cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computational studies of ion–neutral reactions of astrochemical relevance: Formation of hydrogen peroxide, acetamide, and amino acetonitrile

Abstract Aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) and their derivatives have been suggested as the building blocks of interstellar dust grains and are responsible for the evolution of astrobiological molecules via surface reactions in space. Gas-phase studies of molecules and ions known to exist in space are crucial to understand relevant ion–molecule reactions and the generation of new species. Reactions catalyzed by large species such as AHs remain relatively unexplored. Our computational studies focus on the energetics and reaction mechanisms of the formation of representative molecules (i.e., hydrogen peroxide, acetamide, and amino acetonitrile) that are critical for the origin of water and amino acids in the universe. Calculations have been carried out using Gaussian 09 to obtain the structures, energetics, and reaction mechanisms to investigate the formation of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), acetamide (CH 3 C(O)NH 2 ), and amino acetonitrile (NH 2 CH 2 CN). Our results suggest that there are energetically accessible reaction pathways leading to the formation of these molecules through species which have been discovered in the interstellar medium (ISM). Ionized benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can act as catalysts to facilitate the formation of astromolecules. The theoretical studies can enhance our understanding of ion–molecule reactions that are relevant to the formation of important astromolecules in the gas phase, and provide a new way to investigate the formation of polyatomic molecules on surfaces of dust grains such as large PAHs.
Possible origin of gating current in nerve membrane.

The present information about gating current observed in squid giant axons points towards the distinct possibility of the current arising from the Debye relaxation of the carboxyl groups in the side chains of the globular proteins enclosing the ionic channels. These carboxyl groups form dipole chains stretching across the membrane. A dipole model is constructed to study the relaxation process under the assumption that the relaxation time τ of the dipoles is modified by dipole-dipole interaction. This model explains qualitatively some of the features of the asymmetric gating current, but is not indicative of any specific mechanism leading to the opening of the gates in the ionic channels. We speculate that the conformational change in the protein globules as a result of dipole reorientation would be the key to the mystery.
Simultaneous localization of [3H]estradiol and neurophysin I or arginine vasopressin in hypothalamic neurons demonstrated by a combined technique of dry-mount autoradiography and immunohistochemistry

A combined technique of dry-mount autoradiography and immunoperoxidase staining is described for the localization of steroid hormones and neuropeptides in the same brain section. With this procedure [3H]estradiol is localized in nuclei of neurophysin and arginine vasopressin producing cells of the mouse supraoptic and paraventricular nucleus. The results suggest a direct action of estradiol on neurohypophysial hormone producing cells. This immunoautoradiographic technique is suitable for the simultaneous localization of steroid hormones and neuropeptides in the brain.
Catastrophic Acute and Long-term Care Costs: Risks Faced by Disabled Elderly Persons

This article presents an empirical analysis of the extent to which acute and long-term care cause disabled elderly persons to incur catastrophic costs. We found that the proportion of those people whose out-of-pocket costs exceed 20% of income rises from 20% (when only acute care costs are measured) to 30% (when long-term care costs are included).
Uncoupling of the sexual receptivity (lordosis) hormone relationships by estradiol benzoate and testosterone propionate injection in neonatal hamsters of both sexes.

Abstract (1) Estradiol benzoate (EB) at 250 μg when injected into hamsters at 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hr after birth was equally effective at all times in suppression of sexual responsiveness measured as total lordosis duration (TLD) per 10 min test interval. (2) Testosterone propionate TP at 500 μg resulted in a significantly greater suppression in TLD when injected at 12, 24 or 48 hr as compared with injections at 72, 96 or 120 hr. (3) All neonatally injected female groups showed a significant reduction in TLD scores when compared with nontreated females with the exception of 96 hr TP treated females. (4) None of the neonatally treated male groups had TLD scores which were significantly different from the nontreated males. (5) All groups of treated females showed lordosis which in the 12- and 24-hr treatment groups did not change significantly as a result of castration or exogenous hormone treatment. (6) The 48-hr TP-treated females were the earliest treatment group in which the TLD score decreased significantly following ovariectomy and increased significantly following treatment with exogenous estrogen and progesterone. (7) Facilitation of lordosis followed by inhibition of lordosis on repeated progesterone injection (biphasic response) was not seen in hamsters of either sex injected with EB between 12 and 120 hr after birth. (8) The noninjected male hamsters and hamsters of both sexes receiving TP treatment at 96 hr or later showed a biphasic response to progesterone. (9) Our observations indicate that defeminization is most readily produced by estrogen treatment which in turn suggests that aromatization of androgen to estrogen is important for defeminization. (10) Since male hamsters respond to estrogen and progesterone, although with lower TLD scores than found for females, the male hamster is only partially defeminized either as a result of low androgen production and/or aromatization enzymes available during the critical stages of development.
Assembly of microspheres from acidic proteinoids and histones or histone-like proteinoids.

Microfossil structures from morphological alterations of proteinoid microspheres due to inclusion of organismic or synthetic polyamino acids
Pressure-Tuning Vibrational Spectroscopy: Applications from Basic Molecular Spectroscopy to Human Cancer Research

One of the efforts in our laboratory has been focused on the application of pressure-tuning infrared and Raman spectroscopy for the study of the structural and dynamic properties in systems of both simple and complex molecules. These molecular systems are not only in the solid state, but also in the amorphous state, the liquid state and in solutions, including aqueous solution. In the present review, examples of the complex molecular systems are given in the categories of polymethylene chain systems, two-dimensional solutions in lipid bilayers, and biological tissues and cells. These examples are selected to demonstrate that pressure-tuning vibrational spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the studies of problems ranging from fundamental vibrational spectroscopy to structural changes at the molecular level in human diseases.
Cointegration and market efficiency

Abstract Recently, many economists have asserted that asset prices determined in efficient asset markets cannot be cointegrated. We show that there is no general equivalence between the existence of arbitrage opportunities and cointegration or, for that matter, a lack of cointegration. Whether asset prices are cointegrated is a function of the relevant model. We first show a convenient way to calculate the cointegrating vector based on necessary and sufficient conditions for cointegration. We then examine particular cases, including exchange rates, interest rates and spot and forward exchange rates, and asset prices with incoem flows reinvested and not reinvested. (JEL F31)
Design, fabrication, and packaging of a practical multianalyte-capable optical biosensor

A unique evanescent-wave biosensor was designed and fabricated using simple and robust microfabrication technology. The sensor uses a microscale optical waveguide fabricated from NOA61 that is surface-altered with a custom chemical modification process, coupled with modified self-assembly of an oxygen-sensitive fluorescent dye and the enzyme glucose oxidase. To interface the analyte with the waveguide surface, a multilayer PDMS fluidic mold was designed to fit over the waveguide. Interfacing of both optics and fluidics was achieved using novel-generic methods. The entire device has been successfully fabricated and assembled, with analyte response testing completed using glucose solutions. The system also demonstrated inherent random noise insensitivity while making measurements.
Electrodynamics of nonspherical noble metal nanoparticles and nanoparticle aggregates

This article reviews recent advances in the theory of nanoparticle optical spectra using classical electrodynamics. Although Mie theory has dominated work in this field for nearly a century, this theory is limited to spherical particles and spherical shells, and thus it cannot describe many experiments of recent interest to the chemical and biological sensor community in which nonspherical particles, including particles with only C1 symmetry, and particles in asymmetric environments (i.e. on surfaces and in nonspherical aggregates) are studied. There are now several approaches available for describing nonspherical particles, but the majority of recent applications to isolated particles have been done using the finite element discrete dipole approximation (DDA) theory. The review describes several applications of DDA to the determination of extinction spectra, including extensions to describe solvent and substrate effects. We also describe theories of nanoparticle aggregates based on approaches that explicitly describe electromagnetic coupling between the particles, and effective medium approaches for nonspherical aggregates.
Host versus pathogen: two sides of the same challenge in the TB world.

Humans have studied tuberculosis for many thousands of years. For most of this time investigations were focused on describing patient symptoms with the hope of ameliorating them and perhaps limiting the spread of disease. At the end of the 19th century, however, the association between the bacterium and disease was demonstrated 1 – a discovery recognized annually on 24 March by World TB Day, a day that also highlights efforts to eliminate the disease. Following the discovery, the study of the disease split in two directions: the nature of the pathogen and the nature of the host response. A key advance to be celebrated this World TB Day 2009 is that we are now in a position to integrate the study of the bacteria with that of the host response and thereby create a more complete understanding of how this pervasive disease develops. With this improved understanding more efficient and targeted intervention will be forthcoming.
Degradative enzymes in the uterine myometrium of rabbits under different hormonal conditions.

Abstract A study was made of the activity of acid proteolytic enzymes, acid phosphatase, and acid ribonuclease in the rabbit myometrium during pregnancy, postpartum involution, and during the administration of estradiol or a combination of estradiol and progesterone to ovariectomized rabbits. Estradiol initiated active synthesis of all enzymes studied as well as active tissue growth. These degradative enzymes could be isolated in particulate fractions of tissue homogenates, indicating that they may be contained in lysosomal-like particles. Since progesterone is needed to maintain active tissue growth, the data indicated that progesterone prevents the degradative activity of these enzymes permitting active tissue growth, and that the absence of progesterone results in activation of the degradative enzymes leading to involution of the tissue.
Origins of projections from the inferior colliculus to the cochlear nucleus in guinea pigs.

We used retrograde tracing techniques to examine the projections from the inferior colliculus to the cochlear nucleus in guinea pigs. Following injection of a retrograde tracer into one cochlear nucleus, labeled cells were found bilaterally in all subdivisions of the inferior colliculus. The majority of cells were located in the central nucleus and external cortex; relatively few cells were located in the dorsal cortex. Multipolar (stellate) cells were labeled in all subdivisions of the inferior colliculus. In the central nucleus, disk-shaped cells were also labeled. To determine whether individual collicular neurons send collateral projections to the cochlear nuclei on both sides, we injected different fluorescent tracers into left and right cochlear nuclei in the same animal. The inferior colliculi contained very few double-labeled cells, indicating that the projections to ipsilateral and contralateral cochlear nuclei originate from separate populations of cells.
Hydrophilic polystyrene/maleic anhydride ultrafine fibrous membranes

Polystyrene/maleic anhydride (PSMA) was synthesized to reach a viscosity-average molecular weight of 700 kDa and fabricated into ultrafine fibrous membranes consisting of fibers with an average diameter of 300 nm. These ultrafine PSMA fibers were rendered insoluble in organic solvents by reactions with hydrazine and ethylenediamine (ED). The highly efficient incorporation of diamines into the fibrous membranes was easily achieved by brief immersions in either dilute (0.5 wt %) hydrazine for 1 min or ED ether solution for 2 min. Heating at 150°C for 5 min produced crosslinked PSMA with very little or no solubility in acetone with the retention of the fibrous membrane structure. The ED-crosslinked membranes were particularly stable to both bases and acids as well as hydrophilic solvents, had a 46° water contact angle, and absorbed 22 times the amount of water as the as-spun fibrous membrane. This post-fiber-formation crosslinking approach was robust, highly efficient, and fast and required very little crosslinking reagent. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Droplets engulfing on a filament

Abstract Two immiscible droplets wetting on a filament may assume engulfing, partial-engulfing, or non-engulfing morphology that depends on the wetting behavior and geometries of the resulting droplet-on-filament system. This paper studies the wetting behavior of two immiscible droplets contacting and sitting symmetrically on a straight filament. A set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is formulated for determining the wetting morphology of the droplet-on-filament system. In the limiting case of engulfing or non-engulfing, the morphology of the droplet-on-filament system is determined in explicit form. In the case of partial-engulfing, surface finite element method is further employed for determining the wetting morphology, surface energy, and internal pressures of droplets of the system. Numerical scaling study is performed to explore their dependencies upon the wetting properties and geometries of the system. The study can be applicable for analysis and design of textiles with tailorable wetting properties and development of novel multifunctional fibrous materials for environmental protection such as oil-spill sorption, etc.
The role of telecommunication in the rescue process of large scale disaster – case study of China's WenChuan earthquake in 2008

On May 12, 2008, a strong earthquake measuring 8 on the Richter scale struck Wenchuan County in Sichuan province, which is located in the southwest of China. During the rescue process of this large scale disaster, modern telecommunication played a very important role. To identify the key roles of telecommunication in the earthquake rescue process, this paper reviews the rolling news reports about the rescue efforts in the first week after the earthquake (May 12-19, 2008). The purpose of this case study is to facilitate discussions among researchers and practitioners about the future applications of telecommunication technologies in the large scale, disaster rescue process.
Management of diverticulitis in younger patients

This study was designed to evaluate the clinical course of sigmoid diverticulitis patients younger than aged 50 years examined by abdominal CT during the first episode of disease to elucidate whether the criteria used for older patients can safely be followed in their younger counterparts. Retrospective review of patients with sigmoid diverticulitis treated from 1990 to 2003 was performed. Inclusion criteria: patients younger than aged 50 years with sigmoid diverticulitis documented by CT scan. Severity of disease was classified according to radiographic findings. Age, gender, treatment, recurrent disease, and need for colostomy were documented. A total of 5,499 patients were identified with sigmoid diverticulitis: 962 patients were younger than aged 50 years, and 411 had a CT scan on their first episode of disease. Of the 411 patients, 335 were classified as uncomplicated and 76 were complicated. Of the uncomplicated patients, 101 underwent an elective operation and 234 were followed nonoperatively. Of those followed, 67 had a recurrent uncomplicated episode, 10 had a recurrent complicated episode, of whom 5 required emergent operation and colostomy. Of the 76 patients with complicated disease, 23 had an emergent operation with colostomy, and 38 had an elective operation. Fifteen patients were followed without an operation and seven had a recurrent uncomplicated episode. None required emergent operation or colostomy. Younger patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis by CT criteria respond well to medical management and seldom required an emergent operation and colostomy. Young patients with diverticulitis should be treated according to the same criteria used for older patients.
Nonlinear buckling of a spherical shell embedded in an elastic medium with imperfect interface

Abstract This work analyzes nonlinear buckling of a single spherical shell imperfectly bonded to an infinite elastic matrix under a compressive remote load. The inclusion is modeled using a nonlinear shell formulation and the matrix is treated as a linear elastic body. Imperfect bonding conditions are realized through a linear spring interface model. A variational method is used to derive the governing differential equations, which are cast into a tractable set of nonlinear algebraic equations using the Galerkin method. An incremental iterative technique based on the modified Newton–Raphson method is employed to find the critical load of the system. The accuracy and convergence properties of the proposed method are validated through finite element analysis. The study is relevant to the analysis of compressive failure of syntactic foams used in marine and aerospace applications. Results are specialized to glass particle-vinyl ester matrix syntactic foams to test the hypothesis as to whether microballoons’ buckling is a dominant failure mechanism in such composites under compression. Parametric studies are conducted to understand the effect of interfacial properties and inclusion wall thickness on the overall mechanical behavior of the composite. Comparisons between analytical findings and experimental results on compressive response of syntactic foams and isolated microballoons indicate that inclusion buckling is unlikely a determinant of compressive failure in vinyl ester-glass systems. In particular, the matrix is found to exert a beneficial stabilizing effect on the inclusions, which fail under brittle fracture before the onset of buckling.
Ensemble Modeling for Robustness Analysis in engineering non-native metabolic pathways

Metabolic pathways in cells must be sufficiently robust to tolerate fluctuations in expression levels and changes in environmental conditions. Perturbations in expression levels may lead to system failure due to the disappearance of a stable steady state. Increasing evidence has suggested that biological networks have evolved such that they are intrinsically robust in their network structure. In this article, we presented Ensemble Modeling for Robustness Analysis (EMRA), which combines a continuation method with the Ensemble Modeling approach, for investigating the robustness issue of non-native pathways. EMRA investigates a large ensemble of reference models with different parameters, and determines the effects of parameter drifting until a bifurcation point, beyond which a stable steady state disappears and system failure occurs. A pathway is considered to have high bifurcational robustness if the probability of system failure is low in the ensemble. To demonstrate the utility of EMRA, we investigate the bifurcational robustness of two synthetic central metabolic pathways that achieve carbon conservation: non-oxidative glycolysis and reverse glyoxylate cycle. With EMRA, we determined the probability of system failure of each design and demonstrated that alternative designs of these pathways indeed display varying degrees of bifurcational robustness. Furthermore, we demonstrated that target selection for flux improvement should consider the trade-offs between robustness and performance.
The relationship between national resident match program rank and perceived performance in an emergency medicine residency

A nonconcurrent prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate if National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) rank developed using multivariate regression followed by consensus group activity is associated with perceived general performance during emergency medicine residency. All residents graduating from a university hospital-based residency program between 1990 to 1993 were ranked by university faculty, private attendings, charge nurses, and a clerk. Each evaluator was asked to order (from the strongest to the weakest) a deck of cards that contained only each graduate's name and picture. NRMP ranks were scaled to adjust for differences in each year's match list length. Evaluators were unaware of the graduates NRMP ranks. Agreement among raters was analyzed using Kendall's coefficient of concordance. Perceived ranks were compared with actual NRMP ranks using the Spearman correlation procedure. Twenty graduates were evaluated by eight different individuals, yielding 160 pairs of ranks. There was moderately strong agreement among evaluators about the relative strength of the 20 residents (W = 0.67, P < .001). The association of perceived rank with NRMP rank was much greater than that expected by chance (r(s) = .35, P < .0001). Applicants with better NRMP ranks were perceived as stronger residents, which supports the strategy of using formal statistical modelling followed by consensus group activity as a method of generating NRMP rank lists.
Glucocorticoid actions on the immune system: Inhibition of production of an Fc-receptor augmenting factor

Abstract Macrophage Fc receptors (FcR) play significant roles in many immunological and inflammatory reactions. The possibility that glucocorticoids may interfere with FcR function was proposed by Frank and co-workers in 1973–1974. Our earlier work (Crabtree et al., Nature 279 338, 1979) showed that glucocorticoids in vitro reduce the number of FcR sites on the promyelocytic cell line HL-60, and we have extended these observations to the macrophage-like U-937 cell line. Recently we have found an FcR augmenting factor (FRAF) in supematants from cultured lymphoid cells stimulated with antigens or lectins. This factor increases the number of FcR per cell as much as 10-fold (Guyre et al., J. Immunol. 126, 66, 1981). Dexamethasone, when added together with FRAF, diminishes the FRAF-induced increase slightly, if at all. When added to the lymphocyte cultures that produce FRAF, however, dexamethasone can completely suppress production, with a half-maximal effect at about 5 nM. This striking dexamethasone effect may have important implications for glucocorticoid actions on the immune system.
Phase transitions in treelike percolation

The phase transition in treelike percolation occurs for a bond density slightly less than the transition in the usual unrestricted-bond-percolation problem.
PHOTOTROPIC CIRCUS MOVEMENTS OF LIMAX AS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE.

1. The theory of animal phototropism requires for particular instances a knowledge of the action of light as exerted through each of two bilaterally located receptors functioning singly. The measurement of "circus movements" which this involves must be concerned with such aspects of the reaction as are demonstrably dependent upon the effect of light. 2. The negatively phototropic slug Limax maximus exhibits very definite and continuous circus movement under vertical illumination when one eye-tentacle has been removed. The amplitude of the circling movement, measured in degrees deflection per cm. of path as an index of maintained differential tonus, is intimately related to the concurrent velocity of creeping. Analysis of the orienting mechanism is facilitated by the fact that in gasteropods such as Limax the animal creeps by means of the pedal organ, but orients (turns) by a totally distinct set of muscles in the dorsal and lateral regions of the body wall. 3. The expression of the phototropic orienting tendency, with illumination constant, is greatly influenced by the temperature. Above a zone centering at 15°, the amplitude of turning (degrees per cm. of path) is determined by the temperature in accurate agreement with Arrhenius' equation for chemical reaction velocity, with the critical increment µ = 16,820; and the rate of creeping is progressively less as the temperature rises, µ for its reciprocal being 10,900. Below 15°, the velocity of creeping becomes less the the lower the temperature, µ being again 16,800; while the amplitude of orientation is limited merely by the velocity of creeping, its reciprocal being directly proportional thereto. 4. Measurements of Limax circus movements in terms of turning deflection as function of light intensity must therefore be carried out at a temperature well above 15°. 5. The analysis provides a gross physical model of how an end-result may be influenced by temperature according to the effect of temperature upon each of several interconnected processes when the "temperature vs. effect" curves for these processes dynamically intersect. 6. It is pointed out that a certain type of unpredictability (quantative variability) in animal behavior under "normal" natural conditions probably results from dynamic equilibrium there obtaining between diverse mechanisms competing for effector control (in the present case, the creeping mechanism and that for turning, in the range 14–16°C.). It follows that the unraveling of the elements of conduct necessitates experimentation under diverse abnormal conditions favoring individual mechanism of response.
Independent tunability of the double-mode-locked cw dye laser

We report a new configuration that enables the double-mode-locked cw dye laser to be independently tunable. In addition, the output coupling at each of the two wavelengths can be independently specified. A series of oscillographs shows some interesting features unique to double mode locking and also shows the effects of varying the two cavity lengths with respect to each other.
Persistent increases in rat hypothalamic POMC gene expression following chronic withdrawal from chronic “binge” pattern escalating-dose, but not steady-dose, cocaine

Recent research suggests an involvement of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene products (e.g., beta-endorphin) in modulating cocaine-induced reward and addiction-like behaviors in rodents. In this study, we investigated whether chronic "binge" cocaine and its withdrawal altered POMC gene expression in the brain of rats. Male Fischer rats were treated with two different chronic (14-day) "binge" pattern cocaine administration regimens (three injections at 1-h intervals, i.p.): steady-dose (45mg/kg/day) and escalating-dose (90mg/kg on the last day). Although there was no POMC mRNA alteration after chronic steady-dose cocaine, a significant decrease in POMC mRNA levels in the hypothalamus was found after chronic escalating-dose cocaine. In contrast, after acute (1-day) withdrawal from chronic "binge" escalating-dose regimen, but not steady-dose regimen, there were increased hypothalamic POMC mRNA levels that persisted into 14days of protracted withdrawal. To study the role of the endogenous opioid systems in the cocaine withdrawal effects, we administered a single naloxone injection (1mg/kg) that caused elevated POMC mRNA levels observed 24h later in cocaine naive rats, but it did not lead to further increases in cocaine-withdrawn rats. Our results suggest that during withdrawal from chronic "binge" escalating-dose cocaine: (1) there was a persistent increase in hypothalamic POMC gene expression; and (2) hyposensitivity of the POMC gene expression to naloxone indicates altered opioidergic tone at or above the hypothalamic level.
HEREDITARY OSTEOPETROSIS OF THE RABBIT I. GENERAL FEATURES AND COURSE OF DISEASE; GENETIC ASPECTS

The manifestations and course of an hereditary disease of the rabbit are reported. The condition is present at birth and is invariably fatal, generally in the 4th and 5th weeks of age. Retardation and eventual cessation of growth with marked reduction in size are conspicuous characteristic symptoms. The condition, which first occurred in the backcross progeny of a pure bred Dutch male rabbit, is inherited. It is determined by the expression of a simple recessive unit factor, affected individuals being homozygous for the factor. Rabbits heterozygous for the factor are identified only by appropriate breeding tests. The condition is not sex-linked. The disease has a remarkable resemblance to osteopetrosis or marble bone disease of infants and children with respect to signs and general course and also, as may be stated in anticipation of later discussions (5, 6), to the characteristic abnormal condition of the skeleton.
Dynamic Coronary Thrombosis: A Possible Cause of Prinzmetal's Variant Angina

Two patients presented with features typical of Prinzmetal's variant angina: recurrent episodes of chest discomfort at rest associated with transient ST segment elevation. Episodes of recurrent ischemia persisted despite treatment with intravenous nitroglycerin. Coronary arteriography disclosed a high grade stenotic lesion and intracoronary thrombus in both patients. Coronary spasm was not demonstrated. These observations suggest that “dynamic thrombosis” may have a more important role than heretofore recognized in some patients with Prinzmetal's variant angina.
SO2-Metal Ion Clusters

INTEREST in the chemistry of gaseous ion clusters has increased sharply since the discovery1 of water-cluster ions in the D-region of the ionosphere. Furthermore, the fact that the electrical properties of the atmosphere are partly governed by the presence of small ions, which may undergo clustering reactions with trace constituents of the air, has also stimulated research into the properties and structure of the clusters. But knowledge of the structure of ion clusters is still rudimentary. Kebarle and colleagues2 have measured the gas-phase hydration enthalpies of alkali ions and compared the experimental results with calculated potential energies of the corresponding water-cluster ions. These calculations, made on the basis of an electrostatic model adopted from the classical theory of complex ions in solution, showed good agreement with the experimental results only for relative values, but not for absolute energies. Other investigators3 have employed molecular-orbital theory to calculate the energies of hydrated protons and shown that, in the case of H9O4, a chain structure is as feasible as a symmetrically branched structure proposed by Eigen4.
Water balance during vitellogenesis by the American cockroach: Hydration of the oöcytes

Abstract The volume and water content of the terminal and penultimate oocytes rise sharply during the last 2 days of the 6 day vitellogenic cycle. The ingestion of 3H2O during each day of the cycle has been determined and the subsequent flux of radioactivity into and out of the haemolymph has been measured. It appears that water consumed during the first 2 days of the cycle contribute the most water to the ootheca. The flux of haemolymph water and its possible immediate storage is discussed in regard to oocyte hydration.
The creation of angular momentum in optical waves propagating through atmospheric turbulence

In this First publication in a series, we demonstrate a mechanism by which distributed atmospheric turbulence can impart angular momentum to beams propating through it and identify the mechanism by which it can become non-trivial.
The “War” Against Climate Change and Christian Eco-Justice: Ethical Implications of Martial Rhetoric

Some climate activists and analysts appeal to martial language, emphasizing the seriousness of the problem by calling for a “war” against climate change. Drawing on a Christian ethic of eco-justice, this paper analyzes the implications of such rhetoric, measuring it against the norms of participation, solidarity, sufficiency, and sustainability. These norms reveal that martial rhetoric runs the risk of inspiring authoritarian, divisive solutions that distract from the genuine conflicts caused by climate change and the long-term changes required in response. While climate change is an urgent problem, a Christian ethics of eco-justice should encourage action on this issue with metaphors that are more empowering and inclusive than war.
Time and cost tradeoff for distributed data processing

An important design issue in distributed data processing systems is to determine optimal data distribution. The problem requires a tradeoff between time and cost. For instance, quick response time conflicts with low cost. The paper addresses the data distribution problem in this conflicting environment. A formulation of the problem as a non-linear program is developed. An algorithm employing a simple search procedure is presented, which gives an optimal data distribution. An example is solved to illustrate the method.
Long-range ordering in magnetically diluted europium hexaboride

Magnetic susceptibilities of the compounds EuχYb1−χB6 have been measured by the Faraday method over the range 1.7–300 K. The susceptibilities follow a Curie-Weiss law with an effective magnetic moment of 8 B per europium. Weiss constants are 8.8, 7.0, 4.9, 3.6, 2.0, 0.0, and 0.0 ± 0.3 K for χ values of 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, and 0.1, respectively. Corresponding ferromagnetic Curie temperatures are 8.4, 7.1, 4.6, 1.5, 0.0, 0.0, and 0.0 ± 0.2 K. Comparison of the change in Curie temperature with that expected by various theories of magnetic dilution suggests that the exchange mechanism involves nearest-neighbor interactions only.
Phosphodiesterase Inhibition Overcomes Pulmonary Vasomotor Dysfunction in Acute Lung Injury

Abstract Production of cGMP is impaired in endotoxin-induced acute lung injury. This results in dysfunction of endothelium-dependent and -independent cGMP-mediated pulmonary vasorelaxation and, therefore, pulmonary hypertension. We hypothesized that cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition would attenuate endotoxin-induced impairment to cGMP-mediated mechanisms of pulmonary vasorelaxation. The purpose was to examine the effect of stimulating cGMP production with concurrent inhibition of cGMP catabolism by PDE inhibition following endotoxin-induced acute lung injury. Isolated pulmonary arterial rings from rats (n= 5) were studied 6 hrs after endotoxin (20 mg/kg ip) or saline. In a third group (n= 5), PDE inhibition was accomplished within vitro3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX, 1 μMfor 30 min). Cyclic GMP-mediated relaxation was interrogated by stimulating (1) endothelium-dependent mechanisms with the receptor-dependent agonist acetylcholine and the receptor-independent agonist A23187, a calcium ionophore, and an (2) endothelium-independent mechanism with sodium nitroprusside. PDE inhibition attenuated endotoxin-induced vasomotor dysfunction. A two-pronged approach—stimulating cGMP production and preventing cGMP catabolism with PDE inhibition—may offer a therapeutically accessible mechanism to overcome vasomotor dysfunction in acute lung injury.
Fractional (Co)integration and Governing Party Support in Britain

Recent developments in the analysis of long-memoried processes provide important leverage for analysing time-series variables of interest to political scientists. This article provides an accessible exposition of these methods and illustrates their utility for addressing protracted controversies regarding the political economy of party support in Britain. Estimates of the fractionally differencing parameter, d, reveal that governing party support, prime ministerial approval and economic evaluations are long-memoried and non-stationary, and that governing party support and prime ministerial approval are fractionally cointegrated. Pace conventional wisdom that party leader images matter little, if at all, analyses of multivariate fractional error correction models show that prime ministerial approval has important short-run and long-run effects on party support. Prospective and retrospective personal economic evaluations are influential but, contrary to a longstanding claim, national economic evaluations are not significant. The article concludes by suggesting that individual-level heterogeneity is a likely source of the observed aggregate-level fractional integration in governing party support and its determinants. Specifying parsimonious models that incorporate theoretically meaningful heterogeneity is a challenging topic for future research. The history of science testifies that methodological innovation can provide important leverage for addressing theoretical controversies. In this article, we provide an accessible exposition of leading-edge statistical methods for analysing long-memoried time series, and employ these methods to address protracted debates concerning the political economy of public support for parties and party leaders in Britain. After reviewing the controversies at issue, we introduce the concepts of long memory and fractional integration, and consider why one might expect key variables in party support models to be fractionally integrated. Next, we discuss the concepts of fractional cointegration and fractionally integrated error correction mechanisms, and analyse the memory properties of political and economic variables of interest. Multivariate fractional error correction models are used to investigate the determinants of governing party support, and encompassing tests are employed to address disputes about the explanatory efficacy of various kinds of economic evaluations. In the conclusion, we summarize major findings and discuss methodological and theoretical implications for future studies of party support in Britain and elsewhere. CONTINUING C ONTROVERSIES
Preliminary Report on periodogram‐Analysis of the rainfall‐records of the Pacific Coast of North America

It must be understood in the following that when the reality of rainfall-cycles is mentioned it does not in any way refer to the possibility of economic use of them. In 1922 I established for many sections of the world the existence of a cycle which varied in length to keep step with changing sunspot-phase, and which completed its variation exactly nine times during, one spot-cycle. This cycle was found very strongly in data from the Pacific Coast, dominated by stations from Southern California.
Modification of Debye screening in gluon plasma

Abstract The static color-singlet potential between two color changes in high temperature gluon plasma is normally thought to be of the Debye screening form. We show that the momentum dependence of the gluon self-energy modifies the screening potential substantially. This may have implications for charmonium suppression as a signal for quark-gluon plasma formation in ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions.
A critique of knowledge-based systems in auditing: the systemic encroachment of technical consciousness

Abstract It is important to reflect critically on the effect of knowledge-based computer systems on human expertise and potential in order to formulate better an appropriate role for such systems in the audit environment. In this paper we initiate a critique of knowledge-based systems in auditing by considering their effect on field auditors' work and their work place. Three perspectives are taken: technical-empirical, historical-hermeneutic and critical. We review current and pending knowledge-based systems which have audit applications and consider their potential effects in, and on, the professional audit workplace. Following the work of Winograd and Flores [Understanding, Computers and Cognition (Reading, Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley, 1986] , limitations inherent in the prevailing rationalistic orientation to systems design are discussed. While these systems may be able to reduce costs and increase audit quality in the short term, there is a danger that necessary human development and expertise will be sacrificed if high-level decisions and judgements routinely come within the domain of such systems. Habermas' [Legitimation Crisis, T. McCarthy (trans) (Boston: Beacon Press 1975) and The Theory of Communicative Action, Vols 1 and 2, T. McCarthy (trans) (Boston: Beacon Press 1984)] framework for communicative action is employed to explore both the liberating and oppressive effects of knowledge-based systems on field auditors. We contend that, analogous to other technological applications in the work place, as issues of consequence are pre-empted by knowledge-based systems the potential for enlightened, and enlightening, debate and discussion is reduced. In this environment, possibilities for development and transformation are diminished.
The Perils and Possibilities in Disclosing Childhood Sexual Abuse to a Romantic Partner

This study sought to understand the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in adulthood by interviewing seven women about their experiences of disclosing CSA to romantic partners. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, an in-depth, qualitative research approach, was used to analyze the transcripts. The analysis produced 10 themes that were grouped into three domains: (a) Struggling in Private about Disclosure: prior to disclosing, participants described concerns that arose in the context of their romantic relationships; (b) The Experience of Disclosing: participants described when and how they disclosed and the thoughts and feelings accompanying disclosure; and (c) The Aftereffects of Disclosure: after disclosing, participants described the impact it had on the self as well as on the relationship with their romantic partner.
Effects of motor protein binding/unbinding on their collective transport

Kinesins are nano-sized biological motors which are responsible for active transport in cells. A single kinesin molecule is able to transport its cargo about 1 μm in the absence of external loads. However, kinesins perform much longer range transport in cells by working collectively. One of the most important mechanisms involved in this long transport are the binding and unbinding of kinesins to microtubules. Kinesins realize the transport by a repetitive mechanochemical cycle. In this study, the unbinding probabilities corresponding to each mechanochemical state of kinesin are calculated. The statistical characterization of the instants and locations of binding are captured by computing the probability of unbound kinesin being at given locations. The forces acting on kinesins affect binding and unbinding. This effect is also considered in this study. It reveals that the length of the transport is significantly longer when multiple proteins cooperatively transport the same cargo.
Electrical Signals Propagate Unbiased in Cortex

The greater spatial coherence of local field potentials (LFPs) compared with that of spiking activity has been attributed to frequency-dependent propagation of signals through the cortical medium. However, in this issue of Neuron, Logothetis and colleagues show that signal propagation within cortex is largely unbiased across different frequencies, thus suggesting a more functional and interpretable basis of LFP coherence.
Molecular histology: More than a picture.

A label-free mass spectrometry imaging method maps the locations of carbon nanomaterials injected into mice through the detection of small carbon clusters.
Hibernation and Overwinter Body Temperatures in Free-Ranging Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus

Abstract Free-ranging, juvenile thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) in southwestern Michigan were fitted in late summer or fall with external skin-temperature loggers. Data were obtained the following spring for five males and three females. During the heterothermal period, all squirrels exhibited 11–22 prolonged ( = 9.4 d) torpor bouts punctuated by typically brief ( = 14.3 h) arousal bouts, with mean monthly torpor bouts becoming longer and deeper until Feb. and reversing thereafter. Torpor-bout duration increased as minimum skin and soil temperatures decreased. On average, males initiated the first torpor bout later in fall, terminated the last torpor bout significantly earlier in spring and thus spent less time in the heterothermal period than did females. Three males displayed relatively short torpor bouts and long arousal bouts as they approached the end of hibernation. Squirrels gained weight variably in fall and spring, and one female lost 39% of body mass during hiber...
Contemporary Pediatric Gynecologic Imaging

Ultrasound is the primary screening modality for the evaluation of pediatric gynecologic maladies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used progressively more in this field, particularly for the evaluation of complex pelvic masses and congenital anomalies. However, ultrasound remains the preferred modality due to the excellent visualization, the dynamic nature of the examination modality, lack of ionizing radiation and sedation risks, and comparatively lower cost. MRI is generally a second-line examination and is preferred over computed tomography as it does not involve the use of ionizing radiation. Additionally, visualization of the female reproductive system anatomy with MRI is superior to computed tomography, the latter being reserved generally for tumor staging. Fluoroscopic examinations and abdominal radiographs can provide additional information that may support a diagnosis.
Integrated MEMS tunable high quality factor optical cavity for optomechanical transduction

We demonstrate a fully integrated optomechanical transducer achieving 580 ppm wavelength tuning of a high quality factor (Q=105–106) waveguide-coupled silicon microdisk by electrostatically actuating a dielectric membrane located in the evanescent field region above it.