cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-resolution model captures global atmospheric deep convection

When moist air is mixed high into the atmosphere, a process known as deep convection, the motion can give rise to towering storm clouds. Deep convection is also an important process for balancing momentum and energy within the atmosphere. Atmospheric deep convection is a relatively small-scale physical process, with the motion spanning anywhere from 1 to 10 kilometers. Its effects, though, are globally relevant, dictating storm patterns and climatological changes. Modeling deep convection in a global simulation, then, is challenging because these small-scale processes need to be represented and tracked across the whole planet.
A solution to the online guidance problem for targeted reaches: proportional rate control using relative disparity τ

We provide a solution to a major problem in visually guided reaching. Research has shown that binocular vision plays an important role in the online visual guidance of reaching, but the visual information and strategy used to guide a reach remains unknown. We propose a new theory of visual guidance of reaching including a new information variable, sa (relative disparity s), and a novel control strategy that allows actors to guide their reach trajectories visually by maintaining a constant proportion between sa and its rate of change. The dynamical model couples the information to the reaching movement to generate trajectories characteristic of human reaching. We tested the theory in two experiments in which participants reached under conditions of darkness to guide a visible point either on a sliding apparatus or on their finger to a point-light target in depth. Slider apparatus con- trolled for a simple mapping from visual to proprioceptive space. When reaching with their finger, participants were forced, by perturbation of visual information used for feed- forward control, to use online control with only binocular disparity-based information for guidance. Statistical analy- ses of trajectories strongly supported the theory. Simulations of the model were compared statistically to actual reaching trajectories. The results supported the theory, showing that sa provides a source of information for the control of visually guided reaching and that participants use this information in a proportional rate control strategy.
The mode of association of alkanes with coals

Abstract The yield of alkanes released from three coals by liquefaction in tetralin at 400°C is 6–8 times greater than the yield obtained by Soxhlet extraction with the azeotropic micture of benzene and ethanol. The alkanes are dominated by a series of n alkanes, in most cases in the range C 14 -C 34 , together with major amounts of pristane and phytane. Homologous series of pentacyclic triterpanes are also present, according to GC/MS analyses. These consist almost entirely of hydrocarbons of the hopane and moretane series (17αH, 21βH and 17βH, 21αH), in the range C 27 -C 34 (C 28 being absent). Several members of the series are found in S and R epimeric pairs. Differences in several aspects of alkane distribution between extract and liquefaction products were carefully examined. taking an overall view, the distributions in extract and product oil from any one coal were quite closely similar. It is concluded that the additional alkanes yielded by liquefaction had most probably been physically trapped inside the macromolecular network of the coals, and releasable only on disruption of that network.
Ablation of MMP9 Gene Ameliorates Paracellular Permeability and Fibrinogen–Amyloid Beta Complex Formation during Hyperhomocysteinemia

Increased blood level of homocysteine (Hcy), called hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) accompanies many cognitive disorders including Alzheimer's disease. We hypothesized that HHcy-enhanced cerebrovascular permeability occurs via activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) and leads to an increased formation of fibrinogen-β-amyloid (Fg-Aβ) complex. Cerebrovascular permeability changes were assessed in C57BL/6J (wild type, WT), cystathionine-β-synthase heterozygote (Cbs+/-, a genetic model of HHcy), MMP9 gene knockout (Mmp9-/-), and Cbs and Mmp9 double knockout (Cbs+/-/Mmp9-/-) mice using a dual-tracer probing method. Expression of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and Fg-Aβ complex formation was assessed in mouse brain cryosections by immunohistochemistry. Short-term memory of mice was assessed with a novel object recognition test. The cerebrovascular permeability in Cbs+/- mice was increased via mainly the paracellular transport pathway. VE-cadherin expression was the lowest and Fg-Aβ complex formation was the highest along with the diminished short-term memory in Cbs+/- mice. These effects of HHcy were ameliorated in Cbs+/-/Mmp9-/- mice. Thus, HHcy causes activation of MMP9 increasing cerebrovascular permeability by downregulation of VE-cadherin resulting in an enhanced formation of Fg-Aβ complex that can be associated with loss of memory. These data may lead to the identification of new targets for therapeutic intervention that can modulate HHcy-induced cerebrovascular permeability and resultant pathologies.
Creep Crack Growth Behavior in Power Plant Boiler and Steam Pipe Steels

Presentation de donnees de la vitesse de propagation des fissures de fluage dans les aciers 2,25 Cr-1 Mo; 1,25 Cr-0,5 Mo et 0,5 Cr-0,5 Mo-2,25 V. Correlation de ces donnees avec le parametre d'extremite de fissures. Determination des deformations par fluage et des proprietes de traction. Influence du dommage en service, de la temperature d'essai et des parametres de soudage sur le comportement a la propagation
Examining Administrators’ Disciplinary Philosophies A Conceptual Model

Background: In the 40th Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools, Americans rated student discipline as the second largest problem facing public education. This poses a substantial problem for administrators striving to employ school reform policies, address public demands, and meet the needs of contemporary students. Purpose: A review of the literature revealed a large body of research that examines disciplinary practice; however, it also showcased a literary gap regarding administrative disciplinary philosophies. Research Design: This multiple case study highlights disciplinary philosophies possessed by five secondary school administrators. Analysis includes utilizing the administrator discipline facilitation continuum, an adapted discipline continuum developed to analyze administrator disciplinary philosophies. Conclusions: The versatility of the continuum as well as implications for its use and future development are discussed.
Novel climates, no‐analog communities, and ecological surprises

No-analog communities (communities that are compositionally unlike any found today) occurred frequently in the past and will develop in the greenhouse world of the future. The well documented no-analog plant communities of late-glacial North America are closely linked to “novel” climates also lacking modern analogs, characterized by high seasonality of temperature. In climate simulations for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change A2 and B1 emission scenarios, novel climates arise by 2100 AD, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. These future novel climates are warmer than any present climates globally, with spatially variable shifts in precipitation, and increase the risk of species reshuffling into future no-analog communities and other ecological surprises. Most ecological models are at least partially parameterized from modern observations and so may fail to accurately predict ecological responses to these novel climates. There is an urgent need to test the robustness of ecological mode...
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular apical aneurysm in brothers

The investigators report similar phenotypes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular apical aneurysm and thrombus in 2 brothers aged 8 years apart. This report highlights the genetic predisposition for this unique, high-risk phenotype, the issue of prophylactic anticoagulation, and the importance of nonstandard echocardiographic imaging views in the assessment of these patients.
Coherence of Atlantic Cod Stock Dynamics in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean

Abstract The stocks of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean declined in abundance from 1965 to 2003; the declines in spawning stock biomass (SSB) have been temporally coherent. A coherent, sharp increase in SSBs from 1975 to 1985 and a subsequent decrease from 1985 to 1992 are superimposed on the general decline. The coherence suggests that cod stock variability in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean is driven by a common set of causes or that the linkages among the nominal stocks are stronger than was previously thought. The coherent increases in cod SSB from the mid-1970s to 1985 occurred under relatively low fishing mortalities. The declines in SSB beginning in 1985 began during a period of low fishing mortalities. During the 1985-1992 period the declines in Atlantic cod abundance were coupled with greatly reduced growth rates, increased natural mortality rates, and a lack of response to reduced fishing mortality. This suggests that the 1985-1992 decreases were driven by a strong negative...
Effect of rate on adhesion and static friction of a film-terminated fibrillar interface.

A film-terminated fibrillar interface has been shown to result in significant enhancement of adhesion and static friction compared to a flat control. This enhancement increases with interfibril spacing. In this, the first of a two-part study, by studying the effect of rate on adhesion and static friction, we show that both adhesion and static friction enhancement are due to a crack-trapping mechanism. For adhesion, as measured by an indentation experiment, an analytical model is used to relate the applied indenter displacement rate and measured forces to contact line velocity and energy release rate, respectively. The two mechanisms for adhesion enhancement―varying rate and crack-trapping―are found to be coupled multiplicatively.
Biological Roles of Uterine Glands in Pregnancy

All mammalian uteri contain glands in the endometrium that synthesize or transport and secrete substances essential for survival and development of the conceptus (embryo/fetus and associated extraembryonic membranes). This review summarizes information related to the biological roles of uterine glands and their secretions in blastocyst/conceptus survival and implantation, uterine receptivity, and stromal cell decidualization in humans and animal models. The infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss observed in the ovine uterine gland knockout (UGKO) model unequivocally supports a primary role for uterine glands and, by inference, their secretions present in uterine luminal fluid in survival and development of the conceptus. Further, studies with mutant and progesterone-induced UGKO mice found that uterine glands and their secretions are required for establishment of uterine receptivity and blastocyst implantation as well as stromal cell decidualization. Similarly in humans, uterine glands and their secretory products are likely critical regulators of blastocyst implantation, uterine receptivity, and conceptus growth and development during the first trimester. Circumstantial evidence suggests that deficient glandular activity may be a causative factor in pregnancy failure and complications in humans. Thus, an increased understanding of uterine gland biology is important for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of fertility and pregnancy problems in mammals.
Ligand-induced conformational rearrangements promote interaction between the Escherichia coli enterobactin biosynthetic proteins EntE and EntB.

Abstract Siderophores are small-molecule iron chelators that many bacteria synthesize and secrete in order to survive in iron-depleted environments. Biosynthesis of enterobactin, the Escherichia coli catecholate siderophore, requires adenylation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3-DHB) by the cytoplasmic enzyme EntE. The DHB-AMP product is then transferred to the active site of holo-EntB subsequent to formation of an EntE–EntB complex. Here we investigate the binding of 2,3-DHB to EntE and how DHB binding affects EntE–EntB interaction. We overexpressed and purified recombinant forms of EntE and EntB with N-terminal hexahistidine tags (H6-EntE and H6-EntB). Isothermal titration calorimetry showed that 2,3-DHB binds to H6-EntE with a 1:1 stoichiometry and a Kd of 7.4 μM. Fluorescence spectra revealed enhanced 2,3-DHB emission at 440 nm (λex = 280 nm) when bound to H6-EntE due to fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between EntE intrinsic fluorophore donors and bound 2,3-DHB acceptor. A FRET signal was not observed when H6-EntE was mixed with either 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid or 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. The H6-EntE–2,3-DHB FRET signal was quenched by H6-EntB in a concentration-dependent manner. From these data, we were able to determine the EC50 of EntE–EntB interaction to be approximately 1.5 μM. We also found by fluorescence and CD measurements that H6-EntB can bind 2,3-DHB, resulting in conformational changes in the protein. Additional alterations in H6-EntB near-UV and far-UV CD spectra were observed upon mixture with H6-EntE and 2,3-DHB, suggesting that further conformational rearrangements occur in EntB upon interaction with substrate-loaded EntE. We also found that H6-EntB as a bait protein pulled down a higher concentration of chromosomally expressed EntE in the presence of exogenous 2,3-DHB. Taken together, our results show that binding of 2,3-DHB to EntE and EntB primes these proteins for efficient complexation, thus facilitating direct channeling of the siderophore precursor 2,3-DHB-AMP.
Tiludronate concentrations and cytologic findings in synovial fluid after intravenous regional limb perfusion with tiludronate in horses

Anecdotal accounts of tiludronate administration via intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) exist despite a lack of information regarding safety for synovial structures in the perfused area. The objective of this study was to determine whether tiludronate concentrations in synovial structures after IVRLP with low dose (0.5 mg, LDT) or high dose (50 mg, HDT) tiludronate remain below a value demonstrated in vitro to be safe for articular cartilage ( 19,000 ng/ml in DIP joints of two HDT limbs. Tiludronate was measurable only in synovial fluid from HDT limbs 24 h post-perfusion. There were no differences in synovial fluid cytology variables between control and treated limbs. Conclusions. In some horses, IVRLP with HDT may result in synovial fluid concentrations of tiludronate that may have adverse effects on articular cartilage, based on in vitro data. IVRLP with LDT is unlikely to promote articular cartilage degradation. Further studies to determine a safe and effective dose for IVRLP with tiludronate are needed.
Interfacing a polymer-based micromachined device to a nanoelectrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer.

Here we report the design, fabrication, and operation of a polymer-based microchip device interfaced to a nanoelectrospray ionization source and a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. The poly(methyl methacrylate) micromachined device was fabricated using X-ray lithography to produce a network of channels with high aspect ratios. Fabrication of high aspect ratio channels allows for zero dead volume interfaces between the microchip platform and the nanoelectrospray capillary interface. The performance of this device was evaluated with standard peptide and protein samples. High-quality mass spectral data from peptide and proteins (and mixtures thereof) were obtained without any interfering chemical noise from the polymer or the developers and plasticizers used in the fabrication process. Sample cross-contamination is not a problem using this polymer-based microchip device as demonstrated by the sequential analysis of several proteins. The nanoelectrospray source was operated at flow ...
Acid-catalyzed oxygen-18 labeling of peptides.

In enzymatic 18O-labeling strategies for quantitative proteomics, the exchange of carboxyl oxygens at low pH is a common, undesired side reaction. We asked if acid-catalyzed back exchange could interfere with quantitation and whether the reaction itself could be used as method for introducing 18O label into peptides. Several synthetic peptides were dissolved in dilute acid containing 50% (v/v) H218O and incubated at room temperature. Aliquots were removed over a period of 3 weeks and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). 18O-incorporation ratios were determined by linear regression analysis that allowed for multiple stable-isotope incorporations. At low pH, peptides exchanged their carboxyl oxygen atoms with the aqueous solvent. The isotope patterns gradually shifted to higher masses until they reached the expected binomial distribution at equilibrium after ∼11 days. Reaction rates were residue- and sequence-specific. Due to its slow nature, the acid-catalyzed back exchange is expected to minimall...
Chemical Fingerprinting of Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) and Its Comparison Study with Closely Related Actaea Species (A. pachypoda, A. podocarpa, A. rubra) by HPLC

Black cohosh (Actaearecemosa) is a popular botanical used for women’s health. The rhizomes/roots used in black cohosh products are often collected from the wild; a correct identification is therefore crucial. An HPLC-ELSD method has been developed for the analysis of terpenoids in different Actaea species samples. The best results were obtained with a Phenomenex Discovery column using gradient mobile phase of water (0.1% acetic acid), acetonitrile (0.1% acetic acid) and reagent alcohol. Owing to their low UV absorption, the triterpene saponins were detected by evaporative light scattering. Elution was run at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min−1. This paper discusses the use of the chemical fingerprinting technique as a means of identifying A. recemosa from three closely related species, A. pachypoda, A. podocarpa and A. rubra, respectively. This method suggests that the analytical method could be a useful method for quality control and identifying species.
Economic integration agreements and production fragmentation: evidence on the extensive margin

In this article we present evidence on the impact of economic integration agreements (EIAs) on production fragmentation based on a direct measure of offshoring: the number of vertically integrated foreign subsidiaries located in partner countries. We find that EIAs favour the formation of cross-border production networks. Further, this effect is stronger when agreements are deeper.
Insights on the nanoparticle formation process in counterflow diffusion flames

This paper reports on a new version of the multiscale atomistic model for particle inception (AMPI) code to study the effect of oxidation on nanoparticle structures formed in counter-flow, propene diffusion flames. The code has been expanded with 158 new oxidation reactions and the potential for the Molecular Dynamics module has been expanded to describe systems containing C, H and O. The rate of nanoparticle mass growth is modeled in two different flame configurations to address the influence of combustion environments on the inception process. In the case of high temperature and abundant radicals, the AMPI code successfully predicts the nanoparticle formation. In these conditions, the particle loading is mainly associated with the formation of high-molecular structures through polymerization reactions. In the case of low temperature and high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) concentrations, the combined mechanism of chemical reactions described by the AMPI code and coagulation of PAH and nanoparticles contribute to particle growth. Structural properties of the particles, such as aspect ratio, oxygen content and H/C ratio are computed in the two configurations.
Solid-oxide fuel cells with hydrocarbon fuels

Abstract Solid-oxide fuel cells can directly use hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon-derived fuels. Conversion efficiencies can be considerably greater than those of heat engines, with hybrid cycles in combination with heat engines and co-generation promising conversion efficiencies as high as 70%. This paper discusses the fundamental concepts of fuel cells, concentrating on the underlying chemical and electrochemical processes. Fully understanding fuel cell function requires attention to physical and chemical processes that span length scales ranging from atomistic to meter-scale systems. Beyond the electrochemistry that is responsible for electrical energy production, fuel cell function relies on chemically reacting flow, porous-media transport, and heterogeneous thermal chemistry. Especially with hydrocarbon and hydrocarbon-derived fuels, there are interesting scientific and engineering connections, and analogies with combustion science and technology.
Impulse Approximation for One-Dimensional Atom-Oscillator Collisions. I

Translational-vibrational energy transfer in collinear collisions of an atom and an harmonic oscillator has been treated in the impulse approximation of Chew. Although transition probabilities for a soft exponential interaction potential compared poorly with exact quantum-mechanical results, for sufficiently small incident masses good results were obtained for a hard impulsive interaction. This is understood in terms of the ratio of the collision time to the oscillator period; the impulse approximation is expected to be valid when this ratio is small. For the smaller incident masses, qualitative agreement with exact results was obtained over a wide energy range for the "hard-sphere" collisions. This represents the first successful approximate treatment of impulsive collisions for this model. In contrast to the familiar perturbative methods, the quality of the approximation does not decrease for multiple-quantum transitions and improves as the energy increases. The one-dimensional impulse-approximation transition probabilities ${P}_{\mathrm{if}}$ are ill behaved at threshold; however, most computed probabilities remained well behaved to within about $\frac{1}{4}\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}$ of threshold. The approximation fails to conserve probability. It was found that the sums of probabilities $\ensuremath{\Sigma}{f}^{}{P}_{\mathrm{if}}$ for the various initial states $i$ provided reliable measures of confidence in the approximation. For a given $i$, if the probability sum was nearly constant with changing energy, the ${P}_{\mathrm{if}}$ curves were qualitatively good; on the contrary, the curves were in less good agreement with exact results if the probability sums were less stable with changing energy. When the curves for a given $i$ were qualitatively good, a simple renormalization yielded quantitative agreement with exact results and minimized the effects of threshold misbehavior.
Elevations of tissue-type plasminogen activator and differential expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator in diseased aorta

Abstract Purpose: Elevations of plasmin have been implicated in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) because of its ability to digest extracellular matrix proteins. Plasminogen activators regulate the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is more important in modulation of fibrinolysis, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is predominant in tissue remodeling. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of plasminogen activators in diseased aorta because they may be responsible for the increased plasmin levels previously described in AAA. Methods: Levels of tPA and uPA in AAA, occlusive, and normal (organ donor) aorta were studied in tissue explant supernatants. Supernatant tPA and uPA levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Northern analysis was used to quantitate uPA messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in aortic tissue. Results: Levels of tPA in the supernatants were similar in occlusive (20 ± 4 ng/ml) and AAA (23 ± 8) aorta, but threefold higher than in normal aorta (7 ± 5; p p p p p Conclusions: Levels of tPA were similar in aneurysmal and occlusive aorta, but exhibited a threefold increase over normal aorta, suggesting that the elevations of tPA are associated with the arteriosclerosis present in both aneurysmal and occlusive disease. Differences in uPA levels were significant between all three groups, with the highest levels in AAA and the lowest levels in normal specimens. Northern analysis of uPA mRNA followed the same trend, suggesting that the increase in uPA may be regulated at the level of transcription. As uPA plays an important role in tissue remodeling, our findings may also reflect the relative tissue repair activities in these three types of specimens and may explain the previously reported increased levels of plasmin seen in AAA. (J Vasc Surg 1997;25:157-64.)
In vitro exposure of frog (Rana pipiens) pituitaries to gonadotropin-releasing hormone results in a persistent stimulation of gonadotropin biosynthesis

To further investigate the action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on gonadotropin (Gth) secretion and synthesis, pituitaries from frogs, Rana pipiens, were incubated in the presence or absence of 100 ng/ml GnRH for 12 h. GnRH was then removed from the medium and glands were labeled with 35S-methionine either 12, 24, or 36 h after the conclusion of GnRH exposure. Immunoassayable LH and FSH (iLH and iFSH; both labeled and nonlabeled hormone) were determined by separate radioimmunoassays. Newly synthesized (radiolabeled) Gth was quantified by immunoprecipitation. When GnRH was present in the medium, it stimulated the secretion of both iLH and iFSH (compared to unexposed glands). Following withdrawal of the secretagogue, iLH and iFSH secretion diminished until they returned to control levels (within ca. 12 h). Previous exposure to GnRH enhanced the biosynthesis of Gth; this elevation was detectable up to 36 h after removal of the secretagogue. The magnitude of the elevation in Gth synthesis did not diminish with time, as secretion had, but remained constant. Gth synthesis was comparable in glands that had been exposed to GnRH 12 h and those exposed to the secretagogue 36 h prior. Thus, the GnRH-induced elevation in Gth secretion and synthesis can be dissociated; the elevation in synthesis is more chronic than the elevation in secretion.
Photon Production at Next to Leading Order in High Temperature QCD Plasmas

Abstract We compute the photon emission rate at Next to Leading Order (NLO), i.e., through order g 2 m D / T ∼ g 3 , in high temperature non-abelian plasmas. The NLO correction is of roughly of order 10% for α s ≃ 0.3 and is approximately independent of the photon momentum.
Remodelling of left ventricle after banding of ascending aorta in the rat

Study objective – The aim was to study sequential changes of cardiac performance and structure after banding of ascending aorta. Design – Cardiac performance and structure were examined at days 1 and 3, and weeks 1, 2, and 4 postoperatively (aortic banding or sham). Cardiac function indices were measured before and during volume overload. Passive pressure-volume relationship and cardiac morphology were examined at the end of the experiment. Experimental material — 30 aortic banded and 33 age matched, sham operated rats were used for the studies. The animals were anaesthetised, then instrumented for haemodynamic measurements. Measurements and results – The left ventricular weight and calculated left ventricular wall thickness of banded rats increased significantly as early as one day postoperation, compared with the age matched shams. This increase persisted throughout the follow up period, except at day 3, when the increase in left ventricular weight did not reach statistical significance. Left ventricular wall mass/cavitary volume ratio increased significantly in banded rats at all follow up periods except at day 3. Cardiac index of banded rats at rest was not different from that of shams but showed a transient significant reduction at 3 d postoperative. However, maximum cardiac index produced by acute volume overload was not different between the two groups throughout the follow up period. Simultaneous end diastolic pressure was significantly higher in banded rats on the first postoperative day but not in later follow up. The passive pressure-volume curve at 1 d postoperative revealed that left ventricular volumes were significantly smaller in banded rats than in shams, whereas chamber stiffness constant and volume elasticity (chamber stiffness constant normalised for left ventricular volume) were not different between the two groups throughout the follow up period. Conclusions – Taken together, these findings suggest that structural change of the left ventricle may play a role in maintaining left ventricular function by shifting the pressure-volume curve leftward in the early period of aortic banding.
Behavioral effects of serotonergic and dopaminergic drugs in cats following chronic amphetamine administration.

Chronic administration of amphetamine to cats (twice daily, in doses increasing from 5 to 15 mg/kg over a 10-day period) elicited a number of behaviors e.g., limb flicking, abortive grooming, and excessive head shaking, which were originally proposed as an animal behavioral model for studying the actions of hallucinogens that depress central serotonergic neurotransmission. This drug treatment produced large decreases (approximately 50%) in central nervous system serotonin (5HT) and its major metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and even larger decreases (approximately 90%) in the levels of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine. Administration of the 5HT precursors L-tryptophan (25 mg/kg i.p.) or L-5-hydroxytryptophan (12.5 mg/kg i.p.), a direct-acting 5HT agonist (quipazine, 1 mg/kg i.p.) or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (tranylcypromine, 4 mg/kg i.p.) produced no significant changes in these behaviors in cats treated chronically with amphetamine. Administration of a 5HT reuptake blocker (fluoxetine, 5 mg/kg i.p.) produced a small, but significant, decrease in the frequency of occurrence of these behaviors in amphetamine-treated cats. L-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA, 20 mg/kg i.p.) greatly potentiated these behaviors in cats chronically treated with amphetamine, but L-DOPA was totally ineffective in eliciting these behaviors in naive animals. The behavioral effects of apomorphine (2 mg/kg i.p.) were also significantly potentiated by chronic amphetamine pretreatment. The amino acid precursor of DA, L-tyrosine (25 mg/kg i.p.), and a DA reuptake blocker, bupropion (5 mg/kg i.p.) were without significant effect on these behaviors in amphetamine-treated cats. The data suggest that these cat behaviors are elicited by an action at central DA receptors and that these receptors become supersensitive following chronic amphetamine administration. Furthermore, there may be a qualitative change in DA receptors, since L-DOPA is very effective in potentiating these behaviors in cats treated chronically with amphetamine, but is totally ineffective in naive cats.
The Knuth-Bendix procedure for strings as a substitute for coset enumeration

This note describes two examples in which the Knuth-Bendix procedure for strings is more useful than coset enumeration for studying a finitely presented group.
Development and initial evaluation of a treatment decision dashboard

For many healthcare decisions, multiple alternatives are available with different combinations of advantages and disadvantages across several important dimensions. The complexity of current healthcare decisions thus presents a significant barrier to informed decision making, a key element of patient-centered care. Interactive decision dashboards were developed to facilitate decision making in Management, a field marked by similarly complicated choices. These dashboards utilize data visualization techniques to reduce the cognitive effort needed to evaluate decision alternatives and a non-linear flow of information that enables users to review information in a self-directed fashion. Theoretically, both of these features should facilitate informed decision making by increasing user engagement with and understanding of the decision at hand. We sought to determine if the interactive decision dashboard format can be successfully adapted to create a clinically realistic prototype patient decision aid suitable for further evaluation and refinement. We created a computerized, interactive clinical decision dashboard and performed a pilot test of its clinical feasibility and acceptability using a multi-method analysis. The dashboard summarized information about the effectiveness, risks of side effects and drug-drug interactions, out-of-pocket costs, and ease of use of nine analgesic treatment options for knee osteoarthritis. Outcome evaluations included observations of how study participants utilized the dashboard, questionnaires to assess usability, acceptability, and decisional conflict, and an open-ended qualitative analysis. The study sample consisted of 25 volunteers - 7 men and 18 women - with an average age of 51 years. The mean time spent interacting with the dashboard was 4.6 minutes. Mean evaluation scores on scales ranging from 1 (low) to 7 (high) were: mechanical ease of use 6.1, cognitive ease of use 6.2, emotional difficulty 2.7, decision-aiding effectiveness 5.9, clarification of values 6.5, reduction in decisional uncertainty 6.1, and provision of decision-related information 6.0. Qualitative findings were similarly positive. Interactive decision dashboards can be adapted for clinical use and have the potential to foster informed decision making. Additional research is warranted to more rigorously test the effectiveness and efficiency of patient decision dashboards for supporting informed decision making and other aspects of patient-centered care, including shared decision making.
Variations on the Ising problem

In a previous article we presented an exposition of the 2-dimensional Ising problem expressing it entirely in terms of enumerating even subgraphs of a labeled grid. On considering instead an unlabeled grid, the corresponding problem in graphical enumeration can be solved in the general n-dimensional case, thus providing a lower bound. A formulation of the analogous labeled and unlabeled problems for other regular graphs is proposed and it is discussed in particular for hypercubes.
False samples are not the same as blind controls

Informal efforts to “test” a laboratory corrupt the data stream, where integrity is crucial.
Cholinergic Activity of 2-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane Analogs of Acetylcholine

The cis- and trans- isomers of 5- and 6-acetoxy-2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane and the corresponding methiodide salts were synthesized and evaluated for cholinergic activity. The stereochemistry of the intermediate tertiary aminoalcohols is discussed. In the guinea pig ileum assay, all compounds were inactive except two, one of which was an effective competitive antagonist of acetylcholine while the other demonstrated agonist properties.
Multistage explicit advective prediction for projection-type incompressible flow solvers

A multistep advective predictor has been developed within the context of projection schemes for incompressible flows. The key idea is to integrate with schemes of different order the different regions of the domain. In regions where advection dominates, multistepping yields a considerable benefit. In those regions where viscosity dominates, the scheme reverts naturally to the original one-step scheme. Several examples show savings of the order of 1:3-1:10 as compared with standard projection schemes, even for transient problems. Given that these benefits can be a achieved with a very modest change in existing codes, the proposed multistage advective predictor should be widely applicable.
Binding of ochratoxin A to human serum albumin stabilized by a protein-ligand ion pair

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a fungal metabolite of strains of Penicillium and Aspergillus, binds in its dianion form to Sudlow site I of human serum albumin (HSA) with high affinity. In this study, isothermal calorimetry (ITC) is used to study the binding of OTA and its O-methyl derivative (MOA). Calculations of the equilibrium geometry of the monoanion and dianion of OTA reveal only small structural changes among the lowest energy conformers. The ITC data show the binding of MOA, which lacks the phenolic proton of OTA, is accompanied by the uptake of a proton from the surrounding solvent. At pH 7.13, the binding of OTA is accompanied by uptake of 0.43 ± 0.15 protons from the solvent. At this pH, the monoanion (0.54) and dianion (0.46) forms of OTA are both present in solution. However, the pKa of the phenolic group of OTA decreases by more than three units upon protein binding, and so all available OTA is bound to the protein as the dianion. To account for the ITC data, a model is proposed in which the proton is...
Rhythm in Chinese thinking: a short question for a long tradition.

This paper tries to shed a fresh light on the use of several key terms in traditional Chinese medicine (and philosophy) related to the theory of so-called systematic correspondence. Drawing on some influential works in Chinese science and civilization (e.g., Marcel Granet, Joseph Needham, Nathan Sivin), the paper argues that the idea of rhythm, properly defined, should become an organizing idea in studying the traditions of Chinese thinking and practice in medicine as well as in general. Rhythmicity is not periodicity (though they are inseparable from one another) and the idea of rhythm is more useful (than for example the notion of correspondence) for medical anthropology. The paper is divided into three parts: 1) the idea of rhythm in some key terms of traditional Chinese medicine, 2) the Chinese theory of resonance versus the idea of rhythm, and 3) the relation of resonance, rhythm and ecstatic experiences with respect to medical anthropology. An acquaintance with the arguments of my previous article in these pages will be helpful but not necessary for the present paper.
Nineteenth-Century Metal Arch Bridges

While many arches were built with wood in the early nineteenth century, the availability of cast and wrought iron and later steel led to a proliferation of metal arch bridges after the Civil War. Cast iron was used in 1839 with the Richard Delafield’s Dunlap’s Creek Bridge, 80 ft span, and the 1858 Rock Creek Bridge, 200 ft span, by Montgomery Meigs. By the end of the century, steel arches were built with spans of 840 ft.
The minimum size of hydrostatic transmissions for locomotion

Abstract The hydrostatic transmissions are often used to drive the locomotion devices of off-road machines (wheeled or tracked). A key factor of their feasibility, in addition to their cost, is the size of the volumetric units (two or more) in the fluid loop. The procedure presented in the paper aims to find the minimum displacement of one pump and one or more motors in parallel, from a set of inputs, among which are the rated engine power and the power ratio (a synthetic figure of merit of the transmission performance). The procedure is applied to one pump and one motor, a simple and popular layout, by using data representative of the commercial units in the heavy duty range and emphasizing the differences between the fixed and variable displacement motor. Moreover, the sensitivity of the results to some critical parameters – in particular, the number of motors and their speed limits – is surveyed. The minimum size also stands as a powerful paradigm to evaluate on a rigorous ground the alternative, and sometimes rather complex, layouts conceived to extend the field of application of the hydrostatic transmissions.
Determinants of High-Risk Sexual Behavior during Post-Exposure Prophylaxis to Prevent HIV Infection

Men who have sex with men (MSM) receiving non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (NPEP) to prevent HIV transmission completed interview-assisted questionnaires regarding high-risk behavior in the 6 months prior to NPEP and during the 28-day NPEP period. 21% of participants reported unprotected sex during NPEP, and 11% reported unprotected sex with HIV-positive or HIV status unknown partners. In univariate analyses, unprotected sex during NPEP was associated with prevention fatigue, depression, loss of loved ones to HIV, and a history of engagement with HIV/AIDS service organizations, e.g., receiving services from an HIV-related agency, donating money to HIV-related causes, and reading HIV-related magazines. Logistic regression analyses revealed that the strongest predictor of risk-taking during NPEP was HIV engagement. These data underscore the importance of combining chemoprophylaxis with behavioral interventions that support risk-reduction. Such interventions should not assume that those most engaged with HIV/AIDS service organizations are less likely to engage in risk behavior.
The Ionization and Stopping Power of Various Gases for Alpha Particles from Polonium. II

The ionizations of nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and air were found to be strictly proportional along the range, while methyl iodide shows definite systematic deviations.A method of determining differential stopping powers for $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particles has been applied to a number of gases. The results show that such unstable molecules as NO and ${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$C-N=NC${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$ give strictly additive stopping powers. The stopping powers of all investigated gases are constant within one or two percent for the first 16 mm of range for $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particles from polonium. The method used by Gurney, and by Gibson and Gardiner, for determining stopping powers at the end of the range was investigated, and modified in some details. A series of stopping powers for each of four gases was obtained.Straggling of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particles in various gases. The portion of a Bragg ionization curve between the maximum and the last 1.5 mm is approximately a straight line. If the ionization curve for an individual $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle is a straight line, and if the straggling of the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particles is given by the equation $y=\frac{{e}^{{(\ensuremath{-}\frac{z}{\ensuremath{\alpha}})}^{2}}}{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\frac{1}{2}}\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ (derived theoretically by Bohr and Flamm, and tested experimentally by Irene Curie, Briggs, and others), the end of the Bragg ionization curve is accurately reproduced. This has been shown by Henderson and by Irene Curie. The values of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ which they used were obtained from other considerations. The inverse process, that of finding $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ from the end of the Bragg ionization curve, has been shown in this paper to give values of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ for air which agree with those given by the other methods. This procedure is applicable to the study of straggling in any substance chemically non-reactive.
Eliminating the mean-free-path inconsistency in classical phenomenological model of diffusion for fluids

Abstract Classical phenomenological model of diffusion in fluids is based on the concept of the mean-free-path, λ , and density distribution, n ( x , t ) , as a function of coordinate, x , and time, t . Under the assumption that (1) n ( x - λ , t ) - n ( x + λ , t ) ≈ - 2 λ ( ∂ n / ∂ x ) , this model results in the classical diffusion equation, (2) ∂ n ( x , t ) ∂ t = ∂ ∂ x D ∂ n ( x , t ) ∂ x , where (3) D = ( 1 / 3 ) V ¯ λ and V ¯ is the average velocity of molecules. However, Eq. (3) implies finite λ , but approximation (1) requires the limit of λ → 0 . Here we show that this (mean-free-path) inconsistency distorts the essential physics; in particular, it results in wrong solutions at finite and large λ (including an incorrect limit for the ideal gas). In this paper, the mean-free-path inconsistency is corrected by relaxing the unnecessary assumption (1) . This gives a finite-difference equation for the classical diffusion model: (4) ∂ n ( x , t ) ∂ t = ∂ ∂ x D 2 λ [ n ( x + λ , t ) - n ( x - λ , t ) ] and its generalization taking into account statistical distribution of free-path lengths: (5) ∂ n ( x , t ) ∂ t = ∂ ∂ x D 2 λ 2 ∫ 0 ∞ [ n ( x + ξ , t ) - n ( x - ξ , t ) ] exp - ξ λ d ξ . We have solved and analyzed Eqs. (4) and (5) for capturing boundaries, for infinite system without boundaries, and for periodic initial conditions. Our analysis indicates that these new equations allow more accurate calculations for the classical model and predict new elements of diffusion mechanisms in fluids, such as diffusion correlations.
Absolute motion parallax and the specific distance tendency

In the absence of definitive cues’to distance, the perceived distance of an object will be in error in the direction of the object appearing at a distance of about 2 m from O. This tendency to perceive an object at a relatively near distance is termed the specific distance tendency (Gogel. 1969). Also, it has been found that an error in perceiving the distance of an object will result in an apparent movement of the object when the head is moved (Hay & Sawyer. 1969; Wallach, Yablick. & Smith. 1972). From these two results, it was expected that the direction of trie apparent movement of a stationary point of light resulting from head movement would vary predictably as a function of the physical distance of the point of light from O. This expectation was confirmed in an experiment in which both the perceived motion and perceived distance of the point of light were measured. The consequences of the study for the role of motion parallax in the perception of distance and for the reafference principle in the perception of object motion with head motion are discussed
2.5 A 0.25pJ/b 0.7V 16Gb/s 3-tap decision-feedback equalizer in 65nm CMOS

In this work, a DFE is presented that is designed specifically to operate at low VDD and scale well in energy-efficiency. To achieve this goal, the following innovations are introduced: 1) fast and energy-efficient charge-based latch and sample-and-hold (S/H) topologies; 2) a CMOS-clocked quarter-rate DFE architecture with summer gain and power optimization; 3) an integrating summer with a compact common-mode restoration circuit. Leveraging these techniques, the DFE is capable of operating at or below 0.7V, with an energy efficiency of or better than 0.25pJ/bit.
Nano-sized glass frits with surface treatment for silicon solar cells

The interfacial structure between silver electrodes and n-type silicon emitters plays a very crucial role for the electrical and mechanical properties of silicon solar cells. Studies show that the residual glass frits layers at the Ag/Si interfaces will hugely increase the contact resistance and this subsequently leads to a decrease in the overall efficiency of the silicon solar cells. In this work, silver-coated glass frits were employed to improve the interfacial conductivity. Transfer length method (TLM) was applied to evaluate the electrical performance of samples made by different glass frits. For samples made with silver-coated glass frits, the improvement of conductivity was found to be about 15% compared to glass frits without any surface treatment. The results indicate that the silver layer on the surface of glass frits provide a conducting channel within the residual insulating layer and therefore reduce overall resistance.
Cone system saturation: more than one stage of sensitivity loss.

Abstract Increment thresholds for detecting one brief light (the “probe”) upon another (the “flash”) show extremely steep slopes. This phenomenon, known as cone saturation, is sometimes attributed to sensitivity loss within independently responding classes of cones. To test the validity of this assumption. detection data were obtained using a 640 nm probe and a range of monochromatic flashes as well as a combined 633/541 nm flash. The results, interpreted within the framework of Stiles' displacement laws, refute the simple receptor hypothesis. When monochromatic flashes are used. there is clear involvement of a red green opponent mechanism.