cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ammonia assimilation and metabolism by Beggiatoa alba

Beggiatoa alba B18LD was investigated for its pathways of ammonia assimilation. The increase in growth yields ofB. alba with excess acetate was linear from 0.1 to 2.0 mM ammonia.B. alba had strong glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) activities, irrespective of the ammonia concentration in the medium. Glutamate dehydrogenase activity was not found, and alanine dehydrogenase (aminating) was observed only whenB. alba was grown at high (2.0 mM) ammonia. Methionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of GS, inhibited growth ofB. alba irrespective of the ammonia concentration in the medium. Thus it appears the primary pathway for ammonia assimilation inB. alba is via the GS-GOGAT pathway at both low and high ammonia concentrations. Preliminary experiments were unable to discern if theB. alba GS is modified by covalent modification.
Design of a thin film CdTe solar cell

Abstract Cadmium telluride was originally considered for thin film solar cells because of its optimum band gap, high optical absorption coefficient and ability to be doped. Furthermore, it is a stable compound which can be produced by a wide variety of methods from stable raw materials. As thin film photovoltaics mature, however, it is clear that several more subtle attributes have a significant impact on the viability of commerzialization. We discuss the observations which have provided insight and direction to Ametek's CdTe solar cell program. Rather than try to modify the inherent material properties of CdTe, advances have been made by designing a solar cell that exploits existing properties. Specifically, the tendency to self-compensate, which makes low resistance contacting difficult, is turned into an advantage in the n-i-p configuration; the CdTe provides an intrinsic layer with good carrier collection efficiency.
The ethics of researching those who are close to you: the case of the abandoned ADD project

This paper explores the ethical issues involved when researchers attempt to study participants who are personally close to them. It describes a case in which two researchers decided to study the experiences respectively of their son and grandson, both with ADD. They had barely initiated the study when ethical concerns led them to abandon the project. The authors relate the specific issues raised in the case to general issues of ethics in action research, such as anonymity, informed consent, collaboration, and the tension between the personal and professional.
Non-Rutherford proton scattering in RBS spectra

It has long been known that it is possible to take advantage of non-Rutherford scattering to enhance the sensitivity of backseattering spectrometry for light elements. We have utilized recently published proton cross section data to demonstrate the utility of this phenomenon for enhanced sensitivity for carbon and other light elements. RBS spectra illustrating the enhancement for C and F and Si in a number of materials are presented.
Life associated with a 2.76 Ga ephemeral pond?: evidence from Mount Roe #2 paleosol.

Dark sericitic material at and near the top of the 2.765 +/- 0.01 Ga Mount Roe #2 paleosol in Western Australia contains 0.05-0.10 wt% organic carbon with delta 13C values between -33% and -51% PDB (Peedee belemnite). Such negative isotopic values strongly indicate that methanotrophs once inhabited this material. The textures and the chemical composition of the dark sericitic material indicate that the methanotrophs lived in or at the edges of ephemeral ponds, that these ponds became desiccated, and that heavy rains transported the material to its present sites. The discovery of methanotrophs associated with the Mount Roe #2 paleosol may extend their geologic record on land by at least 1.5 b.y. Methanotrophy in this setting is consistent with the notion that atmospheric methane levels were > or = 20 (mu)atm during the Late Archean. The radiative forcing due to such high atmospheric methane levels could have compensated for the faint younger sun and helped to prevent massive glaciation during the Late Archean.
Influence of Filling Yarn Characteristics on the Properties of Corduroy Fabrics Woven on an Air-Jet Loom

The performance of 100% cotton open-end and ring spun yarns on an air-jet loom and their behavior in corduroy fabric are investigated. The amount of twist loss and the twist distribution across the fabric width are determined. The effects of changing yarn count and original twist level on the retained twist and on fabric properties are discussed.
Variations in chromophoric dissolved organic matter and its influence on the use of pigment-specific fluorimeters in the Great Lakes

Abstract The variability of colored material (yellow substances, chromophoric dissolved organic matter [CDOM]) in Great Lakes water on the operation of a submersible pigment-based fluorimeter (FluoroProbe) was assessed. The FluoroProbe is designed to account for the influence of ambient CDOM on fluorimetric analysis of natural waters by using background yellow substance content to correct for fluorescence that is not due to phytoplankton. The objective of this study was to assess FluoroProbe performance as well as determine the variability of CDOM that has a bearing on instrument use. This study focused on Lakes Ontario and Huron in spring and summer and employed up to three FluoroProbes for simultaneous comparisons of performance, as assessed by comparing in situ versus extracted concentrations of chlorophyll- a . Conclusions from this study are: FluoroProbes are not equally accurate; yellow substance correction factors obtained by FluoroProbes are instrument specific; there are seasonal differences in yellow substance correction factors between summer and spring and among thermal strata in summer, in Lakes Huron and Ontario.The observed differences among yellow substance correction factors are attributed to chromophoric material that was assessed independently by measuring CDOM using a separate fluorimetric technique and by measuring in situ UV absorption coefficients. These results suggest that the use of FluoroProbes and related instruments for phytoplankton surveillance and monitoring initiatives must account for differences in ambient CDOM.
Robots on the Move: Versatility and Complexity in Mobile Robot Locomotion

Researchers have come up with a diverse collection of mobile robot designs with an effort to create systems with superior locomotion characteristics. This is true whether the robot is designed to operate in terrestrial, aquatic, aerial, or scansorial (i.e., vertical and inverted surfaces) domains. Despite the creation of many successful (and unsuccessful) designs, no formal study has systematically examined which morphological features give robots high levels of mobility and maneuverability. This article presents a novel versatility metric that allowed a comparison among mobile robot designs. The results highlighted what design features can help create highly versatile systems without increasing mechanical complexity.
Heritability of Delay Discounting in Adolescence: A Longitudinal Twin Study

Delay discounting (DD) refers to the preference for smaller immediate rewards over larger but delayed rewards, and is considered to be a distinct component of a broader “impulsivity” construct. Although greater propensity for discounting the value of delayed gratification has been associated with a range of problem behaviors and substance abuse, particularly in adolescents, the origins of individual differences in DD remain unclear. We examined genetic and environmental influences on a real-life behavioral measure of DD using a longitudinal twin design. Adolescent participants were asked to choose between a smaller ($7) reward available immediately and a larger ($10) reward to be received in 7 days. Biometrical genetic analysis using linear structural equation modeling showed significant heritability of DD at ages 12 and 14 (30 and 51%, respectively) and suggested that the same genetic factors influenced the trait at both ages. DD was significantly associated with symptoms of conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, substance use, and with higher novelty seeking and poor self-regulation. This study provides the first evidence for heritability of DD in humans and suggests that DD can be a promising endophenotype for genetic studies of addiction and externalizing disorders.
Mining software effort data: preliminary analysis of visual studio team system data

In the software development process, scheduling and predictability are important components to delivering a product on time and within budget. Effort estimation artifacts offer a rich data set for improving scheduling accuracy and for understanding the development process. Effort estimation data for 55 features in the latest release of Visual Studio Team System (VSTS) were collected and analyzed for trends, patterns, and differences. Statistical analysis shows that actual estimation error was positively correlated with feature size, and that in-process metrics of estimation error were also correlated with the final estimation error. These findings suggest that smaller features can be estimated more accurately, and that in-process estimation error metrics can be provide a quantitative supplement to developer intuition regarding high-risk features during the development process.
Priming and Social Categorizational Factors Impact on Awareness of Emergency Situations

Priming and social categorizational factors are discussed relative to the possibility that individuals may misinterpret some kidnapping incidents as innocuous occurrences. Subjects either were or were not exposed to a prime (a poster requesting information about a genuinely missing child) before entering a study in which they viewed a videotape that contained an ambiguous interaction between an adult and a child. This interaction was one that could potentially have been interpreted as a child-napping. The adult was either male or female. Subjects made a number of judgments about the actions observed in the tape, including responding yes or no to an item that asked if the tape contained an emergency situation. Data analysis indicated that subjects in the prime condition were significantly more likely to conclude that the taped incident did contain an emergency; that this conclusion was significantly more likely when the abductor was male rather than female; and that this conclusion was most likely to occur...
Otologic and audiologic manifestations of hutchinson‐gilford progeria syndrome

Objectives/Hypothesis: To define the audiologic and otologic phenotype of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). Study Design: Prospective case series. Methods: Fifteen patients with HGPS were enrolled in a prospective natural history study; 14 were evaluated in the neurotology clinic, and 11 received audiologic evaluations. The physical exam and audiologic findings of these patients were reviewed to define an otologic and audiologic phenotype for HGPS in the largest series of subjects in the literature. Results: All patients were noted to have stiff auricular cartilages, small or absent lobules, and hypoplasia of the lateral soft-tissue portion of the external ear canal leading to a shortened canal. Ten of 14 patients (71%) had dry cerumen impaction, and four of 14 patients (29%) reported a history of recurrent otitis media. Nineteen of 22 ears (86.4%) demonstrated low-frequency conductive hearing loss in the 250 to 500 Hz range. Sixteen of 22 ears (73%) had type A tympanograms; three of 22 ears (14%) displayed bimodal or “W” peaked tympanograms; two of 22 ears (9%) had type B tympanograms; one of 22 ears (4%) had a type C tympanogram. Nine of 10 patients had distortion product otoacoustic emissions consistent with normal peripheral hearing sensitivity. Conclusions: HGPS is caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene resulting in the production of an abnormal nuclear protein; this in turn affects nuclear structure and function. Patients with HGPS have characteristic otologic features due to cartilaginous and subcutaneous tissue abnormalities and typically demonstrate low-frequency conductive hearing loss despite largely normal tympanometry. It is important to be aware of these conditions in managing these patients.
New regulations to minimize water impairment from animals rely on management practices

Water pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) led to revised federal regulations in the United States. The regulations provide for the greater management of potential sources of agricultural contamination and impose additional financial costs on producers. Along with a duty to secure a permit, significant changes address coverage of pollutants, separation of production and land application areas, effluent limitation guidelines, and differentiating agricultural storm water discharges from other discharges. The revised provisions require more producers to secure National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and mandate that large CAFOs develop technology-based effluent discharge limitations involving best management practices. Medium- and small-sized CAFOs need to adopt technology-based effluent discharge requirements employing best professional judgment. For farms raising animals that are not CAFOs, voluntary management practices may be employed to intercept pollutants before they enter waterbodies. Additional educational efforts promoting the implementation of further management practices that address the agricultural impairment of water resources may be needed.
Emotional history and pathogenesis of cancer

Emotional history was evaluated in a sample of cancer patients and a sample of noncancer patients who were hospitalized for treatment. An in-depth interview was conducted with each S to identify the frequency, duration, and intensity of each emotion-provoking event that he could remember across his life history. Evaluations of the interview information identified more frequent and intense emotional events in the Ss with cancer than in the controls who did not have cancer.
Measurements and a Simplified Interpretation of Magnetocardiograms from Humans

To understand and assess the magnetocardiograph, the magnetic field produced by electrical heart activity was mapped around the torsos of one abnormal and six normal heart subjects, at different times during QRS. The measurements are here presented in the form of instantaneous distributions of vector segments 6 cm from the skin, anteriorly. An electrical model is presented which explains the first-order features of these distributions. This model is a simple, rotating bipole heart source of changing strength which produces the same ion currents as measured with surface electrocardiograms and vectorcardiograms; these currents produce a time-changing magnetic field extending outside the torso. Further analysis of second-order details of the distributions can reveal information not obtainable with various forms of surface electrocardiography.
Social projection between theory and simulation

Abstract The dialectic between simulation theory and theory theory is a powerful source of energy for the study of the problem of other minds. In social psychology, theories of social projection have generated a large body of research showing that people readily generalize from themselves to others. Only when compelling other information is available do they take it into account and rely less on projection. Social projection, which is a form of mental simulation, ascribes psychological primacy to the self. In contrast, theory theory subordinates self-knowledge to general knowledge. Bazinger and Kuhberger (in press) suggest that the role of theory is neglected in social psychology. I respond that this is indeed so, and for good reason.
Social anxiety, emotion, and helping behavior

The present study tested the hypothesis that while moderately socially anxious persons would demonstrate enhanced helping activity following the perpetration or observation of harm, low socially anxious individuals would not. This hypothesis was supported, suggesting that harm-produced helping is emotionally mediated. A self-report MACL measure of mood states, however, failed to reveal consistent mood differences among conditions, leading to speculation concerning a possible confounding factor in the use of self-report measures of unpleasant moods. Finally, many of the data corroborated Lykken's description of social anxiety, which seems an important trait in the prediction of altruism.
Satcom-on-the-move why one size doesn't fit all

Satcom-On-The-Move offers true broadband communications capabilities for civil and military users. While the ultimate desire is to use satellite earth stations which are as small and light as possible, several trade-offs affect the ultimate coverage areas and communications data rates these systems can provide. This analysis considers several of the factors that drive the selection of a specific Satcom-On-The-Move earth terminal configuration.
Free recall as a function of meaningfulness, formal similarity, form and amount of internal structure, and locus of contingency

The purpose of these experiments was to determine the effects of meaningfulness and various conditions and levels of formal similarity on free recall acquisition, and to identify processes involved in stimulus encoding under these treatments. Variations under conditions of high similarity included form (pairwise versus interaction contingency) and amount of internal structure, and locus of pairwise contingency. When stimulus sets were words, high similarity impaired recall, the extent of impairment depending upon the nature of the contingency. When stimuli were nonsense syllables, high similarity facilitated recall, with the exception that an interaction contingency significantly impaired acquisition. Both form and amount of structure affected performance to a greater extent under conditions of low than of high meaningfulness.
Newer aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic management of acute idiopathic pericarditis.

Comparative serial studies of the fibrinogen polymerization test, with several acute phase reactants such as the C-reactive protein, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and plasma fibrinogen concentration, and also the antistreptolysin-O titer were carried out to explore their relative usefulness, for the differential diagnosis of non-specific rheumatic and tuberculous pericarditis. A consistently positive F.P. test indicated the presence, and mirrored the course, of rheumatic and idiopathic pericarditis, while it was negative in tuberculous pericarditis. Of the acute phase reactants only the ESR was abnormal to a comparable degree in all conditions studied. It seems, therefore, that the F.P. test can serve as a valuable aid in the diagnosis of idiopathic pericarditis. The F.P. test appears, furthermore, of value for the differential diagnosis between atypical myocardial infarction and acute nonspecific pericarditis, particularly, when used concomitantly with the serum GO-transaminase or aldolase tests. The treatment of pericarditis is discussed and the value of steroid therapy in nonspecific and rheumatic pericarditis of severe degree is emphasized. The F.P. test provides a particularly useful criterion for the efficacy of therapy since it appears not to be suppressed by salicylate or steroid therapy and reflects the activity of the disease.
Elongator Bridges Tubulin Acetylation and Neuronal Migration

Neuronal cell migration and maturation are crucial for the development of the mammalian cerebral cortex. In this issue, Creppe et al. (2009) now show that the multisubunit histone acetyltransferase Elongator may regulate migration and branch formation of cortical neurons in the developing mouse brain by acetylating α-tubulin.
Household decisions among the Gogo people of Tanzania: Determining the roles of men, women and the community in implementing a trachoma prevention program

An epidemiological survey in rural Tanzania indicated that the rate of trachoma was elevated in children whose faces were unclean. To aid in designing a health education program to increase face washing, a descriptive village study was done to determine water use patterns, attitudes towards face washing, responsibility for child hygiene, and decision making processes in the household and community. The study found that mothers were responsible for both water use and the health and cleanliness of the children. However, health education could not be directed at the women alone because the decision to change behavior had to be sanctioned by the husband in the household, and the community as a whole. The final health campaign was designed to be compatible with the accepted patterns of decision making. This case study, as well as others which focus on women's groups as change agents, suggests several factors such as male migration and local authority structures which health planners may need to assess when designing health programs.
Computation of chemical equilibria by the arithmetic-geometric method with application to the NiNH3H2SO4H2O system

Abstract A new computational method for tackling the complex chemical equilibrium problems in the metallurgical and chemical processes is presented. The method is based on the principle of the arithmetic-geometric transformation. By this method, the equilibrium model equations, i.e., the equilibrium expressions for chemical reactions and the equations of conservation, are solved in the logarithmic space. While the non-linear equilibrium expressions are readily linearized in that space, the conservation equations (mass balance, electroneutrality, etc.) would become non-linear when directly transformed. Through the arithmetic-geometric transformation, however, they can be recast in a linear form. The resultant set of the linearized equilibrium and conservation equations is then solved iteratively. The procedures by which the method is applied to chemical equilibrium computations are discussed in detail. As an illustration, the computational methodology is applied to compute the ionic equilibria for the NiNH 3 H 2 SO 4 H 2 O system for the conditions of high ionic strength and high temperature. The selection of the equilibrium model equations and of the relevant thermodynamic data for the system is discussed. The computational algorithm for both ideal and non-ideal systems is described in detail. The computed results agree well with those obtained by other investigators. The activities of the nickel ammines decrease with increasing temperature as well as with increasing molar ratios of ammonium sulfate to nickel. At high ionic strength, the coupling of the equilibrium model equations with the correlations for the ionic activity coefficients renders the equilibrium description highly non-linear. Computational experience shows that the method works very satisfactorily for this type of non-linear problem and, in particular, the convergence to the final solutions is barely affected by the initial guess. The method is also easy to understand and use.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein Antagonism of Spemann's Organizer Is Independent of Wnt Signaling

The Xenopus homeobox gene twin is involved in the Wnt-mediated induction of Spemann's organizer. Additionally, several lines of evidence indicate that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play a role in repressing the formation of the organizer by antagonizing the expression of genes involved in organizer establishment. In order to determine at what level BMPs exert their effect, we measured the activity of different genes expressed within the organizer region. We report that BMP signaling can antagonize the induction of the dorsal-specific gene goosecoid but is unable to affect Wnt signaling at the level of twin. These results suggest that the antagonistic activities of BMPs in organizer formation occur postzygotically, independent of twin regulation, and that Wnt-like dorsal determinant signaling pathways do not crosstalk with BMPs.
Heart rate conditioning of anosmic rats

Abstract The intent of this study was to investigate the influence of the olfactory system upon heart rate changes in the rat using a classical conditioning paradigm. Normal, nerve sectioned, and lesioned animals were given 20 CS-alone trials followed by 30 conditioning trials. All animals showed a decrease in heart rate to the first few presentations of the CS but after 20 trials the control animals had habituated to this stimulus while the nerve sectioned and lesioned animals had not. All three groups of animals demonstrated heart rate conditioning with the controls showing the greatest effect followed by the nerve sectioned animals and then the lesioned animals.
Natural selection: A concept in need of some evolution?

In some respects natural selection is a quite simple theory, arrived at through the logical integration of three propositions (the presence of variation within natural populations, an absolutely limited resources base, and procreation capacities exceeding mere replacement numbers) whose individual truths can hardly be denied. Its relation to the larger subject of evolution, however, remains problematic. It is suggested here thata scaling-down of the meaning of natural selection to “the elimination of the unfit,” as originally intended by Alfred Russel Wallace (1823–1913), might ultimately prove a more effective means of relating it to larger-scale, longer-term, evolutionary processes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2011
Influences of thyroxine and sex hormones upon optically evoked potentials in the optic tectum of goldfish

Abstract Small adult goldfish were given daily 200 μg of thyroxine or 300 μg of estradiol or testosterone for 10 or 11 days. With a tungsten microelectrode on the mid-dorsal surface, or driven various measured distances into the optic tectum, evoked potentials were measured after exposing the eyes to flashes of light of controlled intensity and duration. Thyroxine treatment reduced latency of the optic tectal response, reduced the time needed to reach maximum response, and increased amplitude of the response. The sex hormones had little or no observable effect. The thyroxine effect did not appear until after about 9 days of hormone treatment. The characteristics of the observed evoked responses, and the effect of thyroxine upon them, suggest that thyroxine may act directly upon the optic tectum.
Intonation in Palenquero

The least understood aspect of Palenquero phonology is its intonational system. This is a serious gap, as it is precisely in the realm of prosody that the most striking phonological differences between Palenquero and (Caribbean) Spanish are apparent. Although several authors have speculated that African influence may be at the source of Palenquero’s peculiar intonation, to date published research offers no detailed information about the intonation of the creole. The goal of this study is to remedy this situation. Here we identify several specific intonational features where conservative (or older-generation) Palenquero differs from (Caribbean) Spanish. One of these features is a strong tendency to use invariant word-level contours, with a H tone on the stressed syllable and L tones on unstressed syllables, in all sentential contexts, including prenuclear positions. A second feature that we have identified is the use of a sustained phrase-final high or mid level contour in declaratives accented on the final syllable, and a long fall in declaratives accented on the penult. The final section addresses the issue of the possible origin of these intonational features. We point out similarities with Equatorial Guinea Spanish and conclude that, at some point in the history of Palenquero, the Spanish prosodic system was interpreted as involving lexical tone, in conformity with claims in the literature regarding several Atlantic creoles.
Two radiation related public health studies

One study in question is that mandated by the “Uranium Radiation Control Act” enacted last November. It is concerned with cancer hazards from impressive piles of uranium tailings that have been present, for many years now, in twenty-three localities dispersed in nine States of the Union. The other study, recently announced by DHEM, i s concerned with possible long term effects o f the relatively brief radiation exposure caused by the accident at the Three Mile Island Atomic Plant. The health effects to be studied, whichmay manifest themselves over some decades, include leukemia and birth defects.Because of the differences in the character of radiation exposure (lonu duration, yesumabl y of low-level intensity , ver- sus brief, but possibly of nigh intensity), the conbination of the two studies could be enliqhtening. However, there are important difficulties.
Binding energies of excitons in polar quantum well heterostructures

We present a calculation of the variation of the binding energy of a heavy-hole exciton in a highly ionic quantum well structure, as a function of well width using a variational approach. We include the effects of exciton-phonon interaction and of mismatches between the particle masses and the dielectric constants of the well and barrier layers. The effect of exciton-phonon interaction is described in terms of an effective potential between the electron and the hole, derived by Pollmann and B\"uttner [J. Pollmann and H. B\"uttner, Phys. Rev. B 16, 4480 (1977)] using an exciton--bulk optical-phonon Hamiltonian. We find that the values of the exciton binding energies we calculate agree very well with those obtained using a more rigorous but a complicated approach due to Zheng and Matsuura [R. Zheng and M. Matsuura, Phys. Rev. B 58, 10 769 (1998)] in which they consider an exciton interacting with the confined-longitudinal optical phonons, interface phonons, and half-space phonons. Our method has the advantage of being considerably simpler, more efficient to use and is much easier to generalize to include the effects of external perturbations such as electric and magnetic fields. We compare the results of our calculations with the available experimental data in a few ionic quantum well structures and find a very good agreement. We show that for an appropriate understanding of the experimental data in ionic quantum well structures one must properly account for the exciton-phonon interaction.
Short-term and Long-term Orthopaedic Issues in Patients With Fragility Fractures

Background Patients with impaired bone quality who suffer a fragility fracture face substantial challenges in both their short- and long-term care. In addition to poor bone quality, many of these patients have multiple medical comorbidities that alter their surgical risk and affect their ultimate functional recovery. Some medical issues can contribute to the altered bone quality and must be addressed to prevent future fractures.
Differentiation of the epipod chloride cells in the limb of Artemia

Summary The epipod forms at instar V as a sac of epidermal cells extending from the dorsal edge of the thoracopod. Pillar processes from the basal surface of the cells connect opposing epithelia across the hemocoel of the flattened sac. Differentiation started in late premolt of instar VIII and by instar IX all the cells had increased in height, greatly enhanced the surface area of the plasma membrane, and increased the number of mitochondria. Chloride transport (silver staining) followed the same temporal pattern demonstrating that differentiation of chloride cell morphology and transport function was attained during a period of one instar. The presence of mitotic figures revealed that the chloride cells retained the ability to replicate after differentiation.
Fluoride-vitamin supplements: effects on dental caries and fluorosis when used in areas with suboptimum fluoride in the water supply

The study was designed to determine whether supplemental fluoride regimens were effective in providing anticariogenic benefits in young children beyond those received from suboptimally fluoridated drinking water. Supplemental fluoride regimens were provided to infants residing in suboptimal fluoride areas. These regimens resulted in additional protection against dental caries beyond that provided by the fluoridated water and a cosmetically acceptable increase in dental fluorosis.
Numerical Study of the Q-Color Problem on a Lattice

By using the finite size extrapolation method and combined with a Monte Carlo simulation we have calculated the zero temperature entropy of the q-state Potts Antiferromagnet in two and three dimensions which is identical to the q-color problem in two and three dimensions. The model is laid on a hypercubic lattice. When q=3 (in two dimensions) the result is in good agreement with Lieb’s exact answer. When q>3 (in two and three dimensions) the results are in strong support of Mattis’ recent conjecture for the q-color problem. This method can also treat the d>3 cases without serious difficulties.
Exact Solutions of the Unsteady Navier-Stokes Equations

The unsteady Navier-Stokes equations are a set of nonlinear partial differential equations with very few exact solutions. This paper attempts to classify and review the existing unsteady exact solutions. There are three main categories: parallel, concentric and related solutions, Beltrami and related solutions, and similarity solutions. Physically significant examples are emphasized.
Ceramic rutile rectifiers

Abstract The rectifying characteristics of gold-ceramic rutile barriers are reported. Methods for preparing semiconducting ceramic rutile, and also for producing barrier layers on the surface of ceramic rutile are described. Current-voltage curves are given for the operating temperatures −70, 25 and 200°C.
Measuring tritium with exoelectron dosimeters

Abstract Small disks of ceramic BeO, called Thermalox 995, are sensitive detectors of tritium when read for thermally stimulated exoelectron emission (TSEE). An additional reading of the thermoluminescence provides a means for estimating the exposure to tritium in the presence of other penetrating radiations. Weakly contaminated surfaces, 2 , which are small, curved, or difficult to reach, can be monitored accurately. While the detector sensitivity is sufficient to measure tritium gas or tritiated water vapor at allowable, occupational exposure levels, the sensitivity of this particular detector is insufficient for monitoring members of the public exposed continuously to HTO vapor at the MPC. The TSEE peak location and shape are useful features for identifying an exposure to tritium. Prior to reading, rinsing the detector in alcohol is desirable to prevent spurious electron emissions.
Blue Sepharose: a reusable affinity chromatography medium for purification of alcohol dehydrogenase.

Summary The separation of alcohol dehydrogenase from crude cottonseed extracts is accomplished in a single step by affinity chromatography. Blue Sepharose 6B effectively binds the enzyme, and elution is effected with NAD. The enzyme thus purified has a specific activity forty times higher than the original extract, and yields two closely-spaced bands with gel electrophoresis. The column is reusable for many separations without loss of efficiency.
The Illusion of Post Hoc Autonomy

Veljko Dubljevic (2013) resolves the “quixotic” nature of autonomy by drawing a distinction between autonomy as a political construct and free will as a metaphysical abstraction. According to Dublj...
Electrical alternans in association with hemorrhagic pericardial effusion.

Abstract An unusual case of total electrical alternans in association with hemorrhagic pericardial effusion is presented.
Collagen coatings reduce the incidence of capsule contracture around soft silicone rubber implants in animals.

Silicone rubber miniprostheses known to be associated with a high rate of experimental capsule contracture were implanted subcutaneously in rats. Prostheses were coated either with 2 layers of collagen cross-linked with formaldehyde or with 1 layer of collagen cross-linked with glutaraldehyde. Nonco
Characteristics and management strategies for the incidental pulmonary nodule

SUMMARY: Pulmonary nodules are frequent, unanticipated findings on imaging studies obtained for other purposes across all areas of medical practice. As nodule detection raises concern for malignancy, evaluation and follow-up of an incidental nodule is imperative. Clinicians are charged with counseling patients and directing further evaluation amid uncertainty and anxiety. The goals of follow-up and management are to identify malignant lesions at an early stage, while avoiding unnecessary procedures and potential harm to patients with benign nodules. In this review, we aim to outline the clinical and radiographic characteristics that can aid in likelihood stratification, to identify gaps in our current knowledge, and to present a logical approach to nodule management, based on the available evidence.
A LUMPED KINETIC MODEL FOR DEHYDRATION OF ETHANOL TO HYDROCARBONS OVER HZSM-5

A kinetic model for the conversion of ethanol to hydrocarbons over HZSM-5 catalyst has been developed. The model is based on data from ethanol dehydration experiments conducted in a fixed-bed integral reactor at atmospheric pressure and temperatures of 150°C to 360°C, and is the first which integrates the major reaction pathways of both dehydration and higher hydrocarbon formation over ZSM-5 zeolite. In the model C3-C6 olefins, C3-C5 paraffins, and C6 + hydrocarbons are treated as lumped species, while ethanol, diethyl ether, ethylene, and ethane are treated individually. Nonlinear parameter estimation using quasilinearization and least squares as the objective function has been implemented to estimate rate constants, adsorption equilibrium constants, and activation energies. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate expressions successfully correlated the experimental data.
Deductive physiologic analysis in the presence of “will” as an undefined variable

Abstract In physiological research, inductive reasoning has traditionally been the rule, rather than the exception. This is because mathematical formulations of human body function inevitably lead to indeterminate situations where there are more unknown quantities than there are equations to describe them. This paper discusses a deductive approach to the study of human body dynamics, where the indeterminateness is usually associated with the presence of “will” as an undefined variable. The point is made that “will” may be quantified by viewing musculoskeletal mechanics in terms of a minimum energy principle. Thus, variational and optimization methods may be employed to generate additional equations of motion which render the problem determinate in a deductive sense. Several examples illustrate the succesful use of variational methods in biodynamic modelling.
Brain Alcohol Dehydrogenase

Significant alcohol dehydrogenase activity has been demonstrated in the soluble fraction of rat brain and is very similar to the liver enzyme in kinetic properties and responses to inhibitors. A cerebral mechanism that oxidizes ethanol may play a significant role in local adjustments during exposure to ethanol and in the pathogenesis of the neural disorders associated with chronic alcohol ingestion or withdrawal.
Induction of benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid biosynthesis in suspension cell cultures of Sanguinaria canadensis by retinoic acid derivatives

Abstract Treatment of suspension-cell cultures of Sanguinaria canadensis L. (SCP-GM) with a series of natural and synthetic retinoic acid derivatives induced benzophenanthridine alkaloid biosynthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Suspension cells were treated with one of the following: retinoic acid (RA), retinol (ROH), retinal (RHO). 13- cis-retinoic acid (cis-RA), or retinyl acetate (ROAc) in concentrations ranging from 1 to 50 μM (24 h). Each of the RA derivatives tested increased the cellular alkaloid concentrations of sanguinarine and chelerythrine by 97 to 470% (approximately 0.045–0.23% dry wt) depending on the reinoid and the dosage employed. Control SCP-GM suspension-cells accumulated only trace amounts of sanguinarine and chelerythrine, approximately 0.005% dry wt and 0.004% dry wt, respectively. The activity of S-adenosyl methionine: tetrahydroberberine-.V-methyltransferase, a key branch point enzyme in the benzophenanthridine biosynthetic pathway, was also induced over 24 h after treatment of th...
Surface-emitting circular DFB, disk-, and ring-Bragg resonator lasers with chirped gratings II: nonuniform pumping and far-field patterns

This is a continuation of our previous work [Opt. Express 16, 9155 (2008)]. In this paper we investigate the effect of nonuniform pumping on the modal properties of surface-emitting chirped circular grating lasers. By numerically solving the coupled-mode equations and matching the boundaries we compare and discuss the threshold pump levels and frequency detuning factors for three pumping profiles: uniform, Gaussian, and annular. Depending on the overlap of the pumping and modal profiles, Gaussian pumping results in the lowest threshold pump levels except for the fundamental mode of ring Bragg resonator laser, and annular pumping provides larger threshold discrimination between the fundamental and first-order modes of circular DFB and ring Bragg resonator lasers, which is favorable for single-mode operation in these lasers. We also study the far-field patterns of the fundamental modes of circular DFB, disk-, and ring- Bragg resonator lasers. Circular DFB and ring Bragg resonator lasers have the first-order dominating peak, while disk Bragg resonator laser exhibits the zeroth-order dominating peak.
A germanium-based, coded aperture imager

We describe a coded-aperture-based gamma-ray imager that uses a unique hybrid germanium detector system. A planar, germanium strip detector, 11 mm thick, is followed by a coaxial detector. The 19/spl times/19 strip detector (2-mm pitch) is used to determine the location and energy of low-energy events. The location of high-energy events is determined from the location of the Compton scatter in the planar detector. The energy is determined from the sum of the coaxial and planar energies. With this geometry, we obtain useful photopeak quantum efficiency in a position-sensitive mode out to 500 keV The detector is used with a 19/spl times/17 URA coded aperture to obtain spectrally resolved images in the gamma-ray band. We discuss the performance of the planar detector, the hybrid system, and present images taken of laboratory sources.
Hop, Skip and Jump – What Are Modern “Jump” Tests Finding in Stock Returns?

This paper applies several recently developed jump detection tests to intraday stock price data sampled at various frequencies. It finds that the choice of sampling frequency has an effect on both the number of jumps detected, as well as the timing of the jumps. Furthermore, although the different tests are formally designed to identify the same phenomenon, the number and timing of the jumps differ dramatically across the different tests when applied to the same data. These results suggest that the jump detection tests are identifying different types of jump behavior in data, and are not necessarily to be viewed as substitutes for one another.
Convergent regulation of skeletal muscle Ca2+ channels by dystrophin, the actin cytoskeleton, and cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

The skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channel (CaV1.1), which is responsible for initiating muscle contraction, is regulated by phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in a voltage-dependent manner that requires direct physical association between the channel and the kinase mediated through A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). The role of the actin cytoskeleton in channel regulation was investigated in skeletal myocytes cultured from wild-type mice, mdx mice that lack the cytoskeletal linkage protein dystrophin, and a skeletal muscle cell line, 129 CB3. Voltage dependence of channel activation was shifted positively, and potentiation was greatly diminished in mdx myocytes and in 129 CB3 cells treated with the microfilament stabilizer phalloidin. Voltage-dependent potentiation by strong depolarizing prepulses was reduced in mdx myocytes but could be restored by positively shifting the stimulus potentials to compensate for the positive shift in the voltage dependence of gating. Inclusion of PKA in the pipette caused a negative shift in the voltage dependence of activation and restored voltage-dependent potentiation in mdx myocytes. These results show that skeletal muscle Ca2+ channel activity and voltage-dependent potentiation are controlled by PKA and microfilaments in a convergent manner. Regulation of Ca2+ channel activity by hormones and neurotransmitters that use the PKA signal transduction pathway may interact in a critical way with the cytoskeleton and may be impaired by deletion of dystrophin, contributing to abnormal regulation of intracellular calcium concentrations in dystrophic muscle.
Semi-analytic solutions for freezing induced by evaporative cooling

Freezing in a one-dimensional region induced by evaporative cooling is investigated. Semi-analytic solutions in the limit of low mass transfer rates and Stefan numbers are presented. An nth order polynomial is used to express the vapor pressure function in terms of the evaporating fluid layer temperature. The freezing of a slab of calcium chloride hexahydrate subject to evaporative cooling of a thin layer of water into air is used to illustrate the utility of the model. Results show the existence of a transition region, depending upon the relative humidity and Biot number, where the fluid layer dry-out time competes with the freeze time of the slab.
Effects of new commitment laws on the mental health system.

Many state commitment laws have been changed recently in response to the controversy surrounding the use of involuntary admissions. The effects of these changes in one state is studied by examining admission patterns, voluntary and involuntary, to all state hospitals. Though no change was found in demographic characteristics, several highly significant changes were found in utilization patterns and admission procedures.
A novel multiplex for simultaneous amplification of 20 Y chromosome STR markers

Abstract A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay capable of simultaneously amplifying 20 Y chromosome short tandem repeat (STR) markers has been developed to aid human identity testing and male population studies. These markers include all of the Y STRs that make up the "extended haplotype" used in Europe (DYS19, DYS385, DYS389I/II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, and YCAII) plus additional polymorphic Y STRs (DYS437, DYS438, DYS439, DYS447, DYS448, DYS388, DYS426, GATA A7.1, and GATA H4). Primers for the markers DYS385, DYS389, and YCAII target duplicated regions of the Y chromosome and thus can provide two polymorphic peaks for each respective primer set. This Y STR 20plex, which utilizes 34 different PCR primers, is the first to include a simultaneous amplification of all the markers within the European "minimal" and "extended" haplotypes. Relative primer positions are compared between the newly developed primers described here and previously published ones. Efforts were made to avoid X chromosome homology in the primer design as well as close packing of PCR product size ranges in order to keep all alleles less than 350bp through careful examination of known allele ranges. Haplotype comparisons between the 20plex and a commercially available kit found excellent agreement across the 76 samples in the Y chromosome consortium panel.