cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence that the electrostatic ion cyclotron instability is saturated by ion heating

Observations have been made of electric field oscillations near the local ion gyro frequency and of an intense beam of plasma ions at the edge of an auroral arc. The observations are in good agreement with ion heating as the saturation mechanism for electrostatic ion cyclotron waves.
Perception of the argumentativeness trait in interpersonal relationship situations

The desired association with argumentative or nonargumentative individuals in inter-personal relationships was assessed using the Infante and Rancer (1982) Scale of Argumentativeness. Seven potential areas of social interaction were presented to college students ( N = 420) to judge their likelihood of desired interaction with an argumentative or nonargumentative person. Factor analysis revealed two primary dimensions: social-emotional , involving heavy reliance on social interaction, and negotiator/ombudsman , requiring interaction where one might serve as agent for another. Results indicated that these 2 dimensions account for almost half (48%) the variance of the decisional structure used in opting to associate with argumentative or nonargumentative others. There was a preference for association with a nonargumentative person in situations, which are low in conflict and nonaggressive. Also, males and females respond in a similar fashion in reporting their preferences to associate with argumentative or nonargumentative persons in various interpersonal situations.
Synthesis of 3'-deoxyadenosine-3'-spirocyclopropane, 3'-deoxy-uridine-3'-spirocyclopropane, and 5'-deoxy-4',5'-methanoadenosine

Abstract Cycloaddition of diazomethane with 3′-deoxy-3′-methylene- and 4′,5′-didehydro-5′-deoxynucleoside derivatives followed by sensitized photochemical extrusion of nitrogen provided the previously unreported 3′- and 4′-spirocyclopropane nucleoside derivatives. Enhancement of the cycloaddition reactions by electron withdrawing benzoyl protecting groups was observed.
On the error term in bahadur's representation of an order statistic

Bahadur (1966) presented a representation of an order statistic, giving its asymptotic distribution and the rate of convergence, under weak assumptions on the density function of the parent distribution. In this paper we consider the mean(squared) deviation of the error term in Bahadur’s approximation of the q th sample quantile (qn ). We derive a uniform bound on the mean (squared) deviation of qn , not depending on the value of q. An application of the given result provides the corresponding result for a kernel type estimator of the q th quantile.
Description and genetic mapping of Polypodia: an X-linked dominant mouse mutant with ectopic caudal limbs and other malformations

In this report we present a spontaneous mouse mutant, named Polypodia (Ppd), that primarily exhibits ectopic, ventral/caudal limbs and associated pelvic girdle malformation or duplication. Less penetrant features include diphallia, microphthalmia, small kidney, curled or kinked tail, forelimb anomaly, and skin papillae. Ppd mice have a normal karyotype and no large-scale genomic deletions or insertions by BAC-based array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Ppd is X-linked dominant with approximately 20% penetrance on the C3H background and maps to X:61.6 Mb-X:71.24 Mb. The limb and a subset of the nonlimb anomalies are similar to those in offspring from retinoic acid–treated dams at E4.5–5.5 and feature overlap with the Disorganization mouse mutant and human patients with ectopic legs. We hypothesize that Ppd affects very early steps in the formation of caudal structures including limb and appendage number. The existence of noncaudal anomalies implies the involvement of Ppd in a broad array of cell fate decisions.
Small-scale urban nature parks: why should we care?

Small-scale urban natural parks have the potential to contribute to the health and well-being of urban communities. Although recreation researchers have seldom focused on such areas, recreation research theory can be successfully applied to urban natural parks, especially if augmented by the application of social capital and social networks theory. Social capital and networks theories will aid recreation researchers and policy makers in understanding the processes and benefits associated with urban green space. This understanding may be important relative to low income urban community members who may not participate regularly in nature-based recreation.
The Role of Cytokines in Sleep Regulation

Interleukin-1 beta (IL1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) promote non-rapid eye movement sleep under physiological and inflammatory conditions. Additional cytokines are also likely involved but evidence is insufficient to conclude that they are sleep regulatory substances. Many of the symptoms induced by sleep loss, e.g. sleepiness, fatigue, poor cognition, enhanced sensitivity to pain, can be elicited by injection of exogenous IL1 or TNF. We propose that ATP, released during neurotransmission, acting via purine P2 receptors on glia releases IL1 and TNF. This mechanism may provide the means by which the brain keeps track of prior usage history. IL1 and TNF in turn act on neurons to change their intrinsic properties and thereby change input-output properties (i.e. state shift) of the local network involved. Direct evidence indicates that cortical columns oscillate between states, one of which shares properties with organism sleep. We conclude that sleep is a local use-dependent process influenced by cytokines and their effector molecules such as nitric oxide, prostaglandins and adenosine.
Preparation and characterization of novel pH-sensitive binary grafted polymeric blends of gelatin and poly(vinyl alcohol): Water sorption and blood compatibility study

In this study, we attempted the synthesis and characterization of novel biocompatible hydrogels of binary polymeric blends of crosslinked poly(acrylic acid) grafted onto poly(vinyl alcohol) and gelatin by a redox polymerization technique. The end polymer was characterized by IR spectral analysis, differential scanning calorimetry measurements, and scanning electron microscopy. The prepared smart, environment-responsive hydrogels, containing polyelectrolyte domains, were assessed for their water sorption potential under various experimental conditions and were further used to evaluate important network parameters such as the crosslink density, number of elastically effective chains, and molecular mass between crosslinks. The diffusion mechanism of the solvent–polymer interaction was also analyzed to predict the behavior of continuously relaxing chains containing several carboxylate ions. The blood compatibility of premeditated hydrogels was also judged by in vitro methods such as protein adsorption, blood clot formation, and hemolysis percentage assay measurement. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 599–617, 2006
Studies of transition noise in media recorded by heads with trailing shields

Abstract Transition noise and jitter of perpendicular media are improved by writing with pole heads which have trailing shields. This phenomenon may be studied by using forward and backward flying longitudinal ring heads. The forward-flying ring heads write from the trailing edge of the write pole; the reverse-flying ring heads write from the trailing edge of a pole which is followed by a gap and a trailing shield, thus emulating the behavior of a pole head with a trailing shield. This technique allows the evaluation of media signal/noise improvements (2–3 dB) obtained by increasing the write field gradient, the write field angle and hence also the Stoner–Wohlfarth effective write field.
Covalent attachment of a transition metal coordination complex to functionalized oligo(phenylene-ethynylene) self-assembled monolayers

We have investigated the reaction of tetrakis(dimethylamido)titanium, Ti[N(CH(3))(2)](4), with N-isopropyl-N-[4-(thien-3-ylethynyl) phenyl] amine and N-isopropyl-N-(4-{[4-(thien-3-ylethynyl) phenyl]ethynyl}phenyl) amine self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), on polycrystalline Au substrates. The structure of the SAMs themselves has also been investigated. Both molecules form SAMs on polycrystalline Au bound by the thiophene group. The longer-molecular-backbone molecule forms a denser SAM, with molecules characterized by a smaller tilt angle. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and angle-resolved XPS have been employed to examine the kinetics of adsorption, the spatial extent of reaction, and the stoichiometry of reaction. For both the SAMs, adsorption is described well by first-order Langmuirian kinetics, and adsorption is self-limiting from T(s) = -50 to 30 degrees C. The use of angle-resolved XPS clearly demonstrates that the Ti[N(CH(3))(2)](4) reacts exclusively with the isopropylamine end group via ligand exchange, and there is no penetration of the SAM, followed by reaction at the SAM-Au interface. Moreover, the SAM molecules remain bound to the Au surface via their thiopene functionalites. From XPS, we have found that, in both cases, approximately one Ti[N(CH(3))(2)](4) is adsorbed per two SAM molecules.
Fluorescence photobleaching recovery measurements reveal differences in envelopment of sindbis and vesicular stomatitis viruses

Abstract Fluorescence photobleaching recovery (FPR) measurements of virus glycoproteins on the surfaces of cells infected with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and Sindbis virus showed that the VSV glycoprotein (G) remained mobile throughout the infectious cycle, whereas Sindbis virus glycoproteins (E1, E2) were partially mobile early after infection and immobile at later times when greater amounts of these proteins were on the cell surface. A highly mobile fraction of Sindbis virus glycoproteins was detected throughout the replication cycle of a temperature-sensitive mutant unable to form virus particles. Thus immobilization of E1 and E2 was the result of increasing surface glycoprotein concentrations and virus budding. Together with other data, which included the detection of E1 and E2 in particles as soon as these proteins were transported to the cell surface, the FPR results suggest that Sindbis virus assembly initiates on intracellular vesicles, where glycoproteins aggregate and bind nucleocapsids. In contrast, our FPR data on VSV support a model previously suggested by others, in which a small fraction of cell-surface G is immobilized into budding sites formed by interactions with virus matrix and nucleoproteins. FPR measurements also provide direct evidence for strong interactions between E1 and E2, as well as between E1 and PE2, the precursor form of E2.
Polymorphism in the promoter region of HLA-DRB genes

Polymorphism is a hallmark of the molecules encoded within the MHC of humans and other mammals. Recently, evidence of polymorphism has also been shown to exist in the transcriptional regulatory regions of HLA-DQB genes. In this article, we report that polymorphism exists also in the promoter region of HLA-DRB genes. The sequence of the regulatory region of DRB genes from five homozygous DR B-cell lines, each of a distinct DR haplotype, revealed a number of differences, some of which are in the critical class II boxes that are generally conserved in class II promoters. The major differences occurred in a comparison of DR4 to the other DR haplotypes. These data suggest the existence of another important source of HLA class II polymorphism that may play a role in susceptibility to HLA-associated autoimmune disease.
Kinetics of catecholamine sensitive Na+K+ ATPase activity in mouse brain synaptosomes

Abstract The effects of several neurotransmitters on mouse brain synaptosomal ATPase activities were determined in vitro . Both dopamine and norepinephrine activated Na + -K + and Mg 2+ ATPase activities in a dose-dependent manner. Na + -K + ATPase was more sensitive to the catecholamines than was Mg 2+ ATPase activity. Acetylcholine, γ-aminobutyric acid, L-glutamic acid and serotonin were without effect up to 10 −3 M concentration. Chlorpromazine, an antipsychotic agent, which has been shown to block the dopamine-receptor site, totally inhibited the dopamine-stimulated Na + -K + and Mg 2+ ATPase activities in mouse brain synaptosomes. Further, catecholamine-sensitive ATPase activities from mouse brain synaptosomal preparation were determined in relation to the substrate, pH and ionic concentrations in the reaction medium. The results indicate that Na + -K + and Mg 2+ ATPases were activated by dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) at different concentrations of ATP. Lineweaver-Burk plots reveal that Na + -K + ATPase was activated non-competitively to ATP with a K m value of 5.5 × 10 −4 M, whereas Mg 2+ ATPase exhibited a mixed type of activation in that K m was decreased and V max increased in the presence of DA or NE. A maximum stimulation occurred by catecholamines at the optimum pH of 7.5 for Na + -K + and 8.0 for Mg 2+ ATPase activities. Both catecholamines increased the Na + -K + ATPase activity in the presence of Na + and K + in the reaction medium. However, in the absence of Na + ions the K + -ATPase activity was stimulated by DA and NE but in the absence of K + ions the Na + ATPase, was not activated by DA or NE, indicating that the ATPase activity was more sensitive to catecholamines in the presence of K + than Na + .
Investigation of electrostatic body control in accumulated body MOSFETs

The authors previously reported wide-range threshold voltage (V T ) control and improvement in subthreshold slope (SS) and drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) in narrow bulk Si Accumulated Body MOSFETs [1-3]. The side-gate structure surrounding the MOSFET body is used for accumulating the body through an independent contact to provide these effects (Fig. 1). In this work, we present a study on the electrostatic body control attained by the side-gates, using experimental and simulated devices.
Elevated Circulating Levels of the Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Individuals With Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Objective To test the hypothesis that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is elevated in the circulation of individuals with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) compared with uninjured individuals. Design Prospective, observational pilot study. Setting Academic medical center. Participants Adults with acute traumatic SCI (n=18) and uninjured participants (n=18), comparable in age and sex distribution. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome measure was the plasma MIF levels. Potential correlations were examined between MIF and clinical/demographic variables. The secondary outcome was to determine if other immune mediators were elevated in participants with acute SCI and if their levels correlated with the MIF. Results MIF was significantly elevated in subjects with acute SCI compared with control subjects at 0 to 3 ( P P P P P P P P P P P P P Conclusions These data demonstrate that MIF is significantly elevated in subjects with acute SCI, supporting further investigation of MIF and other inflammatory mediators in acute SCI, where they may contribute to primary and secondary functional outcomes.
Anomalous thermoelastic effect in silicon

Abstract The equations of visco and thermoelasticity are discussed and the dispersion relation for a cubic material presented. The thermoelastic contribution to the acoustic attenuation in silicon is computed from 1 – 300K. Strong attenuation anomalies associated with negative thermal expansion are found in the vicinity of 17K and 125K. Comparison with experimental results is discussed. It is suggested that anharmonic effects are responsible for the anomalies seen in low frequency measurements and that several materials should exhibit similar behavior.
Sensitivity Analysis of Absorption Cycle Fluid Thermodynamic Properties

Absorption heat pump technology may be improved by new cycle configurations by new working fluids. In this study, the effect of hypothetical working fluids on performance improvement is explored. The performance of two cycles is studied using three fluid property sources for ammonia/water, i.e., curve-fit experimental data, an ideal solution model, and the Peng-Robinson equation of state model. The models require only minimal fundamental thermodynamic property data for the two pure components. This allows investigation into the influence of each fundamental property on cycle performance, providing insight into desirable properties for new absorption fluid pairs. Variations of fundamental fluid properties are used as input to the models, showing that the volatilities of the refrigerant and absorbent have the greatest effect on cycle performance.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza: entry pathways into North America via bird migration.

Given the possibility of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza arriving in North America and monitoring programs that have been established to detect and track it, we review intercontinental movements of birds. We divided 157 bird species showing regular intercontinental movements into four groups based on patterns of movement—one of these groups (breed Holarctic, winter Eurasia) fits well with the design of the monitoring programs (i.e., western Alaska), but the other groups have quite different movement patterns, which would suggest the importance of H5N1 monitoring along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts of North America.
Massive ethylene glycol poisoning without evidence of crystalluria: a case for early intervention.

Abstract A case of severe ethylene glycol poisoning is presented, characterized by protracted delirium, coma, and delayed adult respiratory distress syndrome. This patient never demonstrated evidence of calcium oxalate crystalluria or renal insufficiency. Ethylene glycol intoxication should be considered in the patient who presents with an altered mental status, unexplained metabolic acidosis, and elevated anion and osmolal gaps with or without crystalluria. Early empiric ethanol therapy and consideration of dialysis are recommended for those patients with such a presentation without evidence of abnormal levels of ketones, lactate, solicylate, or ethanol. It is proposed that early ethanol therapy may prevent the formation of ethylene glycol metabolites to the extent that calcium oxalate crystalluria is not seen.
Unsteady Simulations of a Counter-Rotating Aspirated Compressor

An unsteady analysis of the MIT counter-rotating aspirated compressor (CRAC) has been conducted using the Numeca FINE™/Turbo 3D viscous turbulent solver with the Non-Linear Harmonic (NLH) method. All three blade rows plus the aspiration slot and plenum were included in the computational domain. Both adiabatic and isothermal solid wall boundary conditions were applied and simulations with and without aspiration were completed. Comparison of the aspirated case with data is good. When compared to the adiabatic boundary condition, the isothermal boundary condition solutions showed improvements in predicting stage performance, most notably at the endwalls. The aspiration has a significant impact on the flow field and provides a 4.2% increase in efficiency over the non-aspirated case. Although the slot and plenum had been designed to aspirate 1% of the inlet mass flow, the experiment and simulations show that it chokes at about 0.5%. Details of the aspiration flow path choking mechanism, which was previously not well understood, are presented.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Analysis of scalp EEG and quantitative MRI in cases of temporal lobe epilepsy requiring intracranial electrographic monitoring

Abstract Purpose. Contradictory scalp electroencephalographic (sEEG) and discordant imaging features are common in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). We assessed the relative importance of sEEG features and their relation to quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging measures in regard to surgical outcome. Methods and materials. Patients with a putative TLE underwent extraoperative electrocorticography (eECoG) with bitemporal subdural electrodes for clarification of the ictogenic source. Patients were categorized by sEEG ictal patterns (IPs) as showing unilateral or bilateral onset. Concordance with the side of resection, as determined by eECoG, to that suggested by the predominant sEEG IP was further analysed as: (a) entirely ipsilateral eECoG IPs with discordant nonelectrographic data; (b) ipsilateral preponderant (> 80%) eECoG IPs; and c) contralateral preponderant (> 80%) eECoG IPs. Quantitative hippocampal volumes and signal characteristics were applied for comparison. Results. Of 26 patients, eECoG confirmed a unilateral IP on sEEG in 19 (73%). Of these 19, exclusively ipsilateral sEEG interical epileptiform discharges (IEDs) were identified in 9 (47%). When bilateral, generalized, absent or contralateral IEDs were found, 6 cases (60%) still showed a preponderantly ipsilateral IP identifying the epileptogenic side. In patients with sEEG bilateral IPs, 5 (71%) also had bilateral IEDs. Of the 16 patients who underwent resection, 14 (87.5%) achieved favourable outcomes and 9 (56%), seizure cessation. Hippocampal volumetry in 23 patients correctly lateralized 7 (30%) whereas fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal measures applied in 23 patients lateralized 9 (39%). Conclusions. Favourable surgical outcomes are attainable following eECoG in cases where ambiguity exists regarding the laterality of TLE on sEEG, even for those in whom bilateral IPs and either bilateral or no IEDs are demonstrated on sEEG. Neither volumetric nor FLAIR signal ratios were sufficiently reliable for lateralizing TLE in the majority of cases.
Probing the Limits of Aptamer Affinity with a Microfluidic SELEX Platform

Nucleic acid-based aptamers offer many potential advantages relative to antibodies and other protein-based affinity reagents, including facile chemical synthesis, reversible folding, improved thermal stability and lower cost. However, their selection requires significant time and resources and selections often fail to yield molecules with affinities sufficient for molecular diagnostics or therapeutics. Toward a selection technique that can efficiently and reproducibly generate high performance aptamers, we have developed a microfluidic selection process (M-SELEX) that can be used to obtain high affinity aptamers against diverse protein targets. Here, we isolated DNA aptamers against three protein targets with different isoelectric points (pI) using a common protocol. After only three rounds of selection, we discovered novel aptamer sequences that bind to platelet derived growth factor B (PDGF-BB; pI = 9.3) and thrombin (pI = 8.3) with respective dissociation constants (Kd) of 0.028 nM and 0.33 nM, which are both superior to previously reported aptamers against these targets. In parallel, we discovered a new aptamer that binds to apolipoprotein E3 (ApoE; pI = 5.3) with a Kd of 3.1 nM. Furthermore, we observe that the net protein charge may exert influence on the affinity of the selected aptamers. To further explore this relationship, we performed selections against PDGF-BB under different pH conditions using the same selection protocol, and report an inverse correlation between protein charge and aptamer Kd.
Dissemination of Evidence-Based Practices for Anxiety Disorders in Wyoming: A Survey of Practicing Psychotherapists

Despite the well-established effectiveness of exposure-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of anxiety disorders, therapists have been slow to adopt CBT into their clinical practice. The present study was conducted to examine the utilization of psychotherapy techniques for anxiety disorders among community practitioners in a rural setting in order to determine the current status of the dissemination of CBT. A sample of 51 licensed psychotherapists from various mental health professions was recruited from online practice listings in the state of Wyoming. Participants completed a survey assessing their use of various psychotherapy techniques in the past 12 months for clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia. Nearly all psychotherapists reported providing CBT, and techniques such as cognitive restructuring, arousal-reduction strategies, and mindfulness were used by the vast majority of respondents. Therapist-assisted exposure was rarely utilized, and providers who delivered exposure therapy often did so alongside other techniques of questionable compatibility with this approach. Non-evidence-based techniques were frequently used, particularly by self-proclaimed anxiety specialists. Our findings highlight the successes and failures of efforts to disseminate exposure-based CBT to community practitioners. Implications for clinical training and practice are discussed.
Role for Plk1 phosphorylation of Hbo1 in regulation of replication licensing

In a search for Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1)-interacting proteins using a yeast two-hybrid system, we have identified histone acetyltransferase binding to the origin recognition complex 1 (Hbo1) as a potential Plk1 target. Here, we show that the interaction between Plk1 and Hbo1 is mitosis-specific and that Plk1 phosphorylates Hbo1 on Ser-57 in vitro and in vivo. During mitosis, Cdk1 phosphorylates Hbo1 on Thr-85/88, creating a docking site for Plk1 to be recruited. Significantly, the overexpression of Hbo1 mutated at the Plk1 phosphorylation site (S57A) leads to cell-cycle arrest in the G1/S phase, inhibition of chromatin loading of the minichromosome maintenance (Mcm) complex, and a reduced DNA replication rate. Similarly, Hbo1 depletion results in decreased DNA replication and a failure of Mcm complex binding to chromatin, both of which can be partially rescued by the ectopic expression of WT Hbo1 but not Hbo1-S57A. These results suggest that Plk1 phosphorylation of Hbo1 may be required for prereplicative complex (pre-RC) formation and DNA replication licensing.
Dependence of Hormonal Yield on the Collection Method for Human Pituitary Glands. I. Thyrotropin

Three collection methods (freezing, acetone, and acetone: thioethanol: acetic acid) have been investigated for optimum yield of thyrotropin from human pituitary glands. The data indicate that optimal thyrotropin activity (TSH) is preserved by pituitary gland storage in the frozen state rather than in the 2 preservative solutions or as an acetone powder and that storage time also affects the yield. Using a chick bio-assay for TSH and the Bovine International Reference Standard, yields of 2 U TSH/gland were obtained from glands stored 2 weeks (freezing, acetone), and only in the frozen state after 6 weeks. A drop of 50% in TSH activity was observed in glands stored for 6 weeks in the 2 collection solutions, while after 6 months of storage the losses averaged 80%. In extracts of pituitary glands obtained by percolation with 57% ethanol-7% sodium chloride and stored undialyzed, TSH activity remained stable when stored for 3–6 months at −20 C. (Endocrinology 81: 299, 1967)
LEFT VENTRICULAR DYSSYNCHRONY IS ASSOCIATED WITH WORSE DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE AND PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION

Mechanical dyssynchrony has been proposed to play a pathophysiologic role in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We quantified LV systolic and diastolic function and dyssynchrony in 210 HFpEF patients with NYHA class II-IV symptoms, EF >45%, and NT-proBNP levels >400 pg/mL
Clinical evaluation of the child: injury to the chest and abdomen:

In the paediatric age group (under 18 years) injury continues to be the dominant cause of mortality, being more common than all other causes combined. Disability resulting from injury represents a ...
Fractionation of gas mixtures in a moving-bed adsorber. I. Correlation of adsorber performance

The design and operation of a pilot-scale-moving bed adsorber to separate the various components of a gas mixture using activated carbon as the preferential adsorbent are described. A binary system, methane–acetylene, and a ternary system, methane–carbon dioxide–acetylene, were studied. The performance of the unit was analyzed by means of the transfer-unit-height (H.T.U.) concept based on the observed changes in gas composition during tower operation. For both the binary and ternary systems the transfer-unit height was independent of feed-gas composition but was found to vary linearly with the ratio of feed gas to carbon flow. The over-all transfer-unit-height values based on either the gas or the adsorbed phase were observed to vary from 6.5 in. at 1.39 std. cu. ft./lb. carbon to 36.9 in. at 4.81 std. cu. ft./lb. carbon.
A cell structure for a DC gas-discharge display panel

A dc gas-discharge display panel in which the metal cathodes are isolated from the gas by an MgO/metal cermet film is described. The use of such a film results in sufficient resistance to prevent electrical coupling between cells. At the same time, the low-work-function MgO provides a relatively high secondary-electron emission which results in a low operating voltage. Of interest is the fact that, despite the absence of isolating barriers between cells, no serious problems of crosstalk between cells occurs. Results on the aging characteristics of the cermet films are also described.
Characterization of rare-earth-doped nanophosphors for photodynamic therapy excited by clinical ionizing radiation beams

We investigated the optical properties of novel terbium (Tb 3+ )-doped nanophosphors with various host compounds irradiated by clinical electron, photon, and proton beams for their potential as optical probes. The emission spectra of nanophosphors embedded in tissue-mimicking phantoms were collected by an optical fiber connected to a CCD-coupled spectrograph while the samples were irradiated with electron and photon beams generated by a medical linear accelerator and proton beams generated by a clinical cyclotron. We characterized the luminescence of such nanophosphors as a function of the beam energy and observed a dose dependency of the luminescence signal. We demonstrated x-ray luminescence, cathodoluminescence, and ionoluminescence of the nanophosphors in clinical ionizing radiation fields, which indicates their potential as downconverters of high-energy radiation into visible light.
Reverse pulse plating of copper from acid electrolyte: A rotating ring disc electrode study

Coulombic or cathode efficiencies (CE) were determined for the reverse pulse plating of copper from CuSO4/H2SO4 electrolyte for a variety of pulse conditions. The CE was seen to decrease as the magnitude of the current on the anodic pulse increased. This may be explained by an increase in Cu+ intermediates near the electrode surface and was verified by polarization data obtained from a rotating ring disc electrode (RRDE). The influence of certain additives on the CE during reverse pulse plating and on the polarization curves was also examined. When polyethylene glycol and Cl− (0.86mm) were added to the electrolyte, the CE was observed to drop significantly for a particular set of pulse parameters. The polarization curves at the RRDE suggested that the copper-electrolyte interface was blocked by an adsorbed layer over a wide potential range. The results are explained in terms of a model in which Cl− ions are concentrated near the electrode surface within the adsorbed polyethylene glycol layer and this is supported by observed rotational dependencies for the RRDE.
The mechanism of the electrochemical reduction of diphenyl sulfone in aprotic solvent

Summary The reduction of diphenyl sulfone at 25°C in aprotic solvent at mercury proceeds in two steps. The first is an e.c.e. mechanism. The radical anion initially formed with an E°′ of −2.09 V protonates with a rate constant of 0.75 s−1 in DMSO. The neutral radical undergoes a rapid reaction to form a stable, diamagnetic species. The latter species, which is electroactive at −2.09 V, is reduced to an anion. The anion cleaves to form benzene and the benzenesulfinate ion. The second step is a concerted two electron reduction of diphenyl sulfone at about −2.4 V. The dianion which is generated rapidly protonates to form the same precursor of benzene and the benzenesulfinate ion as found above. The overall rate constant for the protonation-cleavage step in DMSO is 76 s−1 at 25°C.
Neural induction and early patterning in vertebrates

In vertebrates, the development of the nervous system is triggered by signals from a powerful 'organizing' region of the early embryo during gastrulation. This phenomenon--neural induction--was originally discovered and given conceptual definition by experimental embryologists working with amphibian embryos. Work on the molecular circuitry underlying neural induction, also in the same model system, demonstrated that elimination of ongoing transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling in the ectoderm is the hallmark of anterior neural-fate acquisition. This observation is the basis of the 'default' model of neural induction. Endogenous neural inducers are secreted proteins that act to inhibit TGFβ ligands in the dorsal ectoderm. In the ventral ectoderm, where the signaling ligands escape the inhibitors, a non-neural fate is induced. Inhibition of the TGFβ pathway has now been demonstrated to be sufficient to directly induce neural fate in mammalian embryos as well as pluripotent mouse and human embryonic stem cells. Hence the molecular process that delineates neural from non-neural ectoderm is conserved across a broad range of organisms in the evolutionary tree. The availability of embryonic stem cells from mouse, primates, and humans will facilitate further understanding of the role of signaling pathways and their downstream mediators in neural induction in vertebrate embryos.
Student-Centered Transformative Learning in Leadership Education An Examination of the Teaching and Learning Process

Innovative and learner-centered approaches to teaching and learning are vital for the applied field of leadership education, yet little research exists on such pedagogical approaches within the fie...
The Ombudsman: Cheating in Management Science

Honesty is vital to scientific work and, clearly, most scientists are honest. However, recent publicity about cases involving cheating, including cases of falsification of data and plagiarism, raises some questions: Is cheating a problem? Does it affect management science? Should anything be done?
Correlated Inputs in Quantitative Risk Assessment: The Effects of Distributional Shape

Application of Monte Carlo simulation methods to quantitative risk assessment are becoming increasingly popular. With this methodology, investigators have become concerned about correlations among input variables which might affect the resulting distribution of risk. We show that the choice of input distributions in these simulations likely has a larger effect on the resultant risk distribution than does the inclusion or exclusion of correlations. Previous investigators have studied the effect of correlated input variables for the addition of variables with any underlying distribution and for the product of lognormally distributed variables. The effects in the main part of the distribution are small unless the correlation and variances are large. We extend this work by considering addition, multiplication and division of two variables with assumed normal, lognormal, uniform and triangular distributions. For all possible pairwise combinations, we find that the effects of correlated input variables are similar to those observed for lognormal distributions, and thus relatively small overall. The effect of using different distributions, however, can be large.
Influences of Diet and Strain on the Proliferative Effect on the Rat Urinary Bladder Induced by Sodium Saccharin

Abstract Rats were fed sodium saccharin as 5 or 7.5% of the diet by weight, and proliferation of the bladder epithelium was assessed by autoradiography, histology, and scanning electron microscopy. In Experiment 1, male F344 rats, 5 weeks old, were placed on a diet of 0, 5, or 7.5% NaS mixed in Prolab 3200, NIH-07, or AIN-76A diet for 4 or 10 weeks. In Experiment 2, 5-week-old F344 rats or 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were fed 0, 5, or 7.5% NaS in Prolab 3200 or Purina 5002 diet for 10 weeks. In Experiment 1, at both the 4- and 10-week intervals, NaS had a greater effect on the urothelium when administered in the Prolab diet compared to the NIH diet, and there was little response with the AIN diet. Eight of 10 rats fed 7.5% NaS in Prolab 3200 for 4 or 10 weeks had bladders with simple or nodular hyperplasia, and eight of nine bladders contained abnormal surface features visible by scanning electron microscopy. At 10 weeks for control animals, the average labeling index following [3H]thymidine incorporation into bladder epithelium was ∼0.05%. For rats fed 7.5% NaS diets, the labeling index was 0.43% for Prolab, 0.14% for NIH-07, and 0.04% for AIN-76A. In Experiment 2, the response to NaS was considerably greater in F344 rats than in Sprague-Dawley rats fed the same diet, and for both strains, the response to NaS was greater in Prolab than in Purina diets. In conclusion, the proliferative effect of NaS on male rat urinary bladder depended on rat strain as well as on type of diet.
Dense layouts for series-parallel circuits

The authors address the question 'when do three tracks suffice for the gate matrix layout of series-parallel circuits?' and demonstrate that the rather surprising answer appears to be 'almost always.' This is in contrast to the fact that an unbounded number of tracks may be required to layout contrived instances in the worst case. Their approach stems from the novel nonconstructive finite-basis characterization of graphs with k-track layouts for any fixed k. >
Diagnosis and initial management of Gastroesophageal complications

Chronic esophageal exposure to reflux of gastroduodenal contents can result in complications of GERD including esophageal stricture, Barrett's oesophagus or extraesophageal symptoms such as laryngitis, chronic cough or asthma. Endoscopy is the main diagnostic tool for patients with chronic reflux presenting with dysphagia to visualise esophageal mucosa and identify the underlying pathology. Barrett's oesophagus should be suspected in those with chronic reflux disease. Patients with Barrett's oesophagus should undergo surveillance endoscopy in order to risk stratify to dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. New endoscopic ablative therapies in patients with Barrett's oesophagus and high grade dysplasia are promising new treatment modality for those who may not be candidates for definitive intervention. Given poor sensitivity of diagnostic tests in extraesophageal reflux, empiric therapy with proton pump patients is the initial recommended approach. Diagnostic testing with esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ambulatory pH and impedance monitoring is usually reserved for those unresponsive to acid suppressive therapy. Many uncertainties remain in this group of patients including which patient subgroups might benefit from acid suppressive therapy. Future outcome studies are needed to assess the role of impedance/pH monitoring in this group of patients and to determine who might symptomatically benefit from medical or surgical intervention.
Incorporating process demand into models for assessment of safety system performance

The paper presents a simple model of a safety instrumented system (SIS) that explicitly incorporates process demand in addition to including both the detected and undetected modes of the fail dangerous state, and shows the impact of process demand on SIS performance. The research concludes that the explicit incorporation of process demand is necessary to assess SIS safety performance appropriately, and that a simple arbitrary division between low demand and high demand is insufficient. The study also suggests a method of using the model to determine an appropriate value of TI, the time to periodic inspection and maintenance of the SIS, so as to achieve a suitable level of SIS safety performance. The paper notes the limitations of the present work, and provides suggestions for future research in this area
The subsystem approach to enhancing small processor operating systems

Operating systems for small processors often do not take full advantage of a small processor's resources. The implementation of a subsystem to enhance the standard operating system has proved to be an effective method to increase the utilization of a small processor's resources.Several different subsystems for small processors are discussed. The advantages of using the subsystem approach in a small processor environment are given.
Ginseng: its history, dispersion, and folk tradition.

This article presents a historical comparison of the traditions surrounding and uses of ginseng in Asia and in North America, with a focus on the triangle formed by the Chinese, the North American Indians, and the white American residients. The medicinal and folkloric applications of ginseng by the Chinese were remarkably similar to those independently developed by various North American Indian tribes. White Americans, however, largely disregarded the herbal root medicinal qualities in favor of the lucrative economic gains available from the export of ginseng to supply the Chinese market. Information was gathered primarily from Western sources and whenever possible was either drawn from or corroborated by original eighteenth and nineteenth century publications.
Effect of chlorpromazine on intestinal secretion mediated by Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin and 8-Br-cyclic GMP in infant mice.

Abstract Subcutaneously administered chlorpromazine reduced intestinal fluid accumulation induced by Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin in infant mice. The antisecretory effect of chlorpromazine, although dose related, was, even with high doses, less than that observed with respect to cholera toxin. Whereas 100 μg chlorpromazine abolished cholera toxin-induced intestinal secretion almost completely, 500 μg chlorpromazine (equivalent to 200 μg/g body wt) lowered secretion induced by heat-stable enterotoxin by only 41%. The effect of chlorpromazine on intestinal secretion was quantitatively similar regardless of whether heat-stable enterotoxin or the cyclic GMP analogue, 8-Br-cyclic GMP, was the secretagogue. This finding, which suggested that the inhibitory effect of chlorpromazine on heat-stable enterotoxin was independant of guanylate cyclase, was confirmed by assaying this enzyme in intestinal homogenates from mice that had been inoculated with chlorpromazine, and also in experiments in which chlorpromazine was added to guanylate cyclase assay mixtures in vitro. Caution is advised before chlorpromazine is routinely adopted for the treatment of all syndromes of watery diarrhea.
Influence of Glycine on Cu2+ Adsorption by Microcrystalline Gibbsite and Boehmite

The adsorption of Cu2+ on microcrystalline gibbsite and boehmite from aqueous solutions having 2/1 and 5/1 glycine/Cu ratios has been studied using electron spin resonance (ESR). The presence of glycine inhibited metal adsorption on gibbsite above pH 5, apparently by reducing Cu hydrolysis. The preferred adsorbed species on gibbsite and boehmite, based upon the ESR parameters, were probably Cu(gly)+ and Cu(gly)20, respectively. In both experiments, rigidly-bound ternary complexes formed with Cu2+ simultaneously bonding to the surface and one or more ligands. A large excess of glycine destabilized the ternary complex and caused the desorption of Cu2+. The preferred orientation of the Cu complex on gibbsite suggests that the adsorption occurred at crystal steps and that the glycine molecule hydrogen bonded to hydroxyls of the (001) surface.
In vitro expansion and differentiation of fresh and revitalized adult canine bone marrow-derived and adipose tissue-derived stromal cells

The objective of this study was to determine the tissue density, in vitro expansion and differentiation of canine adipose tissue-derived (ASC) and bone marrow-derived (BMSC) stromal cells. Primary (P0) and cell passages 1–6 (P1–6) cell doubling numbers (CD) and doubling times (DT) were determined in fresh cells. The P0, P3, and P6 adipogenic (CFU-Ad), osteogenic (CFU-Ob), and fibroblastic (CFU-F) colony forming unit frequencies, lineage specific mRNA levels in differentiated P3 cells and composition of P3 and P6 chondrogenic pellets were assessed in cryogenically preserved cells. Cell yields from bone marrow were significantly higher than adipose tissue. Overall ASC and BMSC CDs and DTs and P3 and P6 CFU-F, CFU-Ad, and CFU-Ob were comparable. The P0 BMSC CFU-Ob was significantly higher than ASC. Lineage specific mRNA levels were higher in differentiated versus control cells, but similar between cell types. Protein was significantly greater in P3 versus P6 ASC chondrogenic pellets. Based on these findings, fresh and revitalized canine ASCs are viable alternatives to BMSCs for stromal cell applications.
Implicit LES Computations with Applications to Micro Air Vehicles

Implicit large eddy simulation (ILES) computations have been performed for canonical model problems associated with flexible, flapping-wing micro air vehicles. This computationally intensive approach, which is able to directly model laminar/transitional/turbulent flowfields, requires the use of the best high performance computational platforms available. Computations are first performed for an SD7003 airfoil section at ? o=4° plunging with reduced frequency k=3.93 and amplitude ho=0.05. For Rec=4×104, the dynamic-stall vortex system is laminar at inception, but experiences an abrupt breakdown associated with the onset of spanwise instability effects. The aerodynamics solver is then coupled with a nonlinear finite element solver to compute the flow over a flexible membrane wing. A description of the unsteady fluid/structure interaction for ?=14° is presented indicating a close coupling between the unsteady flow behavior and the structural response. Good agreement of the computed results with available experimental measurements is shown for both problems considered.
Avionics system for aggressive maneuvers

An Xcell-60 5 foot rotor diameter hobby helicopter was instrumented to perform autonomous aggressive maneuvers. The avionics system, state estimator design, and vibration isolation are presented. An analysis of helicopter dynamics based on manual flight data is given.
Loss of synchrony in an inhibitory network of type-I oscillators

Understanding the dynamics and synchronization of inhibitory neurons is a question of fundamental importance in neuroscience, since inhibitory networks play a crucial role in rhythmogenesis, both in invertebrate motor pattern generators [1] and in the mammalian hippocampus and neocortex [2]. Invertebrate CPGs in particular often contain simple two-cell inhibitory sub-networks that play a crucial role in the control of rhythmic motor behaviors. Therefore, characterizing the dynamics of twocell inhibitory networks is relevant for a better understanding of the rhythmic dynamic activity produced by central pattern generators and other inhibitory circuits. Here we describe the activity states in a network of two cells with type-I excitability coupled by reciprocal inhibition. Weak coupling analysis is very successful in the study of phase-locked activity in such a network, and predicts synchronous or anti-synchronous dynamics, depending on the time scale of inhibition and the intrinsic cell properties [3]. However, it is known that an increase in coupling strength can destabilize synchrony in many neural circuits [4]. In particular, recent work by Maran and Canavier [5] has shown that non-weak coupling leads to alternating-order firing (termed "leap-frog" spiking by G.B. Ermentrout) in an inhibitory network of two Wangfrom Seventeenth Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting: CNS*2008 Portland, OR, USA. 19–24 July 2008