cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GIANT GAMMA-RAY BUBBLES FROM FERMI-LAT: ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEUS ACTIVITY OR BIPOLAR GALACTIC WIND?

Data from the Fermi-LAT reveal two large gamma-ray bubbles, extending 50° above and below the Galactic center (GC), with a width of about 40° in longitude. The gamma-ray emission associated with these bubbles has a significantly harder spectrum (dN/dE ~ E –2) than the inverse Compton emission from electrons in the Galactic disk, or the gamma rays produced by the decay of pions from proton-interstellar medium collisions. There is no significant spatial variation in the spectrum or gamma-ray intensity within the bubbles, or between the north and south bubbles. The bubbles are spatially correlated with the hard-spectrum microwave excess known as the WMAP haze; the edges of the bubbles also line up with features in the ROSAT X-ray maps at 1.5-2 keV. We argue that these Galactic gamma-ray bubbles were most likely created by some large episode of energy injection in the GC, such as past accretion events onto the central massive black hole, or a nuclear starburst in the last ~10 Myr. Dark matter annihilation/decay seems unlikely to generate all the features of the bubbles and the associated signals in WMAP and ROSAT; the bubbles must be understood in order to use measurements of the diffuse gamma-ray emission in the inner Galaxy as a probe of dark matter physics. Study of the origin and evolution of the bubbles also has the potential to improve our understanding of recent energetic events in the inner Galaxy and the high-latitude cosmic ray population.
The role of exogenous heart-RNA in development of the chick embryo cultivated in vitro.

The physiological effect of fresh calf heart-RNA was studied on the explanted chick blastoderm at the definitive streak stage. It was found that heart-RNA interferes with normal development of the central nervous system, especially forebrain, and of the body axis, but not with normal development of the heart. To analyse this effect further, the untreated and RNA-treated fragments of the antero-lateral blastoderm were investigated by intrablastodermal transplant and in vitro . Approximately 50% of the treated grafts transplanted intrablastodermally developed into heart, but none of the controls. In vitro formation of the heart-like structure was found in 45% of the heart-RNA-treated series as opposed to 20% of the PC saline controls and none of the liver-RNA series. When theexplants of the presumptive forebrain were treated with heart-RNA and cultured in isolation in vitro , 11% developed into brain vesicle compared with 76% of the controls. It appears, therefore, that heart-RNA has somehow collaborated with the macromolecules responsible for heart formation but interfered with those responsible for the development of the central nervous system.
Changes in negative beliefs following three brief programs for facilitating recovery after assault

Background: This study examines whether changes in negative beliefs about oneself, others, and the world occur as a result of early intervention aimed at preventing the development of chronic PTSD and further explores whether changes in negative beliefs during early intervention mediate long-term changes in psychopathology and functioning. Methods: Ninety recent female assault survivors were randomized to 4-week early intervention programs: brief cognitive behavioral intervention, weekly assessment, or supportive counseling (SC). Changes in negative beliefs were examined from preintervention to postintervention. Results: Negative beliefs improved across interventions, with somewhat less benefit reported by participants receiving SC. As expected, before intervention more severe negative beliefs were associated with higher initial trauma reactions and these negative beliefs generally improved from preintervention to postintervention. Moreover, for the brief cognitive-behavioral intervention, changes in perceptions of self and one's safety mediated longer-term changes in trauma-related symptoms. Conclusions: The present results highlight the potential importance of changes in negative beliefs in long-term adjustment of recent assault survivors. Depression and Anxiety, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Language: en
Folk song lyrics as communication in John Ford's films

Folk song lyrics, a special type of verbal communication, are examined in the context of the Hollywood feature film. Dramatic films, selected from the work of director John Ford, illustrate Ford's recurring use of familiar folk song lyrics to develop filmic characterization, communicate personal thematic concerns about community and nature, and enhance audience identification.
Production of high-strength tubes made of steels of type 15GFB

A unit for making L-class high-strength pump-compressor tubing composed of low-carbon, low-alloy steels of type 15GFB is now being used on the 140 mill in the tube-rolling shop at the Rustavi Metallurgical Plant. The steel 15GFB pump-compressor tubing made by the technology that was developed has the following service properties: σy = 630–670 N/mm2, σu = 730–780 N/mm2, δ = 18–22%, ψ = 55–60%, KCU = 1.6–2.2 MJ/m2. The percentage of ductile fracture at room temperature is 85–95%.
Wet-chemical etching of (11\(\bar 2\)0) ZnO films0) ZnO films

This paper describes the optimized process of wet-chemical etching of a ZnO film grown on an r-plane sapphire. Different etchants and solution ratios have been used to achieve controllable etching rate and steep etching profile. With selected etching solutions, the etching profiles of epitaxially grown ZnO films (>1.3 µm) are improved. Using Al instead of photoresist as the mask generates a steeper etching slope. Maximal 1:1 vertical/horizontal ratio (45°) has been achieved. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and sheet resistance measurements show that this wet-chemical etching process has negligible influence on the modification of the physical and chemical properties of the etched surface.
Fine-needle aspiration of follicular patterned lesions of the thyroid: Diagnosis, management, and follow-up according to National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommendations.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) State of the Science Conference on thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) proposed that follicular patterned lesions can be divided into two diagnostic categories; follicular lesion of undetermined significance/Atypia of undetermined significance (FLUS/AUS) and suspicious for follicular neoplasm/follicular neoplasm (SFON/FON). The former group can benefit from repeat FNA (RFNA) to achieve a more definitive diagnosis and the latter should undergo surgical excision for histologic characterization (adenoma vs. carcinoma). In this study, we report the combined experience from our institutions with thyroid FNA cases that can be placed into NCI-designated thyroid FNA diagnostic categories for follicular patterned lesions. The case cohort comprised of 857 cases in 645 females and 212 males; 509 cases could be classified as FLUS/AUS and 348 as SFON/FON. Histologic follow-up was available in 273/509 (54%) cases diagnosed as FLUS/AUS and 251/348 (72%) cases diagnosed as SFON/FON. RFNA was performed in 203/509 (40%) patients classified as FLUS/AUS. RFNA diagnoses were: benign (125 cases), FLUS (46 cases), SFON/FON (20 cases), suspicious for papillary carcinoma (7 cases), papillary carcinoma (3 cases) and non-diagnostic (2 cases). The malignancy rate on surgical excision in the FLUS/AUS group was 27 and 15% with and without RFNA, respectively; and 25% in cases diagnosed as SFON/FON. RFNA is effective in managing thyroid nodules diagnosed as FLUS/AUS since the malignancy rates are different in cases with or without RFNA (27% vs. 15%). The malignancy rate (25%) in cases diagnosed as SFON/FON is similar to reported by other authors. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:731–739. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The in vitro bactericidal effect of microwave energy on bacteria that cause prostatitis.

Abstract Objectives. We investigated the in vitro nonthermal effects of microwaves delivered from Prostatron 2.0 on Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae . Methods. The fingers of powder-free, sterile gloves were ligated, and bacterial solutions were transferred into the remaining area of the glove. The gloves were then sealed using silk ligatures. One set of gloves was subjected to the microwave treatment while another set was placed in a temperature-matched waterbath to act as control samples. The gloves containing the treatment group were taped around the probe, at the site where microwave energy exits the probe. During the treatment period, the temperatures from the urethral probe and the rectal probe were carefully monitored. Results. The mean (±SD) energy delivered was 46.6 ± 9.5 kJ (range 30.0 to 59.5) for the 10 trials on E. coli and colony counts in the experimental microwaved gloves decreased significantly compared with control samples (5.26 ± 4.5 × 10 5 versus 10.16 ± 9.3 × 10 5 CFU/mL, P = 0.02). For the experiments on E. cloacae the mean (±SD) energy applied was 38.5 ± 12.5 kJ, and a significant decrease in colony counts of microwaved samples was also observed compared with controls (11.04 ± 4.8 × 10 5 versus 20.08 ± 10.1 × 10 5 CFU/mL, P = 0.004). Conclusions. Microwave energy, delivered from Prostatron 2.0, independent of heat production has an in vitro bactericidal effect on laboratory-cultured E. coli and E. cloacae .
Studies on the mechanism of action of salicylate: effects on orthophosphate-exchange reactions associated with oxidative phosphorylation

Abstract The action of salicylate on various reactions associated with the oxidative phosphorylation system of the respiratory chain of mitochondria has been investigated. The reactions studied were: (a) the [ 32 P]P 1 -ATP exchange reaction, (b) the P 1 -H 2 18 O exchange, and (c) ATPase activity. Addition of salicylate to mitochondrial suspensions resulted in inhibition of both exchange reactions accompanied by a stimulation of ATPase. 2,4-Dinitrophenol had a qualitatively similar action but on a quantitative basis was found to be approx. 100 times as potent as salicylate with regard to inhibition of exchange reactions, and at a given level of inhibition of the [ 32P ]P 1 -ATP exchange reaction resulted in greater stimulation of ATPase activity. The effects of other compounds chemically or pharmacologically similar to salicylate were investigated. None of the compounds approached salicylate or 2,4-dinitrophenol in their ability to depress [ 32 P]P 1 -ATP exchange or stimulate ATPas activity. Under appropriate conditions human erythrocyte hemolysates or the 105400 × g supernatant fraction of rat-liver homogenates were found to catalyze a [ 32 P]P 1 -ATP exchange reaction. These exchange reactions were found to be insensitive to salicylate or 2,4-dinitrophenol.
Simple rules yield complex food webs

Several of the most ambitious theories in ecology1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 describe food webs that document the structure of strong and weak trophic links9 that is responsible for ecological dynamics among diverse assemblages of species4,11,12,13. Early mechanism-based theory asserted that food webs have little omnivory and several properties that are independent of species richness1,2,3,4,6. This theory was overturned by empirical studies that found food webs to be much more complex5,7,8,9,14,15,16,17,18, but these studies did not provide mechanistic explanations for the complexity9. Here we show that a remarkably simple model fills this scientific void by successfully predicting key structural properties of the most complex and comprehensive food webs in the primary literature. These properties include the fractions of species at top, intermediate and basal trophic levels, the means and variabilities of generality, vulnerability and food-chain length, and the degrees of cannibalism, omnivory, looping and trophic similarity. Using only two empirical parameters, species number and connectance, our ‘niche model’ extends the existing ‘cascade model’3,19 and improves its fit ten-fold by constraining species to consume a contiguous sequence of prey in a one-dimensional trophic niche20.
The utilization of abelian point group symmetry in the graphical unitary group approach to the calculation of correlated electronic wavefunctions

A procedure is described for the utilization of abelian point group symmetry in the graphical unitary group approach (GUGA) to calculations of correlated electronic wavefunctions. The procedure is based on a recursively computed set of symmetry dependent counting indices, and results in the separate numbering, without gaps, of the Gelfand states (configuration functions) belonging to each symmetry species
Infiltrators Go Home! Explaining Xenophobic Mobilization Against Asylum Seekers in Israel

This article explores recent outbreaks of protest and violence against asylum-seekers in Israel. I posit that while existing approaches to anti-immigrant mobilization that primarily emphasize material and cultural forms of inter-group competition offer important explanatory foundations, they are insufficient to account fully for these outcomes. Instead, I argue that Israel’s explicit interests vis-a-vis recent influxes of asylum-seekers, namely, forestalling long-term settlement and avoiding the liberalization of its asylum regime, generated two mechanisms that ultimately sparked xenophobic mobilization. First, center-right politicians disseminated and progressively intensified exclusionary discourses and legal practices as a means of mobilizing popular support for exclusion and delegitimizing asylum claims. These practices problematized asylum-seekers’ presence through their construction as security, demographic, and economic threats, and generated increasing societal concerns. Second, a concurrent ‘hands off’ approach excluded asylum-seekers from access to state services, denying them material and social support while limiting their access to the labor market. This approach occasioned multiple adverse consequences for both asylum-seekers and host communities, and prompted perceptions of state incapacity to implement its own exclusionary policies. The analysis suggests that the interaction between these two mechanisms, coupled with concurrent legal constraints on long-term incarceration and repatriation, furnished the motive, opportunity, and legitimacy for anti-asylum-seeker mobilization.
Estimating the efficiency of self-assemblies

Abstract An approach to the semi-quantification of self-assembly processes that lead to descrete molecular and supramolecular entities is presented. A number of reversible and irreversible assemblies from the literature illustrate how this probabilistic approach can be used to: 1) Compare disparate assembly systems; 2) define what processes can and cannot be described as self-assembling.
Perinatal Changes in Mitral and Aortic Valve Structure and Composition

At birth, the mechanical environment of valves changes radically as fetal shunts close and pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances change. Given that valves are reported to be mechanosensitive, we investigated remodeling induced by perinatal changes by examining compositional and structural differences of aortic and mitral valves (AVs, MVs) between 2-day-old and 3rd fetal trimester porcine valves using immunohistochemistry and Movat pentachrome staining. Aortic valve composition changed more with birth than the MV, consistent with a greater change in AV hemodynamics. At 2 days, AV demonstrated a trend of greater versican and elastin (P = 0.055), as well as greater hyaluronan turnover (hyaluronan receptor for endocytosis, P = 0.049) compared with the 3rd-trimester samples. The AVs also demonstrated decreases in proteins related to collagen synthesis and fibrillogenesis with birth, including procollagen I, prolyl 4-hydroxylase, biglycan (all P ≤ 0.005), and decorin (P = 0.059, trend). Both AVs and MVs demonstrated greater delineation between the leaflet layers in 2-day-old compared with 3rd-trimester samples, and AVs demonstrated greater saffron-staining collagen intensity, suggesting more mature collagen in 2-day-old compared with 3rd-trimester samples (each P < 0.05). The proportion of saffron-staining collagen also increased in AV with birth (P < 0.05). The compositional and structural changes that occur with birth, as noted in this study, likely are important to proper neonatal valve function. Furthermore, normal perinatal changes in hemodynamics often do not occur in congenital valve disease; the corresponding perinatal matrix maturation may also be lacking and could contribute to poor function of congenitally malformed valves.
Removing bottlenecks in the teaching of reading

National interest is focused on how well our children are learning to read and reading to learn. Article after article has appeared in our lay magazines. Is it possible to use this intense national interest as a means by which a better reading environment for our children can be developed? In what phases of the total reading program can we hope to make substantial changes leading to the development of a superior reading program?
A decision theoretic approach to file search

We investigate the relationship between algorithm construction and optimal decision processes. We provide a sufficient condition, a linear ordering over the experiment set, for when we can efficiently use an optimization approach for selecting a decision strategy. We demonstrate the linear ordering condition within the context of the file search problem; however, any problem whose representation satisfies the linear ordering condition is amenable to the optimization approach.
Genetically dictated change in host mucus carbohydrate landscape exerts a diet-dependent effect on the gut microbiota

We investigate how host mucus glycan composition interacts with dietary carbohydrate content to influence the composition and expressed functions of a human gut community. The humanized gnotobiotic mice mimic humans with a nonsecretor phenotype due to knockout of their α1–2 fucosyltransferase (Fut2) gene. The fecal microbiota of Fut2− mice that lack fucosylated host glycans show decreased alpha diversity relative to Fut2+ mice and exhibit significant differences in community composition. A glucose-rich plant polysaccharide-deficient (PD) diet exerted a strong effect on the microbiota membership but eliminated the effect of Fut2 genotype. Additionally fecal metabolites predicted host genotype in mice on a polysaccharide-rich standard diet but not on a PD diet. A more detailed mechanistic analysis of these interactions involved colonization of gnotobiotic Fut2+ and Fut2− mice with Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, a prominent member of the human gut microbiota known to adaptively forage host mucosal glycans when dietary polysaccharides are absent. Within Fut2− mice, the B. thetaiotaomicron fucose catabolic pathway was markedly down-regulated, whereas BT4241–4247, an operon responsive to terminal β-galactose, the precursor that accumulates in the Fut2− mice, was significantly up-regulated. These changes in B. thetaiotaomicron gene expression were only evident in mice fed a PD diet, wherein B. thetaiotaomicron relies on host mucus consumption. Furthermore, up-regulation of the BT4241–4247 operon was also seen in humanized Fut2− mice. Together, these data demonstrate that differences in host genotype that affect the carbohydrate landscape of the distal gut interact with diet to alter the composition and function of resident microbes in a diet-dependent manner.
THE BLOOD SUPPLY OF THE EPIDERMIS TN THE RETICULOSES

SUMMARY. —The surface patterns of the microcirculation of the skin in the reticuloses have been examined by capillary microscopy in 26 patients. Nine representative case histories are summarized to illustrate the correlation of clinical, histological and capillary microscopic patterns. The dermal capillary changes in the reticuloses are not specific. Some of the many patterns observed are common to other disorders such as psoriasis and lichen planus. The wide range of clinical patterns reflects the variations in the capillary/epidermis relationship, in terms of which the observed changes are analysed. To provide a basis for further interpretation and for experimental investigation it is proposed as a speculative hypothesis that disordered function of reticuloendothelial cells induces the capillary and hence the epidermal changes. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
Provider X-ray exposure in the trauma bay: results of a radiation field analysis.

Radiation exposure during trauma care has increased in recent years. Radiation risk to providers during the care of injured patients is not well defined. We aimed to gather environmental exposure data from dosimeters placed at fixed points in the trauma bay to act as surrogates for personnel radiation exposure during trauma team activations. Forty-four (44) radiation dosimeters were placed throughout a single trauma bay in a university level 1 trauma center. We analyzed shallow (SDE) and deep dose equivalents (DDE) over 6 months. We measured distance from the radiation source for each dosimeter. Four controls were included. We recorded patient injury and X-ray data for each patient. During the study period, 417 patients were evaluated in the trauma bay under study. Mean ISS was 14.3 (range 0–75). A total of 2,107 plain X-rays were taken, with a mean of 5.1 X-rays per patient (range 0–32). Extremity films were most often performed, followed by chest and shoulder films. No measurable dose was identified with the dosimeter controls. The majority (27, 68 %) of dosimeters registered the lowest doses (<1 mSv DDE). Five dosimeters revealed doses between 1 and 2 mSv DDE. Four dosimeters registered over 2 mSv DDE, with a mean DDE of 3 mSv. Distances of less than 5 ft from the radiation source had the highest DDE dose. Maximum annual occupational DDE dose is conventionally 50 mSv. None of the dosimeters registered DDE doses over 4.31 mSv during the study period, supporting low radiation risk to providers in the trauma bay.
Ability estimation for conventional tests

Five different ability estimators—maximum likelihood [MLE (θ)], weighted likelihood [WLE (θ)], Bayesian modal [BME (θ)], expected a posteriori [EAP (θ)] and the standardized number-right score [Z (θ)]—were used as scores for conventional, multiple-choice tests. The bias, standard error and reliability of the five ability estimators were evaluated using Monte Carlo estimates of the unknown conditional means and variances of the estimators. The results indicated that ability estimates based on BME (θ), EAP (θ) or WLE (θ) were reasonably unbiased for the range of abilities corresponding to the difficulty of a test, and that their standard errors were relatively small. Also, they were as reliable as the old standby—the number-right score.
Chemical effects in carbon K x-ray yields

Proton-induced carbon K x-ray yields, measured for a wide variety of C-bearing gases at 2 MeV, vary more than 25%. A simple statistical model, based on estimates of the number of valence electrons with p character available to fill a K vacancy, gives good quantitative agreement with experimental results.
Sociology as a Discipline: Quasi-Science and Quasi-Humanities

Sociologists, like other professionals and academic practitioners, have engaged in a collective project—“becoming a science.” This article traces the occupational and intellectual components of that project, focusing especially on the model of science employed, the limits of that model, and the limits of the science model in general. It is argued that sociology is a quasi-science and a quasi-humanities. Unfortunately, sociology has not systematically pursued its links to the humanities. The article argues for maintaining the empirical and explanatory thrust of the science model, while recognizing the extent to which concepts and theories are civilizationally embedded. The article ends with suggestions for systematically enriching sociology by closer links to the humanities.
Performance degradation of small silicon devices caused by long-range Coulomb interactions

In small silicon devices, conduction electrons in the channel are subject to long-range Coulomb interactions with electrons in the heavily doped drain, source, and gate regions. We show that, for devices with channel lengths shorter than about 40 nm and oxides thinner than 2.5 nm, these interactions cause a reduction of the electron velocity. We present results obtained using both semiclassical two-dimensional self-consistent Monte Carlo/Poisson simulations and a quantum-mechanical model based on electron scattering from gate–oxide interface plasmons.
Circular Dichroism and Magnetic Circular Dichroism Studies of the Mixed-Valence Binuclear Non-Heme Iron Active Site in Uteroferrin and Its Anion Complexes

Uteroferrin (Uf) is a purple acid phosphatase for which the reduced [FeIIFeIII] form of the enzyme is catalytically active in the hydrolysis of phosphate esters. The binuclear non-heme iron active site of the native reduced enzyme (1/2metUf) and its molybdate- and phosphate-bound forms have been studied with absorption (ABS), circular dichorism (CD), and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopies to probe their geometric and electronic structure. CD and MCD in the UV−Vis region give the tyrosine (phenolate) to FeIII charge transfer bands which probe the ferric center. CD and MCD in the NIR region probe the d−d transitions of both the FeII and the FeIII centers. Variable-temperature variable-field (VTVH) MCD combined with EPR data are analyzed to determine the g values and energies of the ground state and the excited sublevels. These parameters are further interpreted in terms of a spin Hamiltonian model, which includes the zero-field splitting (ZFS) of FeII and FeIII centers and the exchange couplin...
Activation energies for the 1,2-carbon migration of ring-fused cyclopropylchlorocarbenes

Abstract Fused-ring cyclopropylchlorocarbenes 2 and 3 ring expand to fused-ring chlorocyclobutenes 10 and 11 , respectively, with activation energies of 3–4 kcal/mol and activation entropies of ∼−20 e.u. Carbon tunneling appears to be unimportant at low temperatures.
DISINTEGRATION OF CELL WALL AND EXTRACTION OF PROTEIN FROM CANDIDA LIPOLYTICA

The differences between extraction of protein from fresh and from spray-dried hydrocarbon-grown yeast (Candida lipolytica) were investigated, and the effect of different protein extraction methods on protein yield was determined. The mechanisms and efficiency of the different methods of cell disintegration and protein extraction are illustrated by scanning electron microscopy. Autolysis of fresh yeast and acid treatment of dried yeast indiscriminately hydrolyzed whole cells and resulted in low yields of extracted protein. Homogenization of alkali-treated cell suspensions of both fresh and spray-dried yeast gave maximum yields of extracted protein. The effect of alkali treatment is due to weakening of the cell wall structure and removal of the hydrophobic barrier around it; for dried yeast, alkali treatment has the additional effect of protein solubilization.
Mechanisms responsible for propoxur resistance in the german cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.)

The mechanisms of propoxur resistance were studied in a strain (Baygon-R) of the German cockroach (Blattella germanica (L.)) displaying high levels of resistance by topical application compared to a susceptible laboratory strain (CSMA). The penetration of [14C] propoxur was significantly slower in the resistant strain, and resistance was reduced 3.4-fold when the insecticide was injected compared to topically applied, implicating decreased cuticular penetration as a resistance mechanism. In-vivo metabolism studies employing [14C]propoxur indicated that propoxur was metabolized at a faster rate in the resistant strain. Resistance to propoxur was partially suppressed by both piperonyl butoxide and S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate suggesting the involvement of both cytochrome P450-dependent mono-oxygenases and hydrolytic enzymes in the resistance mechanism. In vitro, the Baygon-R strain displayed higher rates of NADPH-dependent microsomal metabolism of [14C]propoxur associated with the formation of o-hydroxy propoxur and N-hydroxymethyl propoxur, further implicating the monooxygenase system in the resistance. In-vitro metabolism of [14C]propoxur with cytosolic fractions indicates that the substrate is lost from the incubation mixture at a higher rate in the Baygon-R strain, possibly due to hydrolytic enzymes that result in production of expired [14C]carbon dioxide. The bimolecular inhibition constants for propoxur against acetyl-cholinesterase from resistant and susceptible strains were not different. These results indicate that increased levels of metabolism together with decreased rates of penetration are mainly responsible for resistance to propoxur in this strain.
Superbase-derived protic ionic liquid extractants for metal ion separation

Abstract Solvent extraction of La 3+ and Ba 2+ by an ionic liquid extractant in an imidazolium-based ionic liquid diluent was investigated. Seven protic ionic liquid extractants were examined and these PILs are based on five organic superbases and either 6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octadione (Hfod) or 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone (Hhfac) β-diketones as anion. For these PIL extractants, the extraction efficiencies and separation factors were found to be concentration dependent. The effects of aqueous phase acidity, extractant structure, and extractant concentration on separation properties of La 3+ and Ba 2+ are discussed in this paper.
Speech and hearing characteristics in familial dysautonomia.

Eleven individuals previously diagnosed as having familial dysautonomia were tested by means of the Templin-Darley articulation test and pure tone audiometry to determine their speech and hearing performances. The most frequently misarticulated sounds were /l/, /s/, /z/, /∫/, and /r/, with sound distortion being the most frequendy occurring type of misarticulation. The articulatory defects appeared to be due to dysarthric disturbance manifested by difficulty with gross and fine motor control, coupled with general retarded motor development. Audiometric hearing levels (ASA-1951) were within normal limits.
Unusual electrochemical properties of unsymmetric viologen dendrimers.

A new series of redox-active dendrimers containing a single 4,4‘-bipyridinium (viologen) group covalently attached to the focal point of Newkome-type dendrons (first to third generation) has been prepared and characterized. The electrochemical properties of these unsymmetric dendrimers show two unusual aspects. First, the electrochemical kinetics for viologen reduction remains fast from the first to the third dendrimer generation. Second, the values of the half-wave potentials reveal that dendrimer growth favors the generation of positive charge in the viologen residue in CH2Cl2, THF, and CH3CN solutions, while slightly disfavors it in DMSO.
Generalizing variance to allow the inclusion of decision attitude in decision making under uncertainty

Abstract The problem of decision making under uncertainty is considered. It is noted that an alternative is described in terms of an uncertainty profile. We observe that a major difficulty in the decision process is the comparison of these uncertainty profiles. We discuss the need for introducing some features of an uncertainty profile to help simplify this comparison. We note that the quantification of these simplifying features involves some subjective considerations about the decision makers preferences. We introduce the idea of the decision maker’s attitudinal character to help in the formulation of these considerations. We then investigate two important features associated with an uncertainty profile. The first, the representative value, is a generalization of expected value commonly used under probabilistic uncertainty. The second, called the measure of deviation, provides a generalization of the concept of variance. We show how these new measures allows us to consider uncertainty profiles other then just the probabilistic one. They also allow us introduce other decision maker attitudes then the one implicitly assumed with the expected value and variance.
Selective solid-phase microextraction of explosives using fibers coated with the La(III) complex of p-di(4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1,3-hexanedionyl)benzene

Abstract This research demonstrates enhanced capture of explosives on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers coated with a metal β-diketonate polymer, [La(III) complex of p-di(4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1,3-hexanedionyl)benzene, La(dihed)], compared to PDMS control fibers. SPME sampling was performed in an explosives bunker where the concentration of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) was estimated at less than 3 parts-per-trillion (v/v). Analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry showed an approximate 10-fold enhancement in the quantity of 2,4-dinitrotoluene captured on La(dihed) over the control fiber. La(dihed) sampling also resulted in a strong signal for TNT, whereas this explosive was well below the detection limit (1 pg on fiber) on the control fiber.
Inhibition of antigen-induced and anti-immunoglobin-induced capping by hydrocortisone and propranolol

Abstract The redistribution of lymphocyte surface immunoglobulin (Ig) induced by anti-lg antibody or bound sheep erythrocyte antigen (capping) was inhibited reversibly by hydrocortisone succinate (2 × 10 −4 M). Capping inhibition was also effected by cholesterol and progesterone, favoring the hypothesis that the effect was mediated through changes in the physical properties of the cell membrane rather than hormonal action. Capping was also inhibited by propranolol at concentrations where it may exert a local anesthetic as well as a β-adrenergic blocking effect (2 × 10 −4 M). Since a fourfold excess of the β agonist isoproterenol failed to restore capping in the presence of propranolol, the local anesthetic mode of action is most likely. Nitroprusside, an inhibitor of contraction in vascular smooth muscle and platelets, failed to inhibit capping.
Fragile Cultures of Escherichia coli produced by Growth in High Concentrations of Various Salts

SUCROSE-DEPENDENT mutants have been reported which permit total isolation under mild conditions of cellular ribonucleic acid and proteins from actively growing cultures1. The considerable time and effort required to isolate equivalent mutants in strains of other genetic provenance had led us to search for a general method to produce fragile growing cultures. This communication reports such a technique : growth in 0.5 M sodium sulphate or comparable concentrations of other salts.
ωϕ mass-splitting, collinear U(6) symmetry; and electromagnetic form factors☆

Abstract In the limit of collinear U(6) symmetry, the electromagnetic form factors of baryons do not depend upon the separate singlet vector meson coupling which is characteristic for this symmetry. Introducing ωϕ mass-splitting in the pole terms of the form factors, one can relate this coupling directly to the electric form factor of the neutron. It is shown that the experimental information about the electromagnetic form factors does not require a special supression of the separate single coupling.
Urinary Creatinine: Barr et Al. Respond

Although individual predictors of urinary creatinine such as sex, body mass index, and age have been reported, no single research endeavor has documented the predictors in one study population as thoroughly as we reported in our recent article (Barr et al. 2005). The large volume of data available in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III; 1988–1994) [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2003a] was ideal for examining and documenting these predictors. To date, our study provides the most concrete data in the literature demonstrating creatinine variation in diverse populations and the factors contributing to this variation. We agree with Gamble and Liu that although many research articles have recognized differences in creatinine concentrations within their study populations, few have attempted to correct for this variation. Our analysis of urinary creatinine concentration data in a large, representative segment of the U.S. population was intended to highlight the problems that can be encountered when routinely correcting urinary analyte concentrations for creatinine; however, Gamble and Liu point out in their letter yet another complication that may be encountered when evaluating urinary concentrations of chemicals that undergo a folate-mediated single-carbon metabolism. We are grateful that they alerted us of the possible complication of evaluating data for chemicals such as arsenic. Because folate is routinely measured in the ongoing NHANES cycles and speciated arsenic measurements have begun in the same samples, the role of one-carbon metabolism should certainly be considered in interpreting results for arsenic and other similarly metabolized chemicals for future editions of the CDC’s National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals (CDC 2001, 2003b).
Avoiding geometric intersection operations in reachability analysis of hybrid systems

Although a growing number of dynamical systems studied in various fields are hybrid in nature, the verification of properties, such as stability, safety, etc., is still a challenging problem. Reachability analysis is one of the promising methods for hybrid system verification, which together with all other verification techniques faces the challenge of making the analysis scale with respect to the number of continuous state variables. The bottleneck of many reachability analysis techniques for hybrid systems is the geometrically computed intersection with guard sets. In this work, we replace the intersection operation by a nonlinear mapping onto the guard, which is not only numerically stable, but also scalable, making it possible to verify systems which were previously out of reach. The approach can be applied to the fairly common class of hybrid systems with piecewise continuous solutions, guard sets modeled as halfspaces, and urgent semantics, i.e. discrete transitions are immediately taken when enabled by guard sets. We demonstrate the usefulness of the new approach by a mechanical system with backlash which has 101 continuous state variables.
Reducing the Door-to-Balloon Time for Myocardial Infarction with ST-Segment Elevation

It has been 27 years since the initial report of successful reperfusion of occluded coronary arteries with thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction,1 and 20 years since the initial report of the feasibility and safety of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the same setting.2 During the past decade, primary PCI has gradually emerged as the preferred treatment strategy for acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation.3,4 However, for both primary PCI and thrombolytic therapy, analyses have consistently shown that timely reperfusion remains a key component in improving the survival of patients.5–7 For primary PCI, the standard . . .
NADP-Agarose: An affinity adsorbent for tobacco extracellular nuclease and other nucleases

The extracellular nuclease from tobacco cell cultures is competitively inhibited by nucleotides that bear a 2′-phosphomonoester group. One of these nucleotides, NADP, immobilized on agarose is able to adsorb the tobacco nuclease. The enzyme is released from the resin by alteration of the pH to a value at which NADP is much less inhibitory, or by passage of a buffer containing substrate, product, inhibitor, or a high concentration of sodium chloride through the column. The interaction between the tobacco nuclease and NADP-agarose is dependent upon the presence of the adenosine 2′-phosphate 5′-diphosphate ligand in the resin. NADP-agarose is also able to bind several other sugar-unspecific nucleases and RNA-specific nucleases. Conditions are described for the chromatography of these nucleases on this affinity resin.
Numerical Study of Evaporation Heat Transfer from the Liquid-Vapor Interface in Wick Microstructures

A numerical model of the evaporating liquid meniscus under saturated vapor conditions in wick microstructures has been developed. Four different wick geometries representing the common wicks used in heat pipes, viz., wire mesh, rectangular grooves, sintered wicks and vertical microwires, are modeled and compared for evaporative performance. The solid-liquid combination considered is copper-water. Steady evaporation is modeled and the liquid-vapor interface shape is assumed to be static during evaporation. Liquid-vapor interface shapes in different geometries are obtained by solving the Young-Laplace equation using Surface Evolver. Mass, momentum and energy equations are solved numerically in the liquid domain, with the vapor assumed to be saturated. Evaporation at the interface is modeled by using appropriate heat and mass transfer rates obtained from kinetic theory. Thermo-capillary convection due to non-isothermal conditions at the interface is modeled for all geometries and its role in heat transfer enhancement from the interface is quantified for both low and high superheats. More than 80% of the evaporation heat transfer is noted to occur from the thin-film region of the liquid meniscus. Very small Capillary and Weber numbers arising due to small fluid velocities near the interface for low superheats validate the assumption of static liquid meniscus shape during evaporation. Solid-liquid contact angle, wick porosity, solid-vapor superheat and liquid level in the wick pore are varied to study their effects on evaporation from the liquid meniscus.© 2009 ASME
Reaction pathways and kinetics of cholesterol in high-temperature water

Abstract We investigated the reaction of cholesterol, a model compound for sterols in microalgae, in high-temperature water at 300, 325, and 350 °C. Products nearly entirely consisted of cholestadienes, with cholesta-2,4-diene, cholesta-3,5-diene, and cholesta-4,6-diene being the most abundant isomers. Cholesta-3,5-diene was the only primary product, formed via dehydration of cholesterol. Cholesta-2,4-diene and cholesta-4,6-diene likely formed from cholesta-3,5-diene by double-bond migration. We report conversion and product molar yields for each reaction condition. The initial rate of disappearance of cholesterol was first-order with an activation energy of Ea = 127 ± 12 kJ mol−1 and A = 108.35±2.41 s−1. We used a delplot analysis and mechanistic considerations to develop a reaction network for conditions relevant to hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae.
Influence of Local and Central Factors in Dominating Rated Perceived Exertion during Physical Work

The literature suggests two major factors determine rated perceived exertion during physical work. These two factors are a local factor, i.e., sensations or feelings of strain in the working muscles and/or joints; and a central factor, i.e., sensations or feelings primarily associated with the cardiorespiratory systems. In some experiments heart rate and minute ventilation (central vactors) appear to be the dominant cues for rated perceived exertion, while in others, local factors such as blood lactate concentration and muscular discomfort seem to be the prominent cues. However, it appears that when a particular cue is accentuated by either elevated rate, concentration or value over others it can dominate the over-all rating of perceived exertion. After evaluating the existing literature, a model has been introduced to evaluate differentiated ratings of perceived exertion (local and central) in comparison to the over-all measure. This model may help aid in a better understanding of the mechanisms by which the subjective perception of exertion is determined during different types of physical work.
RNA-Binding Protein FXR2 Regulates Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis by Reducing Noggin Expression

In adult mammalian brains, neurogenesis persists in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles (SVZ) and the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. Although evidence suggest that adult neurogenesis in these two regions is subjected to differential regulation, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we show that the RNA-binding protein FXR2 specifically regulates DG neurogenesis by reducing the stability of Noggin mRNA. FXR2 deficiency leads to increased Noggin expression and subsequently reduced BMP signaling, which results in increased proliferation and altered fate specification of neural stem/progenitor cells in DG. In contrast, Noggin is not regulated by FXR2 in the SVZ, because Noggin expression is restricted to the ependymal cells of the lateral ventricles, where FXR2 is not expressed. Differential regulation of SVZ and DG stem cells by FXR2 may be a key component of the mechanism that governs the different neurogenic processes in these two adult germinal zones.
The Identification of Novel Ovarian Proteases Through the Use of Genomic and Bioinformatic Methodologies

Proteolytic activities are essential for follicular growth, ovulation, as well as for luteal formation and regression. Using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), a novel mouse ovary-selective gene (termed protease serine 35, Prss35) was identified. Analysis of the mouse genome database using the Prss35 sequence led to the identification of a homologous protease (protease serine 23, Prss23). PRSS35 possesses general features that are characteristic of serine (Ser) proteases, but is unique in that the canonical Ser that defines this enzyme family is replaced by a threonine (Thr). In contrast, PRSS23 possesses the standard catalytic Ser typical for this family of proteases. As determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the Prss35 mRNA levels increased around the time of ovulation and remained elevated in the developing corpus luteum. Steroid ablation/replacement studies demonstrated progesterone-dependent regulation of Prss35 gene expression prior to follicle rupture. Prss35 gene expression was localized to the theca cells of pre-antral follicles, the theca and granulosa cells of pre-ovulatory and ovulatory follicles, as well as to the developing corpus luteum. In contrast, Prss23 mRNA levels decreased transiently after ovulation induction and again in the postovulatory period. Prss23 gene expression was noted primarily in the granulosa cells of the secondary/early antral follicles. PRSS35 and PRSS23 orthologs in the rat, human, rhesus macaque, chimpanzee, cattle, dog, and chicken were identified and found to be highly homologous to one another (75-99% homology). Collectively, these results suggest that the PRSS35 and PRSS23 genes have been conserved as critical ovarian proteases throughout the course of vertebrate evolution.
EFFECT OF SMOKING PROCESS ON SOLUBILITY AND ELECTROPHORETIC BEHAVIOR OF MEAT PROTEINS

SUMMARY The solubility characteristics and starch gel electrophoretic properties of untreated, heated, and heated and smoked pork longissimus dorsi muscle samples were investigated. The percentages of the low ionic strength fraction, the sarcoplasmic and the soluble fibrillar protein nitrogen fractions decreased in the heated and heated and smoked samples when compared to the untreated samples. The myofibrillar protein nitrogen fraction increased in the heated samples and decreased in the heated and smoked samples. The stroma fraction from the untreated to the heated state remained almost constant, but increased considerably in the heated and smoked samples. Electrophoretic studies of the sarcoplasmic fraction indicated numerous changes in the heated and heated and smoked samples. The electropherograms of the heated and smoked samples from the Weber-Edsall and meat-urea extracts showed definite changes in protein components. These studies indicated that smoke definitely caused changes in protein solubility and the electrophoretic behavior of meat proteins.