cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A first-principles study of thiadiazole and dimercapto-thiadiazole adsorption on copper and silver surfaces

Abstract Copper and silver are strategic metals in industry. However, corrosion in these metals severely limits their broad engineering applications. Organic molecules, such as thiadiazole (TD) derivatives have been effectively utilized as corrosion inhibitors for Cu and Ag metals and their alloys. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of their adsorption behavior on metal surfaces is key to the understanding of their effect on corrosion inhibition. In this work, we used first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) to systematically study the adsorption behaviors of 1,3,4-thiadiazole (TD) and 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (DMTD) on the low-index surfaces of pure Cu and Ag. Our results show that the average adsorption energy of DMTD is much lower than that of TD on both Cu and Ag surfaces. This is attributed to the removal of H atoms from DMTD in the DFT calculations as they easily dissociate in the aqueous solution, along with the presence of two more sulfur atoms in the DMTD structure as anchoring sites. It is also revealed that both S and N atoms in DMTD participate in the bond formation with Ag, while the three S atoms of DMTD prefer to form bonds with Cu. This is further validated from the calculated charge density difference before and after the adsorption and agrees well with the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Finally, the differences between the adsorption energies from DFT calculations and experimental extrapolations are discussed. They can be ascribed to the existence of H atoms in DMTD due to their plausible partial ionization in real experiments, as well as the presence of surface oxides and contact with the electrolyte in the experiments. This is further validated by simulating the adsorption of fully-, partially- and non-ionized DMTDs on the (111) surfaces of both Cu and Ag. Our work sheds light on the adsorption behaviors of TD derivatives on both Cu and Ag, which can potentially be used as a criterion to discover and determine appropriate corrosion inhibitors for metal protection.
Biliary drainage: role of EUS guidance

Background and Aims EUS-guided biliary drainage is a technique being increasingly used when ERCP fails, and it has been the focus of multiple studies and investment in recent years. However, the proportion of cases for which it is really indicated has not been established. The aim of this study is to determine how often EUS-guided biliary drainage is needed in a tertiary-care level therapeutic endoscopy unit. Methods This is a prospective cohort study at a single tertiary-care center with a high volume of therapeutic endoscopy. A thousand consecutive ERCPs performed from November 1, 2013 to September 12, 2014 were screened, and those with previous biliary intervention were excluded (n = 476). EUS-guided biliary drainage was performed in suitable patients with failed ERCP and malignant biliary obstruction. The main outcome measures were the rates of ERCP failure and EUS-guided biliary drainage. Results A total of 524 native papilla ERCPs were performed (41.2% male; median age 60 years, range 6-97 years; 9.4% outside failed ERCP; 1.9% surgically altered anatomy). The ampulla was reached in 518 (98.9%) and not reached in 6 (1.1%) because of surgically altered anatomy (n = 2), malignant duodenal stenosis (n = 3), or both (n = 1). The overall ERCP failure rate was 1.7% (9/524). Cannulation was successful in 99.4% (515/518) and unsuccessful in 0.6% (3/518) of cases in which the ampulla was reached. EUS-guided biliary drainage was indicated in 0.6% (3/524) of all referred native papilla ERCPs, or 33% (3/9) of those patients with failed ERCP; EUS-biliary drainage was successful in all cases. Conclusions In a tertiary-care center, use of advanced ERCP techniques results in a high technical success rate. EUS-guided biliary drainage was required in only 0.6% of native papilla ERCPs, and although a number of excellent indications exist, it should not replace good ERCP technique.
Visually Critiquing Web Pages

This paper explores how visual information is organized in a web page. A cognitive framework is outlined for how web pages are processed into a visual hierarchy. The guidelines derived are implemented as rules in a critiquing system and embedded in a web editing tool, allowing the user to spot potential design problems. The paper concludes with a critique of two well known web pages.
Abstract W P197: Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Attenuates High Intracranial Pressure Induced Microvascular Shunting in Rats

Introduction: We previously reported that high intracranial pressure (ICP) in rats caused a transition from capillary (CAP) to non-nutritive microvascular shunt (MVS) flow associated with tissue hypoxia and increased blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability. We also showed that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) increases blood flow velocity and tissue oxygenation in the normal rat brain. We hypothesized that PEMF attenuates the detrimental effects of non-nutritive MVS flow induced by high ICP. Methods: Using in vivo 2-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM) over the rat parietal cortex, we studied the effects of PEMF on microvascular blood flow velocity, tissue oxygenation (NADH) and BBB permeability (dye extravasation) before and during 4 hours of elevated ICP. Doppler cortical flow, rectal and cranial temperatures, intracranial and arterial pressures, blood gases and electrolytes were monitored. After baseline imaging at normal ICP (10 mmHg), rats were subjected to intracranial hypertension (30 mmHg) by raising an artificial cerebrospinal fluid reservoir connected to a catheter in the cisterna magna. After control recording at high ICP of 30 mmHg, PEMF was applied for 30 min and imaging was continuously performed for up to 4 hours after the treatment. In control animals PEMF was not applied. Results: PEMF treatment reduced tissue hypoxia as reflected by a decrease in NADH by 14.6±3.7% (n=7 rats per group, mean ± SEM, p<0.05). BBB permeability was also reduced as reflected by reduction of dye extravasation by 17.2±5.4% (p<0.05). This effect was consistent with dilation of arterioles (+4.5±3.2%) and an increase in capillary blood flow velocity (+4.7±3.2%). PEMF did not completely mitigated the gradual increase in MVS flow at high ICP but, as reflected by MVS/capillary ratio, the transition to non-nutritive flow over 4 hours was less steep in the PEMF treated rats compared to the untreated (2.3±1.1 and 3.8±2.1% change per hour, respectively, p<0.05). Conclusions: PEMF reduces tissue hypoxia and BBB degradation by modulating cerebral blood flow topography at intracranial hypertension in a rat brain. PEMF could be an effective treatment for intracranial hypertension after severe cerebral insults.
Mosquitoes use vision to associate odor plumes with thermal targets

All moving animals, including flies, sharks, and humans, experience a dynamic sensory landscape that is a function of both their trajectory through space and the distribution of stimuli in the environment. This is particularly apparent for mosquitoes, which use a combination of olfactory, visual, and thermal cues to locate hosts. Mosquitoes are thought to detect suitable hosts by the presence of a sparse CO₂ plume, which they track by surging upwind and casting crosswind. Upon approach, local cues such as heat and skin volatiles help them identify a landing site. Recent evidence suggests that thermal attraction is gated by the presence of CO₂, although this conclusion was based experiments in which the actual flight trajectories of the animals were unknown and visual cues were not studied. Using a three-dimensional tracking system, we show that rather than gating heat sensing, the detection of CO₂ actually activates a strong attraction to visual features. This visual reflex guides the mosquitoes to potential hosts where they are close enough to detect thermal cues. By experimentally decoupling the olfactory, visual, and thermal cues, we show that the motor reactions to these stimuli are independently controlled. Given that humans become visible to mosquitoes at a distance of 5-15 m, visual cues play a critical intermediate role in host localization by coupling long-range plume tracking to behaviors that require short-range cues. Rather than direct neural coupling, the separate sensory-motor reflexes are linked as a result of the interaction between the animal's reactions and the spatial structure of the stimuli in the environment.
Analysis of the Wigner-Ville transform of periodic signals

In this paper the Wigner-Ville transform of a periodic signal is theoretically analyzed, and reduced to a closed-form expression in terms of the Fourier series coefficients and the fundamental frequency. This result indicates that the Wigner-Ville transform of a periodic signal consists of only discrete frequencies that are related to the fundamental frequency. The instantaneous power, however, at these discrete frequencies varies with time. The result may be expressed as the sum of principle terms which are not time-varying, and time-varying terms. With these designations, it is noted that the principle terms, except for a scaling factor, are equal to the conventional power spectral density of the analytic signal. Experimental results illustrate the theory, and suggest insights that the analysis provides when applied to the sinusoidally modulated FM case. >
Group 2 innate lymphocytes (ILC2) are enriched in active eosinophilic esophagitis

Author(s): Doherty, Taylor A; Baum, Rachel; Newbury, Robert O; Yang, Tom; Dohil, Ranjan; Aquino, Melissa; Doshi, Ashmi; Walford, Hannah H; Kurten, Richard C; Broide, David H; Aceves, Seema
The Role of Effective Moduli in the Elastic Analysis of Composite Laminates

The purpose of this introductory chapter is to review some of the salient features of micromechanics of composite media. In contrast to the extensive literature reviews given by Hashin (1964) and Chamis and Sendeckyj (1968) which treat the various approaches used in the determination of effective properties of heterogeneous bodies, our emphasis will be placed on the interpretation and application of effective elastic moduli. Physical and mathematical definitions of effective moduli are compared and their use in the analysis of engineering composite laminates will be discussed. Finally, we shall present an approach to treat nonuniform (linear variation) macroscopic membrane stresses within composite laminates.
Tactical Urbanism: Short-term Action for Long-term Change, by Mike Lydon and Anthony Garcia

Popular urbanism, in both senses of the phrase, is having a moment. Not only is urbanism a growing strain of contemporary culture, but so is the idea that that its practice should be open to all, w...
A typology of the part-time workforce: Differences on job attitudes and turnover

Differences between full-time (FT) and part-time (PT) employees have long been of interest to organizational psychologists. While most research assumes PT employees are a single, undifferentiated group, some studies have established the diversity of the PT workforce, particularly in terms of participation in other work and non-work roles. An important gap in this research concerns how different types of PT employees may differ from one another, as well as from FT employees. In this study, we proposed and tested a typology of the PT workforce. We identified several groups of PT employees with substantially different patterns of involvement in school, family, and work roles. The PT groups had generally more favourable job attitudes than did the FT employees. Although the PT groups generally had higher turnover than the FT employees, we found substantial differences among the groups in their turnover behaviour. We discuss the implications of our findings for future work status research and for managing the PT workforce.
Costimulatory strength influences the differential effects of transforming growth factor β1 for the generation of CD8+ regulatory T cells

Abstract Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is a pleiotropic cytokine, capable of exerting diverse biologic effects. Despite its central role in multiple immune activities, the molecular signals responsible for shaping TGFβ1's immunologic properties remain poorly elucidated. We report that costimulatory strength acts as a molecular switch, which influences the differential effects of TGFβ1 on the effector and regulatory development of naive CD8+ lymphocytes. At low costimulation, TGFβ1 inhibits proliferation of CD8+ lymphocytes and cytokine secretion, but at high costimulation the response to TGFβ1 is quite different. High costimulation combined with TGFβ1 generates CD8+CD25+ T lymphocytes which maintain robust proliferative and survival capacity in the presence of low IL-2 concentrations. Furthermore, under these conditions, a subpopulation of CD8+ T lymphocytes is generated that express Foxp3, secrete IL-10, and inhibit naive T lymphocyte proliferation via a contact-dependent mechanism. The adoptive transfer of these CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells into mice inoculated intravenously with B16F10 melanoma appears to accelerate tumor progression as reflected by an increase in the number of pulmonary metastatic tumor foci. These findings indicate that costimulatory strength may act as a molecular switch in the generation of CD8+ T cells which possess a regulatory phenotype and the capacity to reduce antitumor immune responses within tumor-bearing mice.
Optimizing simple circuitry for reliability and performance by failure mode

MANY PAPERS have been written about redundant circuits in which components can undergo either open-circuit or short-circuit failure. John von Newmann studied the problem in connection with abstract automata.1 Shannon and Moore showed that any given reliability could be achieved by using redundancy, however, as the reliability approaches 1, the number of parts involved approaches infinity.2 Other papers have been written that derive the formulas for mean time to failure and/or reliability for series-parallel and parallel-series type arrangements, that is, for n items in series and m such arrangements of n items in parallel, or n items in parallel and n such arrangements of n items in series.3,4 In applications to either ground-based equipment or microminiaturized parts such analysis is sufficient. However, there is not a true optimization until all circuits are considered. In systems with tight size, weight, and power requirements, all circuits must be considered. This paper discusses all circuits containing four components or less. Graphs are presented showing the circuit's optimizing reliability for any component reliability distribution. Then the exponential distribution is assumed, and the circuits maximizing the expected life are found. In both these optimization procedures, there will be optimal circuits which are not of the parallel-series or series-parallel type.
Effect of Management Systems on Nitrogen Mineralization and Nitrification in Soils

Abstract Nitrogen (N) management and spatial variability of soils have received considerable attention in recent years. The effect of long‐term cropping systems on net N mineralization was studied in soils obtained from replicated plots from two sites: Galva‐Webster Research Center (CWRC site) at Kanawha and Galva‐Primghar Research Center (GPRC site) at Sutherland in Iowa, USA. Each experiment consisted of three cropping systems: continuous corn (CCCC), corn‐soybean‐corn‐soybean (CSCS), and corn‐oats‐meadow‐meadow (COMM), and treated before corn with (+N) and without (0N) ammoniacal fertilizer. Other studies involved assessing the effect of eight lime application rates (0–17,920 kg ha−1 effective calcium carbonate equivalent, ECCE) on net N mineralization and nitrification in soils at the Northeast Research Center (NERC site) at Nashua, Iowa. The means of cumulative N mineralized at 30°C for 24 weeks in soils from the CWRC and GPRC sites, expressed as percentage of organic N, were generally greater in N‐t...
Three-dimensional folding of an RNA hairpin required for packaging HIV-1.

An NMR-based structure is presented for a 20 mer hairpin model of the SL3 stem-loop from the HIV-1 packaging signal. The stem has an A-family structure. However, the GGAG tetraloop appears to be flexible with the second (G10) and fourth (G12) bases extruded from the normal stacking arrangement. The A-base (A11) occupies a cavity large enough for it to jump rapidly between stacking upon G9 (in the loop) and G13 (from the base-pair adjacent to the loop). The H-bonding loci of G10, A11, and G12 are unoccupied in the free RNA structure. The loop should be easily adaptable to binding by the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein or loop receptors.
Sensor development for compulsator driven railgun systems

As the technologies of rotating power supplies and thyristor switches advance, new methods of measuring various signals must be developed. The University of Texas at Austin Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) has developed new methods to measure compulsator position and speed and has made advancements in health monitoring of the thyristor switches. Technological advancements in machine design have enabled dramatic increases in machine speeds, which in turn increase electromagnetic interference. It is essential to a successful operation to have a method (reliable within this harsh environment) of measuring speed and sensing rotor position to generate gate signals for thyristor switch modules. As the modules switch larger amounts of current and voltage, it is correspondingly important to monitor the switching process, so that any damage to the system caused by a fault condition can be minimized. This paper describes sensors developed at UT-CEM to monitor speed, sense rotor position, and detect fault conditions.
Effects of intracerebral estradiol on the dorsal immobility response in the rat

The effects of intracerebral implants of 17 beta estradiol and cholesterol in five brain regions were tested on the duration of the dorsal immobility response in ovariectomized female rats. The dorsal immobility response was significantly prolonged by 4-hr implants of 17 beta estradiol in the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens, but not in the cortex, the globus pallidus, or the substantia nigra pars compacta. These data further support previous evidence that estradiol acts directly on the striatum to affect behavior in the rat.
The Quantified Self: Operationalizing the Quotidien

The quantified self, or personal informatics—the tracking of aspects of daily life—is a growing movement made easier by the introduction of inexpensive technologies. A disruptive technology that has not yet reached its potential, it stands to have an effect on both patient care and medical research.
Perelman’s Achievement Beyond Traditional Philosophy and Politics

Professor Chaim Perelman was interviewed by the Polish journalist and scholar, Dr. Wiktor Osiatynski1 in the summer of 1973 on the occasion of the International Philosophical Congress held in Varna, Bulgaria. The interview was published soon afterwards in the Polish-language weekly, Kultura. It never was publicized in the west. In this conversation, whose main topic was equality and justice, Perelman formulated some of his ideas concerning social values and their relationship to politics and reform. Here he articulated his ideas on these topics more clearly than they had been set forth in any of his writings. Apparently, in private conversations with friends he expressed his social and political ideas more succinctly than he did in his written texts prepared for formal purposes.
Absence of Short‐Period ULVZ Precursors to PcP and ScP from two Regions of the CMB

We present results from a study of the core- mantleboundary(CMB)underneathMexico,CentralAmer- ica, and the northeast Pacic using core-reflected phases PcPand ScP, which provide a direct means of sampling the deep mantle. Precursor arrivals to these phases pro- duced by reflection from the top of an ultra-low velocity layer (ULVZ)at the base of themantle would contain infor- mation about the thickness of such a layer and the velocity reductions within it. Stacks of these phases from 17 earth- quakes recorded by the Northern and Southern California Seismographic Networks do not exhibit coherent or inco- herent precursor arrivals from a ULVZ. In precursor time windows, ratios of stack amplitudes to those of the CMB- reflected phases fall below predicted values from published ULVZ models. We conclude that ULVZs, if present in these regions, haveVP andVS reductions less than 10%, are less than ve km thick, or have transitions greater thanve km wide at their upper boundaries.
EFPIA-PhRMA's principles for clinical trial data sharing have been misunderstood.

The recent joint statement of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) of their principles for responsible sharing of clinical trial data1 has been misunderstood in two important ways, exaggerating the perceived progressiveness of the principles. Firstly, despite reports that all member drug companies have agreed to set up independent or external review panels to judge third party requests for …
Arch and visceral/renal debranching combined with endovascular repair for thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

Objective We report a single-center experience using the hybrid procedure, consisting of open debranching, followed by endovascular aortic repair, for treatment of arch/proximal descending thoracic/thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA). Methods From 2005 to 2010, 51 patients (33 men; mean age, 70 years) underwent a hybrid procedure for arch/proximal descending thoracic/TAAA. The 30-day and in-hospital morbidity and mortality rates, and late endoleak, graft patency, and survival were analyzed. Graft patency was assessed by computed tomography, angiography, or duplex ultrasound imaging. Results Hybrid procedures were used to treat 27 thoracic (16 arch, 11 proximal descending thoracic) and 24 TAAA (Crawford/Safi types I to III: 3; type IV: 12; type V: 9). The hybrid procedure involved debranching 47 arch vessels or 77 visceral/renal vessels using bypass grafts, followed by endovascular repair. Seventy-five percent of debranching and endovascular repair procedures were staged, with an average interval of 28 days. Major 30-day and in-hospital complications occurred in 39% of patients and included bypass graft occlusion in four, endoleak reintervention in two, and paraplegia in one. Mortality was 3.9%. During a mean follow-up of 13 months, three additional type II endoleaks required intervention, and one bypass graft occluded. No aneurysm rupture occurred during follow-up. Primary bypass graft patency was 95.3%. Actuarial survival was 86% at 1 year and 67% at 3 years. Conclusion The hybrid procedure is associated with acceptable rates of mortality and paraplegia when used for treatment of arch/proximal descending thoracic/TAAA. These results support this procedure as a reasonable approach to a difficult surgical problem; however, longer follow-up is required to appraise its ultimate clinical utility.
Bayesian data augmentation methods for the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research findings

The possible utility of Bayesian methods for the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research has been repeatedly suggested but insufficiently investigated. In this project, we developed and used a Bayesian method for synthesis, with the goal of identifying factors that influence adherence to HIV medication regimens. We investigated the effect of 10 factors on adherence. Recognizing that not all factors were examined in all studies, we considered standard methods for dealing with missing data and chose a Bayesian data augmentation method. We were able to summarize, rank, and compare the effects of each of the 10 factors on medication adherence. This is a promising methodological development in the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research.
Journal Article Growth and Reading Patterns

Academic libraries' electronic collections play an important role in access to journal articles for academics around the world. Academics have access to more articles through electronic collections than at any other time in history. They demonstrate the value of those resources by the time they invest in finding, reading, and citing journal articles. There are some differences in reading and citing patterns based on subject discipline, but a majority of faculty members in all disciplines say that reading articles and citing them are important to writing grant proposals, grant reports, and articles.
Investigation of the scalability of ultra thin body (UTB) double gate tunnel FET using physics based 2D analytical model

Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (TFET) is an emerging ultra-low power transistor that can, in principle, exhibit <60mV/dec slope. While a limited number of 1-dimensional analytical modeling work [1][2] have been reported till date, the influence of drain bias on the transistor characteristics is not included in these models. In this work, we present a 2-dimensional analytical model of double gate ultra thin body TFET (Fig. 1) taking into consideration the influence of the drain bias. Based on this model, we show that the Tunnel FETs exhibit superior short channel effects than their MOSFET counterparts at comparable dimensions, but the scalability of the former degrades at a faster rate with gate length scaling.
Identification of fungi for sweet whey permeate utilization and eicosapentaenoic acid production

Eighteen selected organisms of theEumycota division of the fungi kingdom were examined for eicosapentaenoic acid production and utilization of sweet whey permeate. The organisms belong to the subdivisionsMastigomycotina, Zygomycotina, Ascomycotina andDeuteromycotina. Seven organisms were initially identified as lactose utilizers (the predominant sugar in sweet whey permeate_ and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) producers. Utilization of lactose was demonstrated and EPA production was confirmed for four organisms, all of the subdivisionMastigomycotina. Growth studies showed thatP. ultimum had the best potential for future work.
STRUCTURES OF GAS-PHASE (C60)N(CN)M TRIANIONS FROM REACTIONS OF C60 WITH NACN IN SOLUTION

Negative ion electrospray mass spectra of solutions containing C60 and a 100-fold molar excess of NaCN display numerous polyanionic species of the general form (C60)n(CN)mx- where n = 1−3, m = 1−7, and x = 1−3. Collision-induced dissociation studies of selected di- and trianions reveal the structures of those ions; e.g., (C60)3(CN)73- is shown to be [C60(CN)2···C60(CN)3···C60(CN)2]3-. Simple electrostatic calculations indicate that the effective binding force (“···” in the aforementioned example) between the components may result from a Coulomb barrier acting to prevent spontaneous dissociation of the components.
Photolytic dechlorination of 4-chlorophenol in O2-saturated aqueous solutions in the absence of photocatalysts or additives using ArF∗ (193 nm) and KrF∗ (248 nm) excimer lasers

Abstract One of the toxic products from chlorine bleaching of wood pulp is 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). Detoxification of such compounds usually requires their dechlorination. The present study involves a fairly detailed comparison of the attempt and success of the photolytic dechlorination of 4-CP in O 2 -saturated aqueous solutions using ArF ∗ (193 nm) and KrF ∗ (248 nm) excimer laser radiation at higher (1.1 × 10 −2 M) and lower (4.5 × 10 −4 M) starting substrate concentrations and comparisons of quantum yield (φ), product distributions, etc. At the higher starting substrate concentration (1.1 × 10 −2 M) the average initial quantum yields, i.e. early in the reaction process, for the disappearance of 4-CP (φ ≈2 0.30) and for the generation of chloride ions (φ ≈2 0.25) were about the same for both 193 and 248 nm radiation. However, when the number of photons absorbed ( n ) became greater than about 3 × 10 20 , more chloride ions (higher φ) were generated with the 193 nm radiation than with the 248 nm radiation. Oligomers were the major products for both wavelengths of radiation, but the quantity of oligomers generated was greater using the 193 nm radiation. At 248 nm a significant amount of hydroquinone was generated, whereas hydroquinone was not detected with the 193 nm radiation. In addition, a significant amount of 4-chlorocatechol was generated during the direct photolysis of 4-CP using either wavelength of radiation. This is a new result for the photolysis of 4-CP at a wavelength longer than 193 nm in the absence of added H 2 O 2 . At the lower starting substrate concentration (4.5 × 10 −4 M) the average initial quantum yields for the disappearance of 4-CP (φ ≈2 0.55) and for the generation of chloride ions (φ ≈2 0.45) were both much greater using the 193 nm radiation than with the 248 nm radiation and 0.10 respectively). At 193 nm oligomers were still the major products generated, but the fraction of oligomeric products generated was less than the fraction at the higher substrate concentration. This is consistent with the fact that at the lower substrate concentration a significant amount of hydroquinone was generated at 193 nm, whereas it was not detected at this wavelength for the higher substrate concentration. During the 248 nm photolysis of 4-CP at this lower starting substrate concentration, hydroquinone was the only major product generated in these experiments. Oligomers were not observed at this lower substrate concentration using 248 nm radiation, whereas oligomers were generated at the higher substrate concentration. The results demonstrate the utility of using an excimer laser for the photolytic dechlorination of 4-CP without added photocatalysts or additives. It is also possible to suggest a number of explanations, given in the text, which are consistent with our findings.
Proton conductance of influenza virus M2 protein in planar lipid bilayers.

Purified M2 protein from the Udorn strain of influenza virus was reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers from liposomes. In 1 mM HCl, the single-channel conductance was measured as 6 pS with open probability of #0.03. The current voltage curve is linear over the achievable voltage range. The current amplitude is amantadine sensitive. In HCl solutions, the single-channel current was essentially invariant with changes in (Cl � ), (Na 1 ), and (tetraethylammonium) ((TEA 1 )), but dependent on (H 1 ). The reversal potential, determined with asymmetrical hydrogen chloride solution, is very close to the equilibrium potential of hydrogen. This appears to be the first report of single-channel proton currents with the full-length M2 protein.
Optically interconnected data center networks

Optical switching shows great promise for the future intra data center network (DCN) interconnection applications. The network benefits of optical circuit switching for DCN applications are discussed, and recent work on optical switching-based DCN is reviewed.
Influence of Sex and Dress on Cooperation: An Instance of “Person” Chauvinism

Male and female experimenters, of college age, who were neatly or sloppily dressed, asked male and female students, who were neatly or sloppily dressed, to sjgn a noncontroversial petition. Results indicated that sloppily dressed students signed the petition as often for a female experimenter as they did for a male experimenter, but neatly dressed (inferentially conservative) students signed the petition less often for a female experimenter then they did for a male experimenter. Interestingly, neatly dressed female students refused to cooperate with a female experimenter as much as did neatly dressed male students. It was concluded that attitudes, rather than quality of dress, similaity of dress, or sex per se, influenced cooperation.
Integration of AdaptiSPECT: a small-animal adaptive SPECT imaging system

AdaptiSPECT is a pre-clinical adaptive SPECT imaging system under final development at the Center for Gamma-ray Imaging. The system incorporates multiple adaptive features: an adaptive aperture, 16 detectors mounted on translational stages, and the ability to switch between a non-multiplexed and a multiplexed imaging configuration. In this paper, we review the design of AdaptiSPECT and its adaptive features. We then describe the on-going integration of the imaging system.
Ecological context of savanna chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) termite fishing at Fongoli, Senegal

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) at Fongoli, Senegal, consume termites year-round. Understanding the ecological context behind this behavior is especially important in light of the environmental conditions at Fongoli. This mosaic savanna habitat is one of the hottest and driest sites where chimpanzees have been studied. Two genera and four species of termites were found in association with tools used by chimpanzees in a sample of 124 termite mounds that were monitored. The chimpanzees of Fongoli termite fish predominantly in woodland and forest habitat types, and, although woodland accounts for the majority of the chimpanzees' home range, forest habitat types comprise only about 4% of their range. Thus, habitat type has an influence on the Fongoli chimpanzees' termite fishing. Termite consumption to the degree seen at Fongoli may have particular significance for hominid evolution, given the expansion of Pliocene hominids into increasingly open, hot, and dry habitats.
Comparison of laparoscopic and minilaparotomy pelvic lymphadenectomy for prostate cancer staging in a community practice

Abstract Objectives To compare the cost-effectiveness and morbidity of minilaparotomy (MINILAP) and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy (LAP) in a community practice setting. Methods We reviewed our experience with 44 consecutive patients with prostate cancer who had staging pelvic lymphadenectomy from January 1992 through April 1995 in a general health maintenance organization urology practice. Of this group, 22 men had LAP and 22 men had MINILAP. Results MINILAP and LAP groups were similar in age (mean 67 years), Gleason score (mean 7.2 and 6.8), prostate-specific antigen level (mean 46 and 49 ng/mL), and clinical stage (T1 to T3). Operative time was statistically significantly shorter for MINILAP (mean 1.2 hours) than for LAP (mean 2.9 hours). Complication rate was 9.1% for MINILAP and 31.8% for LAP. Lymph node metastasis was found in 45% of MINILAP patients and in 27% of LAP patients. Mean initial hospital stay was 1.0 day for MINILAP and 1.6 days for LAP. Total hospital stay including hospital readmission for complications was 1.5 days for MINILAP and 2.6 days for LAP. Cost of MINILAP was at least $1900 less than that of LAP because of shorter total hospital stay, shorter operation time, and lower equipment cost. Conclusions Compared with LAP, MINILAP was more cost-effective and produced less morbidity. Patient satisfaction with the procedures was similar. MINILAP is an excellent alternative to LAP for prostate cancer staging in general urology practice.
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Patients without HIV Infection

Background Investigations of outbreaks of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis have found low rates of treatment response and very high mortality, and they have mainly involved patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. For patients without HIV infection, one study reported an overall rate of response to treatment of 56 percent, and the mortality from tuberculosis was 22 percent. We investigated treatment response and mortality rates in 26 HIV-negative patients in New York with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Methods We obtained detailed data from seven teaching hospitals in New York City on patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis — defined as tuberculosis resistant at least to isoniazid and rifampin — who were HIV-negative on serologic testing. Lengths of times from diagnosis to the initiation of appropriate therapy and from the initiation of appropriate therapy to conversion to negative cultures were assessed. Therapeutic responses were evaluated by both microbiologic and ...
Lightning electric field intensity at high altitudes: Inferences for production of elves

[1] Distant electric fields predicted by the transmission line (TL) model and by the modified transmission line model with exponential current decay with height (MTLE) are examined as a function of polar angle (elevation) and return stroke propagation speed. The lightning return stroke current waveform was approximated by a step function. The resultant electric field waveform for the TL model is also a step function, while for the MTLE model the field instantaneously rises to the same value as for the TL model and then decays exponentially. The exponential current attenuation with height in the MTLE model results in a considerable reduction in the electric field intensity within 1 μs after the initial peak, particularly for smaller polar angles (larger elevations) and higher propagation speeds. Combinations of current and speed (as a function of polar angle) that are conducive to the production of transient optical emissions (elves) in the lower ionosphere are examined. According to the TL model, for a typical negative first-stroke current of 30 kA, elves would be produced only if the return stroke speed were greater than about 2.5 × 108 m/s. For the MTLE model, considerably larger currents are needed for the production of elves than for the TL model.
Excitation of millimeter and submillimeter water masers

The excitation of maser emission in millimeter and submillimeter transitions of interstellar and circumstellar water is considered. An escape probability method is used to determine the equilibrium populations in 349 rotational states of both ortho- and para-water under varying conditions of gas temperature, density, water abundance, and radiation field. It is shown that, under those conditions believed to prevail around late-type stars and within star-forming regions, strong millimeter and submillimeter water maser emission can be generated by collisional excitations by H2. Several maser transitions can have strengths close to that of the 22 GHz line. The water maser line which can be observed from mountaintop facilities and those which will require air- or space-borne platforms are indicated. The exact portion of parameter space in which each maser transition exhibits peak emission is shown.
Rapid analysis of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol in water using solid phase micro extraction procedures

Abstract Geosmin (GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) are algae metabolites with muddy/musty odors which contaminate water supplies and can be absorbed by aquatic organisms. Humans can perceive them in water and aquatic food products at ng/l (parts per trillion) concentrations. A rapid method employing solid phase micro extraction (SPME) has been developed for the analysis of GSM and MIB in water. Routine quantification at μg/l concentrations can be accomplished using gas chromatography and flame ionization detection (FID) on a 6 ml aqueous sample with a total analysis time of less than 15min. Concentration levels of MIB and GSM at 10 ng/l (parts per trillion) can be detected under optimal conditions employing GC/MS in selected ion monitoring mode. Standard solutions and water samples from MIB producing algae cultures were used to compare SPME against purge and trap (P&T) using both flame ionization and mass spectrometric detection. Results obtained from SPME and P&T were similar in terms of reproducibility and sensitivity. This paper reports a simple, rapid method for monitoring the algal production of MIB and GSM at the μg/l range which can be extended to the drinking water levels at the ng/l range of concentrations.
Historical Perspectives and Insights on ACRS Review of AP1000 Design Certification

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires that each application for a standard design certification be referred to the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) for a review and report on those portions of the application which concern safety. This paper begins with perspectives on the role of the ACRS in the design certification review process. It then summarizes the ACRS observations and recommendations made in the Committee’s reports during the AP1000 design certification reviews to date.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The Perception of Room Size: The Rectangularity Illusion

Three studies were conducted that explore the relationship between the shape and the perceived size of rectangular and square rooms. In each study, subjects were asked to estimate the size of rooms that varied in their ratio of length to width. The results of all three studies indicated a substantial illusion produced by rectangularity; more rectangular rooms consistently were estimated as larger than less rectangular rooms of equal size. This effect was independent of the viewing position of the observer. The implications of this illusion for room design are discussed.
Cytochrome c-mediated Apoptosis in Cells Lacking Mitochondrial DNA SIGNALING PATHWAY INVOLVING RELEASE AND CASPASE 3 ACTIVATION IS CONSERVED

Mitochondria serve as a pivotal component of the apoptotic cell death machinery. However, cells that lack mitochondrial DNA (rho(0) cells) retain apparently normal apoptotic signaling. In the present study, we examined mitochondrial mechanisms of apoptosis in rho(0) osteosarcoma cells treated with staurosporine. Immunohistochemistry revealed that rho(0) cells maintained a normal cytochrome c distribution in mitochondria even though these cells were deficient in respiration. Upon staurosporine treatment, cytochrome c was released concomitantly with activation of caspase 3 and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)). After mitochondrial loss of cytochrome c, rho(0) cells underwent little change in glutathione (GSH) redox potential whereas a dramatic oxidation in GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) pool occurred in parental rho(+) cells. These results show that mitochondrial signaling of apoptosis via cytochrome c release was preserved in cells lacking mtDNA. However, intracellular oxidation that normally accompanies apoptosis was lost, indicating that the mitochondrial respiratory chain provides the major source of redox signaling in apoptosis.
Excellence and Choice: Friends or Foes?

This paper explores the contrasts dividing the “excellence” and “choice” movements to date. The orientations of both are examined, along with key features and impacts of each. Particular attention is given the predicament and the challenge of “at risk” youngsters. Yet there are developments suggesting a growing mutuality between the two movements. The elaboration of a conception of Excellence that makes educational sense reveals the centrality of motivation to educational accomplishment. This in turn exposes the choice principle as an important aid to the pursuit of excellence.
How handy is Weibull? or, the use of failure distributions in the planning and analysis of battery experiments

Abstract Methods for designing experiments to provide for statistical evaluation are well established. Factorial plans have been used successfully for decades. The objectives of this extremely brief overview are to show (i) how Weibull results can be obtained completely by hand in a few minutes without lengthy The benefits of planning experiments to include studies of failure modes and distributions will be more accessible if the engineer or technician unders
Let's Take Stock*

WE ARE all of us, I fancy, a bit weary of being reminded that civilization is again at the crossroads, that the world is wobbling on its pins, that we are facing the imminent and unpleasant prospect of having to live like gophers-that is, if we succeed in existing in any circumstances-and that we had jolly well better be doing something about it, or else. . . . But, weary or not, here we are, and we have got to face the music. The teaching of languages is, to be sure, a very small affair in the general picture, but in a stock-taking every department must account for its own merchandise, and ours is language. In a world distracted by things admittedly more deserving of its attention how can we justify our demand that we be given a voice in the councils of mankind? That we must justify our calling is becoming every day more evident and more urgent. The half-pitying condescension of my scientific friends and colleagues is symptomatic of the general attitude of the public. "Oh, Simpson?" they seem to be saying. "Why, yes, I know him. He teaches Spanish; but, in spite of that, he isn't a bad little guy." I see that you have all had the same experience. So let's take stock. There is an obvious danger in leaning too heavily upon autobiography, but, at the risk of being accused of unscientific subjectivity, I must dip with both hands into my own experience, an experience which spans the period of the Great Revolution in education. In my extreme youth I attended a grammar school. It really was a grammar school. We learned grammar-Lord, how we learned grammar! From the fifth through the eighth grade we analysed, parsed, scanned and diagrammed, and in the intervals we memorized sizeable chunks of what was considered poetry in those days, to be recited on those dreadful Fridays when our parents were invited to hear us perform. We should have agreed with one of Jane Austen's heroines, for whom instruction and torment were synonymous terms. Thence I proceeded to an old-fashioned preparatory school, or academy, as we called it, whose principles of education had been handed down on Mt. Sinai, along with the Decalogue, and for four sweating years we studied Latin, English, Mathematics, History and the Bible, with a bow toward the natural sciences in our senior year. There were no electives, and, as far as I can recollect, none of us thought anything about it. Maybe we were just ignorant, but we did have rather a good time, just the same. My early college career was no better. Seized with a passion for learning Spanish-which was not unconnected with my passion for a lovely Mexican girl named Luisa-I fell into the competent hands of a charming slave-
Forecasting electron precipitation based on predicted geomagnetic activity

Abstract We have developed a statistical model of precipitating electrons based on 10 years worth of NOAA-12 Space Environment Monitor (SEM) data. For each hour of UT, the electron spectral shape is defined for solar activity (using F 10.7 ), geomagnetic activity (using Dst, Kp, and PC), invariant latitude (40 to 90°N and −40° to −90°S), and every hour of magnetic local time to form a climatology. The current version of our climatology includes a description of the precipitating differential number flux, unfolded from the integral high-energy telescopes of SEM and its lower-energy differential measurements. In total, the energy range covered by SEM is from 300 eV to 1 MeV. We use real-time Dst predictions from several sites on the Internet which forecast Dst up to 1 h ahead of time to predict the corresponding precipitating electron flux. Our electron precipitation forecast contributes to space weather applications by predicting a spectral description of atmospheric electron energy input. These electron energy spectra can be used to generate atmospheric energy input, ionization rates and height-integrated Hall and Pedersen conductivities, which are important parameters to models such as AMIE and TIME-GCM. Our data could also improve the space environment description used in spacecraft charging models.