cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental Observation of Superparamagnetism in Manganese Clusters

A molecular beam of manganese clusters, Mn (n) (n = 11-99), produced at 68 K is deflected toward high field by a gradient field magnet. These results indicate that Mn (n) clusters in this size range are superparamagnetic species whose intrinsic moments can be determined within the framework of the Langevin model of paramagnetism. Local minima in per-atom magnetic moments are observed for Mn (13) and Mn (19), suggestive of an icosahedral growth sequence for the smaller size range. For larger clusters, broad oscillations in the per-atom moments are observed, with a minimum near Mn (32-37) and a maximum around Mn (50-56).
Epithelial Stem Cells and Implications for Wound Repair

Activation of epithelial stem cells and efficient recruitment of their proliferating progeny plays a critical role in cutaneous wound healing. The reepithelialized wound epidermis has a mosaic composition consisting of progeny that can be traced back both to epidermal and several types of hair follicle stem cells. The contribution of hair follicle stem cells to wound epidermis is particularly intriguing as it involves lineage identity change from follicular to epidermal. Studies from our laboratory show that hair follicle-fated bulge stem cells commit only transient amplifying epidermal progeny that participate in the initial wound re-epithelialization, but eventually are outcompeted by other epidermal clones and largely disappear after a few months. Conversely, recently described stem cell populations residing in the isthmus portion of hair follicle contribute long-lasting progeny toward wound epidermis and, arguably, give rise to new interfollicular epidermal stem cells. The role of epithelial stem cells during wound healing is not limited to regenerating stratified epidermis. By studying regenerative response in large cutaneous wounds, our laboratory uncovered that epithelial cells in the center of the wound can acquire greater morphogenetic plasticity and, together with the underlying wound dermis, can engage in an embryonic-like process of hair follicle neogenesis. Future studies should uncover the cellular and signaling basis of this remarkable adult wound regeneration phenomenon.
Cultural change to prevent laser eye injuries in R&D labs

No laser user wants to sustain a laser eye injury. Unfortunately, many laser users, most commonly experienced researchers and inexperienced graduate students, are the injured person. More unforgiveable is the general acceptance of this scenario as part of the research & development experience. How do senior researchers, safety personnel and management stop this trend? The answer lies in a cultural change that involves institutional training, user mentoring, hazard awareness by users and administrative controls. None of these would inhibit research activities. As a matter of fact, proper implementation of these controls would increase research productivity.
Atmospheric Turbulence in Optical Surveillance Systems

The limitations imposed by atmospheric turbulence in the design of optical surveillance systems with slant optical paths are developed. Image blurring effects which determine scene contrast ratio are separated from spot dancing effects which determine signal-to-noise ratio. The relative position of each turbulent eddy with respect to scene and observer is considered. The effects of turbulence in ground-to-ground, air-to-ground, and ground-to-air optical surveillance systems are compared.
Accounting’s role in the financial crisis

This paper discusses the role accounting had in the financial crisis. It delves into how accounting helped invoke the financial crisis, what impacts the financial crisis is having on accounting and what can be done now. The research method used is literature review. The causes of the financial crisis in relation to accounting were the housing bubble and burst, shadow banking, fair-value accounting, and troubles with the GAAP model. The impacts of the financial crisis are increased financial regulations and a decrease in reputation and assurance. As for what can be done, companies need to focus on corporate social responsibility to build back reputation and a new external monitor should be created to help prevent future financial crises by identifying warning signs before the problems actually occur. The financial crisis shows that accounting needs to become even more prevalent in the field of finance.
Negative K-Theory of Generalized Quaternion Groups and Binary Polyhedral Groups

Classical group representation theory is used to determine which finite groups have finite negative K-theory. There follows a computation of the K −1 of integral group rings ZG for all finite non-abelian subgroups of the group SU(2) of unit quaternions. In principle, the method applies to any finite group.
Age-related changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue of adolescent distance runners and association with blood lipoproteins.

Primary objective : The purpose of this study was to examine age- and sex-associated variation in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and its association with blood lipoproteins among adolescent distance runners. Methods : Serial data included 99 annual measurements for 27 males and 84 annual measurements for 27 females, aged 9-18 years. SAT was expressed as the sum of six skinfolds (SUM6; subscapular, supra-iliac, abdominal, triceps, biceps and medial calf). The ratio of the sum of three trunk skinfolds to the sum of three extremity skinfolds (TER) was used an index of relative subcutaneous fat distribution. Total blood cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) were determined by standard procedures. Results : Age- and sex-associated variation in SAT of adolescents engaged in regular endurance training is similar to trends observed in the general population of youths, although SUM6 is less. An increase in SUM6, rather ...
Caspase 8-dependent sensitization of cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis following reovirus-infection

TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) induces apoptosis in susceptible cells by binding to death receptors 4 (DR4) and 5 (DR5). TRAIL preferentially induces apoptosis in transformed cells and the identification of mechanisms by which TRAIL-induced apoptosis can be enhanced may lead to novel cancer chemotherapeutic strategies. Here we show that reovirus infection induces apoptosis in cancer cell lines derived from human breast, lung and cervical cancers. Reovirus-induced apoptosis is mediated by TRAIL and is associated with the release of TRAIL from infected cells. Reovirus infection synergistically and specifically sensitizes cancer cell lines to killing by exogenous TRAIL. This sensitization both enhances the susceptibility of previously resistant cell lines to TRAIL-induced apoptosis and reduces the amount of TRAIL needed to kill already sensitive lines. Sensitization is not associated with a detectable change in the expression of TRAIL receptors in reovirus-infected cells. Sensitization is associated with an increase in the activity of the death receptor-associated initiator caspase, caspase 8, and is inhibited by the peptide IETD-fmk, suggesting that reovirus sensitizes cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis in a caspase 8-dependent manner. Reovirus-induced sensitization of cells to TRAIL is also associated with increased cleavage of PARP, a substrate of the effector caspases 3 and 7.
Effect of Thermal Annealing on Proton Conduction in Ion Exchange Membranes

The configurations of proton channel network on the surface of Nafion® membranes were studied using current sensing atomic force microscopy after the membranes were annealed at elevated temperatures, aimed at understanding the effect of aging process in the membranes. The results reveal that proton conductance of the membranes becomes more uniform and the proton channels become chain-like aligning in parallel to the membrane surface. Accompanied to the configuration changes, the proton conductivity of the membrane shows an increase. As the annealing continues, the chain-like configuration for the proton channels persists but the conductance of the membranes decreases. The time constant of the conductivity decay decreases with increase of the annealing temperature. The observed changes can be attributed to reorientation of proton channels near the membrane surface from perpendicular to parallel to the surface as the annealing temperature approaches the glass transition of the membranes.
Push-pull audio amplifier theory

Assuming nonlinear tube characteristics, this paper presents: 1) a single mathematical analysis of instantaneous relations applicable to all classes of operation of push-pull audio vacuum tube amplifiers; 2) a mathematical derivation, applicable to all classes of operation, of the composite load line equation and a study of the amplifier frequency response both at medium and low frequencies, with third and higher odd-order effects neglected at low frequencies; 3) an analytical method for finding the maximum magnitude of class AB 1 and AB 2 grid bias beyond which appreciable non-linear distortion occurs; and 4) a single general condition for matching the load to the tubes irrespective of the class of operation, and the interpretation of this condition for each case.
Evaluating Family Interactions to Inform Exhibit Design: Comparing Three Different Learning Behaviors in a Museum Setting

ABSTRACT How do we know that families are learning during the museum visit itself? In order to address this question, this study focuses on three frequently evaluated indicators of during-visit learning: time spent, exhibit engagement, and interpretive talk. Each of these types of data makes certain assumptions about family learning and how it occurs. Four hundred ninety-three family interactions at 25 different children's museum exhibits were analyzed to examine what the three measures reveal about family learning behavior. When compared, the three measures were not highly correlated, suggesting that generalizing information about the family experience from a single indicator is insufficient. Looking at all three indicators simultaneously can help evaluators begin to explore the relationships between families’ learning behaviors, and think about how exhibit characteristics can influence potential learning opportunities in informal settings.
Empirical methods for determination of ionization gauge relative sensitivities for different gases

Abstract The relative sensitivities of a Bayard-Alpert ionization gauge for various organic molecules have been measured. There is a good correlation with total ionization cross section at 75 eV. For monofunctional compounds a correlation with number of electrons is seen with different functional groups on different lines. The best general correlation is with the polarizability, α, with R x =0.36 α +0.30, where R x is the chemical sensitivity relative to N 2 =1.00. Alkanes and the noble gases have slightly larger R x values than predicted by this equation.
Self-Assembled Monolayers of 2-Adamantanethiol on Au{111}: Control of Structure and Displacement†

We have investigated the formation of 2-adamantanethiolate self-assembled monolayers on Au{111} and their displacement by n-dodecanethiol, using scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy. Well-ordered 2-adamantanethiolate monolayers undergo rapid and significant molecular exchange upon exposure to n-dodecanethiol solutions, but their structures and intermolecular interactions template the growth of n-dodecanethiolate domains. Annealing 2-adamantanethiolate monolayers at 78 °C decreases the density of vacancy islands, while increasing the overall order and the average domain sizes in the films. This results in slower displacement by n-dodecanethiol molecules, as compared to unannealed monolayers. The secondary sulfur position on the adamantyl cage influences the lattice structure and exchange of 2-adamantanethiolate monolayers by alkanethiols.
Reliability of mechanomyographic amplitude and mean power frequency during isometric step and ramp muscle actions.

Abstract This study examined the reliability of mechanomyographic amplitude (MMG RMS ) and mean power frequency (MMG MPF ) for the vastus lateralis during isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and submaximal step and ramp muscle actions of the leg extensors. Nineteen participants (mean ± S.D. age = 24 ± 4 yrs) performed two isometric MVCs, 10 randomly ordered isometric step muscle actions at 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, and 95% of MVC, and two 6 s isometric ramp muscle actions during 3 trials separated by 3–5 days. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of the measurement (SEM), and minimal difference (MD) were used for test–retest reliability, while repeated measures ANOVAs were used to quantify systematic variability. Systematic variability was only present across the 3 trials at 5% MVC during the step muscle action for MMG RMS and at 35% of MVC during the ramp muscle action for MMG MPF . The ICCs ranged from 0.39 to 0.89 and 0.36 to 0.80, while the SEM (% of mean) ranged from 14.9 to 33.9% and 6.9 to18.9% for MMG RMS and MMG MPF , respectively. Thus, MMG RMS and MMG MPF demonstrated reliability that was comparable to that of the surface electromyographic signal.
Rationale, design, and implementation of a cluster randomized trial using certified diabetes educators to intensify treatment for glycemia, blood pressure and lipid control: REMEDIES 4D.

Abstract Background Evidence supports that adequate treatment of hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension can reduce morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes, however achieving treatment goals remains elusive. The majority of diabetes care occurs in the primary care setting; however there are often missed opportunities for timely intervention during office visits. This paper describes a systematic redesign of current diabetes treatment in primary care by implementing evidence-based protocols. Materials/methods This is a cluster randomized controlled trial using certified diabetes educators (CDEs) to intensify therapeutic management. Fifteen primary care practices from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center were recruited. Practices were randomized to intervention (implementation of diabetes management protocols) or usual care. Eligibility criteria included diagnosis of type 2 diabetes at least one year prior to baseline and an A1C ≥ 7%, LDLc ≥ 100 mg/dl or blood pressure ≥ 130/80 mm Hg which were the goal levels established by the American Diabetes Association at study inception. Treatment was intensified according to preapproved protocols. Participants also received diabetes education during their visits. Research assessments were done at baseline, three, six and twelve months. Clinical visits were scheduled between research visits, as needed, to adjust medications. Primary outcomes were achievement of glycemic, blood pressure, or lipid control goals. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, medication and diabetes care satisfaction, medication adherence, and cost-effectiveness. Conclusions Results from this study will provide the evidence to support expanded roles for CDEs in primary care. Using this model to deliver diabetes care may offer a more cost-effective approach for diabetes management.
The clinical effects of hyaluronic acid ester nasal dressing (Merogel) on intranasal wound healing after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Abstract Objectives We sought to determine the efficacy of MeroGel, an absorbable hyaluronic acid nasal dressing (HA) in reducing synechia after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) compared with Merocel, a nonabsorbable packing (NAP) requiring removal. Methods We conducted a blinded, randomized, controlled trial of 37 patients requiring bilateral FESS for chronic sinusitis. Patients were randomized to placement of HA within the right or left middle meatus and NAP on the other side. Patients were evaluated at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperatively. Results Blinded evaluation revealed 5 patients (14%) with synechia at last follow-up: 3 sides (8%) with HA and 3 (8%) with NAP. Thirteen patients (35%) had synechia at any visit, 10 sides (27%) with HA and 9 (24%) with NAP. Seven patients (19%) required lysis of synechia, 5 sides (14%) with HA and 3 (8%) with NAP. Conclusion We found no statistically significant difference between HA and NAP dressings.
Comparison of the intensity and duration of effects of inhaled bitolterol and albuterol on airway caliber and airway responsiveness to histamine.

Abstract Inhaled β-agonists can produce bronchodilatation and reduce airway hyperreactivity in patients with asthma. Using these two measures, we compared inhaled bitolterol (three puffs, 1110 μg), albuterol (two puffs, 180 μg), and placebo administered by metered-dose inhaler in a blinded, crossover study of 40 subjects with chronic asthma. On each study day, subjects underwent histamine challenges at 112 hours before, and 12, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after inhaling one of the three test-drug treatments. Both drugs produced significant bronchodilatation at 30 minutes through 4 hours and significant effects on airway reactivity at 30 minutes through 2 hours ( p p 1 ≥1.0 mg/ml of histamine (half-life of biologic effect 1.37 versus 0.92 hours; p 1 ≤1.0 mg/ml (half-life of biologic effect of 1.01 versus 1.00 hours; p > 0.05).
Clinical development of radioimmunotherapy for B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Over the past several decades, several biomolecules have been investigated for their ability to deliver radiation to cancer cells, but antibodies have been the carriers of choice in systemic targeted radionuclide therapy (STaRT). Two radioimmunotherapy agents that target the CD20 antigen, 131 I-tositumomab and 90 Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan, have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and clinical trials have shown that they are effective as monotherapies in the salvage setting, producing response rates that are often higher and durations of response that are often longer than those with chemotherapy. Escalated doses of these agents can be supported with stem cell transplantation and can produce high rates of complete response and greater survival in patients with relapsed NHL. The quality and duration of responses are greater with radioimmunotherapy when it is used earlier in the course of treatment.
Retinal and Choroidal Blood Flow in Unstressed Fetal and Neonatal Lambs

Summary: The relationship between retinal blood flow (RBF) and choroidal blood flow (ChBF) and the oxygen content of arterial blood was investigated in 12 fetal lambs. The postnatal changes in these flows were studied in twelve newborn lambs. RBF and ChBF were determined by means of radioactive microspheres 3 to 10 days after implantation of the injection and sampling catheters. Fetal blood flows were measured at different levels of oxygenation. The postnatal flows were measured while the lamb breathed room air. The fetal data suggest an inverse relationship between RBF and arterial oxygen content. Concomitant changes in fetal ChBF were unrelated to arterial oxygen content. Because of the inverse relationship between RBF and arterial oxygen content, the product of RBF and arterial oxygen content was independent of the state of fetal oxygenation. RBF did not change with birth, whereas ChBF increased. There was no change in RBF with postnatal age whereas ChBF decreased significantly with increasing age. Speculation: A reduced vascular resistance in the immature choroid might be an important predisposing factor in the development of retrolental fibroplasia in preterm babies treated with high environmental oxygen.
A tool for uniform coating of 300-mm wafers with nanoparticles

We report a laminar flow thermophoretic aerosol deposition tool suitable for depositing nanoparticles on flat substrates such as silicon wafers up to 300 mm in diameter. The essential features were found to be a high aerosol flow rate, an inlet designed to minimize flow separation (a hyperbolic design in this case), and heating the aerosol inlet gas flow. A high flow rate reduces the residence time, thereby limiting particle agglomeration. The hyperbolic design of the aerosol inlet nozzle maintains the dynamic pressure that is needed to prevent flow recirculation, and is robust up to flow rates of 15 SLM without flow separation. Finally, heating the inlet gas flow ensures uniform particle deposition over the entire surface of the substrate. Particle deposition is quite uniform in both radial and azimuthal directions, with less than ±5.5 % variation of particle density on a 150-mm wafer, as characterized using non-contact AFM imaging. Computational fluid dynamics simulations predict that similar uniformity can be attained on larger (300 mm diameter) wafers.
An Evaluation of a Gerontological Training Program for Nursing Assistants

A gerontological training program for nursing assistants has been developed by the New England Gerontology Academy to (1) improve the quality of care delivered to the institutionalized elderly, and (2) provide training and assistance on a gerontology career ladder to displaced homemakers, AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) recipients, unemployed immigrants, and other disadvantaged groups. The program successfully produced a cadre of committed paraprofessionals but was not suited for those whose removal from the labor market had been long-term.
Social Pot Pourri: Sharing Life with Others

Innovation is a major driving force in all earthly bio-entities, from the macro to the micro. That influence is transmitted by an immense variety of communicational modes, and may present an unlimited range of results. One expectable result is that the phenomenon conventionally indentified as SOCIETY must be redefined in recognition of its composition as an infinite assortment of networks involving an infinite range of participant entities.
Two distinct forms of soluble MHC class I molecules synthesized by different mechanisms in normal rat cells in vitro

Abstract Rat soluble MHC class I synthesis was studied at both RNA and protein levels to determine whether multiple forms of soluble MHC class I molecules are produced by different mechanisms. RT-PCR and sequencing of MHC class I transcripts identified an alternatively spliced nonclassical MHC class I gene product, lacking both exon 5 and 6, in both spleen and liver. Immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE identified two distinct soluble MHC class I proteins in both splenocyte- and hepatocyte-culture supernatants. The 36Kd classical soluble MHC class I protein (RT1.Aa) was precipitated by both allele-specific (MN4.91.6, R3/13, R2/15S) and pan-reactive (OX18) mAbs. The 39Kd non-RT1.A soluble MHC class I protein was precipitated only by OX18. The production of soluble RT1.Aa was inhibited by a metalloproteinase inhibitor, but not by serine/thiol protease inhibitors. None of these protease inhibitors interfered with the soluble non-RT1.A production, suggesting that it might be derived from an alternatively spliced MHC class I transcript. The soluble non-RT1.A was always associated with β2m. However, soluble RT1.Aa molecule was cleaved in β2m-free form and was reassociated with β2m in culture supernatants. Thus two soluble MHC class I molecules, classical (36Kd RT1.Aa) and nonclassical (the alternatively spliced transcript), were produced from rat cells. Alternative splicing led to the nonclassical soluble MHC class I synthesis. Proteolytic cleavage by metalloproteinase led to the classical soluble MHC class I synthesis.
Formation of MUC1 metabolic complex is conserved in tumor-derived and normal epithelial cells.

MUC1 is abundantly expressed at the surface of epithelial cells in many tissues and their carcinomas. In humans, genetic polymorphism and differential splicing produce isoforms that may contribute to MUC1 participation in protection of the cell surface, modulation of cell-cell interactions, signaling, and metastasis. Biosynthetic and processing studies in tumor-derived cell lines indicate that cell surface MUC1 consists of a non-covalently associated heterodimer of separate cytoplasmic tail and extracellular domains. This heterodimer results from a single precursor proteolytically cleaved intracellularly. To determine whether similar processing of this isoform occurs in normal epithelial cells, we have examined cell-associated MUC1 and MUC1 released into medium by normal human uterine, mammary, and prostate epithelial cells. Cell-associated MUC1/REP was extracted as an SDS labile complex which was resistant to dissociation by boiling, urea, sulfhydryl reduction, peroxide, high salt, or low pH and was present in all normal cells examined. Addition of various proteolytic inhibitors during extraction had no effect on the proportion of this complex detected. MUC1 released into the medium was not associated with a particulate fraction (100,000g insoluble) and lacked the cytoplasmic tail. MUC1/REP and the MUC1 isoform lacking the transmembrane/cytoplasmic tail region, MUC1/SEC, mRNA were detected in all normal cells examined indicating that both shed and secreted MUC1 are likely to contribute to soluble forms found in culture media.
Reproductive endocrinology of female elasmobranchs: lessons from the little skate (Raja erinacea) and spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias).

Conventional classification of reproductive modes in female elasmobranchs fails to account for the diversity in ovarian dynamics that operate during oviparous and viviparous cycles. Delineating this diversity is crucial for understanding the endocrine regulation of the manifold physiological mechanisms utilized to retain and protect eggs and developing embryos, to fuel embryogenesis, and to manage the intrauterine milieu. Oocyte development and follicular steroidogenesis overlap with egg retention and pregnancy in some species, whereas in others the follicular phase of the cycle is temporally separated from the gravid period. A luteal phase predominates the post-ovulatory period in viviparous species. In oviparous species, the luteal phase overlaps with the follicular cycle. This heterogeneity in ovulatory cycles suggests that the endocrine system evolved a transmutable system for regulating steroidogenesis and the control of the reproductive events. The reproductive biology and endocrinology of the oviparous little skate and lecithotrophic viviparous spiny dogfish are reviewed in order to derive a working hypothesis that explains the complex nature of endocrine patterns observed in species utilizing disparate reproductive modes. An understanding of the adaptations in ovarian dynamics to particular ovulatory cycles is key to developing theories about the evolution of reproductive strategies in female elasmobranchs. J. Exp. Zool. 284:557-574, 1999.
Choice of first intervention is related to outcomes in the management of empyema.

Background The study determined whether the first procedure; simple drainage (tube thoracostomy, pigtail catheter) or operation (video-assisted thoracic surgery [VATS], thoracotomy) was related to outcomes in the management of empyema. Methods Data were collected from 104 consecutive patients with empyema. Primary outcomes were additional procedures and death. Predictor variables included age, delay, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), serum albumin, malignancy, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, loculations on computed tomography scan, empyema stage, and first procedure choice. Results Advanced empyema (≥ stage IIA) was present in 84% of patients. Overall treatment success rates (no death, no additional drainage procedures) among evaluable patients for pigtail drainage, tube thoracostomy, VATS, and thoracotomy were 40% (4 of 10), 38% (14 of 37), 81% (13 of 16), and 89% (32 of 36), respectively. Five patients underwent miscellaneous procedures. Univariate variables associated with hospital death included KPS, CCI, and drainage as the first procedure. In multivariate analyses, KPS (coefficient, –0.06, p = 0.002) and failure of the first procedure (odds ratio [OR], 6.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45 to 31.4, p = .01) were independent predictors of death. Simple drainage as the first procedure was a strong, independent predictor of failure of the first procedure (OR, 11.1; 95% CI, 3.51 to 34.9; p = .00004). Conclusions The choice of the first procedure is critical in the outcome for treatment of empyema, even with adjustment for confounding variables. VATS or thoracotomy as initial therapy for advanced empyema is associated with better outcomes.
Kinetic model development for single-stage coal coprocessing with petroleum waste

Abstract Coal coprocessing with waste petroleum materials achieves the dual purpose of upgrading both the coal and the waste materials economically. The kinetics of coal coprocessing with petroleum waste has been studied experimentally and modeled mathematically. A combined parallel and series reaction scheme was assumed for the coal liquefaction. Experiments were carried out in a tubing bomb microreactor at temperatures of 375 to 425°C, at reaction times of 15–120 min, with 10% coal loading and with 1250 psig pressure. Coal conversions as high as 98% were obtained during coprocessing. More than 70% conversion to oil is achieved at high temperatures and grease loadings. The effect of temperature and grease loading on coal liquefaction were also studied. A rigorous parameter estimation technique was employed to determine the parameters involved in the model. The model predictions are good for experimental conditions other than those used to determine the model parameters. Higher conversion and higher rate of liquefaction obtained during coprocessing were explained from the obtained kinetic rate parameter values.
Discovery of a novel alveolate pathogen affecting southern leopard frogs in Georgia: Description of the disease and host effects

In April of 2006, we observed southern leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala) tadpoles in a pond in northeast Georgia that were dying from an unknown pathogen. Examination of affected specimens, as well as PCR characterization, revealed that all were infected with a novel alveolate pathogen closely related to freshwater and marine eukaryotic organisms and, to a lesser degree, to members of the genus Perkinsus. This pathogen has been documented in numerous mortality events in anuran tadpoles in the United States, although it has not yet been named nor clearly described. We subsequently conducted a systematic survey of this and four other ponds in the same area to document the extent of the pathogen and to describe the nature of infections in leopard frog tadpoles. Of 87 live tadpoles examined, 25% were infected with the alveolate pathogen, based on visual inspection of tadpole liver tissue. Affected tadpoles frequently had enlarged abdomens, swam erratically, and could be captured by hand. All organs of infected tadpoles were infiltrated but typically to a lesser extent than the liver and kidneys, which often had hundreds of thousands of the spherical, 6-μm organisms. Infected tadpoles tended to weigh more than noninfected ones, likely due to the massive organ swelling that coincided with infections. Infected tadpoles did not differ in developmental stage from noninfected tadpoles. Infection prevalence varied widely among ponds, and in one pond, we witnessed a rapid die-off of R. spenocephala tadpoles during our surveys, although we did find infected metamorphic frogs. The rapid mortality we observed as well as the vast number of organisms seen in specimens suggests that this pathogen has tremendous transmission potential, and therefore deserves further monitoring and study.
SCF wavefunctions and energies for valence states and excited states of carbon and nitrogen

Abstract Wavefunctions and energies are reported for the (2s) n (2p) m states of neutral carbon and nitrogen using the fixed double-zeta bases employed by Clementi to describe the ground state of these atoms. In addition, the wavefunctions and energies for a number of valence states are given, including the so-called sp 3 valence state of carbon. Calculated energies of the valence states agree well with those obtained from experiment. The corresponding valence-state orbitals are useful in semi-empirical quatum-mechanical calculators, such as the maximum overlap method.
Inflammatory aneurysm and neurocysticercosis: further evidence for a causal relationship? Case report.

Objective and importance Two cases of inflammatory aneurysms in patients with neurocysticercosis have been reported previously. Clinical and radiographic studies suggest a causal relationship. Clinical presentation A man with neurocysticercosis presented with an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage from a left middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Intervention The patient underwent a craniotomy and clipping of his aneurysm. Diffuse inflammatory changes and multiple cysticercal cysts were found throughout the left sylvian fissure. Conclusion The patient had an uneventful recovery. Angiography suggested an inflammatory rather than a congenital aneurysm. Although rare, neurocysticercosis may induce aneurysm formation in the appropriate setting.
Premature depolarization concealed in two pulmonary veins.

Pulmonary Vein Premature Depolarization. A case is presented in which a premature depolarization emanated from a partially activated left inferior pulmonary vein, activated the entire left superior pulmonary vein, but did not activate the atria (“concealed”). The site of conduction block between each vein and the left atrium was the anatomic atriovenous junction. At times, the same depolarization would activate the atria and initiate atrial fibrillation. The shortest depolarization coupling interval that activated the atria was significantly longer than the atrial fibrillation cycle length recorded in either vein. Observations in this case support two concepts: (I) the existence of myocardial “tracts,” extending into and between pulmonary veins; and (2) a “mismatch” between pulmonary vein activation ingress and egress.
Rewriting History: Forgeries as Crimes against Our Cultural Heritage

Crimes of theft and mutilation against cultural heritage resources are being punished more severely under the 2002 revision of the federal sentencing guidelines. However, creating and distributing forgeries of these resources are not being recognized as crimes of a serious nature. This article describes several examples of how these forgeries damage cultural heritage, and calls for the inclusion of forgery as a crime against cultural heritage resources.
Tetrahydrobiopterin and Cardiovascular Disease

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for the aromatic amino acid hydroxylases, which are essential in the formation of neurotransmitters, and for nitric oxide synthase. It is presently used clinically to treat some forms of phenylketonuria (PKU) that can be ameliorated by BH4 supplementation. Recent evidence supports potential cardiovascular benefits from BH4 replacement for the treatment of hypertension, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and cardiac hypertrophy with chamber remodeling. Such disorders exhibit BH4 depletion because of its oxidation and/or reduced synthesis, which can result in functional uncoupling of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Uncoupled NOS generates more oxygen free radicals and less nitric oxide, shifting the nitroso-redox balance and having adverse consequences on the cardiovascular system. While previously difficult to use as a treatment because of chemical instability and cost, newer methods to synthesize stable BH4 suggest its novel potential as a therapeutic agent. This review discusses the biochemistry, physiology, and evolving therapeutic potential of BH4 for cardiovascular disease.
Chipping away at diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases

Biomarkers are needed to overcome critical roadblocks in the development of disease-modifying therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. Evolving genome-wide expression technologies can comprehensively search for molecular biomarkers and allow fascinating insights into the expanding complexity of the human transcriptome. The technology has matured to the point where some applications are deemed reliable enough for use in patient care. In the neurosciences, it has led to the discoveries of osteopontin in multiple sclerosis and SORL1/LR11 in Alzheimer's, and recent studies indicate its potential for identifying neurogenomic biomarkers. Advances in pre-analytical and analytical methods are improving search efficiency and reproducibility and may lead to a pipeline of biomarker candidates suitable for development into future neurologic diagnostics.
Microwave synthesis of nano-sized barium titanate

Abstract Nano-sized barium titanate powders have been synthesized by microwave processing at 2.45 GHz. Using barium titanyl oxalate (BTO) as a precursor, microwave processing was carried out by heating the precursor to a temperature between 600 °C and 750 °C with different heating rates from 10 °C/min to 20 °C/min without isothermal holding. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that the decomposed product at 680 °C was pure cubic BaTiO3. The BET specific surface area of barium titanate powder, after microwave heating to 680 °C, was 14.2 ± 0.5 m2/g, corresponding to an average particle size of 70 nm. This particle size was confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Parallel study shows that the conventional heating in a regular resistance furnace using a similar heating schedule did not result in complete conversion of BTO. This study shows that the microwave processing significantly accelerated the decomposition of barium titanyl oxalate and reduced the temperature of barium titanate nano-powder formation, resulting in nano-sized pure cubic barium titanate powder.
1-Pyrenol: A Biomarker for Occupational Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract A biological monitoring method using the major urinary metabolite of pyrene, 1-pyrenol, has been successfully used to assess the exposure of aluminum reduction plant workers to coal tar pitch-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The method used high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. The net mean change between workers pre- and postshift urinary 1-pyrenol concentrations was seventeenfold greater than the net mean change found in controls. The data strongly indicated that the net change in urinary 1-pyrenol concentration in workers was greater than found in controls. Evidence for an effect due to smoking in this context was negligible. The data show a strong positive correlation between environmental pyrene and all 17 environmental PAHs that were analyzed and urinary 1-pyrenol, verifying that pyrene was an appropriate choice to use as a marker for coal tar pitch-derived PAHs.
The Effect of Absorbed Water on the Properties of Cotton and Fibers from Hydrophilic Polyester Block Copolymers

This paper describes the effect of water on the fiber properties and the moisture-retaining ability of cotton in relation to hydrophilic model block copolymer fibers. These model fibers were made f...
The Effect of Group Projects on Content-Related Learning.

Business schools often assign student group projects to enhance student learning of course content and to build teamwork skills. However, the characteristics of effective collaborative learning tasks, including group goals and individual accountability, are often not found in student group projects assigned in business classes. The current research found that content learning was actually inhibited by the use of a group project. The results indicate that the students who completed a project in groups learned less of the project-related content than did students who completed a shortened version of the project individually. The characteristics of business school group projects, peer-learning projects, and group projects in the workplace are compared and contrasted. Implications for program and course design are discussed.
Convergence analysis of narrow-band active noise control system

This paper presents the convergence analysis of the filtered-X least mean square algorithm for narrow-band active noise control with direct-form realization. Theoretical bounds are established for the maximum eigenvalue and the eigenvalue spread of the reference signal's covariance matrix, which in turn provide insight into algorithm convergence and optimization. In order to improve the convergence speed, amplitudes of sinusoidal reference signals are chosen to be the inverse of the magnitude responses of the secondary path at the corresponding frequencies.
Ti-V plots and the petrogenesis of modern and ophiolitic lavas

Plots of Ti vs. V for many modern volcanic rock associations are diagnostic of tectonic setting and can be used to determine possible tectonic settings of ophiolites as well. The basis of this plot is the variation in the crystal/liquid partition coefficients for vanadium, which range with increasing oxygen fugacity from > 1 to 50. Back-arc basin basalts may have either arc-like or MORB-like Ti/V ratios, and sample suites from single back-arc basins may have Ti/V ratios ranging from 10 to 50. This range in Ti/V ratios in samples from a restricted geographical area may be diagnostic of the back-arc setting. The Ti/V plot is applied here to published data on ophiolites from a variety of postulated settings and in general supports the conclusions of previous investigators. Ophiolites from the western Mediterranean (Corsica, northern Apennines) and the "lower" Karmoy volcanics have Ti/V trends similar to MORB; the "upper" Karmo'y volcanics have alkaline Ti/V ratios. Lavas and tonalites in the Papuan ultramafic belt, the high-Mg andesites of Cape Vogel, and the upper pillow lavas at Troodos all have Ti/V ratios < 20, consistent with formation in an island arc setting. More specific evaluation of the tectonic setting of these and other ophiolites requires application of detailed geologic and petrologic data as well as geochemistry. The Ti/V discrimination diagram, however, is a potentially powerful adjunct to these techniques.
Relationship between subsistence and age at weaning in “preindustrial” societies

Cross-cultural studies have revealed broad quantitative associations between subsistence practice and demographic parameters for preindustrial populations. One explanation is that variationin the availability of suitable weaning foods influenced the frequency and duration of breastfeeding and thus the length of interbirth intervals and the probability of child survival (the “weaning food availability” hypothesis). We examine the available data on weaning age variation in preindustrial populations and report results of a cross-cultural test of the predictions that weaning occurred earlier in agricultural and pastoral populations because dairy and cereal production increased the availability of easily digestible, nutrientrich foods appropriate for weaning. We found that, contrary to predictions, supplementation with liquid foods other than breast milk was delayed in agricultural populations relative to less agriculturally dependent ones and complementary feeding with solid foods was delayed in pastoral populations relative to those less dependent on herding. Although the duration of breastfeeding was longer in populations dependent on hunting, there was no qualitative evidence that such populations lacked foods appropriate for weaning. The patterns observed suggest that the relationships between demography and subsistence observed among preindustrial societies cannot be explained by the “weaning food availability” hypothesis. We discuss the implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying prehistoric human demography, subsistence shifts, allocation to parenting and mating effort, and the evolutionary implications of tradeoffs between diet and disease.
Enhanced Monitoring-as-a-Service for Effective Cloud Management

This paper introduces the concept of monitoring-as-a-service (MaaS), its main components, and a suite of key functional requirements of MaaS in cloud. We argue that MaaS should support not only the conventional state monitoring capabilities, such as instantaneous violation detection, periodical state monitoring, and single tenant monitoring, but also performance-enhanced functionalities that can optimize on monitoring cost, scalability, and the effectiveness of monitoring service consolidation and isolation. In this paper, we present three enhanced MaaS capabilities and show that window-based state monitoring is not only more resilient to noises and outliers, but also saves considerable communication cost. Similarly, violation-likelihood-based state monitoring can dynamically adjust monitoring intensity based on the likelihood of detecting important events, leading to significant gain in monitoring service consolidation. Finally, multitenancy support in state monitoring allows multiple cloud users to enjoy MaaS with improved performance and efficiency at more affordable cost. We perform extensive experiments in an emulated cloud environment with real-world system and network traces. The experimental results suggest that our MaaS framework achieves significant lower monitoring cost, higher scalability, and better multitenancy performance.
Cellulose solvent-based biomass pretreatment breaks highly ordered hydrogen bonds in cellulose fibers of switchgrass

The switchgrass (SG) samples pretreated by cellulose solvent- and organic solvent-based lignocellulose fractionation were characterized by enzymatic hydrolysis, substrate accessibility assay, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), cross polarization/magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Glucan digestibility of the pretreated SG was 89% at hour 36 at one filter paper unit of cellulase per gram of glucan. Crystallinity index (CrI) of pure cellulosic materials and SG before and after cellulose solvent-based pretreatment were determined by XRD and NMR. CrI values varied greatly depending on measurement techniques, calculation approaches, and sample drying conditions, suggesting that the effects of CrI data obtained from dried samples on enzymatic hydrolysis of hydrated cellulosic materials should be interpreted with caution. Fast hydrolysis rates and high glucan digestibilities for pretreated SG were mainly attributed to a 16.3-fold increase in cellulose accessibility to cellulase from 0.49 to 8.0 m2/g biomass, because the highly ordered hydrogen-bonding networks in cellulose fibers of biomass were broken through cellulose dissolution in a cellulose solvent, as evidenced by CP/MAS 13C-NMR and FTIR. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:521–529. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Language typology and reconstruction: the prenasalized stops of Kisi

The findings of language typologists can contribute to understanding synchronic variation where no diachronic facts are available. By establishing what happens universally, one can extrapolate as to the past and perhaps as to the future of a language on the basis of synchronic evidence. One approach within such a framework concentrates on a typologically unusual or marked feature on the assumption that its derivation may be established from less highly marked features. This paper discusses the typologically unusual prenasalized stops of Kisi, a Mel language belonging to the Southern Branch of (West) Atlantic. The approach adopted here is based on the processoriented framework developed by Joseph Greenberg.