cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloud nucleus formation in a power plant plume

Abstract A rate of production of ca 10 16 particles s −1 of H 2 SO 4 aerosol that acts as cloud condensation nuclei at 1% supersaturation has been estimated to take place in the emission plume from the Four Comers power plant near Farmington, N.M. This generating plant produces about 2175MW at full capacity and emits about 3.7kgs −1 of SO 2 , 2.2 kgs −1 of NO x , and 0.9 kgs −1 of particulates. The site area is desert; annual precipitation averages around 15cm, daytime relative humidity is typically 10–20% and annual sunshine is 75% of possible. An instrumented aircraft was utilized during five investigative periods over a 2-year span to measure plume parameters and to collect plume aerosol samples. The estimated production rate of 10 16 particles s −1 in the plume is equivalent to a gas phase oxidation of SO 2 and homogeneous nucleation-condensation of about 5 μg m −3 h −1 of H 2 SO 4 and is consistent with this mechanism being the primary route for removal of SO 2 .
Modeling net ecosystem metabolism with an artificial neural network and Bayesian belief network

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and Bayesian belief networks (BBNs) utilizing select environmental variables were developed and evaluated, with the intent to model net ecosystem metabolism (a proxy for system trophic state) within a freshwater wetland. Network modeling was completed independently for distinct data subsets, representing periods of 'low' and 'high' water levels throughout in the wetland. ANNs and BBNs were 'benchmarked' against traditional parametric analyses, with network architectures outperforming regression models. ANNs delivered the greatest predictive accuracy for NEM and did not require expert knowledge about system variables for their development. BBNs provided users with an interactive diagram depicting predictor interaction and the qualitative/quantitative effects of variable dynamics upon NEM, thereby affording better information extraction. Importantly, BBNs accommodated the imbalanced nature of the dataset and appeared less affected (than ANNs) with variable auto-correlation traits that are typically observed within large and 'noisy' environmental datasets.
Redirected walking to explore virtual environments: Assessing the potential for spatial interference

Redirected walking has gained popularity in recent years as a way of enhancing the safety of users immersed in a virtual reality simulation and of extending the amount of space that can be simulated in a virtual environment (VE). Limits imposed by the available physical space and functional tracking area are overcome by inducing immersed users to veer imperceptibly in a way that prevents them from leaving the confines of the tracking space. Redirected walking has been shown to be feasible at levels below noticeable thresholds and to function without increasing the incidence of simulator sickness. The present studies demonstrate that redirected walking can function without negatively impacting memory for spatial locations of landmarks in a VE, despite introducing discrepancies between various spatial senses and distorting the spatial mapping of movement onto the environment. Additionally, the present studies implement what, to our knowledge, is the first generalized redirected walking algorithm that is independent of any task or environment structure, and can adaptively steer users in real time as they engage in spontaneous, unconstrained navigation. The studies also demonstrate that such an algorithm can be implemented successfully in a gymnasium-sized space.
Impact of dust from multiple microenvironments and diet on PentaBDE body burden.

Our objectives were to determine relative contributions of diet and dust exposure from multiple microenvironments to PentaBDE body burden, and to explore the role of handwipes as a measure of personal exposure to PentaBDE. We administered a food frequency questionnaire and collected serum, dust (office, main living area, bedroom, and vehicle), and handwipe samples from 31 participants. ΣPentaBDEs (sum of BDE 28/33, 47, 99, 100, and 153) in handwipes collected in the office environment were weakly correlated with dust collected from offices (r = 0.35, p = 0.06) and bedrooms (r = 0.39, p = 0.04), but not with dust from main living areas (r = −0.05, p = 0.77) or vehicles (r = 0.17, p = 0.47). ΣPentaBDEs in serum were correlated with dust from main living areas (r = 0.42, p = 0.02) and bedrooms (r = 0.49, p = 0.008), but not with dust from offices (r = 0.22, p = 0.25) or vehicles (r = 0.20, p = 0.41). Our final regression model included variables for main living area dust and handwipes, and predicted 55% of t...
An empirical study of learning rates in deep neural networks for speech recognition

Recent deep neural network systems for large vocabulary speech recognition are trained with minibatch stochastic gradient descent but use a variety of learning rate scheduling schemes. We investigate several of these schemes, particularly AdaGrad. Based on our analysis of its limitations, we propose a new variant `AdaDec' that decouples long-term learning-rate scheduling from per-parameter learning rate variation. AdaDec was found to result in higher frame accuracies than other methods. Overall, careful choice of learning rate schemes leads to faster convergence and lower word error rates.
Gas diffusivity and production of CO2 in deep soils of the eastern Amazon

The rate of gaseous diffusion in soils affects the exchange of gases between the soil and the atmosphere, thereby affecting rates of soil respiration and other soil microbial processes. Understanding the causes of spatial and temporal variation in soil diffusivity will help explain controls of soil sources and sinks of atmospheric gases. In a study of sources of CO 2 in deep soils of forests and pastures of the eastern Amazon, we estimated gaseous diffusivity from bulk density and volumetric water content using published equations that assume the soil to be either an aggregated or nonaggregated medium. The aggregated model requires differentiation of interand intra-aggregate pore space; we estimated intra-aggregate pore space from volumetric water content at field capacity. Steady state 222 Rn profiles were predicted from a 1-D model using the diffusivities generated by both aggregated and nonaggregated models. Predicted values were compared with 222 Rn activities measured to 5 m depth. While the models predict similar radon activities below about 1 m, large differences are predicted for the top 1 m of soil. The nonaggregated model underestimated diffusivity and overestimated 222 Rn activities at 1 m and above, which is not surprising given that surface soils are usually well aggregated. Having validated the aggregated media model using the 222 Rn profiles, estimates of diffusivity were combined with measured profiles of CO 2 concentrations to estimate CO 2 production by depth. About 70-80% of the measured CO 2 flux from the soil surface was produced in the top 1 m of soil (including litter in the forest). The 20-30% produced below 1 m results from root respiration and microbial decay of root inputs at depth, indicating that deep soil processes are a non-trivial component of carbon cycling in these deep-rooting ecosystems. About 1% of the 20 kg C m -2 stock of soil C found between 1 m and 8 m depths turns over annually, indicating that land-use changes that affect rooting depth could significantly affect deep soil C stocks over decades to centuries. Fully understanding the role of land-use change on the global carbon cycle will require consideration of these deep soil processes. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.47.issue5.3.x
Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia with Block Around the Ectopic Pacemaker Report of a Case

A case is presented in which an ectopic atrial pacemaker manifested "pacemaker block," a phenomenon analogous to sinoatrial block in the sinoatrial node. This is believed to be the first recorded instance of such a phenomenon.
Culture and the evolution of obesity.

Human predispositions to fatness and obesity are best understood in the context of cultural and biological evolution. Both genes and cultural traits that were adaptive in the context of past food scarcities play a role today in the etiology of maladaptive adult obesity. The etiology of obesity must account for the social distribution of the condition with regard to gender, ethnicity, social class, and economic modernization. This distribution, which has changed throughout history, undoubtedly involves cultural factors. A model of culture is presented that has advantages over an undifferentiated concept of the “environment” for hypothesis generation. Cultural predispositions to obesity are found in the productive economy, the mode of reproduction, social structure, and cultural beliefs about food and ideal body size. Cross-cultural comparison can contribute to an understanding of the prevalence of obesity in some modern affluent societies.
Determination of traces of water, hydroxide, and oxide in metal halide salts by coulemetric Karl Fischer titration

Coulometric Karl Fischer titrations are applied to the determination of trace quantities of oxygen- and hydrogen-containing impurities in high-purity metal halide salts such as those used in discharge lamps. The experimental setup is centere a round a commercial coulometric titrator and a special inert gas/vacuum line for sample introduction. The solubilities of a number of metal halides in the reagent are ealuated, and several compounds causing interferences are identified. The technique gives usefuld results down to about 2 μg of water (200 ng g−1 for a 10-g sample), and quantities all water from NaI/ScI3 mixtures. Results for some typical metal halide mixtures are presented, and the effects of handling and storage on the determined water content are discussed.
Modeling fuel spray impingement and heat transfer between spray and wall in direct injection diesel engines

A mixed laminar and turbulent (MLT) model of heat transfer has been developed and implemented in the KIVA II code for describing impinging fuel sprays in direct injection diesel engines. The model accounts for various wall impingement regimes, including rebounding drops and drops sliding along the wall, using the drop's Weber number as a criterion. The model identifies flooded and nonflooded regimes depending on whether or not a sliding film is determined to be present on the wall, respectively. In the flooded condition, the heat flux between the liquid film and the wall is calculated by a laminar or turbulent model of heat transfer, using the Reynolds number as a criterion. In the nonflooded condition the heat flux is calculated using a heat transfer model of individual drops on a wall. The fuel spray development and the heat transfer characteristics of impinging diesel sprays in a rapid compression machine were investigated using the new model. The model predictions and the experimental results were gen...
Disruption of TgPHIL1 alters specific parameters of Toxoplasma gondii motility measured in a quantitative, three-dimensional live motility assay.

T. gondii uses substrate-dependent gliding motility to invade cells of its hosts, egress from these cells at the end of its lytic cycle and disseminate through the host organism during infection. The ability of the parasite to move is therefore critical for its virulence. T. gondii engages in three distinct types of gliding motility on coated two-dimensional surfaces: twirling, circular gliding and helical gliding. We show here that motility in a three-dimensional Matrigel-based environment is strikingly different, in that all parasites move in irregular corkscrew-like trajectories. Methods developed for quantitative analysis of motility parameters along the smoothed trajectories demonstrate a complex but periodic pattern of motility with mean and maximum velocities of 0.58±0.07 µm/s and 2.01±0.17 µm/s, respectively. To test how a change in the parasite's crescent shape might affect trajectory parameters, we compared the motility of Δphil1 parasites, which are shorter and wider than wild type, to the corresponding parental and complemented lines. Although comparable percentages of parasites were moving for all three lines, the Δphil1 mutant exhibited significantly decreased trajectory lengths and mean and maximum velocities compared to the parental parasite line. These effects were either partially or fully restored upon complementation of the Δphil1 mutant. These results show that alterations in morphology may have a significant impact on T. gondii motility in an extracellular matrix-like environment, provide a possible explanation for the decreased fitness of Δphil1 parasites in vivo, and demonstrate the utility of the quantitative three-dimensional assay for studying parasite motility.
Infection and the risk of topical anesthetic induced clinically significant methemoglobinemia after transesophageal echocardiography.

Background: Methemoglobinemia is a recognized complication of topical anesthesia with benzocaine during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Though several risk factors have been described, the importance of individual factors is not known. We performed a retrospective study to identify determinants of the risk of methemoglobinemia. Materials and methods: All patients who underwent TEE with benzocaine topical anesthesia between June 2005 and June 2007 were included in this retrospective study. Results: Of the 886 patients who were included in the study, 140 had active infection (15.8%). The incidence of methemoglobinemia in this group was 2.9% (vs. 0%, P < 0.001). Compared to those without infection, patients in the active infection group were more likely to have a lower hemoglobin (P < 0.001), serum albumin level (P < 0.001), glomerular filtration rate less than 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (P < 0.001), higher rates of dialysis (P < 0.001), a higher incidence of malignancy (P = 0.01), and increased use of acetaminophen and sulfa drugs (P < 0.001). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis did not identify any statistically significant covariates. Conclusion: In conclusion, patients with an active systemic infection who undergo TEE are at a higher risk of methemoglobinemia. However, none of the risk factors for methemoglobinemia including active infection reached statistical significance in the regression analysis which has to be interpreted with caution in view of the low event rate. (Echocardiography 2010;27:318-323)
Interference of tolerance to human gamma globulin by synthetic polynucleotides

Abstract A complex of polyadenylic-polyuridylic acids effectively inhibits the in vivo production of immunologic tolerance to human gamma globulin in mice. Moreover, this effect can be obtained only when the polynucleotide complex is given within 4 hr after antigen administration. Reconstitution of irradiated mice with combinations of T and B cells originating from tolerant or previously untreated mice demonstrates that poly A:U is responsible for the adjuvant effect observed. Poly A:U exerts its adjuvant effect primarily upon T cells, while B cells remain essentially uninfluenced by the polynucleotides.
Religion and Immigration in Comparative Perspective: Catholic and Evangelical Salvadorans in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Phoenix

This study examines Salvadoran immigrants' views of both their participation in the church and the role the church plays in their lives. The focus is on Catholic and Evangelical churches among Salvadoran immigrants in three locations - San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Phoenix, an approach that allows the examination of the effects of receiving communities on the role religious institutions play in immigrant life. Data come from qualitative field research conducted in the 1 990s and 100 in-depth interviews, complemented with interviews of religious leaders and community workers. Catholic and Evangelical churches, following distinct religious teachings, provide different avenues for immigrants to achieve their goals - collective and individual - and enrich the immigrants' lives and their surrounding communities, an outcome that seems independent of the specific receiving community. Although both churches provide assistance, the approach they take (and the religious teachings that shape how assistance is provided) may influence the immigrants' long-term integration. In this article I examine religious institutions in the lives of Salvadoran immigrants, focusing on how they view their participation in the church and the role the church plays in their lives. Religious rituals infuse important events in the immigrants' lives with transcendental meaning, but religious institutions also respond in practical terms to the immigrants' needs and afflictions. Thus, religion is highly significant for immigrants - past and present, an idea that lies at
FANCL ubiquitinates β-catenin and enhances its nuclear function

Bone marrow failure is a nearly universal complication of Fanconi anemia. The proteins encoded by FANC genes are involved in DNA damage responses through the formation of a multisubunit nuclear complex that facilitates the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of FANCL. However, it is not known whether loss of E3 ubiquitin ligase activity accounts for the hematopoietic stem cell defects characteristic of Fanconi anemia. Here we provide evidence that FANCL increases the activity and expression of β-catenin, a key pluripotency factor in hematopoietic stem cells. We show that FANCL ubiquitinates β-catenin with atypical ubiquitin chain extension known to have nonproteolytic functions. Specifically, β-catenin modified with lysine-11 ubiquitin chain extension efficiently activates a lymphocyte enhancer-binding factor-T cell factor reporter. We also show that FANCL-deficient cells display diminished capacity to activate β-catenin leading to reduced transcription of Wnt-responsive targets c-Myc and Cyclin D1. Suppression of FANCL expression in normal human CD34(+) stem and progenitor cells results in fewer β-catenin active cells and inhibits expansion of multilineage progenitors. Together, these results suggest that diminished Wnt/β-catenin signaling may be an underlying molecular defect in FANCL-deficient hematopoietic stem cells leading to their accelerated loss.
Parental Reports of Stigma Associated with Child’s Disorder of Sex Development

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are congenital conditions in which chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex development is atypical. DSD-associated stigma is purported to threaten positive psychosocial adaptation. Parental perceptions of DSD-related stigma were assessed in 154 parents of 107 children (newborn-17 years) questionnaire comprising two scales, child-focused and parent-focused, and three subscales, perceived stigmatization, future worries, and feelings about the child's condition. Medical chart excerpts identified diagnoses and clinical management details. Stigma scale scores were generally low. Parents of children with DSD reported less stigma than parents of children with epilepsy; however, a notable proportion rated individual items in the moderate to high range. Stigma was unrelated to child's age or the number of DSD-related surgeries. Child-focused stigma scores exceeded parent-focused stigma and mothers reported more stigma than fathers, with a moderate level of agreement. Within 46,XY DSD, reported stigma was higher for children reared as girls. In conclusion, in this first quantitative study of ongoing experiences, DSD-related stigma in childhood and adolescence, while limited in the aggregate, is reported at moderate to high levels in specific areas. Because stigma threatens positive psychosocial adaptation, systematic screening for these concerns should be considered and, when reported, targeted for psychoeducational counseling.
Microcosm method to assess survival of recombinant bacteria associated with plants and herbivorous insects

A microcosm method was developed to investigate survial and fate of genetically engineered bacteria associated with plant surfaces and a plant-feeding insect, the variegated cutworm,Peridroma saucia. Larvae on radish plants in microcosms were sprayed with nonrecombinantPseudomonas cepacia and a recombinant strain ofP. cepacia carrying the transmissible plasmid R388::Tn1721. Leaf, whole insect, foregut, and frass samples were periodically assayed over a 48-h period to enumerate total bacteria andP. cepacia strains. Immediately after spraying,P. cepacia comprised about 20%–30% of the total population on leaves, which was 2×107 cfu/g of leaf. Approximately 4×107 total cfu were recovered from each gram of whole insect, when theP. cepacia strains averaged about 3×105 cfu/g. After 2 days, the total epiphytic population had increased approximately fourfold, while theP. cepacia strains had decreased to 2%–30% of their initial numbers. After 24 and 48 h, eachP. cepacia strain numbered between 104 and 105 cfu/g of insect in foregut samples, whereas none was detectable in frass. Plasmid transfer fromP. cepacia R388::Tn1721 to the nonrecombinant recipientP. cepacia strain was not observed.
Automatic technique for localizing externally attached markers in MR and CT volume images of the head

An image processing technique is presented here for finding centroids of cylindrical fiducial markers attached externally to the human head in CT and MR volume images. The centroids can be used for image registration. The technique, which is fast, automatic, and knowledge-based, has two major steps. First, it searches the whole image volume to find all markerlike objects and gets a position inside each object. We call this position a 'seed' point, and we call the object a candidate marker. Second, it selects the voxels surrounding the seed voxel as marker or non-marker voxels using knowledge-based rules and provides an intensity weighted centroid for each true marker. We call this final centroid the 'fiducial' point of the marker. The technique has been developed on forty-two scans of six patients -- one CT and six MR scans per patient. There were four markers attached to each patient for a total of 168 marker images. On these images the technique exhibits no false positives or false negatives for CT. For MR the false positive rate and the false negative rate are both 1.4%. To evaluate the accuracy of the fiducial points MR-CT registration was performed using geometrical correction for the MR images. The fiducial registration accuracies averaged 0.4 mm and were better that 0.6 mm on each of the eighteen image pairs.
Dna microarray analysis of g-csf dependent, lyn-dependent genes

Abstract We have developed a model to study the singular contribution of a Src kinase to cytokine receptor signaling. The DT40 B cell line expresses only one, Lyn, of the nine members of the avian Src family. A mutagenized cell line, lacking Lyn, has been developed by classic gene targeting. We have ectopically expressed the human G-CSF receptor in these cell lines G-CSF-induced proliferation requires the presence of Lyn, as the activation of neither Jak1 nor Jak2 is sufficient. Downstream events of Lyn which are involved in proliferation include Cbl-P1 3-kinase and Shc. In order to identify additional components of Lyn-dependent proliferative pathways, we have used a chicken cDNA microarray. Total mRNA was harvested from wild type and lyn-deficient DT40 cells expressing the G-CSF receptor, After cells were stimulated with 100 ng/ml G-CSF for 6 hrs. Next, mRNA was isolated and alphaP32dCTP incorporated into reverse transcribed cDNA. Two filters, with > 1500 cDNAs each, were hybridized in parallel with labeled cDNA probes from control and experimental cells. Genes which were found to be up-regulated by G-CSF and Lyn were other signaling molecules, such as protein phosphatases, cell surface proteins, such as the B Cell Receptor, and cell growth factors, such as elongation factor alpha. Additional data will be presented from studies looking at only G-CSF or only Lyn.
Mapping of additional temperature-sensitive mutations (1600 series) on the genome of simian virus 40 by marker rescue.

Abstract Eight temperature-sensitive mutations induced by either hydroxylamine or nitrous acid were positioned on the physical map of SV40 by marker resuce procedures. The map location of each mutation tested corresponded to its phenotype and complementation group assignment. Factors which may contribute to the unequal distribution of mutations on the viral genome are discussed.
Obesity Effects on Maximum Acceptable Weights of Lift

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of obesity on the maximum acceptable weights of lift (MAWL) Two obesity levels were considered: non-obese (18.5 kg/m2≤BMI≤24.9 kg/m2) and extremely obese (BMI≥ 40 kg/m2). Each obesity level had 10 male participants. The participants determined their MAWL for 18 different lifting task conditions (6 lifting frequencies × 3 lifting heights). An ANOVA was conducted to determine the effects of obesity level, lifting height, lifting frequency and their interactions on MAWL. In general, the ANOVA results revealed that obesity does not reduce MAWL. This indicates that there may not be a need to develop new psychophysical lifting limits for the obese worker population. However, in order to develop comprehensive lifting limit guidelines for the obese worker population, future studies should investigate the biomechanical and physiological based lifting tolerance limits for them.
All Health is Local: Biodiversity, Ethics, and Human Health

It is reasonable to assume that future generations will have the same concerns we have about combating disease and illness. Natural compounds have historically been potent sources of medications. Current synthetic identification and production processes are not generating the volume of novel medications predicted, which has prompted a call to return to diverse natural sources. Biodiversity loss threatens our ability to fight off current and future infections by removing powerful potential sources of biologically active compounds needed to spur medication development for cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and antibiotic resistant tuberculosis. International and economic policy should embrace principles of sustainable biodiversity while simultaneously providing market incentives for compliance and innovation in order to maximize the health and well-being of current and future generations.
Combustion of hydrogen-rich mixtures on a nickel oxide catalyst

Abstract In a previous paper [Combust. Flame 57 (1984)] Fakheri and Buckius described an analytical model for the temperature, concentration, and velocity distributions produced during catalytic combustion over a flat catalytic plate. Here, the predictions of that model are compared to measurements of the steady state temperature distribution during hydrogen oxidation over a nickel oxide plate. Experiments were done at inlet gas temperatures between 600 and 770K, free stream velocities between 0.7 and 2 m/s, and hydrogen concentrations between 94 and 98.3% (balance oxygen). The results showed that under most of the conditions studied, the reaction was mass transfer limited. The plate temperature varied approximately linearly with the inlet gas temperature and the inlet oxygen concentration, and was essentially independent of the free stream velocity. The temperature dropped down the length of the plate because of radiant heat losses. A comparison of theory and experiment showed that the model reproduced all of the experimental trends, and gave reasonable agreement with the measured temperature distribution over most of the conditions studied. However, the model predicted too long an ignition distance, and seemed to diverge slightly from the data at higher oxygen concentrations. Still, the agreement between theory and experiment was much better than that of previous models, which suggests that the analysis can be used to model catalytic combustion under mass transfer dominated conditions.
Morphological features of spiking and nonspiking cells in the paratracheal ganglion of the ferret

The present series of experiments was designed to study details of the morphology and connectivity of functionally identified cells located in the paratracheal ganglia of the ferret. The morphology of 11 spiking (AH cells) and seven nonspiking (type B cells) ganglion cells was examined. Intra-axonally injected horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used as the label. Each spiking and nonspiking cell was identified by intracellular recording prior to the HRP injection. "Whole mount preparations" were processed for HRP histochemistry with diaminobenzidine as the chromogen. HRP-labeled cell bodies of both the spiking AH and nonspiking type B neurons demonstrated similar morphological features. Both types of ganglion cells showed axons arising from a small, ill-defined axon hillock which exited from the cell as single or multiple branches of equal diameter and coursed unidirectionally through the interganglionic nerve trunk to an adjacent ganglion; short, fine, tapering processes (presumptive dendrites) in the immediate vicinity of the injected cell; and processes extending out of the ganglion cell perpendicular to the interganglionic nerve trunk which could be followed into the smooth muscle. Extraperikaryal injections of HRP into a ganglion retrogradely labeled perikarya in the adjacent ganglia. These results demonstrate that in airway ganglia the morphology of spiking and nonspiking neurons is remarkably similar despite electrophysiological differences. In addition it appears that ganglion cells project to adjacent ganglia and to smooth muscle by means of independent axonal processes. These morphological features of the ganglion cells in airways and the trajectories of their axons correspond to known features of their physiology: i.e., the axon of a ganglion cell travels unidirectionally toward the adjacent ganglion and arborizes there, providing anatomical evidence of communication between ganglia via the interganglionic nerve trunk; and the spiking and nonspiking neurons possess similar morphological features that are typical of ganglion cells described in other systems, such as in the myenteric plexus.
Novel GaN and SiC based gas sensors

We report on the operation of GaN Schottky diodes and SiC based FETs and capacitors as harsh environment gas sensors at temperatures exceeding 400 °C. GaN Schottky diodes operate at 500 °C to sense NO with oxygen in the background. The voltage response at fixed forward current is square root relationship to oxygen concentration. SiC based capacitors with SiO2/SiN stack show no response to NO with a Pt gate but responds to NO with a Pt/In2O3-SnO2 gate stack. This shows the importance of the separation of the charge after reaction from the metallic catalyst for gas sensing. SiC based MOSFETs are also fabricated and tested for response to NO at 525 °C. The sensor responds to NO and can be used as a predictive sensor with a confidence interval of +/– 15 ppm within +/– 2σ at 200 ppm. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Forum: Training for responsible professional behavior in psychology and social work

This article discusses the relationship between competence, accountability, and ethical professional behavior. In particular, it addresses the efforts that accredited graduate training programs in psychology and social work undertake to prepare students for ethical and responsible professional behavior. Our interest in these issues arose in part out of recent personal experience. Both authors are recent graduates of accredited programs in our respective fields. We observed that ethical issues and accountability concerns were given surprisingly little attention in our training programs. We came to wonder if this might be generally true of graduate programs in social work and psychology. Our own concerns about accountability issues led us to undertake a brief survey of training practices in both our professions regarding ethical and professional responsibilities. The findings and issues our survey uncovered pushed us to develop and clarify our own beliefs about a relationship between competence, ethics, and accountability and have also led us now to propose a number of specific recommendations to the accrediting bodies of our professions.
In situ, real-time tracking of cell wall topography and nanomechanics of antimycobacterial drugs treated Mycobacterium JLS using atomic force microscopy.

Two antimycobacterial drugs ethambutol (EMB) and isoniazid (INH) were found to result in decreases of biomechanical properties including adhesion force, cell wall spring constant, and Young’s modulus in Mycobacterium sp. strain JLS (M. JLS).
Stable solution processed hole injection material for organic light-emitting diodes

Abstract A new aqueous based polymer, Plexcore® OC AQ1200 (AQ1200) was used as a hole injection layer (HIL) in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and the device results are compared with polyethylene dioxythiophene:polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) in terms of injection efficiency and stability. Dark injection transient measurements show a higher injection efficiency in hole-only devices using AQ1200 HIL compared with PEDOT:PSS. Using AQ1200 as an HIL, high efficiency phosphorescent OLEDs are demonstrated to have a long lifetime, with an estimated operational half lifetime (LT 50) of more than 8000 h from an initial luminance of 1000 cd/m 2 .
Localization of the human Sp1 transcription factor gene to 12q13 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

The gene for the human transcription factor protein Sp1 was previously mapped to chromosome 12 (q arm) using somatic cell hybrids. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), the authors have now localized this gene to the distal portion of band 12q13. However, since subband 12q13.1 occupies the bulk of this region, further sublocalization (i.e., within 12q13.1, 13.2, or 13.3) was not possible. This assignment may facilitate understanding of certain neoplastic diseases involving this region. 14 refs., 1 fig.
Bioactivation of antituberculosis thioamide and thiourea prodrugs by bacterial and mammalian flavin monooxygenases.

The thioamide and thiourea class of antituberculosis agents encompasses prodrugs that are oxidatively converted to their active forms by the flavin monooxygenase EtaA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Reactive intermediates produced in the EtaA-catalyzed transformations of ethionamide and prothionamide result in NAD+/NADH adducts that inhibit the enoyl CoA reductase InhA, the ultimate target of these drugs. In the case of thiacetazone and isoxyl, EtaA produces electrophilic metabolites that mediate the antibacterial activity of these agents. The oxidation of the thioamide/thiourea drugs by the human flavin monooxygenases yields similar reactive metabolites that contribute to the toxicities associated with these second line antituberculosis drugs.
Comparing Engage with PST in Late-Life Major Depression: A Preliminary Report

Objective The complexity of psychotherapies has been a barrier to community implementation. We used the Research Domain Criteria consensus as a guide to develop Engage, a streamlined, neurobiology-based psychotherapy for late-life depression that may match the skill set of practicing clinicians. This proof of concept study tested the hypotheses that Engage is bioequivalent to Problem Solving Therapy (PST) in reducing depressive symptoms, inducing remission, and ameliorating disability. Methods Engage assumes that abnormal function of the positive valence systems fuels depression and uses "reward exposure" (engagement in meaningful, rewarding activities) as its principal intervention. Negativity bias, apathy, and emotional dysregulation are expressions of abnormalities in the negative valence, arousal and regulatory, and cognitive control systems, respectively. Engage targets each of them with simple interventions only if they interfere with reward exposure. We treated openly, with 9 weekly sessions of Engage, 39 older adults with unipolar major depression. We compared their course of depression (HAM-D), remission rate (HAM-D Results Community social workers and research therapists required one third as much training time in Engage as in PST. Engage was non-inferior to PST in reducing HAM-D and WHODAS. Remission rates for Engage at 6 and 9 weeks were 18.2% and 41.1%, respectively. The corresponding figures for PST were 13.7% and 35.0%, respectively. Conclusion These initial observations suggest that Engage has comparable efficacy with PST in reducing depressive symptoms and disability and warrants a randomized controlled trial.
SECURITY AND INVESTMENT: THEORY AND EVIDENCE

for security was made operational by assuming that the debt-equity ratio is used as a measure of risk by the firm. The result was a model in which the desire to maintain or achieve equality betwen its actual and desired debt-equity ratios yielded a prediction of the firm's investment. The primary purpose of this paper is to present the results of empirical work undertaken to test the theory's ability to explain the annual investment of the firm. Broadly speaking, the theory says that a firm's investment will vary with (1) a function of its internal generated funds, and with (2) the excess of its desired level of debt over its actual debt. The empirical findings, based on a sample of 23 chemical corporations covering the years 1954-1960, support the theory. Part I first provides some background material which establishes the origins of the theory and the issues in the area, and then presents a brief statement of the model. Part II states the measurement rules employed to obtain the sample values of the variables. Part III reports and analyzes the findings.
The relationship of social skills and problem behaviors in adults with intellectual disability and autism or PDD-NOS

Abstract The relationship between social deficits and challenging behaviors were studied in adults with severe intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These issues are of paramount importance because they are core features for persons with these disabilities, and markedly effect normal adjustment and community integration. To date, little has been done to explore the interrelationship between social skills and challenging behaviors in ASD adults with severe ID. Participants were 257 adults with severe ID and/or ASD. Comorbid ID and ASD resulted in the greatest deficits compared to ID alone. Furthermore, the presence of negative behaviors, as opposed to the absence of positive behaviors, was more predictive of stereotypies, property destruction, and aggression. The implication of these data is discussed.
Truncation Of The Na/K Pump's C-terminus Attenuates Voltage-dependent Binding Of External Na+ By Destabilizing Na+ Occlusion

In the recent Na/K pump crystal structure the C-terminus directly contacts the transmembrane region, and deletion of its last five residues (KETYY in pig Na/K pumps) strongly lowered (26-fold) apparent affinity for Na+-dependent phosphorylation, which reflects cytoplasmic-side Na+ binding (Morth et al., 2007). Here we use two-microelectrode voltage-clamp recordings in Xenopus oocytes to investigate the consequence of this C-terminal truncation on the external Na+ dependence of steady-state, and transient, Na/K pump-mediated currents. The corresponding deletion (ΔKESYY in Xenopus α1) was introduced in Xenopus α1β3 pumps made ouabain resistant by either Q120R-N131D (RD) or C113Y (C-Y) mutations. All extracellular solutions then contained 1 μM ouabain to silence the endogenous Xenopus Na/K pumps, and the mutant pump currents were determined by addition of 10 mM ouabain. Inhibition of steady outward Na/K pump current (at 15 mM external K+) by 125 mM extracellular Na+ at negative voltages was weaker in both RD and C-Y pumps than in wild-type Xenopus Na/K pumps, but was almost completely absent (at -120 mV) in RD-ΔKESYY or C-Y-ΔKESYY pumps. Transient, external Na+-dependent, pump currents were similarly measured as 10 mM ouabain-sensitive currents, but in K+-free solution. The voltage dependence of these transient charge movements was shifted to more negative potentials for RD-ΔKESYY and C-Y-ΔKESYY pumps compared to RD or C-Y pumps, similar to the shift caused in wild-type pumps by decreasing the extracellular Na+ concentration. Together, these results suggest that the C-terminal deletion lowers the apparent affinity with which extracellular Na+ ions bind to the Na/K pump to reverse Na+-ion deocclusion. The C-terminus therefore seems important for stabilizing the occluded conformation of the phosphorylated Na/K pump containing 3 bound Na+ ions. [NIH HL36783]
A Versatile and Economical Trap for Capturing Wild Crayfish

ABSTRACT We designed, built, and tested a trap for the capture of wild crayfish. Unlike some commercial crayfish traps, our design has smaller mesh that allows for the capture of a larger size range of crayfish. This trap can be built for one-third to one-eighth the cost of most commercial traps and this greater affordability can translate to an increased sampling effort. In a mesocosm experiment testing the ability of the traps to retain crayfish, we demonstrated that the typical tapered openings found in many wire traps allow crayfish to escape. Therefore, we modified our design to increase retention of trapped crayfish.
Vigor and variation expressed by anther-derived doubled haploids of burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). II. Evaluation of first- and second-cycle doubled haploids

First- and second-cycle doubled haploids of burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) were examined to ascertain the significance of source genotype on the performance of anther-derived material and to determine the magnitude of changes from the haploid-production and chromosome-doubling stages. The anther-derived lines evaluated in this study did not exhibit siginficant yield reductions. However, significant interactions between the cycle comparison and the source genotypes indicated that source genotype can affect the degree of vigor reduction observed. Significant variation was also observed among the second-cycle doubled haploids examined in this study. Partitioning of this variation indicates that most of it is due to alteration present at the haploid-production step instead of the chromosome-doubling step. In general, the variation present in the second-cycle doubled haploids was distributed around the values observed for the source first-cycle doubled haploids. Even though unexpected variation is often observed in anther-derived materials, these results suggest that reduced vigor is not intrinsically associated with androgenetic lines of burley tobacco. The most plausible explanations for the variation and vigor losses in anther-derived lines propose that natural phenomena, given the opportunity for expression via anther culture, are responsible. Spontaneous variants present in the gametic pool of inbreds or first-cycle doubled haploids offer one possible explanation for the performance observed in anther-derived lines of tobacco.
Thermal conductivity of methane-ethane mixtures at temperatures between 140 and 330 K and at pressures up to 70 MPa

The paper presents new measurements on the thermal conductivity of three methane-ethane mixtures with methane mole fractions of 0.69, 0.50, and 0.35. The thermal conductivity surface for each mixture is defined by up to 13 isotherms at temperatures between 140 and 330 K with pressures up to 70 MPa and densities up to 25 mol · L−1. The measurements were made with a transient hot-wire apparatus. They cover a wide range of physical states including the dilute gas, the single-phase fluid at temperatures above the maxcondentherm, the compressed liquid states, and the vapor at temperatures below the maxcondentherm. The results show an enhancement in the thermal conductivity in the single-phase fluid down to the maxcondentherm temperature, as well as in the vapor and in the compressed liquid. A curve fit of the thermal conductivity surface is developed separately for each mixture.
Early Season NFL Over/Under Bias

Popular wisdom regarding athletics is that offenses are at a relative disadvantage in the early portion of seasons. We present evidence that this anecdotal belief holds true over the 2000-2010 National Football League (NFL) seasons. This is reflected in lower offensive yardage, fewer first downs, and fewer points scored. While total points scored are significantly lower in Week 1 of NFL seasons, bookmakers fail to reduce the total lines posted on these games. We find a strategy betting under total lines of all Week 1 games over the 2000-2010 NFL season yields a statistically significant profit of 13.6% per game.
International Theories of Cooperation Among Nations: Strengths and Weaknesses

Cooperation among nations has become the focus of a wide range of studies in the past decade. The recent international relations literature about cooperation has adopted a distinct approach. It has tended to focus on the systemic level of analysis. It has also used game theory as its central tool of analysis. This review evaluates this literature, arguing that these methodological choices have contributed to both the greatest strengths and the greatest weaknesses of the literature in explaining cooperation among nations.The recent literature on international cooperation has made two general contributions. First, it has developed a concept of cooperation, which can help distinguish what behavior counts as cooperation and which has been adopted widely in thefield.Second, the literature ha* tried to illuminate the conditions under which cooperation is likely to emerge. Using game theory to model relations at the systemic level parsimoniously, scholars have developed at least six hypotheses about the circumstances that promote cooperative behavior.The recent literature also suffers from at least two serious problems. The first problem flows from the assumptions used to generate the relatively parsimonious hypotheses. In particular, the way in which the assumption of anarchy is used causes problems. Second, and relatedly, the literature shows a remarkable neglect of domestic politics. As will be argued, this poses a serious limitation for understanding cooperation. Systemic theory simply cannot take us far enough. The international-level hypotheses depend on implicit theories about internal politics. Hypotheses about domestic influences on cooperation among states are not well developed. Although systemic theory has been touted for a variety of reasons, the biggest gains in understanding international cooperation in the future are likely to come from domestic-level theories.
Alternative Voting Systems for Representative Democracy

The ideal electoral system in a representative democracy is one allowing all eligible citizens to cast an equally weighted vote, and for united groups of voters, except very small ones, to elect one or more of their candidates to a governing body. Approximate proportional representation on governing bodies would be a happenstance and not deliberate. Majority/plurality electoral systems, however, favor the dominant group and often leave women and minority groups with no direct representation.Designers of electoral systems historically have employed various devices to reduce the influence of opposition political parties or groups and to make it difficult for them to elect their candidates to a governing body. Growing concern that numerous black citizens were prevented from voting in southern states resulted in the U.S. Congress using the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution to enact the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (79 Stat. 437, 42 U.S.C. § 1973), a statute applying to a state or local government meeting two criteria. The Congress in 1975 employed the Fourteenth Amendment to extend the Act's (89 Stat. 438, 42 U.S.C. § 1973) protection to language minorities defined as “persons who are American Indian, Asian American, Alaskan Natives, or of Spanish heritage.”The Act has eliminated invidious discrimination against protected groups, yet many law-making bodies are still unrepresentative of their respective constituencies.