preferred to the translucent or partial slashes, an effect probably attributable to familiarity and Gestalt principles of good figures. Some symbols were differentially affected by orientation and slash type. The over slash versions were given lower evaluations when critical features were obscur...
Determinants of anagram problem solution in adulthood

Abstract An evaluation of the indices proposed in the literature regarding measures of anagram difficulty was made by asking three groups (ages 17–26, 39–51, 59–76) of adults (n = 54) to solve a list of 30 anagrams. Results indicated that only two of these indices (Thorndike-Lorge and Bigram Rank measures) significantly predicted frequency of solution in samples beyond college age. It was also found that the cognitive variable mediating the effects of these indices in middle aged and elderly subjects was crystallized ability, suggesting an experiential basis for the effects of both task and organismic variables as determinants of anagram problem solving in adulthood. The role of fluid ability as a mediator of problem solution in the young received limited support.
Albert Camus and the Popular Tradition

Summary This study proposes to explore the relationship between Camus and his fiction and the popular tradition of carnival and the grotesque (as presented by Mikhail Bakhtin). The analysis focuses first on the material principle - the “debasement” of abstract concepts to the level of the body, of the concrete. In Camus, this principle most often takes the form of a fusion of body and environment. Secondly, the study analyzes the principle of ambivalence - the presence of “poles” which function simultaneously rather than in opposition. This principle, which is the prerequisite for humor (a neglected side of Camus), appears in “two-in-one images,” in bi-level space, and in the ritual process of crowning-discrowning. The presence of this literary tradition in Camus gives his work the immediate impact of ritual, and makes a full understanding and appreciation of him impossible if its presence is ignored.
Efficient XeF laser excited by a proton beam

The efficient generation of stimulated emission from XeF at 351 and 353 nm has been achieved by pumping RG/Xe/NF3 gas mixtures (RG=argon, neon, or helium) with an intense (∼10 A cm−2) beam of ∼200‐keV protons. For an active medium (T=300 °K) consisting of Ar, Xe, and NF3 at a total pressure of 1 atm and 30% cavity output coupling, the volumetric output, efficiency, and threshold pump power for the laser were determined to be 5–10 J/liter amagat, 1.7±0.7%, and 1.5 MW cm−3, respectively. Much lower efficiencies were obtained for neon and helium diluent mixtures.
Dynamic reasoning with qualified syllogisms

Abstract A qualified syllogism is a classical Aristotelean syllogism that has been “qualified” through the use of fuzzy quantifiers, likelihood modifiers, and usuality modifiers, e.g., “ Most birds can fly; Tweety is a bird; therefore, it is likely that Tweety can fly.” This paper introduces a formal logic Q of such syllogisms and shows how this may be employed in a system of nonmonotonic reasoning. In process are defined the notions of path logic and dynamic reasoning system (DRS). The former is an adaptation of the conventional formal system which explicitly portrays reasoning as an activity that takes place in time. The latter consists of a path logic together with a multiple-inheritance hierarchy. The hierarchy duplicates some of the information recorded in the path logic, but additionally provides an extralogical specificity relation. The system uses typed predicates to formally distinguish between properties and kinds of things. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated through analysis of several “puzzles” that have appeared previously in the literature, e.g., Tweety the Bird, Clyde the Elephant, and the Nixon Diamond. It is also outlined how the DRS framework accommodates other reasoning techniques—in particular, predicate circumscription, a “localized” version of default logic, a variant of nonmonotonic logic, and reason maintenance. Furthermore it is seen that the same framework accomodates a new formulation of the notion of unless . A concluding section discusses the relevance of these systems to the well-known frame problem .
Probing distal regions of the A2B adenosine receptor by quantitative structure-activity relationship modeling of known and novel agonists.

The binding modes at the A2B adenosine receptor (AR) of 72 derivatives of adenosine and its 5′-N-methyluronamide with diverse substitutions at the 2 and N6 positions were studied using a molecular modeling approach. The compounds in their receptor-docked conformations were used to build CoMFA and CoMSIA quantitative structure–activity relationship models. Various parameters, including different types of atomic charges, were examined. The best statistical parameters were obtained with a joint CoMFA and CoMSIA model: R2 = 0.960, Q2 = 0.676, SEE = 0.175, F = 158, and R2test = 0.782 for an independent test set containing 18 compounds. On the basis of the modeling results, four novel adenosine analogues, having elongated or bulky substitutions at N6 position and/or 2 position, were synthesized and evaluated biologically. All of the proposed compounds were potent, full agonists at the A2B AR in adenylate cyclase studies. Thus, in support of the modeling, bulky substitutions at both positions did not prevent A2B...
Mapping Functional Chicken Genes: An Alternative Approach

Functional genes were selected for linkage analysis mapping using the East Lansing (EL) reference population ?[Jungle Fowl (JF) x White Leghorn (WL)] x WL?. The approach used was based on the identification of DNA sequence polymorphisms in the introns of those genes found in JF and WL. Deoxyribonucleic acid sequence analysis revealed single base substitutions in introns of six Type I marker genes: adenylate kinase 1 (AK1), aldolase B (ALDOB), a lysosomal membrane protein gene (LAMP1), vitellogenin 2 (VTG2), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), and creatine kinase B (CKB). Transitions or transversions were found in introns of AK1, ALDOB, LAMP1, VTG2, APOA1, and CKB. A transversion in the intron of the JF allele of AK1 generated a unique BspHI cleavage site. The design of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers based on the site of base substitution led to the specific amplification of the JF allele in the remaining five genes. A size polymorphism in the PCR production derived from iron response element binding protein (IREBP) distinguished the JF from the WL allele. Linkage analysis of the EL reference population revealed that these candidate genes were located in the following EL linkage groups (E) or chromosomes (Chrom) of the chicken genome: AK1 (E41), VTG2 (E43), APOA1 (E49), CKB (E07), LAMP1 (E01), ALDOB (Chrom Z), and IREBP (Chrom Z). Provided that a base substitution can be found in the parents of the reference population, this PCR-based approach can be used to map any cloned candidate gene. This approach will lead to further information on synteny of the chicken genome with cognate genes of mammalian species.
Distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls in the Fort Edward, New York, water system

Levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been determined in the water, in the soils and sediments, and in the biota of a small upstate New York public water supply system, which is near the heavily polluted section of the Hudson River and a disposal site for PCB-containing waste. The impounded water exhibits a significant and relatively uniform level of Aroclor 1016, whereas the ground and surface waters supplying the reservoir do not. Rainfall, which exhibits a high level of Aroclor 1016, constitutes a small but significant source of PCB input. Soil and sediment samples exhibit significant median levels of both Aroclor 1016 and Aroclor 1254, but the local concentrations vary widely. The biota exhibit much higher PCB levels than the water or sediments, and show a strong preference for Aroclor 1254. The PCB levels in the macroinvertebrates are particularly high, suggesting that these organisms may provide a useful indicator for monitoring PCB contamination in aquatic systems. Risk assessment indicates that the lifetime incremental risk of cancer associated with the drinking water is below 10−6. Management of such low levels of PCB contamination is best achieved by reducing the input of PCBs.
Isolation of an agent causing bilirubinemia and jaundice in raccoons.

SummaryAn infectious agent, which appears to be a virus (RJV) has been isolated from the liver of a wild raccoon which has led to a highly fatal type of disease characterized by conjunctivitis and an elevated serum bilirubin frequently accompanied by jaundice on inoculation of raccoons. Ferrets also appear to be susceptible to infections with this agent.
On the motion of a satellite in an asymmetrical gravitational field

Existing satellite data have a tracking precision and a limited interval of observation sufficient only for the determination of the zonal harmonics in the geoid. With the availability of more accurate data, extended over longer intervals of time, it will also become possible to determine the tesseral harmonics in the gravitational field. The present theory, developed in anticipation of the availability of these data, extends the work published by the author recently to permit the easy inclusion of the influence of tesseral harmonics, and consequently also of gravitational anomalies, in the motion of an artificial satellite.
Enhanced Adhesion of Dopamine Methacrylamide Elastomers via Viscoelasticity Tuning

We present a study on the effects of cross-linking on the adhesive properties of bio-inspired 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). DOPA has a unique catechol moiety found in adhesive proteins in marine organisms, such as mussels and polychaete, which results in strong adhesion in aquatic conditions. Incorporation of this functional group in synthetic polymers provides the basis for pressure-sensitive adhesives for use in a broad range of environments. A series of cross-linked DOPA-containing polymers were prepared by adding divinyl cross-linking agent ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) to monomer mixtures of dopamine methacrylamide (DMA) and 2-methoxyethyl acrylate (MEA). Samples were prepared using a solvent-free microwave-assisted polymerization reaction and compared to a similar series of cross-linked MEA materials. Cross-linking with EGDMA tunes the viscoelastic properties of the adhesive material and has the advantage of not reacting with the catechol group that is responsible for the excellent adh...
Effects of egg and sperm maturation and spawning on the distribution and elimination of a polychlorinated biphenyl in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Abstract Distribution and elimination of 2,5,2′,5′- tetrachloro [ 14 C ] biphenyl (4-CB) were studied for 1 year after exposing female and male rainbow trout to the compound in water and then transferring the fish to a hatchery raceway. The fish were exposed in December, weights of the maturing eggs and sperm began to increase in June, and the fish began to spawn in October. From January through August elimination of 4-CB was slow with a t 1 2 for whole body elimination of 1.76 years in females and 1.43 years in males. However, during the spawning season whole body elimination was more rapid in both sexes; t 1 2 = 0.52 year in females and 0.54 year in males. The increased elimination rate appeared primarily to be due to the voiding of 4-CB containing eggs and sperm as opposed to enhanced elimination of 4-CB from extragonadal tissues. Prior to the enhanced elimination there was a redistribution of 4-CB residues within the fish's body. This was characterized by a depletion of 4-CB from eyes and periorbital fat, followed later in time, by a reduction in 4-CB content of visceral fat. Temporally related to this was an accumulation of 4-CB residues in maturing eggs and sperm. Thus, redistribution of 4-CB occurred during spermatogenesis and vitellogenesis and preceded the enhanced elimination of 4-CB from the whole fish when the gametes were spent from the body. The overall significance of this study is that it underlines the enhancing effect of egg and sperm maturation and spawning on whole body elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls in fish.
Multiple-population versus hierarchical conifer breeding programs: a comparison of genetic diversity levels

Advanced-generation domestication programs for forest-tree species has raised some concerns about the maintenance of genetic diversity in forest-tree breeding programs. Genetic diversity in natural stands was compared with two genetic conservation options for a third-generation elite Pinus taeda breeding population. The breeding population was subdivided either on the basis of geographic origin and selection goals (multiple-population or MPBS option) or stratified according to genetic value (hierarchical or HOPE option). Most allelic diversity in the natural stands of loblolly pine is present in the domesticated breeding populations. This was true at the aggregate level for both multiple-population (MPBS) and the hierarchical (HOPE) populations. Individual subpopulations within each option had less genetic diversity but it did not decline as generations of improvement increased. Genetic differentiation within the subdivided breeding populations ranged from 1 to 5%, genetic variability is within each subpopulation rather than among subpopulations for both MPBS (>95%) and the HOPE approaches (>98%). Nei's Gst estimates for amongpopulation differentiation were biased upwards relative to estimates of θ from Weir and Cockerham (1984).
Low Work Function Reduced Metal Complexes as Cathodes in Organic Electroluminescent Devices

Several electrochemically active polypyridine-metal complexes are isolated in the formally zero-charged state via reductive electrocrystallization, and are thermally evaporated to form conducting thin films with low work functions. Solution-phase cyclic voltammetry of the parent complexes is used to predict the work function of these materials. The reduced films are used as cathode materials in organic light-emitting devices, in place of the commonly used low work function metals such as calcium and aluminum. These reduced complexes represent a new class of materials available for use as electron-injecting contacts in organic electroluminescent devices.
Cytokines and Viral Anti‐Immune Genes

Cytokines, the pleomorphic and pleiotropic director proteins of an increasingly defined diversity of differentiation and growth, are potent modulators of immune function and homeostasis. The antiviral and immunostimulatory actions of cytokines, like the interferons, have also been recognized for many years. In more recent developments, virus genomes were discovered in 1990 to contain anti-immune genes that control the synthesis of host cell proteins that disarm immune defenses. Many of the virus anti-immune genes are directed against cytokines. Recent discoveries of cytokine homologs and cytokine receptor homologs, and other viral gene products that disarm host immune defenses, provide a molecular basis for improved understanding of virus diseases and new targets for development of innovative therapeutic approaches against viral, cancer and perhaps a number of other diseases.
Semantic impairment and anomia in Alzheimer's disease

Impairment in naming visually presented objects was investigated in patients with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Impaired object naming correlated with difficulty listing the names of objects from a specified semantic category and with erroneous selection of words semantically related to the correct names for objects in a name recognition test. These results suggest that patients with Alzheimer's disease have a semantic impairment characterized by inability to distinguish among objects that are members of the same semantic category, and that this impairment is associated with difficulty producing the names for objects. Semantic impairment was present in patients with normal ability to discriminate visually presented shapes, indicating that the semantic deficit in Alzheimer's disease occurs independently of abnormalities of visuospatial function. Patients tended to make errors on the same items in both confrontation naming and name recognition tests, suggesting that the semantic impairment in Alzheimer's disease involves loss of information about specific objects and their names.
Rational design of boropeptide thrombin inhibitors: β,β-dialkyl-phenethylglycine P2 analogs of DuP 714 with greater selectivity over complement factor I and an improved safety profile

The potent boropeptide thrombin inhibitor DuP 714 caused side effects in laboratory animals that appear to be related to its ability to inhibit complement factor I, thereby activating the complement cascade. Using X-ray crystal structure information, we have designed compounds that have greater selectivity for thrombin over factor I and that have reduced tendency to produce these side effects.
High Speed H 2 O Concentration Measurements Using Absorption Spectroscopy to Monitor Exhaust Gas

This paper demonstrates the potential for fast absorption spectroscopy measurements in diesel-engine exhaust to track H2O concentration transients. Wavelength-agile absorption spectroscopy is an optical technique that measures broadband absorption spectra between 10kHz and 100 MHz. From these measured spectra, gas temperature and absorber concentration can be determined. The Fourier-domain mode-locking (FDML) laser is becoming recognized as one of the most robust and reliable wavelength-agile sources available. H2O concentration measurements during combustion events at crank angle resolved speeds are beneficial for a wide variety of applications, such as product improvements for industry, control and reliability checks for experimental researchers, and measures of fit for numerical simulations. The difficulties associated with measuring diesel exhaust compared to in-cylinder measurements are discussed. A full description of the experimental configuration and data processing is explained. Measurements of engine exhaust H2O transients with 10- s temporal resolution are presented for a range of engine conditions.
DISTRIBUTION OF ENZYMATIC BROWNING OF YOUNG SHOOT HOMOGENATES IN THE AURANTIOIDEAE

A B S T R A C T Distribution of polyphenol oxidase-catalyzed browning of young shoot homogenates was studied in 428 accessioins of the orange subfamily Aurantioideae. Browning and nonbrowning phenotypes were found in both tribes, namely Clauseneae and Citreae. The browning taxa had sufficient polyphenol oxidase activity and a presently unknown phenolic substrate, while the nonbrowning taxa were devoid of both. A third group of taxa contained the substrate only and they too were designated as browning since their homogenates turned brown when the enzyme from a known source was added. The color of homogenates was taxon-specific in most browning and nonbrowning taxa. Within the genus Citrus, 4 out of the 16 species recognized by Swingle were browning and 2 were nonbrowning. Exceptions noted within either group of taxa were presumably hybrids or mutants. The significance of enzymatic browning as an additional taxonomic criterion in studying species relationships and as a genetic marker in identificaton of hybrid taxa was discussed. THE TAXONOMIC STATUS of the genus Citrus has long been a matter of controversy and confusion. This is evident from the major classification systems adhered to, namely those of Swingle, who recognized 16 species in 1943, and of Tanaka, who named 159 as late as 1969. Therefore, there is a need for well-defined, stable, and reliable criteria to study taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships. The occurrence of two distinct color phenotypes
Experimental study of an air-cooled thermal management system for high capacity lithium–titanate batteries

Abstract Lithium–titanate batteries have become an attractive option for battery electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. In order to maintain safe operating temperatures, these batteries must be actively cooled during operation. Liquid-cooled systems typically employed for this purpose are inefficient due to the parasitic power consumed by the on-board chiller unit and the coolant pump. A more efficient option would be to circulate ambient air through the battery bank and directly reject the heat to the ambient. We designed and fabricated such an air-cooled thermal management system employing metal-foam based heat exchanger plates for sufficient heat removal capacity. Experiments were conducted with Altairnano's 50 Ah cells over a range of charge-discharge cycle currents at two air flow rates. It was found that an airflow of 1100 mls−1 per cell restricts the temperature rise of the coolant air to less than 10 °C over ambient even for 200 A charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, it was shown that the power required to drive the air through the heat exchanger was less than a conventional liquid-cooled thermal management system. The results indicate that air-cooled systems can be an effective and efficient method for the thermal management of automotive battery packs.
Uncertainty Analysis and Risk Assessment of DO Concentrations in the Buffalo River Using the Perturbance Moments Method

AbstractA three-point approximation method, the perturbance moments method (PMM), is applied to quantify the uncertainty of predicted dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in the Buffalo River that arise from data variability and parameter uncertainty. A risk assessment is then conducted to systematically compute the probability of exceeding a predetermined water quality standard. Numerical investigations reveal that the overall uncertainty of the output DO concentrations does not necessarily equal the sum of the uncertainties of all individual variables or parameters of interest. Therefore, different sources of uncertainty can have compensative or additive effects on the overall uncertainty of output DO concentrations. In a particular case study of the Buffalo River, the variability of measured concentrations was demonstrated to have the largest influence on the overall uncertainty of predicted DO concentrations. Notably, data with a higher collection frequency should have a smaller uncertainty, and there...
Occurrence of mangiferin in Hiptage madablota geartn

A bright yellow, crystalline compound, m.p. 271–274°, isolated from the root-bark of Hiptage madablota Geartn. has been identified as mangiferin, 1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxy-2-C- β -D-glucosylxanthone, by direct comparison of its properties and those of its derived 3,6,7-trimethyl ether with those of authentic samples. Mangiferin was assayed in three biological test systems and the results are given.
Some determining factors of the alphanumeric category effect.

The alphanumeric category effect refers to the finding that letters and digits are identified more efficiently when presented among items from the opposite category (a between-category, BC, search) than among items from the same category (a within-category, WC, search). In Experiment 1, the category effect was demonstrated for some targets, but not for others. The reasons for the selectivity of the effect were clarified by Experiment 2, in which the magnitude of the effect was correlated with the physical similarities between targets and distractors. Experiment 3 showed that, in a BC search, the physical differences between letters and digits allowed the observer to be more accurate in locating a target than in identifying it. This was not the case in a WC search, in which the observer was more accurate in identifying a target than in locating it (Experiment 4). The conclusion of these experiments is that the alphanumeric category effect is dependent upon the physical aspects of the stimulus and not the perceptual categories.
Laminins in Lung Development

Laminins are essential components of basement membranes, playing important roles in cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. These heterotrimeric glycoproteins are composed of an α, β, and γ chains held together by disulfide bonds. The first laminin identified, from the mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) tumor, is now referred to as laminin-1. Laminin-1 is expressed in the mouse developing lung by epithelial and mesenchymal cells and plays a role in branching morphogenesis. Since laminins are multidomain proteins, different laminin sites are engaged in promoting lung organogenesis by serving different functions at different stages of development. This study shows that the cross region of the molecule selectively promotes epithelial cell proliferation. The outer globular region of α 1 and β 1 chains mediates laminin polymerization and thereby basement membrane formation and epithelial cell polarization. The inner globular region of laminin β 1 chain binds to heparan sulfate proteoglycan and both s...
Comprehensive evaluation of caspase-14 in vulvar neoplasia: an opportunity for treatment with black raspberry extract.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to determine the expression of caspase-14, a key protein in maturation of squamous epithelia, in archival malignant and premalignant vulvar squamous lesions and examine in-vitro effects of a black raspberry extract (BRB-E) on a vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) cell line. Methods VSCC cell cultures were exposed to different BRB-E concentrations and used to create cell blocks. Immunohistochemistry for caspase-14 was performed on cell block sections, whole tissue sections, and a tissue microarray consisting of normal vulvar skin, lichen sclerosus (LS), classic and differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (cVIN and dVIN respectively), and VSCC. Results LS demonstrated abnormal full thickness (5/11) or absent (1/11) caspase-14 staining. dVIN often showed markedly reduced expression (4/7), and cVIN occasionally demonstrated either absent or reduced caspase-14 (6/22). VSCC predominantly had absent or markedly reduced caspase-14 (26/28). VSCC cell cultures demonstrated a significant increase in caspase-14 ( p =0.013) after BRB-E treatment: 7.3% (±2.0%) of untreated cells showed caspase-14 positivity, while 21.3% (±8.9%), 21.7% (±4.8%), and 22.6% (±5.3%) of cells were positive for caspase-14 after treatment with 200, 400, and 800μg/mL BRB-E, respectively. Pair-wise comparisons between the treatment groups and the control demonstrated significant differences between no treatment with BRB-E and each of these treatment concentrations (Dunnett's adjusted p -values: 0.024, 0.021, and 0.014, respectively). Conclusions Caspase-14 is frequently decreased in premalignant and malignant vulvar squamous lesions, and is upregulated in VSCC cell culture by BRB-E. BRB-E should be further explored and may ultimately be incorporated in topical preparations.
Patient characteristics associated with improved outcomes with use of an inhaled corticosteroid in preschool children at risk for asthma

Background Maintenance inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy in preschool children with recurrent wheezing at high-risk for development of asthma produces multiple clinical benefits. However, determination of baseline features associated with ICS responsiveness may identify children most likely to benefit from ICS treatment. Objective To determine if demographic and atopic features predict response to ICS in preschool children at high risk for asthma. Methods Two years of treatment with an ICS, fluticasone propionate (88 μg twice daily), was compared with matching placebo in a double-masked, randomized, multicenter study of 285 children 2 and 3 years old at high risk for asthma development. Baseline demographic and atopic features were related to clinical outcomes in a post hoc subgroup analysis. Results Multivariate analysis demonstrated significantly greater improvement with fluticasone than placebo in terms of episode-free days among boys, white subjects, participants with an emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization within the past year, and those who experienced more symptomatic days at baseline. Children with aeroallergen sensitization experienced greater benefits in terms of oral corticosteroid use, urgent care and ED visits, and use of supplemental controller medications. Conclusions More favorable responses to ICS than placebo in high-risk preschool children over a 2-year period were more likely in those with a ED visit or hospitalization for asthma within the past year, children with aeroallergen sensitization, boys, and white subjects.
The time-varying correlation between uncertainty, output, and inflation: Evidence from a DCC-GARCH model

Abstract Using a new uncertainty index from Baker et al. (2012) , we evaluate the time-varying correlation between macroeconomic uncertainty, inflation, and output. Estimation results from a multivariate DCC-GARCH model reveal that the sign of the correlation between macroeconomic uncertainty and inflation changed from negative to positive during the late 1990s, whereas the correlation between uncertainty and output is consistently negative.
Upland Switchgrass Yield, Nutritive Value, and Soil Carbon Changes Under Grazing and Clipping

There have been few evaluations of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivars under multiple harvest managements in the northeastern United States. The objective of this study was to determine the yield, nutritive value, and soil C changes of switch-grass cultivars under grazing and clipping. In 1999, 'Cave-in-Rock', 'Trailblazer', and 'Shawnee' switchgrass were established in field plots at Rock Springs, PA, and in pastures in southeastern Pennsylvania. In 2000 and 2001, two- and three-cut treatments were imposed at Rock Springs. At the southeastern Pennsylvania site, pastures were grazed three or four times per year during 2000 to 2004. Forage yield, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) were determined at each harvest. Soil was analyzed for C and stable C isotopes before planting in 1999 and at the end of the experiments. Cultivars differed slightly in yield and nutritive value. Variation in forage yield was greater among years and management treatments (3300 to 8200 kg ha -1 ) than among cultivars (5900 to 9400 kg ha -1 ). Trailblazer suffered from leaf diseases and lodging during wet years. There were no differences among cultivars in soil C. Soil C accumulated in the surface 5 cm of soil after 7 yr at Rock Springs, but soil C did not change after 5 yr of grazing. By the end of the experiments, about 20% of soil C in the surface 5 cm was derived from switchgrass. Cave-in-Rock and Shawnee are equally suited and superior to Trailblazer for hay and grazing in Pennsylvania and similar areas in the northeast.
Superconductivity from perturbative one gluon exchange in high density quark matter

We study color superconductivity in QCD at an asymptotically large chemical potential. In this limit, pairing is dominated by perturbative one-gluon exchange. We derive the Eliashberg equation for the pairing gap and solve this equation numerically. Taking into account both magnetic and electric gluon exchanges, we find $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\sim}{g}^{\ensuremath{-}5}\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}c/g)$ with $c=3{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}/\sqrt{2},$ verifying a recent result by Son. For chemical potentials that are of physical interest, $\ensuremath{\mu}l1 \mathrm{GeV},$ the calculation ceases to be reliable quantitatively, but our results suggest that the gap can be as large as 100 MeV.
A Model of Person-Environment Compatibility

The patterns of information available in the environment are often ignored in analyses of the fit or congruence between person and environment. By viewing such information patterns (in conjunction ...
Links among satisfaction, commitment, and turnover intentions: The moderating effect of experience, gender, and performance

Abstract We develop and test hypotheses about the moderating impact of experience, gender, and performance on the relationships among job satisfaction dimensions, organizational commitment, and turnover intentions. In the sales force studied, gender moderates the link between organizational commitment and turnover intentions. Experience and performance moderate the links between job satisfaction dimensions and organizational commitment. There also appears to be a joint moderator effect of gender and experience on the strength of the relationship between turnover intentions and organizational commitment. These results suggest the need for sales managers to manage adaptively, recognizing differences in different segments of the sales force. Researchers also need to recognize these differences in developing theory and testing it empirically.
Distinguishing Pu metal from Pu oxide and determining α-ratio using fast neutron counting

Abstract We describe a new method for determining the ratio of the rate of (α,n) source neutrons to the rate of spontaneous fission neutrons, the so-called α-ratio. This method is made possible by fast neutron counting with liquid scintillator detectors, which can determine the shape of the fast neutron spectrum. The method utilizes the spectral difference between fission spectrum neutrons from Pu metal and the spectrum of (α,n) neutrons from PuO2. Our method is a generalization of the Cifarelli–Hage method for determining k eff for fissile assemblies, and also simultaneously determines k eff along with the α-ratio.
Efficient evaluation of large sequence kernels

Classification of sequences drawn from a finite alphabet using a family of string kernels with inexact matching (e.g., spectrum or mismatch) has shown great success in machine learning. However, selection of optimal mismatch kernels for a particular task is severely limited by inability to compute such kernels for long substrings (k-mers) with potentially many mismatches (m). In this work we introduce a new method that allows us to exactly evaluate kernels for large k, m and arbitrary alphabet size. The task can be accomplished by first solving the more tractable problem for small alphabets, and then trivially generalizing to any alphabet using a small linear system of equations. This makes it possible to explore a larger set of kernels with a wide range of kernel parameters, opening a possibility to better model selection and improved performance of the string kernels. To investigate the utility of large (k,m) string kernels, we consider several sequence classification problems, including protein remote homology detection, fold prediction, and music classification. Our results show that increased k-mer lengths with larger substitutions can improve classification performance.
Canonical Wnt signaling in the oligodendroglial lineage-puzzles remain

The straightforward concept that accentuated Wnt signaling via the Wnt-receptor-β-catenin-TCF/LEF cascade (also termed canonical Wnt signaling or Wnt/β-catenin signaling) delays or blocks oligodendrocyte differentiation is very appealing. According to this concept, canonical Wnt signaling is responsible for remyelination failure in multiple sclerosis and for persistent hypomyelination in periventricular leukomalacia. This has given rise to the hope that pharmacologically inhibiting this signaling will be of therapeutic potential in these disabling neurological disorders. But current studies suggest that Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays distinct roles in oligodendrogenesis, oligodendrocyte differentiation, and myelination in a context-dependent manner (central nervous system regions, developmental stages), and that Wnt/β-catenin signaling interplays with, and is subjected to regulation by, other central nervous system factors and signaling pathways. On this basis, we propose the more nuanced concept that endogenous Wnt/β-catenin activity is delicately and temporally regulated to ensure the seamless development of oligodendroglial lineage cells in different contexts. In this review, we discuss the role Wnt/β-catenin signaling in oligodendrocyte development, focusing on the interpretation of disparate results, and highlighting areas where important questions remain to be answered about oligodendroglial lineage Wnt/β-catenin signaling.