cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidation of Methanol over Polycrystalline Rh and Pt: Rates, OH Desorption, and Model

Abstract This paper extends previous mechanistic rate information for catalytic oxidation into a more complex fuel system, methanol oxidation over platinum and rhodium. Rh and Pt have generally similar characteristics, but also show some significant differences owing to the high energy binding state of oxygen on the rhodium surface. On Pt, previous catalyzed methanol oxidation research is examined and a mechanism involving surface carbon formation is proposed. Data over Pt metal from room temperature up to 1600 K is discussed. In general, methanol conversion starts at temperatures as low as 400 K in large excess oxygen, but begins at temperatures up to 900 K for methanol decomposition (no oxygen) on Pt. Evidence for a transition from a carbon covered to a CO covered surface with increasing temperature is examined. This transition results in low catalyst activity for decomposition below 900 K. Also, oscillatory behavior is noted in this system under some conditions. None of these effects are noted on Rh. In contrast to Pt, where oxygen improves low temperature conversion, a large excess of oxygen appears to block surface sites and reduce activity on Rh. Otherwise, Rh decomposes and oxidizes methanol without dissociating the C–O bond, leaving the metal active for decomposition at temperatures as low as 500 K. On both Pt and Rh, a mechanistic model is developed. These models give excellent agreement with experimental results, suggesting that the proposed mechanisms are at least qualitatively correct. On Rh, the model assumes noncompetitive oxygen binding and assumes the C–O bond to be nondissociative. On Pt, the model allows the methanol C–O bond to break, forming surface carbon. Other differences between Pt and Rh results can be readily attributed to differing activation barriers to hyroxyl formation on these two metals.
Time-resolved temperature measurements in hypervelocity dust impact

Abstract We present time-resolved temperature measurements of the debris cloud generated by hypervelocity dust impact. Micron- and submicron-sized iron grains were accelerated to speeds of 1–32 km/s using the 3 MV electrostatic dust accelerator at the Colorado Center for Lunar Dust and Atmospheric Studies, and impacted on a tungsten target. The resulting light flashes were analyzed by an array of photomultiplier tubes equipped with narrowband interference filters to determine the blackbody temperature and radiant power of the impact-generated cloud as a function of time. We find time-averaged temperatures in the range of 2500–5000 K, increasing with velocity over the range studied; initial temperatures up to approximately twice the time averaged temperature persisting on short timescales ( 1 μ s ) compared to the 20 μ s duration of the flash; and that the temperature falls in a manner consistent with radiative cooling.
The three-dimensional geometry of simulated porphyroblast inclusion trails: inert-marker, viscous-flow models

A fluid dynamic model for a rigid spherical porphyroblast growing in a viscous fluid matrix undergoing simple shear deformation predicts an arrangement of captured inert inclusions that is remarkably similar to the spiral pattern observed in synkinematic ‘rolled’ garnets. The model assumes only creeping (Stokes) flow of the matrix and a kinetic model for the growth of the porphyroblast of the form rm=kmΩ, where r is the crystal radius, Ω is the amount of shear-induced rotation, and m and k are kinetic parameters. For rotation less than 18d, J. B. Thompson and J. L. Rosenfeld's simple ring-model provides a surprisingly accurate description of the three-dimensional geometry of the central inclusion surface in the simulated porphyroblasts. Although marker planes, originally parallel to the shear plane, are deflected around the porphyroblast, their intersections with its surface remain approximately circular for much larger amounts of rotation than anticipated by Rosenfeld. The polar coordinate equation, T(r, θ), of the double spiral formed by the trace of the central inclusion surface in a section through the centre of simulated porphyroblasts, is also surprisingly simple, as follows: rm∼ (6/5k)mθ. This relationship was observed over the complete range of rotation angles investigated, 0-720d, and could form a reasonable basis for estimating the growth-rotation history of rolled garnets from the shape of their spiral inclusion trails. Two-dimensional sections through the simulated porphyroblasts, parallel to the rotation axis, yield ‘clamshell’ (Rosenfeld's term) inclusion geometries similar to the controversial ‘millipede’ patterns observed in many natural porphyroblasts.
Differences in the patterns of phenytoin-induced malformations following stiripentol coadministration in three inbred mouse strains

Abstract Differences in the patterns of congenital malformations observed in three inbred mouse strains (SWV, LM/Bc, and C57BL/6J) were compared following exposure to phenytoin monotherapy and a polytherapeutic regimen of phenytoin and stiripentol. Treatment groups containing no fewer than 10 dams were chronically exposed to the test compound(s) prior to and throughout gestation. The pattern of fetal defects observed included abnormalities of the neural, cardiac, urogenital, and skeletal systems. The coadministration of the cytochrome P-450-inhibiting antipileptic drug stiripentol significantly reduced the incidence of fetal malformations in all three strains, primarily by reducing phenytoin's deleterious effects on congenital abnormalities related directly to fetal growth and development. In the SWV fetuses, there were significantly more soft tissue defects (neural and renal) than were evident in the LM/Bc fetuses. Overall, the C57BL/6L fetuses were the most sensitive to the induction of skeletal defects, with a preponderance of defects in the ossification of the craniofacial bones. It is hypothesized that the reduction in fetal defects was the result of limiting the biotransformation of phenytoin to highly teratogenic oxidative metabolites, which interfere with normal fetal growth.
Rapid movement of epinephrine and norepinephrine into human erythrocytes.

HUMAN erythrocytes are permeable to many substances such as catechol, p-phenylenediamine and sulphanilamide1. Knowledge about the entry of the catecholamines into erythrocytes was the objective of the present study. The technique used required incubation of freshly drawn heparinized human blood with a radioactive catecholamine for various periods of time. Ultrafiltration was used because of the poor recovery of unchanged epinephrine and norepinephrine during chemical deproteinization procedure in red cells.
Memory for metaphor by nonfluent bilinguals

The purpose of this study was to investigate memory for metaphors by nonfluent bilinguals under different orientation conditions. In Experiment 1 beginning bilinguals were asked to either (1) translate into English the figurative meanings of metaphors in the second language (L2); (2) translate into English the literal meanings of these same metaphorical sentences; (3) translate these metaphorical sentences into English-no specific instructions as how to translate given; (4) translate into English a similar list of nonmetaphorical sentences; (5) copy in L2 the list of metaphorical sentences; or (6) copy in L2 the list of nonmetaphorical sentences. Subjects' memory for these sentences was measured on a cued recall test. In Experiment 2 monolingual subjects did language tasks similar to conditions 1, 5, and 6 in Experiment 1. In both experiments, recall was best in the first condition and worst in the fifth condition. In Experiment 1 recall was also poorer in the second condition than in the other translation conditions. The implication is that the task for this condition requires subjects to process materials in a counterintuitive manner.
The Design of Speech Communication Systems

A method is presented for calculating the ability of a communication system to transmit speech intelligibly in the presence of noise. The total speech arriving at the ear of a listener is determined by adding the orthotelephonic gain of the system to the speech spectrum which would be produced by a talker at the eardrum of a listener at a distance of 1 meter. The total noise arriving at the ear is determined in terms of its spectrum level from measurements of the noise pickup of the microphone and the acoustic attenuation of the earphone cushions. The area lying between the spectrum level of the peaks of the speech and the spectrum level of the total noise arrving at the eardrum when plotted on a distorted frequency scale determines a quantity called articulation index which can be correlated with articulation scores. Methods for determining the maximum gain permissible in the system are discussed. The validity of the method is established by comparison of calculated with carefully measured articulation scores.
Weight loss at first postoperative visit predicts long-term outcome of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass using Duke weight loss surgery chart

Abstract Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has been used for >3 decades. However, no normative data are available to aid the bariatric surgeon in assessing the adequacy of weight loss at each postoperative visit. The objective of the present study was to construct nomograms to aid in the assessment of weight loss. The setting was a university hospital in the United States. Methods We used data prospectively collected from 1216 patients who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at Duke University from April 2000 to September 2007. The percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was determined at each follow-up visit (1, 3, 6, 12, and 36 mo). The %EWL velocity was also determined using the postoperative data collected at the 1- and 3-month visits. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the predictive factors that influence the long-term results. Results At 12 months of follow-up, most patients, especially those in the first and fourth quartiles ( P = .01), continued to be in the same weight loss quartile they had initially been in at 1 month postoperatively. The positive and negative predictive value for the first quartile %EWL at 1 month resulting in a first quartile %EWL at 12 months was 39% and 81%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that gender, preoperative body mass index, %EWL at 1 month, and %EWL velocity were statistically significant predictors of the %EWL at 12 months postoperatively. Conclusion We are the first group to determine that weight loss performance in the early period is a significant predictor of the long-term outcomes. The clinical utility of the weight loss chart is to identify underperformers early in the postoperative period to potentially improve their outcomes.
Experiments of the rearing of larval turbot, Scophthalmus maximus L.

Experiments on the live food requirements of cultured turbot larvae are described. A mixture of six species of unicellular algae did not sustain early larvae, but the growth and survival of larvae fed with rotifers were considerably improved when the rotifers were feeding on Isochrysis galbana rather than on Dunaliella tertiolecta. Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) larvae offered alone or with rotifers, did not produce higher larval growth or survival than rotifers alone. Black tanks were found to be more suitable than white tanks for rearing larval turbot.
An empirical Mollwo-Ivey relation for the Z3 center in alkali halides

Abstract A Mollwo-Ivey relation is shown to exist for the Z 3 centers in alkali halides and is used to identify the Z 3 center in magnesium-doped LiF.
Modelling attenuation by rain in tropical regions

The data in the CCIR data banks were employed for a statistical study of the relative performance of several rain attenuation prediction procedures in temperate and tropical regions. The results show that the models worked well, in general, when used for prediction at latitudes more than 30° from the equator, but, in the equatorial region, significant prediction errors were observed for all the models. Three sources of error were discovered. The most important is the use of too few rain climate zones to span the wide range of rain conditions present in the equatorial region. The second is an inadequate procedure for taking the naturally occurring vertical variations of specific attenuation into account. Finally, for the CCIR attenuation prediction model, the use of a universal shape for the cumulative distribution of path attenuation must be called into question.
Tracking movement toward academic language in multilingual classrooms

Abstract Learning history depends heavily on language and cultural references that students supposedly already know. Understanding how young people from multilingual backgrounds develop language in content area classrooms can help us better assist students to achieve higher levels of literacy needed to understand discipline-specific knowledge. Using the conceptual framework and analytic tools of Systemic Functional Linguistics ( Halliday, 1994 ) we analyze the changes in lexico-grammatical and discourse-semantic choices in learners' responses to two primary source history texts as indexes of academic language development. The data comes from a larger study that explored the integration of text analysis to history lessons focusing on primary sources and documenting the impact of the intervention on students' disciplinary literacy development. In this paper, we focus on the configuration of linguistic indices that serve to track academic language development. The analysis shows changes in students' linguistic choices that realize ways of reasoning and arguing typical of history. The findings show that it is important to document academic language development in qualitative ways that capture the complexity of development considering constellations of linguistic features and how they function to serve discipline-specific ways of making meaning.
Effects of tannic acid on ion transport in rat-liver mitochondria.

Abstract Tannic acid, an agent previously known to inhibit succinate transport in mitochondria, is shown also to affect fluxes of other ionic solutes across the mitochondrial membranes. Observations of the combined effects of N-ethyl maleimide and tannic acid on exchange of endogenous mitochondrial phosphate are consistent with the interpretation that tannic acid selectively inhibits a phosphate-dicarboxylate exchange mechanism. In contrast to the inhibitory effects of tannic acid on influx of anionic solutes, tannic acid stimulates the rate of influx of potassium, under energized conditions. The effects of tannic acid on potassium flux are altered by reagents which inhibit metabolism. These findings are consistent with previous observations indicating that potassium translocation in mitochondria occurs via a specific mechanism closely linked to energy conserving reactions. It is suggested that the effects of tannic acid on ion transport mechanisms in the mitochondrial membranes may be related to the ability of tannic acid to act as a crosslinking reagent.
High angle-of-attack flight dynamics of a forward-swept wing fighter configuration

As part of a forward-swept wing technology development effort, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the NASA Langley Research Center are conducting a cooperative research program to investigate the high angle-of-attack, stall and spin characteristics associated with the forward-swept wing concept. The studies are centered around the X-29A configuration which is being built to flight demonstrate the application of forward-swept wing technology to a fighter class airplane. The program includes static and dynamic wind-tunnel force tests, free-flight model tests, drop-model tests, spin-tunnel tests, and piloted simulation studies. Selected results are presented from the Langley research program on the X-29A configuration with emphasis on the high-alpha aerodynamics and the vehicle component contributions to these characteristics. The effects of these aerodynamic characteristics on the overall high-alpha flying qualities of the configuration are discussed in terms of results of the wind-tunnel free-flight tests and the piloted simulation study.
Protein kinase CK2 is a critical regulator of epithelial homeostasis in chronic intestinal inflammation

The molecular mechanisms that restore intestinal epithelial homeostasis during colitis are incompletely understood. Here, we report that during intestinal inflammation, multiple inflammatory cytokines promote the activity of a master regulator of cell proliferation and apoptosis, serine/threonine kinase CK2. Enhanced mucosal CK2 protein expression and activity were observed in animal models of chronic colitis, particularly within intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). The in vitro treatment of intestinal epithelial cell lines with cytokines resulted in increased CK2 expression and nuclear translocation of its catalytic α subunit. Similarly, nuclear translocation of CK2α was a prominent feature observed in colonic crypts from individuals with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Further in vitro studies revealed that CK2 activity promotes epithelial restitution, and protects normal IECs from cytokine-induced apoptosis. These observations identify CK2 as a key regulator of homeostatic properties of the intestinal epithelium that serves to promote wound healing, in part through inhibition of apoptosis under conditions of inflammation.
Using Romer and Romer's new measure of monetary policy shocks to identify the AD and AS shocks

This article re-examines the series of (exogenous) Federal Funds Rate (FFR) shocks created by Romer and Romer (2004) for the period 1969:01–1996:12. We hypothesize that if Romer and Romer have constructed a reasonable set of monetary policy shocks, then including them in a small Vector Autoregression (VAR) should help to identify other structural shocks that affected the United States economy during their sample period. Using a sample period of 1971:01–1996:12 we are easily able to identify both an Aggregate Demand (AD) shock and an Aggregate Supply (AS) shock without imposing any sign or long-run restrictions. We present historical decompositions that allow us to compare the relative importance of these shocks with that of the exogenous monetary policy shocks in explaining output fluctuations during the 1973–1975, 1980–1984 and 1990–1991 business cycle episodes.
Enhanced conductivity of fuel cell plates through controlled fiber orientation

Manufacturers of polymeric composite bipolar plates have been relying on high loadings (60 to 90 v/o) of discrete and conductive graphite/carbon filler particles to meet fuel-cell plate conductivity targets. Unfortunately, at these loadings, the plate materials are inherently brittle and result in high scrap rates and the inability to mold thin plates (less than 1 mm) required for high stack volumetric power densities. Low loadings of high-aspect-ratio conductive fillers, a fiber/flake alignment process, and a conductive-tie layer (CTL) were used to simultaneously increase the plate conductivity and toughness. The alignment process reduces the bulk resistance in the current-flow direction, and the CTL reduces the contact resistance at the plate-to-diffusion medium interface. Although a significant reduction in plate resistance is realized, high filler loadings are still required to meet conductivity targets.
Influence of Dietary Protein and Excess Methionine on Choline Needs for Young Bobwhite Quail

Experiments were conducted with young Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) to investigate the effect of differing dietary protein levels and nondetrimental amounts of excess methionine on choline needs. Growth and feed consumption of quail fed an adequate (27.3%) protein purified diet supplemented with 2000 mg/kg of choline were unaffected by increasing the level of excess methionine to 1.75%; however, greater amounts (2.0%, 2.25%) of excess methionine depressed growth (P less than .01), reduced feed consumption (P less than .01), and decreased feed utilization (P less than .05). Quail fed a purified diet containing 13.85% protein and 515 mg/kg of choline grew poorly. Growth was unaffected by additional choline in this diet. Growth was suboptimal among quail fed purified diets containing adequate or high (41.55%) levels of protein in which choline was limiting; however, a high level of protein did not in itself affect performance. Growth was improved by supplemental choline in these diets. Growth of quail fed purified diets with up to 1.35% excess methionine which were limiting (531 mg/kg) in choline was less than that of groups fed 2000 mg/kg of added dietary choline (P less than .01); however, excess methionine did not significantly influence growth of quail fed choline-deficient diets. These experiments indicate that neither high dietary protein nor excess methionine, fed at non-growth-depressing levels, increases dietary choline needs for young Bobwhite quail.
595: Placental dysfunction and decreased trophoblast invasion induced by infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae is prevented by low-dose acetyl-salicylic acid

( 15,000/mm3), uterine tenderness (UtT), or malodorous vaginal discharge (VaD). The purpose of this study is to investigate the accuracy of the diagnostic criteria of CCA in preterm deliveries. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective record review of maternal-infant pairs was conducted on 980 singleton pregnancies delivered between 24 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation at Stony Brook University Medical Center, from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2008. Fetal deaths and neonates with structural or known chromosomal abnormalities were excluded. Maternal records were reviewed for a diagnosis of CCA and the criteria used to diagnose CCA. These were compared to the standard definition of CCA. Placental pathology reports were reviewed for evidence of histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA). RESULTS: One hundred sixty seven (17%) pregnancies were diagnosed with CCA, while 192 (19.6%) had HCA. One hundred six (63.5%) pregnancies with CCA also had HCA. Thirty (13.9%) pregnancies were diagnosed with CCA using the standard definition. The standard diagnostic criteria were only present in 27 (14%) pregnancies with HCA. Fever (59.4%) was the most common factor found in CCA, followed by MaT (45.4%), leukocytosis (44.5%), FeT (43.6%), UtT (13.5%), and VaD (3.2%) (P 0.001). With the exception of leukocytosis (46.9%), the other factors were present less commonly in HCA (P 0.001). CONCLUSION: The standard definition of CCA was rarely used; yet, HCA was present in 63.5%. The standard criteria used to define CCA should be reevaluated.
Delayed Clostridium perfringens growth from a spore inocula by sodium lactate in sous-vide chicken products.

Abstract Clostridium perfringens growth from a spore inoculum was investigated in vacuum-packaged, cook-in-bag marinated chicken breast that included 0%, 1.5%, 3%, or 4.8% sodium lactate (NaL; w/w). The packages were processed to an internal temperature of 71.1 °C, ice chilled and stored at 4, 19, and 25 °C. The total C. perfringens population was determined by plating diluted samples on Tryptose–sulfite–cycloserine agar followed by anaerobic incubation for 48 h at 37 °C. At 25 °C, addition of 1.5% NaL was effective in delaying growth for 29 h. Increasing the NaL level to 4.8%, C. perfringens growth from a spore inoculum during storage at 25 °C for 480 h was not observed. At 19 °C, the growth was >6 log 10 cfu/g by 288 h in control samples. In samples with 3.0% or 4.8% NaL, the growth of C. perfringens from spores was dramatically restricted with little or no growth in 648 h at 19 °C. C. perfringens growth was not observed at 4 °C regardless of NaL concentration. The D -values at 55 °C ranged from 47.40 (no NaL) to 57.58 min (1.5% NaL). Cyclic and static temperature abuse of refrigerated products for ⩽20 h did not permit C. perfringens growth. However, temperature abuse of products for periods 24 h or longer in the absence of NaL led to growth of C. perfringens from a spore inoculum. An extra degree of safety may be assured in such products by supplementation with NaL at 1.5–4.8% NaL level.
Limits on interstellar messages

Abstract Despite the fact that major efforts have been expended on passive searches for extraterrestrial signals, few deliberate “transmissions” to potential alien recipients have occurred. These have generally taken the form of simple graphics depicting such things as our appearance, location, and biological construction. In this paper, we consider (a) the fundamental technical and astronomical limitations to interstellar messaging—in other words, how many “bits” could any society reasonably send, and (b) what might be a likely transmission strategy. These considerations suggest approaches for SETI programs, as well as giving insight into the types of messages we might construct for eventual replies to received signals.
The pentaammineruthenium(III)histidine complex in ribonuclease A: application to the assignment of histidine proton resonances.

Abstract The assignment of two histidine proton resonances in the proton NMR spectrum of ribonuclease A has been made by forming a paramagnetic complex between pentaammineruthenium(III) and the N-3 nitrogen of a single histidine residue. Reaction of chloropentaammineruthenium(III)dichloride with ribonuclease A in 0.1 m Tris-HCl, pH 7.0, 25°C yields a variety of products in which various histidine residues have been labeled. Cation-exchange chromatography affords the isolation of a specific derivative, labeled at a single histidine residue, that retains 66% of the activity toward the hydrolysis of 2′,3′-cyclic CMP. The site of labeling was determined by peptide mapping to be histidine 105. The binding of ruthenium results in the disappearance of both a histidine C-2 and a C-4 proton resonance from the downfield region of the proton NMR spectrum, as expected from model compound studies. The assignment of these two resonances to histidine 105 is in agreement with a previous assignment ( J. L. Markley, 1975 , Biochemistry, 14, 3546–3554), thereby demonstrating the potential utility of this ruthenium reagent in the assignment of histidine resonances in the proton NMR spectra of other proteins.
A review of studies on the mode of action of clofibrate and betabenzalbutyrate.

Clofibrate and betabenzalbutyrate produce a variety of metabolic alterations in vivo. These include reduction in serum triglyceride and alterations in adipose tissue uptake and release of lipids. Clofibrate displaces thyroxine from albumin binding sites and produces an enlargement of liver and changes in ultrastructure. The biochemical changes produced by clofibrate include reduction in adenyl cyclase activity, inhibition of acetyl CoA carboxylase, inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis and inhibition of triglyceride formation. Recent studies in this laboratory have shown that the inhibition of hepatic triglyceride formation is an early metabolic consequence of clofibrate administration and precedes the fall in serum triglyceride and several of the other biochemical alterations. Moreover clofibrate and betabenzalbutyrate inhibit the esterification ofsn-glycerol-3-P by rat liver homogenate and microsomal preparations. The initial step in this pathway, acyl-CoA-sn-glycerol-3-P acyltransferase, is inhibited by both drugs, in vitro. It is possible that this in vitro inhibition explains the early hypotriglyceridemic effect of these agents.
PHENOL REMOVAL BY EMULSION LIQUID MEMBRANE: A MODIFIED DIFFUSION MODEL

A diffusion model is developed to simulated the behavior of mass transport of the solute in the emulsion liquid membrane. The solute is allowed to react reversiblely with the internal reagent, and the effective diffusivity of the solute in membrane phase is dependent on local solute concentration in membrane phase. A numerical solution is presented for the non-linear equations of this model. The results are compared with those of two previous models, and it is found that the Modified Diffusion Model represents more accurately than other earlier models.
Assessment of a cold air breathing aid.

Abstract During nasal breathing, heat and humidity are exchanged over a 160 cm2 area of mucous membrane. This capacity is not sufficient for airway comfort during cold air breathing. Similarly, airway discomfort and constriction may be experienced during exercise-induced mouth breathing in marginally cold temperatures. In asthmatics and sensitive persons such airway discomfort rapidly transforms to broncho-constriction and related breathing problems. The Lungplus mouth-held breathing aid contains a coil of corrugated aluminium foil that provides a heat and moisture exchange area of 1200 cm2 (Model 1) with a minimal breathing resistance. The present experiment was designed to quantify improved airway comfort using the device. Ninety-one subjects were exposed to each of three rooms with average air temperatures of +20, +3 and −15°C, with a corresponding relative humidity of 50, 70 and 90%. For each condition, subjects gave subjective numerical assessments of the airway sensation during nose, mouth and Lungplus breathing, respectively. At each room temperature, mouth breathing resulted in a less comfortable airway rating than did breathing through the nose, which in turn resulted in a less comfortable rating than the Lungplus breathing condition.
On the mechanism of field evaporation

Abstract Present theory of field evaporation assumes it to be a thermally activated process. Recent measurements of the charges of the field evaporated ions show that the relative abundance of the ionic species changes rapidly with emitter temperature. The thermally activated process fails to explain this rapid change. By considering field evaporation as combinations of thermal excitation, atomic or ionic tunneling, and electronic transition processes, qualitative agreement with the experiments is obtained.
Asymptotically Optimal Methods of Combining Tests

Abstract A criterion for the asymptotic optimality of combined independent tests is given. Methods other than Fisher's are shown to satisfy the criterion. Certain problems call for a weighted combination of tests. It is shown that many weighted procedures are optimal. In particular, a weighted procedure based on gamma transforms is optimal. This weighted procedure has the additional advantage that critical values are easily determined. Good's weighting procedure is shown not to be asymptotically optimal.
Interpreting Mill's Qualitative Hedonism

Against Schmidt-Petri's claim, I argue that John Stuart Mill is committed to the view that one pleasure is higher in quality than another if and only if at least a majority of those people who are competently acquainted with both always prefer the one no matter how much of the other is offered. I support my reading with solid textual evidence; none such is provided by Schmidt-Petri in support of his contrary interpretation that qualitative superiority exists whenever the experienced prefer less of one pleasure to more of another. The decisive objection to this is its incompatibility with the hedonistic requirement that more pleasure ought to be preferred to less, a a requirement so fundamental that it would be uncharitable to suppose that Mill lost sight of it in his doctrine of higher pleasures.
A parametric evaluation of the removal of As(V) and As(III) by carbon-based adsorbents

Abstract The As(V) and As(III) removal efficiency of a char-carbon (CC), derived from fly ash in this laboratory, is compared with those of a commercially available Darco activated carbon (DC) and a carbon produced by arcing of graphite rods (AC). The results indicate that CC and AC adsorbents remove almost equal amounts of As(V) at optimum conditions; however, on a percent basis CC removes more As(III) than does AC. In comparison, sample DC was found ineffective for the removal of As(III) and As(V). The present investigation revealed that the adsorption of As(V) onto CC is influenced by pH, initial metal concentration and temperature. Zeta potential measurements were obtained to explain the metal removal behavior of the adsorbents used in this investigation. Since CC shows significant removal efficiency for both As(V) and As(III), there are good prospects for arsenic fixation on CC in practical applications.
Increasing the Strength of Adhesively Bonded Joints by Tapering the Adherends

Wind turbine blades are often fabricated with composite materials. These composite blades are frequently attached to a metallic structure with an adhesive bond. For the baseline composite-to-steel joint considered in this study, failure typically occurs when the adhesive debonds from the steel adherend. Previous efforts established that the adhesive peel stresses strongly influence the strength of these joints for both single-cycle and fatigue loading. This study focused on reducing the adhesive peel stresses present in these joints by tapering the steel adherends. Several different tapers were evaluated using finite element analysis before arriving at a final design. To confirm that the selected taper was an improvement to the existing design, the baseline joint and the modified joint were tested in both compression and tension. In these axial tests, the compressive strengths of the joints with tapered adherends were greater than those of the baseline joints for both single-cycle and low-cycle fatigue. In addition, only a minor reduction in tensile strength was observed for the joints with tapered adherends when compared to the baseline joints. Thus, the modification would be expected to enhance the overall performance of this joint.
S100P: a novel therapeutic target for cancer

S100P expression is described in many different cancers, and its expression is associated with drug resistance, metastasis, and poor clinical outcome. S100P is member of the S100 family of small calcium-binding proteins that have been reported to have either intracellular or extracellular functions, or both. Extracellular S100P can bind with the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and activate cellular signaling. Through RAGE, S100P has been shown to mediate tumor growth, drug resistance, and metastasis. S100P is specifically expressed in cancer cells in the adult. Therefore, S100P is a useful marker for differentiating cancer cells from normal cells, and can aid in the diagnosis of cancer by cytological examination. The expression of S100P in cancer cells has been related to hypomethylation of the gene. Multiple studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of blocking S100P/RAGE in cancer cells, and different blockers are being developed including small molecules and antagonist peptides. This review summarizes the role and significance of S100P in different cancers.
Civil Society, the Economy, and Educational Assistance in Former Soviet Republics

Abstract Liberal democracies throughout the world are committed to civil society in support of market economics and democratic politics. Through educational assistance programs, the U.S. government demonstrates this commitment by attempting to reinvigorate civil society in former Soviet republics and Eastern European countries in support of their economic and political reform efforts. Of particular interest are the Community Connections and Partners in Education programs conducted by the U.S. Department of State for interns from the former Soviet republics or now Eurasia, who participate in business and other professional internships in various locations in the U.S., including Northern Alabama.
The permeation properties of small organic cations in gramicidin A channels.

The conductance properties of organic cations in single gramicidin A channels were studied using planar lipid bilayers. From measurements at 10 mM and at 27 mV the overall selectivity sequence was found to be NH4+ > K+ > hydrazinium > formamidinium > Na+ > methylammonium, which corresponds to Eisenman polyatomic cation sequence X'. Methylammonium and formamidinium exhibit self block, suggesting multiple occupancy and single filing. Formamidinium has an apparent dissociation constant (which is similar to those of alkali metal cations) for the first ion being 22 mM from the Eadie-Hofstee plot (G0 vs. G0/C), 12 mM from the rate constants of a three-step kinetic model. The rate-limiting step for formamidinium is translocation judging from supralinear I-V relations at low concentrations. 1 M formamidinium solutions yields exceptionally long single channel lifetimes, 20-fold longer than methylammonium, which yields lifetimes similar to those found with alkali metal cations. The average lifetime in formamidinium solution significantly decreases with increasing voltage up to 100 mV but is relatively voltage independent between 100 and 200 mV. At lower voltages (
Reformulating query plans for multidatabase systems

Abstract : A practical heterogeneous, distributed multidatabase system must answer queries efficiently. Conventional query optimization techniques are not adequate here because these techniques are dependent on the database structure, and rely on limited information which is not sufficient in complicated multidatabase queries. This paper presents an automated approach to reformulating query plans to improve the efficiency of multidatabase queries. This approach uses database abstractions, the knowledge about the contents of databases, to reformulate a query plan into a less expensive but semantically equivalent one. We present two algorithms. The first algorithm reformulates subqueries to individual databases, the second algorithm extends the first one and reformulates the entire query plan. Empirical results show that the reformulations can provide significant savings with minimal overhead. The reformulation approach provides a global reduction in the amount of the intermediate data as well as local optimizations on the subqueries. Semantic query optimization, Query reformulation, Multidatabase queries, SIMS.
Children's understandings of the attributes of life

Previous investigations of children's understandings of the life concept have focused on their classifications of the life status of familiar objects. In this study, we attempted to examine more directly the processes by which children infer life status by examining their reasoning about unfamiliar objects. In Experiment 1, 4- to 11-year-olds and adults were asked to name attributes of living things to establish which attributes they associated most closely with life. Children age 7 and younger most often named attributes true only of animals but not of plants; older children more often named attributes true of both animals and plants. However, movement was the single attribute cited most frequently by children of all ages tested. In Experiment 2, 4- to 11-year-olds and adults were presented information about attributes of imaginary objects on a distant planet and were asked to infer if those objects were alive. Again, young children relied relatively heavily on qualities true only of animals but not of plants, whereas older children relied more on attributes true of both plants and animals. Also as before, movement was viewed as indicative of life at all ages tested. In Experiment 3, we examined the hypothesis that children discriminate among different types of motion and that the types of motion they associate with life are in fact typical of living things. Children ranging from age 5 through 11 were found to discriminate among different types of motion and to infer that objects were alive only when they showed the types of motion typical of living beings. The results of Experiment 3 allowed interpretation of seemingly conflicting results that have arisen in previous studies, as well as in Experiments 1 and 2 of the present study.
Bit-serial VLSI implementation of vector quantizer for real-time image coding

A practical high-throughput architecture and its implementation for real-time coding of television-quality signals are presented. The architecture is directed toward the implementation of multistage vector quantization (VQ), as the authors' simulation results show that the latter is more suitable for real-time coding. However, the implementation is suitable for both single-stage and multistage VQ. The functional blocks of the VQ encoder system have been designed and implemented in VLSI technology. The VQ encoding scheme designed has an encoding delay of 25 clock cycles and is independent of the codebook size. >
Investigation and outcome of neonatal hepatitis in infants with hypopituitarism.

UNLABELLED Congenital hypopituitarism is a recognized cause of neonatal hepatitis, but the diagnosis may be difficult to establish even if clinically suspected. In order to determine the natural history of this disorder, the outcome of 12 infants with neonatal hepatitis secondary to hypopituitarism is reviewed. The clinical diagnosis of hypopituitarism was established on a combination of features, which include dysmorphism (4 infants), optic nerve hypoplasia (8 infants), micropenis (5 male infants) and recurrent hypoglycaemia (blood glucose < 2.4 mmol/l (8 infants)). Endocrine investigation revealed low free thyroxine (T4) levels (< 10 pmol/l), with normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (0.4-4.5 mU/l) (11 infants), and serum cortisol levels which were inappropriately low (< 200 nmol/l). In 9 of 12 infants, liver disease resolved within 6 wk following treatment with thyroxine, hydrocortisone and, where appropriate, growth hormone, including Cases 9 and 1 in whom diagnosis and treatment were delayed until 3 mo and 3 y of age, respectively. Liver disease resolved spontaneously in two infants prior to starting hormone replacement therapy (Cases 11, 12), and one male infant (Case 10), in whom the diagnosis and hormone replacement therapy were delayed until 5 y of age, developed cirrhosis and portal hypertension and later underwent liver transplantation. CONCLUSION The diagnosis of hypopituitarism should always be considered in infants with unexplained neonatal hepatitis. Delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment was associated with persistently abnormal liver function tests and may lead to irreversible liver disease.
Patterning antibodies for a multiple analyte sensor via photodeprotection chemistry

In order to maximize the applications of advanced optical techniques for immunoassay it is critical that one can analyze multiple analytes simultaneously. One method of creating a multiple analyte sensor is to pattern antibodies against ligands of interest onto distinct regions of a single waveguide for fluorescence immunoassay. To achieve protein patterning, we are using a photolabile protected biotin with the caging moiety MeNPOC, (methyl nitropiprionyloxy carbonyl). The biotin molecules within a given region are selectively deprotected by exposure to ultraviolet light and subsequently bound to streptavidin. Incubation with a biotinylated antibody results in a functionalized region on the surface. This paper characterizes the method for immobilizing caged biotin onto the wave guide surface. Two surface biotinylation methods were examined silane coupling via aminpropyl triethoxy silane to a biotin-MeNPOC ester, and adsorption of biotin-MeNPOC conjugated bovine serum albumin. Using an I-125 label, protein surface densities have been determined for streptavidin bound to protected and deprotected surfaces. In addition, the duration of ultra-violet light exposure was evaluated to assess the ultimate effect on bound protein. The ability of an antibody bound within a patterned region to detect its corresponding analyte was determined.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The secret between storytelling and retelling: tea, school, & narrative

In this paper, I will tell two of my personal stories to try to explore the secret or opaque space between the original telling and retelling of stories in narrative inquiry. Based upon my difficult struggles with the two stories of tea, school, and narrative, I suggest that narrative inquiry has to be a complex loop of relationship, reflexivity, responsibility, and recursion.
Circadian rhythms in Neurospora crassa : Clock mutant effects in the absence of a frq-based oscillator

In Neurospora, the circadian rhythm is expressed as rhythmic conidiation driven by a feedback loop involving the protein products of frq (frequency), wc-1 (white collar-1), and wc-2, known as the frq/wc (FWC) oscillator. Although strains carrying null mutations such as frq(10) or wc-2Delta lack a functional FWC oscillator and do not show a rhythm under most conditions, a rhythm can be observed in them by the addition of geraniol or farnesol to the media. Employing this altered media as an assay, the effect of other clock mutations in a frq(10)- or wc-2Delta-null background can be measured. It was found that the existing clock mutations fall into three classes: (1) those, such as prd-3 or prd-4 or frq(1), that showed no effect in a clock null background; (2) those, such as prd-1 or prd-2 or prd-6, that did have a measurable effect in the frq(10) background; and (3) those, such as the new mutation ult, that suppressed the frq(10) or wc-2Delta effect, i.e., geraniol/farnesol was not required for a visible rhythm. This classification suggests that some of the known clock mutations are part of a broader multioscillator system.
Cobalamin and Folate Evaluation: Measurement of Methylmalonic Acid and Homocysteine vs Vitamin B12 and Folate

Vitamin B(12) and folate are two vitamins that have interdependent roles in nucleic acid synthesis. Deficiencies of either vitamin can cause megaloblastic anemia; however, inappropriate treatment of B(12) deficiency with folate can cause irreversible nerve degeneration. Inadequate folate nutrition during early pregnancy can cause neural tube defects in the developing fetus. In addition, folate and vitamin B(12) deficiency and the compensatory increase in homocysteine are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Laboratory support for the diagnosis and management of these multiple clinical entities is controversial and somewhat problematic. Automated ligand binding measurements of vitamin B(12) and folate are easiest to perform and widely used. Unfortunately, these tests are not the most sensitive indicators of disease. Measurement of red cell folate is less dependent on dietary fluctuations, but these measurements may not be reliable. Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid are better metabolic indicators of deficiencies at the tissue level. There are no "gold standards" for the diagnosis of these disorders, and controversy exists regarding the best diagnostic approach. Healthcare strategies that consider the impact of laboratory tests on the overall costs and quality of care should consider the advantages of including methylmalonic acid and homocysteine in the early evaluation of patients with suspected deficiencies of vitamin B(12) and folate.
How and When Selection Experiments Might Actually be Useful

SYNOPSIS. Laboratory natural selection and artificial selection are vital tools for addressing specific questions about evolutionary patterns of variation. Laboratory natural selection can illuminate whether a putative selective agent is capable of generating long-term, sustained changes in individual traits and suites of traits. Artificial selection is the essential tool for understanding the general evolvability of traits and the extent to which genetic correlations constrain evolution. We review the contexts in which each type of experiment seems capable of offering key insights into important evolutionary issues. We also discuss theoretical and methodological considerations that play critical roles in designing selection experiments that are relevant to evolutionary patterns of trait variation. In particular, we focus on the critical role of selection intensity and the consequences of experiments with different intensities. While selection experiments are not practical in many cases, sophisticated selection experiments—designed with careful consideration of the theory of selection—should be taken beyond model organisms and used in well-chosen natural systems to understand natural patterns of variation.
Manufacturing desire: The commodification of female sexual dysfunction

The process of bringing new drugs to market interweaves commercialism, science, clinical medicine, and governmental regulation. Through their authority and public persona as medical experts, academ...