cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Temperature Thermal Energy Storage Using EPCM: The Effect of Void

Heat transfer simulations and predictions of the thermal energy storage capability using encapsulated phase change materials (EPCM) at high temperatures are conducted. NaNO3 is considered as a phase change material (PCM). The PCM is encapsulated by a stainless steel shell. Two dimensional simulations of a cylindrical capsule are considered. The effects of the buoyancy driven convection in the molten PCM as well as the thermal and volume expansions due to phase change are included in the thermal analysis. An initial void level of 20% is considered in the simulations of the EPCM capsules. EPCM capsules store energy not only by sensible heat but also by the latent heat of fusion as heat is stored or extracted from the capsule. The solid/liquid interface inside the PCM propagates radially inward during the melting process. The effect of a void on the thermal energy storage and on the evolution of the solid/liquid interface is characterized. Two cases are presented, that of a local void initially at the top of the EPCM capsule and an initially random void distribution. The initial location of the void within the capsule has a profound effect on the shape of the solid/liquid interface and the isotherms within the capsule. The results of these simulations can be the basis for the design of an EPCM based thermocline for thermal energy storage (TES) at a concentrated solar power plant and other applications.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Neoplastic transformation induced by the gep oncogenes involves the scaffold protein JNK-interacting leucine zipper protein.

The activated mutants of the α-subunits of G proteins G12 and G13 have been designated as the gep oncogenes owing to their ability to stimulate diverse oncogenic signaling pathways that lead to neoplastic transformation of fibroblast cell lines and tumorigenesis in nude mice models. Studies from our laboratory as well as others have shown that the growth-promoting activities of Gα12 and Gα13 involve potent activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs). Our previous studies have indicated that the JNK-interacting leucine zipper protein (JLP), a scaffold protein involved in the structural and functional organization of the JNK/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase module, tethers Gα12 and Gα13 to the JNK signaling module. In the present study, in addition to demonstrating the physical association between JLP and Gα12, we show that this interaction is enhanced by the receptor- or mutation-mediated activation of Gα12. We also establish that JLP interacts with Gα12 through the C-terminal domain that has been previously identified to be involved in binding to Gα13. Furthermore, using this C-terminal domain as a competitively inhibitor of JLP that can disrupt Gα12-JLP interaction, we demonstrate that JLP is required for the stimulation of JNK by Gα12. Our results also indicate that such JLP interaction is required for Gα12 as well as Gα13-mediated neoplastic transformation of JLP. These studies demonstrate for the first time a functional role for JLP in the gep oncogene-regulated neoplastic signaling pathway.
Racial/Ethnic variation in all-cause mortality among United States medicaid recipients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a Hispanic and asian paradox.

Objective The incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is disproportionately high in nonwhite patients compared with white patients. However, variation in mortality according to race/ethnicity has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to examine all-cause mortality according to race/ethnicity among SLE patients enrolled in Medicaid. Methods We used Medicaid Analytic eXtract data, with billing claims from 47 US states and Washington, DC, to identify individuals ages 18–65 years who were enrolled in Medicaid for ≥3 months in 2000–2006. Individuals were classified as having SLE if they had ≥3 visits ≥30 days apart with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code for SLE (710.0). Among the individuals with SLE, those with lupus nephritis (LN) were identified by the presence of ≥2 ICD-9 claims for glomerulonephritis, proteinuria, or renal failure. We calculated mortality rates per 1,000 person-years, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), according to race/ethnicity. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate mortality risks, adjusting for age, sex, demographics, and comorbidities. Results Among 42,221 prevalent cases of SLE, 8,191 prevalent cases of LN were identified. Blacks represented 40.1%, whites 38.4%, and Hispanics 15.3%. Overall SLE mortality rates per 1,000 person-years were highest among Native American (27.52), white (20.17), and black (24.13) patients and were lower among Hispanic (7.12) or Asian (5.18) patients. After multivariable adjustment, Hispanic and Asian patients had lower mortality risks (hazard ratio [HR] 0.48 [95% CI 0.40–0.59] and 0.59 [95% CI 0.40–0.86], respectively) compared with whites. Conversely, the risk of death was significantly higher among Native American (HR 1.40 [95% CI 1.04–1.90]) and black (HR 1.21 [95% CI 1.10–1.33]) patients compared with white patients. Among patients with LN, mortality risks were lower in Hispanic and Asian patients compared with white patients. Conclusion After accounting for demographic and clinical factors, mortality among Asian and Hispanic Medicaid patients with SLE was lower than that among black, white, or Native American patients.
Interactive Java modules for the MPEG-1 psychoacoustic model [audio coding teaching applications]

This paper presents a collection of interactive Java modules for the purpose of introducing undergraduate DSP students to perceptual audio coding principles. This effort is part of a combined research and curriculum program funded by NSF that aims towards exposing undergraduate students to advanced concepts and research in signal processing. A computer laboratory with several supporting exercises and Java functions has been developed for use in our undergraduate DSP course. This exercise along with the accompanying Java software was assigned and assessed in the Summer of 2004 and will be reassessed in the Fall of 2004. Results of this assessment along with student comments are presented at the end of the paper.
FATTY ACID PROFILES DISTINGUISH CHANNEL CATFISH FROM THREE REACHES OF THE LOWER KASKASKIA RIVER AND ITS FLOODPLAIN LAKES

Despite the increasing use of fatty acids (FAs) as biomarkers in aquatic food web analysis, little information is available regarding differences in FA profiles of fish among habitat types in river–floodplain ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to (i) test whether the FA profiles of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) differed among three reaches of the lower Kaskaskia River and its floodplain lakes, and (ii) to compare FA profiles among muscle, liver, and adipose fin tissues collected from these fish. Profiles differed significantly among sites, especially between upper and lower river sites, and between river channel and oxbow lake sites, suggesting differences in FA availability for channel catfish occupying different habitats and river reaches in the Kaskaskia River system. Specifically, the essential FAs 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3 increased in catfish tissues from upstream to downstream reaches, which could reflect increased floodplain connectivity and decreasing impoundment effects downstream. Ratios of n-3 to n-6 FAs were higher in fish from oxbow lakes, perhaps suggesting increased use of autochthonous production in the floodplain relative to the main river channel. Muscle and adipose fin FA profiles exhibited similar location-related trends, whereas liver FA profiles were markedly different from the other tissue types. These results suggest that adipose fin tissue samples may be a viable, less-invasive alternative to muscle tissue for analysis of FA profiles in channel catfish. Our study supports the use of tissue FA profiles in identifying habitat utilization by channel catfish, and perhaps habitat-specific energy contributions to riverine consumers. Furthermore, our work highlights floodplain habitat as a potential source of essential n-3 FA and the associated importance of maintaining river–floodplain connectivity to support aquatic food webs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dielectric properties and influence of conductivity in soils at one to fifty megahertz

A series of laboratory experiments were performed in order to systematically explore the dielectric response of soils to a frequency range of 1 to 50 MHz. A network analyzer and a coaxial-transmission-line type of dielectric probe were used to measure the complex (both real and imaginary) dielectric response of moist soils. The dielectric probe was placed in a modified Tempe cell in which the moisture content of the soil under investigation could be varied. Both the real and imaginary components of the dielectric permittivity of the moist soils investigated are greatest at 1 MHz and monotonically decrease with frequency. The variation in the dielectric constant among these soils is also greatest at 1 MHz and decreases with increasing frequency. The soils that have a large imaginary dielectric constant also have the largest real dielectric constant dispersion. The loss tangent for a given soil is relatively independent of moisture content over a wide range of soil moisture conditions. At low water contents, both the real and imaginary dielectric values begin to drop rapidly with decreasing water content. There is a significant temperature dependence present in the dielectric response of moist soils, which changes markedly with frequency. Ionic conductivity is the predominant mechanism causing the imaginary dielectric response and can account for many features of the observed dielectric response. A Looyenga-type mixing model incorporating ionic conductivity can account for the frequency dependence of the dielectric constant of soils
Management under fire: the transformation of managers in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe

Executive Overview Imagine, if you will, managers, executives, and CEOs working in a stable, predictable, and centrally planned environment, where managerial functions such as production, pricing, exporting, planning, distribution, R&D, and personnel management are performed in a simple, almost mechanistic manner for more than forty years. Imagine, then, how bewildered these managers would become when, almost overnight, the static and predictable environment with which they have become so familiar and comfortable undergoes a total and drastic change. That is exactly what happened to managers in the former Soviet bloc. Since the summer of 1989, the socialist regimes of virtually all central and eastern Europe, as well as the Soviet Union, have been liquidated and democratic governments instituted in many of the countries in this region. Coupled with this change were the moves from a centrally planned and centrally managed economy to a market-driven economy, from a very low inflation rate to rates ranging f...
Purification and characterization of a ribonuclease from barley roots

Abstract A ribonuclease isolated from barley malt roots exhibited characteristics that conformed to those of RNase I (EC 3.1.27.1). It differed from RNase I from barley leaves and barley seeds in its action on polynucleotides and on 3′,5′-dinucleoside monophosphates, and from barley seed RNase I in its optimum pH. Gel electrophoresis indicated that the enzyme was present in the embryo, roots, shoot and endosperm of germinating barley. The enzyme showed pH optimum at 5.0, isoclectric pH at 4.5, a thermal optimum of 50°, and an apparent molocular weight of 19 000.
Work-Related Pain in Mexican American Custodial Workers:

Mexican American janitors and custodians are at risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries may render them physically disabled, unable to provide for themselves and their families, and dependent on an already strained public health care system. Despite this growing health crisis and the United States's growing Latino population, no research has been published examining musculoskeletal pain among Mexican American custodial workers. In this article, the authors examine the working and social conditions of Mexican American service workers, as well as the reasons why there is so little research on this population. The authors present results from a study they conducted and discuss the implications of their findings for future research with this population.
A unique neurological presentation of Wegener's granulomatosis

Sirs, Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) is a necrotizing, granulomatous vasculitis of the medium and small arteries, mainly affecting the respiratory tract and kidneys, but is capable of affecting a number of different systems including the joints, skin, and neurological systems. Neurological involvement is frequently seen during the natural course of WG. The literature reporting research in adults estimates that there is neurological involvement in up to 50% of cases [1]. This includes peripheral neuropathy, meningeal inflammation, intracranial hemorrhage, cranial nerve palsy, seizures, and cerebritis. Meningitis in WG is a rare complication that presents as pachymeningitis [2]. We present a unique case of WG presenting with pachymeningitis and cranial nerve palsies as the initial symptoms. Our patient is a 16-year-old girl who presented with a 3-day history of double vision and headache localized to the occipital area. The physical examination noted abnormalities in the right eye consistent with cranial nerve III and IV palsies. A dedicated magnetic resonance imaging of the skull base showed enhancement in the right pterygopalatine fossa extending cephalad to the inferior and superior orbital
Problems of Translation and Meaning in Field Work

This paper is concerned with a problem inherent in almost all anthropological research: translating the informants' language into one's own. We will focus on translation as a practical problem in field method rather than on the theory of translation.
The effects of sex and sex-role identity on the attribution of maladjustment

This study examined the effects of a stimulus person's gender and sex-role identity and an observer's gender and sex-role identity on the observer's judgments of the stimulus person's personality and level of adjustment. After having been classified as androgynous or nonandrogynous, 141 males and females viewed videotapes of a case conference on a bogus client. In the videotapes the client's gender and sex-role identity were factorially manipulated. As predicted, male clients and clients with a masculine sex-role identity were seen as possessing less favorable personality characteristics and as being less mentally healthy than were female clients and clients with a feminine history. Sex-role incongruence (e.g., a masculine female) influenced the subjects' judgments only of a female client. A sex-role congruent female was seen as more attractive and better adjusted than a sex-role incongruent female. The subjects' gender and sex-role identity did not influence their judgments of the clients in any consistent or interpretable fashion. Finally, it was found that the subjects were most influenced by sex-role congruence/incongruence of opposite sex stimulus persons. The discussion of these results centered on: (a) the relative influence of gender and sex-role identity on people's perceptions of a stimulus person and (b) the need for further exploration of how subject characteristics might influence these perceptions.
Electrical characterisation of ion-implanted silicon-on-sapphire

Electrical parameters of carrier transport in SOS films were investigated by measuring gate capacitance at frequencies ranging from 1kHz to 10MHz, conductance both in the linear region and in the saturation region and Hall effect as a function of gate bias voltage. The results show that the mobility decreases almost linearly with increasing distance from the Si/SiO2 interface. Similar characteristics were obtained for the carrier concentration profile. The magnitudes drop more than 200 percent from the Si/SiO2 interface to about 0.2μm deep in the Si film. This experimental result is very different from the data predicted by SUPREM. Spreading resistance profiles measured on the same n-type SOS film. after wafer processing show increasing resistivity with increasing distance from the Si surface. The doping profile calculated from spreading resistance data by using the mobility data obtained from the gated Hall effect measurements also indicates that the n-type carrier concentration decreases toward the Si/sapphire interface. The discrepancy between experimental data and the carrier concentration profile predicted by SUPREM can be explained by the existence of deep-level acceptor traps that are evident from Hall effect measurements made on a lightly boron-implanted SOS sample. The temperature dependence of the free carrier concentration shows an activation energy close to 0.31 eV. Mobility and carrier concentration measured by different techniques is discussed.
Effects of estradiol concentration on levels of nuclear estrogen receptors in MCF-7 breast tumor cells

We have measured the time-course of estrogen receptor levels in nuclei of the estrogen-responsive breast tumor cell line MCF-7 during 90-120 min exposure of the cells to estradiol at physiologic (10(-10)M), pharmacologic (10(-6)M), and an intermediate (10(-8)M) concentration. Cells were preincubated for one week in a serum-free defined medium resembling that of Barnes and Sato, and then incubated in estradiol-containing medium. Nuclei were isolated at various times during the incubation, and filled and unfilled nuclear estrogen receptor levels were assayed. Increasing the concentration of estradiol in the incubation medium from 10(-10)M to 10(-8)M yielded increasing levels of filled nuclear receptor at all times studied, while further increase of the estradiol concentration of 10(-6)M decreased filled receptor levels from 10(-8)M values. Unfilled receptor levels dropped rapidly to zero under 10(-6)M and 10(-8)M estradiol incubation, but remained unchanged under 10(-10)M estradiol incubation. Together these results suggest that high-concentration estradiol may lead to "down-regulation" of filled nuclear receptors, which may be a contributing factor in inhibition of tumor growth. On the other hand, the continued presence of unfilled receptors only under physiological concentrations of estradiol may suggest a role for these receptors in sustaining tumor growth.
Developmental Relations Between Vocabulary Knowledge and Reading Comprehension: A Latent Change Score Modeling Study

The present study followed a sample of first-grade (N = 316, Mage = 7.05 at first test) through fourth-grade students to evaluate dynamic developmental relations between vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension. Using latent change score modeling, competing models were fit to the repeated measurements of vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension to test for the presence of leading and lagging influences. Univariate models indicated growth in vocabulary knowledge, and reading comprehension was determined by two parts: constant yearly change and change proportional to the previous level of the variable. Bivariate models indicated previous levels of vocabulary knowledge acted as leading indicators of reading comprehension growth, but the reverse relation was not found. Implications for theories of developmental relations between vocabulary and reading comprehension are discussed.
Application of Linear Circuit Models to Impedance Spectra in Irradiated Musclea

: We have applied a number of modeling schemes to previously reported in vivo electrical impedance measurements on irradiated and normal muscle in the hind legs of rats. Specifically, seven-parameter parallel pathways and embedded membrane circuit models have been fit to group averages of impedance spectra measured at different doses and time points. Correlations between histologically scored tissue sections and model parameters have also been determined. The results show that both models produce good fits to the experimental observations, especially in the case of the irradiated tissues. The correlations between histology scores and circuit parameters were, however, higher with the embedded model. Trends in the spectra and the model parameters were found to agree with the expected changes in tissue pathophysiology associated with the progression of tissue injury from radiation exposure. Quantitative correlations with specific histological criteria were less conclusive, suggesting that more information may be needed to refine the model architecture if model parameters are to be explicitly related to the types and extent of tissue damage induced by radiation treatments.
Histological ‘progression’ from low (LSIL) to high (HSIL) squamous intraepithelial lesion is an uncommon event and an indication for quality assurance review

An accurate assessment of ‘progression’ from a low (LSIL) to high (HSIL) grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2 or CIN3) of the cervix is critical to ascertaining HSIL outcome risk, the value of predictive biomarkers, and the need for excisional therapy. We obtained biopsy outcome data on a series of initially diagnosed LSIL to assess this risk. Consecutive biopsy diagnoses of LSIL were obtained from the archives, and the frequency of HSIL biopsy outcomes were ascertained by record and histological review. Then, a ‘numerical severity score’ was recorded for each diagnosis: LSIL (1–2), CIN2 (3–4) and CIN3 (5–6) with lower and higher values corresponding to the degree (low vs high) of histological severity within each category, respectively. Of 264 initial LSILs, 29 (11%) were reported with an HSIL outcome. However, histological review of 21 of these HSILs confirmed only 8 (38%) HSIL diagnoses by review with the numerical severity score: three cases scored as 5, three cases scored as 4, and two cases scored as 3; the remaining 13 cases were assigned a numerical severity score of 1 or 2. P16 immunostains of corresponding previous and subsequent biopsies were discordant in 4 of 12 cases (33%). In a blind review of a randomly selected series of HSILs from the same practice, HSIL was significantly more likely to be confirmed on re-review (10 of 13 (77%), P=0.024). These findings show that confirmed HSIL outcomes (on review) following an LSIL biopsy are infrequent (∼3%). A diagnosis of HSIL following an LSIL should always be reviewed, as this diagnostic pairing may more likely be associated with a diagnostic error.
Effects of Clay Content and Salinity on the Spectral Electrical Response of Soils

The spectral electrical responses (SER) of sand and clay mixtures subjected to an effective stress of 20MPa and saturated with varying concentrations of NaCl are measured in a laboratory environment in the frequency range 10−2to104Hz. Changes in clay content and fluid concentrations result in characteristic changes in amplitude and phase spectra. The equivalent circuit model due to Dias is used to characterize the spectral electrical behavior of the saturated mixtures. Two circuit elements of Dias model, the electrochemical parameter η, and the dimensionless parameter δ, are particularly sensitive to the amount of clay and the concentration of the pore fluid. The electrochemical parameter η is shown to increase significantly with an increase in clay content when the soil sample is saturated with freshwater. The dimensionless parameter η on the other hand is directly related to the concentration of the pore fluid solution (NaCl), increasing with an increase in fluid concentration. Effects of electrode pola...
Plasmid distribution among unicellular and filamentous toxic cyanobacteria

Plasmid content of 5 hepatotoxin and 2 neurotoxin producing cyanobacterial strains were analyzed. Among the hepatotoxin-producing strains, Microcystis aeruginosa PCC7820, M. aeruginosa M228 and M. aeruginosa UV027 were found to carry plasmids, whereas other hepatotoxin and neurotoxin producing strains did not harbor any plasmids. Correlations were sought between toxicity and the presence of plasmids in toxic cyanobacteria as a function of age. Aged cultures of M. aeruginosa PCC7820 exhibited toxicity and harbored plasmids. In other cyanobacterial strains, plasmids were not detected. The data add to and support the current understanding that plasmids are probably not involved in toxin production in cyanobacteria.
Impact fracture behavior of molecularly orientated polycarbonate sheets

The impact fracture behavior of molecularly orientated polycarbonate (PC) sheets was investigated. The molecular orientation was achieved via a newly developed equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) process. Improvement in impact fracture propagation resistance was observed in the ECAE processed PC sheets. The improved impact resistance was found to be directly related to the changes in molecular orientation because of ECAE. The unique characteristics of the ECAE process for polymer extrusion are described. The potential benefits of ECAE in enhancing physical and mechanical properties of the extruded PC sheets are discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 79: 2060–2066, 2001
Application of a new integral representation of the Ko Bessel function

Abstract The analysis of either the noise signatures of boiling water reactors or the homogeneous equivalence of a nuclear reactor fuel cell require the analysis of the propagation of neutron waves along the fuel rods embedded in a moderator. During the course of our work, we have found a convenient integral representation of the Ko Bessel function that allowed us to find the relaxation length of the neutron waves.
Interferon-γ Causes Cardiac Myocyte Atrophy via Selective Degradation of Myosin Heavy Chain in a Model of Chronic Myocarditis

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a proinflammatory cytokine, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of forms of heart disease including myocarditis and congestive heart failure. In fact, overexpression of IFN-γ in mice causes dilated cardiomyopathy. However, the direct effects of IFN-γ on cardiac myocytes and the mechanism by which it causes cardiac dysfunction have not been described. Here, we present the molecular pathology of IFN-γ exposure and its effect on myofibrillar proteins in isolated neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. Treatment with IFN-γ caused cardiac myocyte atrophy attributable to a specific decrease in myosin heavy chain protein. This selective degradation of myosin heavy chain was not accompanied by a decrease in total protein synthesis or by an increase in total protein degradation. IFN-γ increased both proteasome and immunoproteasome activity in cardiac myocytes and their inhibition blocked myosin heavy chain loss and myocyte atrophy, whereas inhibition of the lysosome or autophagosome did not. Collectively, these results provide a mechanism by which IFN-γ causes cardiac pathology in the setting of chronic inflammatory diseases.
The association of visual concepts and imitative vocalizations in the mynah (Gracula religiosa)

Birds have been observed to refer to objects such as predators with characteristic vocalizations, but little is known of the processes involved. In order to study this phenomenon, two associations between visual concepts and imitative vocalizations were operantly conditioned in a Greater Indian Hill mynah. The mynah was successfully taught to say “hello” to pictures of persons and then to “bark” to pictures of trees. Correctness and latency data during acquisition and generalization tests to novel pictures are presented. The visual concept-imitative vocalization association paradigm could be useful in studying avian semantics, as well as the evolution and neurophysiology of vocal communication.
A quantitative model relating visual neuronal activity to psychophysical thresholds

Abstract We investigate how a simple, physiologically motivated three-stage neuronal model can establish a quantitative relationship between activities in small populations of simulated early visual neurons and human psychophysical thresholds. The model consists of: First, a bank of linear filters tuned for orientation and spatial period; second, non-linear interactions between filters; and, third, a statistically efficient decision stage. The model quantitatively reproduces human thresholds for five classical pattern discrimination tasks, using a unique set of automatically determined parameters. The resulting model components are all plausible in terms of putative neuronal correlates.
Vapniarka: The Archive of the International Tracing Service and the Holocaust in the East

Most scholars familiar with the vast holdings that constitute the International Tracing Service archives have assumed that thesewere helpful primarily for the study of the Holocaust and its aftermath in Western and Central Europe. The author of the following study shows that these holdings offer substantial resources for students of Eastern Europe as well. In the first part the author explains why this is so, and in the second part moves on to a case study of a camp that the Romanian occupation maintained at Vapniarka in Transnistria. This case study draws upon other archival sources as well, demonstrating how ITS holdings complement other research resources, adding new dimensions to our understanding of the Holocaust in the East.
Temperature influences on root growth for Encelia farinosa (Asteraceae), Pleuraphis rigida (Poaceae), and Agave deserti (Agavaceae) under current and doubled CO 2 concentrations

To help evaluate root distribution patterns, elongation rates of individual roots were measured as a function of soil temperature for Encelia farinosa (a C{sub 3} species), Pleuraphis rigida (C{sub 4}), and Agave deserti (CAM), sympatric codominants in the northwestern Donoran Desert. Measurements were made at current and doubled CO{sub 2} concentrations under winter and summer conditions of air temperature (day/night temperatures of 17 C/10 C and 33 C/22 C, respectively). The three species had different optimal temperatures for root elongation (T{sub opt}) under winter conditions (25 C for E. farinosa, 35 C for P. rigida, and 30 C for A. deserti); T{sub opt} increased by 2-3 C under summer conditions for all three species. The limiting temperatures for elongation also acclimated from winter to summer conditions. The rate of root elongation at T{sub opt} was higher under summer than winter conditions for E. farinosa and P. rigida reflecting conditions for maximum photosynthesis; no difference occurred for A. deserti. Decreased elongation rates at extreme temperatures were associated with less cell division and reduced cell extension. The doubled CO{sub 2} concentration increased average daily root elongation rates for A. deserti under both winter (7%) and summer (12%) conditions, but had no effectmore » for the other two species. Simulations of root elongation as a function of soil temperatures showed that maximum elongation would occur at different depths and during different seasons, contributing to their niche separation. Shading of the soil surface moderated daily variations in soil temperature, reducing seasonal root elongation for winter and spring and increasing elongation for summer. Shading also altered root distribution patterns, e.g., optimal rooting depth for A. deserti and especially P. rigida increased for a hot summer day. 34 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.« less
Interlaminar reinforcement of glass fiber/epoxy composites with graphene nanoplatelets

Abstract This work investigated the ability of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) to improve the interlaminar mechanical properties of glass-reinforced multilayer composites. A novel method was developed for the inclusion of GnPs into the interlaminar regions of plain-weave, glass fabric fiber-reinforced/epoxy polymer composites processed with vacuum assisted resin transfer molding. Flexural tests showed a 29% improvement in flexural strength with the addition of only 0.25 wt% GnP. At the same concentration, mode-I fracture toughness testing revealed a 25% improvement. Additionally, low-velocity drop weight impact testing showed improved energy absorption capability with increasing concentration of GnPs. Ultrasonic C-scans and dye penetration inspection of the impact- and back-sides of the specimens qualitatively support these results. Finally, the impact damage area was quantified from the C-scan data. These results showed that the impact-side damage area decreased with increasing concentration of GnP, while the back-side damage area increased.
Quantitative analysis of carbodiimide modified DNA and immunoprobing by adduct specific antibodies

Abstract Antibodies have been raised against N-cyclohexyl-N-(4-methylmorpholinium)ethy carbodiimide (CMC) modified single-stranded DNA and characterized by competitive and non-competitive immunoassays to be highly specific for CMC base adduct in homopolymers poly(dG), poly(dT) and DNA. The antibodies recognize picogram concentrations of CMC treated DNA with no cross reactivity to at least 1000-fold excess of unmodified DNA or CMC treated poly(dA). The detection limit of antibodies at 1.4 fmol CMC adduct allows quantitation at a CMC/base ratio of 4.6 · 10−7. Based upon single modified base-containing synthetic oligomers, a 7-fold binding preference is observed for CMC modified thymine than guanine bases. CMC binding to supercoiled DNA is found to depend upon reaction temperature and ionic strength. CMC-modified supercoiled SV40 and ColE1 DNA, exhibit specific antibody binding proportional to the DNA concentration and extent of CMC modification. However, antibody binding observed is independent of the conformation or strandedness of CMC-modified DNA. DNA extensively modified with CMC retains its inherent capacity to specifically and quantitatively hybridize with complementary DNA immobilized to membranes upon direct blotting or Southern transfers from gels. Hybridized CMC-DNA, through antibody binding, provides for the sensitive and non-isotopic detection of the target DNA sequences.
Expression of the yeast glycogen phosphorylase gene is regulated by stress-response elements and by the HOG MAP kinase pathway.

Yeast glycogen metabolism responds to environmental stressors such as nutrient limitation and heat shock. This response is mediated, in part, by the regulation of the glycogen metabolic genes. Environmental stressors induce a number of glycogen metabolic genes, including GPH1, which encodes glycogen phosphorylase. Primer extension analysis detected two start sites for GPH1, one of which predominated. Sequences upstream of these sites included a possible TATA element. Mutation of this sequence reduced GPH1 expression by a factor of 10 but did not affect start site selection. This mutation also did not affect the relative induction of GPH1 upon entry into stationary phase. Three candidates for stress response elements (STREs) were found upstream of the TATA sequence. Mutation of the STREs showed that they were required for regulation of GPH1 expression in early stationary phase, and in response to osmotic shock and heat shock. These elements appeared to act synergistically, since the intact promoter exhibited 30-fold more expression in stationary phase than the sum of that observed for each element acting independently. HOG1, which encodes a MAP kinase, has been implicated in control mediated by STREs. For GPH1, induction by osmotic shock depended on a functional HOG1 allele. In contrast, induction upon entry into stationary phase was only partially dependent on HOG1. Furthermore, the heat shock response, which can also be mediated by STREs, was independent of HOG1. These observations suggest that the GPH1 STREs respond to more than one pathway, only one of which requires HOG1. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement and Interpretation of Isothermal-Martensitic Kinetics

A brief survey of experimental work on isothermal martensitic transformations is given. Recent results on quantitative metallography are presented. Models for the isothermal kinetics and the method of evaluating the autocatalytic factor as well as the activation free energy for nucleation are discussed. The linear dependence of the activation energy on the chemical free-energy is found to extrapolate satisfactorily to the lowMS temperatures exhibited by Fe−Ni alloys. The values obtained by substituting the above empirically-determined parameters into the Kaufman-Cohen nucleation equation indicate that the embryos in Fe−Ni alloys are more potent than those in Fe−Ni−Mn alloys, whereas the interfacial energies are quite similar.
Feasibility Criteria for Subsurface Waste Disposal in Illinoisa

Recent increased interest in subsurface disposal of industrial liquid wastes in Illinois has shown the need for both geohydrologic and engineering criteria and State regulatory policies for evaluating proposed installations, with the object of protecting other resources, chiefly potable ground water. Favorable geohydrologic conditions–specifically the presence of a variety of permeable formations that contain nonpotable water and are well confined from shallow to great depth–make waste disposal by wells feasible in much of the southern two-thirds of Illinois. Natural safeguards permit disposal wells to be planned with conventional engineering precautions and only a minimal program of preoperational testing. In much of the northern third of the State, the permeable rocks contain potable water to great depth, and there is moderate to high development of the ground-water resource because of urban and industrial concentration. Exhaustive testing, substantial proof of acceptable site conditions, and incorporation of optimum engineering safeguards are considered necessary before the State regulatory agency can authorize installation.
A Bioecological Model of Deployment Risk and Resilience

A deployment risk and resilience model is proposed to describe military service and deployment-related factors influencing post-deployment reintegration and post-deployment behavioral health. Adapted from the resiliency model, it is a multiphasic framework consistent with biopsychosocial and strengths-based perspectives by focusing on vulnerability, risk, and resilience resulting from military service, deployment experiences, and feedback loops that occur over the life course. The article is divided into three broad sections that discuss (1) theoretical underpinnings of the model, (2) key components of the model, and (3) future directions for military social work practice.
Sensitivity to violence measured by ratings of severity increases after nonviolence training

It was hypothesized that training in nonviolence would increase participants' sensitivity to violence because such training emphasizes both the harm and the avoidability of many kinds of violence. This research built upon earlier studies, which had proposed that ratings of the severity of violent behaviors (e.g., murder, bullying, cursing) can be interpreted as measuring sensitivity to violence. Two quasi-experiments examined changes in ratings of severity obtained before and after nonviolence training. In Study 1, 28 college-age traffic offenders who received nonviolence training judged stimulus behaviors ranging from life-threatening physical harm to verbal disrespect as more violent after their training. An untrained comparison group did not show this change. In Study 2, 30 student teachers who received instruction in nonviolence also rated behaviors as more violent after training; an untrained comparison group did not. Results are interpreted as showing increased sensitivity to violence following exposure to nonviolence.
Composition of biosonar images for target recognition by echolocating bats

Abstract Echolocating bats can recognize flying insects as sonar targets in a variety of different acoustic situations ranging from open spaces to dense clutter. Target classification must depend on perceiving images whose dimensions can tolerate intrusion of additional echoes from other objects, even echoes arriving at about the same time as those from the insect, without disrupting image organization. The big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus, broadcasts FM sonar sounds in the 15–100 kHz band and perceives the arrival-time of echoes with an accuracy of 10–15 ns and a two-point resolution of 2 μs, which suggests that perception of fine detail on the dimension of echo delay or target range is the basis for reconstructing complex acoustic scenes and recognizing targets that are embedded in these scenes. The directionality of the bat's sonar sound is very broad, making it impossible to isolate echoes from individual targets merely by aiming the head and ears at one object instead of another. Consequently, segregation of targets must depend on isolating their echoes as discrete events along the axis of delay. That is, the bat's images must correspond to impulse responses of target scenes. However, the bat's sonar broadcasts are several milliseconds long, and the integration time of echo reception is about 350 μs, so perception of separate delays for multiple echoes only a few microseconds apart requires deconvolution of spectrally-complex echoes that overlap and interfere with each other within the 350-μs integration time. The bat's auditory system encodes the FM sweeps of transmissions and echoes as half-wave-rectified, magnitude-unsquared spectrograms, and then registers the time that elapses between each frequency in the broadcast and the echo, effectively correlating the spectrograms. The interference patterns generated by overlap of multiple echoes are then used to modify these delay estimates by adding fine details of the delay structure of echoes. This is equivalent to transformation of the spectrograms into the time domain, or deconvolution of echo spectra by spectrogram correlation and transformation (SCAT). However, while deconvolution overcomes integration time, the bat's receiving antennas reverberate for about 100 μs, smearing the echoes upon arrival. The bat overcomes this problem by receiving echoes from different directions than the transmitted sound, which radiates from the mouth. The broad range of antenna reverberations common to the emission and echoes thus cancel out, leaving only narrow elevation-dependent differences, which in fact appear in the bat's images. The SCAT algorithms successfully recreate images comparable to those perceived by the bat and provide for classification of targets from their glint structure in different situations.
Providing a Geriatric-Friendly Environment for the Older Surgical Patient

The acute-care hospital is rapidly changing with respect to both patients and the nursing workforce, and has challenged traditional models of nursing care delivery. Patients spend less time in the hospital, the acuity level is higher, and the aging patient population is more vulnerable to iatragenic complications when hospitalized. The Miriam Hospital has implemented a new and holistic model of nursing care delivery, incorporating the principles of primary nursing and geriatric nursing in a professional practice framework. The project has provided a geriatric model based on the prevailing literature showing that simple nursing measures such as optimizing nutrition, mobility, and sleep can improve outcomes in older surgical patients. Preliminary findings reveal a decrease in injurious falls and hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, as well as a decrease in restraint and sitter use.
Characterization and site-directed mutagenesis of aspen lignin-specific O-methyltransferase expressed in Escherichia coli

Aspen lignin-specific caffeic acid/5-hydroxyferulic acid 3/5-O-methyltransferase (EC 1.2.1.68) was expressed in an active form in Escherichia coli using pET-23 vector. Two steps were used to purify (Phenyl Sepharose and S-adenosylhomocysteine-agarose chromatographies) enzyme to homogeneity. O-Methyl-transferase has a subunit of 40 kDa and native gradient gel electrophoresis indicated the active form is a dimer. Substrate specificity was investigated using over 20 phenolic compounds, which defined the nature of the substrate binding site and required substrate characteristics such as a hydroxyl group para to the side chain. Enzyme accommodates large substrates well if the side chain contains the trans-double bond found in lignin precursors. Kinetically S-adenosyl-L-methionine must bind before phenolic substrate; however, S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine and phenolic substrate or product can form stable complexes complicating the kinetic mechanism. The role of thiol side chain(s) in the catalytic mechanism was investigated since the enzyme is inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate. Of nine cysteine residues in the enzyme's sequence, only cysteine residues at positions 276 and 283 are invariant among higher plant O-methyltransferases of this class. These residues were replaced by serine and alanine, singly and in combination, using site-directed mutagenesis. All combinations of cysteine replacements at positions 276 and 283 yielded enzyme virtually as active as wild-type and all were still sensitive to thiol inhibition. We concluded that thiol(s) were not important in the catalytic mechanism of this class of O-methyltransferases and sensitivity to the large thiol inhibitor was probably due to reaction of cysteine thiol(s) near the surface which sterically hindered the active site.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Nitrate Leaching, and Biomass Yields from Production of Miscanthus × giganteus in Illinois, USA

Understanding the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization on Miscanthus × giganteus greenhouse gas emissions, nitrate leaching, and biomass production is an important consideration when using this grass as a biomass feedstock. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of three N fertilization rates (0, 60, and 120 kg N ha−1 using urea as the N source) on nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, nitrogen leaching, and the biomass yields and N content of M. × giganteus planted in July 2008, and evaluated from 2009 through early 2011 in Urbana, Illinois, USA. While there was no biomass yield response to N fertilization rates in 2009 and 2010, the amount of N in the harvested biomass in 2010 was significantly greater at the 60 and 120 kg N ha−1 N rates. There was no significant CO2 emission response to N rates in 2009 or 2010. Similarly, N fertilization did not increase cumulative N2O emissions in 2009, but cumulative N2O emissions did increase in 2010 with N fertilization. During 2009, nitrate (NO3−) leaching at the 50-cm soil depth was not related to fertilization rate, but there was a significant increase in NO3− leaching between the 0 and 120 kg N ha−1 treatments in 2010 (8.9 and 28.9 kg NO3–N ha−1 year−1, respectively). Overall, N fertilization of M. × giganteus led to N2O releases, increased fluxes of inorganic N (primarily NO3−) through the soil profile; and increased harvested N without a significant increase in biomass production.
Effects of Concentration on Hexaaquacobalt(II)/Tetrachlorocobalt(II) Equilibrium. A Discovery-Oriented Experiment for Chemistry Students

A solution of cobalt(II) chloride in HCI is commonly used to examine various effects, such as changes in temperature and concentration, on the Co(H2O)62+/CoCl42− equilibrium (Lc Chaâtclier’s principle). In aqucous solution the cobalt(II) ion exists as a mixture of two complex ions at equilibrium, blue CoCl42− and pink Co(H2O)62+. As the ions have different colors, it is easy to determine the position of the equilibrium. A series of experiments was designed to allow students to examine the concentration of chloride ion, the dehydration effect, and how dissociation effects the equilibrium. Different compounds were added to the aqueous solution of cobalt(II) ion, and the position of the equilibrium was determined either visually or, more quantitatively, by means of UV–vis spectroscopy. This exercise is suitable for general chemistry students and is designed to introduce them to the complexity of the actual chemical reaction rather than presenting them with a simplistic model.