cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chromogenic Reactions of Tertiary Amines with Polycarboxylic Acids and Acetic Anhydride: Carbon Suboxide as the Reactive Species in the Malonic Acid Reagent

Abstract Analytical methods based on the title reactions are reviewed, and the malonic acid-acetic anhydride system was selected for detailed study. It is postulated that carbon suboxide, O═C═C═C═O, formed by the action of acetic anhydride on malonic acid, is the effective reactive species in this system. Carbon suboxide was prepared and identified, and spectrophotometric observations of its reactions with tertiary amines are described. Aliphatic and aromatic tertiary amines generate colored products upon reaction with carbon suboxide in the presence of acetic anhydride. It was found that aliphatic tertiary amines form colors upon reaction with carbon suboxide in the absence of acetic anhydride, whereas aromatic tertiary amines require the presence of acetic anhydride.
Giant microwave bursts emitted from a field-emission, relativistic-electron-beam magnetron

A magnetron operating at a wavelength of 10 cm has been constructed with six resonant cavities cut in a cylindrical anode block. A graphite cylinder acting as a field-emission cathode delivers \ensuremath{\sim}12 kA in an accelerating radial potential of \ensuremath{\sim}360 kV. The magnetic field directed along the diode axis is \ensuremath{\sim}8 kG. Linearly polarized microwaves of 30 nsec duration at powers of \ensuremath{\sim}1.7 GW are achieved. The conversion efficiency of electron energy into microwave is \ensuremath{\sim}35%.
Nb2 dimer: Examination of singlet or triplet character.

The dissociation energy, bond length, and vibrational frequencies of ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{2}$ are calculated by use of local-spin-density theory and the fully relativistic outer-core--valence-electron pseudopotential. The dissociation energy of the triplet is 0.26 eV greater than that of the singlet and is in perfect agreement with experiment. A full discussion of fractional occupancy of Kohn-Sham eigenstates in both Nb and ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{2}$ is given.
Microbial Synthesis and Multiple Nature of Lactobacillus bulgaricus Factor. Possible Role in Chick Nutrition.

ConclusionsThese studies substantiate and extend an earlier report regarding the wide distribution of the Lactobacillus bulgaricus factor in nature. In addition they reveal the possibility that this factor may be required for animal growth. Investigations on the biosynthesis, purification, and nutritional significance of this factor are being continued.
Toward Environmental Justice in Transportation Decision Making with Structured Public Involvement

Environmental justice (EJ), in the form of distributional justice, is mandated by a 1994 Executive Order. However, EJ is not easily achieved. EJ research can be divided into identification and mitigation strategies. EJ mitigation strategies intersect with public involvement, which in transportation has a long, and often controversial, history. This paper examines how a philosophy based on John Rawls' theories of procedural justice and access to justice can address the need to achieve distributional justice. To improve procedural justice, the authors examine how effective large-group processes can deliver high-performance public involvement. Methodological barriers and the role of technologies such as electronic polling and visualization are discussed. The authors propose four process metrics for public involvement. On the basis of data on structured public involvement projects, the authors argue that such processes enhance procedural justice and thereby address specific EJ aims. These data illustrate that...
Mammalian myosin Iα is concentrated near the plasma membrane in nerve growth cones

To determine if unconventional myosins play a role in nerve outgrowth, antibodies specific for rat brain derived mammalian myosin I alpha (MMI alpha) were used to label cultured rat superior cervical ganglion nerve cells. Observations were made at both the light and electron microscopic level of resolution using preparative procedures designed to enhance the ability to precisely determine the relationship between antibody label and cellular structures in order to map the distribution and structural association of this myosin. Immunofluorescence showed that MMI alpha has a punctate distribution throughout the nerve cell body, neurites, and growth cones. In growth cones, MMI alpha staining is sometimes elevated in thin peripheral regions of high actin content at the leading edge. Immunoelectron microscopy using colloidal gold conjugated antibodies showed that in growth cones MMI alpha is absent from membranous organelles and is concentrated primarily in the cell cortex adjacent to the cell membrane. The cortical label is equally distributed between upper and lower membranes. The plasma membrane association of the MMI alpha label persists under conditions in which the actin cytoskeleton is perturbed or removed, suggesting a direct association between a fraction of MMI alpha and the plasma membrane. MMI alpha label is also associated with the non-cortical actin cytoskeleton. Partial disruption of the actin cytoskeleton using cytochalasin B causes redistribution of only a subset of MMI alpha label. These data suggest a complex relationship between MMI alpha, the actin cytoskeleton, and the plasma membrane in the growth cone. In contrast to its localization in the growth cone, in neuronal cell bodies MMI alpha is also associated with tubulovesicular structures. This suggests that at this location MMI alpha may either act as an organelle motor or is passively transported to the plasma membrane on vesicles.
Cholera Toxin Suppresses Interleukin (IL)-12 Production and IL-12 Receptor β1 and β2 Chain Expression

Cholera toxin (CT) is a potent mucosal vaccine adjuvant, which has been shown to induce T helper cell type 2 (Th2) responses in systemic and mucosal tissues. We report that CT inhibits the production of interleukin (IL)-12, a major Th2 counterregulatory cytokine. IL-12 p70 production by stimulated human monocytes was inhibited by CT in a dose-dependent manner. This suppression occurred at the level of gene transcription, was maximal at low concentrations of CT, and was dependent on the A subunit of the toxin, since purified CT B subunit had minimal effect. CT also inhibited the production of IL-12 p70 by monocyte-derived dendritic cells, as well as the production of tumor necrosis factor α, but not IL-10, IL-6, or transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, by stimulated monocytes. The effects of CT were not due to autocrine production of IL-10, TGF-β1, or prostaglandin E2. CT inhibited the production of IFN-γ by anti-CD3-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cell, due in part to suppression of IL-12 production, but also to the inhibition of expression of the β1 and β2 chains of the IL-12 receptor on T cells. In vivo, mice given CT before systemic challenge with lipopolysaccharide had markedly reduced serum levels of IL-12 p40 and interferon γ. These data demonstrate two novel mechanisms by which CT can inhibit Th1 immune responses, and help explain the ability of mucosally administered CT to enhance Th2-dependent immune responses.
Population Studies on Cadra cautella in a Citrus Pulp Warehouse with Particular Reference to Diapause

The maximum increases in almond moth population density observed in a citrus pulp warehouse were 25- to 50-fold, and subsequently the growth rates were reduced by a pathogen, parasite, and 2 egg predators, Generation time was 6–8 wk. Throughout the storage period, last-instar larvae entered diapause in increasing numbers. Diapausing larvae remained active after nondiapausing larvae of the same generation pupated. The spatial distribution of diapausing and nondiapausing last-instar larvae was the same and changed systematically during the storage period.
Variations among normal individuals in the cleavage of endothelial-derived ultra-large von Willebrand factor under flow.

Summary. von Willebrand factor (VWF) freshly released from endothelial cells is normally cleaved by the ADAMTS-13 metalloprotease to prevent the direct release of these ultra-large (UL) and hyper-reactive multimers into plasma. The balance of ULVWF proteolysis may be regulated by the amount of ULVWF released and the processing capacity of ADAMTS-13. The former associates with the size of ULVWF storage pool, sensitivity of vascular endothelial cells to stimulation, and the type of agonists, whereas the latter associates with the activity of ADAMTS-13. These parameters may vary significantly among individuals. We have determined the variations of ADAMTS-13 activity in 68 normal individuals by a flow-based assay and a static assay using ULVWF strings and recombinant VWF A2 domain as substrates, respectively. We found that the levels of ADAMTS-13 activity required to cleave the platelet-decorated ULVWF strings under flow is significantly higher than that of static assays. Normal plasma diluted to 25% significantly reduced its ability to cleave ULVWF strings under flow, whereas 2% plasma retained 48% enzyme activity in static assay. ADAMTS-13 activity varied from 33 to 100% among individuals and the variations were greater at shorter incubations of plasma with the substrate. Furthermore, the production of ULVWF from endothelial cells also varied among individuals. These results suggest that the commonly used static assays may underestimate the ADAMTS-13 activity required to cleave newly released ULVWF. They also demonstrated that the proteolysis of ULVWF may vary significantly among individuals, potentially contributing to the individual's vulnerability to thrombosis so that measurement of ADAMTS-13 may serve as a marker for TTP and other thrombotic diseases.
Exchange effects in DWBA models of direct nuclear reactions

Abstract A solution to the long-standing problem of consistently including Pauli principle exchange effects in DWBA amplitudes describing particle-transfer reactions is obtained through use of an antisymmetrized, multiparticle collision theory. For (p,d), (p, 3 He) and (p,α) processes, the only DWBA exchange amplitude that occurs is of the heavy-particle type: there is no first-order knock-out amplitude.
What is the “real” impact of invasive plant species?

Invasive plant species should be evaluated and prioritized for management according to their impacts, which include reduction in native diversity, changes to nutrient pools, and alteration of fire regimes. However, the impacts of most invasive species have not been quantified and, when measured, those impacts are based on a limited number of response metrics. As a result, invasion ecology has been overwhelmed by speculation and bias regarding the ecological consequences of invasive plants. We propose a quantitative mathematical framework that integrates any number of impact metrics as a function of groundcover and geographic extent. By making relative comparisons between invaded and uninvaded landscapes at the population scale, which results in a percent change for each metric, we overcome previous limitations that confounded the integration of metrics based on different units. Our model offers a quantitative approach to ecological impact that may allow identification of the transition from benign introdu...
Temporomandibular joint sounds in asymptomatic volunteers

Abnormalities within the temporomandibular joints often produce audible sounds. Electronic recording of joint sounds has been used as a method of staging internal derangement. This study had three objectives: first, to determine whether the characterization of temporomandibular sounds can provide a sensitive and accurate measure for the presence or absence of joint abnormalities in asymptomatic volunteers; second, to evaluate the reproducibility of the sounds, when present, with successive recordings; and third, to evaluate the sound characteristics to determine their predictability for the types of internal derangement. Fifty asymptomatic volunteers (100 joints) were evaluated with an electronic device for the presence of joint sounds. Of the patients, 24% (N = 50, five men and seven women) (16% of all joints) had one or two abnormal joints as diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. Forty-four percent of all joints had identifiable sounds; 50% of the sounds were produced when the condyle was located at the apex of the articular eminence. Sounds often occurred in the early opening phase of jaw movement in joints diagnosed as normal by magnetic resonance imaging. Finally, the characteristics of these events did not produce adequate separation to stage the internal derangement.
United States national prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities in black and white middle-age (45- to 64-Year) and older (≥65-Year) adults (from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study).

A United States national sample of 20,962 participants (57% women, 44% blacks) from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study provided general population estimates for electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities among black and white men and women. The participants were recruited from 2003 to 2007 by random selection from a commercially available nationwide list, with oversampling of blacks and those from the stroke belt, with a cooperation rate of 49%. The measurement of risk factors and 12-lead electrocardiograms (centrally coded using Minnesota code criteria) showed 28% had ≥1 major ECG abnormality. The prevalence of abnormalities was greater (≥35%) for those ≥65 years old, with no differences between blacks and whites. However, among men
Nickel-catalyzed stereoselective glycosylation with C(2)-N-substituted benzylidene D-glucosamine and galactosamine trichloroacetimidates for the formation of 1,2-cis-2-amino glycosides. Applications to the synthesis of heparin disaccharides, GPI anchor pseudodisaccharides, and α-GalNAc.

The 1,2-cis-2-amino glycosides are key components found within a variety of biologically important oligosaccharides and glycopeptides. Although there are remarkable advances in the synthesis of 1,2-cis-2-amino glycosides, disadvantages of the current state-of-the-art methods include limited substrate scope, low yields, long reaction times, and anomeric mixtures. We have developed a novel method for the synthesis of 1,2-cis-2-amino glycosides via nickel-catalyzed α-selective glycosylation with C(2)-N-substituted benzylidene d-glucosamine and galactosamine trichloroacetimidates. These glycosyl donors are capable of coupling to a wide variety of alcohols to provide glycoconjugates in high yields with excellent levels of α-selectivity. Additionally, only a substoichiometric amount of nickel (5−10 mol %) is required for the reaction to occur at 25 °C. The current nickel method relies on the nature of the nickel−ligand complex to control the α-selectivity. The reactive sites of the nucleophiles or the nature of...
Reading to Preschoolers Exposed: Is the Emperor Really Naked?.

Abstract Although it is clear that a significant amount of well-designed research is needed before an understanding of how and how much reading to preschoolers can affect literacy is achieved, this paper argues that there is reason to be more optimistic concerning the effects of reading to preschoolers than suggested by Scarborough and Dobrich′s (this volume) review. First, methodological problems in many of the studies indicate that they should be interpreted with caution. Effects are likely to be underestimated by equally weighting good and poor studies. Second, extant studies indicate that there are direct and indirect links between reading to preschoolers and reading achievement. Simultaneous consideration of these different paths yields larger estimates of the effect. Third, even initially small effects of reading to preschoolers are likely to have larger long-term consequences on children′s reading abilities. Issues concerning a focus on alternative models are also discussed.
s-Consensus index method: An additional axiom

A consensus index method is an ordered pair consisting of a consensus method and a consensus index Day and McMorris (1985) have specified two minimal axioms, one which should be satisfied by the consensus method and the other by the consensus index The axiom for consensus indices is not satisfied by the s-consensus index In this paper, an additional axiom, which states that a consensus index equal to one implies profile unanimity, is proposed The s-consensus method together with a modification of the s-consensus index (i e, normalized by the number of distinct nontrivial clusters in the profile) is shown to satisfy the two axioms proposed by Day and McMorris and the new axiom
Frontiers in green chemistry utilizing carbon dioxide for polymer synthesis and applications

In the last ten years, there has been incredible growth in research involving the use of carbon dioxide as an environmentally benign solvent. This article will highlight polymer synthesis, characterization, and applications in CO 2 and place this research in the context of both green chemistry and the latest developments in CO 2 technology.
Robust reinforcement learning control with static and dynamic stability

Robust control theory is used to design stable controllers in the presence of uncertainties. This provides powerful closed-loop robustness guarantees, but can result in controllers that are conservative with regard to performance. Here we present an approach to learning a better controller through observing actual controlled behaviour. A neural network is placed in parallel with the robust controller and is trained through reinforcement learning to optimize performance over time. By analysing nonlinear and time-varying aspects of a neural network via uncertainty models, a robust reinforcement learning procedure results that is guaranteed to remain stable even as the neural network is being trained. The behaviour of this procedure is demonstrated and analysed on two control tasks. Results show that at intermediate stages the system without robust constraints goes through a period of unstable behaviour that is avoided when the robust constraints are included. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genotype–phenotype mapping and the end of the ‘genes as blueprint’ metaphor

In a now classic paper published in 1991, Alberch introduced the concept of genotype–phenotype (G→P) mapping to provide a framework for a more sophisticated discussion of the integration between genetics and developmental biology that was then available. The advent of evo-devo first and of the genomic era later would seem to have superseded talk of transitions in phenotypic space and the like, central to Alberch's approach. On the contrary, this paper shows that recent empirical and theoretical advances have only sharpened the need for a different conceptual treatment of how phenotypes are produced. Old-fashioned metaphors like genetic blueprint and genetic programme are not only woefully inadequate but positively misleading about the nature of G→P, and are being replaced by an algorithmic approach emerging from the study of a variety of actual G→P maps. These include RNA folding, protein function and the study of evolvable software. Some generalities are emerging from these disparate fields of analysis, and I suggest that the concept of ‘developmental encoding’ (as opposed to the classical one of genetic encoding) provides a promising computational–theoretical underpinning to coherently integrate ideas on evolvability, modularity and robustness and foster a fruitful framing of the G→P mapping problem.
Elevated amniotic fluid ferritin levels are associated with inflammation-related pregnancy loss following mid-trimester amniocentesis.

Objective: Occult infection accounts for up to 12% of pregnancy losses following genetic amniocentesis. Elevated serum and cervical fluid levels of ferritin, an acute-phase reactant, have been associated with spontaneous preterm delivery. We determined the association between amniotic fluid (AF) ferritin levels and post-amniocentesis pregnancy loss. Methods: We performed a case-control study involving 66 women with a non-anomalous fetus who had a spontaneous pregnancy loss within 30 days following genetic amniocentesis and 66 term controls matched for maternal age, gestational age, time of test and indication for amniocentesis. Amniotic fluid ferritin and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured using commercially available kits. Results: Mean (± SD) AF ferritin levels were similar between the cases (19.3 ± 21.4 ng/ml) and the controls (19.8 ± 22.7 ng/ml) (p = 0.9). Mean (± SD) AF IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the women with post-amniocentesis pregnancy loss (4.0 ± 13.1 ng/ml) than in controls...
Exudativory in the Asian loris, Nycticebus: Evolutionary divergence in the toothcomb and M3.

Objectives Slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) are obligate exudativores that gouge tree bark. Dental adaptations for gouging within marmosets, the only other known primate obligate exudativore, are well-known but dental adaptations in Nycticebus are largely unidentified. In an effort to more completely understand potential dental adaptions within Nycticebus and the evolution of this dietary niche within Primates as an order, the present study examined dental morphometrics in the Asian lorises (Nycticebus and Loris). Materials and Methods We compared dental morphometrics between Nycticebus and the insectivorous slender lorises (Loris). Measurements from the toothcomb and select other teeth were taken from 92 specimens. Each variable was scaled by the geometric mean and resulting mean ratios were statistically compared between groups. A biomechanical shape variable was also calculated to estimate the ability of the toothcomb to resist bending that may be experienced during gouging. Results Toothcombs in Nycticebus were significantly (P < 0.05) more narrow, shorter, and thicker than those in Loris and had a higher calculated ability to withstand bending forces. Nycticebus also had reduced size in the last lower molar relative to Loris. Conclusions The more robust, “squared off” toothcomb in Nycticebus matches behavioral observations that these primates gouge to access exudates. Results of the present study indicate that the toothcomb is the likely candidate for the dental tool used in gouging. The size reduction of the lower last molar in Nycticebus, a trait also found in a previous study in exudativorous galagos, may indicate that there is reduced selective pressure in a diet where little mastication would be needed to mechanically process exudates. These results may indicate that reduction in molar size could be a potential dental signature for exudativory, but further studies on a wider phylogenetic range of exudativorous primates would be necessary. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:663–672, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Polysilicon-Silicon Interface

Polycrystalline silicon is frequently deposited on single crystal silicon as a part of devices. The poly is used as both a dopant source and a low resistance contact in a modern method of fabricating high gain bipolar transistors. The randomness of polysilicon and its interface with the single crystal is an inherent source of differences among nominally identical transistors, however, and is a marked departure from the trend towards more and more perfect crystals that characterizes the rest of silicon technology.
Factoring human factoring, in IBM

The authors have conducted an informal poll of their IBM human factors engineering peers, asking them about the organizational placement of their department and about how that placement facilitates or inhibits good human-factors engineering. The results of that poll are summarized. Also summarized are the pluses and minuses of the various organizational models, as perceived by the IBM employees. The authors then address organizational factors at levels higher than the department level. Finally, they offer a personal model of the perfect organization for maximizing usability of software, hardware, and information products. >
Proximal tubules from caspase-1-deficient mice are protected against hypoxia-induced membrane injury

Background. Caspase-1 is a proinflammatory caspase via activation of the cytokine IL-18. We have recently demonstrated that the caspase-1-mediated production of IL-18 plays a deleterious role in ischaemic acute renal failure (ARF) which is independent of neutrophils and CD4þ T cells. The role of caspase-1 in hypoxia-induced membrane injury of proximal tubules (PT) in vitro is unknown. Methods. Freshly isolated mouse PT exposed to 25 min of hypoxia were used to study the role of caspases, caspase-1 and IL-18 in hypoxia-induced membrane injury. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release into the PT medium was used as a biochemical parameter of cell membrane damage. IL-18 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting. Results. PT pre-incubated with the novel pancaspase inhibitor IDN-8050 were protected; LDH release (%) was 35 � 3 in vehicle-treated hypoxic PT and 21 � 2i n IDN-8050-treated hypoxic PT (P < 0.01, n ¼ 6). To investigate the mechanism of protection and examine the role of caspase-1 specifically, PT were isolated in parallel from wild-type and caspase-1deficient (� /� ) mice. PT from caspase-1 � /� mice demonstrated less hypoxia-induced membrane injury. LDH release was 37 � 2 in wild-type hypoxic PT and 28 � 2 in caspase-1 � /� hypoxic PT (P < 0.01, n ¼ 12). IL-18 was detected in PT by immunoblotting and ELISA. PT pre-incubated with IL-18 binding protein, an inhibitor of IL-18, were not protected. Conclusions. These studies demonstrate a deleterious effect of the proinflammatory caspase, caspase-1, on PT in vitro in the absence of inflammatory cells and vascular effects.
Stability and heat transfer characteristics of unsteady condensing and evaporating films

The stability and heat transfer characteristics of an unsteady condensing and evaporating n-pentane film on the underside of a cooled, flat, horizontal plate was studied experimentally. Unsteady conditions were produced by varying the system pressure in a cyclic fashion. The film was imaged using a double-pass shadowgraph system, and an embedded heat flux sensor measured the spatially averaged heat flux. Surface conditions were obtained using an inverse method. Images and data point collection were synchronized to permit direct correlation between thermal data and film behavior. The heat flux was affected by the Rayleigh–Taylor instability after an initial rise due to condensate formation. Hysteresis was observed in the heat flux over each pressure variation cycle, where the heat flux during condensation varied differently with the degree of subcooling than during evaporation. An additional study examined the film stability of non-condensing, growing films with mass addition but without thermal effects. Experiments showed that the film thickness at the point of first droplet break-off increased with increased pumping rate.
Frequency of Pulmonary Embolism in Patients with Low-Probability Lung Scan and Negative Lower Extremity Venous Ultrasound

Study objectives To define the prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients who are undergoing pulmonary arteriography because of a high clinical suspicion for PE but who have had a low-probability lung scan and a negative lower extremity venous ultrasound examination. Design A retrospective review of the medical records of 365 consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary arteriograms for suspected PE was undertaken. Results Of the 365 pulmonary arteriograms, 62 were performed in patients with suspected PEs despite a low-probability lung scan and a negative lower extremity venous ultrasound examination. In the latter group, five patients (8%; 95% confidence interval, 2.7% to 18%) had PEs revealed on the arteriogram. Conclusions In patients whose presentation provokes a high clinical suspicion for PE despite having had a low-probability lung scan, a negative lower extremity venous ultrasound examination is insufficient to preclude proceeding to pulmonary angiography.
Specification of sites for polarized growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the influence of external factors on site selection.

Abstract Many eucaryotic cell types exhibit polarized cell growth and polarized cell division at nonrandom sites. The sites of polarized growth were investigated in G1 arrested haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. When yeast cells are arrested during G1 either by treatment with alpha-factor or by shifting temperature-sensitive cdc28-1 cells to the restrictive temperature, the cells form a projection. Staining with Calcofluor reveals that in both cases the projection usually forms at axial sites (i.e., next to the previous bud scar); these are the same sites where bud formation is expected to occur. These results indicate that sites of polarized growth are specified before the end of G1. Sites of polarized growth can be influenced by external conditions. Cells grown to stationary phase and diluted into fresh medium preferentially select sites for polarized growth opposite the previous bud scar (i.e., distal sites). Incubation of cells in a mating mixture results in projection formation at nonaxial sites: presumably cells form projections toward their mating partner. These observations have important implications in understanding three aspects of cell polarity in yeast: 1) how yeast cell shape is influenced by growth conditions 2) how sites of polarized growth are chosen, and 3) the pathway by which polarity is affected and redirected during the mating process.
Measurement of racing wheelchair propulsion torque

A method is described for dynamically measuring the propulsion forces/torques using beams instrumented with strain gages. The method outlined has the advantage of being able to accommodate the individual's push-rings and racing wheelchair. Both the mechanical and electronic design are described. A mercury slip ring was used in the design because of its simplicity and extended frequency range, and because it does not suffer the interference problems of telemetry when used in a closed environment. It is somewhat restrictive because wires are attached to the chair. >
A conjugate Hopfield neural network for optimum systems control

A general neuromorphic procedure for solving a class of optimal control problems is presented. The method consists of transformation of the optimal control problem into a two-point boundary-value problem which then is converted to the problem of minimization of an error function over a field of scalars. This error function is then mapped into the energy function of the Hopfield-Tank neural network, leading to synaptic interconnection weights and input bias currents which are adapted to the problem to be solved. The author also develops the architecture of a modified Hopfield type network based on the conjugate gradient minimization of a function. This conjugate Hopfield network shows quadratic convergence performance compared to linear convergence of the usual Hopfield network. The method is illustrated by examples. Engineering realization of the network can be achieved via dedicated VLSI circuits. Alternatively, the method can be used for simulation on parallel computers. >
Olanzapine moderately increases conflict responding but does not produce a benzodiazepine‐like cue in rat

In rats pressing a lever for food on a Geller-Seifter conflict schedule with incremental electrical stimulus, the putative novel antipsychotic olanzapine (0.78 and 1.56 mg/kg po) increased conflict responding by 35% (half the maximal increase produced by chlordiazepoxide). In rats trained to discriminate between chlordiazepoxide and saline, olanzapine (0.19–1.56 mg/kg po) reduced response rate dose-dependently; all rats chose the saline-appropriate lever at all doses. The results replicate the moderate anticonflict effect of olanzapine and show that the subjective cue differs from that of a benzodiazepine. A possible anxiolytic action of this class of antipsychotics is proposed. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Design rationale of the AS/400 user interface

This paper discusses the design rationale of the software user interface of the Application System/400™ (AS/400™). It presents the design approaches used to produce the interface of this interactive system.
Satisfaction with work-life balance and the career and retirement plans of US oncologists.

Purpose To evaluate satisfaction with work-life balance (WLB) and career plans of US oncologists. Methods The American Society of Clinical Oncology conducted a survey of US oncologists evaluating satisfaction with WLB and career plans between October 2012 and March 2013. The sample included equal numbers of men and women from all career stages. Results Of 2,998 oncologists contacted, 1,490 (49.7%) returned surveys. From 1,117 oncologists (37.3% of overall sample) completing full-length surveys, we evaluated satisfaction with WLB and career plans among the 1,058 who were not yet retired. The proportion of oncologists satisfied with WLB (n 345; 33.4%) ranked lower than that reported for all other medical specialties in a recent national study. Regarding career plans, 270 oncologists (26.5%) reported a moderate or higher likelihood of reducing their clinical work hours in the next 12 months, 351 (34.3%) indicated a moderate or higher likelihood of leaving their current position within 24 months, and 273 (28.5%) planned to retire before 65 years of age. Multivariable analyses found women oncologists (odds ratio [OR], 0.458; P .001) and those who devoted greater time to patient care (OR for each additional hour, 0.977; P .001) were less likely to be satisfied with WLB. Satisfaction with WLB and burnout were the strongest predictors of intent to reduce clinical work hours and leave current position on multivariable analysis. Conclusion Satisfaction with WLB among US oncologists seems lower than for other medical specialties. Dissatisfaction with WLB shows a strong relationship with plans to reduce hours and leave current practice. Given the pending US oncologist shortage, additional studies exploring interactions among WLB, burnout, and career satisfaction and their impact on career and retirement plans are warranted. J Clin Oncol 32:1127-1135. © 2014 by American Society of Clinical Oncology
The classical limit of dynamics for spaces quantized by an action of $R^d$

We have previously shown how to construct a deformation quantization of any locally compact space on which a vector group acts. Within this framework we show here that, for a natural class of Hamiltonians, the quantum evolutions will have the classical evolution as their classical limit.
A wide-band photonic packet injection control module for optical packet switching routers

The implementation of a novel photonic injection control module that mediates packet injection into optical packet switching (OPS) routers is reported. Responding to a busy signal received from the OPS router, the module buffers the multiple-wavelength optical packets on a fiber delay line until a slot becomes available. The functionality of the module and its interoperability with a data vortex OPS router are demonstrated. Error-free (bit-error rate <10/sup -12/) routing of 80-Gb/s payload (eight wavelength-division multiplexing /spl times/10 Gb/s) is confirmed.
Excretion of 4-14C-cortisol and l,2-3H-d-aldosterone in Human Thermal Sweat1

ABSTRACT Sweat was collected from 5 normal male adults and 1 adult subject with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas after intravenous infusions of 4-14C-cortisol. 14C-F and 14C-E were isolated and identified in sweat (recrystallization to constant 14C/3H ratios). 14C-E accounted for more radioactivity in sweat than 14C-F (F/E ratio 0.57). In contrast, the F/E ratio in plasma at the conclusion of sweating was 5.0. Glucuronide conjugates of metabolites of 14C-F were not detected in sweat. In 4 normal adult subjects, small recoveries of intravenously administered 1,2-3H-aldosterone (3H-A) were demonstrated in thermal sweat. No conjugates of 3H-A metabolites were detected. No significant differences between normal subjects and a patient with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas were apparent in sweat 14C-F, 14C-E, or 3H-A.
Organophosphorus pesticides in storm-water runoff from southern California (USA).

Large quantities of the organophosphorus (OP) pesticides diazinon and chlorpyrifos are applied to California (USA) watersheds every year, but few data are available on the sources of OP pesticides in urban watersheds. The goal of this study was to characterize diazinon and chlorpyrifos concentrations from different land uses indicative of source categories in urban southern California watersheds. This characterization included analysis of 128 runoff samples from eight different land uses over five storm events. Diazinon was consistently detected (93% of samples) during this study, whereas chlorpyrifos was not consistently detected (12% of samples). The mixed agricultural land use had the highest flow weighted mean (FWM) concentration of diazinon (4,076 ng/L), which exceeded the next-highest land-use categories (commercial and residential) by one to two orders of magnitude (324-99 ng/L, respectively). Open space had the lowest concentration of diazinon (<20 ng/L). Concentrations of diazinon at replicate land-use sites and during replicate storm events at the same site were highly variable. The difference in diazinon FWM concentrations among replicate sites ranged from 1.5-fold to 45-fold. The difference in diazinon FWM concentrations among storms at the same site ranged from 1.25-fold to 30-fold. Part of this variability is a response to the temporal patterns observed within a storm event. The majority of land-use site-events had peak concentrations before peak flow indicating a first-flush effect, but this was not always a predictable temporal trend. The first-flush effect was rarely evident in terms of mass loadings because flows can range orders of magnitude during a single event in highly impervious urban watersheds. Flow variability thus overwhelms the variability in diazinon concentrations attributable to the first-flush effect.
Excited-State Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Conjugated Oligomers Using the Electronic Density Matrix

Vibrational motions in optically excited polyacetylene and polydiacetylene oligomers are calculated using potential surfaces obtained from the collective electronic oscillators (CEO) technique. The role of the effective conjugation coordinate (ECC) in the relaxation processes following an impulsive vertical excitation from the ground state is demonstrated. Real-space analysis of the electronic transition density matrices shows the charge and bond-order redistribution taking place upon photoexcitation.
A new characterization for positive real and *-norm controllers

The solvability conditions for positive real and *-norm controller synthesis problems are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities that include the compensator gains implicitly. A variety of issues, including explicit expressions for the solutions, the issue of strictly proper vs proper controllers and relaxing full rank assumptions on the penalty matrices can be discussed. Extension to systems with parametric uncertainties is also discussed.
In silico prediction of yeast deletion phenotypes

Analysis of gene deletions is a fundamental approach for investigating gene function. We evaluated an algorithm that uses classification techniques to predict the phenotypic effects of gene dele- tions in yeast. We used a modified simulated annealing algorithm for feature selection and weighting. The selected features with high weights were phylogenetic conservation scores for bacteria, fungi (excluding Ascomycota), Ascomycota (excluding Saccharomyces cerevisiae), plants, and mammals, degree of paralogy, and number of protein-protein interactions. Classification was performed by weighted k-nearest neigh- bor and with support vector machine algorithms. To demonstrate how this approach might complement existing experimental procedures, we applied our algorithm to predict essential genes and genes causing mor- phological alterations in yeast.
The Quality of Our Lives

There is no doubt that mechanics has had an enormous impact on the quality of life for humans, as well as many other species on this planet. Most of the time it has been for the better, but not always, as we will see in this chapter (see also Chap. 7).
Is There Etiologic Heterogeneity between Upper and Lower Neural Tube Defects

Neural tube defects are thought to arise from two different embryologic mechanisms depending on the level of the defect: neurulation defects associated with anencephaly and upper spina bifida and canalization defects associated with lower spina bifida. To investigate whether the risk profiles of neural tube defect cases differ according to the level of the defect, the authors examined data from the Atlanta Birth Defects Case-Control Study. Cases were infants live- or stillborn from 1968 to 1980 with these defects, and controls were infants without defects randomly selected and frequency matched to cases by race, birth year, and hospital of birth. By multivariate polychotomous logistic regression, 1,186 controls were compared with cases: 145 with anencephaly, 59 with upper spina bifida (cervical/thoracic lesions), and 100 with lower spina bifida (lumbar/sacral lesions). Infant's sex and sibling recurrence of neural tube defects were the only factors for which the case subgroups significantly differed in risk. The risks associated with selected maternal exposures during the first trimester of pregnancy did not differ among the case subgroups. Although these results do not support the concept that upper and lower neural tube defects differ in risks from exogenous factors, differences in sibling recurrence and in risks by sex between the two groups suggest an underlying heterogeneity in genetic susceptibility factors.
Effects of Polymer Tacticity and Molecular Weight on the Glass Transition Temperature of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Films on Silica

The glass transition temperature (Tg) of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films supported by silica was studied as a function of film thickness at two molecular weights (MW = 2.5 and ∼50 kg/mol) and two syndiotacticities (s% = 56 and 69 or 79%). We found that the result depends on both the MW and s% in unconventional ways. For the 2.5 kg/mol films, the Tg was depressed for the lower s% films but enlarged for the higher s% films. For the ∼50 kg/mol films, however, the signs of the Tg change were reversed. To understand these observations, we constructed bilayer films from pairs of the studied PMMAs with roughly the same MW but different s%. Our result suggests that for the higher MW films, both the effects of the free surface and the substrate interface on the Tg are more significant on the higher s% PMMAs than on the lower s% PMMAs. For the lower MW films, however, the significance of the surface and substrate effects are modified, probably due to the effect of chain stiffness on the Tg and different degr...
Inducing Epenthesis: Phonetic, Phonological and Morphological Considerations

This work investigates the question of how phonological systems might arise from phonetic cues, focusing on the contribution of the language learner. Specifically, I present a series of experiments on the learning of morphologically conditioned epenthesis patterns. A theoretical account that situates synchronic phonological systems as the product of natural sound changes (such as Evolutionary Phonology (Blevins 2004)) would attribute the emergence of an epenthetic consonant to the listener’s misperception of the natural transition between two adjacent vowels: ratu+əәk, pronounced as ratuwəәk, re-analyzed as ratuwəәk. The proposed origins of such a pattern guarantee that such epenthesis would be, at least at first, contextually conditioned (what I will call Type 1). A distinction has been made, however, between such systems and those in which a unique (unmarked) segment is epenthesized regardless of context (Type 2) (see, e.g., Lombardi (2002), de Lacy (2006)). Within a phonetically-based learning model, such a system would require an additional stage of regularization or generalization on the part of the listener.
High Temperature Creep Deformation of Glass-phase Containing MoSi2 Sintered Compacts

High temperature creep deformation of glass phase containing MoSi2 sintered compacts has been studied and following results were obtained:1) Creep transients of normal type were observed.2) Microstructural observation revealed that the principal mechanisms of deformation involved grain boundary sliding, viscous flow of glass phase, and diffusion through glass phase.3) Transition of stress dependence of deformation was observed to occur around 10MPa. The stress exponent appears to approach three for low stresses, and one for high stresses. This can be attributed to the alteration of rate-controlling mechanism from grain boundary slinding to viscous flow with increasing stress.4) It was speculated that grain boundary sliding has the stress exponent of three for low angle and coincident boundaries, and two for high-angle random boundaries.
The Exotic Origins of Fishes Depicted on Prehistoric Mimbres Pottery from New Mexico

A variety of fishes is depicted on Classic Mimbres figurative pottery of ca. A.D. 950-1150. Bowl paintings show fishing scenes and equipment. We have tentatively identified depictions of 20 fish taxa, 18 of which are of marine origin. The suite of species suggests a provenience in the Gulf of California, near Guaymas, Sonora. Mimbres traders apparently traveled 1,500 km from New Mexico's Mimbres Valley to the Gulf and back, probably to obtain shells and other materials for home use and for commerce.
Density Functional Theory Study of Ni–Nx/C Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction in Alkaline and Acidic Media

Graphitic Ni–Nx (x = 2, 4) and Ni–N2 edge defect motifs in Ni–Nx/C electrocatalyst and their ORR activity are studied using density functional theory. The results show that the formation of graphitic Ni–Nx and Ni–N2 edge defects is energetically favorable. Furthermore, the computations predict that O2 and peroxide both chemisorb to Ni–N2 edge site but not to graphitic Ni–N2 and Ni–N4 sites. This indicates that ORR in Ni–Nx/C electrocatalyst occurs predominantly on edge sites via a sequential 2 × 2e– process in alkaline and acidic media. The free energy diagram for O2 reduction on Ni–N2 edge defect shows fewer uphill processes in alkaline medium than in acidic medium, predicting that Ni–Nx/C ORR electrocatalyst is more active in alkaline medium, especially at high potentials. We find that the presence of magnetism in Ni–N2 edge site decreases the adsorption energy of H2O2 by ∼37% as compared to the nonmagnetic case. This significant effect of magnetism on the O2 adsorption energy suggests that the magnetic...
Exciton Generation in Semiconductor Nanocrystals via the Near-Field Plasmon Energy Transfer

The plasmon resonance of small-diameter metal nanoparticles has a unique decay character, as it produces almost no far field scattering. Instead, most of the absorbed light is emitted in the near field (NF), a phenomenon also known as strong field localization. Such nonradiative emission is short-lived and decays primarily via the production of heat, which prevents efficient harvesting of the NF energy. Here, we demonstrate a general strategy for coupling the NF radiation of surface plasmons to long-lived optical excitations in semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs). This concept was manifested through the observation of an enhanced exciton generation in CdSe NCs coupled to 5 nm Au nanoparticles. To distinguish the plasmon antenna effect from photoinduced charge transfer processes, both Au and CdSe nanoparticles were encapsulated into insulating CdS or ZnS matrices. A unique signature of the plasmon to exciton energy transfer was observed in photoexcitation measurements that unambiguously correlate the increase...