cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-Income Countries' BRIC Linkage: Are There Growth Spillovers?

Trade and financial ties between low-income countries (LICs) and Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRICs) have expanded rapidly in recent years. This gives rise to the potential for growth to spill over from the latter to the former. We employ a global vector autoregression (GVAR) model to investigate the extent of business cycle transmission from BRICs to LICs through both direct (FDI, trade, productivity, exchange rates) and indirect (global commodity prices, demand, and interest rates) channels. The estimation results show that there are significant direct spillovers while indirect spillovers also matters in many cases. Based on these results, we show that growing LIC-BRIC ties have significantly helped alleviate the adverse impact of the recent global financial crisis on LIC economies.
Multi-physics design of microvascular materials for active cooling applications

This paper describes a framework for the design of microvascular polymeric components for active cooling applications. The design of the embedded networks involves complex and competing objectives that are associated with various physical processes. The optimization tool includes a PDE solver based on advanced finite element techniques coupled to a multi-objective constrained genetic algorithm. The resulting Pareto-optimal fronts are investigated in the optimization of these materials for void volume fraction, flow efficiency, maximum temperature, and surface convection objective functions.
Investigating the interface of superhydrophobic surfaces in contact with water.

Neutron reflectivity (NR) is used to probe the solid, liquid, vapor interface of a porous superhydrophobic (SH) surface submerged in water. A low-temperature, low-pressure technique was used to prepare a rough, highly porous organosilica aerogel-like film. UV/ozone treatments were used to control the surface coverage of hydrophobic organic ligands on the silica framework, allowing the contact angle with water to be continuously varied over the range of 160° (superhydrophobic) to <10° (hydrophilic). NR shows that the superhydrophobic nature of the surface prevents infiltration of water into the porous film. Atomic force microscopy and density functional theory simulations are used in combination to interpret the NR results and help establish the location, width, and nature of the SH film−water interface.
Feasibility Study of As-Received and Modified (Dried/Baked) Water Treatment Plant Residuals for Use in Storm-Water Control Measures

AbstractUse of water treatment plant residuals (WTRs) in storm-water control measures (SCMs) is a sustainable alternative to landfill disposal of WTRs. However, research is needed to determine how effective WTR-amended SCMs would be in field-scale applications and what modifications can be implemented to improve performance. The modifications examined in this study were oven-drying (105°C) and baking (1,000°C) of the WTRs. Results showed that both modifications increase the hydraulic conductivity by two orders of magnitude. Dried WTRs showed no loss of phosphate removal potential compared to the as-received WTRs. Baking the WTRs lowered the phosphate removal potential but prevented manganese resuspension. The as-received WTRs, as well as both modifications, removed copper, lead, and zinc from storm-water runoff to below detection. Taken together, these results suggest that amending SCMs with modified WTRs has the potential to enhance the water quality improvement processes of SCMs while maintaining the in...
MRI and NMR spectroscopy of the lipids of atherosclerotic plaque in rabbits and humans

The early stages of atherosclerosis are characterized by the deposition of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides into the arterial wall. In the excised human atherosclerotic plaque these lipids are in a liquid-like state at body temperature and observable via MRI and NMR spectroscopy. To assess the ability of MRI to quantitatively image the lipids of atherosclerotic plaque in vivo, we have investigated eight New Zealand White rabbits fed atherogenic diets (2 weight (wt)% cholesterol, 1 wt% cholesterol + 6 wt% peanut oil, and 1 wt% cholesterol + 6 wt% corn oil). Postmortem examination indicated that all rabbits developed atherosclerosis in the aorta. Except for one animal, magnetic resonance angiography showed no noticeable obstruction in the aorta. MRI was carried out in an attempt to image atherosclerotic plaque lipids directly, but no signal was detected in vivo. However, a plaque lipid signal was observed from excised tissue using a small diameter RF coil. 1H NMR spectroscopy of the atherosclerotic plaque from excised aortas indicated that the major fraction of plaque lipids in rabbits is not in a liquid state at physiological temperature and are only marginally MRI-visible compared to human plaque lipid. The differences in the MRI characteristics of rabbit and human plaque are due to differences in the fatty acid profile of the cholesteryl esters, chiefly a decrease of linoleic acid in rabbit lesions.
Metabolite pharmacokinetics of soman, sarin, and GF in rats and biological monitoring of exposure to toxic organophosphorus agents

This study reports on the pharmacokinetics of the elimination of the metabolites of three toxic organophosphorus compounds (soman, sarin and GF). Urine, blood and lung tissue were collected from rats dosed subcutaneously at 75 micrograms kg-1. Urinary excretion of the metabolite was the major elimination route for these three compounds. The major differences among them were primarily the extent and rate of excretion. The hydrolyzed form, alkylmethylphosphonic acid, was the single major metabolite formed and excreted in urine by a non-saturable mechanism. Nearly total recoveries of the given doses for sarin and GF in metabolite form were obtained from the urine. The terminal elimination half-lives in urine were 3.7 +/- 0.1 and 9.9 +/- 0.8 h for sarin and GF, respectively. Soman metabolite showed a biphasic elimination curve with terminal half-lives of 18.5 +/- 2.7 and 3.6 +/- 2.2 h. Soman was excreted at a slower rate with a recovery of only 62%. Lung was the major organ of accumulation for soman. In blood the toxic agents were concentrated more in red blood cells than in plasma. The acid metabolites can serve as a better chemical marker for monitoring organophosphorus exposure in humans via their higher concentration and longer half-life in urine than the parent compounds.
Age-related changes in motor control during articulator visuomotor tracking.

The present study provides normative data on changes in visuomotor control of the oral-facial system across the lifespan. Control of the lower lip, jaw, and larynx (i.e., fundamental frequency) was examined using a nonspeech visuomotor tracking (VMT) task, where subjects move the articulator of interest to track a moving target on an oscilloscope screen. This task examines articulator motor control during movements that are similar to speech but that do not impose linguistic units or the demands of coordinating multiple structures. Accuracy and within- and between-subject variability in tracking performance were measured by cross correlation, gain ratio, phase shift, and target-tracker amplitude difference. Cross-correlation analyses indicated that performance of children (aged 8;2 to 17;0 [years;months]) and older adults (aged 45;1 to 84;3) is poorer than that of younger adults (aged 17;1 to 45;0). Accuracy of movement amplitude tended to increase during development and decline with aging, whereas age did not appear to influence accuracy of temporal parameters in lip and jaw tracking. In contrast, age tended to influence individual variability in temporal but not amplitude parameters. Differences were noted between articulators. The data complement previous studies that considered accuracy and variability of articulator movement during speech. The VMT method and the data provided may be applied to assessment of impairments in the motor speech system and to differential diagnosis of motor speech versus linguistically based disorders.
General Mobility Identification and Rectification of Watt Six-Bar Linkages

Mobility identification is a common problem encountered in linkage analysis and synthesis. Mobility of linkages refers to the problems concerning branch defect, full rotatability, singularities, and order of motion. By introducing the concept of stretch rotation, the paper shows the existence of a hidden five-bar loop in a Watt six-bar linkage and how it affects the formation of branches, sub-branches, as well as the whole mobility of the entire linkage. The paper presents the first methodology for a fully automated computer-aided complete mobility analysis of Watt six-bar linkages.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The role of the arcuate nucleus in the brain-pituitary-gonad axis.

Recent evidence indicates that the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus is involved in the control of gonadotrophin secretion. In the present work the neurons of the arcuate nucleus were studied in normal and castrated adult male rats with the electron microscope. The neurons of normal animals appear quite ordinary in many respects and contain the same types of organelles that are common to neurons in general. In addition, however, many neurons contain structures resembling the chromatoid bodies commonly found in developing spermatids. There are also some peculiar features of nuclear structure such as nucleolar association with the nuclear envelope and the fragmentation of the nucleolus. Arcuate neurons of castrated animals show two variations, the most obvious of which is the occurrence of whoreled formations of closely apposed concentric cisternae of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. These whorled bodies appear in several different forms. The simplest consist of complete uninterrupted cisternal rings. Variations from the simple form involve anastomoses between adjacent cisternal shells, areas in which the regular layered structure is obliterated by confluence of cisternal rings, areas of irregular spacing in which varying amounts of cytoplasm are trapped between adjacent rings, and the presence of semicircular incomplete outer rings. As many as five whorled bodies have been observed in a single cell. The whorled bodies in such a group are continuous with one another and with the common endoplasmic reticulum. Whorled bodies appear four days after castration, and by two weeks about one tenth of the neurons exhibit them. Very few whorled bodies appear in castrated animals that received daily injections of 2 μg testosterone propionate per gram body weight. Castration produced no obvious qualitative changes in the ependymal cells or their processes. The second variation resulting from castration is the presence of large populations of dense core vesicles in some of the neurons of the arcuate nucleus. Dense core vesicles are sparse in the neurons of normal animals. The significance of these variations is discussed. There is evidence to suggest that the whorled bodies may be an indication of enhanced synthetic activity following release from gonadal steroid inhibition. In any case, the whorled bodies label the cells in which they occur as direct links in the brain-pituitary-gonad axis.
Maximum weights of lift acceptable to male and female industrial workers for extended work shifts

Abstract This paper reports the development of maximum acceptable weight of lift databases for male and female industrial workers for 12-hour work periods. Using a psychophysical methodology, 37 males and 37 females, experienced in manual lifting, performed various lifting tasks involving four frequencies, three box sizes, and three height levels. The maximum acceptable weight of lift was significantly influenced by the frequency of lift, height of lift, and box size. Box size effects were, however, less profound than frequency, and height effects. The maximum weight, acceptable for 12 hours of lifting, elicited an average heart rate of 90 and 101 beats min −1 for males and females, respectively. Males selected weights that, on average, resulted in metabolic energy expenditure rates of 23% of their aerobic capacity for 12 hours of lifting. Females required metabolic energy expenditure rates equivalent to 24% of their aerobic capacity for lifting acceptable levels of weight for 12 hours.
The Effects of Growth Hormone on DNA Polymerase Activity in the Liver of Normal and Hypophysectomized Rats

DNA polymerase activity has been measured in sham—operated control and hypophysectomized rats, both with and without bovine growth hormone treatment for short and long periods of time. Enzyme activity using denatured primer was consistently decreased in the hormone deficient animals whereas activity using native primer varied with the reference unit employed; activity was increased per mg of supernatant protein, decreased per mg of DNA, and unchanged per milligram of tissue protein. After short—term growth hormone treatment enzyme activity increased proportionally by greater amounts in the livers of the hypophysectomized than of the control rats. In addition, hypophysectomized and control rats showed a different time pattern of peak enzyme response. After long—term treatment enzyme activity remained significantly increased in both the hypophysectomized and control rats. Again the increased enzyme activity was much greater in the hormone deficient animals. In both treatment groups, these increases were gen...
How Digital Technologies Are Enabling Consumers and Transforming the Practice of Marketing

(2014). How Digital Technologies Are Enabling Consumers and Transforming the Practice of Marketing. Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice: Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 149-150.
The effect of transient storage on nitrate uptake lengths in streams: an inter‐site comparison

Surface water–groundwater interaction in the hyporheic zone may enhance biogeochemical cycling in streams, and it has been hypothesized that streams exchanging more water with the hyporheic zone should have more rapid nitrate utilization. We used simultaneous conservative solute and nitrate addition tracer tests to measure transient storage (which includes hyporheic exchange and in-stream storage) and the rate of nitrate uptake along three reaches within the Red Canyon Creek watershed, Wyoming. We calibrated a one-dimensional transport model, incorporating transient storage (OTIS-P), to the conservative solute breakthrough curves and used the results to determine the degree of transient storage in each reach. The nitrate uptake length was quantified from the exponential decrease in nitrate concentration with distance during the tracer tests. Nitrate uptake along the most downstream reach of Red Canyon Creek was rapid (turnover time K−1c = 32 min), compared with nitrate uptake reported in other studies (K−1c = 12 to 551 min), but other sites within the watershed showed little nitrate retention or loss. The uptake length Sw-NO−3 for the most downstream reach was 500 m and the mass transfer coefficient Vf-NO−3 was 6·3 m min−1. Results from 15 other nitrate-addition tracer tests were used to create a regression model relating transient storage and measures of stream flow to nitrate uptake length. The model, which includes specific discharge and transient storage area, explains almost half the variability in nitrate uptake length (adjusted R2 = 0·44) and is most effective for comparing sites with very different stream characteristics. Although large differences in specific discharge and storage zone area explain inter-site differences in nitrate uptake, other unmeasured variables, such as available organic carbon and microbial community composition, are likely important for predicting differences in nitrate uptake between sites with similar specific discharge rates and storage zone areas, such as when making intra-site comparisons. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Verknüpfte Bis-Amidinate als unterstützende Liganden: Bildung eines ungewöhnlichen Titan-Aren-Komplexes in einer konzertierten Eliminierungs/σ-π-Umlagerungs-Reaktion

Eine 1,4-Cyclohexadiendianion-Resonanzstruktur hat einen wesentlichen Anteil an der Struktur des Titan-Aren-Komplexes [LTi(η6-PhCH3)] (siehe rechts). Laut Markierungsexperimenten wird er durch einen intramolekularen Vorgang in einer ungewohnlichen Eliminierungs-/σ-π-Umlagerungs-Reaktion aus [LTiIV(CH2Ph)2] und H2 gebildet, die durch die Verwendung Cyclohexan-verknupfter und damit geometrisch eingeschrankter Bis-Amidinate als Liganden L ermoglicht wird.
Tonic protein kinase C-mediated vasoconstriction is unmasked when nitric oxide synthase is inhibited in cerebral microvessels

Recent evidence indicates that nitric oxide participates in the modulation of vascular tone in a variety of vascular beds, including the parenchymal microvasculature of the brain. The present study examined the role of protein kinase activity in the induction and maintenance of the contractile response when endogenous nitric oxide production is inhibited in parenchymal microvessels of the rat hippocampus. Microvessels in in vitro slices of the hippocampus were monitored using computer-assisted video microscopy. The effects of inhibitors of two kinases, protein kinase C and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, on the vasoconstrictor response to NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) were investigated. The resting luminal diameter of the microvessels examined in this study ranged from 9 to 29 microns. Addition of 100 microM L-NNA to the medium superfusing the slice constricted microvessels by 38.8 +/- 0.6%. The addition of protein kinase inhibitors reversed this constriction in a dose-dependent manner. H-7 (50 microM), a relatively non-selective protein kinase C inhibitor, elicited an 81.4 +/- 10.0% reversal of the L-NNA-induced constriction. Bisindolylmaleimide (5 microM), a selective protein kinase C inhibitor, reversed the constriction by 69.1 +/- 13.7%. KN-62, an inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, elicited a smaller yet statistically significant reversal of 17.1 +/- 5.1%. Pretreatment with H-7 or bisindolyl-maleimide blocked the LNNA-induced constriction entirely, while KN-62 did not significantly inhibit the response. These findings indicate that the contractile response observed upon removal of endogenous nitric oxidergic vasodilation is mediated by protein kinase activity, and the contribution of protein kinase C to this effect is greater than that of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. The results suggest that a tonic nitric oxidergic influence serves to mask the potential for protein kinase C-mediated vasoconstriction in cerebral microvessels.
Division decisions and the spatial regulation of cytokinesis.

Cytokinesis in plant cells is accomplished when a membranous cell plate is guided to a pre-established division site. The orientation of the new wall establishes the starting position of a cell in a growing tissue, but the impact of this position on future development varies. Recently, proteins have been identified that participate in forming, stabilizing and guiding the cell plate to the correct division site. Mutations that affect cytokinesis with varying impacts on plant development are providing information about the mechanics of cytokinesis and also about how the division site is selected.
Analysis of spatial contiguity influences on state price level formation

Abstract Economists frequently ignore the spatial dimension of market activity, especially in macroeconomic analysis which tends to focus on aggregate variables. Using annual implicit price deflator time series for the 48 continental states, we carry out tests for the importance of geographic location in price-level determination. Spatial contiguity relationships between the states (geographic location) are shown to provide significant power in explaining historical variation in prices across states. The policy implications for local businesses trying to draw inferences regarding future price levels are that aggregate national information on the implicit price deflator (inflation) can be greatly enhanced by taking into account regional price-level information.
Determining the limits of anaerobic co-digestion of thickened waste activated sludge with grease interceptor waste

Abstract Anaerobic co-digestion of thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS) with grease interceptor waste (GIW) from a food service establishment was conducted in lab scale semi-continuous digesters. GIW included the entire contents of the grease interceptor (GI) including fat, oil, and grease (FOG), food residuals, and associated wastewater. GIW was added in step increases to identify the maximum methane production and the corresponding threshold input of GIW that led to inhibition of methanogenesis. The experiment was performed at mesophilic conditions (37 °C) with a solids retention time (SRT) of 20 days. The highest GIW addition rate achieved without digester failure was 20% (v/v), or 65.5% (w/w) of volatile solids (VS) added, enhancing the methane yield from 0.180 to 0.752 m CH 4 3 / kg VS added , biogas production from 2.2 × 10−3 to 1.4 × 10−2 m3/d, and methane content from 60.2% to 70.1%. The methane yield of 0.752 m CH 4 3 / kg VS added is the highest value reported to date for co-digestion of GIW. Stepwise increases in co-substrate addition led to better microbial acclimation and reduced the GIW inhibitory effect. The limit for GIW addition leading to an inhibited digestion process was identified to be between 20 and 40% (v/v) or 65.5 and 83.5% (w/w) of VS added. The results show the significant benefits of anaerobic co-digestion of GIW and the positive impacts of gradual addition of GIW.
Fish respond when the mercury rises

Approximately 40 years ago, researchers in Sweden and Canada made the startling discovery that fish from relatively pristine northern lakes contained unusually high levels of mercury (Hg) in their muscle tissue. Up until that point, mercury-contaminated fisheries were known only from locations receiving end-of-pipe discharges of mercury-laden wastes. In this case, however, lakes were remote from any such point-sources but still had fish mercury levels high enough to cause human-health problems, principally neurological damage, if consumed in sufficient quantities (1). It would be another decade before the development of clean sampling and analytical techniques would allow researchers to link the exceedingly low levels of mercury present in lake water to their biomagnification in the aquatic food chain and back to their ultimate source in industrial atmospheric emissions (2, 3). Since that time, mercury scientists have determined that thousands of lakes worldwide (the vast majority of those tested) are similarly contaminated; they have unraveled the microbial processes by which elemental mercury is converted to its bioaccumulative form, methylmercury (4); and they have determined through the analysis of natural geologic archives (cores of lake sediments and peat bogs) that human activities are responsible for approximately two-thirds of the mercury now present in the global atmosphere (5). In this issue of PNAS, Harris et al. (6) add a key piece to this giant biogeochemical puzzle: the experimental determination that mercury levels in fish respond rapidly and directly to changes in atmospheric mercury deposition.
IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) signaling core security

The IMS leverages the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) as its core signaling method between network elements inside the core. Communications between the P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and S-CSCF take place via SIP over either Transport Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP) over Internet Protocol (IP). There are numerous, well documented, vulnerabilities associated with SIP, TCP, and UDP to which the IMS signaling core is potentially vulnerable as well [10][5]. This paper explores and enumerates possible vulnerabilities inherent to the IMS signaling core, and their countermeasures.
An in Vitro Model for Arsine Toxicity Using Isolated Red Blood Cells

A novel test system using isolated red blood cells (RBCs) and arsine (AsH3) in aqueous solution was developed to allow quantitation of AsH3 exposure and to study the toxicity of AsH3 in vitro. In this system AsH3 gas was generated and dissolved in aqueous solution, the concentration was measured, and the standardized solution was mixed with rat or dog red blood cells (RBCs). AsH3 was found to be stable in solution at neutral pH for several hours, but was lost quickly from solution as the acidity was increased to pH 2. Approximately 74% of the initial 0.56 mM AsH3, measured as total arsenic, was found to be taken up by, or strongly associated with, dog RBCs within 5 min of incubation and 82% of the initial 0.49 mM AsH3 was found in rat RBCs after 10 min incubation. Following hypotonic lysis of rat RBCs, 55% of the cell-associated arsenic was found in the membrane fraction with the balance found in the cytosolic fraction. The in vitro technique was used to examine factors influencing AsH3 toxicity using hemolysis as the end point. Hemolysis levels in dog and rat RBC incubations were found to increase with time after exhibiting a lag phase of about 30 min. At the AsH3 concentrations used, maximum levels of hemolysis were observed by 2 hr; maximum hemolysis at room temperature for dog RBCs was 20% and for rat RBCs was 22%. Increasing the temperature from room temperature to 37 degrees C resulted in increased hemolysis in dog RBCs (36%) and rat RBCs (90%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The force on a neutral dielectric object of biological interest in crossed time-varying electric and magnetic fields

Externally imposed sinusoidal electric and magnetic fields acting ninety degrees out of phase and perpendicular to each other produce a unidirectional force on an object. The electromagnetic body force arising is found to be proportional to the frequency, to the field strengths, and to the (differential) polarizability of the body acted upon in its medium. The force is found to be small for practically realizable fields, but is different from that of the familiar “light pressure.” This “crossed field” force, based as it is upon the frequency-dependent relative effective dielectric constant and loss factor of the body as it moves in the supporting fluid medium, can provice spectra of various dielectric response mechanisms.
The reaction of OH with ClNO2 at 298 K: kinetics and mechanisms

Abstract The kinetics of the gas phase reaction between OH and ClNO 2 have been studied in a fast flow discharge system (FFDS) at 298 K. The rate constant for the reaction was determined in phosphoric acid or halocarbon was coated flow tubes to be (3.5 ± 0.7) × 10 −14 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 , where the uncertainty takes into account possible systematic errors and is greater than 2σ. HOCl was shown by mass spectrometry to be the major product. Using for comparison the OH + ClNO reaction, these data show that channel (1a) OH + ClNO 2 → HOCl + NO 2 must account for ⩾ 90% of the OH + ClNO 2 reaction. A second possible channel (1b) OH + ClNO 2 → HNO 3 + Cl is not significant. The atmospheric implication of these results are discussed.
Serving as a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Evaluator: Notes from a Novice

For those seeking ways by which they might serve more knowledgeably and effectively as members of their institution's leadership team—particularly when it comes to issues of institutional assessmen...
Foraging Modes of Predators and Behaviors of Prey Determine the Outcome of Multiple Predator Interactions

Abstract Interactions with multiple predator species may differ among prey with different antipredator defenses. The interactions between largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (a cruising predator) and muskellunge Esox masquinongy (an ambush predator) and prey with different antipredator behaviors, bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and fathead minnow Pimephales promelas, was examined in mesocosms. In the combined predator treatment, no differences were found in the foraging sequence for the cruising predator, whereas the ambush predator increased the number of follows and pursuits. Bluegills altered their behavior across predator treatments by changing their activity levels and habitat use. Ultimately, the ambush predator benefited from the combined predators because of a greater encounter frequency with bluegills that led to more captures and a risk-enhanced effect on bluegills. The high vulnerability of fathead minnow to individual ambush and cruising predators led to a neutral effect from combined predators...
A Comparison of the In-Situ Measurement of Terrestrial Americium with a Ge(Li) Spectrometer and a Fidler

The evaluation of the sensitivity of a Ge(Li) coaxial detector in comparison with a thin NaI(Tl) detector in in situ terrestrial 241Am is described. The experiment was performed in areas of natural background and fallout products. Of primary concern is the detection of 241Am 60 keV gamma ray. Calculated from these data are the corresponding quantitations of 239,240Pu.
A note on a simple universal fluid drop counter.

A simple, easily constructed, economical fluid drop counter is described. Although suitable for most perfusion experiments, it has been found to be particularly efficacious for use with fluids of low electrolyte content such as saliva.
Structural and Molecular Characterization of a Preferred Protein Interaction Surface on G Protein βγ Subunits

G protein βγ subunits associate with many binding partners in cellular signaling cascades. In previous work, we used random-peptide phage display screening to identify a diverse family of peptides that bound to a common surface on Gβγ subunits and blocked a subset of Gβγ effectors. Later studies showed that one of the peptides caused G protein activation through a novel Gβγ-dependent, nucleotide exchange-independent mechanism. Here we report the X-ray crystal structure of Gβ1γ2 bound to this peptide, SIGK (SIGKAFKILGYPDYD), at 2.7 A resolution. SIGK forms a helical structure that binds the same face of Gβ1 as the switch II region of Gα. The interaction interface can be subdivided into polar and nonpolar interfaces that together contain a mixture of binding determinants that may be responsible for the ability of this surface to recognize multiple protein partners. Systematic mutagenic analysis of the peptide−Gβ1 interface indicates that distinct sets of amino acids within this interface are required for bi...
Simulation of phosphorene Schottky-barrier transistors

Schottky barrier field-effect transistors (SBFETs) based on few and mono layer phosphorene are simulated by the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism. It is shown that scaling down the gate oxide thickness results in pronounced ambipolar I-V characteristics and significant increase of the minimal leakage current. The problem of leakage is especially severe when the gate insulator is thin and the number of layer is large, but can be effectively suppressed by reducing phosphorene to mono or bilayer. Different from two-dimensional graphene and layered dichalcogenide materials, both the ON-current of the phosphorene SBFETs and the metal-semiconductor contact resistance between metal and phosphorene strongly depend on the transport crystalline direction.
The Effect of Layoffs on Firm Reputation

A firm’s reputation is perhaps one of its most important strategic resources. Using data from Fortune’s America’s Most Admired Companies survey, this article examines how layoffs affect the reputations of firms. The authors found that layoffs have a negative impact on a firm’s reputation and that this relationship is significantly stronger for newer firms than older firms. Limited support is found for the hypothesis that larger firms’ reputations will be buffered from the adverse effects of a layoff on their reputations. Implications of this research and future research questions are discussed.
A Constructivist Approach to Grammar: Teaching Teachers to Teach Aspect

This article demonstrates how a constructivist approach to teacher education helps inexperienced teachers understand the learning and teaching of aspect, a core grammatical concept. By consciously experiencing the process of narration (i.e., how a speaker perceives real or imagined events and then organizes perceptions into a coherent recounting of events), apprentice teachers construct a deeper awareness of the form/meaning aspectual correlations of the target language. More generally, this study argues that a constructivist approach to teacher education facilitates the development of an innovative grammar pedagogy by challenging TAs's traditional beliefs about the nature of grammar.
Proton Induced X-Ray Emission Analysis - A Complement to Analytical Methods Used in Environmental Studies

Particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis is a highly versatile method of element analysis. Thus it is well suited for use as a complement to other methods of analysis in experimental programs requiring both chemical and elemental analyses. This paper reports some results of two projects where PIXE was used in conjunction with titration calorimetry, ion chromatography, atomic absorption spectroscopy, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and some other methods. The first is a study of sulfur chemistry in a copper smelter plume. Arsenic was found to be a conservative tracer of the plume and was used for calculation of plume dilution. Calcium was found to be characteristic of the background or ambient aerosol and was used to correct particulate data for the background contribution. The use of both plume and ambient tracers and of data from other analytical methods noted above led to the determination of several aspects of the plume sulfur chemistry. The second project is a study of the effluents from a high-temperature, high-pressure entrained flow gasifier. The scrubber water and particulate matter entrained in the scrubber water and in the product gas were analyzed by PIXE. Of particular interest were the low elemental concentrations in the scrubber water.
Determination of the secondary structure of proteins from the amide I band of the laser Raman spectrum.

Abstract The amide I band in the laser Raman spectrum of proteins has been resolved into six components, each representing residues in a different type of secondary structure. These structure types are ordered or bihydrogen-bonded helix (believed to be located in the center of helical segments), disordered or monohydrogen-bonded helix (believed to be located at the ends of helical segments), antiparallel beta sheet, parallel beta sheet, reverse turn, and undefined. The Raman spectrum representing 100% of each type of residue conformation has been computed from the solvent-subtracted Raman spectra of ten proteins with known secondary structure, plus poly- l -lysine using a least-squares solution of the overdetermined system of equations. Linear combinations of these reference spectra were then fitted to the experimental amide I spectra of these and other proteins to estimate the fractions of residues in these conformations. Statistical tests suggest that the discrimination between bihydrogen-bonded helix and monohydrogen-bonded helix is significant as is the discrimination between parallel and antiparallel β-sheet. However, the discrimination between random structure and turns has not yet been accomplished by these studies. The absolute difference between X-ray and Raman estimates of structure for 17 protein samples is generally less than 6%. We conclude that detailed and reasonably accurate estimates of secondary structure can be derived from the amide I spectra of proteins.
Evaluation of diverse soybean germplasm for root growth and architecture

Root characteristics of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) improve drought avoidance by increasing water uptake from the soil profile. Screening genotypes for improved root architecture without breaking the taproots or losing lateral roots is a challenge. Due to difficulty in separating roots from field or potting soil, a rapid and effective screening method with a suitable growth medium to assess root characteristics under controlled conditions needs to be established. We describe two screening techniques “the cone system” and “the tube system” using turface:sand medium. In the cone system thirty four soybean lines including cultivars and exotic plant introduction (PI) lines were evaluated for tap root length and root biomass, 12 days after sowing. Eight replications per line were grown in a growth chamber. Significant differences among genotypes for tap root length were detected by the cone system. Validity of results from the cone system was tested by evaluating root growth 21 days after planting for eight lines in the tube system. A coefficient of determination of 0.72 indicated good agreement between the two screening systems for evaluating genotypes for rooting depth. The cone system will be a useful method to easily and rapidly assess soybean genotypes for root growth.
Intraocular Camera Design for Retinal Prostheses

A novel miniaturized intraocular video camera for use in conjunction with an epiretinal microstimulator array as a retinal prosthesis has been designed, optimized for low pixel resolution, fabricated, surgically implanted in a canine, and characterized.
Effects of phase and coupling between the vibrational modes on selective excitation in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy

Coherentanti-StokesRamanscattering(CARS)microscopyhasbeenamajortoolofinvestigationofbiological structures as it contains the vibrational signature of molecules. A quantum control method based on chirped pulse adiabatic passage was recently proposed for selective excitation of a predetermined vibrational mode in CARS microscopy [Malinovskaya and Malinovsky,Opt. Lett.32, 707 (2007)]. The method utilizes the chirp sign variationatthepeakpulseamplitudeandgivesarobustadiabaticexcitationofthedesiredvibrationalmode.Using this method, we investigate the impact of coupling between vibrational modes in molecules on controllability of excitation of the CARS signal. We analyze two models of two coupled two-level systems (TLSs) having slightly different transitional frequencies. The first model, featuring degenerate ground states of the TLSs, gives robust adiabatic excitation and maximum coherence in the resonant TLS for positive value of the chirp. In the second model, implying nondegenerate ground states in the TLSs, a population distribution is observed in both TLSs, resulting in a lack of selectivity of excitation and low coherence. It is shown that the relative phase and coupling between the TLSs play an important role in optimizing coherence in the desired vibrational mode and suppressing unwanted transitions in CARS microscopy.
RICE ALLERGY WITH CNS REACTIONS AND SERUM COMPLEMENT DEPRESSION

Rice allergy has been reported, but not adequately documented. An infant had flushing, vomiting and diarrhea after his first and 6 subsequent rice feedings from 2 to 15 months of age. In addition, ingestion of rice or soy during his first 6 months induced lethargy, unresponsiveness and EEG abnormalities. RAST and P-K testing documented IgE antibody to rice, but not to soy. Rice fluorescent antibody spot tests for anti-rice antibody were positive for IgE, but negative for IgG, A & M. Precipitation and passive hemagglutination antibody studies were negative for rice and soy. Early in the course serum complement (C) was depressed both before and after rice challenge. CH50, C3, C4 and Factor B levels remained low for 2 months and did not rise to normal until rice and soy were eliminated from diet at 6 months of age. Rice ingestion at 13 months of age was followed by flushing, vomiting and diarrhea and was associated with increases of serum histamine of 140% at one hour and 70% at eight hours after challenge. There was no associated CNS reaction or C depression with this challenge. The CNS reactions and C depression prior to six months of age may have been due to rice allergy combined with gut and/or CNS immaturity. Rice allergy was demonstrated by specific IgE and GI reactions to rice even after C returned to normal. This case documents true rice allergy in which C depression and CNS reaction accompanied the CI reaction.
Flame-Made Catalyst for Bio-Methanol Steam Reforming

In the present study, a catalyst produced by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) was evaluated for its ability to produce hydrogen-rich gas mixtures. Catalyst particles fabricated by a novel flame spray pyrolysis method resulting in a highly active catalyst with high surface-to-volume ratio were compared to a commercially produced catalyst (BASF F3-01). Both catalysts consisted of CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 of identical composition (CuO 40wt%, ZnO 40wt%, Al2O3 20wt%). Reaction temperatures between 220 and 295 °C, methanol-water inlet flow rates between 2 and 50 μl/min, and reactor masses between 25 and 100 mg were tested for their effect on methanol conversion and the production of undesired carbon monoxide. 100% methanol conversion can be easily achieved within the operational conditions mentioned for this flame-made catalyst — at reactor temperatures of 255 °C (achievable with non-concentrating solar collectors) more than 80% methanol conversion can be reached for methanol-water inlet flow rates as high as 10 μl/min. The FSP catalyst demonstrates similar catalytic abilities as the BASF, produces a consistent gas composition and produces lower overall CO production. Furthermore, the FSP catalyst demonstrates a better suitability to fuel cell use through its higher resistance to degradation and smaller production of carbon monoxide over long-term use.In the present study, the merits of using flame spray pyrolysis to produce CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 methanol steam reforming catalysts are examined, and directly compared to catalysts that are commercially produced in bulk pellet form, and then ground and sieved. The comparison is performed from several different perspectives: catalytic activity and CO production at various temperatures and fuel inlet flow rates; surface and structure characteristics are determined via scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy; surface area characteristics are determined via Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) tests.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Rapid bidirectional power flow of supercapacitor energy storage systems through grid-tied inverters for improved renewables integration

The variable output of renewables presents integration challenges, especially at high levels of penetration. The coordination of multiple energy storage solutions can provide an effective approach to integrate these variable resources. Since supercapacitor energy storage systems (SESS) are designed to meet fast response energy demands, examination of the effect of frequency of power flow reversal on system operation is crucial, as is development of suitable SESS control algorithms. This paper presents experimental and modeling work carried out using a SESS integrated in a research scale lab grid through a high frequency grid-tied inverter. Operation of the SESS at high frequencies shows poor performance, with effective SESS energy rating significantly decreased for power flow reversals faster than 0.3Hz. Two approaches to control power flow from a SESS are developed and tested, with one aimed at power smoothing and the other aimed at limiting ramp rates. Both effectively reduce the time the system spends in a ramp failure, with the ramp rate algorithm most effective at reducing the time spent in a ramp failure state.
Molecular epidemiology of norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in North Carolina, United States: 1995-2000.

Noroviruses (NoVs) are the most common cause of acute non-bacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks in the US. We investigated 16 gastroenteritis outbreaks in North Carolina (NC), from 1995 to 2000, to further characterize the epidemiology of NoV using RT-PCR on stool and ELISA on sera. NoV were identified in 14 outbreaks by RT-PCR. Sequence analyses of the amplicons indicated the outbreak strains belonged to the following clusters: five GII/4, three GI/3, one GI/4, one GII/2, one GII/5, one GII/7, and one GII/13 (prototype strain). We detected NoV in stool samples from one outbreak but could not determine its specific cluster within the GII genogroup based on polymerase sequence analysis. The five GII/4 strains were classified as the “95/96 US common strain” and occurred throughout the 5-year period. In contrast to national trends, the majority (86%) of NoV outbreaks identified in North Carolina were foodborne. Of the 12 food-related NoV outbreaks, we were able to document transmission by food handlers in two outbreaks. Person-to-person transmission from primary cases was suggested in three outbreaks. Our results indicate that NoVs are important agents of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks in NC. J. Med. Virol. 79:84–91, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Invariant based modeling and control of multi-phase reactor systems ☆

We propose a modeling framework for stable simulation of multi-phase reactor systems operating at thermodynamic equilibrium. The model framework can be used to determine system characteristics, explore parameter sensitivity and test control system strategies. The thermodynamic equilibrium assumption and the use of reaction invariants make it computationally inexpensive. We show that the feedback control approach based on the overall inventories of the system can be effectively used for improved performance of such reactor systems. Two multi-phase reactor systems – the vapor recovery reactor used in carbothermic aluminum reduction and the gasification reactor used in IGCC are considered to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed modeling and control approach.
Evaluating the risks of solid waste management programs: A suggested approach

Abstract The Resource Recovery Planning Model (RRPLAN) is used to illustrate an approach for evaluating the risks associated with alternative solid waste management programs. The paper first discusses how RRPLAN uses a detailed cost accounting framework to weigh the consequences of decisions affecting siting, routing, marketing and financing. A case study of the tri-county area surrounding Jackson, Mississippi, where two waste-to-energy facilities are compared to an all-landfill option, is then introduced. The case study shows how the results of a sensitivity analysis can be used to develop a cost estimating relationship between the discounted cost per Mg (ton) of processing at a waste-to-energy facility and three explanatory variables: (1) the capital cost of the facility; (2) the volume of waste processed; and (3) revenues from the sale of recoverable materials and any associated tipping fees. A Monte Carlo experiment is then performed to show how variations about the expected values for the three explanatory variables affect the risk of the program. The probability that the discounted cost per Mg of the waste-to-energy facility exceeds that of the all-landfill option is used as a risk assessment mechanism.