cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of sulfur evolution on the properties of high-temperature carbons—I. Thianthrene and thianthrene-anthracene precursors

Abstract The carbonization (525°C) and graphitization (up to 2500°C) of thianthrene, anthracene and a 17% wt thianthrene-83% wt anthracene mixture were investigated. The thianthrene carbons were found to be non-graphitizable and of low density. Upon heat-treatment from 1200–2500°C sulfur was evolved continuously and there was a further decrease in density due to an increase in closed porosity. The carbons produced from the mixture were found to be graphitizable and possessed similar crystal parameters to those carbons derived from anthracene after heat treatment to the same temperature. In contrast to the anthracene carbons, the mixed carbons showed a sharp decrease in density with heat treatment temperature. The principal reduction in sulfur content occurred between 1400–1600°C. The density change appears to be produced through the disruption of crystallite alignment which substantially increases the open pore volume for pores of less than 200 nm diameter. The behavior of the mixed carbon is similar to that reported for high sulfur petroleum cokes which can undergo an irreversible expansion (puffing) during graphitization.
Cytochrome c/H2O2-mediated one electron oxidation of carcinogenic N-fluorenylacetohydroxamic acids to nitroxyl free radicals

Summary The oxidation of carcinogenic hydroxamic acids, N-hydroxy-N-2-fluorenylacetamide (N-OH-2-FAA) and N-hydroxy-N-3-fluorenylacetamide (N-OH-3-FAA) catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or cytochrome c in the presence of H2O2 was investigated. HRP/H2O2 was a more efficient system in oxidation of both hydroxamic acids and the standard substrate, guaiacol, then cytochrome c/H2O2. Peroxidative activity of cytochrome c was shown after incubation with Triton X-100 and H2O2 for 20 min at room temperature in 0.05 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.5) or in 0.1 M sodium acetate (pH6.0) without Triton X-100. Both hydroxamic acids were oxidized to nitroxyl free radicals as shown by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. These radicals dismutated to equimolar amounts of 2- or 3-nitrosofluorene and acetate esters of the corresponding hydroxamic acids as shown by thin layer chromatography and spectrophotometric analysis of the products. In addition, large amounts of the N-fluorenylamides were generated in the reactions with cytochrome c/H2O2 system. Of the products, only 2- or 3-nitrosofluorene per se or when generated from the oxidation of the hydroxamic acids, interacted with lecithin (1 mg/ml) to yield ESR signals of the immobilized nitroxyl free radicals. In contrast to HRP/H2O2 system, in which the initial velocity of the radical formation was too fast to measure and the maximal concentrations of the nitroxyl free radicals of both hydroxamic acids were similar, in the cytochrome c/H2O2 system the nitroxyl free radical of N-OH-2-FAA formed at a 6-fold faster rate and accumulated at a 2-fold higher concentration than the radical of N-OH-3-FAA. In both enzyme systems, the persistence of the signal and the length of time before it had decreased to one half its maximum were several-fold longer for the nitroxyl free radical of N-OH-3-FAA than for that of N-OH-2-FAA. These data showed that these nitroxyl free radicals differed in their kinetic properties. One electron oxidation of N-OH-3-FAA by HRP/H2O2 system and of both isomeric hydroxamic acids by cytochrome c/H2O2 system are reported for the first time in this work and may be considered an activation reaction in earcinogenesis by these compounds.
Incentives, Discretion, and Asset Valuation in Closed–End Mutual Funds

This paper studies earnings management using 363 closed–end mutual fund firm–years of data. Closed–end fund assets consist of unrestricted and restricted securities, and realized and unrealized income. While unrestricted securities are not subject to earnings management, restricted security values are largely discretionary. Managerial valuation of restricted securities is modeled as contingent on unrestricted returns relative to a performance benchmark. Four unrestricted performance regions are identified. Known multi–period compensation incentives become the basis for hypothesizing earnings management behaviors in the regions in the form of restricted security valuation. Across several benchmarks, the results are consistent with multi–period maximization rather than simpler single–period compensation maximization or income smoothing. Funds with extreme unrestricted performance show relatively larger income–decreasing earnings management, and funds with slightly–below benchmark returns show relatively larger income–increasing earnings management than those slightly above. These results clarify the relationship between complex earnings management behavior and managerial incentives.
Photoluminescence in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells associated with excited confinement subbands

Abstract We report on photoluminescence emission features which are observed from GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells only at elevated temperatures (T>10K), using weak cw laser excitation. These features have energies higher than those of the heavy and light hole excitons and are associated with interband transitions between excited confinement conduction and valence subbands. Their energies are compared with values calculated from measured well dimensions and accepted band parameters for a series of samples with well widths between 80 and 375A.
Improved image interpretation with combined superselective and standard angiography (double injection technique) during embolization of arteriovenous malformations.

OBJECTIVE: Interpretation of angioarchitecture during embolization of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is critical to optimizing results. We describe an adjunctive technique to aid in the interpretation of AVM embolization and improve safety. METHODS: In the past 100 consecutive patients who underwent AVM embolization by a single surgeon (RAM), each AVM nidus was selectively catheterized and microangiography was performed. After the microcatheter contrast exited the AVM, a guiding catheter angiogram was performed during the same digital run. The microangiogram was digitally superimposed on the guiding catheter angiogram to delineate important landmarks such as the nidus perimeter, draining veins, and microcatheter tip, which were then drawn on the digital subtraction angiographic monitor with a marking pen in two orthogonal views. RESULTS: Important landmarks were continually visualized during the embolization procedure despite subtracted fluoroscopy ("blank" roadmap). These techniques qualitatively helped to: 1) appreciate the overall size and morphology of the nidus, 2) clearly visualize the safe limits of the embolic injection within the nidus perimeter, 3) clearly visualize draining patterns to help avoid premature venous embolization, 4) decipher small draining veins from arteries, 5) continuously monitor the location and status of the microcatheter tip, and 6) increase the confidence of the surgeon during prolonged embolic injections. CONCLUSION: The double injection technique with marking pen demarcation of the nidus perimeter, venous drainage, and microcatheter tip position was qualitatively useful in every case.
Nuclear charge distribution in fission: Fractional cumulative yields of 131Sb and 131mTe from the spontaneous fission of 252Cf

Abstract The fractional cumulative yields of 131 Sb and 131 m Te from the 131 Sb fission of 252 Cf have been determined from a measurement of the radioactivity of 131 I found in samples of antimony and tellurium separated from other products of fission of 252 Cf. The yields are 0·65±0·03 and 0·19± 0·01, respectively. A comparison of the fractional cumulative yield of 131 Sb to yields of 131 Te, 136 Xe, and 138 Xe for fission of 252 Cf and 235 U indicates that the effects of nuclear structure of the products on charge distribution are nearly the same for both fission processes. The results also indicate that, for this mass region, there may be less redistribution of charge during spontaneous fission of 252 Cf than during thermal-neutron induced fission of 235 U. An approximate value, ∼0·8, was measured for the ratio of the fractional independent yield of 131 m Te to that of 131 g Te.
High-speed videography combined with an x-ray image intensifier for dynamic radiography

The Spin Physics SP-2000 high-speed video system can be combined with an x-ray source, a dynamic event having internal (not directly visible) movement and an x-ray image intensifier to perform dynamic radiography. The cesium iodide input fluor and P-20 output fluor of the image intensifier have rapid decay to allow x-ray imaging up to 12,000 pictures per second. Applications of this technique include internal functioning of a compressor, turbulent water action and other mechanical actions.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Auger analysis of thick silver films and of silver layers grown on copper

Abstract A sensitive new measure of the line broadening of an Auger doublet, called the R factor, was applied to the growth of (1) thick silver films and (2) thin silver films on a thick copper substrate. It is shown that periodic fluctuations in R with thickness give evidence for monocrystalline layer growth while the absence of such fluctuations is characteristic of polycrystalline growth. By combining measurements of the Auger amplitude and the R factor as functions of the silver film thickness for silver films deposited onto copper, it was shown that a Stranski-Krastanov growth mode is characteristic of the epitaxial growth of Ag(111) on Cu(111) at 210°C. The initial layer in this case is two (111) atom spacings thick on which high flat islands form. Continued growth of these islands is shown to take place by two-atom-thick flat islands.
A kinematic-coincidence detector system for sub-barrier heavy-ion reaction studies

Abstract A detector system has been developed to study sub-barrier heavy-ion transfer reactions by means of the coincident detection of both reaction products. Scattered ions are momentum-analyzed by an Enge split-pole magnetic spectrometer, and the recoils are detected in a 3.5 m long time-of-flight arm. Ion trajectories through the spectrometer are determined by an angle measurement at the focal plane, which together with the measured time-of-flight through the spectrometer provides independent measurements of the momentum and velocity of the scattered particles. This raytracing method allows the spectrometer to be operated with a large (10.3 msr) entrance solid angle without significantly degrading the velocity and momentum measurements. Two-body kinematic coincidence is used to measure the mass of the recoil and the reaction Q-value distribution. This detector system has been used to measure the cross sections and Q-value distributions for sub-barrier quasielastic transfer reactions in the system 58 Ni + 162 Dy . Mass resolution of better than 0.8 u (FWHM) is obtained, resulting in adequate channel separation. The Q-value resolution is approximately 1.4 MeV (FWHM) for ≈ 50 μg/cm2 thick Dy targets. Prospects for the improvement of the performance of such detector systems are discussed.
Effect of site preparation on survival and growth of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziessi Mirb. Franco .) seedlings

The performance (survival and growth) of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. Franco.) seedlings planted in minimally disturbed, scalped, and bedded soils, both with and without herbicidal control of weeds, were compared. Douglas-fir growing for 3 years in bedded soils treated with herbicide were heavier, taller, and had deeper root systems than trees growing in other preparations. Scalping did not improve seedling performance when compared to minimally disturbed soils. Soils rich in organic matter benefited tree growth. Competing vegetation in raised beds was detrimental to seedling performance.
SU-E-J-159: Electromagnetic Tracking during 4DCT.

Purpose: Real‐time, electromagnetictumor tacking during 4DCT is an unsolved problem. The underlying problem is due to eddy current magnetic fields generated within the conducting surfaces in response to the source's alternating magnetic fields.To solve this problem, we developed a method to separate the source from the background fields, which can be measured with simple search coil sensors, such as those used by the Calypso (Seattle, WA) tracking system.Method: We modeled the environment using ANSYS Maxwellelectromagnetic simulation software. The gantry was modeled as a 5 mm thick × 1.2 m diameter stainless‐steel cylinder, with variable length. The transponder solenoid was modeled as a 10 mm × 1 mm conducting cylinder, with azimuth directed current, which was assumed to have a frequency range of 300–500 kHz. The search coil configuration was assumed to be a 5 × 5 array of 5−7 cm square current loops with 6.7 cmseparation. An algorithm based on free space calculations and measurements was developed to calculate the solenoid position within the cylinder, in the presences of relatively large eddymagnetic fields that were generated at the same frequency as the source. Results: Of the various methods and sensor configurations investigated, we found a method that localized the transponder solenoid within 1 mm over all solenoid locations and gantry lengths. We also found that gradient techniques did not significantly increase localization accuracy as expected. Complex solutions were found but not suitable for rapid clinical implementation. Conclusions: This method can be used to localize a Calypso® Beacon transponder during 4DCT to accurately track tumor positions. Furthermore, the method was based on inexpensive search coils with comparable dimensions to preserve the source‐sensor distance. The next task is to create a system and investigate clinical implementation.
The Mafioso Case: Autonomy and Self-respect

This article argues that immoralists do not fully enjoy autonomous agency because they are not capable of engaging in the proper form of practical reflection, which requires relating to others as having equal standing. An adequate diagnosis of the immoralist’s failure of agential authority requires a relational account of reflexivity and autonomy. This account has the distinctive merit of identifying the cost of disregarding moral obligations and of showing how immoralists may become susceptible to practical reason. The compelling quality of reason should not be represented as the capacity to force them to abide by morality on pain of incoherence. Rather, its authority (and objectivity) is shown when it presents them with the prospect of a transition that makes sense for them to undertake.
Marine Bacteria Cause False-Positive Results in the Colilert-18 Rapid Identification Test for Escherichia coli in Florida Waters

The Colilert-18 system for enumeration of total coliforms and Escherichia coli is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in drinking water analysis and is also used by various agencies and research studies for enumeration of indicator organisms in fresh and saline waters. During monitoring of Pinellas County, Fla., marine waters, estimates of E. coli numbers (by Colilert-18) frequently exceeded fecal coliform counts (by membrane filtration) by 1 to 3 orders of magnitude. Samples from freshwater sites did not display similar discrepancies. Fecal coliforms, including E. coli, could be cultured from 100% of yellow fluorescent wells (denoting E. coli-positive results) inoculated with freshwater samples but could be cultured from only 17.1% of the “positive” wells inoculated with marine samples. Ortho-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside (ONPG)-positive or 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-d-glucuronide (MUG)-positive noncoliform bacteria were readily cultured from Colilert-18 test wells inoculated with marine samples. Filtered cell-free seawater did not cause false positives. Coculture preparations of as few as 5 CFU of Vibrio cholerae (ONPG positive) and Providencia sp. (MUG positive) ml−1 inoculated into Colilert-18 caused false-positive E. coli results. Salinity conditions influenced coculture results, as the concentration of coculture inoculum required to cause false positives in most wells increased from about 5 CFU ml−1 in seawater diluted 1:10 with freshwater to ≈5,000 CFU ml−1 in seawater diluted 1:20 with freshwater. Estimated E. coli numbers in various marine water samples processed at the 1:10 dilution ranged from 10 to 7,270 CFU·100 ml−1, while E. coli numbers in the same samples processed at the 1:20 dilution did not exceed 40 CFU·100 ml−1. The lower estimates of E. coli numbers corresponded well with fecal coliform counts by membrane filtration. This study indicates that assessment of E. coli in subtropical marine waters by Colilert-18 is not accurate when the recommended 1:10 sample dilution is used. The results suggest that greater dilution may diminish the false-positive problem, but further study of this possibility is recommended.
Genetic dissection of quantitative trait loci specifying sedative/hypnotic sensitivity to ethanol: mapping with interval-specific congenic recombinant lines.

Background Linkage studies alone do not produce sufficient resolution to narrow the location of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) to a small-enough chromosomal region for gene identification. One solution to this problem is to use interval-specific congenic recombinant (ISCR) lines to narrow the chromosomal interval known to contain the QTL. In previous work, we mapped four QTLs for differential ethanol sensitivity in the inbred long-sleep (ILS) and inbred short-sleep (ISS) strains and generated reciprocal congenic strains in which each full QTL interval from ILS was bred onto the ISS background and vice versa. Methods ISCR lines were derived by identifying mice carrying recombination events in the congenic interval during backcrossing of the ISS.ILS. Lore congenics to ISS. Recombinant mice were backcrossed to ISS, and progeny carrying the ISCR chromosome were identified and tested to determine whether the ISCR region carried the donor Lore QTL. Results We developed multiple ISCR lines for each Lore QTL, in which the QTL interval was broken into a number of smaller intervals. For all four QTLs, we reduced the size of the interval, in one case to 3.7 cM. Conclusions Use of ISCR lines can narrow each Lore candidate region to a few centimorgans. Such an interval size is conducive to brute-force approaches to identify candidate genes, entailing bioinformatics, gene expression, and DNA sequencing strategies.
Biomass yield, composition and production costs for eight switchgrass varieties in Alabama

The objective of this study was to determine the yield, chemical composition and production costs of eight switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) varieties grown in the southeastern USA. Plots were seeded during the summer of 1988 and were harvested twice in each of the two subsequent years. Samples taken in 1990 were analyzed for nitrogen and several fiber components. Total 1989 dry biomass yields of “Alamo” and “Kanlow” were 17.5 and 13.8 Mg ha−1, respectively. Yields provided by the other six varieties averaged 8.6 Mg ha−1. In 1990, total yield almost doubled for “Alamo” (34.6 Mg ha−1) and increased 68% for “Kanlow” (23.2 Mg ha−1), over that achieved the previous year. Average yields of the other varieties increased slightly to 9.4 Mg ha−1. Variation in chemical composition among varieties was low. In 1989, production costs per Mg DM ranged from $19.70 and $24.91 for “Alamo” and “Kanlow”, respectively, to an average of $40.28 for the other six varieties. In 1990, costs fell to $9.94 and $14.82 Mg−1 for “Alamo” and “Kanlow”, and to $37.65 Mg−1 for the other varieties.
Cáncer anaplásico de tiroides de manejo quirúrgico

Introduccion: El Cancer Anaplasico de Tiroides corresponde al 2 a 5% del total de canceres tiroideos. Afecta a mujeres en la sexta o septima decada de la vida, presentandose como masa cervical petrea de crecimiento rapido, adherida a planos profundos. El tratamiento incluye cirugia, quimioterapia y radioterapia, siendo de eleccion el tratamiento multimodal. Objetivo: Conocer los resultados de una serie de casos manejados quirurgicamente en el Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke de Vina del Mar. Pacientes y Metodo: Estudio de serie de casos de Cancer Anaplasico de Tiroides tratados exclusivamente con cirugia entre los anos 2002 y 2008. Se registraron caracteristicas generales, tecnica operatoria, complicaciones, uso de otras terapias y sobrevida. Resultados: Se manejaron 6 pacientes, cuatro hombres y dos mujeres. El promedio de edad fue de 59 anos. La estadia hospitalaria promedio fue de 6 dias. Se realizo tiroidectomia total bilateral en 4 pacientes. Dos pacientes requirieron traqueostomia durante el postoperatorio. En ninguno de ellos se realizo radioquimioterapia neoadyuvante o adyuvante. La sobrevida promedio fue de 108 dias. Discusion: Destaca en esta serie el diagnostico en etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad, lo cual determina la imposibilidad de realizar terapia multimodal y la sobrevida observada. Por lo anterior, es de importancia la sospecha y la derivacion inmediata para el manejo especializado, aumentando asi la posibilidad del uso de terapia multimodal con mejores resultados en terminos de sobrevida. Se observo una sobrevida menor a la reportada en la literatura.
FROST FOLLOWED THE PLOW: IMPACTS OF DEFORESTATION ON THE CLIMATE OF THE UNITED STATES

The modern vegetated landscape of the United States little resembles the “natural” landscape prior to colonial settlement. Two 10-yr climate simulations with a global climate model using natural and modern vegetation maps for land surface boundary conditions showed that the conversion of forest to cropland in the eastern and central United States cooled climate. Mean annual surface air temperature decreased by 0.6°–1.0°C in the United States east of 100° W. The decrease in daily maximum temperature exceeded that for daily minimum temperature for a decreased diurnal temperature range of about 0.6°C, averaged over the year. The cooling was greatest in the Midwest in summer and autumn, when daily mean temperature decreased by >0.5° and 2.5°C, respectively; daily maximum temperature decreased by 1°–3°C; and diurnal temperature range decreased by about 1°C. U.S. temperature records show that much of the 1800s was anomalously cold, particularly in summer and autumn in the Midwest. Although this was likely cause...
Can multiband coupling effects due to remote bands cause significant normal-incidence absorption inn-type direct-gap semiconductor quantum wells?

Abstract Surprisingly, several experiments have reported that normal-incidence light absorption due to inter-conduction-subband transitions in direct-gap semiconductor quantum wells is as strong as in-plane-incidence absorption. In contrast to other models, a recent theoretical study claimed that a 14-band k p model including multiband coupling terms due to remote-conduction bands is able to explain the experimental results. In this work, a concise formulation extends the model beyond 14 bands. Nevertheless, after rederiving the optical transition matrix elements, this analysis clearly shows that the oscillator strength for the in-plane polarized optical intersubband transition due to the multiband coupling effects is much smaller than the oscillator strength for the normal-to-plane polarized optical intersubband transition. These results indicate that the multiband coupling effects due to remote-conduction bands cannot cause a sufficient in-plane polarized optical intersubband transition to produce the observed normal-incidence absorption in the desirable n -type III–V compound semiconductor quantum wells.
Coupled Composite CdS−CdSe and Core−Shell Types of (CdS)CdSe and (CdSe)CdS Nanoparticles

Addition of H2S and H2Se, in different proportions, to aqueous Cd(ClO4)2 solutions containing (NaPO3)6 led to the formation of coupled composite CdS−CdSe nanoparticles. Conversely, the sequential introduction of different amounts of H2S and H2Se (or H2Se and H2S) into aqueous Cd(ClO4)2 solutions containing (NaPO3)6 produced core−shell type (CdS)CdSe [or (CdSe)CdS] nanoparticles. These structural assignments were based on spectroscopic (absorption, transmission, excitation, and emission), electrochemical, pulse radiolytic, and electron microscopic measurements. Conditions were adjusted (by adding excess cadmium and hydroxide ions) for the maximization of excitonic fluorescence. Two emission bands were observed in the coupled and in the core−shell type mixed semiconductor nanoparticles. The first one, centered around 470 nm, was attributed to the 1se−1sh excitonic emission of CdS. The second, centered around 560 nm, was proposed to arise from charge transfer of CdS to the coupled composite CdS−CdSe and core...
Dynamic crack initiation toughness of 4340 steel at constant loading rates

Abstract Determination of fracture toughness for metals under quasi-static loading conditions can follow well-established procedures and ASTM standards. The use of metallic materials in impact related applications requires the determination of dynamic crack initiation toughness for these materials. There are two main challenges in experiment design that must be overcome before valid dynamic data can be obtained. Dynamic equilibrium over the entire specimen needs to be approximately achieved to relate the crack tip loading state to the far-field loading conditions, and the loading rate at the crack tip should be maintained near constant during an experiment to delineate rate effects on the values of dynamic crack initiation toughness. A recently developed experimental technique for determining dynamic crack initiation toughness of brittle materials has been adapted to measure the dynamic crack initiation toughness of high-strength steel alloys. A Kolsky pressure bar is used to apply the dynamic loading. A pulse shaper is used to achieve constant loading rate at the crack tip and dynamic equilibrium across the specimen. A four-point bending configuration is used at the gage section of the setup. Results are presented which show a monotonically increasing rate dependence of crack initiation toughness for 4340 high-strength steel.
Resolution In Astronomy

Astronomical instrumentation has improved steadily with time as technological progress has allowed the demands of astronomers to be satisfied. There can be little doubt that astronomers will continue to seek improved performance but in some respects the performance achieved is already close to physical limits while in others technology or available funding are the limiting factors. Resolution has always been important to astronomers, not only because of the additional structural detail that improved resolution may reveal but also because of the improvement in ability to detect and study faint unresolved objects in the presence of background radiation. The purpose of this paper is to review the resolution currently obtainable at wavelengths shorter than 100 μm and to examine the extent to which improved resolution could be obtained with only modest extensions of current technology. The review is confined to consideration of telescope resolution and does not include the performance of detectors.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sources of and effects of interexpert correlation: an empirical study

Expert estimates are relied on as sources of data whenever experimental data are lacking, such as in risk analysis. Correlation between experts poses problems in the aggregation of multiple estimates. The sources and structure of interexpert correlation are identified, and some of the ramifications are discussed. Expert estimates were found to correlate to the experts' problem-solving techniques and not to any features of their professional backgrounds. The paths that experts used to reach solutions included algorithms and assumptions. Both assumptions and algorithms were found to correlate to the answers because they are integral parts of the path. In addition, correctness of assumptions was found to correlate to the accuracy of the answers. >
EFFECTS ON PERFORMANCE OF HIGH AND LOW ENERGY-EXPENDITURE DURING SLEEP DEPRIVATION

8 Ss were sleep deprived for 2 nights, using 2 different deprivation conditions. In the bed-rest condition Ss rested in bed while being sleep deprived. In the exercise condition Ss remained active and exercised for 15 min. on an exercise bicycle every other hour. Performance measures were obtained before, during, and after sleep deprivation. The two conditions did not differentially affect sleep during recovery nor did they have differential effects on performance during deprivation. From these results we infer that in operational settings it is unlikely that performance decrements during sleep deprivation can be offset by having personnel reduce their activity level.
The enhancement of orange oil oxidation by sulphur dioxide

Reactions at 35°C of orange oil in contact with air and water were investigated by gas-liquid chromatography (g.l.c.) and by oxygen absorption measurements. Degradation of the orange oil was reduced in the presence of citric acid, but addition of sulphur dioxide caused a drastic increase, the extent and the rate of which were proportional to the initial concentration of the preservative. Several degradation products were identified.
Gamma rays from a 32 isospin level in 9Be

Abstract The gamma ray decay of a state in 9Be at 14.39 MeV has been observed via the reaction 7Li(3He, p, γ)9Be. The ratio of the number of ground state gamma rays from the state to the number of protons forming it combined with 180° inelastic electron scattering measurements of the gamma ray width, gives a total width for the state less than 1 keV. This supports the conclusion that the level has a 3 2 isospin and indicates an isospin hindrance factor of more than 1000 for break-up of the level by alpha particle or neutron emission. Gamma rays were also observed from a 14.67 MeV level in 9B which is presumably the mirror to the 14.39 MeV level in 9Be. Some tentative evidence is presented for a further γ-ray decaying level in 9Be at about 17 MeV which may correspond to the first excited state in 9Li.
Protection from habituation by lateral inhibition

HABITUATION, or response decrement, functions to reduce an animal's responsiveness to maintained or frequently repeated stimuli, while ensuring high responsiveness to novel stimuli. Under some circumstances, however, habituation is inappropriate, in response to sensory afference caused by an animal's own activities, for example. Mechanisms for protection from habituation under such circumstances are likely to be common. Here we show, in locust movement detector (MD) neurones, that whereas habituation is rapid in response to repeated small field movements it is absent in response to maintained whole field movements. Prolonged whole field movements do not therefore reduce the responsiveness of the MD neurones to subsequent small field movements. Protection from habituation is achieved by lateral inhibition which acts prior to the site of response decrement to suppress the response to whole field stimuli.
Correlation of incidental colorectal wall thickening at CT compared to colonoscopy

Incidental colon wall thickening is a common finding on computed tomography (CT) scans obtained in patients presenting to the emergency department. Currently, there are no guidelines for the emergency department physician or primary care physician regarding the need for further evaluation, specifically colonoscopy, in these patients. A retrospective review of 2,850 abdominopelvic CT scans performed from April 2006 to September 2006 was conducted. Three hundred twenty-two patients had incidental colon wall thickening and 150 of these patients had a subsequent colonoscopy. This study focused on those 150 patients and analyzed the correlation between the CT scan findings of wall thickening of the colon and the findings on colonoscopy. The CT scan findings correlated with abnormal colonoscopic findings in 96 out of 150 (64%) of our cases. In a specific subgroup, 12 out of 12 (100%) of these CT scans were also noted to have a mass lesion, as well as colon wall thickening, all of which were consistent with an adenoma or carcinoma found on colonoscopy. Incidental colorectal wall thickening at CT scan is due to nonspecific colitis in majority of the cases. Admission to the hospital should be based upon criteria other than this incidental radiological finding. However, patients with colorectal wall thickening with a mass lesion at CT scan should be followed closely as inpatient or outpatient given the high correlation with significant findings on colonoscopy.
Convergence analysis of a new mixed finite element method for Biot's consolidation model

In this article, we propose a mixed finite element method for the two-dimensional Biot's consolidation model of poroelasticity. The new mixed formulation presented herein uses the total stress tensor and fluid flux as primary unknown variables as well as the displacement and pore pressure. This method is based on coupling two mixed finite element methods for each subproblem: the standard mixed finite element method for the flow subproblem and the Hellinger–Reissner formulation for the mechanical subproblem. Optimal a-priori error estimates are proved for both semidiscrete and fully discrete problems when the Raviart–Thomas space for the flow problem and the Arnold–Winther space for the elasticity problem are used. In particular, optimality in the stress, displacement, and pressure has been proved in when the constrained-specific storage coefficient is strictly positive and in the weaker norm when is nonnegative. We also present some of our numerical results.Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 1189–1210, 2014
Field Evaluation of Two Formulations of Cyfluthrin for Control of Ixodes dammini and Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae)

Liquid or granular cyfluthrin was applied in the spring and fall to different test plots at a rate of 0.41 (AI) kg/ha to control Ixodes dammini Spielman, Clifford, Piesman & Corwin and Amblyomma americanum (L.). Spring application of liquid cyfluthrin showed the most significant decreases of both species. I. dammini nymphs were reduced 97% at 10 d, 100% at 2 mo, and 100% at 1 yr; and A. americanum adults and nymphs were reduced 91-93% at 10 d and 100% at 2 mo posttreatment. Granular cyfluthrin applied in the spring gave 97 and 87% control of nymphal I. dammini 10 d and 2 mo posttreatment, respectively.
Public Accounts Committees in the Commonwealth: oversight, effectiveness, and governance

For the past 15 years the international community has assumed that by strengthening legislative capacity, legislatures are better equipped to oversee government activity and spending, to keep governments accountable, to secure good governance, prevent corruption, and create the conditions for sustainable economic development. The purpose of the present paper is to test this set of assumptions by focusing on one of the oversight tools that the international community regards as particularly important, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Structural and organisational features that affect the performance of PACs is analysed, the relationship between oversight activity and effectiveness is investigated, and it is assessed whether good governance is a function of oversight activity, of effectiveness or of both. The analyses reveal that while oversight activity does not always have a significant or directly positive impact on good governance, good governance is indeed a function of oversight effectiveness as t...
The economic costs of stroke in Massachusets.

The morbid and mortal harm of strokes may be reduced by public-health programs addressed to the underlying risk factors — particularly the early diagnosis and control of hypertension — as well as b...
Reactions of bare aluminum cluster ions

Abstract Absolute cross sections for reaction of aluminum atomic, dimer and trimer ions with oxygen, water and ethylene are reported. For all three reactions the dimer ion is by far the most reactive at low collision energies. The atomic ion is four to ten times less reactive and the trimer is non-reactive within our sensitivity. At higher collision energies the dimer reactivity drops and in some cases the atomic and trimer ion reactivities increase. Extensive fragmentation of the cluster ions is observed at collision energies above 3.0 eV.
Age-related changes in B and T lymphocytes and decline of humoral immune responsiveness in aged mice☆

The activity of the immune system declines in an age-related fashion, after reaching a peak in young-adult animals. Although this pattern has been well documented, the mechanisms responsible for the decline of immune potential in senescence have not been fully elucidated. At the same time, it has become apparent that the immune response depends on complex interactions among different cell types. We review the results of the analyses of B- and T-lymphocyte function and activity in the humoral responsiveness of aged mice that have been performed in a number of laboratories, with a variety of experimental techniques. We conclude that an increase in T-cell suppressor function is the first immunologic lesion of aging in mice. This is followed by a decrease in T-cell helper function and finally by a loss of B-cell function.
The 'reverse capture' autoantibody microarray: a native antigen-based platform for autoantibody profiling.

We have previously reported the development and the use of a 'reverse capture' autoantibody microarray for studies of antigen-autoantibody profiling. We developed the 'reverse capture' autoantibody microarray to allow the user to characterize and to compare autoantibody profiles. Based on the dual-antibody sandwich immunoassay of ELISA, our 'reverse capture' protocol facilitates the detection of autoimmunity to native host antigens. Our method has the advantage over traditional protein arrays of being able to detect autoimmunity to epitopes found on the post-translational modifications (PTMs) of native antigens. The first step of this method is to immobilize native antigens onto the monoclonal antibodies spotted on the array surface. Using the antigens captured by the microarray as 'baits,' we then incubate the array with differentially labeled IgG from test and control samples, and perform a two-slide dye-swap to normalize for dye effects. In this protocol we present a detailed description of the 'reverse capture' autoantibody microarray, a method that can be completed in 9–10 h over 1–2 d.
The Generation of Pollution-Free Electrical Power From Solar Energy

Feasibility of large-scale terrestrial plants for future generation of pollution free electrical power from solar energy
Local stability in metabolic networks with conserved moieties and steady state subnetworks.

The condition for local dynamic stability of the trajectories of a metabolic network in the presence of conserved moieties and steady state subnetworks is given.
Project authority — A multidimensional view

This paper delineates some basic authority relationships within five models of project management: (1) the individual model; (2) the staff model; (3) the intermix model; (4) the aggregate model; and (5) the NASA/Apollo model. The authority construct is broken down into formal authority (authority inherent with the position and organizationally derived) and influence (authority generated by the project manager through his own technical competence and his administrative skills). The focus of this paper explains how the bases and functions of authority tend to shift within the various project-management models. An examination of the project manager's use of formal authority and influence in varying project contexts eliminates some of the ambiguity surrounding the concept of project authority.
Investigation of breakdown of an EPSB polymeric arrester based on the life estimation using a multiple regression model

This paper presents a novel approach to estimate the life expectancy of polymeric arresters aged under accelerated multistress conditions simulating Florida environment. This is based on a multiple regression model that uses the FTIR peak height variations of the filler material of the polymeric arrester over the 15 year aging period. The method for the estimation of life is to find out the type of distribution that the peak heights of the filler material follows and determine valid parameters for that distribution. Using this a probability function is obtained to estimate the time for failure. In the present case, a Weibull distribution was obtained from the probability plot and a half-life of 19.5 years was estimated. This is in line with the expected life of polymeric materials used for high voltage outdoor insulation verifying the validity of the model.
Phenformin enhances the therapeutic benefit of BRAF V600E inhibition in melanoma

Biguanides, such as the diabetes therapeutics metformin and phenformin, have demonstrated antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. The energy-sensing AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to be a major cellular target of biguanides. Based on our discovery of cross-talk between the AMPK and v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) signaling pathways, we investigated the antitumor effects of combining phenformin with a BRAF inhibitor PLX4720 on the proliferation of BRAF-mutated melanoma cells in vitro and on BRAF-driven tumor growth in vivo. Cotreatment of BRAF-mutated melanoma cell lines with phenformin and PLX4720 resulted in synergistic inhibition of cell viability, compared with the effects of the single agent alone. Moreover, treatment with phenformin significantly delayed the development of resistance to PLX4720 in cultured melanoma cells. Biochemical analyses showed that phenformin and PLX4720 exerted cooperative effects on inhibiting mTOR signaling and inducing apoptosis. Noticeably, phenformin selectively targeted subpopulations of cells expressing JARID1B, a marker for slow cycling melanoma cells, whereas PLX4720 selectively targeted JARID1B-negative cells. Finally, in contrast to their use as single agents, the combination of phenformin and PLX4720 induced tumor regression in both nude mice bearing melanoma xenografts and in a genetically engineered BRAFV600E/PTENnull-driven mouse model of melanoma. These results strongly suggest that significant therapeutic advantage may be achieved by combining AMPK activators such as phenformin with BRAF inhbitors for the treatment of melanoma.
Reversible suppression of food reward behavior by chronic mu-opioid receptor antagonism in the nucleus accumbens

Abstract Overindulgence in easily available energy-dense palatable foods is thought to be an important factor in the current obesity epidemic but the underlying neural mechanisms are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that mu-opioid receptor signaling in the nucleus accumbens may be important. Protracted suppression of endogenous mu-opioid receptor signaling focused on the nucleus accumbens shell for several days by means of microinjected β-funaltrexamine (BFNA) diminished both “liking” of sucrose, as indicated by fewer positive hedonic orofacial responses, and the incentive reinforcement value (“wanting”) of a food reward, as indicated by lower completion speed and increased time being distracted in the incentive runway. BFNA-treatment also decreased responding to sucrose and corn oil in the brief access lick paradigm, a test measuring a combination of mainly taste-guided “liking” and low-effort “wanting”, as well as 4 h intake of sucrose solution. These effects were not due to nonspecific permanent neuronal changes, as they were fully reversible. We conclude that endogenous mu-opioid signaling in the nucleus accumbens is necessary for the full display of palatable food-induced hyperphagia through mechanisms including hedonic, motivational, and reinforcement processes. Development of obesity could be the result of predisposing innate differences in these mechanisms or overstimulation of these mechanisms by external factors.
Home Literacy Activities: Perceptions and Practices of Hispanic Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to investigate Hispanic parents' perceptions and practices with respect to home reading and writing activities. Participants included 80 Hispanic parents (40 parents o...
A study of citing motivation of Chinese scientists

The goal of this study was to obtain insights into the citation process focusing on scientists' citing motivation. Dif ferent from most citation studies, the research findings were derived from dir...
Application of Viscous and Iwan Modal Damping Models to Experimental Measurements From Bolted Structures

Measurements are presented from a two-beam structure with several bolted interfaces in order to characterize the nonlinear damping introduced by the joints. The measurements (at force levels below macro-slip) reveal that each underlying mode of the structure is well approximated by a single degree-of-freedom system with a nonlinear mechanical joint. At low enough force levels the measurements show dissipation that scales as the second power of the applied force, agreeing with theory for a linear viscously damped system. This is attributed to linear viscous behavior of the material and/or damping provided by the support structure, which simulates free-free boundary conditions. At larger force levels the damping is observed to behave nonlinearly, suggesting that damping from the mechanical joints is dominant. A model is presented that captures these effects, consisting of a spring and viscous damping element in parallel with a 4-Parameter Iwan model. The parameters of this model are identified for each mode of the structure and comparisons suggest that the model captures the linear and nonlinear damping accurately over a range of forcing levels.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
AGE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY OF MICE TO COXSACKIE A VIRUSES

Mice varying in age from 1 day to 8 months were inoculated intraperitoneally with Coxsackie A virus, type 9 and studies were made of the quantity of virus in striated muscle and myocardium, the presence of neutralizing antibody in the serum, and the pathological changes in the tissues. The hind limbs of young (1- to 20-day-old) mice yielded high titers of virus and showed diffuse myositis, whereas only low yields of virus and focal myositis were obtained in older mice. In the 20-day-old mice the skeletal lesions were not accompanied by manifest symptoms and histologically showed evidence of regeneration progressing from the 3rd to the 11th day after inoculation. Older mice showed no symptoms and only focal myositis and low yields of virus were found in their hind limbs. Coxsackie A9 virus replicated to relatively low titers in the hearts of young (1- to 40-day-old) mice without producing any demonstrable lesions whereas frank myocarditis with high yields of virus were demonstrated in mice infected at 8 months of age. The data suggest that at least for the 2 strains used, the adult mouse should be considered susceptible to subclinical infection with Coxsackie A9 virus. Neither subclinical infection, nor antibody formation was demonstrable in young adult mice inoculated with a strain of Coxsackie A4 virus.
The New Urban Sociology Meets the Old Rereading Some Classical Human Ecology

A basic paradigm shift in urban sociology has occurred: The new urban sociology has challenged and largely supplanted human ecology. The common perception that the two approaches are totally antithetical and incompatible has created a crisis in urban sociology. The author reevaluates some earlier ecological writings in light of the basic assumptions of the new urban sociology. Roderick McKenzie's often ignored writings show a striking affinity to tenets of the new urban sociology; Amos Hawley's abstract conceptual framework provides opportunity for theoretical bridge building. Urban ecologists' claims are challenged by their own intellectual ancestors, and areas of conceptual continuity and overlap should lead to more dialogue and less theoretical polarization.