cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Salmonella enterica, Ethanolamine Utilization Is Repressed by 1,2-Propanediol To Prevent Detrimental Mixing of Components of Two Different Bacterial Microcompartments

ABSTRACT Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are a diverse family of protein-based organelles composed of metabolic enzymes encapsulated within a protein shell. The function of bacterial MCPs is to optimize metabolic pathways by confining toxic and/or volatile metabolic intermediates. About 20% of bacteria produce MCPs, and there are at least seven different types. Different MCPs vary in their encapsulated enzymes, but all have outer shells composed of highly conserved proteins containing bacterial microcompartment domains. Many organisms have genes encoding more than one type of MCP, but given the high homology among shell proteins, it is uncertain whether multiple MCPs can be functionally expressed in the same cell at the same time. In these studies, we examine the regulation of the 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD) utilization (Pdu) and ethanolamine utilization (Eut) MCPs in Salmonella. Studies showed that 1,2-PD (shown to induce the Pdu MCP) represses transcription of the Eut MCP and that the PocR regulatory protein is required. The results indicate that repression of the Eut MCP by 1,2-PD is needed to prevent detrimental mixing of shell proteins from the Eut and Pdu MCPs. Coexpression of both MCPs impaired the function of the Pdu MCP and resulted in the formation of hybrid MCPs composed of Eut and Pdu MCP components. We also show that plasmid-based expression of individual shell proteins from the Eut MCP or the β-carboxysome impaired the function of Pdu MCP. Thus, the high conservation among bacterial microcompartment (BMC) domain shell proteins is problematic for coexpression of the Eut and Pdu MCPs and perhaps other MCPs as well. IMPORTANCE Bacterial MCPs are encoded by nearly 20% of bacterial genomes, and almost 40% of those genomes contain multiple MCP gene clusters. In this study, we examine how the regulation of two different MCP systems (Eut and Pdu) is integrated in Salmonella. Our findings indicate that 1,2-PD (shown to induce the Pdu MCP) represses the Eut MCP to prevent detrimental mixing of Eut and Pdu shell proteins. These findings suggest that numerous organisms which produce more than one type of MCP likely need some mechanism to prevent aberrant shell protein interactions.
The Peripatetic Debtor: The Choice of Law and the Choice of Exemptions

Under Section 522(b)(3)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code, if the debtor has not been domiciled in the same state for the 730 days immediately preceding the date of the filing of the bankruptcy petition, the new state's exemption laws may not be applicable to the debtor. Instead, Congress has directed that the applicable exemptions for those debtors who may or must be governed by state (as opposed to federal) exemptions are those provided by state or local law applicable at the place in which the debtor's domicile was located for 180 days immediately preceding the 730-day period or for a longer portion of such 180-day period. In this article I look at the application of those when the state whose exemption laws are applicable under the terms of the Bankruptcy Code either embraces choice of law principles that would make its exemption laws inapplicable to the foreign debtor, or has substantive limitations in its exemption laws that preclude the foreign debtor from taking advantage of them (a situation that has been described as "functionally restrictive substantive rules"). I suggest the language of Section 522(b) supports the conclusion that Congress intended to incorporate state exemption laws without any substantive limitations on its applicability. I further suggest that Congress failed to deal with the issue adequately in the 2005 amendments to the Bankruptcy Code, even if its intention was to ignore traditional choice of law principles that would permit it to override state law limitations on applicability of the state's law.
A Mathematical Model of Heuristic Game Playing

A mathematical model of heuristic game playing is introduced in this paper. All notions, which include the heuristic information usually represented by static evaluation functions, are formally defined and opponent’s strategies are considered. This model is more general than those of estimating minimax values and covers most models in recent relevant studies.
Reciprocity: The Behavioral Foundations of Socio-Economic Games

Growing experimental evidence and field research results on small group behavior suggest that the assumption of self interest must be expanded to allow more general forms of commitment in the form of reciprocity, defined as a response to another person’s action that forgoes immediate benefits or incurs immediate costs. Negative and positive reciprocity have emerged as solutions to two important socioeconomic activities: distribution and investment. The development of social institutions can be viewed as attempts to encourage reciprocity. Evolutionary psychologists hypothesize that the widespread development of reciprocity in human society results from the evolution of specialize mental algorithms for developing and punishing cheaters who behave noncooperatively in social exchange. We build on this work, and extend it as an organizing principle to examine subject behavior in ultimatum, dictator, and more general extensive form bargaining games.
Analysis of aliasing and quantization problems in EEG data acquisition

Recent advances in computer systems allow the electroencephalogram (EEG) to be recorded using a large number of channels, with a high sampling rate, and over a long period of time. As a result, storage of the acquired data has become a major problem in many practical systems. The authors investigate this problem and provide a procedure for the specification of three critical parameters: the gain of the amplifier, the sampling rate, and the order of the analog filter. This design achieves high-efficiency for the use of the computer resources, while maintaining the required precision for accurate analysis of the EEG data. >
Sensor based planning. I. The generalized Voronoi graph

This paper introduces a 1-dimensional network of curves termed the generalized Voronoi graph (GVG) and its extension, the hierarchical generalized Voronoi graph (HGVG), which can be used as a basis for a roadmap or retract-like structure. The GVG and HGVG provide a basis for sensor based path planning in an unknown static environment. In this paper, the GVG and HGVG are defined and some of their properties are exploited to show their utility for motion planning. A companion paper describes how to use the GVG and HGVG for the purposes of sensor based planning.
Threshold fuzzy systems: a priority-based hierarchical control scheme

Introduces a trainable control methodology called threshold fuzzy systems (TFS). The need for TFS methods comes from controlling plants that exhibit a varying priority hierarchy. A trademark of these variable priority systems is that if a lower priority system task is completed before a higher priority one the system could become unstable. Designing a control structure that will take into account the varying priorities of a system is difficult. TFS control is shown to be a good approach to these types of systems. Key to the proposed TFS structure is the inclusion of a behaviorist fuzzy rulebase (BFR) and a rule dominance mechanism (RDM) into the classical fuzzy control architecture. The purpose and uses of the BFR and RDM are explained. The TFS control scheme is presented and symbolic and numerical examples are presented.
Drug Movement between Bovine Milk and Plasma as Affected by Milk pH

Abstract As part of a study on non-ionic diffusion of drugs into milk, salicylic acid, paminohippuric acid, sulfacetamide, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine, sulfathiazole, sulfapyridine, sulfanilamide, and phenol were infused into lactating cows, to maintain constant plasma concentrations for 6 hr. The right front quarter of each cow was infused with sterile bicarbonate buffer solution to establish a pH value of 8.0. Blood, milk from the normal quarters, and milk from the bicarbonate-treated quarters were sampled simultaneously at hourly intervals. The weak organic bases, urea, antipyrine, creatinine, aminopyrine, quinine, and ephedrine were studied in like manner. Experimentally determined milk-to-plasma ultrafiltrate ratios agreed well with theoretical ratios for non-ionic diffusion both in the normal and in bicarbonate-treated quarters. It was concluded that the passage of these compounds into bovine milk can be explained by passive diffusion.
Demonstrations and displacement: social impact and the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Mega-events engender positive and negative impacts for host communities, including economic, social/cultural, and environmental. Host community residents have grown weary of the financial investments and have demonstrated concerns of increased taxation and cost of living. These two impacts are juxtaposed as Brazil prepares to host the 2016 Summer Olympics after hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Concerns about the mismanagement of funds and increased taxes have led to numerous protests, several including violent clashes between protestors and security officials, which flooded the international media prior to the World Cup. Following the methods of previous research, we reviewed international media coverage of the protests to develop a comprehensive understanding of what the impact hosting the mega-event may have had on international perceptions of Brazil. Further, we analyzed the response(s) by the local and national governments as well as the response of Federation Internationale de Football Association (F...
Solute diffusion in poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid) composite membranes prepared by freezing/thawing techniques

Composite membranes of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(acrylic acid) were prepared by freezing and thawing of aqueous solutions of the two components. The ensuing hydrogels and membranes exhibited crystallinity of up to 13.50% (on a swollen basis) due to crystallization of the poly(vinyl alcohol). The membranes prepared under these conditions exhibited size exclusion characteristics. Theophylline and FITC-dextran transport were investigated and the solute diffusion coefficients were correlated with the mesh size of the membranes.
Familial Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve

Abstract Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve has not been reported previously in two members of the same family. A 6-year-old boy and his 29-year-old maternal uncle are described, both of whom had the Ebstein type of tricuspid valve documented by cardiac catheterization. A review of the literature suggests that when multiple cases of congenital heart disease occur in a family in which one individual has Ebstein's malformation of the tricuspid valve, another member may have the same anomaly; or even more likely, an analagous anomaly of the left-sided atrioventricular valve with or without congenitally corrected transposition of the great vessels.
X-ray vision of fuel sprays

With brilliant synchrotron X-ray sources, microsecond time-resolved synchrotron X-ray radiography and tomography have been used to elucidate the detailed three-dimensional structure and dynamics of high-pressure high-speed fuel sprays in the near-nozzle region. The measurement allows quantitative determination of the fuel distribution in the optically impenetrable region owing to the multiple scattering of visible light by small atomized fuel droplets surrounding the jet. X-radiographs of the jet-induced shock waves prove that the fuel jets become supersonic under appropriate injection conditions and that the quantitative analysis of the thermodynamic properties of the shock waves can also be derived from the most direct measurement. In other situations where extremely axial-asymmetric sprays are encountered, mass deconvolution and cross-sectional fuel distribution models can be computed based on the monochromatic and time-resolved X-radiographic images collected from various rotational orientations of the sprays. Such quantitative analysis reveals the never-before-reported characteristics and most detailed near-nozzle mass distribution of highly transient fuel sprays.
Power related phenomena in three-phase unbalanced systems

The paper deals with the power properties of three-phase circuits with unbalanced loads supplied from a three-wire line. It discusses various definitions of the apparent power in such circuits and shows that they cannot be interpreted in terms of any physical phenomena. The paper shows that the unbalanced power does not occur as an effect of the power oscillations and explains why this power does occur. The paper presents a decomposition of the supply current into the active, reactive, and unbalanced currents and shows that this decomposition can be considered as a fundamental for the comprehension of the power phenomena in such circuits and for the power factor evaluation. >
Enhancement of perfluorooctanoate and perfluorooctanesulfonate activity at acoustic cavitation bubble interfaces

Acoustic cavitation driven by ultrasonic irradiation decomposes and mineralizes the recalcitrant perfluorinated surfactants perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA). Pyrolytic cleavage of the ionic headgroup is the rate-determining step. In this study, we examine the sonochemical adsorption of PFOX, where X = S for PFOS and A for PFOA, by determining kinetic order and absolute rates over an initial PFOX concentration range of 20 nM to 200 μM. Sonochemical PFOX kinetics transition from pseudo-first-order at low initial concentrations, [PFOX]_i 40 μM, as the bubble interface sites are saturated. At PFOX concentrations below 100 μM, concentration-dependent rates were modeled with Langmuir−Hinshelwood (LH) kinetics. Empirically determined rate maximums, V_(Max)^(−PFOA) = 2230 ± 560 nM min^−1 and V_(Max)^(−PFOS) = 230 ± 60 nM min^−1, were used in the LH model, and sonochemical surface activities were estimated to be K_(Sono)^(PFOS) = 120000 M^−1 and K_(Sono)^(PFOA) = 28500 M^−1, 60 and 80 times greater than equilibrium surface activities, K_(Eq)^(PFOS) and K_(Eq)^(PFOA). These results suggest enhanced sonochemical degradation rates for PFOX when the bubble interface is undersaturated. The present results are compared to previously reported sonochemical kinetics of nonvolatile surfactants.
The acetylcholine releaser linopirdine increases parietal regional cerebral blood flow in Alzheimer's disease

Centrally acting cholinergic drugs have been reported to increase regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) as measured by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in brain regions affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We studied the effects of the acetylcholine releaser linopirdine (LPD) on SPECT rCBF in patients with probable AD. Twenty-four AD patients (12 M, 12 F; mean age ± SD = 68.9 ±8.2 years) and 13 healthy controls (8 M, 5 F; 68.4 ± 8.0 years) participated. AD patients were scanned with 20 mCi of Tc-99m-ECD at baseline and following 4 weeks of treatment with LPD 40 mg TID (n = 15) or placebo TID (n = 9) in a double-blind trial. Healthy subjects were scanned for comparison with baseline AD scans. Cortical/cerebellar rCBF ratios were derived for nine cortical structures. The combined parietal association cortex showed a 20.6% reduction in patients relative to controls. Patients treated with LPD showed an increase in parietal rCBF of 4.1 ± 5.8%; whereas those treated with placebo showed a decrease of −2.0 ± 7.4% (F = 5.13; df = 1, 22; P = 0.03). These data support the conclusion that rCBF abnormalities in AD are, in part, truly “functional” and can be selectively altered with pharmacological interventions. The parietal activation seen with LPD and other cholinergic AD drug therapies suggests the importance of measuring parietal lobe neuropsychological function in the course of evaluating these drugs.
From Google Books to Library Catalogs: A Consumerist Exploration of Information Literacy for Graduate Students in Slavic Studies

This essay offers a framework for a typical one‐shot, one‐hour instructional session for graduate students in Slavic and East European Studies. The framework rests on three assumptions: that graduate Slavic students' research behavior is not unique; that Slavic students begin their research through Google; and that the most important function of a one‐shot instructional session for graduate students is to highlight research‐level interdisciplinary and inter‐media resources and processes that might serve the students as they mature as researchers. Polemicizing against Edward Kasinec's critique of “consumerism” in Slavic bibliography, the author argues that library instructors must acknowledge and respond to the economic nature of the graduate students' research process, which is constrained by time, advisors' research interests, funding, accessibility of resources, and non‐academic inputs.
His Master's Voice: Tiro and the Rise of the Roman Secretarial Class

The foundation for Rome's imperial bureaucracy was laid during the first century B.C., when functional and administrative writing played an increasingly dominant role in the Late Republic. During the First and Second Triumvirates, Roman society, once primarily oral, relied more and more on documentation to get its official business done. By the reign of Augustus, the orator had ceded power to the secretary, usually a slave trained as a scribe or librarian. This cultural and political transformation can be traced in the career of Marcus Tullius Tiro (94 B.C. to 4 A.D.), Cicero's confidant and amanuensis. A freedman credited with the invention of Latin shorthand (the notae Tironianae), Tiro transcribed and edited Cicero's speeches, composed, collected, and eventually published his voluminous correspondence, and organized and managed his archives and library. As his former master's fortune sank with the dying Republic, Tiro's began to rise. After Cicero's assassination, he became the orator's literary execut...
Flexible microreactor system for chemical research at moderate temperatures

Miniaturization is fast gaining attention in chemical processes that are conventionally carried out on a lab-scale or larger. Major progress and landmarks has been made during the last five years. A microreactor system has been developed for fast catalyst development and process optimization. This paper focuses on the issues of microreactor system design and characterization for fast and accurate reaction analysis.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A construction of v-adic modular forms

Abstract Text The classical theory of p-adic (elliptic) modular forms arose in the 1970ʼs in the work of J.-P. Serre [Se1] who took p-adic limits of the q-expansions of these forms. It was soon expanded by N. Katz [Ka1] with a more functorial approach. In the late 1970ʼs, the theory of modular forms associated to Drinfeld modules was born in analogy with elliptic modular forms [Go1] , [Go2] . The associated expansions at ∞ are quite complicated with no obvious limits at finite primes v . Recently, A. Petrov [Pe1] showed that there is an intermediate expansion at ∞ called the “A-expansion,” and constructed families of cusp forms with such expansions. It is our purpose in this note to show that Petrovʼs results also lead to interesting v -adic cusp forms a la Serre. Moreover the existence of these forms allows us to readily conclude a mysterious decomposition of the associated Hecke action. Video For a video summary of this paper, please click here or visit http://youtu.be/xzezUI7-3yc .
Randomized smoothing for (parallel) stochastic optimization

By combining randomized smoothing techniques with accelerated gradient methods, we obtain convergence rates for stochastic optimization procedures, both in expectation and with high probability, that have optimal dependence on the variance of the gradient estimates. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first variance-based rates for non-smooth optimization. A combination of our techniques with recent work on decentralized optimization yields order-optimal parallel stochastic optimization algorithms. We give applications of our results to several statistical machine learning problems, providing experimental results (in the full version of the paper) demonstrating the effectiveness of our algorithms.
An action learning approach for assessing the consistency of pairwise comparison data

Abstract Pairwise comparison data are used in various contexts including the generation of weight vectors for multiple criteria decision making problems. If this data is not sufficiently consistent, then the resulting weight vector cannot be considered to be a reliable reflection of the evaluator’s opinion. Hence, it is necessary to measure its level of inconsistency. Different approaches have been proposed to measuring the level of inconsistency, but they are often based on ‘rules of thumb” and/or randomly generated matrices, and are not interpretable. In this paper we present an action learning approach for assessing the consistency of the input pairwise comparison data that offer interpretable consistency measures.
Flight evaluation of pursuit displays for precision approach of powered-lift aircraft

Flight experiments with NASA Ames Research Center's quiet short-haul research aircraft evaluated the influence of pursuit displays on the ability of pilots to execute precision-instrument flight operations in the terminal area, particularly approaches to and landings on a short runway. The aircraft is a powered-lift, short-takeoff and landing configuration equipped with a modern digital fly-by-wire flight control system, a head-up display, and a color head-down display that make it possible to investigate control and display concepts for full-envelope, powered-lift operations. Flight-path-oriented displays that provide status and command information in a format with minimal clutter were investigated. The pilots could fly the aircraft with the precision associated with flight-director guidance and with a high degree of situation awareness. The primary benefits of this display concept were realized when the pilot was required to execute a complex transition and approach under instrument conditions and in the presence of a wide range of wind and turbulence conditions.
"Real World" compliance with strategies to prevent early-onset group B streptococcal disease.

“Real World” Compliance With Strategies to Prevent Early-Onset Group B Streptococcal Disease
Manganese Exposure from Welding: An Emerging Liability Risk

In the 1930s, warnings began to appear cautioning welders about risks of neurological effects caused by manganese in fumes from welding. Since the early 1990s, litigation based on these effects has increased dramatically. The basic allegation is that fumes from manganese-alloy welding rods can produce Parkinsonism, a severe neurological condition similar to Parkinson's disease. Exposure to manganese produces symptoms such as weakness, apathy, headaches, muscle cramps, and joint pains, followed by uncoordinated speech and gait, and possibly a form of psychosis known as “manganese madness.” Parkinsonism, involving tremors and movement disorder, develops as the last stage. However, most cases of Parkinson's disease, which has similar symptoms, do not have an identifiable cause and are termed “idiopathic Parkinson's disease” (IPD). The close resemblance between manganese-induced Parkinsonism and IPD makes distinguishing the two conditions difficult, and greatly complicates litigation. Causes of the increase i...
Characterisation and outcomes of upper extremity amputations

Abstract Background The purpose of this study is to characterise the injuries, outcomes, and disabling conditions of the isolated, combat-related upper extremity amputees in comparison to the isolated lower extremity amputees and the general amputee population. Methods A retrospective study of all major extremity amputations sustained by the US military service members from 1 October 2001 to 30 July 2011 was conducted. Data from the Department of Defense Trauma Registry, the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application, and the Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Offices were queried in order to obtain injury characteristics, demographic information, treatment characteristics, and disability outcome data. Results A total of 1315 service members who sustained 1631 amputations were identified; of these, 173 service members were identified as sustaining an isolated upper extremity amputation. Isolated upper extremity and isolated lower extremity amputees had similar Injury Severity Scores (21 vs. 20). There were significantly more non-battle-related upper extremity amputees than the analysed general amputation population (39% vs. 14%). Isolated upper extremity amputees had significantly greater combined disability rating (82.9% vs. 62.3%) and were more likely to receive a disability rating >80% (69% vs. 53%). No upper extremity amputees were found fit for duty; only 12 (8.3%) were allowed continuation on active duty; and significantly more upper extremity amputees were permanently retired than lower extremity amputees (82% vs. 74%). The most common non-upper extremity amputation-related disabling condition was post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (17%). Upper extremity amputees were significantly more likely to have disability from PTSD, 13% vs. 8%, and loss of nerve function, 11% vs. 6%, than the general amputee population. Discussion/conclusion Upper extremity amputees account for 14% of all amputees during the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom conflicts. These amputees have significant disability and are unable to return to duty. Much of this disability is from their amputation; however, other conditions greatly contribute to their morbidity.
A Rational Approach to Drug Therapy of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Several new pharmacological agents have recently been developed to optimise the management of type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. The aim of this article is to briefly review the various therapeutic agents available for management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to suggest a potential approach to drug selection. There are three general therapeutic modalities relevant to diabetes care. The first modality is lifestyle adjustments aimed at improving endogenous insulin sensitivity or insulin effect. This can be achieved by increased physical activity and bodyweight reduction with diet and behavioural modification, and the use of pharmacological agents or surgery. This first modality is not discussed in depth in this article. The second modality involves increasing insulin availability by the administration of exogenous insulin, insulin analogues, sulphonylureas and the new insulin secretagogue, repaglinide. The most frequently encountered adverse effect of these agents is hypoglycaemia. Bodyweight gain can also be a concern, especially in patients who are obese. The association between hyperinsulinaemia and premature atherosclerosis is still a debatable question. The third modality consists of agents such as biguanides and thiazolidinediones which enhance insulin sensitivity, or agents that decrease insulin requirements like the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous disease with multiple underlying pathophysiological processes. Therapy should be individualised based on the degree of hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia or insulin deficiency. In addition, several factors have to be considered when prescribing a specific therapeutic agent. These factors include efficacy, safety, affordability and ease of administration.
A radiochemical assay for N5-formyltetrahydrofolic acid (citrovorum factor) in serum and urine.

Abstract N 5 -Methyltetrahydrofolate, but not N 5 -formyltetrahydrofolate, can be measured in biological fluids by ligand-binding radioassay. Therefore, in order to measure N 5 -formyltetrahydrofolate by radioassay, it is chemically converted to N 5 -methyltetrahydrofolate by acidification followed by reduction with borohydride. By this method, 70–113% of N 5 -formyltetrahydrofolate added to serum and urine was recovered. The plasma clearance of the mixture of diastereoisomer of N 5 -formyltetrahydrofolate (Leucovorin) following intravenous administration to two normal subjects was rapid for the first 30 min, but then plateaued and cleared very slowly over the next 90 min, most probably because of the accumulation of the inactive isomer which was slowly excreted in the urine during this time period.
Bounds on the Spectrum of Nonnegative Matrices and Certain Z-Matrices

Spectral bounds are obtained for a type of Z-matrix using Perron-Frobenius theory on the inverse. These lead to spectral bounds for nonnegative matrices and M-matrices. These results are then extended using the result of Rothblum and Tan concerning the coefficient of ergodicity of a nonnegative matrix.
Teaching Mathematics to Elementary School Students Using a Variety of Tools

This article is based on a first-year, third-grade teacher’s attempt to improve instructional strategies for teaching mathematics in an inner city elementary school. Review of the literature suggested a variety of methods for teaching mathematical concepts to children in grades K-5. The researcher found that carefully-planned units that include group work, intervention groups, parental involvement, entertainment elements, and explicit instruction increase students’ curiosity, enjoyment, and success in learning mathematics.
Scaling of rough surfaces: effects of surface diffusion

Surface properties of a random deposition model in which the effects of surface diffusion are taken into account is studied in two dimensions. It is found that although the deposition bulk and the surface mass do not have fractal properties, the width of the surface is a self-affine fractal exhibiting non-trivial scaling with the surface height and the system size. The scaling results are found to agree with the scaling form proposed by Family and Vicsek (1985) for the ballistic deposition model, but with different exponents. This implies that random deposition with surface diffusion is in a different universality class from ballistic deposition and the simple random filling process.
Supercritical helium as a coolant for DIII–D cryopumps

Abstract The DIII–D tokamak uses three cryocondensation pumps for plasma density control. Each DIII–D pump consists of a series of concentric stainless steel tubes assembled together. The two phase (TP) helium was chosen for DIII–D because it is available at the DIII–D site and is used for neutral beam (NB) and other applications. The three pumps inside DIII–D have performed as expected for the last several years. Superconducting machines under construction, such as KSTAR and SST-1 have supercritical (SC) helium available on site. The device operator would prefer to use it for cooling the cryocondensation pumps. The design of the DIII–D cryocondensation pump is simple, robust, inexpensive and reliable. This study was undertaken to evaluate if the supercritical helium can be used as a coolant for the GA design of the cryocondensation pump.
A new procedure for making TEM specimens of superconductor devices

A new procedure is developed for making TEM specimens of thin film devices. In this procedure the sample is flatly polished to an overall ion-mill-ready thickness so that any point in the 2-D sample pane can be thinned to an electron-transparent thickness by subsequent ion-milling. Using this procedure, small regions of interest can be easily reached in both cross-section and plan-view samples. This is especially useful in device studies. Applications of this procedure to the study of superconductor devices yield good results. This procedure, using commercially available equipment and relatively cheap materials, is simple and easy to realize.
Anti-Discrimination vs. Anti-Poverty? A Comparison of Pay Equity and Living Wage Reforms

SUMMARY Welfare reform focuses attention on the potential of pay equity and living wage strategies to move women out of the ranks of the working poor. In this study, we use data from a large municipality in the Northeast to simulate implementation of the two policies and compare their relative effectiveness in raising the earnings of female- and minority-dominated jobs, narrowing gender- and race-based earnings differentials, and lifting workers out of poverty. Results show that pay equity raises salaries across-the-board, but especially among low-skilled and minority-dominated jobs, and closes the wage gap. Both pay equity and living wage dramatically reduce the incidence of poverty; living wage, however, leaves virtually untouched the type of discrimination targeted by pay equity and has little impact on the wage gap. The implications of these results for addressing the needs of women transitioning off public assistance and wage justice are discussed. We conclude that both policies should be an integral...
Training for Transracial Adoptive Parents by Public and Private Adoption Agencies

ABSTRACT Social work literature strongly suggests that parents who adopt across race need specialized training to develop cultural competence in order to help their children develop positive racial identity and survival skills for life in a multicultural society. None-the-less, there is little documentation of agency training for transracial adoptive parents. The purpose of this study is to describe aspects of training provided to transracial adoptive parents by public and private adoption agencies in the United States. Utilizing a survey with a random sample of public and private agencies, results (n = 195) indicate that about half of the agencies that facilitate transracial adoption provide relevant training. Implications for social work practice and research are discussed.
Impact Of Drought On Predation of A State-Threatened Mussel, Potamilus amphichaenus

Abstract We assessed predation on a threatened freshwater mussel, Potamilus amphichaenus, in the Sabine River in eastern Texas during the 2011 drought. We examined 79 recently deceased mussels, and 58 of these had signs indicating predation as the cause of death. This evidence and the absence of live specimens suggest that predation during low flow may contribute to the decline of P. amphichaenus.
Proximal Humerus Fractures in the Elderly Can Be Reliably Fixed With a “Hybrid” Locked-plating Technique

Controversy exists regarding the best treatment of proximal humerus fractures in the elderly. Recent studies of open reduction and internal fixation have demonstrated high complication rates. We asked whether (1) open reduction and internal fixation could be performed with low rates of immediate and delayed complications, (2) reduction of these fractures could be maintained over time by evaluating long-term radiographs and visual analog pain scores, and (3) 6-week immobilization would lead to disabling stiffness by evaluating postoperative motion and functional scores. We retrospectively reviewed all 35 patients older than 75 years with displaced proximal humerus fractures treated using a “hybrid” technique between 2002 and 2008. All patients were immobilized for 6 weeks after surgery. Thirteen of the 35 patients either died or developed severe dementia during followup. The analysis included 22 patients followed a minimum of 1 year (mean, 3 years; range, 1–6.7 years). There were no early or late reoperations in this series. An acceptable reduction was achieved in 89% of the shoulders and maintained over time. All fractures healed. Osteonecrosis was noted on radiographs in 11% of the shoulders. Six weeks of immobilization did not lead to disabling stiffness. At most recent followup, mean active elevation was 141°, mean active internal rotation L1, mean active external rotation 36°, and mean American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score 68. Utilizing this approach, open reduction and internal fixation followed by 6-week immobilization results in a low rate of reoperation and good functional outcomes for elderly patients with proximal humerus fractures. Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Strongly bent nickel imides supported by a chelating bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) ligand

The synthesis and redox reactivity of unusual bent nickel-arylimido complexes of the type L2NiNAr supported by a new chelating bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) ligand are described, including experimental, structural, and computational data to validate this atypical binding motif. Upon oxidation the strongly bent imido complex undergoes C,C-coupling and dehydrogenation to afford a complex bearing an unusual diphenoquinonediimine ligand bridging two Ni(II) centers.
The Role of Low (≤1 mM) Phosphate Concentrations in Regulation of Mitochondrial Permeability: Modulation of Matrix Free Ca2+Concentration

Under a variety of conditions, the permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane to small solutes can be nonselectively increased. A classic mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) was originally identified based on its dependence on matrix Ca2+and its extreme sensitivity to cyclosporin A (CsA). It is now clear, however, that several additional and distinct processes can also produce increases in mitochondrial permeability. Both mitochondrial signal peptides (P. M. Sokolove and K. W. Kinnally, 1996,Arch. Biochem. Biophys.336, 69–76) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (P. M. Sokolove and L. M. Haley, 1996,J. Bioenerg. Biomembr.28, 199–206), for example, induce permeability increases that are relatively CsA insensitive and that persist in the presence of EGTA. Inorganic phosphate (Pi) appears to play a key role in each of these permeability increases. High (>1 mM) Pilevels facilitate the classic MPT, while Piconcentrations below 1 mM stimulate the permeability increase induced by signal peptides and inhibit that triggered by BHT. The effect of high Piconcentrations can most probably be explained by exchange of the anion for matrix ADP and the resulting alleviation of ADP-mediated inhibition of the MPT (R. G. Lapidus and P. M. Sokolove, 1994,J. Biol. Chem.269, 18931–18936). In the experiments reported here, the mechanisms underlying the effects of low Piconcentrations on mitochondrial permeability were investigated, by monitoring mitochondrial volume, with the following results: (1) A hitherto unrecognized ability of Pi(<1 mM) to increase the lag preceding induction of the classic MPT by diamide, phenylarsine oxide, andt-butylhydroperoxide was identified. (2) Data were obtained suggesting that all of the effects of low Piconcentration, stimulation of signal peptide-induced swelling, blockade of BHT-induced swelling, and delay of the classic MPT, can be attributed to the capacity of the anion to complex Ca2+in the mitochondrial matrix. (3) Differences in the responses of these three systems for enhancing mitochondrial permeability to experimental manipulation indicate that matrix Ca2+plays more than one role in the regulation of mitochondrial permeability. An additional important finding is the observation that failure of EGTA to alter a mitochondrial process need not mean that the process is Ca2+independent. In a multicompartment system, absence of EGTA action may instead reflect failure of the chelator to gain access to regulatory Ca2+.
Compressional and Surface Waves in Sand: Used by Desert Scorpions to Locate Prey

Loose sand conducts compressional and surface (Rayleigh) waves at relatively low velocities (95 to 120 meters per second and 40 to 50 meters per second, respectively) compared to other natural substrates. For frequencies between 1 and 5 kilohertz, the specific attenuation factor, Q, for sand is 18. Compound slit sensilla on basitarsal leg segments of sand-dwelling scorpions respond to surface waves generated by movements of insects as far as 50 centimeters away, and tarsal sensory hairs respond to higher-frequency (mostly compressional-wave) components of the signal.
Image Reconstruction Of Flaws Using Ramp Response Signatures

A new method for generating three dimensional images of flaws in elastic solids from backscattered data at a finite number of look angles (usually 2 to 3) is presented. The procedure is based on the physical elastodynamics aporoximation which leads to a relationship between the backscattered ramp response to an incident ultrasonic ramp pulse and the area of cross section of the object along the "line of sight."
Simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of all seven vitamin B6-related compounds

A simple, sensitive, isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the separation of all seven vitamin B6-related compounds. The separation is accomplished using an ODS column and a mobile phase of 0.15 M sodium dihydrogenphosphate, adjusted to pH 2.5 with perchloric acid. The concentration of the compounds is determined with a fluorescence detector (excitation, 290 nm; emission, 389 nm). Isopyridoxal is used as an internal standard. The fluorescence intensity of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate is enhanced by post-column derivatization with sodium bisulfite. All seven compounds are separated in less than 20 min at a flow-rate of 1 ml/min. Applications of this method to yeast cell-free culture media, baker's yeast extract, egg and milk are presented.
An In Vivo Validation of the Application of Acoustic Radiation Force to Enhance the Diagnostic Utility of Molecular Imaging Using 3-D Ultrasound

Abstract For more than a decade, the application of acoustic radiation force (ARF) has been proposed as a mechanism to increase ultrasonic molecular imaging (MI) sensitivity in vivo . Presented herein is the first noninvasive in vivo validation of ARF-enhanced MI with an unmodified clinical system. First, an in vitro optical-acoustical setup was used to optimize system parameters and ensure sufficient microbubble translation when exposed to ARF. 3-D ARF-enhanced MI was then performed on 7 rat fibrosarcoma tumors using microbubbles targeted to α v β 3 and nontargeted microbubbles. Low-amplitude (
Identification of Structures Through Records Obtained During Strong Earthquake Ground Motion

The problem of estimating a space dependent coefficient in a forced linear hyperbolic differential equation from the knowledge of the solution at one or more isolated points is dealt with. The continuous model of a structural system by a shear beam is used to study the utility of earthquake records in determining structural models. Starting with an initial “guess,” a systematic method of iteratively improving the estimate of the structural stiffness using the information contained in the measured response to a known ground excitation is developed. A highly efficient and automatic numerical algorithm for this purpose, based on an optimal control formulation of the problem of history matching is developed. Numerical examples are presented showing the dependence of the estimate on the initial guess. The nonunicity of the estimate is demonstrated, pointing to the fact that though history matching at one or more points in a structure may be a necessary condition for arriving at an adequate model, it may not be a sufficient one.
Isoperimetric monotonicity and isoperimetric inequalities of Payne-Rayner type for the first eigenfunction of the Helmholtz problem

We use the auxiliary boundary value problemΔV+αV+1=0 to get isoperimetric integral inequalities for the first eigenfunction of the Helmholtz problem.
Physical Controls on Hydrochemical Variability in the Inner Bluegrass Karst Region of Central Kentuckya

Areal and temporal variations in physical and chemical characteristics of ground water in the Inner Bluegrass Karst Region of central Kentucky were used to evaluate physical controls on hydrochemical variability. The karst region consists of flat-lying interbedded limestones and shales. Physical attributes of the aquifer were assessed on the basis of spring discharges, static water levels in wells, and pumping tests. Areal and temporal variations in ground- water chemistry were determined from major-ion analysis of water samples from 15 springs and 24 wells over a 17- month period. Water samples were divided into three chemical types on the basis of the relative concentrations of the dominant ions; Ca-Mg-HCO3, Na-HCO3, and Na-Cl water. Ca-Mg-HCO3 water was divided further on the basis of Ca/Mg molar ratios into Ca subtype water (Ca/Mg > 6) and Ca-Mg subtype water (Ca/Mg < 6). All springs are characterized by Ca subtype water. Pumping tests show that hydraulic conductivities in zones of Ca-Mg-HCO3 water are significantly higher than those in zones of Na-HCO3 and Na-Cl water. There is no regional trend in the distribution of these water types. Temporal fluctuations in water chemistry correlate with seasonal fluctuations in recharge. Large seasonal variations in ionic concentrations occur primarily in Ca subtype water. Hydraulic conductivities, seasonal variations in ionic concentrations, and TDS suggest that ground-water residence time is the primary control on the occurrence of the different water types. Differences in residence time are attributed to the presence of discontinuous, horizontal shales that control the rate and depth of active groundwater ciculation.
Learning pictures and words: The role of implicit verbal labeling

Abstract In two experiments (Ns = 144 and 192), second, fourth, and sixth graders learned pairs of pictures or of words, and were tested for both item learning (either with pictures or words) and associative learning. By analysis of false recognition errors, it was determined that implicit verbal labeling occurred only among the older two groups. However, there was no evidence that this labeling affected paired-associate learning.
Identifying Effective and Ineffective Retrofits for Distortion Fatigue Cracking in Steel Bridges Using Field Instrumentation

It is estimated that nearly 90% of all fatigue cracking is the result of out-of-plane distortion or other unanticipated secondary stresses at fatigue-sensitive details. Neither design specifications nor evaluation specifications provide any guidance on how to evaluate the in-service potential for fatigue cracking at these details. Often, as a result, the effectiveness of various retrofit procedures is questionable and ill fated. There are many examples where implemented retrofit procedures did not work and fatigue cracking reinitiated or continued. Implementation of one or two prototype retrofits is an attractive alternative to ensuring effective retrofits are developed where many details have to be retrofitted. Field instrumentation and testing is an effective means to determine the effectiveness and behavior of a given retrofit strategy. Behavior that may not be anticipated can be identified prior to installing retrofits on a large scale, thereby preventing future problems. This paper provides guidance on how to instrument these details and examines one example where initial retrofit strategies did not work, as demonstrated by their performance through field instrumentation.