cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epileptic pilocarpine-treated rats exhibit aberrant hippocampal EPSP-spike potentiation but retain long-term potentiation.

Hippocampal neuron plasticity is strongly associated with learning, memory, and cognition. In addition to modification of synaptic function and connectivity, the capacity of hippocampal neurons to undergo plasticity involves the ability to change nonsynaptic excitability. This includes altering the probability that EPSPs will generate action potentials (E-S plasticity). Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder commonly associated with neuronal hyperexcitability and cognitive dysfunction. We examined E-S plasticity in chronically epileptic Sprague–Dawley rats 3–10 weeks after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. CA1 neurons in hippocampal slices were assayed by whole-cell current clamp to measure EPSPs evoked by Schaffer collateral stimulation. Using a weak spike-timing-dependent protocol to induce plasticity, we found robust E-S potentiation in conjunction with weak long-term potentiation (LTP) in saline-treated rats. In pilocarpine-treated rats, a similar degree of LTP was found, but E-S potentiation was reduced. Additionally, the degree of E-S potentiation was not correlated with the degree of LTP for either group, suggesting that they independently contribute to neuronal plasticity. E-S potentiation also differed from LTP in that E-S plasticity could be induced solely from action potentials generated by postsynaptic current injection. The calcium chelating agent BAPTA in the intracellular solution blocked LTP and E-S potentiation, revealing the calcium dependence of both processes. These findings suggest that LTP and E-S potentiation have overlapping but nonidentical mechanisms of inducing neuronal plasticity that may independently contribute to cognitive disruptions observed in the chronic epileptic state.
Disaster preparedness: Assessment of older adults living in the NYC rockaways.

Objective: To determine if there has been a measureable improvement in disaster preparedness among older adults affected by Hurricane Sandy in the NYC Rockaways and to identify if there are any characteristics among this sample that might be factors for vulnerability. Design: A 16-item self-reported survey compromised of demographics and needs assessment questions. Subjects: Senior citizens who are members of a local senior center and live in the Rockaways. Main outcome measures: Three hypotheses were tested. (1) H 1 : That there is a positive difference in level of the Pre- and Post- Sandy Storm Preparedness . (2) H 0 : That the level of Storm Preparedness is not related to relative advanced age factor in older adults . (3) H 0 : That the level of Storm Preparedness is not related to living arrangement, income level, and / or access to transportation Results: The alternative hypothesis was accepted for hypothesis one. The null hypotheses were accepted for hypotheses two and three. Conclusions: It was found that the level of disaster preparedness has significantly improved. The age of the participants when analyzed as two groups, those under and those over age 70, is not related to storm preparedness. Also, demographic factors are not significantly related to disaster preparedness. These findings may be a result of older adult psychological development as discussed by Erikson or the participants may be homogeneous due to their shared traumatic experience of Hurricane Sandy.
Ideology and Objectivity

This paper is an interpretation of how ideology influenced one research project, and of how we tried to achieve objectivity despite or by means of our ideological differences. The project involved about a dozen people working together for three to six years in research on bargaining in international crises. We tended to think of our ideological differences as differences of location on a radical-liberal-conservative or left-right dimension, vaguely defined. However, in retrospect a more relevant difference was in our attitudes toward the U.S. and the Soviet governments, the main crisis antagonists in our research. Our attitudes ranged from loyalty to hostility toward the U.S. government, and we had both defenders and critics of the United States involvement in Vietnam. Unfortunately we had no loyal defenders of the Soviet Union and Soviet foreign policy; our attitudes ranged from near neutrality to strong hostility. We consulted published works that ranged over the whole spectrum of attitudes toward both the U.S. and S.U., a broader spectrum than we ourselves could represent.
Induction of Twins in Different Breeds of Cattle

Two experiments were conducted examining bilateral transfer of Hereford X Angus crossbred embryos to Angus, Hereford and Hereford x Angus crossbred recipients. In Exp. 1, both virgin heifers and parous cows were used as recipients, in Exp. 2, only virgin heifers were used. No differences in production of twins due to breed of recipient was observed. In Exp. 1, heifers had as high a twinning rate and proportion of pregnancies carried to term as cows. About 9% of the heifers in Exp. 2 experienced late gestation abortion (based on recipients pregnant at 42 d), a problem which was not observed among heifers in Exp. 1. No association between body weight at transfer and abortion was observed. Twin pregnancy was associated with a higher incidence of retained placentas (Exp. 1, P less than .05; Exp. 2, P less than .10), lower birth weight/calf (P less than .01 in both experiments) and shorter gestation period (P less than .01 in both experiments). Calf mortality at birth was similar among twins and singles and, in Exp. 2, a lower (P less than .02) incidence of dystocia was observed among heifers giving birth to twins than among those with single calves. The results of these experiments indicate that both beef heifers and beef cows of three common breed types are capable of maintaining twin pregnancies and successfully producing twins.
Co, Fe, and Mn in La-perovskite oxides for low temperature thermochemical CO2 conversion

Abstract Perovskite oxides of the form ABO3 have shown substantial promise in reverse water gas shift chemical looping (RWGS-CL) process for low temperature thermochemical CO2 conversion to CO. Transition metals on the ‘B’ site of these perovskite oxides hold the key to tuning the material properties essential for efficient CO2 conversion. The role of Co, Fe and Mn in LaBO3 has been investigated through a combined theoretical and experimental approach. Intrinsic oxygen vacancy formation characteristics of these materials and the electronic charge distribution were explored via ab-initio density functional theory (DFT) simulations, while the microscale properties like crystallite size and CO2 conversion yield were probed experimentally. Through this multiscale study, the material properties that govern the stable and enhanced CO2 conversion phenomenon by Fe rich perovskites as opposed to Co and Mn rich phases are differentiated.
Commentary on Ondersma et al. (2019): Will better self-report screening instruments be enough to detect drug use during pregnancy?

Better screening instruments to detect drug use during pregnancy are needed, but under-reporting of use in this population will probably continue as long as many pregnant women who use drugs fear social and/or legal repercussions..
Migraine History: A Predictor of Negative Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in IV-tPA-Treated Stroke Mimics.

Abstract Background: Migraine, seizures, and psychiatric disorders are frequently reported as “stroke mimics” in patients with negative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) after IV-tPA. We sought to determine predictors of negative DWI in suspected stroke patients treated with IV-tPA. Method: A retrospective case-control study encompassing all acute stroke patients treated with IV-tPA (at our hospital or “dripped and shipped”) from January 2013 to December 2014 was con- ducted. A total of 275 patients were identified with 47 negative DWI cases and 228 positive DWI controls. Variables including demographic factors, stroke characteristics, and clinical comorbidities were analyzed for statistical significance. A multivariate logistic regression was performed (SPSS-24) to identify predictors of negative DWI. Results: Approximately 17% of patients had negative DWI after IV-tPA. Compared to controls, migraine history independently predicted negative DWI (odds ratio [OR] 5.0 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-24.6, P = .046). Increasing age (OR .97 95% CI .94-.99, P = .02) and atrial fibrillation (OR .25 95% CI .08-.77, P = .01) predicted lower probability of negative DWI. Gender, admission NIHSS, treatment location, preadmission modified Rankin scale, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, symptom side, seizure history, and psychiatric history did not predict negative DWI status. Conclusions: In our study, roughly 1 in 6 patients treated with IV-tPA were later found to be stroke mimics with negative DWI. Despite a high proportion of suspected stroke mimics in our study, only preexisting migraine history independently predicted negative DWI status after IV-tPA treatment in suspected stroke patients.
Do We Have Evidence for Dietary and Nutritional Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder

* Abbreviation: ASD — : autism spectrum disorder Primary care physicians are often in the unique position of not only acting as the first point of contact for families with concerns about children’s development or behavior but also then being able to provide ongoing guidance, support, and care to youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families over time.1,2 In this capacity, providers increasingly find themselves fielding questions related to the safety and efficacy of a wide variety of interventions. A growing evidence base supports the benefits of specific behavioral, educational, and, to a limited extent, certain pharmacologic interventions for individuals with ASD.3–5 Unfortunately, because of the difficulty in obtaining effective treatments (because of factors such as limited availability, high cost, or extensive waiting lists), the modest benefit of available interventions, the lack of medications that address core symptoms, and the chronic, sometimes significant impairments associated with ASD itself, families often search for more widely available and more powerful ways of helping their children.6 It should not be surprising that many, if not a substantial majority of families, not only have questions about but actually pursue and implement a … Address correspondence to Zachary Warren, PhD, Vanderbilt Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, PMB 74, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203. E-mail: zachary.warren{at}vanderbilt.edu
A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Word-Final /s/ Aspiration in a Rio de Janeiro Favela

Following the theoretical and methodological principles of Variationist Sociolinguistics, this paper analyzes the use of the aspirated variant of postvocalic /s/ by residents of City of God, a predominantly-black neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro that is widely known as a favela (roughly, shantytown or slum). The analyzed data consist of seventeen sociolinguistic interviews conducted in 2015 with twenty-two residents of this community. The quantitative analysis included six social variables—race/color, regional origin, age, gender, education, and speaker—as well as six linguistic variables—preceding vowel, following sound, syllabic stress, number of syllables, grammatical category, and word. Race/color, age, and all the linguistic factors considered in the analysis were selected as statistically significant to the occurrence of /s/ aspiration. This study indicates a possible connection between aspiration and race/color and stresses the importance of including racial identity as a relevant factor in sociolinguistic studies in Brazil, especially those focusing on favelas and other similar urban communities.
Hypertension Severity, Race/Ethnicity and Stroke Recurrence Risk among Oldest Old Intracerebral Hemorrhage Survivors

Background Oldest old (age ≥80 years) survivors of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) may be at higher risk for stroke recurrence, reflecting increasing hypertension severity with aging. Because minority ICH survivors (African American and Hispanic) are at higher risk of stroke recurrence, oldest-old individuals in these racial/ethnic groups are likely to be at even higher risk. We sought to determine whether: 1) oldest old ICH survivors are at higher risk for stroke recurrence; and 2) minority oldest-old ICH survivors are at even higher risk for recurrent stroke than age-matched white counterparts. Methods We analyzed data from survivors of primary ICH, enrolled in two prospective studies (the ICH study at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Longitudinal Extension of the ERICH study). Exposures of interest include patients’ demographics (including self-reported race/ethnicity), medical history, ICH characteristics, Blood Pressure (BP) measurements and medications exposures during follow-up. Outcome of interest was recurrent stroke (i.e. ICH and/or ischemic stroke) during follow-up. Results We enrolled 1938 ICH survivors, including 507 aged ≥80 years (435 white, 38 African American, and 34 Hispanic) and 1431 aged Conclusion Oldest old ICH survivors, and specifically minority survivors age ≥80 years, are at higher risk for stroke recurrence and more likely to demonstrate inadequate blood pressure control. Future ICH studies will benefit from focusing on blood pressure control among oldest old survivors, with specific emphasis on African Americans.
A Meta-Model for Automated Black-Box Testing of Visualization Based Software Applications

Visualization of data is a new field that is increasingly gaining popularity in both scholastic and modern conditions. The need of data visualization in market is increasing day by day for the management of big companies which have massive data related to their business operations. For effective and properly analyzed data visualizations involved the formulas to calculate the results or for analyzing and filtering the data on any required basis. The more data, formulas and complex information is involved in the creation of a visualization, the more it is difficult to test or evaluate the correctness of that visualization for and software tester. It is difficult for testers to look into different modules for every single test, as it is a time consuming process. In past, most of the research work is done only on creation of test cases for visuals or interactive diagrams (Visualizations). Therefore, in this paper a hybrid approach (combination of both manual and automation testing) is proposed to provide automated black-box testing of Visualizations on the basis of configurations (settings), rules (business logics), used library, transformation and information provided for the transformation of data into visuals. The output of proposed approach provides results of testing for each test-case as a report. For the validation of this approach, a case study of Supply Chain domain problem is taken into consideration.
Examining the Psychosocial Adjustment and School Performance of Ugandan Children with HIV/AIDS

Every day, 1,100 children around the world are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), most as a result of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the virus [United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 2007]. In 2007 alone, an estimated 420,000 children worldwide were newly infected almost exclusively through MTCT (UNICEF 2008).
Comparison of Technologies for Condition Assessment of Small-Diameter Ductile Iron Water Pipes

AbstractAmong the various diameter classes of ductile iron pipe (DIP) used in water distribution systems, small-diameter pipes [i.e., pipes with a diameter less than or equal to 305 mm (12 in.)] re...
3D Hybrid Trilayer Heterostructure: Tunable Au Nanorods and Optical Properties.

Engineering plasmonic nanostructures from three dimensions (3D) is very attractive toward controllable and tunable nanophotonic components and devices. Herein, Au-based trilayer heterostructures co...
Computable Complex Analysis

We give an introduction to the field of computable complex analysis and survey results on conformal mapping, harmonic functions, infinite products, and constants. We also suggest problems for further investigation.
Racial Differences in Blood Pressure Control Following Stroke: The REGARDS Study

Background and Purpose: In the general population, Black adults are less likely than White adults to have controlled blood pressure (BP), and when not controlled, they are at greater risk for strok...
Exposure to violence in childhood is associated with higher body mass index in adolescence

To determine whether different types of childhood adversity are associated with body mass index (BMI) in adolescence, we studied 147 adolescents aged 13-17 years, 41% of whom reported exposure to at least one adversity (maltreatment, abuse, peer victimization, or witness to community or domestic violence). We examined associations between adversity type and age- and sex-specific BMI z-scores using linear regression and overweight and obese status using logistic regression. We adjusted for potential socio-demographic, behavioral, and psychological confounders and tested for effect modification by gender. Adolescents with a history of sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or peer victimization did not have significantly different BMI z-scores than those without exposure (p>0.05 for all comparisons). BMI z-scores were higher in adolescents who had experienced physical abuse (β=0.50, 95% CI 0.12-0.91) or witnessed domestic violence (β=0.85, 95% CI 0.30-1.40). Participants who witnessed domestic violence had almost 6 times the odds of being overweight or obese (95% CI: 1.09-30.7), even after adjustment for potential confounders. No gender-by-adversity interactions were found. Exposure to violence in childhood is associated with higher adolescent BMI. This finding highlights the importance of screening for violence in pediatric practice and providing obesity prevention counseling for youth.
A Laminin 511 Matrix is Regulated by TAZ and Functions as the Ligand for the a6Bb1 Integrin to Sustain Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Understanding how the extracellular matrix impacts the function of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is a significant but poorly understood problem. Here, we report that breast CSCs produce a laminin (LM) 5...
Simplified solid-state labeling of [123I]m-iodobenzylguanidine

A simplified method is described for labeling m-Iodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) with high-purity Na123I. Using stable stock solutions of mIBG and ammonium sulfate, a dry-block heater at 155°C, and other readily available materials, the method easily produces [123I]mIBG in high yield (>90%) and radiochemical purity (>99%). Critical labeling parameters are discussed, including the effect of airflow, reagent mass, reaction time, temperature, and the presence of chloride ions.
Using active student feedback in the learning environment

This paper addresses the practical and easy use of active student feedback in a variety of environments. There are many different ways in which students, instructors, and administrators receive feedback. This paper examines and discuss the current methods in the education literature. We introduce both time intensive and quick study recommendations for getting feedback in a variety of settings. However, feedback can only be useful if the recipient knows how to take advantage of it.
Formation and Interrelationships of Tryptophanase and Tryptophan Synthetases in Escherichia coli

Newton, W. Austin (University of California, Berkeley), and Esmond E. Snell. Formation and interrelationships of tryptophanase and tryptophan synthetases in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 89:355-364. 1965.-In addition to the classical tryptophan-repressible tryptophan synthetase (TSase-tr), tryptophan auxotrophs of Escherichia coli contain another distinct tryptophan synthetase (TSase-ti) which is induced by tryptophan and is identical with tryptophanase (TPase). Escherichia coli B (wild type) forms only TSase-tr when the growth medium lacks tryptophan. When tryptophan is supplied, parallel induction of TPase and TSase-ti occurs while TSase-tr is repressed. Antiserum prepared against purified TPase neutralized TPase and TSase-ti equally, but not TSase-tr. TPase-negative strains of E. coli do not form TSase-ti. Unlike TSase-tr, TSase-ti is not readily detected by whole-cell assays. In the tryptophan auxotroph, E. coli B/1t7, a direct correlation exists between the effectiveness of 4-, 5-, and 6-methyl-tryptophan in inducing TPase and in promoting growth in the presence of indole. In a mutant of this organism, E. coli B/1t7-A, which is constitutive for TPase, 5-methyl-tryptophan and other substrates of TPase increased the rate of growth on limiting indole, a result ascribed to their ability to inhibit degradation of tryptophan and to supply the 3-carbon side chain for synthesis of tryptophan by TPase. This organism produced maximal amounts of TPase when inocula from log-phase cells grown in tryptophan-supplemented minimal medium were allowed to undergo two cell generations in an enriched broth medium.
Issues in the digital implementation of control compensators

Techniques developed for the finite-precision implementation of digital filters were used, adapted, and extended for digital feedback compensators, with particular emphasis on steady state, linear-quadratic-Gaussian compensators. Topics covered include: (1) the linear-quadratic-Gaussian problem; (2) compensator structures; (3) architectural issues: serialism, parallelism, and pipelining; (4) finite wordlength effects: quantization noise, quantizing the coefficients, and limit cycles; and (5) the optimization of structures.
Nano-taper mode-size converter

We demonstrate a nano-taper coupler for compact mode-size conversion between fiber and submicron waveguide. The micron-long silicon-on-insulator based nano-taper coupler enhances the coupling efficiency by one order of magnitude compared to that of the waveguide.
Retinoic acid repression of cell-specific helix-loop-helix-octamer activation of the calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide enhancer

We have investigated the mechanism underlying repression of calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide (CT/CGRP) gene expression by retinoic acid. Retinoic acid treatment of the CA77 thyroid C-cell line decreased CT/CGRP promoter activity two- to threefold, which correlates well with the decrease in calcitonin and CGRP mRNA levels. Repression is mediated through the nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR) on the basis of the retinoid specificity, the sensitivity of repression (half-maximal repression at 0.2 nM), and the additional repression caused by cotransfection of an alpha-RAR expression vector. The sequences required for retinoic acid repression were localized to an 18-bp element containing cell-specific enhancer activity. The enhancer binds helix-loop-helix (HLH) and octamer transcription factors that act synergistically to activate transcription. Retinoic acid repression requires both these factors since mutations in either motif resulted in the loss of repression. Furthermore, repression was observed only in cell lines containing enhancer activity. We have used electrophoretic mobility shift assays to show that repression does not involve direct DNA binding of RAR or RAR-retinoid X receptor heterodimers. Instead, repression appears to involve interactions with the stimulatory enhancer factors. Following retinoic acid treatment, there was a specific decrease in an enhancer complex containing both HLH and octamer proteins. Formation of the HLH-octamer complex was also specifically blocked by the addition of exogenous RAR-retinoid X receptor protein. These results demonstrate that RAR can repress CT/CGRP gene transcription by interfering with combinatorial activation by cell-specific HLH and octamer proteins.
Evaluation of 18F-TTCO-Cys40-Exendin-4 as a PET probe for GLP-1R targeted imaging

242 Objectives Although islet transplantation is a promising treatment option for patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), 80-90% of patients have experienced graft loss within 5 years of islet transplantation. A non-invasive method to monitor transplanted islets would provide us with the ability to localize where transplanted islets lodge in the liver, and to estimate how many islets remain alive and functional over time. Based on the ultra-efficient tetrazine ligation, here, we evaluated an 18F-labeled Exendin-4 with high specific activity for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) targeted imaging. Methods Cys40-Exendin-4 was radiolabeled with 18F through tetrazine/trans-cyclooctene (TCO) ligation. The in vitro and in vivo binding affinity and specificity were evaluated with INS-1 cells, which over-express GLP-1R. microPET scan and autoradiography were performed in intraportal islet transplantation models. Results 18F-TTCO-Cys40-Exendin-4 was obtained in high specific activity. Cell binding assay demonstrated that the Tetrazine/TCO modification had minimal effect on the in vitro binding affinity of Exendin-4. Subcutaneous INS-1 tumor was clearly visualized on microPET after the injection of 100 µCi of 18F-TTCO-Cys40-Exendin-4; moreover the kidney uptake was much lower than radiometal labeled Exendin. The tumor uptake could be successfully blocked by cold Exednin-4. 18F-TTCO-Cys40-Exendin-4 also demonstrated its great potential for transplanted islet imaging: higher liver uptake (>50%) was observed in intraportal islet transplantation model than that of the control mice. The liver uptake value correlates well with the transplanted islet number. The ex vivo autoradiography also confirmed that the higher liver uptake was due to the GLP-1R targeting. Conclusions 18F-TTCO-Cys40-Exendin-4 demonstrated persistent and specific uptake to GLP-1R in vivo. This novel PET probe would be suitable for imaging insulinoma and intraportal transplanted islets in the human. Research Support This work was supported by the grant from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF-37-2009-20)
Identification and characterization of cell types in monolayer cultures of rat retina using monoclonal antibodies

Abstract This study describes the identification and differentiation of neonatal rat retinal cells in monolayer cultures. A panel of monoclonal antibodies was used as a molecular probe of both cell type and developmental stage. Previously described cell-type specific monoclonal antibodies were used to label rod photoreceptors, horizontal cells, amacrine cells or ganglion cells. Two new antibodies that react with rat retina are described. The first, RET-G7, reacts with a cytoplasmic antigen of Muller glia, astrocytes and some horizontal cells. The second, RET-B2, reacts with bipolar cells and photoreceptor inner segments. Two main findings are presented. The first is that each of the major subclasses of retinal neurons have been unambigously identified in these cultures. The morphology of some subclasses was very characteristics. All photoreceptors, as defined by reactivity with antibody RET-P1, were small spherical cells with one or fewer processes. Horizontal cells, as defined by reactivity with antibody B-1, were large with a characteristic multipolar network of processes. Bipolar and amacrine cells, on the other hand, were of similar size and could only be distinguished on the basis of immunocytochemical labeling. The second finding is that while RET-B2 antigen appeared on bipolar and photoreceptor cells after about 5 days in culture, several Muller cell and photoreceptor antigens were not expressed in monolayer cultures. The results suggest that the expression of some molecules in culture is the result of properties intrinsic to the cells whereas expression of others depends upon extrinsic factors or cell interactions that may not be present in monolayer cultures.
Analysis of small angle neutron scattering data from strongly interacting polydisperse ionic micellar solutions

Etude de la structure et de l'orientation moleculaire dans des solutions micellaires de dodecylsulfate de sodium (SDS) et d'Aerosol OT (AOT)
Nanofluid PCMs for thermal energy storage: Latent heat reduction mechanisms and a numerical study of effective thermal storage performance

Abstract The latent heat of fusion of paraffin-based nanofluids has been examined to investigate the use of enhanced phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage (TES) applications. The nanofluid approach has often been exploited to enhance thermal conductivity of PCMs, but the effects of particle addition on other thermal properties affecting TES are relatively ignored. An experimental study of paraffin-based nanofluids containing various particle sizes of multi-walled carbon nanotubes has been conducted to investigate the effect of nanoparticles on latent heat of fusion. Results demonstrated that the magnitude of nanofluid latent heat reduction increases for smaller diameter particles in suspension. Three possible mechanisms – interfacial liquid layering, Brownian motion, and particle clustering – were examined to explain further reduction in latent heat, through the weakening of molecular bond structures. Although additional research is required to explore detailed mechanisms, experimental evidence suggests that interfacial liquid layering and Brownian motion cannot explain the degree of latent heat reduction observed. A finite element model is also presented as a method of quantifying nanofluid PCM energy storage performance. Thermal properties based on modified effective medium theory and an empirical relation for latent heat of fusion were applied as model parameters to determine energy stored and extracted over a given period of time. The model results show that while micro-scale particle inclusions exhibit some performance enhancement, nanoparticles in PCMs provide no significant improvement in TES performance. With smaller particles, the enhancement in thermal conductivity is not significant enough to overcome the reduction in latent heat of fusion, and less energy is stored over the PCM charge period. Therefore, the nanofluid approach may not be justifiable for energy storage applications. However, since the model parameters are dependent on the material properties of the system observed, storage performance may vary for differing nanofluid materials.
Variation of natural radioactivity in the atmosphere with altitude

The vertical distribution of radon decay products in the lower atmosphere has been measured during airplane flights, using both negative-wire and precipitator methods of sample collection. Data taken by the wire method show a very gradual decrease in activity with height, with considerable activity found to exist at 16,000 ft (msl). The precipitator results indicate an approximately linear decrease with altitude, with no appreciable activity found in samples collected by this method above about 11,000 ft. Measurements made at four ground stations in the altitude interval 4620 to 10,297 ft gave similar results. The mean value for the coefficient of eddy diffusion in the atmosphere calculated from the precipitator data was 7 ± 4 m2/sec for the plane flights and 11 ± 7 m2/sec for the ground stations.
Current issues in high performance computing I/O architectures and systems

The abundance of parallel and distributed computing platforms, such as MPP, SMP, and the Beowulf clusters, to name just a few, has added many more possibilities and challenges to high performance computing (HPC), parallel I/O, mass data storage, scalable architectures, and large-scale simulations, which traditionally belong to the realm of custom-tailored parallel systems. The intent of this special issue is to discuss problems and solutions, to identify new issues, and to help shape future research directions in these areas. From these perspectives, this special issue addresses the problems encountered at the hardware, architectural, and application levels, while providing conceptual as well as empirical treatments to the current issues in high performance computing, and the I/O architectures and systems utilized therein.
D2E, F1Σ+g (v′ = 0 and 1)-X1Σ+g (v = 0-5) Transition Energies for J′ = J″ = 0-26: Comparison of Experiment and Theory

Abstract The bimolecular gas-phase reaction between suprathermal atomic deuterium atoms and jet-cooled deuterium iodide, D + DI → D2 + I, was used to generate a wide range of rovibrationally excited deuterium molecules, D2. Using (2 + 1) resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization spectroscopy, we measured many previously unreported E, F1Σ+g (ν′E = 0 and 1, J′ = J″)-X1Σ+g (ν″ = 0-5, J″) two-photon transition energies, for rotational levels that range from J″ = 0 to 26. Experimental observation of many transitions corresponding to high rotational levels allowed the testing of higher-order molecular constants for the X1Σ+g ground state as well as for the E, F1Σ+g excited electronic state. Significant discrepancies were found between observed transition energies and those calculated from known molecular constants (i.e., more than a few hundred cm−1) for the higher rotational levels. Separately, rovibrational term values of the X1Σ+g ground state and E, F1Σ+g state were calculated using ab initio methods, to provide calculated transition energies. Excellent agreement is observed between the experimental and ab initio calculated transition energies, which confirms the accuracy of the theoretical potentials.
Message framing and color priming: How subtle threat cues affect persuasion

Message framing involves the presentation of equivalent decision outcomes in terms of either gains or losses. Loss-framed messages tend to be more persuasive than gain-framed messages when the decision is perceived to involve uncertainty or threat. The current study examined whether the effectiveness of loss-framed information would be enhanced by the presence of a peripheral threat cue - the color red - which was expected to prime threat via its association with blood and danger. In addition to being primed with the color red or gray (control), male participants (n = 126) read either a gain- or loss-framed pamphlet promoting human papillomavirus vaccination. As predicted, vaccination intentions were higher among participants exposed to a loss-framed message than to a gain-framed message, but only when primed with red (not gray). Findings shed light on the interactive effects of message framing and color priming, and demonstrate that peripheral threat cues may affect processing of persuasive health messages.
An Abstraction Algorithm for Combinatory Logic

This note presents a practical algorithm for carrying out abstraction on combinatory terms. The well-known abstraction algorithms [1, pp. 188ff.] defining abstracts in terms of the combinator sets {S, K}, {B, C, K, W}, etc. operate on one variable at a time, and result in rather long abstracts when several variables are involved. These algorithms are not practical for the applications of the combinatory logic to the theory of computing which make much use of multi-variable abstraction (e.g., [2], [3]). The present algorithm performs the abstraction with respect to all specified variables in a single step, and yields abstracts in a concise form (with sizes proportional to those of given combinatory terms).2
Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium for some Stochastic Models of Hamiltonian Origin

We consider a class of 1-D stochastic models that are realizations of Hamiltonian models of heat conduction and prove that in the infinite volume limit local thermodynamic equilibrium is attained with linear energy profile.
A piezoelectric method for monitoring formaldehyde induced crosslink formation between poly-lysine and poly-deoxyguanosine

Abstract To date, no experimental technique has been used to monitor DNA-protein crosslink formation in real-time. Real-time data is important for understanding the underlying chemical mechanisms associated with this reaction process. Here, the novel adaptation of existing piezoelectric quartz crystal (PQC) or quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technology was used to monitor, in real-time, the formation of a crosslink bond induced by formaldehyde between lysine and guanine. Previous results showed complexes of lysine and guanine constitute a major portion of the DNA-protein crosslinks formed. Thus, poly-lysine5 and poly-deoxyguanosine11 were used as a model system to develop this detection method. Poly-lysine5 was immobilized on QCM electrode surfaces by covalent attachment through polyethylenimine (PEI). Immobilization was confirmed by the decrease in dry QCM frequency; data consistency suggested uniform coatings were produced. The QCM sensor was configured within a thermostatic environmental chamber. The system was calibrated and baseline responses to variations in the analyte solution matrix were identified. QCMs with immobilized poly-lysine5 were placed in contact with formaldehyde and poly-deoxyguanosine11, and crosslink formation was monitored in real-time. Crosslink formation was verified through evaluation of controls. Control assays indicated some of the frequency signal was as aresult of non-specific association. Further assays were conducted after saturation of non-specific binding. This real-time data represents a significant advancement in the state of knowledge of the crosslinking process and provides the experimental foundation for further QCM crosslink investigations.
Asbestos-related pleural plaques and lung function

The present study examines the association between asbestos-related pleural plaques and lung function in a group of workers with occupational exposure to asbestos. Exposure, smoking, and respiratory histories, chest radiographs, flow-volume loops, and single breath DLCOs were obtained on 383 railroad workers. A score based on the ILO-1980 classification system was used to quantify the extent of plaquelike thickening. In order to eliminate potential confounders, we excluded from final analysis subjects with diffuse pleural thickening (n = 10) or small irregular opacities classified as profusion 0/1 or greater (n = 6) on chest radiograph. Definite pleural plaques were observed in 22.6%. The single breath DLCO was similar in the groups with and without plaques (p = 0.0550). Decrement in FVC and the occurrence of pulmonary restriction were associated with the presence of definite plaques (p = 0.0306 and 0.0431, respectively) and with quantitative pleural score (p = 0.0135 and 0.0126), controlling for duration of asbestos exposure and smoking. A test for trend revealed an association between level of diagnostic certainty (none, suspect, definite) for pleural plaques and these measures of lung function (p < 0.02). Our findings reveal an association between asbestos-related pleural plaques and decrement in lung function as measured by FVC and criteria for pulmonary restriction.
The Hollow Cathode Discharge as a Spectrochemical Emission Source

Abstract The hollow cathode discharge (HCD), a specialized type of glow discharge, has been the subject of investigations by physicists (in particular) and chemists for over a half century. Several hundred literature reports may be found concerning various aspects of the HCD. Despite this, many analytical chemists today would consider the HCD as merely a sharp line source for atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). While this is certainly its most important present application, the HCD has a long history as a spectrochemical emission source allowing direct excitation and analysis of samples. Excellent sensitivities have been reported, but experimental difficulties, including construction of a demountable hollow cathode tube, have limited overall past acceptance of the HCD as an analytical emission technique. However, the current interest by analytical spectroscopists in new methods of atomization and excitation has revived interest in glow discharges. Also, the commercial availability of two demountable hol...
An XPS study of Mg overlayers on a Mo(100) surface

Abstract Ultra-thin Mg films supported on a Mo(100) surface have been studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is shown that the Mg(2p) and Mg(1s) binding energies decrease with an increase in Mg overlayer coverages. In addition, the Mg(2p) binding energy for a monolayer Mg film on a Mo(100) surface is higher than that of a single-crystal Mg(0001) surface. These differences in the core-level binding energies of the atoms in a monolayer, a multilayer and a single-crystal surface layer are explained in terms of the coordination number and the charge transfer at the Mg/Mo interfaces.
Temporal and spatial analysis of potential maps via multiresolution decompositions

Abstract Cardiac potentials recorded on the epicardium or the body surface by an array of electrodes are usually analyzed either as spatial distributions or temporal waveforms. Thus, the analysis often involves temporal descriptors (eg, max dV/dt) or spatial descriptors (eg, location of local extrema) only. The best known transform technique that has been applied to these data that combines both spatial and temporal characteristics is the Karhunen-Loeve transform, a global transform applied to temporal and/or spatial bases obtained by statistical analysis of a database. As an alternative, multiresolution decompositions and related wavelet-type transforms have recently seen great development in signal processing and related fields. They offer flexibility, employing transformations onto local (rather than global) and fixed (rather than data-dependent) databases, and allow transformation of distributions, waveforms, or both, as desired. The utility of this method as applied to temporal and spatial segmentation and analysis of map data from both epicardial plaques and body surface potentials recorded during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is illustrated.
Pheochromocytoma and multiple intracerebral aneurysms

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Electrodeposited C60n− films: Spectroscopic characterization

Abstract Raman and ESR spectroscopy were used to characterize electrodeposited films of C 60 and Cs 3 C 60 . The observation of the diagnostic 1442 cm −1 band in the Raman spectrum of electrodeposited Cs 3 C 60 confirms the −3 oxidation state of C 60 .
Detection of an Auditory Nerve-Activating Substance

A substance or substances capable of increasing the firing rate of primary auditory fibers is detectable in the perilymph of frogs and guinea pigs subjected to sound stimulation. The increase in firing rate occurs in single units of the frog auditory nerve after perilymph obtained from frogs or guinea pigs during sound stimulation is infused into the frog perilymphatic sac. Perilymph collected from animals maintained in silence failed to cause an increase in firing rate of primary auditory fibers of the frog.
q-Markov covariance equivalent realizations in fixed and floating point computations

This paper produces all linear state space models which match a prespecified set of input/output cross-correlation and output autocorrelation data, when the model is installed in a computational environment with specified bits assigned to the fixed-point or floating point simulation. With the assumed round-off noise model, these results allow the design of digital simulations or controller realizations with no error within the specified set of cross-correlation and autocorrelation data.
Measurements of the kinetic energy of free positronium formed in MgO

Abstract In this letter we report the observation of free positronium emitted into a vacuum, from the surface of a thin film of MgO powder. Measurements indicate that the kinetic energy of the positronium is approximately
Statistical‐based or condition‐based preventive maintenance?

The focus of preventive maintenance (PM) programmes in industry is shifting from a pure statistical basis to online condition monitoring. Examines the shortcomings of statistical‐based PM which are contributing to this shift, and the potential benefits of and current research issues within condition‐based PM. Notes that statistics and quality control techniques will continue to play a critical role in this evolution.
Seasonal predictions for pollutant scavenging in two coastal environments using a model calibration based upon thorium scavenging

Abstract A simple model is assembled to describe scavenging of potential pollutants in coastal environments. The model relates the particle affinity (partition coefficient) of chemicals, particle dynamics, and water residence time to predict the amount of a chemical which would be scavenged relative to that which would escape the system. The model is calibrated using scavenging data for naturally occurring thorium isotopes. Seasonally dependent predictions of scavenging, as a function of K d , are given for Narragansett Bay and the New York Bight. Chemicals which are subject to extensive scavenging in one environment may not be significantly scavenged in another environment. The extent of scavenging cannot be predicted from partition coefficients alone.
Soil matric potential sensor measurements in real-time irrigation scheduling

Abstract Soil matric potential, a measure of the holding strength of the soil matrix for water, is a critical variable in crop yield, runoff, evapotranspiration and irrigation scheduling. A method for real-time in-situ measurement of soil matric potential (ψm) has been developed and tested. The accuracy of the measurement is dependent upon the calibration of the soil matric potential sensor (SMPS) against known standard pressures and independent of salinity, temperature and soil texture. The SMPS has a linear voltage response between −10 and −300 J/kg; and depending upon the data acquisition system used, the resolution of the soil matric potential measurement ranges from 2.5 to 5.5 J/kg. The response time of he SMPS to change in pressure plate pressures is less than 24 h between −10 and −100 J/kg but increases rapidly to several days for soil matric potential lower than −120 J/kg. SMPS were used to monitor soil matric potential in field soil in real time and to control drip irrigation systems automatically by initiating irrigation when a preset threshold was exceeded and terminating irrigation cycles when the time needed to apply 1.2 mm of water had elapsed. The timing of the irrigation cycle is a function of the irrigation method used, the hydraulics of the irrigation system, the soil physical properties and the crop water requirements.