cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Processes controlling Southern Ocean shortwave climate feedbacks in CESM

A climate model (Community Earth System Model with the Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CESM-CAM5)) is used to identify processes controlling Southern Ocean (30–70°S) absorbed shortwave radiation (ASR). In response to 21st century Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 forcing, both sea ice loss (2.6 W m−2) and cloud changes (1.2 W m−2) enhance ASR, but their relative importance depends on location and season. Poleward of ~55°S, surface albedo reductions and increased cloud liquid water content (LWC) have competing effects on ASR changes. Equatorward of ~55°S, decreased LWC enhances ASR. The 21st century cloud LWC changes result from warming and near-surface stability changes but appear unrelated to a small (1°) poleward shift in the eddy-driven jet. In fact, the 21st century ASR changes are 5 times greater than ASR changes resulting from large (5°) naturally occurring jet latitude variability. More broadly, these results suggest that thermodynamics (warming and near-surface stability), not poleward jet shifts, control 21st century Southern Ocean shortwave climate feedbacks.
Why Tennessee (and Every Other State) Should Have a (Broad-Based) Income Tax (and a Retail Sales Tax, too)

This paper examines the general relationship between state tax policy and state spending policy and concludes that states that rely solely (or even primarily) on either an income tax or a retail sales tax to finance state spending are pursuing an ultimately unstable course. States that seek to pursue an ultimately stable course must include in their revenue streams both an income tax and a retail sales tax.
Transmission energy spectra of channeled protons scattered in thin silicon films

The transmission energy spectra of 0.2 and 0.4 MeV protons scattered from thin (∿1 µm) silicon crystals have been studied as a function of sample orientation, with and without the introduction of a thin layer of disorder produced by implanting krypton ions. From a comparison of spectra observed for undamaged samples for random penetration and for channeling along the axis with scattering angles of 10° and 15°, it is concluded that the energy loss of dechanneled protons is approximately equal to the random energy loss. The energy spectra, for a 10° scattering angle, from samples with a damaged layer on the backside show enhanced scattering of protons with low energy loss in comparison with undamaged samples. By substracting the scattering yield observed before the damage was introduced the energy spectrum of the protons scattered from the damage centers can be constructed. It is found to be similar to the energy spectrum of the transmitted channeled protons. It is argued that the protons observed in the defect spectrum, constructed as described above, are scattered from interstitials lying more than a few tenths of an angstrom off lattice sites. The number of such interstitials is compared with the number of scattering centers observed in a standard backscattering-channeling effect measurement on the same portion of the sample. It is concluded that the channeling effect technique, using backscattering, is primarily sensitive to such interstitials.
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IX. Child-Training Practices in Negro Families in Nashville, Tennessee

Within the framework of a project designed to study the growth and development of Negro children, a longitudinal study was conducted for the purpose of analyzing the child-training practices of a group of mothers whose children were subjects of the project, and comparing these findings with those from related investigations. The study was focused upon the child-training practices of 144 mothers in the areas of toileting, feeding, and dressing when their children were between 15 and 30 months of age. The data for this study were obtained when the psychologist interviewed the mothers during the administration of the Gesell Developmental Schedules. Assessment of progress in the areas of toileting, feeding and dressing is included in the personal-social area of the Gesell Schedules. It is apparent from the results of this study that mothers encouraged self-help and independence in the areas of dressing and feeding, with the exception of the use of a bottle. However, in the category of toileting this was not true, inasmuch as emphasis upon self-management in daily toilet habits seemed to be at a minimum. These findings indicate that the mothers were permissive with regard to toilet-training and weaning. These practices and their patterns of breast-feeding agree with those practices advocated by the most recent edition of Infant Care. The mother9s educational level, the sex of the child, or the number of children in the family were not found to be significantly related to the child-training practices used by the mothers in this study. The data in this study are in agreement with White9s finding that there is "a need for revising our ideas about social class differences in child-rearing practices." It is, of course, recognized that the lack of significant differences or relationships in this study does not prove that no such differences or relationships exist. It does, however, indicate that none can be recognized for this population from the available data. Differences in attitude as well as practice, on the part of the mothers, may well be prevalent; but they apparently are not reflected in the development of the children in the areas of toiletry, feeding and dressing as measured by the Gesell Schedules.
Intracellular pathogenesis of Histoplasma capsulatum.

This chapter reviews what is known about the strategies used by Histoplasma capsulatum yeasts to survive within human and animal murine macrophages, how murine macrophages become activated, and the mechanisms by which activated murine macrophages kill H. capsulatum yeasts. The interaction of H. capsulatum with dendritic cells (DC) is also discussed, as are the different roles that murine macrophages and DC may play in the development of cell-mediated immunity to H. capsulatum. Recent studies demonstrate that the ligand on the surface of H. capsulatum yeasts and conidia that is recognized by murine macrophages CD18 receptors is heat shock protein 60 (hsp60). Once inside the phagosome, H. capsulatum must avoid the microbicidal armamentarium of the murine macrophages that consists of the generation of toxic oxygen molecules (respiratory burst) and lysosomal hydrolases (phagolysosomal fusion [PL fusion]). Intracellular pathogens have evolved numerous strategies to avoid these murine macrophages defense mechanisms, including inhibition of phagolysosomal fusion (PL) (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis), escaping from the phagocytic vacuole into the cytoplasm (e.g., Listeria monocytogenes), and initiating phagocytosis without stimulating the respiratory burst (e.g., Toxoplasma gondii). The intracellular replication of H. capsulatum yeasts in human monocytes and murine macrophages occurs at a similar rate even though murine macrophages have lost their myeloperoxidase and are unable to make toxic oxygen metabolites distal to H2O2. In contrast to our knowledge of murine immunology, the cytokines required to activate human murine macrophages fungistatic or fungicidal activity against H. capsulatum remain obscure.
Monosodium glutamate and asthma.

Allen et al. (1987) conducted oral monosodium glutamate (MSG) challenges with 32 asthmatic volunteers and reported that 14 reacted to MSG. Another study by Moneret-Vautrin (1987) also reported MSG-induced asthma attacks in 2 of 30 asthmatic patients. Four additional studies have been conducted and none has confirmed the results of the above authors. These studies, by Schwartzstein et al. (1987), Germano (1991), Woods et al. (1998) and Woessner et al. (1999), challenged a total of 45 patients who gave a history of asthma attacks in oriental restaurants. None of these patients experienced asthmatic reactions after ingesting MSG (one-sided confidence interval of 0-0.066). Another 109 asthmatic patients, without a history of asthma in oriental restaurants, also did not react to ingestion of MSG (one-sided confidence interval of 0-0.027). With a confidence interval 95% probability that MSG history-negative asthmatic patients are not sensitive to MSG. For the MSG history-positive asthmatics, 45 patients, in well-performed studies, underwent negative challenges to MSG, contrasting with two studies reporting positive challenges. Allen et al. (1987) and Moneret-Vautrin (1987), who reported positive MSG challenge results, performed studies with the following characteristics: 1) single blinded, conducted after discontinuing essential antiasthma medications; 2) used effort-dependent peak expiratory flow rate measurement of lung function; 3) added AM bronchodilators in some patients; 4) ignored wandering baselines on the placebo challenge days; and 5) conducted some challenges in the AM and some at night. In summary, the existence of MSG-induced asthma, even in history-positive patients, has not been established conclusively.
Thermodynamics of the general diffusion process: Equilibrium supercurrent and nonequilibrium driven circulation with dissipation

Unbalanced probability circulation, which yields cyclic motions in phase space, is the defining characteristics of a stationary diffusion process without detailed balance. In over-damped soft matter systems, such behavior is a hallmark of the presence of a sustained external driving force accompanied with dissipations. In an under-damped and strongly correlated system, however, cyclic motions are often the consequences of a conservative dynamics. In the present paper, we give a novel interpretation of a class of diffusion processes with stationary circulation in terms of a Maxwell-Boltzmann equilibrium in which cyclic motions are on the level set of stationary probability density function thus non-dissipative, e.g., a supercurrent. This implies an orthogonality between stationary circulation Jss(x) and the gradient of stationary probability density fss(x) > 0. A sufficient and necessary condition for the orthogonality is a decomposition of the drift b(x) = j(x) + D(x)∇φ(x) where ∇⋅ j(x) = 0 and j(x) ⋅∇φ(x) = 0. Stationary processes with such Maxwell-Boltzmann equilibrium has an underlying conservative dynamics \(\dot x = j(x) \equiv (f^{ss} (x))^{ - 1} J^{ss} (x)\), and a first integral ϕ(x) ≡ −ln fss(x) = const, akin to a Hamiltonian system. At all time, an instantaneous free energy balance equation exists for a given diffusion system; and an extended energy conservation law among an entire family of diffusion processes with different parameter α can be established via a Helmholtz theorem. For the general diffusion process without the orthogonality, a nonequilibrium cycle emerges, which consists of external driven φ-ascending steps and spontaneous φ-descending movements, alternated with iso-φ motions. The theory presented here provides a rich mathematical narrative for complex mesoscopic dynamics, with contradistinction to an earlier one [H. Qian et al., J. Stat. Phys. 107, 1129 (2002)].
Novel concepts in virally induced asthma

Viruses are the predominant infectious cause of asthma exacerbations in the developed world. In addition, recent evidence strongly suggests that viral infections may also have a causal role in the development of childhood asthma. In this article, we will briefly describe the general perception of how the link between infections and asthma has changed over the last century, and then focus on very recent developments that have provided new insights into the contribution of viruses to asthma pathogenesis. Highlighted areas include the contribution of severe early life viral infections to asthma inception, genetic determinants of severe viral infections in infancy, the differences in innate and adaptive immune system cytokine responses to viral infection between asthmatic and nonasthmatic subjects, and a potential vaccine strategy to prevent severe early life virally-induced illness.
OH and C2H4 species time-histories during hexadecane and diesel ignition behind reflected shock waves

Abstract The first simultaneous multi-species laser absorption time-history measurements for OH and C2H4 were acquired during the oxidation of n-hexadecane and commercial diesel fuel (DF-2). The experiments were performed behind reflected shock waves in a new second-generation aerosol shock tube over a temperature range of 1120K to 1373 K and a pressure range of 4–7 atm. Initial fuel concentrations varied between 150 and 1800 ppm with equivalence ratios between 0.4 and 2, and were determined using 3.39 μm He–Ne laser absorption. OH concentration time-histories were measured using absorption of frequency-doubled ring-dye laser radiation near 306.7 nm. Ethylene time-histories were measured using absorption of CO2 gas-laser radiation near 10.5 μm. Comparisons are given of these species concentration time-histories with two current large n-alkane mechanisms: the LLNL-C-16 mechanism of Westbrook et al. [13] and the JetSurF C-12 mechanism of Sirjean et al. [14] . Fair agreement between model and experiment is seen in the peak ethylene yields for both fuels; however, modeled early time-histories of OH, an important chain-branching species, differ significantly from current measurements.
A new combined analytical and finite-element solution method for stability analysis of the growth of interacting tension cracks in brittle solids

Abstract The analysis of stable and unstable growth regimes of a system of tension cracks in brittle solids, requires accurate estimates of the values of the stress intensity factors at various crack tips, and their derivatives with respect to the crack lengths. A new combined analytical and finite-element solution method is developed which is specially suited to problems of this kind. For illustration the method is applied to estimate the results corresponding to: (1) a single Griffith crack in an infinite space; and (2) possible unstable growth regimes corresponding to a system of edge cracks in a strip of finite width. Comparison of the results with those obtained by other methods, reveals that the present method is indeed very effective and efficient, and therefore provides a useful tool for the stability analysis of interacting cracks.
The early stages of schizophrenia: speculations on pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and therapeutic approaches

Schizophrenia is commonly considered a neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with significant morbidity; however, unlike other neurodevelopmental disorders, the symptoms of schizophrenia often do not manifest for decades. In most patients, the formal onset of schizophrenia is preceded by prodromal symptoms, including positive symptoms, mood symptoms, cognitive symptoms, and social withdrawal. The proximal events that trigger the formal onset of schizophrenia are not clear but may include developmental biological events and environmental interactions or stressors. Treatment with antipsychotic drugs clearly ameliorates psychotic symptoms, and maintenance therapy may prevent the occurrence of relapse. The use of atypical antipsychotic agents may additionally ameliorate the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and prevent disease progression. Moreover, if treated properly early in the course of illness, many patients can experience a significant remission of their symptoms and are capable of a high level of recovery following the initial episode. Because the clinical deterioration that occurs in schizophrenia may actually begin in the prepsychotic phase, early identification and intervention may favorably alter the course and outcome of schizophrenia.
Cisplatin Disposition in Children and Adolescents with Cancer

The disposition of cisplatin was evaluated in 28 children and adolescents with cancer, as part of a phase II clinical trial. Patients received either 30 mg/m2 (11) or 90 mg/m2 (17) of cisplatin as a 6-h IV infusion. Serum samples and divided urine collections were obtained over 48 h following completion of the cisplatin infusion, and were assayed in duplicate for total platinum by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum samples obtained up to 4 h after three cisplatin infusions were assayed for parent (free) cisplatin following ultrafiltration. The mean (±SE) elimination half-life of free cisplatin in serum was 1.3 (±0.4) h. Serial serum concentrations of total platinum following 90 mg/m2 dosages were adequately described by a biexponential equation. The mean (±SE) serum T1/2α of total platinum was 0.42 (±0.10) h and the mean (±SE) T1/2β was 44.43 (±8.24) h. The intercompartment distribution rate constants of a two-compartment kinetic model indicate extensive tissue accumulation of total platinum, with a rate of transport into tissue compartments (K12) that is about six times the rate of transport out of tissues (K21). The mean (±SE) renal clearance of total platinum from 0–3 h was 37.36 (±11.96) ml/min/m2 and 35.8 (±13.6) ml/min/m2 for the 30 mg/m2 and 90 mg/m2 groups, respectively. This value decreased to 3.25 (±0.94) and 2.16 (±0.4) ml/min/m2 for the two groups by the 6–12 h interval, and remained between 1 and 3 ml/min/m2 for the duration of the observation period. The ratio of total plantinum clearance to creatinine clearance decreased significantly(P<0.05) beginning 3 h post-infusion. The change in renal clearance of total platinum is apparently a function of two independent first-order processes for renal clearance of parent drug and cisplatin metabolites.
Association of HLA-DR4 with vitiligo

Forty-eight Caucasian vitiligo patients and 979 normal controls were typed for six HLA-DR antigens. The frequency of DR4 was 48% in patients and 28% in the controls (corrected, p=0.03). This preliminary result suggests an association of HLA-DR4 with susceptibility to vitiligo.
Experimental study of the constant-probability crack growth curves under constant amplitude loading

Abstract This paper is concerned with the application of a mathematical model that describes the fatigue crack growth evolution and associated scatter in polycrystalline solids. The model has been built on the basis that an analogy exists between a particular discontinuous Markovian stochastic process, namely the general pure birth process, and the crack propagation process. The, crack evolution and scatter were then defined in terms of material, stress and crack-length dependent properties and crack tip incubation time. The application of the model is carried out by comparing the constant-probability crack growth curves generated for three different load levels with those obtained from testing sixty A1 7075-T6 specimens for each load level. A photographic method was utilized to measure the cracklength in this test program, by recording the residual deformation that accompanies the flanks of the crack during propagation.
The effect of drug exposure on thyroid hormone levels of newborns

Abstract This study examines the effect of women's alcohol abuse during pregnancy on the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) levels of their babies at birth. Forty-seven babies were born to mothers identified as substance abusers. Maternal use of marijuana and/or cocaine did not result in newborns' TSH and T4 hormone levels being significantly different from non-substance-abusing controls' TSH and T4 levels. Alcohol use, however, was significantly linked to lower newborn TSH levels, lower than TSH levels of a control sample of newborns whose mothers used marijuana and/or cocaine, and lower than a control sample of newborns whose mothers abused no substances. This finding suggests further investigation of possible links between throid functioning and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
Uniform strong unicity for rational approximation

Abstract Let R n m denote the class of rational functions defined on a closed interval I with numerators in the class of polynomials of degree at most n and positive valued denominators in the class of polynomials of degree at most m . If f ϵ C ( I ) is normal, the well-known strong unicity theorem asserts that there is a smallest positive constant γ n , m ( f ) such that ∥ f − R ∥ ⩾ ∥ f − R f ∥ + γ n , m ( f )∥ R − R f ∥ for all R ϵ R n m , where R f is the best uniform approximation to f from R n m . In this paper, the dependence of γ n , m ( f ) on f is investigated. Sufficient conditions are given to insure that inf fϵΓ γ n , m ( f ) > 0, where Γ is a subset of C( I ). Necessity of these conditions is investigated and examples are given to show that known results for R n 0 do not directly extend to R n m for m > 0.
Pattern Formation During Frictional Mechanical Contact

Friction and wear are usually viewed as irreversible processes, which lead to energy dissipation (friction) and material deterioration (wear). On the other hand, it is known that under certain circumstances frictional sliding can provide mechanisms for the spatial and temporal pattern-formation (self-organization). We discuss the contact mechanics aspects of the pattern-formation and suggest quantitative metrics and criteria for this effect including the stability criteria for the transition from the steady-state sliding to pattern-formation.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The performance of a self-excited fluidic energy harvester

The available power in a flowing fluid is proportional to the cube of its velocity, and this feature indicates the potential for generating substantial electrical energy by exploiting the direct piezoelectric effect. The present work is an experimental investigation of a self-excited piezoelectric energy harvester subjected to a uniform and steady flow. The harvester consists of a cylinder attached to the free end of a cantilevered beam, which is partially covered by piezoelectric patches. Due to fluid?structure interaction phenomena, the cylinder is subjected to oscillatory forces, and the beam is deflected accordingly, causing the piezoelectric elements to strain and thus develop electric charge. The harvester was tested in a wind tunnel and it produced approximately 0.1?mW of non-rectified electrical power at a flow speed of 1.192?m?s?1. The aeroelectromechanical efficiency at resonance was calculated to be 0.72%, while the power per device volume was 23.6?mW?m?3 and the power per piezoelectric volume was 233?W?m?3. Strain measurements were obtained during the tests and were used to predict the voltage output by employing a distributed parameter model. The effect of non-rigid bonding on strain transfer was also investigated. While the rigid bonding assumption caused a significant (>60%) overestimation of the measured power, a non-rigid bonding model gave a better agreement (<10% error).
Benign papillomas without atypia diagnosed on core needle biopsy: experience from a single institution and proposed criteria for excision.

Abstract Background The management of benign papilloma (BP) without atypia identified on breast core needle biopsy (CNB) is controversial. In this study, we determined the upgrade rate to malignancy for BPs without atypia diagnosed on CNB and whether there are factors associated with upgrade. Methods Through our pathology database search, we studied 80 BPs without atypia identified on CNB from 80 patients from 1997 to 2010, including 30 lesions that had undergone excision and 50 lesions that had undergone ≥ 2 years of radiologic follow-up. Associations between surgery or upgrade to malignancy and clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features were analyzed. Results Mass lesions, lesions sampled by ultrasound-guided CNB, and palpable lesions were associated with surgical excision. All 3 upgraded cases were mass lesions sampled by ultrasound-guided CNB. None of the lesions with radiologic follow-up only were upgraded to malignancy. The overall upgrade rate was 3.8%. None of the clinical, radiologic, or histologic features were predictive of upgrade. Conclusion Because the majority of patients can be safely managed with radiologic surveillance, a selective approach for surgical excision is recommended. Our proposed criteria for excision include pathologic/radiologic discordance or sampling by ultrasound-guided CNB without vacuum assistance when the patient is symptomatic or lesion size is ≥ 1.5 cm.
Photochemistry of thymine dimers.

The extinction coefficient and the quantum yield of photodissociation of a thymine dimer obtained by irradiating thymine in frozen solution have been measured for the range 225 to 289 mμ. The dinucleotides di(thymidine-5′-phosphate) (pTpT), cyclic dithymidylic acid Download : Download full-size image and thymidylyl-(5′−3′)-thymidine (TpT) have been irradiated in the same range. The cyclic dinucleotide remained unchanged. The other two reacted photochemically in both directions, yielding photosteady states which lie strongly on the dimeric side for 275 mμ and longer wavelengths, and strongly on the monomeric side for 235 mμ. The quantum yields of monomerization are near unity, those for dimerization near 0·007 for pTpT and near 0·003 for TpT.
Effects of veratridine, tetrodotoxin and other drugs that alter electrical behaviour on secretion of melanocyte-stimulating hormone from melanotrophs of the pituitary pars intermedia

Since melanotrophs are electrically active and exhibit spontaneous Na spikes, a study was made of the effects, on melanotroph secretion, of drugs known to influence electrical properties. The output of melanocyte-stimulating hormone was measured from perifused neurointermediate lobes of mice or melanotrophs dispersed from such lobes of mice or rats. Veratridine (200 microM), which is known to increase Na permeability in a variety of cells, caused a large, although transient, increase in secretion from the melanotrophs that required extracellular Ca2+ and was blocked by the Na-channel blocker tetrodotoxin (1 microM). Tetraethylammonium (10 mM), which blocks K channels and thus prolongs the duration of the action potential in many cells, also stimulated secretion in the melanotrophs in a Ca-dependent manner. This response was not, however, blocked by tetrodotoxin, and is thus not attributable to prolongation of Na spikes in these cells. Moreover, tetrodotoxin did not inhibit basal secretion. The stimulant effect of veratridine on secretion in melanotrophs and its suppression by tetrodotoxin suggests that voltage-dependent Na channels can participate in the regulation of hormone output in these cells of the pituitary pars intermedia. However, the apparent lack of effect of tetrodotoxin on basal secretion suggests that the spontaneous Na spikes previously observed in these cells are not required for promoting the Ca influx which other evidence shows is important for basal secretion.
Application of the modulation model to speech recognition

A novel method of characterizing speech signals is presented in which the signal is modeled in terms of the mean radian frequency, the amplitude modulating function and the frequency modulating function of each frequency domain component (i.e., formants). This model defines the component structure and represents the local characteristics of the component and its bandwidth. A vowel classification task is presented where a distance metric of the relative modulation functions is used. This technique has been found to be robust to inter- and intraspeaker variability. >
Strength theories of disjunctive visual detection

Zero, 1, 2, or 3 black dots are tachistoscopically presented on a white field. There are two alternative tasks: (a) to decide on the presence of each of the left, middle, and right dots (multiple detection) or (b) to decide whether any of the dots was present (disjunctive detection), The results indicate that in disjunctive detection, Ss do not add together thestrengths of the three dot positions and compare this sum to a criterion. Rather they combine theirdecisions about each dot, responding “yes” to the array, if and only if they decide “yes” to any one dot. Strength distributions appear to be invariant with respect to irrelevant stimuli. Invariance with respect to report order holds approximately. However, dots reported on first are slightly more detectable. This suggests a successive scanning process, whose rate is independent of whether a stimulus is present or absent at the position scanned.
Covering Radius of the Reed-Muller CodeR(1, 7): A Simpler Proof

A deep result about the Reed?Muller codes, proved by Mykkeltveit in 1980, is that the covering radius of the Reed?Muller codeR(1, 7) equals 56. We discover an alternative and simpler proof for this important result.
High- and Low-Affinity Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Ligand Interactions Activate Distinct Signaling Pathways

Signaling mediated by the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is crucial in normal development, and aberrant EGFR signaling has been implicated in a wide variety of cancers. Here we find that the high- and low-affinity interactions between EGFR and its ligands activate different signaling pathways. While high-affinity ligand binding is sufficient for activation of most canonical signaling pathways, low-affinity binding is required for the activation of the Signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats) and Phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLCγ1). As the Stat proteins are involved in many cellular responses including proliferation, migration and apoptosis, these results assign a function to low-affinity interactions that has been omitted from computational models of EGFR signaling. The existence of receptors with distinct signaling properties provides a way for EGFR to respond to different concentrations of the same ligand in qualitatively different ways.
Chemisorption properties of platinum and iridium supported on TiO2Al2O3 mixed-oxide carriers: Evidence for strong metal-support interaction formation

Abstract Fresh Pt and Ir on A12O3 catalysts reduced at 773 K exhibit high H M ratios (1 to 2.5) indicative of highly dispersed metal phases. In contrast, TiO2-supported Pt and Ir catalysts display low H M ratios ( H M ratios displayed by Pt and Ir catalysts supported on TiO2Al2O3 mixed-oxide carriers are intermediate in value between those observed on TiO2 and Al2O3 supports. The extent of H2 uptake suppression is dependent upon the relative TiO2 and Group VIII metal concentrations on the Al2O3 surface. The magnitude of H2 uptake suppression (and thus SMSI formation) increases at higher TiO2/Group VIII metal ratios. Higher reduction temperatures and extended reduction times at a given elevated temperature also enhance SMSI formation. Taken together, these results imply that the generation of reduced Group VIII metal-TiO2−x species on the Al2O3 surface may be responsible for the SMSI effect.
Facilitation of shock-induced fighting following intraventricular 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine and 6-hydroxydopa.

Using a 15-s intershock interval, an increase in shock-induced fighting was observed following intraventricular 96 μg 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) and 90 μg 6-hydroxydopa (6-OHdopa). The incidence of predatory mouse killing was enhanced by 5,7-DHT, but was not affected by 6-OHdopa. Pain sensitivity was increased by 6-OHdopa, but both neurotoxins produced hyperreactivity to footshock. Specific serotonin depletion was produced by 5,7-DHT and norepinephrine depletion by 6-OHdopa. The increase in shock-induced fighting could not be predicted on the basis of monoamine depletion alone, since a long intershock interval was necessary to observe this increase.
Cytokines and Production of Surfactant Components

The production of pulmonary surfactant, a complex of lipids and proteins that reduces surface tension at the alveolar air-liquid interface, is developmentally regulated. Several hormones, most notably glucocorticoids, are known to accelerate maturation of the surfactant system. Cytokines are polypeptides that act mostly in a paracrine fashion and posses a wide spectrum of activities on multiple types of cells. Many cytokines are produced by different lung cells at various stages of fetal development or under pathological conditions affecting the fetus. In addition, cytokines present in amniotic fluid or in the blood stream may reach the fetal lungs. Some cytokines, including epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-α, and interferon-γ have been shown to stimulate the production of surfactant components. On the other hand, tumor necrosis factor and transforming growth factor-s downregulate the production of surfactant lipids and proteins. We have recently shown that the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) enhances the expression of surfactant protein A (SP-A) in fetal rabbit lung explants. In addition, injection of IL-1 into the amniotic fluid of fetal rabbits enhances the expression of surfactant proteins and improves the lung compliance of preterm animals. Preterm delivery is often associated with subclinical intraamniotic infection. In these cases, amniotic fluid concentrations of IL-1 are often elevated. We propose that this cytokine accelerates maturation of the surfactant system in fetal lungs and thus prepares the fetus for extrauterine life.
Efferent projections from posteroventral cochlear nucleus to lateral superior olive in guinea pig.

Abstract Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L), a kidney bean lectin used as an anterograde tracer, was iontophoretically injected into the posteroventral cochlear nucleus (PVCN) of guinea pigs. PHA-L-labelled fiber segments and their terminal specializations were observed within the ipsilateral lateral superior olive (LSO) thereby establishing the existence of an efferent neural pathway from PVCN to this nucleus. Furthermore, the pathway is topographically organized with dorsal regions of PVCN projecting to the medial limb and ventral regions projecting to the lateral limb of LSO.
Functional-Graded Index Metasurfaces for Infrared Radiation and Guiding

We present the fundamental principle of plasmonic-graded-index materials for radiating and guiding at infrared range. The method to derive effective refractive index is presented and effective refractive index engineering is comprehensively investigated by obtaining complex dispersion diagrams. As an illustrative example for radiating structure, a graded index metasurface is designed for collimating the power emanating from an aperture to a steered narrow beam. The center frequency of operation is 57.5 THz. The half power beam widths of the beam radiated from a $15\lambda \times 15\lambda$ metasurface to $θ = 30$ ° direction are 6° and 16° in elevation and azimuth planes, respectively. Radiation efficiency is calculated to be 86%. To demonstrate the guiding application, a flat step index waveguide is designed. The surface wave guiding is characterized by obtaining complex dispersion diagram and mode profiles. The applications of such waveguides in feeding antennas and routing surface waves are demonstrated with some unique designs.
S2-1 Hydrogen sulfide in heart failure

Background Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to induce angiogenesis in in vitro model systems and to promote vessel growth in the setting of chronic ischemia. The goal of the present study was to determine the therapeutic potential of a stable, long-acting H2S donors, SG-1002 and diallyl trisulfide (DATS), in a model of pressure-overload heart failure and to assess the effects of chronic H2S therapy on myocardial vascular density and angiogenesis. Studies were also performed to determine the mechanisms by which H2S protects the heart during heart failure. Methods and results Transverse aortic constriction was performed in mice (C57BL/6J; 8–10 weeks of age). Mice received either vehicle or diallyl trisulfide (200 μg/kg) or SG-1002 (20 mg/kg) starting 24 h after transverse aortic constriction and were followed for up to 12 weeks using echocardiography. H2S therapy with H2S donors significantly improved left ventricular remodeling and preserved left ventricular function in the setting of transverse aortic constriction. H2S therapy increased the expression of the proangiogenic factor, vascular endothelial cell growth factor, and decreased the angiogenesis inhibitor, angiostatin. Further studies revealed that H2S therapy increased the expression of the proliferation marker, Ki67, as well as increased the phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase and the bioavailability of NO. Importantly, these changes were associated with an increase in vascular density within the H2S-treated hearts. In additional studies we determined that H2S therapy resulted in the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) via phosphorylation of serine1177 and increased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Interestingly, we determined that eNOS was uncoupled in CSE KO mice with reduced levels of H2S and NO coupled with an exacerbated injury response to acute myocardial infarction. Conclusions These results suggest that H2S therapy attenuates left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction in the setting of heart failure by creating a proangiogenic environment for the growth of new vessels. A major mechanism related to these cytoprotective actions is the activation of eNOS and increased nitric oxide bioavailability.
Preventing NAD(+) depletion protects neurons against excitotoxicity: bioenergetic effects of mild mitochondrial uncoupling and caloric restriction.

Neurons are excitable cells that require large amounts of energy to support their survival and functions and are therefore prone to excitotoxicity, which involves energy depletion. By examining bioenergetic changes induced by glutamate, we found that the cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) level is a critical determinant of neuronal survival. The bioenergetic effects of mitochondrial uncoupling and caloric restriction were also examined in cultured neurons and rodent brain. 2, 4-dinitrophenol (DNP) is a chemical mitochondrial uncoupler that stimulates glucose uptake and oxygen consumption on cultured neurons, which accelerates oxidation of NAD(P)H to NAD+ in mitochondria. The NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase sirtulin 1 (SIRT1) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) mRNA are upregulated mouse brain under caloric restriction. To examine whether NAD+ mediates neuroprotective effects, nicotinamide, a precursor of NAD+ and inhibitor of SIRT1 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) (two NAD+-dependent enzymes), was employed. Nicotinamide attenuated excitotoxic death and preserved cellular NAD+ levels to support SIRT1 and PARP 1 activities. Our findings suggest that mild mitochondrial uncoupling and caloric restriction exert hormetic effects by stimulating bioenergetics in neurons thereby increasing tolerance of neurons to metabolic stress.
PROXIMITY INDEX FOR PREDICTING VOLTAGE COLLAPSE OF A LOCAL VOLTAGE-DEPENDENT LOAD WITH VAR LIMITS ON GENERATION

This paper presents a proximity index for predicting voltage collapse of a load bus using only local measurements. Based on the voltage to power sensitivities, the proposed index is computed from algebraic expressions derived for the slopes of the load and network S-V curves at the operating point. Its value at each load bus can be used as a measure of closeness of the current operating point to the stability limit point. The index can also identify the marginally stable operating point which may extend beyond the maximum power transfer point. The technique for estimating the network equivalent as viewed from a load bus and a numerical example with voltage-dependent loads and reactive power output limits on generators are given.
High-purity isolation of anthocyanins mixtures from fruits and vegetables--a novel solid-phase extraction method using mixed mode cation-exchange chromatography

Research on biological activity of anthocyanins requires the availability of high purity materials. However, current methods to isolate anthocyanins or anthocyanin mixtures are tedious and expensive or insufficient for complete isolation. We applied a novel cation-exchange/reversed-phase combination solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique, and optimized the use of water/organic buffer mobile phases to selectively separate anthocyanins. Crude extracts of various representative anthocyanin sources were purified with this technique and compared to 3 commonly used SPE techniques: C(18), HLB, and LH-20. Purified anthocyanin fractions were analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to photodiode array (PDA) and mass spectrometry (MS) detectors and by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The UV-visible chromatograms quantitatively demonstrated that our novel technique achieved significantly higher (P<0.05) anthocyanin purity than the C(18) cartridge, the next best method, for 11 of the 12 anthocyanin sources tested. Among them, eight were purified to greater than 99% purity (based on UV-visible chromatograms). The new method efficiently removed non-anthocyanin phenolics. MS and FT-IR results semi-quantitatively confirmed extensive reduction of impurities. Due to strong ionic interaction, our sorbent capacity was superior to others, resulting in the highest throughput and least use of organic solvents. This new methodology for isolation of anthocyanin mixtures drastically increased purity and efficiency while maintaining excellent recovery rate and low cost. The availability of high purity anthocyanin mixtures will facilitate anthocyanin studies and promote the application of anthocyanins in the food and nutraceutical industries.
Benchmarks, characteristics and trends of U.S. graduate tax programs awarding a Master of Science in Taxation (MST) degree

Abstract Survey data gathered from graduate tax program directors at 26 universities, a response rate of about 43% of all programs contacted, is used to benchmark characteristics and trends of U.S. programs awarding a Master of Science in Taxation (MST) degree. The impetus for this paper was the absence of current literature regarding curriculum, enrollment, and delivery of graduate tax programs in the United States, and it is the first study to compile information on MST program trends. A survey was mailed to MST program directors requesting information about enrollment, core courses, time to complete the degree, admission requirements, efforts required to maintain AACSB accreditation, faculty credentials, faculty compensation, and online instruction. We found that admission requirements, course scheduling, required and elective courses were consistent across MST programs, but enrollment numbers varied widely. Results show that programs often enroll students who received an undergraduate degree from their institution, although there was a consensus that students are unprepared for MST program study immediately upon receiving their undergraduate degree. There is substantial disagreement regarding online delivery of MST instruction, with most programs reacting negatively for pedagogical reasons. This survey represents the beginning of an annual effort to collect data from all MST programs and post data to a website ( https://sites.google.com/a/mail.rmu.edu/mst/home ). The website will provide a resource for MST program administrators to share curriculum information, course syllabi, teaching innovations, experiences with on-line courses, and other information relevant to MST programs.
Changes in gene expression during post-eclosional development in the olfactory system of Drosophila melanogaster

We have found that the expression of some genes in Drosophila melanogaster changes during the life of the adult fly. These changes can be illustrated by the use of enhancer trap lines which mark the expression of particular genes in the adult fly. Although the fly is considered able to perform most necessary adult functions within the first 72 h after eclosion from the pupal case, we find changes in expression over the first 10 days of life in the antennae of several of the genes we have examined. Some genes change by increasing from an initially low level of expression of the marked gene, while other lines, which we have termed 'late-onset' genes, show no expression of the marked gene until 4-5 days following eclosion. In contrast, some genes decrease their expression during the first 10 days of life. The changes in gene expression seen over the first 10 days of the fly's adult life provides molecular evidence of the many maturational changes occurring during the early life of the adult fly.
OCULAR ALLERGIC DISEASES: DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS, EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES, AND TESTING

The eye is a common site for the development of allergic inflammatory disorders. Ophthalmologists and allergists frequently encounter allergic diseases of the eye in their general practice. Althoug...
The economic effects of extending shop opening hours

In this paper we investigate the economic effects of deregulation of shop opening hours legislation. The theoretical literature is rather mixed about the possible effects of such a policy. Using an empirical model for optimal retail behavior, it is shown that the economic potential can be high. It is demonstrated that employment goes up mainly because of an increase in threshold labor. However, the magnitude of this effect depends on the average number of additional hours as a consequence of deregulation. Therefore, by using the model for optimal retail behavior an optimal rule for extending opening hours is given. This rule implies that the potential for longer opening hours is high. It is, however, shown that in the noncooperative equilibrium this potential is higher than in the cooperative equilibrium, and that large-scale stores gain more from this deregulation.
Scleroderma: a disease related to damaged proteins?

Tissue ischemia generates potentially immunogenic peptides of autoantigens in the autoimmune disease, scleroderma.
Presidential Leadership in a Fractured State: Capacity, Autonomy, and the American State

Abstract This paper sets out a conceptual framework for studying the conditions under which presidential leadership in the United States can be thought of as autonomous. Unlike others, who view executive institutions as reflections of conflicts between dominant societal forces, I examine the case of the American presidency and focus on organizational–institutional considerations. Specifically, I focus on the process of institutionalization as a means of building capacity, which I argue, in contrast to others, is a necessary condition for autonomy. Additionally, Iargue that work on the presidency, and the American state in general, suffers from a level of analysis problem, which obscures opportunities for identifying and analyzing autonomous presidential leadership. I conclude with thoughts for a research agenda.
The least strongly compact can be the least strong and indestructible

Abstract We construct two models in which the least strongly compact cardinal κ is also the least strong cardinal. In each of these models, κ satisfies indestructibility properties for both its strong compactness and strongness.
On Greenstadt's Binary Index criterion

The Greenstadt-type criterion for distinguishing between laminar and pulsating (i.e., irregular) bow shock crossings can be expressed as a critical angle between the shock normal and the magnetic field. When the field is more tangent to the shock plane than this critical angle, the shock is laminar. More importantly, the requirement of Galilean invariance of the physics underlying such a criterion reveals that the Greenstadt p index must vary inversely as the solar wind velcoity.
All-optical acousto-optic method for determination of photo-elastic constants of optical materials

We report on an all-optical method to determine the photo-elastic constants of optical materials. The two-laser technique is based on a combination of the acousto-optic effect and the laser generation of ultrasound. The laser generated ultrasonic wave produces a Raman-Nath type diffraction. The diffraction effciency is proportional to the photo-elastic constants of the material investigated. The constants are determined by careful analysis of the diffraction signals obtained from a stack comprising an unknown material and a reference material.
Visual quality assessment of electrochromic and conventional glazings

In this study, a parametric set of photo-realistic images was generated using the RADIANCE simulation program to study luminance contrast, daylight levels, reflections on a VDT screen, and privacy with both electrochromic glazings and conventional glazings. Quantitative and qualitative data are provided. Recommendations are given regarding material design and use within the commercial office environment