cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CO oxidation on Pd1/W(110)

Abstract The oxidation of CO adsorbed on a monolayer of Pd, adsorbed on W(110) (Pd 1 /W(110)) occurs both via dioxygen (the dominant form on the surface at 90 K) and from atomic O (the dominant species at T ⩾ 200 K). In the first case CO 2 desorption peaks near 200 K, in the second the CO 2 desorption spectrum is very broad, extending from ∼ 100 to 400 K. CO preadsorption blocks dioxygen adsorption at 90 K, with O 2 adsorption absent on a saturated CO layer. CO can be adsorbed on O 0.6 /W(110) but is desorbed without oxidation. Thermodynamic arguments are given to explain this behavior. The low temperature of CO oxidation on Pd 1 /W(110) seems to result from the relatively weak binding energy of CO on this surface as well as the relatively low adsorption energy of dioxygen and the ease with which it can be converted to adsorbed atomic O and utilized in CO oxidation.
Regionally Distinct N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors Distinguished by Quantitative Autoradiography of [3H]MK-801 Binding in Rat Brain

Quantitative autoradiography of [3H]MK-801 binding was used to characterize regional differences in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor pharmacology in rat CNS. Regionally distinct populations of NMDA receptors were distinguished on the basis of regulation of [3H]MK-801 binding by the NMDA antagonist 3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP). CPP inhibited [3H]MK-801 binding in outer cortex (OC) and medial cortex (MC) with apparent Ki values of 0.32-0.48 microM, whereas in the medial striatum (MS), lateral striatum (LS), CA1, and dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus, apparent Ki values were 1.1-1.6 microM. In medial thalamus (MT) and lateral thalamus (LT) the apparent Ki values were 0.78 microM. In the presence of added glutamate (3 microM), the relative differences in apparent Ki values between regions maintained a similar relationship with the exception of the OC. Inhibition of [3H]MK-801 binding by the glycine site antagonist 7-chlorokynurenic acid (7-ClKyn) distinguished at least two populations of NMDA receptors that differed from populations defined by CPP displacement. 7-ClKyn inhibited [3H]MK-801 binding in OC, MC, MS, and LS with apparent Ki values of 6.3-8.6 microM, whereas in CA1, DG, LT, and MT, Ki values were 11.4-13.6 microM. In the presence of added glycine (1 microM), the relative differences in apparent Ki values were maintained. Under conditions of differential receptor activation, regional differences in NMDA receptor pharmacology can be detected using [3H]MK-801 binding.
Anorexia nervosa and nephrolithiasis

A patient with primary anorexia nervosa developed acute abdominal pain and hematuria. Cytoscopy and retrograde pyelography cofirmed nephrolithiasis. A calcium oxalate stone was passed. The association between anorexia nervosa and nephrolithiasis has not been previously reported. Dietary factors and chronic dehydration are known to contribute to the development of renal stones; therefore, the association may not be coincidental.
Insulin’s effect on glucose production: direct or indirect?

Insulin’s effects on glucose homeostasis have been studied as extensively as any area of metabolic regulation. It is therefore particularly exciting when new technologies allow a fresh look at older, well-studied but unresolved issues. This excitement is heightened when information from new approaches challenges accepted paradigms. Recent studies have proved that tissue-specific knockout mice provide such an approach. For example, tissue-specific deletion of the insulin receptor in skeletal muscle yields a mouse (the muscle-specific insulin receptor knockout or MIRKO) with a smaller musculature but with normal fasting and postchallenge glucose and insulin concentrations (1). This was quite unexpected inasmuch as physiologic studies in humans had indicated that greater than 80% of insulin-mediated glucose disposal occurred in skeletal muscle. Why then, despite severe skeletal muscle insulin-resistance, was overall body glucose homeostasis not impaired? Recognizing that developmental compensation for the absence of insulin receptors in muscles might have occurred, investigators examined downstream signaling molecules of the insulin receptor pathway as well as the amount of IGF-1 receptor in muscle. No compensatory processes were identified. By default they concluded that tissues other than muscle, at least in the mouse, were more important in the maintenance of normal glucose metabolism. Interestingly, selective disruption of the Glut-4 transporter in muscle produced insulin resistance as well as glucose intolerance in some mice. Again however, this did not have as profound metabolic consequences as might be expected (2). Notably, deletion of Glut-4 in adipose also produced insulin resistance in muscle (and liver), however the mechanism for these secondary effects has not been defined (3).
Identification of 5-HT3 binding sites in rat spinal cord synaptosomal membranes.

Abstract The 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists, ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222, displace 47–55% of the specific [ 3 H]serotonin (100 nM) binding to synaptosomal membranes derived from the dorsal, but not ventral, spinal cord of rats with IC 50 s less than 1.0 nM. Methiothepin (10 μM) increased displacement to 86–94% without shifting these IC 50 s. Scatchard plots of [ 3 H]5-HT binding in the presence of methiothepin (10 μM) reveal a single population of sites (K D = 11.5 nM, B max = 282 fmol mg −1 protein). These results indicate the presence of 5-HT 3 binding sites in dorsal spinal cord.
Groundwater Record of Halocarbon Transport by the Danube River

Groundwater dating studies have supported the concept that aquifers with low coefficients of dispersion may contain coherent records of past conditions in recharge areas. Groundwater records can provide unique information about natural or anthropogenic changes in the atmosphere and hydrosphere where long-term monitoring data are not available. Here we describe a 40-year record of halocarbon contamination in the Danube River that was retrieved from a shallow aquifer in northwest Hungary. The time scale is based on 3 H and He isotope dating of groundwaters that were recharged by the Danube River and moved horizontally away from the river in a surficial gravel aquifer with minor dispersion at a maximum rate of at least 500 m/yr. Analyses of dated groundwaters along a flow path indicate that the river loads of selected compounds (including CFC-12, CFC-113, and trichloroethane) were negligible before about 1950, rose rapidly to peak values in the 1960s and 1970s, and then decreased by varying degrees to the present. Peak concentrations are tentatively attributed to point sources in upstream urban-industrial centers; while recent decreases presumably resulted from declining manufacturing rates and(or) improvements in control of urban-industrial runoff and sewage effluent entering the river in upstream areas.
Imperfect bose system

Work on the dilute hard sphere Bose ssatem and on a method of treating bose condensation in a general interacting system is summarized. The topics discussed include the ground-state energy, excited energy states, equilibrium and nonequilibrium thermodynamical properties, superfluid flow, and the density matrix. (M.C.G.)
Cogeneration Potential of Energy Conversion Systems

Energy conversion systems for industrial cogeneration, supplying both electricity and process heat, were characterized in order to match each candidate to specific industrial requirements. The ratio of power to process heat is shown to be a critical factor in achieving matches that produce appreciable fuel savings. Economic screening, based on return on incremental investment, further refines the selection. The potential national fuel savings in 1990 are developed for the energy conversion systems with the greatest impact at levels of 0% and a 20% return on investment.
Repeated measures analyses of dose timing of antiretroviral medication and its relationship to HIV virologic outcomes.

Medication adherence is a critical predictor of the effectiveness of antiretroviral medications in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Studies of adherence, however, have focused primarily on the per cent of prescribed doses taken (per cent adherence). In the Adherence and Efficacy of Protease Inhibitor Therapy study, we collected detailed adherence data including dose timing information as well as data regarding patients' virologic responses. For 48 weeks, adherence data and virologic outcomes were collected every 4 weeks, and demographics and other measures were collected at baseline and at weeks 8, 24, and 48. We constructed eight different dose timing error (DTE) measures and evaluated their associations with virologic outcomes using longitudinal analyses. Repeated measures mixed effect models were fitted to evaluate the predicting power of each of the DTE measures. Among 52 036 electronically measured doses obtained from 122 patients, DTE measures significantly predicted virologic outcomes. Of the eight different DTE measures, the six DTE measures were significantly predictive of virologic outcomes even after controlling for per cent adherence. In conclusion, we identified several measures of DTE that explain HIV virologic outcomes not captured by traditional adherence measures. Investigations of adherence to antiretrovirals would benefit from measuring not only per cent adherence but dose timing adherence. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of postnatal lung growth and development between C3H/HeJ and C57BL/6J mice

Previous work by our group has demonstrated substantial differences in lung volume and morphometric parameters between inbred mice. Specifically, adult C3H/HeJ (C3) have a 50% larger lung volume an...
Evaluation of prototype transmembrane 4 superfamily protein complexes and their relation to lipid rafts.

Recent literature suggests that tetraspanin proteins (transmembrane 4 superfamily; TM4SF proteins) may associate with each other and with many other transmembrane proteins to form large complexes that sometimes may be found in lipid rafts. Here we show that prototype complexes of CD9 or CD81 (TM4SF proteins) with α3β1 (an integrin) and complexes of CD63 (a TM4SF protein) with phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PtdIns 4-K) may indeed localize within lipid raft-like microdomains, as seen by three different criteria. First, these complexes localize to low density light membrane fractions in sucrose gradients. Second, CD9 and α3 integrin colocalized with ganglioside GM1 as seen by double staining of fixed cells. Third, CD9-α3β1 and CD81-α3β1 complexes were shifted to a higher density upon cholesterol depletion from intact cells or cell lysate. However, CD9-α3β1, CD81-α3β1, and CD63-PtdIns 4-K complex formation itself was not dependent on localization into raftlike lipid microdomains. These complexes did not require cholesterol for stabilization, were maintained within well solubilized dense fractions from sucrose gradients, were stable at 37 °C, and were small enough to be included within CL6B gel filtration columns. In summary, prototype TM4SF protein complexes (CD9-α3β1, CD81-α3β1, and CD63-PtdIns 4-K) can be solubilized as discrete units, independent of lipid microdomains, although they do associate with microdomains resembling lipid rafts.
The Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Children with a Persistent Esotropia Following Bilateral Medial Rectus Recessions and Lateral Rectus Resections

Background and Purpose To report on the outcomes of treating children with a persistent esotropia with an injection of botulinum toxin in a medial rectus muscle.
Enhancement of photoelectrochemical response by aligned nanorods in ZnO thin films

Abstract ZnO thin films are deposited in pure Ar and mixed Ar and N 2 gas ambient at various substrate temperatures by rf sputtering ZnO targets. We find that the deposition in pure Ar ambient leads to polycrystalline ZnO thin films. However, the presence of N 2 in the deposition ambient promotes the formation of aligned nanorods at temperatures above 300 °C. ZnO films with aligned nanorods deposited at 500 °C exhibit significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical response, compared to polycrystalline ZnO thin films grown at the same temperature. Our results suggest that aligned nanostructures may offer potential advantages for improving the efficiency of photoelectrochemical water-splitting for H 2 production.
Arterial Blood Pressure Responses to Cell-free Hemoglobin Solutions and the Reaction with Nitric Oxide

Abstract Changes in mean arterial pressure were monitored in rats following 50% isovolemic exchange transfusion with solutions of chemically modified hemoglobins. Blood pressure responses fall into three categories: 1) an immediate and sustained increase, 2) an immediate yet transient increase, or 3) no significant change either during or subsequent to exchange transfusion. The reactivities of these hemoglobins with nitric monoxide (⋅NO) were measured to test the hypothesis that different blood pressure responses to these solutions result from differences in ⋅NO scavenging reactions. All hemoglobins studied exhibited a value of 30 μm −1 s−1 for both⋅NO bimolecular association rate constants and the rate constants for ⋅NO-induced oxidation in vitro. Only the ⋅NO dissociation rate constants and, thus, the equilibrium dissociation constants varied. Values of equilibrium dissociation constants ranged from 2 to 14 pm and varied inversely with vasopressor response. Hemoglobin solutions that exhibited either transient or no significant increase in blood pressure showed tighter⋅NO binding affinities than hemoglobin solutions that exhibited sustained increases. These results suggest that blood pressure increases observed upon exchange transfusion with cell-free hemoglobin solutions can not be the result of ⋅NO scavenging reactions at the heme, but rather must be due to alternative physiologic mechanisms.
CHLOROPLAST INHERITANCE IN COSMARIUM TURPINII BRÉB.

SUMMARY Chloroplast inheritance was studied in Cosmarium turpinii Breb. with respect to both vegetative and zygotic transmission. Analyses were carried out on (1) reciprocal haploid x diploid crosses with respect to the number and size of the zygotic chloroplasts, (2) differential survival of chloroplasts in hypnospores of different mating type strains, and (3) the position of the chloroplasts in diploid zygotes. Morphological evidence indicates that the chloroplasts in the mature zygote are derived from the (+) mating type gamete with an infrequent contribution from the (–) mating type gamete. Additional evidence suggests that the chloroplast material of each of 2 Bones arising from the zygote is derived from the plastid material of a semicell of a gamete. Differential survival of the chloroplasts is interpreted as a result of physiological differences between cells of complementary mating types.
Commentary: Bone morphogenetic protein's contribution to pulmonary artery hypertension: Should this raise concern for patients undergoing spinal fusions with bone morphogenetic protein?

Background Congenital pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) has been clinically correlated in 70-80% of cases with mutations at the bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) genetic site. However, there is also clinical and basic science/laboratory literature indicating a dose-response relationship between BMP signaling and the evolution of PAH (e.g., increased endothelial, smooth muscle, and progenitor cell production, with calcifications). Methods Clinical PAH, characterized by pulmonary artery remodeling, elevated right ventricular pressures, increased vascular constriction, and inflammation, is largely due to congenital mutations at the BMPR2 site. Both clinical and laboratory studies have confirmed the correlation between dysfunction at the BMPR2 genetic site and PAH. However, additional basic science and clinical studies suggest a dose-response relationship between BMP signaling and the evolution of PAH. Results Laboratory studies found that pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) under hypoxic conditions proliferated in response to BMP-2 in a dose-dependent fashion. Others noted that PASMCs extracted from patients with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) demonstrated abnormal growth responses to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in a dose-related manner. Conclusions The clinical/basic science literature appears to document a dose-dependent relationship between BMP and PAH (independent of the congenital lesions). Does this mean patients undergoing lumbar fusions with BMP are at risk for PAH?
Haptic collaboration: biomedical engineering meets digital design

This talk presents results of ongoing research and educational collaboration between the School of Art + Design (SoA+D) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at New Jersey Institute of Technology. This collaboration began when researchers from BME became aware of a series of projects by digital design students from SoA+D producing virtual games that interface with fabricated physical design prototypes with microcontrollers through the use of the Unity 3D game engine as an application hub to connect the virtual and real worlds. The BME researchers had developed a novel admittance-controlled haptic robotic exoskeleton for assisting the upper extremity motions of people with stroke and cerebral palsy and were seeking to integrate it with an engaging and challenging virtual environment that can retain a user's interest. The result is a user-controlled haptic manipulator that allows individuals with neurological impairment to be therapeutically assisted by the exoskeleton (BME) while haptically interacting with virtual objects in a 3-D animated environment (SoA+D). The talk also introduces a new cross-disciplinary educational approach employing expertise of both academic units.
Molecular Restructuring Kinetics and Low-Velocity Wetting of n-Alkane Rotator Phases by Polar Liquids

Advancing and receding contact angles were measured on n-alkane surfaces at substrate speeds below 300 μm/s for dimethyl sulfoxide, formamide, ethylene glycol, 2,2‘-thiodiethanol, and glycerol. The existence of plastic crystalline or rotator phases prior to the melting transition for n-alkane solids was utilized to provide a range of substrate molecular freedom. Contact angles for liquid-substrate combinations demonstrated velocity dependence for high interface velocities resulting in steady-state hysteresis. For measurements made on a commercial paraffin substrate in transition between the ordered crystalline and RII rotator phases corresponding to a high mechanical loss tangent, contact angles converged to apparent equilibrium values at low velocities. However, no such relaxation was observed for the ordered crystalline phase, and thus significant differences in relaxation behavior between tested liquids on the paraffin wax were not found for substrates possessing high and low molecular freedom. Differe...
Improved intensity coding at faster click-rates within the acoustic reflex pathway.

This investigation was designed to study the effect of click repetition rates on the slopes of the ipsilateral acoustic reflex growth functions. Sixteen normal female subjects within the age range 20 to 26 years participated in the study. Following the determination of ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds at the click repetition rates of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 clicks/sec, reflex amplitudes were measured at 5 and 10 dB above the threshold volues. The amplitudes of the acoustic reflex grew more rapidly at higher click rates, resulting in steeper slopes of the acoustic reflex growth functions. These results suggest better coding of intensity at higher click repetition rates within the ipsilateral acoustic reflex pathway.
Locational representation in imagery: The third dimension

Six experiments were conducted to test the relative processing characteristics of picture-plane and three-dimensional imagery as indexed by tasks that required subjects to keep track of successive locations in multiunit visual displays. Subjects were shown symmetrical displays either drawn on cardboard or constructed with three-dimensional blocks. They then were required to imagine these matrices and follow pathways through a series of adjacent squares (blocks) within the matrices. The pathways were described by a series of verbal terms that indicated the direction of the next square (block) in the pathway. Subjects experienced difficulty in performing the task with picture-plane displays composed of as few as 16 squares (4×4), but they rarely made errors with a three-dimensional matrix of 27 blocks (3×3×3). Performance with the three-dimensional task dropped dramatically when the matrix size was increased to 4×4×4. The results replicated previous findings that the image processing capacity for location in two-dimensional imagery is about three units in each direction, and they indicate that adding the depth dimension increases the capacity for representation of spatial location in imagery.
Climate and vegetational regime shifts in the late Paleozoic ice age earth

The late Paleozoic earth experienced alternation between glacial and non-glacial climates at multiple temporal scales, accompanied by atmospheric CO2 fluctuations and global warming intervals, often attended by significant vegetational changes in equatorial latitudes of Pangaea. We assess the nature of climate-vegetation interaction during two time intervals: middle-late Pennsylvanian transition and Pennsylvanian-Permian transition, each marked by tropical warming and drying. In case study 1, there is a catastrophic intra-biomic reorganization of dominance and diversity in wetland, evergreen vegetation growing under humid climates. This represents a threshold-type change, possibly a regime shift to an alternative stable state. Case study 2 is an inter-biome dominance change in western and central Pangaea from humid wetland and seasonally dry to semi-arid vegetation. Shifts between these vegetation types had been occurring in Euramerican portions of the equatorial region throughout the late middle and late Pennsylvanian, the drier vegetation reaching persistent dominance by Early Permian. The oscillatory transition between humid and seasonally dry vegetation appears to demonstrate a threshold-like behavior but probably not repeated transitions between alternative stable states. Rather, changes in dominance in lowland equatorial regions were driven by long-term, repetitive climatic oscillations, occurring with increasing intensity, within overall shift to seasonal dryness through time. In neither case study are there clear biotic or abiotic warning signs of looming changes in vegetational composition or geographic distribution, nor is it clear that there are specific, absolute values or rates of environmental change in temperature, rainfall distribution and amount, or atmospheric composition, approach to which might indicate proximity to a terrestrial biotic-change threshold.
Choanal atresia and associated multiple anomalies.

Seventeen unrelated patients with multiple anomalies of unknown etiology were identified by the presence of choanal atresia. A regularly recurring pattern of associated features involving mental retardation, postnatal growth deficiency, hypogenitalism (males), small ears, cardiac defects, micrognathia, posinatal microcephaly, and ocular coloboma was identified. Choanal atresia when accompanied by multiple anomalies of unknown etiology has a serious prognosis with a predictable pattern of associated defects.
Dilemmas in Caries Diagnosis

New criteria and methods are needed to identify the changing expression of caries and to classify carious lesions into categories keyed to treatment strategies. Symposium speakers identified these problems and reviewed the changing philosophy of diagnosis.
Model of coral population response to accelerated bleaching and mass mortality in a changing climate

We model coral community response to bleaching and mass mortality events which are predicted to increase in frequency with climate change. The model was parameterized for the Arabian/Persian Gulf, but is generally applicable. We assume three species groups (Acropora, faviids, and Porites) in two life-stages each where the juveniles are in competition but the adults can enter a size-refuge in which they cannot be competitively displaced. An aggressive group (Acropora species) dominates at equilibrium, which is not reached due to mass mortality events that primarily disadvantage this group (compensatory mortality, >90% versus 25% in faviids and Porites) roughly every 15 years. Population parameters (N individuals, carrying capacity) were calculated from satellite imagery and in situ transects, vital rates (fecundity, mortality, and survival) were derived from the model, field observations, and literature. It is shown that populations and unaltered community structure can persist despite repeated 90% mortality, given sufficiently high fecundity of the remaining population or import from connected populations. The frequency of disturbance determines the dominant group—in low frequency Acropora, in high frequency Porites. This is congruent with field observations. The model of an isolated population was more sensitive to parameter changes than that of connected populations. Highest sensitivity was to mortality rate and recruitment rate. Community composition was sensitive to spacing of disturbances and level of catastrophic mortality. Decreased mortality led to Acropora dominance, increased mortality led to Acropora extinction. In nature, closely spaced disturbances have severely disadvantaged Acropora populations over the last decade. Unless a longer (>10 years) disturbance-free interval can be maintained, a permanent shift away from Acropora dominance will be observed. A mortality rate of 99% in Acropora, as observed in 1996, is not sustainable if repetitive and neither is a disturbance frequency <15 years—each leading to population collapse. This shows that the severity and/or the spacing of the 1996–1998–2002 disturbances were unusual in frequency and duration.
Phosphate Ions: Does Exposure Lead to Degradation of Cementitious Materials?

An assessment of the potential effects of phosphate ions on cementitious materials was made through a review of the literature, contacts with concrete research personnel, and conduct of a “bench-scale” laboratory investigation [1]. The objectives of this limited study were to: (1) review the potential for degradation of cementitious materials due to exposure to high concentrations of phosphate ions; (2) provide an improved understanding of any significant factors that may lead to a requirement to establish exposure limits for concrete structures exposed to soils or ground waters containing high levels of phosphate ions; (3) recommend, as appropriate, whether a limitation on phosphate ion concentration in soils or ground water is required to avoid degradation of concrete structures; and (4) provide a “primer” on factors that can affect the durability of concrete materials and structures in nuclear power plants. Results of a literature review, contacts with industry personnel, and a laboratory investigation indicate that no harmful interactions occur between phosphate ions and cememtitious materials unless phosphates are present in form of phosphoric acid. Relative to the “primer,” a separate NUREG report has been prepared that provides a review of pertinent factors that can affect the durability of nuclear power plant reinforced concrete structures.
Clinical simulation using deliberate practice in nursing education: A Wilsonian concept analysis

Effective use of simulation is dependent on a complete understanding of simulation's central conceptual elements. Deliberate practice, a constituent of Ericsson's theory of expertise, has been identified as a central concept in effective simulation learning. Deliberate practice is compatible with simulation frameworks already being suggested for use in nursing education. This paper uses Wilson's Method of concept analysis for the purpose of exploring the concept of deliberate practice in the context of clinical simulation in nursing education. Nursing education should move forward in a manner that reflects best practice in nursing education.
Clinical application of a light-pen computer system for quantitative angiography

The important features in a clinical system for quantitative angiography were examined. The human interface for data input, whether an electrostatic pen, sonic pen, or light-pen must be engineered to optimize the quality of margin definition. The computer programs which the technician uses for data entry and computation of ventriculographic measurements must be convenient to use on a routine basis in a laboratory performing multiple studies per day. The method used for magnification correction must be continuously monitored.
Two nonmetrizable manifolds

Abstract We construct two manifolds. The first construction uses a van Douwen line technique with no special set-theoretic assumptions and yields a separable, normal, nonmetrizable manifold. In the second construction we assume ◊ + to get a normal, but not collectionwise normal, manifold.
Multi-stage, multi-force dewatering of steelmaking sludges

Abstract A novel, sequential, multi-stage, multi-force dewatering process for steelmaking sludges is described. The process consists of stages of chemical flocculant addition, sedimentation complemented by magnetic forces, decantation of clear liquid, and finally filtration to produce a cake. The synergistic effect of the chemical, magnetic and gravity forces results in rapid and complete solid/ liquid separation. The results show that blast furnace, basic oxygen furnace, and electric arc furnace sludges can be dewatered to produce cakes containing 70 – 80 wt.% solids, while discarding clear water, which represents 75 – 90% of the original sludge volume. Thus this dewatering process has considerable potential for the treatment of steelmaking sludges to permit more efficient disposal, storage, or recycle.
Mutator clones of Neisseria meningitidis in epidemic serogroup A disease.

Serogroup A Neisseria meningitidis has repeatedly caused widespread epidemics of meningitis and septicemia throughout the 20th century. Recently, in a limited collection of strains, epidemic serogroup A isolates were found to have elevated mutation rates that was caused by defects in mismatch repair pathways. To ascertain the role of these mutators in the epidemic spread of this serogroup, the prevalence of hypermutability in a collection of 95 serogroup A N. meningitidis invasive isolates was determined. Overall mutability in Neisseriae can be described by measuring both missense mutation rates as well as phase variation frequencies of “contingency loci.” Fifty-seven percent of serogroup A isolates possessed elevated mutability, which could be divided into two classes: intermediate and high level. Eleven of 20 high-level mutators, with phase variation rates >100-fold higher than wild-type isolates, were defective in mismatch repair. Ten of the 34 intermediate mutators possessing >10-fold increases in phase variation rates could be partially complemented by a wild-type mutL allele. A high prevalence of mutators in epidemic isolates indicates that hypermutability may play a major role in the transmission of this pathogen. The added diversity derived from increased phase variation rates may allow fixation of mutator alleles more frequently during epidemic spread.
Development of micro-fluidic nitrate-selective sensor based on doped-polypyrrole nanowires

Abstract This paper presents a flow-through, nitrate-selective, electrochemical sensor developed by electropolymerization (doping) of polypyrrole nanowire (PPy-NW) electrodes. The flow-through micro-fluidic platform enabled a realistic and controlled testing environment. Cyclic voltammetry, amperometry and flow-through analysis were performed to evaluate the sensor performance for determination of nitrate ions in two sets of calibration solutions (DI water and IAPSO standard seawater). The sensor response was linear over the range from 10 μM (0.14 ppm Nitrate-N) to 1 mM (14 ppm Nitrate-N), with a sensitivity of 1.17–1.65 nA/μM and detection limit of 4.5 ± 1 μM or 0.063 ± 0.014 ppm Nitrate-N. The electrochemically doped PPy-NW electrodes show improved selectivity for chloride, sulfate, phosphate and perchlorate ions, without the loss from interfering ions.
Parenting and Depression Differences Across Parental Roles

Few empirical studies have examined the association between parenthood and psychological well-being. Using NLSY79 data (n = 6,297), we examined how various parental roles, or specific parent–child relationship types, were associated with depressive symptoms in adults. We hypothesized that less traditional and more complex parental roles would be associated with higher depressive symptoms. Ordinary least squares regression results revealed that having a stepchild was associated with higher depressive symptoms, regardless of the stepchild’s residential status. Additionally, certain combinations of parental roles were a risk factor for depressive symptoms, including having a biological child residing in the home and another biological child residing outside the home simultaneously, a biological child and a stepchild residing together (with or without a new biological child), and having more than two combined parental roles in general. Findings suggested certain parental roles are indeed associated with highe...
Lifetime evidence for a weak lowest electronic transition in adenosine

Abstract The fluorescence decay of adenosine in 1:1 glycol/water glass has been determined at 77K using narrow pulse (700 ps) laser excitation at 290 nm and fluorescence detection with a scanned narrow-gate (100 ps) fast sampler together with digital averaging. Data analysis by re-iterative non-linear least squares convolution shows the decay is best represented by the bi-exponential form I(t) = 0.59exp − t 1.2ns + 0.41 exp − t 7.0ns . This leads to intrinsic radiative lifetimes of 150 ns and 220 ns respectively and a combined oscillator strength of 1.5 × 10−2. Compared with the overall oscillator strength of 0.29 for the entire first absorption band of adenosine this indicates that transitions to and from the lowest-lying state in this band are quite forbidden. This is not accounted for by current theoretical considerations.
Duration of Type 2 Diabetes and Very Low Density Lipoprotein Levels Are Associated with Cognitive Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is now recognized as an independent risk factor for accelerated cognitive decline and neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Less is known about the neurocognitive function of T2D patients with comorbid metabolic syndrome, despite their elevated risk for impairment. Computerized testing in 47 adults with T2D that met criteria for NCEP metabolic syndrome revealed that cognitive impairment was prevalent, including 13% in tests of memory, 50% in attention, and 35% in executive function. Partial correlations showed that longer duration of diabetes was associated with poorer performance on tests of basic attention (), working memory (), and executive function (). Strong associations between very low density lipoprotein and poor cognitive function also emerged, including tests of set shifting () and cognitive inhibition (). Findings suggest that patients with T2D that meet criteria for metabolic syndrome are at high risk for cognitive impairment. Prospective studies should look to replicate these findings and examine the possible neuroprotective effects of lipid-lowering medication in this population.
Multiuser detectors for synchronous CDMA communication over non-selective Rician fading channels

Synchronous code division multiple access (CDMA) data transmission over a non-selective Rician fading channel is considered, where the faded signal components arrive at the receiver in synchronism with the specular signal component. Under the assumption that the fading parameters are uncorrelated, this fading CDMA channel is shown to be equivalent to a Gaussian CDMA channel over which a modified signal set is employed. A fading counterpart of the multiuser asymptotic efficiency performance measure is defined. The asymptotic efficiencies of the optimum, decorrelating, and conventional detectors designed for the fading channel are derived. The conventional detector, which has low complexity, is shown to degrade rapidly in near-far environments. The optimal detector for the fading channel exhibits a significant improvement in performance but at the price of a computational complexity that increases exponentially with the number of users. The linear decorrelating detector for the fading case is optimally near-far resistant. The asymptotic efficiencies of multiuser detectors designed for the Gaussian channel when employed over the Rician fading channel are also obtained, thereby quantifying the loss in performance incurred by these mismatched detectors. >
Radioimmunotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: A review for radiation oncologists

Purpose: The aim of this study was to review advances in radioimmunotherapy (RIT) for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and to discuss the role of the radiation oncologist in administering this important new form of biologically targeted radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: A review of articles and abstracts on the clinical efficacy, safety, and radiation safety of yttrium Y 90 ( 90 Y) ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin) and iodine I 131 tositumomab (Bexxar) was performed. Results: The clinical efficacy of RIT in NHL has been shown in numerous clinical trials of 90 Y ibritumomab tiuxetan and 131 I tositumomab. Both agents have produced significant responses in patients with low-grade, follicular, or transformed NHL, including patients with disease that had not responded or had responded poorly to previous chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Reversible toxicities such as neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia are the most common adverse events with both agents. Conclusions: Radioimmunotherapy is safe and effective in many patients with B-cell NHL. 90 Y ibritumomab tiuxetan and 131 I tositumomab can produce clinically meaningful and durable responses even in patients in whom chemotherapy has failed. Treatment with RIT requires a multispecialty approach and close communication between the radiation oncologist and other members of the treatment team. The radiation oncologist plays an important role in treating patients with RIT and monitoring them for responses and adverse events after treatment.
An analysis of perspectives in interactive settings

In this paper we investigate the effect of the context of interaction on the extent to which a contributor's perspective bias is displayed through their lexical choice. We present a series of experiments on political discussion data. Our experiments indicate that (i) when people quote contributors with an opposing view, they tend to quote the words that are less strongly associated with the opposing view. (ii) Nevertheless, in quoting their opponents, the displayed bias of their word distributions shifts towards that of their opponents. (iii) The personal bias of the speaker is displayed most clearly through the words that are not quoted, (iv) although characteristics of the quoted message do have a measurable effect on the words that are included in the contribution. And, finally, (v) posts are influenced by the displayed bias of previous posts in a thread.
Measurement of dipolar interactions between spin-12 and quadrupolar nuclei by rotational-echo, adiabatic-passage, double-resonance NMR

Abstract A new solid-state MAS NMR experiment is described that recovers the dipolar interaction between spin- 1 2 nuclei and quadrupolar nuclei spin pairs. This technique combines the principles of rotational-echo, double-resonance (REDOR) NMR and transfer-of-populations-double-resonance (TRAPDOR) NMR. Dipolar evolution is driven by a REDOR-like π-pulse train applied to the spin- 1 2 nuclei and by a single TRAPDOR-like adiabatic-passage pulse applied to the quadrupolar nuclei.
Some Naturalistic Reflections on Set Theoretic Method

Set theory has been subject to sharp methodological disputes from its very beginnings, but over the years most of these - like those concerning impredicative definitions or the axiom of choice - have been resolved to the general satisfaction of the set theoretic community. So many themes have run through these debates, so many theses have been raised, challenged, and defended, that it's difficult to sort out which of these considerations actually brought about the stable outcome. Some observers think these matters were decided on philosophical grounds; some pessimists see only sociological forces at work. These questions are important for the practice of contemporary set theory, because methodological questions remain to this day: what is the status of independent questions like the Continuum Hypothesis? Should they be abandoned or pursued? If the latter, what means are appropriate? In particular, how are new axiom candidates to be evaluated? On these issues, I disagree with both the philosophers and the pessimists. In the now-settled methodological disputes, I think consensus was eventually reached for good mathematical reasons, that is, for reasons integrally connected to the mathematical goals the developing theory hoped to attain: for example, a classical theory of real numbers, in the case of impredicative defInitions; a staggeringly wide range of particular benefits in the case of the axiom of choice (a wellbehaved theory of infinite cardinals, to take just one example). In other words, I think one can argue for the rationality of these methodological decisions of the past and illuminate the underlying justificatory structure of debates of the present by strict attention to the detailed mathematical considerations in play.! This is what I call 'naturalized methodology', and I have tried to apply it in some particular cases.2 One factor often cited in philosophical and methodological discussions of mathematics is the widespread
Teaching by Principles: An Interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy

Teaching by Principles: An Interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy, Third Edition, by H. Douglas Brown, is a widely acclaimed methodology text used in teacher education programs around the world. This user-friendly textbook offers a comprehensive survey of practical language teaching options, all firmly anchored in accepted principles of language learning and teaching. End-of-chapter exercises give readers opportunities to process material interactively. Suggested readings direct readers to important books and articles in the field.
Electron cryotomography sample preparation using the Vitrobot

Electron cryotomography is the highest-resolution structural technique currently available that can be applied to unique objects such as flexible large protein complexes, irregular viruses, organelles and small cells. Specimens are preserved in a near-native, 'frozen-hydrated' state by vitrification. The thickness of the vitreous ice must be optimized for each specimen, and gold fiducials are typically added to facilitate image alignment. Here, we describe in detail our protocols for electron cryotomography sample preparation including (i) introduction of fiducial markers into the sample and (ii) sample vitrification. Because we almost exclusively use an automated, climate-controlled plunge-freezing device (the FEI Vitrobot) to vitrify our samples, we discuss its operation and parameters in detail. A session in which eight grids are prepared takes 1.5–2 h.
Long live the deans

Any system that tries to draw a line between contributors who are "important, substantial, significant, or whatever" (authors) and those who are not (people to be acknowledged) is bound to produce not only acrimony but also dissent and confusion. How can we compare the apple of A suggesting the research but doing nothing more, with the orange of B producing the protocol and then moving on, the banana of C collecting and analysing the data, and the mango of D writing up the study? We cannot, but we probably can agree who did what. We might even make E, who runs the institution, hired B, C, and D, and invited A to be visiting professor to guarantee the research. Indeed, I, as an editor and a reader, don't mind if you include E as contributor so long as you don't try to deceive me into thinking that he was actively involved in the research. "But," squeal those who are unhappy with what seems to be a simple, workable, and transparent system, "if we have no authors, how can we decide who will receive academic credit-tenure, promotion, a chair, a fellowship, a Nobel prize, whatever?" I don't see the problem. First, the bodies who dole out academic credit need to consider much more than publications; for example, teaching and organisational ability, and leadership skills. Second, when they do consider publications they will want to be clear exactly what the candidates did. If they want a head of department, they might be happy to appoint somebody who has been named in 100 papers in the previous year but whose contribution has been restricted to hiring the researchers and creating a space for them. You would not, however, want to give such a person a Nobel prize. Likewise, you would not want a head of department whose contribution to 20 papers has been restricted to collecting and analysing the data, but such a person might make an excellent research manager. Academic credit will be allocated to individuals much more fairly and meaningfully if it is linked not simply to authorship with no indication of what the person did (perhaps nothing) but rather to an identifiable contribution.
Planetary protection technologies: technical challenges for Mars exploration

The search for life in the solar system, using either in situ analysis or sample return, brings with it special technical challenges in the area of planetary protection. Planetary protection (PP) requires planetary explorers to preserve biological and organic conditions for future exploration and to protect the Earth from potential extraterrestrial contamination that could occur as a result of sample return to the Earth-Moon system. In view of the exploration plans before us, the NASA solar system exploration program roadmap published in May 2003 identified planetary protection as one of 13 technology areas for "high priority technology investments." Recent discoveries at Mars and Jupiter, coupled with new policies, have made this planning for planetary protection technology particularly challenging and relevant. New missions to Mars have been formulated, which present significantly greater forward contamination potential. In response, new guidelines have been adopted by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), including the introduction by COSPAR of a Category IVc for planetary protection. Some missions may not be feasible without the introduction of new planetary protection technologies. Other missions may be technically possible but planetary protection requirements may be so costly to implement with current technology that they are not affordable. A strategic investment strategy is needed to focus on technology investments designed to enable future missions and reduce their costs. This presentation will describe some of the potential technology pathways that may be most productive.
Political economy of debt and growth

Abstract A theory of endogenous fiscal policy and growth is developed. Fiscal policy–debt, income tax, spending on local public goods, and public investment–is determined through legislative bargaining. Economic growth depends directly on public investment, private investment in human capital, and, via learning-by-doing, labor supply. The model economy converges to a balanced growth path. During the transition to the balanced growth path, public debt grows faster than GDP, provisions of public goods and infrastructure grow slower than GDP, and the tax rate declines. The model is used to assess welfare implications of austerity programs.