cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-Fermi-liquid behavior in U and Ce alloys: Criticality, disorder, dissipation, and Griffiths-McCoy singularities

In this paper we provide a theoretical basis for the problem of Griffiths-McCoy singularities close to the quantum critical point for magnetic ordering in U and Ce intermetallics. We show that the competition between the Kondo effect and Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction can be expressed in Hamiltonian form, and that the dilution effect due to alloying leads to a quantum percolation problem driven by the number of magnetically compensated moments. We argue that the exhaustion paradox proposed by Nozi\`eres is explained when the RKKY interaction is taken into account. We revisit the one- and two-impurity Kondo problem, and show that in the presence of particle-hole symmetry-breaking operators the system flows to a line of fixed points characterized by coherent (clusterlike) motion of the spins. Moreover, close to the quantum critical point, clusters of magnetic atoms can quantum mechanically tunnel between different states either via the anisotropy of the RKKY interaction or by what we call the cluster Kondo effect. We calculate explicitly from the microscopic Hamiltonian the parameters which appear in all the response functions. We show that there is a maximum number ${N}_{c}$ of spins in the clusters such that, above this number, tunneling ceases to occur. These effects lead to a distribution of cluster Kondo temperatures which vanishes for finite clusters, and therefore leads to strong magnetic response. From these results we propose a dissipative quantum droplet model which describes the critical behavior of metallic magnetic systems. This model predicts that in the paramagnetic phase there is a crossover temperature ${T}^{*},$ above which Griffiths-McCoy-like singularities with magnetic susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)\ensuremath{\propto}{T}^{\ensuremath{-}1+\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ and specific heat ${C}_{V}(T)\ensuremath{\propto}{T}^{\ensuremath{\lambda}},$ with $\ensuremath{\lambda}l1,$ appear. Below ${T}^{*},$ however, a regime dominated by dissipation occurs, with divergences stronger than power law: $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)\ensuremath{\propto}1/[T\mathrm{ln}(1/T)]$ and ${C}_{V}(T)\ensuremath{\propto}1/{\mathrm{ln}}^{2}(1/T).$ We estimate that ${T}^{*}$ is exponentially small with ${N}_{c}.$ Our results should be applicable to a broad class of metallic magnetic systems which are described by the Kondo lattice Hamiltonian.
Musculoskeletal manifestations of Werner's syndrome

Report of two cases of Werner's syndrome with musculoskeletal problems. Review of the literature
Annealing of weakly bound deuterium in a-Si:D,H

Abstract A plasma-deposited sample of a-Si:D,H was incrementally annealed in a series of 30′ heatings at temperatures between 250 and 600°C. Subsequent deuteron magnetic resonance measurements resolve changes in various 2D components. A weakly bound deuterium fraction vanishes after a 350°C anneal. Reduced, but detectable, strongly bound deuterium and molecular deuterium signals persist after progressive anneals to 600°C. The magnetic resonance line shapes of the weakly bound deuterium and the strongly bound deuterium show that they reside in very different local environments. Several characteristics of these environments can be deduced.
One Monitored Case of Sudden Death

A 90-year-old female had a Holter monitoring recording because of a syncopal episode. She developed a fatal cardiac arrest during the recording. A severe bradycardia was the initiating fatal dysrhythmia. This was followed by ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation and finally cardiac standstill.
Finite pressure ballooning mode stability in toroidal equilibriums

In this paper the effect of finite pressure on the ballooning instability in toroidal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equilibria of steep boundary stellarators and tokamaks is examined. Ballooning modes tend to arise near the place where the local shear vanishes and the normal curvature (the curvature component perpendicular to the flux surface, pointing away from the magnetic axis) is negative. It is shown how the pressure gradient determines the position of the shearless points, and demonstrated in detail how this effect explains the existence of second stability in tokamaks. For large aspect ratio circular cross‐section tokamaks the second stability condition is found to scale as α=const S1.25. Stellarators are inherently more stable because of the negative vacuum shear, which at moderate pressure gradients allows the zero shear point to localize on the inner side of the flux surface. However, at high pressure gradients the Pfirsch–Schluter current produces a positive mean shear when the total toroidal curr...
Test characteristics of high-resolution ultrasound in the preoperative assessment of margins of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma in patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery.

BACKGROUND Noninvasive techniques to assess subclinical spread of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) may improve surgical precision. High-resolution ultrasound has shown promise in evaluating the extent of NMSC. OBJECTIVES To determine the accuracy of high-resolution ultrasound to assess the margins of basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) before Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). METHODS We enrolled 100 patients with invasive SCC or BCC. Before the first stage of MMS, a Mohs surgeon delineated the intended surgical margin. Subsequently, a trained ultrasound technologist independently evaluated disease extent using the EPISCAN I-200 to evaluate tumor extent beyond this margin. The accuracy of high-resolution ultrasound was subsequently tested by comparison with pathology from frozen sections. RESULTS The test characteristics of the high-resolution ultrasound were sensitivity=32%, specificity=88%, positive predictive value=47%, and negative predictive value=79%. Subgroup analyses demonstrated better test characteristics for tumors larger than the median (area>1.74 cm2). Qualitative analyses showed that high-resolution ultrasound was less likely to identify extension from tumors with subtle areas of extension, such as small foci of dermal invasion from infiltrative SCC and micronodular BCC. CONCLUSION High-resolution ultrasound requires additional refinements to improve the preoperative determination of tumor extent before surgical treatment of NMSC.
Dichotic testing of cerebral dominance in stutterers.

Abstract Matched groups of right-handed male stutterers and controls received dichotic presentations of CVs and melodies on two occasions. Right ear advantages were obtained for CVs and left ear advantages for melodies, without significant differences between groups. However, a significantly greater number of stutterers than controls consistently failed to show the expected ear laterality for either type of material.
Spray-drying of insoluble weakly acidic pharmaceuticals through their ammonium salts.

The theoretical feasibility of spray-drying weakly acidic pharmaceuticals after solubilization through their ammonium salts is shown. The practicability of this procedure is supported by its application to a number of sulfonamides and a barbiturate. A number of compounds do not follow the theoretical treatment because of their tendency to form complexes.
The effect of additives on organolithiums

Abstract The effect of additives on the “apparent” acidities of weak carbon acids as measured versus lithiated amides is found to be small ( 2 pK units). TMEDA is found to be the most effective in accelerating the rates of deprotonation of triphenylmethane.
High-valent nonheme iron. Two distinct iron(IV) species derived from a common iron(II) precursor

The reaction of [FeII(β-BPMCN)(OTf)2] (1, BPMCN = N,N‘-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N,N‘-dimethyl-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane) with tBuOOH at low-temperature yields alkylperoxoiron(III) intermediates 2 in CH2Cl2 and 2-NCMe in CH3CN. At −45 °C and above, 2-NCMe converts to a pale green species 3 (λmax = 753 nm, e = 280 M-1 cm-1) in 90% yield, identified as [FeIV(O)(BPMCN)(NCCH3)]2+ by comparison to other nonheme [FeIV(O)(L)]2+ complexes. Below −55 °C in CH2Cl2, 2 decays instead to form deep turquoise 4 (λmax = 656, 845 nm; e = 4000, 3600 M-1 cm-1), formulated to be an unprecedented alkylperoxoiron(IV) complex [FeIV(BPMCN)(OH)(OOtBu)]2+ on the basis of Mossbauer, EXAFS, resonance Raman, NMR, and mass spectral evidence. The reactivity of 1 with tBuOOH in the two solvents reveals an unexpectedly rich iron(IV) chemistry that can be supported by the BPMCN ligand.
Is Latency to Test Deadline a Predictor of Student Test Performance

When students are given a period or window of time to take an exam, is taking an exam earlier in the window (high latency to deadline) related to test scores? In Study 1, students (n = 236) were given windows of time to take online each of 13 quizzes and 4 exams. In Study 2, students (n = 251) similarly took 4 exams online within a test window. In both studies, latency to deadline was significantly correlated to exam score. Higher scoring students took the exam earlier in the test window. We explore possible explanations of these relationships and map out directions for further study.
Phase formation of BaB2O4 from melts in graphite crucible

Abstract Conditions for formation of the low temperature β phase of BaB 2 O 4 from nominally pure melts in graphite and Pt crucibles were investigated along with phase transformation kinetics. In order to obtain the β phase crystals from supercooled metastable melts in a graphite crucible, it was found necessary to first superheat the melts almost 100°C. The nucleation-growth behavior was different when a Pt crucible was used. This difference can be explained by the presence of graphite particles in the melts in the graphite crucible acting as nucleation sites. It was also found that bulk or powdered β phase crystals transformed to the high temperature α phase when heated for only 5 min above 1000°C (the equilibrium transformation temperature is 925°C). Some differences were found in the behavior of the β to α transformation of bulk and powdered crystals, and were believed related to thermal stress.
Cerebellar ‘transcriptome’ reveals cell-type and stage-specific expression during postnatal development and tumorigenesis

Abstract Disorders of cerebellar development can result in neurological disease and cancer. The identity of transcription factors that may uniquely mark and/or regulate development of single cerebellar cell types, however, is poorly understood. We used a library of ∼ 1100 probes for expression of transcription factor (TF)-encoding genes (> 70% of the mammalian ‘transcriptome’) to identify 227 genes with expression in developing neuronal and glial populations and 24 TFs that show cell-type- and stage-specific expression in granule cells, Purkinje cells and interneurons during postnatal cerebellar development. The utility of this panel is exemplified by analysis of medulloblastoma that shows upregulation of markers specific for early granule cell lineage, but not for other neuronal cell types, indicative of a unipotent precursor as well as a block in granule cell differentiation within the tumor. We propose that this atlas of the cerebellar transcriptome and the panel of 24 validated markers will be generally useful in analyses of mutations affecting postnatal cerebellar development and neoplasia.
Mechanical properties of graphene platelets reinforced syntactic foams

Abstract Graphene platelets (GPs) are two-dimensional thin plates containing few layers of graphene sheets. Compressive and tensile behaviors of epoxy-based syntactic foams with pristine GPs as additives are discussed in this article. Four sets of syntactic foams containing 0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 vol.% of GPs were fabricated and tested. The volume fraction of microballoons in all syntactic foam samples was kept constant at 30%. Results indicated that the compressive and tensile moduli of the syntactic foams were significantly improved as compared to samples that did not contain GPs. The addition of GPs also enhanced the tensile strength while the compressive strength was only slightly increased. Optimal property improvements were obtained for very low filling fraction of approximately 0.3 vol.%. Samples with higher volume fraction of GPs (0.5%) showed deterioration in mechanical properties when compared to other GP containing samples. Transmission microscopy study indicated formation of voids enclosed by undispersed GPs in the samples which could explain the decline of the properties. High matrix porosity could also play an important role in this observation. Utilizing surface modified GPs could allow incorporation of higher volume fraction of GPs homogeneously, thus improving the mechanical properties of the syntactic foams.
Vibronic model for mixed valence compounds and spin crossover systems

Abstract The vibronic coupling model for mixed valence systems recently proposed by Piepho, Krausz and Schatz [1] is described. Using the model, it is a simple process to obtain the vibronic energy levels and eigenfunctions relevant to an intervalence band. Calculations are essentially exact within the context of the model, and are not limited to the cases of very strong or very weak interactions. The eigenvalues and eigenvectors obtained may be used to determine properties associated with the mixed valence band. These include, for example, the absorption profile of the band, the degrees of delocalization and valence-trapping, and the electron transfer kinetics for the system. Very similar formalism applies to both mixed valence and spin crossover systems. Thus the applicability of the model to single-center systems with two different spin states with intersecting potential surfaces is discussed. Finally, the limitations of the mixed valence model are discussed, and methods of improving the model by more explicit consideration of the nature of the interacting centers are considered.
Auxin Gradient Theory of Abscission Regulation

eourtesy of Sharp and Dohme and Burroughs, Welcome Co. 6. Obtained through the courtesy of E. Katchalski. 7. G. Ehrlich and G. B. B. M. Sutherland, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 76, 5268 (1954); E. R. Blount and H. Lenormant, J. Opt. Soc. Amer. 43, 1093 (1953). 8. R. H. Maybury, S. Gordon, J. J. Katz, J. Chem. Phys., in press. 9. R. H. Maybury, J. J. Katz, S. Gordon, Rei1. Sci. Instr. 25, 1133 (1954). 10. E. J. Ambrose and A. Elliott, Proc. Roy. Soc. London A208, 75 (1951). 11. F. W. Putnam, in H. Neurath and K. Bailey, The Proteins, vol. I, pt. B (Academic Press, New York, 1953), p. 825.
Tin-Mediated Heme Oxygenase Gene Activation and Cytochrome P450 Arachidonate Hydroxylase Inhibition in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The effect of SnCl2 on the transcription of the heme oxygenase gene in spontaneously hypertensive rats was examined using cDNA for the rat heme oxygenase (HO-1). An increase in renal HO-1 mRNA levels was observed in response to SnCl2 treatment. Quantitative evaluation by scanning densitometry demonstrated a maximal increase in HO-1 mRNA 24-fold over control at 8 hours after SnCl2 administration. Nuclear runoff assay using isolated renal nuclei from SnCl2-treated rats revealed an active HO-1 gene transcription. Transcription of HO-1 in rat kidney was greatly increased within 3 hours of administration of SnCl2, as evidenced by the level of [α32P]UTP incorporation into nuclear RNA. As a consequence of activation of the HO-1 gene transcription, renal enzyme activity increased eightfold at 16 hours after SnCl2, and reached maximal activity of 16-fold over control at 32 hours after injection. No significant change in cytochrome P450 fatty acid ω-hydroxylase (P450 4A) mRNA was observed after SnCl2 administration. Cytochrome P450-arachidonic acid ω/ω-1 hydroxylase(s) activity (formation of 20- and 19-HETE) was significantly reduced 24 hours after SnCl2 administration and remained lower than the control level 48 and 72 hours after injection. In addition, blood pressure was reduced from 151 ± 2.5 mm Hg to 133 ± 2.3 mm Hg after 48 hours of SnCl2 treatment. The reduction in blood pressure preceded natriuresis. It is concluded that SnCl2 induces activation of the HO-1 gene, which is followed by elevation in enzyme activity and a decrease in cytochrome P450-arachidonic acid w-hydroxylase activity. These biochemical changes bring about a selective decrease in the synthesis of 19-HETE and 20-HETE, arachidonate metabolites with prohypertensive properties, and are associated with blood pressure reduction to normal levels. It is suggested that manipulation of heme oxygenase and cytochrome P450-arachidonic acid ω-hydroxylase expressions may be of therapeutic importance in regulating blood pressure.
EFFECTIVE OPERATORS AND THE ANALYSIS OF SINGLE-NUCLEON TRANSFER REACTIONS ON CLOSED-SHELL NUCLEI.

Spectroscopic factors for the one-body stripping and pickup reactions on $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ are analyzed within the particle-vibration-coupling model that was developed in the first paper of this series. The calculation of the transfer amplitudes is performed up to third-order perturbation theory. A comparison with recent experimental data is carried out.
Self-Healing of Ionomeric Polymers with Carbon Fibers from Medium-Velocity Impact and Resistive Heating

Self-healing materials science has seen significant advances in the last decade. Recent efforts have demonstrated healing in polymeric materials through chemical reaction, thermal treatment, and ultraviolet irradiation. The existing technology for healing polymeric materials through the aforementioned mechanisms produces an irreversible change in the material and makes it unsuitable for subsequent healing cycles. To overcome these disadvantages, we demonstrate a new composite self-healing material made from an ionomer (Surlyn) and carbon fiber that can sustain damage from medium-velocity impact and heal from the energy of the impact. Furthermore, the carbon fiber embedded in the polymer matrix results in resistive heating of the polymer matrix locally, melts the ionomer matrix around the damage, and heals the material at the damaged location. This paper presents methods to melt-process Surlyn with carbon fiber and demonstrates healing in the material through medium-velocity impact tests, resistive heating, and imaging through electron and optical microscopy. A new metric for quantifying self-healing in the sample, called width-heal ratio, is developed, and we report that the Surlyn-carbon fiber-based material under an optimal rate of heating and at the correct temperature has a width-heal ratio of >0.9, thereby demonstrating complete recovery from the damage.
Breaking Ranks: Backdoor Workforces, Messy Workflows, and Craft Disaggregation

The recession has accelerated production labor's alarming but seemingly inevitable “race to the bottom.” The corporate goals fueling labor's steep dive are familiar: to achieve greater corporate fl...
On Behavior Strategy Solutions in Two-Person Zero-Sum Finite Extended Games with Imperfect Information. Part I: A Method for Determination of Minimally Complex Behavior Strategy Solutions

In any two-person zero-sum finite extended game with imperfect information, an upper bound on the quality of each player’s strategies is established by his choice of a scheme for gathering and retaining the information that becomes available to him as the game progresses. Further, for a given game, strategies of the maximum possible quality may exist for each player on a number of information schemes of widely differing complexities.By analyzing the relationship between any given two-person zero-sum finite extended game with given information schemes for its players, and an associated N-person noncooperative game, a heuristic scheme is uncovered for searching for minimally complex information schemes which support behavior strategies having within $\varepsilon $ of the maximum possible quality, for any given $\varepsilon $.In the course of this analysis, a minimax theorem in behavior strategies is obtained, which is similar to von Neumann’s minimax theorem in mixed strategies.
The NF2 tumor suppressor, Merlin, regulates epidermal development through the establishment of a junctional polarity complex.

The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor, Merlin, is a FERM (Four point one, Ezrin, Radixin, Moesin) domain-containing protein whose loss results in defective morphogenesis and tumorigenesis in multiple tissues. Like the closely related ERM proteins (Ezrin, Radixin, and Moesin), Merlin may organize the plasma membrane by assembling membrane protein complexes and linking them to the cortical actin cytoskeleton. We previously found that Merlin is a critical mediator of contact-dependent inhibition of proliferation and is required for the establishment of stable adherens junctions (AJs) in cultured cells. Here, we delineate the molecular function of Merlin in AJ establishment in epidermal keratinocytes in vitro and confirm that a role in AJ establishment is an essential function of Merlin in vivo. Our studies reveal that Merlin can associate directly with α-catenin and link it to Par3, thereby providing an essential link between the AJ and the Par3 polarity complex during junctional maturation.
Environmental Injustice in France

Abstract This paper presents the first national study on environmental inequalities in France. It applies the Anglo-American concept of environmental justice, focusing on the distribution of environmental burdens, to the French setting and tests the hypothesis that poor and immigrant communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental risks. The location of eight types of hazardous sites (industrial and nuclear sites, incinerators, waste management facilities) and the socio-economic characteristics of populations are associated at the commune, or town, level for all 36 600 French towns. The analysis, descriptive and multivariate, uses simple and spatial regression techniques. It shows that towns with high proportions of immigrants tend to host more hazardous sites, even controlling for population size, income, degree of industrialization of the town and region. The study establishes the presence of environmental inequities in France and raises new public policy questions. However, it does not inve...
Tissue Factor Alters the pKa Values of Catalytically Important Factor VIIa Residues

Blood coagulation is triggered when the serine protease factor VIIa (fVIIa) binds to cell surface tissue factor (TF) to form the active enzyme-cofactor complex. TF binding to fVIIa allosterically augments the enzymatic activity of fVIIa toward macromolecular substrates and small peptidyl substrates. The mechanism of this enhancement remains unclear. Our previous studies have indicated that soluble TF (sTF; residues 1-219) alters the pH dependence of fVIIa amidolytic activity (Neuenschwander et al. (1993) Thromb. Haemostasis 70, 970), indicating an effect of TF on critical ionizations within the fVIIa active center. The pKa values and identities of these ionizable groups are unknown. To gain additional insight into this effect, we have performed a detailed study of the pH dependence of fVIIa amidolytic activity. Kinetic constants of Chromozym t-PA (MeSO(2)-D-Phe-Gly-Arg-pNA) hydrolysis at various pH values were determined for fVIIa alone and in complex with sTF. The pH dependence of both enzymes was adequately represented using a diprotic model. For fVIIa alone, two ionizations were observed in the free enzyme (pK(E1) = 7.46 and pK(E2) = 8.67), with at least a single ionization apparent in the Michaelis complex (pK(ES1) similar 7.62). For the fVIIa-TF complex, the pK(a) of one of the two important ionizations in the free enzyme was shifted to a more basic value (pK(E1) = 7.57 and pK(E2) = 9.27), and the ionization in the Michaelis complex was possibly shifted to a more acidic pH (pK(ES1) = 6.93). When these results are compared to those obtained for other well-studied serine proteases, K(E1) and K(ES1) are presumed to represent the ionization of the overall catalytic triad in the absence and presence of substrate, respectively, while K(E2) is presumed to represent ionization of the alpha-amino group of Ile(153). Taken together, these results would suggest that sTF binding to fVIIa alters the chemical environment of the fVIIa active site by protecting Ile(153) from deprotonation in the free enzyme while deprotecting the catalytic triad as a whole when in the Michaelis complex.
Constitutional isomers and stereoisomers of lanthanum(III) complexes of the dimethyl-substituted six-nitrogen-donor ligand C24H30N6 and crystal structure of [La(C24H30N6)(NCS)3(H2O)]·0.5H2O

Abstract Complexes of La(III) with the macrocyclic ligand C24H30N6, in which each di-imine side chain carries a –CH3 substituent, were synthesized by the metal-templated cyclic Schiff-base condensation of 2,6-diacetylpyridine with (R)-, (S)- and (R,S)-1,2-diaminopropane. The complexes were obtained as mixtures of constitutional isomers and stereoisomers, which were identified by 1H NMR spectra and separated by fractional crystallization. The molecular structure of the 10-coordinate complex [La(C24H30N6)(NCS)3(H2O)] · 0.5H2O was established by X-ray crystallography.
SIRE: a MIMO radar for landmine/IED detection

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar systems have been shown to have significant performance improvements over their single-input multiple-output (SIMO) counterparts. For transmit and receive elements that are collocated, the waveform diversity afforded by this radar is exploited for performance improvements. These improvements include but are not limited to improved target detection, improved parameter identifiability and better resolvability. In this paper, we present the Synchronous Impulse Reconstruction Radar (SIRE) Ultra-wideband (UWB) radar designed by the Army Research Lab (ARL) for landmine and improvised explosive device (IED) detection as a 2 by 16 MIMO radar (with collocated antennas). Its improvement over its SIMO counterpart in terms of beampattern/cross range resolution are discussed and demonstrated using simulated data herein. The limitations of this radar for Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) suppression are also discussed in this paper. A relaxation method (RELAX) combined with averaging of multiple realizations of the measured data is presented for RFI suppression; results show no noticeable target signature distortion after suppression. In this paper, the back-projection (delay and sum) data independent method is used for generating SAR images. A side-lobe minimization technique called recursive side-lobe minimization (RSM) is also discussed for reducing side-lobes in this data independent approach. We introduce a data-dependent sparsity based spectral estimation technique called Sparse Learning via Iterative Minimization (SLIM) as well as a data-dependent CLEAN approach for generating SAR images for the SIRE radar. These data-adaptive techniques show improvement in side-lobe reduction and resolution for simulated data for the SIRE radar.
Sensitivity of Thermal Transport and Phase-Change in Thin Porous Layers to the Distribution of the Solid Matrix

Understanding the water transport in the Porous Transport Layer (PTL) is important to improve the operational performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). High water content in the PTL and flow channel decreases the transport of the gas reactants to the polymer electrolyte membrane. Dry operating conditions result in increased ohmic resistance of the polymer electrolyte membrane. Both cases result in decreased fuel cell performance. Multi-phase flow in the PTL of the fuel cell is simulated as a network of pores surrounded by the solid material. The pore-phase and the solid-phase of the PTL are generated by varying the parameters of the Weibull distribution function. In the network model, the mass transfer takes place in the pore-phase and the bulk heat transfer takes place in the both the solid-phase and liquid phase of the PTL. Previous studies have looked at the thermal and mass transport in the porous media considering the pore size distribution. In the present study, the sensitivity of the thermal and mass transport to the different arrangements of the solid-phase is carried out and the effect of different solid-phase distributions on the thermal and liquid transport in PTL of PEM fuel cell are discussed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A prion-like trigger of antiviral signaling.

The MAVS protein plays a critical role in the assembly of an antiviral signaling complex on mitochondrial membranes. Hou et al. (2011) now report that virus infection induces a conformational change in MAVS, leading to the prion-like formation of functional self-aggregates that provide a sensitive trigger for antiviral signaling.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for the convergence of iterative methods for the linear complementarity problem

Necessary and sufficient conditions are established for the convergence of various iterative methods for solving the linear complementarity problem. The fundamental tool used is the classical notion of matrix splitting in numerical analysis. The results derived are similar to some well-known theorems on the convergence of iterative methods for square systems of linear equations. An application of the results to a strictly convex quadratic program is also given.
The immediate effect of gamma irradiation upon the sugar content of potatoes previously stored at 2, 4.5, 6, 10 and 15.5°C

The sugar content of samples of potatoes, cv. Majestic, was varied by storage for 4 weeks at 2, 4.5, 6, 10 and 15.5°C, before irradiation with 10 krad. With initial sucrose contents of 0.14–0.37% FW (tubers from 4.5–15.5°C) the marked temporary increase in sucrose, as reported previously, was observed, reaching a maximum after 3–7 days before falling rapidly to a level rather higher than in non-irradiated tubers. Tubers from 2°C, with 1.4% sucrose, showed an immediate drop in this after irradiation, succeeded within 3 days by a rise to values not significantly different from the controls. Irradiation caused a significant increase in reducing sugar content, for a period of up to 7 days in sweetened tubers, but for 21 days or more in unsweetened tubers. Previous storage at the different temperatures had some permanent residual effect upon the sugar content of the controls during subsequent storage for up to 90 days at 10°C.
Modulation techniques for deep-space pulse-position modulation (PPM) optical communication

The extremely energy-efficient pulse-position modulation (PPM) format is being actively developed as a basis for optical communications with deep-space probes. Attention is presently given to different modulation schemes for the efficient production of laser pulses over a broad range of repetition rates. Both Q-switching and cavity dumping modulation methods are available for the envisioned diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser source. Numerical calculation results are presented for cavity-dumping.
Observations on a crane fly,Tipula dorsimacula Walker, that damages potato tubers in Idaho

Damage to potato tubers in Idaho by the larvae of the crane fly,Tipula dorsimacula Walker, consists of round punctures varying in depth from shallow pits to one inch. The winter is spent in the larval stage. Adults emerge and deposit eggs during May or early June. There is a single generation annually. Observed damage has occurred in fields planted to potatoes following spring plowing of alfalfa. Early season development of the larvae is presumably on the alfalfa refuse. Then the larvae transfer to and feed on potato tubers commencing about mid-August when the organic refuse in the soil becomes low. In a few instances damage to small fields or parts of fields, has been sufficiently extensive to reduce the grade of potatoes or make them unsalable.
Non-primary care physicians and smoking cessation counseling: Women Physicians' Health Study.

ABSTRACT Objectives: The Women Physicians' Health Study (WPHS) offers a unique opportunity to examine the counseling and screening practices of women physicians in various specialties. In this study we describe the prevalence of self-reported counseling on smoking cessation among non-primary care women physicians and examine the association between their demographic, professional, and personal characteristics and such counseling on smoking cessation. Methods: Conducted in 1993–1994, WPHS is a nationally representative cross-sectional mailed survey of U.S. women physicians with 4,501 respondents representing all major specialties. Physicians in 9 specialty areas were grouped in 6 categories: (1) anesthesiology; (2) general surgery and surgical subspecialties; (3) emergency medicine; (4) medical subspecialties; (5) psychiatry; and (6) other. Frequent counseling was defined as having counseled patients who were known smokers at every visit or at least once a year. Results: Overall, 45% of the physicians freq...
Fragrance material review on (-)-α-terpineol

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of p-menth-1-en-8-ol (S) when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.
Noisy binary search and its applications

We study a noisy version of the classic binary search problem of inserting an element into its proper place within an ordered sequence by comparing it with elements of the sequence. In the noisy version we can not compare elements directly. Instead we are given a coin corresponding to each element of the sequence, such that as one goes through the ordered sequence the probability of observing heads when tossing the corresponding coin increases. We design online algorithms which adaptively choose a sequence of experiments, each consisting of tossing a single coin, with the goal of identifying the highest-numbered coin in the ordered sequence whose heads probability is less than some specified target value. Possible applications of such algorithms include investment planning, sponsored search advertising, admission control in queueing networks, college admissions, and admitting new members into an organization ranked by ability, such as a tennis ladder.
Biomimetics: Vision and Challenges of the Future (Bar-Cohen, Y.; 2012) [Book Review]

This approximately 76-contributor, single-editor, 20-chapter book is one in a series on biomimetics to be published by CRC Press. The editor's aim, from the foreword, was to produce a book that serves as a comprehensive reference document on the subject of biomimetics, provides a tutorial resource, and outlines the challenges of and vision for the future of this field. In large part, this has been achieved in this book.
Responses to snakes by surrogate- and mother-reared squirrel monkeys

Eight behaviors were observed in 1-year-old squirrel monkeys exposed to either a live boa constrictor or one of four inanimate objects with varying similarities to the live snake. The playpen group was exposed to these stimuli both in the presence of their feral mothers and after they had been permanently separated from their mothers. The surrogate group was similarly tested before and after separation from cloth mother surrogates. The principal finding was that the playpen group touched the box containing the stimulus objects for significantly shorter durations than did the surrogate group. The difference occurred both in the presence and in the absence of the mothers or the mother surrogates. This result indicated that the playpen infants had learned to avoid the stimulus box as a consequence of observing their mothers’ marked affective responses to the snake.
Hard disc drive air bearing design: modified DIRECT algorithm and its application to slider air bearing surface optimization

Hard disk drives continue to increase in areal data density. This requires air bearing sliders with lower and lower flying heights (FH). Also the uniformity of the FH and the flatness of the roll profile with radius become more critical as the FH gets lower. By using modern optimization techniques, it is possible to optimize slider air bearing surface (ABS) designs according to multiple design goals. In this paper, we discuss two modifications to the DIRECT algorithm: one to handle tolerance and one to deal with hidden constraints. Some numerical experiments were carried out using these modifications and the modified DIRECT algorithm was applied to slider ABS optimization. The results show that these two modifications can improve the efficiency of the DIRECT algorithm and they also provide more flexibility in slider ABS optimization.
Accelerating Physician Workforce Transformation Through Competitive Graduate Medical Education Funding

Graduate medical education (GME) has fallen short in training physicians to meet changes in the US population and health care delivery systems. The shortfall in training has happened despite a consensus on the need for accelerated change. This article discusses the varied causes of GME inertia and proposes a new funding mechanism coupled to a competitive peer-review process. The result would be to reward GME programs that are aligned with publicly set priorities for specialty numbers and training content. New teaching organizations and residency programs would compete on an equal footing with existing ones. Over a decade, all current programs would undergo peer review, with low review scores leading to partial, but meaningful, decreases in funding. This process would incentivize incremental and continual change in GME and would provide a mechanism for funding innovative training through special requests for proposals.
Structural connectivity of neural reward networks in youth at risk for substance use disorders.

Background Having a positive family history of alcohol use disorders (FHP), as well as aberrant reward circuitry, has been implicated in the initiation of substance use during adolescence. This study explored the relationship between FHP status and reward circuitry in substance naive youth to better understand future risky behaviors.
Transgenic approaches to cognition.

Abstract Reverse genetic techniques, including gene ‘knockouts’ and transgenesis, allow defined mutations to be introduced into the mouse genome. The application of these techniques to neurobiology is beginning to provide a bridge between genes and cognition. Specifically, genetically altered mice make it possible to explore molecular mechanisms underlying implicit and explicit forms of learning, short-term and long-term memory, and emotional behaviors. The analysis of these mutant mice has begun to link specific behavioral deficits to defined changes in synaptic physiology.
Individual differences in estradiol-induced behaviors and in neural 3H-estradiol uptake in rats.

The effects of estradiol benzoate (EB) treatment on food intake, running wheel activity, and sexual receptivity were measured in a group of 14 ovariectomized rats. Rats were then injected with 3H-estradiol-17β, and uptake of radioactivity was determined in whole homogenates and cell nuclear fractions of cerebral cortex, preoptic area, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland. During EB treatment the heaviest rats tended to show the greatest anorexia and weight loss, consistent with the hypothesized weight-regulating actions of estradiol. In contrast, the activity increases and weight losses induced by EB were unrelated. The 3 behavioral responses to EB (anorexia, increased activity, and estrous behavior) were completely independent of one another, suggesting that estradiol acts on separate neural substrates to alter these 3 behaviors. Large amounts of radioactivity were taken up by cell nuclei, with pituitary uptake highest, followed by preoptic area and hypothalamus (which did not differ) and cerebral cortex. However, a greater proportion of the total tissue radioactivity was found in cell nuclei in hypothalamus and prooptic area than in pituitary. Finally, none of the behavioral responses to EB displayed a significant correlation with any of the indices of brain or pituitary 3H-estradiol uptake.
Myb-dependent Regulation of Thrombospondin 2 Expression ROLE OF mRNA STABILITY

Abstract The nuclear transcription factor c-Myb, which is highly expressed in hematopoietic cells, has been shown to be functional in NIH 3T3 cells: cells that do not possess detectable levels of c-Myb. To identify endogenous target genes of c-Myb in fibroblasts, RNA isolated from NIH 3T3 cells stably transfected with a full-length or a dominant negative c-myb construct (GREMyb and GREMEn, respectively) was subjected to differential display analysis. 5′-Rapid amplification of cDNA ends of a selected band, sequencing, and a nucleotide homology search led to the identification of thrombospondin 2 (TSP 2) as the gene product repressed in GREMyb and induced in GREMEn cells. The pattern of TSP 2 expression during the cell cycle was consistent with c-myb-dependent regulation. The possibility that the identified transcript was TSP 1, a homologous product known to be repressed by v-Src, c-Jun, and v-Myc, was ruled out by using a TSP 2-specific DNA probe and by showing a distinct pattern of regulation of TSP 1 and TSP 2 expression. Nuclear run-on and TSP 2 promoter-reporter (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) assays showed similar transcriptional levels in GREMyb and NIH 3T3 cells. However, mRNA stability studies showed a much shorter TSP 2 mRNA half-life in GREMyb compared with wild type NIH 3T3 cells, suggesting that c-myb affects TSP 2 expression via a post-transcriptional mechanism. The implications of a protooncogene-mediated suppression of TSP expression are discussed.
Low temperature process to recover impaired waters

A low temperature process based on physical principles of gravity and barometric head was developed for efficient recovery of potable water from impaired waters. An example of impaired water demonstrated in this study is secondary effluent from the local wastewater treatment plant. This paper illustrates two different configurations by which impaired waters could be processed; one using direct solar energy; and another using a low grade heat source. These configurations demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing renewable energy sources and waste process heat to drive the water recovery process making it an environment-friendly and cleaner approach. Experimental studies showed that the process was able to achieve the following reductions of key water quality parameters: total dissolved solids from 935 mg/L to 18 mg/L (>98%); total suspended solids from 5.1 mg/L to 0.15 mg/L (>97%); nitrates from 2.4 mg/L to 95%); ammonia from 26.1 mg/L to 98%); and coliform from 77 to ~0 mg/L (100%). The effect of process parameters such as heat source temperature, flow rate, and evaporation temperatures on the process performance is presented.
The effect of noble metals in Si nanocrystals

Abstract In this Letter, silicon nanocrystals doped with noble metal (Cu, Ag and Au) atoms have been studied by hybrid density functional theory. It is known that these metals play a significant role in Si nanowire growth, whereby Au is especially more favorable for this purpose. Our results show that the formation energies of noble metal impurities in Si nanocrystals are energetically high and hence less likely to be thermodynamically stable. In addition, our results show that Au atoms on the surfaces help promote the Si–Si covalent bonds in the nanostructures, whereas Cu and Ag induce some ionicity.
Deeper examination of negative colorectal biopsies.

Initial histologic sections of specimens from colorectal biopsies of putative lesions may lack polyps. These sections may contain lymphoid aggregates that seemingly correlate with endoscopic findings; however, additional sections might contain polyps. We reviewed 83 specimens from colorectal biopsies of putative lesions for which initial sections lacked polyps. Our objectives were to determine the incidence of polyps within additional sections and to determine whether the presence of lymphoid aggregates within initial sections excludes the presence of polyps within additional sections. Eight specimens (10%) contained polyps (5 adenomatous, 3 hyperplastic), which remained histologically occult until examination to depths of approximately 120 to 380 μm. Five polyps (62%) were associated with lymphoid aggregates that were present within initial sections. We conclude that additional sections may contain surprisingly large numbers of polyps and that lymphoid aggregates present within initial sections fail to exclude the presence of polyps within additional sections.
Blister Test Analysis Methods

We present a general mathematical model of the blister test describing the relation between adhesion energy and other test parameters, and discuss the assumptions made therein. We describe the effects of excessive compliance in the blister test apparatus and discuss the design of our apparatus. Preliminary results from adhesion tests of polymer films which use self-assembled monolayers as adhesion promoters are presented. Some features of the data can be explained by a simple model incorporating a rate-dependent adhesion energy.
Low to high injections in double-diffused transistors

It is shown, in this correspondence, that the operation of most double-diffused transistors at all injection levels is equivalent to that of alloy devices with the effective doubling of the diffusion constant. Moreover, the base transit time of a double-diffused transistor exhibiting a fixed basewidth is nearly current-independent.
MDCT Detection of Airway Stent Complications: Comparison with Bronchoscopy

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to evaluate the detection rate of central airway stent complications using MDCT as compared with bronchoscopy.MATERIALS AND METHODS. A review was performed of all consecutive patients undergoing MDCT and bronchoscopy for suspected complications of airway stents during an 18-month period. MDCT images were interpreted in a blinded fashion by an experienced thoracic radiologist before bronchoscopy was performed, and the accuracy of MDCT was determined using bronchoscopy as the gold standard. MDCT images were specifically assessed for the presence of the following complications: narrowing of stent lumen due to granulation tissue or secretions (or both), stent fracture, stent invasion by adjacent neoplasm, stent migration, and perforation of adjacent airways.RESULTS. The study population was composed of 21 patients, with mean age of 48 years (range, 16–79 years), who underwent tracheal (n = 3), tracheobronchial (n = 7), or bronchial (n = 11) stent placement for benign ...
Self‐Regulatory Trajectories in the Shadow of Public Power: Resolving Digital Dilemmas in Europe and the United States

Although industry self-regulation has developed into a preferred regula- tory strategy for the digital economy, self-regulatory solutions adopted in the U.S. and the European Union differ considerably. We argue that vari- ation in the shadow of public power—the public sector tools employed to induce industry collective action—sets the two on distinct self-regulatory trajectories. Legalistic self-regulation dominates in the U.S. and coordi- nated self-regulation in Europe. Expectations derived from the model are evaluated in case studies of online content regulation and personal data privacy protection. On both sides of the Atlantic, industry self-regulation has developed into a prominent regulatory strategy for the digital economy. 1 In an environ- ment still characterized by rapidly changing business models, market structures and technological advances, private sector self-regulation carves out a regulatory middle ground between government intervention and pure market mechanisms. Self-regulatory systems are often more flexible and less intrusive than formal regulation by governments; at the same time, they reduce uncertainty and enhance consumer confidence beyond levels attainable by the market alone. 2 Despite a common com- mitment to self-regulation based on this shared insight, much is made of the differences between regulatory solutions for "digital dilemmas" adopted in Europe and the U.S. Business practitioners, industry observers and policy makers in the U.S. have charged Europeans with heavy- handed government intervention that stifles innovation and distorts nascent e-commerce markets. Many Europeans, in turn, criticize America's naive faith in the market and unwillingness to protect common goods in the face of digital challenges. We show in this article that Europe and the U.S. indeed put much faith in e-commerce self-regulation. Yet the logic and character of self- regulation in Europe is very different from that in the U.S. Self-regulation