cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic water oxidation with hematite electrodes

Hematite's favorable 2.1 eV band gap, valence band position, stability, abundance, and light absorption properties make it a promising semiconductor material for solar-driven water oxidation. While a mechanism for water oxidation at the surface of hematite has not yet been experimentally established, it is widely agreed upon that surface-state mediated charge recombination at the electrode–electrolyte interface competes with water oxidation. This kinetic competition ultimately limits the water splitting efficiency. The identity and role of these surface states in the water oxidation reaction is still unclear. This perspective presents recent results in probing photocatalytic water oxidation with hematite electrodes and the role of surface states. In addition, the function of surface coatings on the hematite surface, and their role as catalysts or surface passivation materials, are discussed.
Social involvement and activeness as predictors of morale six months after first myocardial infarction

Abstract A similarity between the experience of aging and first heart attack has been suggested in the literature. A theory from social gerontology relating social involvement and morale is tentatively used to predict the morale of 62 first myocardial infarction patients. Although an association between social involvement and morale is found, it appears to be explained by the patient's perception of his health. The finding is discussed in a way which calls for a modification of social gerontology's theory of morale.
Adenine nucleotides in blood.

Abstract A new, dynamic cycling procedure for total adenine nucleotides (ATP + ADP + AMP) is described. This procedure permits the measurement of adenine nucleotides in TCA extracts of fresh or frozen blood samples without requiring the removal of TCA from extract.
Drug-induced alterations in the activity of rat brain cholinergic enzymes. I. In vitro and in vivo effect of amphetamine.

Abstract The effect of acute and chronic administration of d-amphetamine sulphate on rat brain acetylcholinesterase and choline acetylase activities has been studied. High concentrations (10 −2 M) of amphetamine were found to activate both AChE and ChAc activities in crude extracts from rat brain. Daily amphetamine injections into rats produced after some time an increase in ChAc activity of the brain but had no significant effect on its AChE activity. There was a marked inhibition in eating behaviour (95%) following the first day of treatment. Eating behaviour increased to about 40% of the control level after 14 days of treatment. There was a gradual reduction in body weight. The progressive changes in drug-induced eating behaviour and body weight showed some correlation to changes in ChAc activity. The possibility of amphetamine-induced adrenergic activity interacting with cholinergic function iis discussed.
Spatial specificity of CBF and BOLD responses induced by neural activity

Abstract Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been widely utilized for imaging brain functions. However, the extent of the fMRI response around the active sites, at sub-millimeter columnar resolution, remains poorly understood. We have investigated spatial specificity of conventional positive blood-oxygenation level dependent (BOLD), early negative BOLD, and perfusion-based fMRI by using a well-established feline orientation column model. The conventional positive BOLD signal is widespread and diffused due to large venous vessel contributions. However, both the early negative BOLD and cerebral blood flow (CBF) responses are specific to individual cortical columns. Thus, hemodynamic-based fMRI can indeed be used to map individual functional columns if large vessel contributions can be minimized.
Passive Microwave Soil Moisture Downscaling Using Vegetation Index and Skin Surface Temperature

Soil moisture satellite estimates are available from a variety of passive microwave satellite sensors, but their spatial resolution is frequently too coarse for use by land managers and other decision makers. In this paper, a soil moisture downscaling algorithm based on a regression relationship between daily temperature changes and daily average soil moisture is developed and presented to produce an enhanced spatial resolution soil moisture product. The algorithm was developed based on the thermal inertial relationship between daily temperature changes and averaged soil moisture under different vegetation conditions, using 1/8° spatial resolution North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) surface temperature and soil moisture data, as well as 5-km Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) (1981–2000) and 1-km Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and surface temperature (2002–present) to build the look-up table at 1/8° resolution. This algorithm was applied to the 1-km MODIS land surface temperature to obtain the downscaled soil moisture estimates and then used to correct the soil moisture products from Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–EOS (AMSR-E). The 1-km downscaled soil moisture maps display greater details on the spatial pattern of soil moisture distribution. Two sets of ground-based measurements, the Oklahoma Mesonet and the Little Washita Micronet, were used to validate the algorithm. The overall averaged slope for 1-km downscaled results vs. Mesonet data is 0.219, which is better than AMSR-E and NLDAS, while the spatial standard deviation (0.054 m 3 m −3 ) and unbiased RMSE (0.042 m 3 m −3 ) of 1-km downscaled results are similar to the other two datasets. The overall slope and spatial standard deviation for 1-km downscaled results vs. Micronet data (0.242 and 0.021 m 3 m −3 , respectively) are significantly better than AMSR-E and NLDAS, while the unbiased RMSE (0.026 m 3 m −3 ) is better than NLDAS and further than AMSR-E. In addition, Mesonet comparisons of all three soil moisture datasets demonstrate a stronger statistical significance than Micronet comparisons, and the p value of 1-km downscaled is generally better than the other two soil moisture datasets. The results demonstrate that the AMSR-E soil moisture was successfully disaggregated to 1 km. The enhanced spatial heterogeneity and the accuracy of the soil moisture estimates are superior to the AMSR-E and NLDAS estimates, when compared with in situ observations.
A study of plasmodium formation by the true slime mold, Didymium nigripes☆

Abstract A technique is described by which it is believed that plasmodia resulting from the fusion of two amoebae are isolated. The rate of plasmodium formation can also be studied using this method. Washed myxamoebae harvested during the logarithmic phase of growth were incubated in M/200, pH 6.2 phosphate buffer containing 1 × 10−3 M SrCl2. Samples were diluted appropriately and plated with bacteria. Forty-four hours later the incubated plates were scored for the presence of small clonal plasmodia, free from myxamoebae. The number of such plasmodial clones was used as an index of plasmodium formation. The optimal concentration of ameobae was found to be 2.5 × 105/ml. During the first 4 hours of incubation, few plasmodia formed. They appeared at an exponential rate until the twelfth hour of incubation. Fusing pairs of myxamoebae were isolated by micromanipulation. A number of these grew into normal plasmodia.
Sometimes Pooling for Analysis of Variance Hypothesis Tests: A Review and Study of a Split-Plot Model

This article presents a review of the technical literature on pooling in analysis of variance (ANOVA) models for the purpose of hypothesis testing, and compares these studies to corresponding discussions found in statistical textbooks. By following a clear prescription for pooling recommended in one book, a simulation study was conducted on a mixed model appropriate for a split-plot experiment. The results are summarized using response surface methods. It is found that pooling generally inflates Type I error and offers at best insubstantial gain in power (and often power loss) relative to the nominal test.
Risk of repetition of a severe perineal laceration

Objective: To compare the outcome of subsequent delivery in women with a history of a third- or fourth-degree laceration with outcomes in women without such a history. Methods: This retrospective study used a perinatal database and chart review from 1978 to 1995. Only women whose first delivery was at our institution at more than 36 weeks’ gestation, vaginal singleton, vertex presentation, and birth weight greater than 2500 g, with a subsequent delivery were included. The women were grouped by presence or absence of a third- or fourth-degree (severe) perineal laceration in their first delivery. The subsequent delivery was analyzed for maternal age, weight, birth weight, gestational age, method of delivery, use of episiotomy, and occurrence of a severe laceration. Comparison of data was by Fisher exact and t tests. Results: Four thousand fifteen women met our starting criteria. In their first delivery, the average birth weight, use of instrumentation, and episiotomy rate were significantly higher in those women sustaining a severe laceration. When compared with women without a history of severe perineal laceration, women with such a history were at more than twice the risk for another in their subsequent delivery. The women at highest risk (21.4%) were those sustaining a laceration in their first delivery who underwent instrumental vaginal delivery with episiotomy in their subsequent delivery. When episiotomy or instrumental delivery was performed in the second vaginal birth, 52 (11.6%) of 449 women with a history of a severe perineal laceration sustained another, compared with 98 (6.5%) of 1509 without such a history (P < .001, odds ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.3, 2.7). Conclusion: Women delivering their second baby, and in whom episiotomy or instrumentation is used, are at increased risk of severe perineal laceration compared with women delivery spontaneously.
Metabolic Responses of the Rooster After Exogenous Thyroid Hormones

Total sensible heat loss, O2 consumption, and CO2 production were monitored in 20 White Leghorn roosters (1.85 +/- .05 kg body weight) subjected to either saline, or triiodothyronine (20 micrograms/kg; T3), or thyroxine (50 micrograms/kg; T4) administered in a single dose. Treatment occurred after a 26-hr fast and the fast was maintained for the duration of the experiment. Plasma T3 concentrations in birds treated with T3 were higher than controls for an 8-hr period after treatment (P less than .01). Plasma T4 in birds treated with T4 was higher than controls for the 24-hr sampling period (P less than .01). Sensible heat loss, but not O2 consumption or CO2 production, was affected by treatment during the first 10 hr following treatment (P less than .05). Heat loss after T3 and T4 treatments did not differ; however, pooled results of the treated groups were higher than that of control (P less than .05). Heat loss, O2, and Co2 varied with time (P less than .001) during the 10-hr period following treatment or saline. Sensible heat loss was also affected by treatment during the period of 21 to 25-hr posttreatment (P less than .001). During that period, the heat loss after T4 treatment was greater than that after T3 (P less than .005). These data suggest that a single administration of either T3 or T4 can affect total sensible heat loss but not O2 consumption of CO2 production within 10-hr posttreatment in mature roosters.
Fate and effects of the triazinone herbicide metribuzin in experimental pond mesocosms.

Metribuzin is a triazinone herbicide that is widely used for the control of grasses and broad-leaved weeds in soybeans, sugarcane, and numerous other crops. Metribuzin is highly toxic to freshwater macrophytes and algae under laboratory conditions (median plant EC50 = 31 μg/L; n = 11 species) but has not been studied under controlled outdoor conditions. We conducted a 6-week study to examine the aquatic fate and effects of metribuzin in 0.1-ha outdoor aquatic mesocosms. Mesocosms (n = 2 per treatment) were treated with metribuzin at one of five concentrations: 0, 9, 19, 38, or 75 μg/L. Concentrations were selected to bracket known laboratory effect concentrations and to reflect calculated edge-of-field concentrations. The dissipation half-life of metribuzin in water was 5 days. Metribuzin had no statistically significant effects on water quality, periphyton biomass, macrophyte biomass, macrophyte species composition, fish survival, or fish growth at treatment levels ranging up to and including 75 μg/L. Although metribuzin is highly toxic to freshwater macrophytes and algae under laboratory conditions, it poses little risk to nontarget aquatic plants due to the short aqueous dissipation half-life. The findings also demonstrate that current herbicide risk assessment procedures used in the registration process could benefit from empirical assessments of the fate of chemicals under realistic environmental conditions.
THE CUSHING SYNDROME

In 1932, Cushing (1) reported 12 cases with an endocrine syndrome consisting of a rapidly acquired regional obesity, hypertension, hypertrichosis, genital dyscrasia, physical asthenia, plethora, purplish striae atrophica, and osteoporosis resulting frequently in kyphosis and shortened stature. He had observed 3 cases personally; the others were obtained from the literature, classified therein as polyglandular disturbances. Study by serial section of the anterior pituitary disclosed, in each current case, an unsuspected adenoma of the basophile cells, a lesion originally described by Erdheim (2) in 1903, but which he did not consider pathological in his cited cases. Cushing interpreted the basophilic adenoma as the primary pathology in the endocrine syndrome, naming it pituitary basophilism; the associated adenoma or hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex he believed to be due to the excessive adrenotropic factor: thus his pathophysiological conception of pituitary basophilism was that of a hyperbasophilic stat...
Detectability and simulation of smoke and dust clouds in images

Smoke and dust clouds are often more easily detected than the sources producing the clouds. Long range detection depends on the cloud's size and contrast against its background. However, a cloud can sometimes be detected, even in low average contrast conditions, if it significantly masks the apparent clutter of its background or if it provides sufficiently different clutter itself. This paper investigates a basic cloud detection method that includes both cloud contrast and background clutter. It is assumed that the sensor minimum resolvable contrast (or thermal temperature difference) as a function of spatial frequencies is known. This is used to define a detection threshold. We consider contrast in mean intensity, changes in the width of the background intensity histogram, changes in edge strength, and comparison of spatial frequency content as methods to detect the cloud relative to its background. Methods are examined using measured and simulated images.
Decreasing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus surgical site infections with chlorhexidine and mupirocin.

Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are a major complication of surgery. This study is part of a large infection control quality improvement effort to eliminate MRSA SSIs. Methods This is an Institutional Review Board-approved, case-control study examining MRSA SSI rates before and after implementation of a facility-wide MRSA SSI prevention protocol in 2007. The protocol involved a 5-day course of intranasal mupirocin and nonrinse 2% chlorhexidine gluconate cloths. Results In 2006, a total of 39 MRSA SSIs occurred after 9,976 procedures in patients who underwent orthopedic, vascular, cardiac, or neurosurgical procedures (rate = 0.39 per 100 procedures). The highest incidence occurred after cardiac surgery (rate = 1.24/100 procedures), and the lowest occurred after orthopedic surgery (rate = 0.28/100 procedures). In 2007, the MRSA SSI rate decreased to 20 of 9,818 procedures (rate = 0.20/100 procedures) in the 4 categories ( P = .016; odds ratio, 1.92). In 2008, the MRSA SSI rate dropped again to 13 of 10,068 procedures (rate = 0.13/100 procedures) in the 4 categories ( P = .0003; odds ratio, 3.04). Conclusion A 5-day course of intranasal mupirocin and nonrinse 2% chlorhexidine gluconate cloths may be beneficial in preventing MRSA SSIs in the non-general surgery population.
Na(+)-Cl(-)-K+ cotransport activity in cultured bovine lens epithelial cells and its absence in intact bovine lenses.

Abstract Using 86 RbCl, experiments were directed to identify the pathways for K + entry in bovine lens cells. Experiments were performed on cultured bovine lens epithelial cells, which are known to transform spontaneously in vitro, and on whole bovine lenses. In cultured epithelial monolayers, K + inflow occurred nearly equally via the Na + -K + pump and a bumetanide-sensitive, Na + - and Cl - -dependent process. In the simultaneous presence of ouabain and bumetanide, uptake was inhibited by 98%. Significant passive movement of label through K + channels could not be detected as indicated by the lack of an effect by 5 mM Ba 2+ . In the presence of ouabain, the concentration of bumetanide producing half-maximal inhibition of K + uptake was 1·2 × 10 -7 M, a value similar to those of other cell systems in which Na + -Cl - -K + cotransport has been demonstrated by various methods. The present system was not affected by attempts to independently perturb cell Ca 2+ and cAMP, but K + uptake was inhibited upon exposure to phorbol esters and to a cell permeable analog of the protein kinase C (PKC) activator diacylglycerol. From experiments with phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), the reduced inflow was attributed to an inhibition of the bumetanide-sensitive pathway. In contrast, treatment with a phorbol ester known not to activate PKC, 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4α-PDD), was ineffective; in toto suggesting that the inositol signaling system regulates K + fluxes in these cells primarily by affecting the rate via a Na + -Cl - -K + cotransport mechanism. These results contrasted with those garnered with the intact lens. Lenses were isolated in a bicameral Ussing-type arrangement so that their anterior and posterior aspects could be bathed independently, K + inflow across the epithelial surface was predominately mediated by the Na + -K + pump, i.e. ouabain inhibited uptake by 87%. Addition of bumetanide to the anterior bath resulted in an uptake rate not different from that found under control conditions. The present results are consistent with findings in other cell systems which indicate that the Na + -Cl - -K + cotransport activity is associated with highly proliferative cells, such as the cultured cells used. It remains to be determined whether activation, or expression, of the cotransporter has a role in the intact lens.
REINFORCING POLARIZATIONS: U.S. IMMIGRATION AND THE PROSPECT OF GAY MARRIAGE

In recent years more legal immigrants have entered the United States through marriage than through any other means, while the desirability of current levels and types of immigration has been a matter of controversy. The United States has also been engaged in a heated public debate over the nature and definition of marriage for the past decade. The source of this debate has been the question of whether the legal status of marriage should be extended to same-sex couples. In this study, we want to point out that these two controversies, over immigration policy and over sexuality and marriage, are, in fact, closely connected. First, we observe that sexuality was historically an explicit basis for the exclusion or inclusion of immigrants. Next, we argue that the changes in U.S. immigration reform of 1965 made sexuality an implicit basis for entry by making heterosexual marriage the primary avenue for migration to the United States. Then, we maintain that American attitudes toward same-sex relations in general,...
Patterns of pneumococcal vaccination and revaccination in elderly and non-elderly adults: a Vaccine Safety Datalink study.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) is recommended for all adults 65 years of age and older and for younger adults with high-risk conditions. While data from national surveys provide information on the proportion of adults 65 years of age and older reporting ever receipt of PPV they do not collect more detailed information, such as age at vaccination or the total number of vaccinations received. In addition, there is relatively little information available on PPV coverage in younger adults with chronic conditions. To assess contemporary patterns of pneumococcal vaccination and revaccination of adults, we conducted a cross-sectional study of adults enrolled in medical care organizations (MCOs) participating in the Vaccine Safety Datalink project. The study population included 1.5 million adults 25 years of age and older enrolled in the four participating MCOs on December 1, 2006. PPVs administered to members of the study population prior to that date were identified from computerized immunization registries maintained by the MCOs. Among the general population of adults 25 through 64 years of age, vaccine coverage increased from 2% in the 25–29 year old age-group to 26% in the 60–64 year old age-group. In all age-groups, coverage was substantially higher in persons defined as having a chronic high risk condition. This was particularly true for diabetes mellitus, with vaccine coverage of over 50% in the lower age-groups and 75% in those 60–64 years of age. Among adults 65 years of age and older, 82% had received at least one PPV and 18% had received two or more PPVs. We found higher levels of PPV coverage among adults 65 years of age and older and among younger adults with diabetes mellitus than reported by national surveys and for those groups PPV coverage approached the Healthy People 2010 national objectives. These results suggest that achieving those objectives for PPV is possible and that high vaccination coverage may be facilitated by vaccine tracking and reminder systems.
Reactivity to alcohol cues in alcoholics and non-alcoholics: Implications for a stimulus control analysis of drinking

Abstract The present study is an attempt to identify responses to alcohol-related stimuli which might differentiate alcoholics from non-alcoholics. The assumption was that alcoholics would be more reactive to alcohol cues because of prior conditioning history with respect to alcohol and drinking. Eight alcoholics in treatment were compared with ten non-alcoholic controls and two recovering alcoholics, using swallowing and salivation as the principal dependent measures. (The concordance of swallowing and salivation was validated using dental rolls with an independent group of ten alcoholics.) Five-minute “sniff-trials” were provided in which subjects smelled either cedar chips or their favorite alcoholic beverage, in a labelled container. Swallowing (salivation) and craving (desire to drink alcohol) were significantly elevated in alcohol-sniffing trials for alcoholics in treatment compared with non-alcoholics; cardiac rate and galvanic skin response duration were also elevated in alcoholics in treatment, though not significantly. Recovering alcoholics resembled alcoholics in treatment more closely than they resembled non-alcoholics. The data were examined in the context of conditioned withdrawal and homeostatic protective mechanisms. Implications for the stimulus control analysis of drinking were discussed.
“Coral Dominance”: A Dangerous Ecosystem Misnomer?

Over 100 years ago, before threats such as global climate change and ocean acidification were issues engrossing marine scientists, numerous tropical reef biologists began expressing concern that too much emphasis was being placed on coral dominance in reef systems. These researchers believed that the scientific community was beginning to lose sight of the overall mix of calcifying organisms necessary for the healthy function of reef ecosystems and demonstrated that some reefs were naturally coral dominated with corals being the main organisms responsible for reef accretion, yet other healthy reef ecosystems were found to rely almost entirely on calcified algae and foraminifera for calcium carbonate accumulation. Despite these historical cautionary messages, many agencies today have inherited a coral-centric approach to reef management, likely to the detriment of reef ecosystems worldwide. For example, recent research has shown that crustose coralline algae, a group of plants essential for building and cementing reef systems, are in greater danger of exhibiting decreased calcification rates and increased solubility than corals in warmer and more acidic ocean environments. A shift from coral-centric views to broader ecosystem views is imperative in order to protect endangered reef systems worldwide.
Purification and Characterization of the Vaccinia Virus Deoxyuridine Triphosphatase Expressed in Escherichia coli

The deoxyuridine triphosphatase gene of vaccinia virus, encoded by the open reading frame F2L, was cloned into Escherichia coli and expressed under the control of a bacteriophage T7 promoter. After induction of T7 RNA polymerase by isopropyl β–thiogalactopyranoside, a 16.5-kDa peptide accumulated to high levels. This 16.5-kDa protein was purified to homogeneity and characterized. Gel filtration of the purified protein revealed a trimeric native structure. Biochemical analysis revealed the enzyme to be a metalloenzyme; enzymatic activity is inhibited by EDTA. This inhibition was reversed by the addition of Mg2+, Mn2+, or Zn2+. While the enzyme activity was highly specific for dUTP with an apparent Km of 0.94 μ, inhibition studies show that 8-azido-ATP acted as a competitive inhibitor of dUTP with a Ki of approximately 173 μ. Also, protection studies demonstrated that nucleotide competitors inhibit photoincorporation of the photoaffinity analogues [γ-32P]5-azido-dUTP and [γ-32P]8-azido-ATP. This suggests that while catalytic activity is limited to dUTP, other nucleotides can bind the active site.
Dopamine and non-dopamine psychoses.

The time course of antipsychotic response following the initiation of an antipsychotic drug and functional dopamine receptor sensitivity were explored in a cohort of recently admitted psychotic (mood-incongruent) patients. The distribution of the latencies of antipsychotic response suggested at least two populations. Rapid responders (RRs) had 60% reduction of baseline psychotic symptoms by a mean of 5.5 days of drug treatment. Delayed/nonresponders required 2–7 weeks for a similar reduction of psychotic symptoms. The sensitivity of postsynaptic dopamine receptors was explored using a neuroendocrine probe: growth hormone response to the dopamine agonist, apomorphine (AP). RRs had an exaggerated growth hormone response to AP in comparison to delayed/nonresponders (P<0.05). Exaggerated sensitivity of postsynaptic dopamine receptors and rapid antipsychotic response following dopamine receptor blockade in RRs suggest a true functional dopamine hypersensitivity disorder in the RR group. In contrast, lower postsynaptic receptor sensitivity (as reflected by lower growth hormone response to AP) and failure of early response following dopamine receptor blockade focus attention away from dopamine hyperactivity as a relevant etiologic mechanism in delayed/nonresponders. Response rates to neuroleptic drugs and neuroendocrine probes of receptor sensitivity may separate two or more etiologically distinct diseases with schizophrenic-like symptoms.
Alleghanian orogenic-float on the Martic thrust during dextal transpression, central Appalachian Piedmont

Abstract During the Late Paleozoic Alleghanian orogeny, the mid-Atlantic Piedmont experienced transpressional deformation dominated by dextral strke-slip shear zones. The dextral displacement on these shear zones greatly influenced the geographic distribution of lithotectonic units. Transpressional deformation is evident in the Piedmont with the cogenetic development of domes and en-echelon antiforms between many of the shear zones. In the core of the Pennsylvania reentrant, major Alleghanian structures include the dextral Pleasant Grove shear zone and Tucquan-Mine Ridge antiform. Recent field mapping coupled with detailed metamorphic and deformation fabric studies have revealed that a major thrust, the Martic thrust, was also active during this time. Shear bands were identified during petrofabric analysis of the hanging wall rocks to the Martic thrust. The direction of displacement on these shear bands was parallel to the orogen, a direction contrary to earlier studies. Metamorphic mineral assemblages and ceased reaction textures, associated with ductile shear fabrics in the hangingwall rocks, are consistent with lower greenshist facies deformation. This low grade metamorphism, which is generally confined to sheared rocks, overprints the regional upper greenshist- to lower amphibolite-facies assemblages. Structural and magnetic modeling of the hangingwall block has revealed a complex geometry. A model of orogen parallel structural escape, or orogenic float, related to late Paleozoic dextral transpression is employed to explain the late reactivation on this important central Appalachian structure.
The paleomagnetic record of late Quaternary secular variation from Anderson Pond, Tennessee

Abstract A paleomagnetic record of the Earth's secular variation between 12,500 and 21,000 years B.P. has been recovered from two replicate wet-sediment cores of Anderson Pond, Tennessee (36.0°N, 274.5°E). Error analysis indicates that the cores are correctly oriented in the vertical plane, but that some azimuthal offsets of individual core segments did occur. These offsets were corrected by cross-correlation between the two replicate cores. The final paleomagnetic data set is internally consistent and easily correlated with other high-resolution late Quaternary paleomagnetic records from the eastern United States. There is no evidence for any regional excursion or global reversal between 12,500 and 21,000 years B.P. Time series analysis indicates that both the field-vector and VGP distributions are non-Fisherian and distinctly “far-sided” compared to the axial-dipole expectation. The far-sided effect is interpreted to be geomagnetic in source rather than an error in the DRM/PDRM mechanism. Spectral analysis suggests that the secular variation is due primarily to a single irregular waveform with a period of about 3200 years. This is interpreted to result from zonal drift of the non-dipole field past Tennessee at the rate of about 0.11°/year.
Effect of change of Poisson's ratio on the bending of a multi-layered circular cylinder

Abstract An exact solution is given of the Saint Venant bending by a terminal force of a three-layered circular cylinder having unequal Poisson's ratios in each layer. Reduction to problems with equal Poisson's ratios in each layer and extension to multi-layered circular cylinders are made. A comparison is made of the stresses induced when Poisson's ratios in each layer are equal and when they are different from one another. The problem is illustrated by a numerical solution for the case of a concrete column reinforced by a steel cylinder.
InAs/GaAs Quantum-Dot Intermediate-Band Solar Cells

Results for quantum-dot intermediate-band solar cells are presented. It is shown that quantum dots in conventional p-i-n structures can extend the photoresponse to 1300 nm, well beyond what is possible with the base GaAs material.
`Dear Professor Dyson': Twenty years of correspondence between Freeman Dyson and undergraduate students

For twenty years the students in my "Science, Technology, and Society" course, where we use Disturbing the Universe as a textbook, have corresponded with Professor Dyson. That someone of Professor Dyson's standing consistently makes a priority of promptly answering the letters of undergraduate students from all academic majors, and does so with grace and kindness, insight and wisdom, offers a personal glimpse into his character and integrity. On behalf of my students, and as a way of publicly thanking Professor Dyson for participating in our course conversations, I am honored to share samples of our correspondence with him over the years, including student reflections on his involvement in their education.
Circadian rhythms in fungi

Endogenous circadian clocks, present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, provide the machinery by which organisms keep in synchrony with the external world. The ability of the clock to measure accurate time allows changes in the environment (particularly light and temperature) to be anticipated so that biological activities can occur at the appropriate times of day. The observed circadian rhythms are, as a general feature, established through the daily control of specific target genes by the clock. Demonstrations of circadian rhythms are widespread, and in the fungi the clock has been shown to control daily rhythms in spore development and liberation. Within the fungi,Neurospora crassa provides the preeminent model system for investigations into the underlying processes of circadian rhythms. Through genetic and molecular approaches, significant progress has been made in describing theN crassa circadian system. As discussed in this review, the analysis of theN. crassa clock has provided important details on (i) how the clock is assembled and (ii) how environmental signals are perceived by the clock, and (iii) a description of rhythmic output genes that are regulated by the clock.
Food and water intakes of rats as a function of strain, age, temperature, and body weight.

Abstract Are there age-related differences in the responsiveness of feeding, drinking, and body weight of rats to changes in the environmental temperature and are these differences related to strain of rats? An experiment was carried out according to a 2 by 3 by 3 design, representing strain (ACI/Mai vs Fischer 344), age (young, 217–221 days, mature, 387–391 days, and old 749–753 days), and ambient temperature (21°, 28°, and 32°C). The dependent variables were: g food eaten, g water drunk, g body weight during a single 24 hr exposure to one of the temperatures. The results indicated that food intake per rat was positively related to age and independent of strain. Both strains increased water intake with increasing age, but the Fischer rats did so at a higher rate. While the ACI rats increased body weight with increasing age, the Fischer rats increased body weight then decreased it. However, relative to body weight or food intake, Fischer rats overate and overdrunk and the ACI rats did not. After these strain-age differences in initial levels were controlled statistically, and regardless of strain, theold rats ate more than the young and mature rats at 21°C, more than the young rats at 32°C, the same as the young and mature rats at 28°C, and drank more than the young and mature rats at all temperatures. These results suggest that the mechanisms mediating feeding and drinking remain intact and responsive to the energy and water needs of the rat over a large part of its life-span.
Simple Engine Exhaust Temperature Modeling and System Identification Based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo

Even though actual composition of engine exhaust gases varies across diverse types of engines, such as gasoline, diesel, gas turbine and natural gas engines, engine exhaust temperature is always a major factor with strong impact on emission levels and catalytic converting efficiency. For spark ignition engines, exhaust temperature depends on various engine parameters, such as engine speed, engine load, A/F ratio, intake air temperature, coolant temperature and spark timing, etc. Due to complexity, it is impossible to share a unique analytical model of engine exhaust temperature. Instead, it is mostly modeled as a complicated nonlinear system. The model complexity increases significantly however accuracy cannot be guaranteed. On the other hand, a simple linear model with accurate system identification could serve as a versatile alternative to represent the engine exhaust temperature, while engine parameters are subject to model identification to be adaptable across different types of engines. Combination of linear functions in terms of dominant engine parameters of engine speed and engine load is used for exhaust temperature modeling. To identify optimal parameters, Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is applied. The discrete-time Markov chain is introduced where the stationary probability replaces posterior density in Monte Carlo integration for numerical integration. Compared with the high order nonlinear approaches, low computation cost is involved in the simplified model. Good agreement between the model prediction data and testing results is observed. The approach could be easily extended to other types of engines.
Can we use pulsed fluoroscopy to decrease the radiation dose during video fluoroscopic feeding studies in children

Aim To investigate whether it is possible to reduce the radiation dose during video fluoroscopic feeding studies below the current 30 frames/s (continuous fluoroscopy). Methods Ten consecutive children who had supraglottic penetration while swallowing barium were evaluated as part of a video fluoroscopic feeding study. All fluoroscopic studies were performed with a pulse rate of 30 frames/s. Frame by frame analysis was performed of the first episode of penetration in each patient to determine on how many image frames the penetration could be detected. Results Supraglottic penetration occurred very rapidly. In seven of the 10 patients, full-depth penetration was only seen on one image frame. In no patient was the full-depth penetration seen in greater than two imaging frames. Conclusion Decreasing the fluoroscopic pulse rate cannot be used as a method of decreasing radiation dose during performance of video fluoroscopic studies because it will potentially result in non-detection of episodes of supraglottic penetration of liquid barium.
Enkephalin and Blood-Brain Barrier: Studies of Binding and Degradation in Isolated Brain Micro vessels*

The literature regarding enkephalin transport through the brain endothelial wall,i.e. the blood-brain barrier (BBB), is conflicting. For example, some studies indicate that enkephalins traverse the BBB at low rates similar to other putative neurotransmitters, while other investigations have indicated that enkephalins readily cross the BBB. In addition, it is possible that enkephalins, like other peptides, such as insulin, do not cross the BBB but actively bind to specific peptide receptors on the luminal side of the BBB. Therefore, the present studies were undertaken with freshly isolated bovine brain cor- tical capillaries to determine if [tyrosyl-3H]leucine enkephalin is either specifically bound or taken up by the cell which comprises the BBB in vivo. Brain capillaries were incubated with radiochemically pure [tyrosyl-3H]leucine enkephalin and [l4C]sucrose, an extracellular space marker, at 22–23 C. The amount of 3H radioactivity associatd with brain endothelia increased with time and reached equilibri...
Three-dimensional microbatteries for MEMS/NEMS technology

We recently developed a new approach for battery design based on three-dimensional architectures which offer potential solutions for powering autonomous devices and maintaining small footprint areas. This paper provides a brief review of our work which applies micromachining methods to fabricate electrode arrays which serve as the central design element for these architectures. The results with the zinc-air primary batteries demonstrate that 3D configurations can achieve both high power and energy densities within a small footprint area. The development of lithium-ion batteries has not been as rapid although reversible electrochemical behavior has been demonstrated with 3D electrode array structures.
Flowfield in a Film-Cooled Three-Dimensional Contoured Endwall Passage: Aerodynamic Measurements

The influence of endwall film cooling on the aerodynamic performance of a linear blade cascade employing an asymmetric contoured endwall is measured. Cylindrical coolant holes are strategically located on the contoured endwall to provide full coverage film cooling. The endwall contour is varied along the pitch direction, and is elevated near the pressure side and depressed near the suction surface. The profile height also varies in the axial direction from the inlet to exit. Measurements of total pressure, vorticity, and velocity components are obtained at different axial locations inside the passage for six inlet blowing ratios ranging from 1.0 to 2.4. The results are compared with the measured data on the contoured endwall without any film cooling flow (uncooled case). All the tests are performed in a low speed cascade facility employing a scaled up two-dimensional blade profile of the GE-E3 turbine rotor section. The Reynolds number based on the cascade inlet velocity and blade actual chord is 2.30×105 . The results near the leading edge show that the suction side-leg vortex on the uncooled endwall weakens when the film cooling jets are employed. The axial vorticity and velocity vectors near the exit plane indicate that the passage vortex is located nearer to the mid-pitch location and higher above the endwall for the film-cooled endwall than for the uncooled contoured endwall. While the overall total pressure loss coefficient across the passage decreases at the high blowing ratios compared to the uncooled case, the overall cascade loss increases with the blowing ratio.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
11.1.1 SOA in Enterprise Architectures: Overlooked Misperceptions, Pitfalls and Tangible Benefits

The SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) is an evolution of past platforms, leveraging the successful characteristics of traditional architectures over several decades. The contemporary and the evolving standards of SOA advocate an agile, flexible software architecture leveraging Web services. Enterprise software has long suffered from a mismatch between technical and business-related concepts and priorities articulated by the people on both sides of the techno-business domain. SOA provides a unique opportunity for the first time in IT terms to create artifacts that have lasting impact and value for both the business as well as the technology side. The SOA relies heavily on loose coupling in order to establish an abstraction of business logic and technology. Achieving a state of standardized SOA throughout an enterprise requires a planned transition. SOA offer benefits at several levels, ranging from agnostic technology to a simplification of the development process to an increase in agility of the business infrastructure. The ultimate goal of an SOA is to provide an Agile Enterprise, in which all processes and services are completely flexible and can be rapidly manipulated per the needs of business. However, the SOA is a journey and not a single “switch on” implementation. With each SOA implementation, there are several lessons learned that can be leveraged for future. This paper reviews the pitfalls and tangible benefits of SOA implementation in enterprise architectures. In addition, this paper addresses the common misperceptions about SOA that are commonly maintained in the market place and in some cases, even legitimizing them.
Uncertain Future of Hydrogeology

Many of hydrogeology’s most fundamental questions remain unresolved today, a hundred years after the basic governing equations for groundwater flow and transport were formulated. This paper provides a brief overview of the field and outlines the future directions, with a special emphasis on uncertainty quantification.
Semantics of case

This paper presents a framework which connects case assignment with the semantics of argument realization. Broad notions of agency and affectedness are decomposed into more fine-grained semantic properties, loosely based on Dowty’s Proto-Role theory, but conceived in terms of privative opposition and organized into a lattice. This lattice provides a semantic space of participant properties and supports defining hierarchical relations among participant types, interpreted as semantic prominence, as well as topological relations such as ‘closeness’, interpreted as semantic similarity between participant types. Cases are defined as connected regions of this space, relating a given case to a structured set of semantic properties. A case system is represented as a semantic system, which embodies oppositions and contrasts, and operates against the backdrop of the general semantics of argument realization, where one can define notions such as maximal agents and maximal patients and represent generalizations from the research on transitivity. Core case markers (e.g. ergative, accusative) are represented as subspaces of the lattice spreading outwards from the maximal agent and maximal patient nodes of the lattice. Case alternations arise when the subspace of the lattice delimited by a predicate’s entailments for an argument is partitioned by different cases, exemplified with the genitive/accusative alternation in Russian occurring with direct objects of certain intensional predicates. This method also provides a treatment of case polysemy, viz. a single case subsuming multiple uses, by relating the diverse uses at the more abstract semantic level of the case’s region on the lattice, demonstrated with non-canonical uses of the dative.
Estimates of leaf area index from spectral reflectance of wheat under different cultural practices and solar angle

The influence of management practices and solar illumination angle on the leaf area index (LAI) was estimated from measurements of wheat canopy reflectance evaluated by two methods, a regression formula and an indirect technique. The date of planting and the time of irrigation in relation to the stage of plant growth were found to have significant effects on the development of leaves in spring wheat. A reduction in soil moisture adversely affected both the duration and magnitude of the maximum LAI for late planting dates. In general, water stress during vegetative stages resulted in a reduction in maximum LAI, while water stress during the reproductive period shortened the duration of green LAI in spring wheat. Canopy geometry and solar angle also affected the spectral properties of the canopies, and hence the estimated LAI. Increase in solar zenith angles resulted in a general increase in estimated LAI obtained from both methods.
Chemical structure of monosialoganglioside Gmib biosynthesized in vitro

Abstract The structure of a neuraminidase-labile monosialoganglioside which is formed in vitro from asialoganglioside (galactosyl (β, 1 → 3) -N-acetylgalac-tosaminyl (β, 1 → 4) galactosyl (β, 1 → 4) glucosyl (1 → 1) ceramide) and cytidine-5'-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid in the presence of young rat brain sialyltransferase has been established. This monosialoganglioside contains a neuraminidase-labile N-acetylneuraminyl group which is linked at position C-3 of the terminal galactosyl unit. This result was obtained by ultramicro scale permethylation of radioactive neuraminidase-labile monosialoganglioside biosynthesized from asialoganglioside labeled with tritium in the terminal galactose.
Studies on the gill cholinesterase activity of several cyprinodontid fishes

Abstract 1. 1. Gills from nine species, representing three genera of cyprinodontid fishes, were assayed for cholinesterase activity. 2. 2. Those fishes which occupy or invade a brackish-water habitat had both the group I and group II enzymes; the two species studied that are restricted to fresh water lacked the group I enzyme. 3. 3. Eserine sulfate blocked, temporarily, Na 22 outflux from the gill of F. kansae . No effect on sodium uptake was found. 4. 4. The specific inhibitors B.W. 284C51 and Mipafox had no effect on sodium movements, but were active in the homogenates.