cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dilute Ethanol Fueled SOFCs: A Symbiotic Solution Strategy

Biofuels have been broached as being more commercially viable under the biorefinery concept wherein multiple product streams enhance overall economics. An example of this concept is presented in which solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and bioethanol are explored in light of the symbiotic pairing of these two promising alternative energy thrusts. Mutual benefit is manifested via dilute ethanol fueled SOFCs. Due to high operating temperatures SOFCs reject high quality heat that can be used for indirect internal reformation of ethanol in the presence of sufficient water. Additionally, carbon monoxide present in hydrogen-rich reformate can be used as a fuel through shift to hydrogen. Thus, the optimization of an additional dilute product stream for SOFC applications can contribute to the realization of the bioethanol infrastructure. This contribution is two-fold. First, across a domain of viable operating conditions the use of dilute ethanol can potentially improve SOFC system performance above cell stack performance and enable distributed SOFC generation fueled by dilute ethanol, providing a secondary market for higher energy ratio bioethanol. Second, integrating in-plant SOFC co-generation fueled by a fraction of dilute ethanol diverted from the process stream is shown to improve the energy ratio of bioethanol. This improvement results from the electricity and by-product heat from the SOFC partially offsetting the energy intensive anhydrous ethanol production.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A simple approach to a vision-guided unmanned vehicle

This paper describes the design and implementation of a vision-guided autonomous vehicle that represented BYU in the 2005 Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC), in which autonomous vehicles navigate a course marked with white lines while avoiding obstacles consisting of orange construction barrels, white buckets and potholes. Our project began in the context of a senior capstone course in which multi-disciplinary teams of five students were responsible for the design, construction, and programming of their own robots. Each team received a computer motherboard, a camera, and a small budget for the purchase of additional hardware, including a chassis and motors. The resource constraints resulted in a simple vision-based design that processes the sequence of images from the single camera to determine motor controls. Color segmentation separates white and orange from each image, and then the segmented image is examined using a 10x10 grid system, effectively creating a low resolution picture for each of the two colors. Depending on its position, each filled grid square influences the selection of an appropriate turn magnitude. Motor commands determined from the white and orange images are then combined to yield the final motion command for video frame. We describe the complete algorithm and the robot hardware and we present results that show the overall effectiveness of our control approach.
Enzyme replacement therapy: from concept to clinical practice.

In the early 1960s, the first lysosomal storage disease was identified. Since then over 40 such diseases have been reported. The common feature is that enzyme deficiency leads to accumulation of undegraded macromolecules and lysosomal engorgement, resulting in organ dysfunction. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is being developed for many of these disorders. The present paper summarizes the history of the development of ERT, with particular reference to the mucopolysaccharidoses, and specifically, to mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII). The rarity of MPS VII has meant that ERT is not yet available for the small number of affected patients, although the study of MPS VII and murine models of the disease have played an important part in the development of treatment for related disorders, including Gaucher disease. Conclusion: Much progress has been made in our understanding of lysosomal storage diseases over the past 40 years. This has led to the development of effective ERT for some of the more common storage diseases, such as Fabry disease and Gaucher disease. Treatment is still awaited, however, for many of the other rare disorders in this area, such as MPS VII.
The isotype cycle: Successive changes in surface immunoglobulin classes expressed by the antigen-binding B-cell population during the primary in vivo immune response

Abstract Using the antigen-binding inhibition method, capable of revealing any combination of three surface Ig (sIg) isotypes on a population of antigen-binding cells (ABC) (S. Kanowith-Klein, E. S. Vitetta E.L. Korn, and R.F. Ashman, J. Immunol. 122 , 2349, 1979) we have defined the sequence of antigen-induced changes in the expression of sIgM, sIgD, and sIgG on the sheep erythrocyte (SRC) antigen-binding B-cell population (SRC-ABC) throughout the in vivo primary immune response. The majority of nonimmune B-ABC simultaneously expressed M and D (M + D + G − ). By Day 3 sIgG had appeared, mainly on cells already bearing sIgM and sIgD. By Day 5, other G + populations appeared: M + D − G + and M − D − G + . By Day 12, M + D − G + ABC declined, while M − D − G + ABC remained predominant for another month. By 6 months, the sIg phenotypes on the ABC had returned to the original nonimmune pattern, mainly M + D + G − ; but the absolute number of 6-month immune ABC was four times greater than that of nonimmune ABC. This cyclical change in sIg expression was confined to the B-cell population expressing receptors specific for the immunizing antigen, and affected the large majority of such cells. Twelve days after immunization with SRC, ABC specific for a non-cross-reacting antigen still mainly expressed the nonimmune sIg phenotype, M + D + G − .
WE‐C‐304A‐04: In Vivo Analysis of Coronary Blood Flow and Arterial Tree Volume Relationship in Swine

Purpose: To investigate in vivo the scaling laws relating regional blood flow and lumen volume in the coronary tree using angiographic image data. The correlation between regional blood flow and the distal lumen volume can potentially be used to assess stenosis severity during routine coronary arteriography. Method and Materials: Coronary arteriograms were acquired at maximal hyperemia induced by intracoronary injection of papaverine (5–10mg) in a swine animal model (25–35 kg, N=3). All images were acquired using a conventional x‐ray tube with a constant potential x‐ray generator (Optimus M200, Philips MedicalSystems) and a cesium iodide based flat panel detector (PaxScan 4030A; Varian Medical Inc.). The flat panel detector has a 40×30 cm2 field of view and pixel size of 0.194×0.194 mm2. Contrast material was power injected at 4 ml/sec. A calibration phantom was imaged over the heart region for system iodine calibration. The coronary arterial tree was divided into approximately 6 subtrees down to stem diameters of less than 1 mm. Regional blood flow and lumen volume measurements were made using previously validated techniques. Results: Regional blood flow (Q) and lumen volume (V) were related by Q = 154.67V3/4 (R=0.991). The standard error of estimate for the regression was 8.04 ml/min or 14.65%. Conclusion: Normal hyperemic blood flow can be estimated using the distal lumen volume of the coronary arterial tree. This makes it possible to quantify fractional flow reserve, which is used to assess stenosis severity during routine coronary arteriography.
An approximate user-complexity measure for relational query language systems

Abstract Complexity theory provides a powerful methodology for evaluating the time and space requirements of algorithms. It would be helpful if a similar theory could be developed to analyze the level of difficulty presented to the user by database query languages. The relational database languages are of particular interest. Their power and flexibility have real potential for supporting the decision making needs of managers. In this paper an approximate user complexity measure is formulated and applied to three different experiments. These experiments measure user performance in the following tests: (1) relational algebra versus tuple calculus, (2) relational algebra versus domain calculus, and (3) relational algebra versus functional algebra. The results favor the procedural relational languages, and the approximate complexity measure constructed here parallels user performance.
Purification and some properties of extracellular invertase B from Zymomonas mobilis

Zymomonas mobilis is a Gram-negative ethanologen that can ferment glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Three enzymes that hydrolyze sucrose were found in a zymogram of electrophoretically separated proteins of Z. mobilis CP4. Two were invertase,, Inv A and Inv B; the latter was studied. Inv B is extracellular and accounts for at least 60% of the saccharolytic activity found in the culture broth of Z. mobilis CP4. The enzyme was purified 51-fold in 17% yield from culture broth of Z. mobilis grown on sucrose. It is a β-fructosidase, monomeric with a molecular mass of 47 kDa and pI of 4.3. Its Km for sucrose is 86 mm, and it has high catalytic activity (Vmax = 1800 μmol product/min per milligram protein). The purification and some properties of Inv B are presented.
Dosage of Dyrk1a Shifts Cells within a p21-Cyclin D1 Signaling Map to Control the Decision to Enter the Cell Cycle

Mammalian cells have a remarkable capacity to compensate for heterozygous gene loss or extra gene copies. One exception is Down syndrome (DS), where a third copy of chromosome 21 mediates neurogenesis defects and lowers the frequency of solid tumors. Here we combine live-cell imaging and single-cell analysis to show that increased dosage of chromosome 21-localized Dyrk1a steeply increases G1 cell cycle duration through direct phosphorylation and degradation of cyclin D1 (CycD1). DS-derived fibroblasts showed analogous cell cycle changes that were reversed by Dyrk1a inhibition. Furthermore, reducing Dyrk1a activity increased CycD1 expression to force a bifurcation, with one subpopulation of cells accelerating proliferation and the other arresting proliferation by costabilizing CycD1 and the CDK inhibitor p21. Thus, dosage of Dyrk1a repositions cells within a p21-CycD1 signaling map, directing each cell to either proliferate or to follow two distinct cell cycle exit pathways characterized by high or low CycD1 and p21 levels.
Secondary classification using key features

A new multiple level classification method is introduced. With an available feature set, classification can be done in several steps. After first step of the classification using the full feature set, the high confidence recognition result will lead to an end of the recognition process. Otherwise a secondary classification designed using partial feature set and the information available from earlier classification step will help classify the input further. In comparison with the existing methods, our method is aimed for increasing recognition accuracy and reliability. A feature selection mechanism with help of genetic algorithms is employed to select important features that provide maximum separability between classes under consideration. These features are then used to get a sharper decision on fewer classes in the secondary classification. The full feature set is still used in earlier classification to retain complete information. There are no features dumped as they would be in feature selection methods described in most related publications.
Temporal join processing with hilbert curve space mapping

Management of data with a time dimension increases the overhead of storage and query processing in large database applications especially with the join operation, which is a commonly used and expensive relational operator. The join evaluation is difficult because temporal data are intrinsically multidimensional. The problem is harder since tuples with longer life spans tend to overlap a greater number of joining tuples thus; they are likely to be accessed more often. The proposed index-based Hilbert-Temporal Join (Hilbert-TJ) join algorithm maps temporal data into Hilbert curve space that is inherently clustered, thus allowing for fast retrieval and storage. An evaluation and comparison study of the proposed Hilbert-TJ algorithm determined the relative performance with respect to a nested-loop join, a sort-merge, and a partition-based join algorithm that use a multiversion B+ tree (MVBT) index. The metrics include the processing time (disk I/O time plus CPU time) and index storage size. Under the given conditions, the expected outcome was that by reducing index redundancy better performance was achieved. Additionally, the Hilbert-TJ algorithm offers support to both valid-time and transaction-time data.
Blister fluid in bullous systemic lupus erythematosus.

SUMMARY.— A case of primary bullous systemic lupus erythematosus is presented. Serum was positive for LE cell factor and antinuclear factor (ANF). Blister fluid and synovial fluid showed ANF, but no LE cell factor; Tzanck preparations were consistently negative for LE cells.
The Southern Hemisphere Westerlies in a Warming World: Propping Open the Door to the Deep Ocean

Abstract A coupled climate model with poleward-intensified westerly winds simulates significantly higher storage of heat and anthropogenic carbon dioxide by the Southern Ocean in the future when compared with the storage in a model with initially weaker, equatorward-biased westerlies. This difference results from the larger outcrop area of the dense waters around Antarctica and more vigorous divergence, which remains robust even as rising atmospheric greenhouse gas levels induce warming that reduces the density of surface waters in the Southern Ocean. These results imply that the impact of warming on the stratification of the global ocean may be reduced by the poleward intensification of the westerlies, allowing the ocean to remove additional heat and anthropogenic carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
PI-line-based image reconstruction in helical cone-beam computed tomography with a variable pitch.

Current applications of helical cone-beam computed tomography (CT) involve primarily a constant pitch where the translating speed of the table and the rotation speed of the source-detector remain constant. However, situations do exist where it may be more desirable to use a helical scan with a variable translating speed of the table, leading a variable pitch. One of such applications could arise in helical cone-beam CT fluoroscopy for the determination of vascular structures through real-time imaging of contrast bolus arrival. Most of the existing reconstruction algorithms have been developed only for helical cone-beam CT with constant pitch, including the backprojection-filtration (BPF) and filtered-backprojection (FBP) algorithms that we proposed previously. It is possible to generalize some of these algorithms to reconstruct images exactly for helical cone-beam CT with a variable pitch. In this work, we generalize our BPF and FBP algorithms to reconstruct images directly from data acquired in helical cone-beam CT with a variable pitch. We have also performed a preliminary numerical study to demonstrate and verify the generalization of the two algorithms. The results of the study confirm that our generalized BPF and FBP algorithms can yield exact reconstruction in helical cone-beam CT with a variable pitch. It shouldmore » be pointed out that our generalized BPF algorithm is the only algorithm that is capable of reconstructing exactly region-of-interest image from data containing transverse truncations.« less
Five Tumors over Six Years in Eighth Decade of Life

Over a period of six years in the eighth decade of his life, a gentleman in our care (referred to as GH) developed five primary malignancies without any known etiological connection. There is little epidemiologic data for patients presenting with more than three primary malignancies. In reviewing some of the latest literature about the characteristics and risk factors of developing the malignancies that GH presented with, we find that aspects of GH's medical history often disagree with this information. We also calculated the probability of the occurrence of GH's specific tumors and find his case is indeed rare. We conclude at this point in time that unknown host or environmental factors may have played a role in this unusual presentation of malignancies. With great interest we continue to follow-up with GH to monitor his health.
Schottky diode receivers for operation in the 100-1000 GHz region

Increased interest in the millimetre and submillimetre wavelength regions during the past decade has stimulated the development of sensitive heterodyne receivers for a wide range of applications. The GaAs Schottky-barrier diode has received the most attention as a mixer in this wavelength range as a result of its sensitivity, reliability, mechanical stability and wide bandwidth and its ability to operate at room temperature. The concepts of receiver design and the particular problems associated with this region of the frequency spectrum are discussed. The optimization of material parameters and the device topology for low-noise operation are considered. The extension of fundamental waveguide mixers into the submillimetre region and the development of various types of quasi-optical receivers are reviewed. The development of integrated monolithic receivers in which antenna, coupling structure, mixer diode and intermediatefrequency filter network are fabricated on the GaAs surface offers the possibility of increased reliability, repeatable and improved performance, and the potential economy associated with integrated circuit technology. In addition, the possibility of monolithic receiver arrays provides the systems designer with a capability that was not previously attainable using discrete diode receivers. This newly emerging technology is reviewed and the potential impact on the 100-1000 GHz region is discussed.
Testing methodology for cargo radiography systems

This paper describes the considerations involved in creating a plan for testing cargo radiography systems for use in the detection of nuclear material covertly passing through a port of entry. There are three sources of test types than can be used in these tests; they come from existing standards, from concepts developed in modeling the systems, and from analogs to the actual use planned for the systems. Each of these sources has individual factors to be taken into account, and the paper attempts to list the key factors needed in constructing the test plan and to describe the principal issues related to each. These tests need to produce data which can help determine both how to incrementally improve the technology and also to assess how it might fit into a suite of inspection systems.
Changing subunit composition of heteromeric NMDA receptors during development of rat cortex

ACTIVATION of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is important for certain forms of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, such as long-term potentiation (reviewed in ref. 1), and the patterning of connections during development of the visual system (reviewed in refs 2, 3). Several subunits of the NMDA receptor have been cloned: these are NMDAR1 (NR1), and NMDAR2A, 2B, 2C and 2D (NR2A-D)4–8. Based on heterologous co-expression studies, it is inferred that NR1 encodes an essential subunit of NMDA receptors and that functional diversity of NMDA receptors in vivo is effected by differential incorporation of subunits NR2A–NR2D5–8. Little is known, however, about the actual subunit composition or heterogeneity of NMDA receptors in the brain. By co-immunoprecipitation with subunit-specific antibodies, we present here direct evidence that NMDA receptors exist in rat neocortex as heteromeric complexes of considerable heterogeneity, some containing both NR2A and NR2B subunits. A progressive alteration in subunit composition seen postnatally could contribute to NMDA-receptor variation and changing synaptic plasticity during cortical development.
Linear accelerator calibration monitor with a memory.

A calibration monitor has been designed for measuring the constancy of linear accelerator or cobalt unit output between full calibrations. This monitor is battery-operated, light-weight, and slides into the shadow tray attachment on a linear accelerator or cobalt unit for easy setup. It provides a digital readout of the dose delivered, and a consistency check can be made in less than two minutes. The precision of the monitor, determined by cobalt-60 irradiations over a 2 1/2 month period, is +- 0.6% (standard deviation). The monitor also retains the dose reading in a CMOS digital counter indefinitely, hence it can be used in the same fashion as mailed thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) for calibration checks at remote facilities without the complicated readout procedures associated with TLD. The monitor can be mailed to a remote facility, positioned without ambiguity, and irradiated; and the reading can be verified on return to the originating center simply by pressing a switch. The monitor can easily be set up to carry out a ''blind'' check in which the reading obtained is not known to the remote facility.
Dynamics of nonlinearities in high density recording

A micromagnetic model is used to study nonlinearities in high-density recording. Head imaging is taken into account approximately to model near contact recording. The simulations are able to show detailed steps of a dibit transition formation and illustrate the effect of the image field. Nonlinear amplitude reduction as a result of zigzag transition percolation is calculated at different recording densities and flying heights. The numerical results agree very well with experiment. Effects of medium exchange coupling and medium orientation on the amplitude loss are also investigated. >
Escherichia coli Bacteria-Templated Synthesis of Nanoporous Cadmium Sulfide Hollow Microrods for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

A simple sonochemical method has been utilized to synthesize nanoporous hollow structures of semiconducting cadmium sulfide (CdS) using Escherichia coli bacteria as template. To enable adsorption and reaction throughout the E. coli cell envelope, the cell permeability is enhanced by suitable ethanol treatment while preserving the morphology. With cadmium acetate and thioacetamide as reactants, CdS nanostructures in the form of monodisperse quantum dots, nearly monodisperse nanocrystals, and nanoporous hollow microrods are controllably formed on ethanol-treated E. coli with increasing reaction time. Additionally, nanorod antennas have been fabricated by utilizing the pili formed during the growth phase of the bacteria. The CdS crystal structure can be tuned from being pure cubic to a mixture of cubic and hexagonal or pure hexagonal by simply adjusting the sulfur/cadmium molar ratio of the reactants. Photoanodes fabricated using the hexagonal structured CdS nanoporous hollow microrods exhibit excellent perf...
The effect of misfit on heterophase interface energies

Most previous atomistic simulations of heterophase interfaces have neglected misfit, the discrepancy between the interatomic length scales parallel to the interface of the two phases. The obstacles to quantitative calculations of interface energies in the presence of misfit are assessed. The most straightforward approach is to perform simulations for a supercell whose size is of the order of the cube of the smallest common periodic length scale (essentially the coincidence-site-lattice periodicity), which varies inversely with the misfit parameter. Such supercells typically contain at least thousands of atoms. First-principles simulations are highly accurate, but are feasible only for a few selected heterophase interfaces with large misfit. Classical interatomic potentials, on the other hand, are efficient numerically, but their accuracy has not been demonstrated in the context of heterophase interface calculations. An approximate formulation of the interface energy is presented here which can be evaluated numerically by first-principles calculations for supercells of only moderate size. This formulation explores the relationship between the interface energies for coherent and semi-coherent interfaces. A numerical application to an interface between tetragonal TiAl and perovskite Ti3AlC is presented.
The role of root architecture in foraging behavior of entomopathogenic nematodes

As obligate parasites, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) rely on insect hosts to complete their development. In insect pest management, EPN infectiousness has varied a lot. A better understanding of their host-finding behavior in the rhizosphere is therefore crucial to enhance EPN potential in biological control. As previously demonstrated, roots can be used as a pathway to insect hosts by EPN, but this interaction and its impact on EPN foraging remain poorly documented. Three artificial model-roots with different degrees of complexity and connectivity were designed to investigate the impact of root architecture on foraging behavior of the EPN Heterorhabditis megidis. Insect baits were placed at the bottom of each model-root that was subsequently buried in moist sand. After injection of the EPN, the number of EPN-infected baits as well as the number of mature nematodes inside each individual carcass was recorded. The influence of insect-induced root volatiles was also evaluated by spiking the baits with a synthetic version of a natural insect-induced root cue. The ecological relevance of the results was tested in soil with two maize genotypes each exhibiting broadly different root architectures. H. megidi performed better in presence of model-roots. Foraging performances of H. megidis declined with the increasing model-root complexity. Adding the synthetic root volatile dramatically changed this pattern and favored the EPN on the most complex model-roots. H. megidis also moved in the vicinity of maize roots to find the insect baits in soil, and natural root architecture also tended to shape H. megidis foraging behavior. This study adds to the scarce body of literature characterizing physical and chemical interactions between EPN and roots. The present data illustrate that root architecture not only modifies plant quality but also shapes upper trophic levels’ ecology.
Endomyocardial biopsy plays a role in diagnosing patients with unexplained cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background The etiology of cardiomyopathy is usually inferred from clinical information and preliminary laboratory studies. Patients with unexplained cardiomyopathy may be referred for endomyocardial biopsy (EMBx). It is unknown whether pathological information obtained from EMBx is beneficial or alters the diagnosis established clinically. This study was undertaken to evaluate the utility of EMBx in confirming or excluding a clinically suspected diagnosis. Methods We evaluated 845 patients with initially unexplained cardiomyopathy who underwent EMBx between 1982 and 1997 at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. For each patient, an initial clinical diagnosis, an EMBx diagnosis, and a final diagnosis prior to discharge based on all available data were established. Results The final diagnosis differed from the initial clinical diagnosis in 264 (31%) of these patients; EMBx made the diagnosis in 196 (75%) of these cases. Initial diagnoses most frequently altered were myocarditis (34%) and idiopathic cardiomyopathy (25%). Initial diagnoses least likely to be altered were those in which biopsy was used to confirm or grade a previously documented illness, such as hemochromatosis (11%), amyloidosis (18%), or cardiomyopathy secondary to doxorubicin toxicity (0%). EMBx was more sensitive than clinical diagnosis in detecting myocarditis and amyloidosis, and proved to be very specific in detecting ischemic cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, amyloidosis, and hemochromatosis. Conclusions In patients with unexplained cardiomyopathy after a standard evaluation, the clinical assessment of the etiology is inaccurate in 31% of patients. EMBx establishes the final diagnosis in 75% of these patients with a high degree of specificity.
Applying cognitive load theory to generate effective programming tutorials

In this paper, the author describe our prior work on how automatically generating walk-through tutorials helps novice programmers learn new programming concepts found in unfamiliar code. Following this, the author introduce his proposal to use Cognitive Load Theory to improve the effectiveness of learning new programming concepts from generated tutorials. To accomplish this, the author propose automatically generating personalized tutorials based on a user's programming expertise.
Functional significance of the copper and lipid components of human ferroxidase-II.

Abstract Copper, phospholipids, and cholesterol remain tightly bound to the ferroxidase-II protein from human serum following extensive purification. In vivo studies with copper-deficient rats and in vitro studies with general and copper-specific chelating agents strongly suggest that the copper atoms associated with purified ferroxidase-II are extremely tightly bound and are essential for its catalytic activity. Only partial removal of the protein bound copper atoms can be achieved by treatment with chelating agents; however, virtually complete loss of the bound copper atoms accompanies the hydrolysis and removal of the bound lipid components. No dissociation or denaturation of ferroxidase-II occurs upon hydrolysis or removal of the bound lipid components. These results suggest that intact lipid components are necessary for the binding of copper to ferroxidase-II and that the association of the protein, lipid, and copper components is indispensable for the catalytic activity of ferroxidase-II.
Changes induced at Ni/Cr alloy surfaces by annealing and oxygen exposure

Abstract The changes induced at room-temperature oxidized Ni/Cr alloy surfaces by vacuum annealing and oxygen exposure have been studied using AES and ISS. Both NiO and Cr2O3 are present on an oxidized surface before annealing. The ISS and AES data show that annealing at 500°C causes Cr to migrate rapidly to the surface to form Cr oxides as NiO is reduced. This is consistent with thermodynamic predictions based on the strength of the CrO versus NiO bonds. Further annealing at 500°C for 10 min produces a complex surface consisting of metallic Ni and Cr and Cr oxide. Annealing the sample at 500 ° C for 4 h causes the Cr oxide at the surface to relocate to the subsurface region. The crucial role of sub-surface oxygen in determining the surface composition of a Ni/Cr alloy during annealing is discussed. Re-oxidation occurs very rapidly on a pre-oxidized, annealed surface. Compared to the oxide formed on a clean surface, the re-oxidized surface consists of a smaller amount of NiO and a thicker Cr oxide layer. This segregation behavior of Cr during the oxidation and annealing processes appears to be responsible for an increase in passivity of Ni/Cr alloys toward oxidation.
Anhydrolutein in the zebra finch: a new, metabolically derived carotenoid in birds

Many birds acquire carotenoid pigments from the diet that they deposit into feathers and bare parts to develop extravagant sexual coloration. Although biologists have shown interest in both the mechanisms and function of these colorful displays, the carotenoids ingested and processed by these birds are poorly described. Here we document the carotenoid-pigment profile in the diet, blood and tissue of captive male and female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Dietary carotenoids including: lutein; zeaxanthin; and β-cryptoxanthin were also present in the plasma, liver, adipose tissue and egg-yolk. These were accompanied in the blood and tissues by a fourth pigment, 2′,3′-anhydrolutein, that was absent from the diet. To our knowledge, this is the first reported documentation of anhydrolutein in any avian species; among animals, it has been previously described only in human skin and serum and in fish liver. We also identified anhydrolutein in the plasma of two closely related estrildid finch species (Estrilda astrild and Sporaeginthus subflavus). Anhydrolutein was the major carotenoid found in zebra finch serum and liver, but did not exceed the concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in adipose tissue or egg yolk. Whereas the percent composition of zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin were similar between diet and plasma, lutein was comparatively less abundant in plasma than in the diet. Lutein also was proportionally deficient in plasma from birds that circulated a higher percentage of anhydrolutein. These results suggest that zebra finches metabolically derive anhydrolutein from dietary sources of lutein. The production site and physiological function of anhydrolutein have yet to be determined.
Non-root modals for the past and temporal shifting in Mandarin Chinese

This paper has two major goals. First, it provides a detailed empirical description of how the epistemic and metaphysical readings of the “non-root modal + Perf(ect) have” construction in English (e.g., John might have won the game yesterday) are expressed in Mandarin Chinese. The two readings both involve non-root modals for the past, i.e., non-root modals with either a past temporal perspective or a past temporal orientation. Certain languages express the two readings via manipulating the scope relation between the modal and the perfect aspect. In this paper, I show that Mandarin Chinese, by contrast, resorts to the presence/absence of such aspectual adverbs as 仍 reng ‘still’ and 还 hai ‘still’, to determine the reading of non-root modals for the past. Second, I propose that aspectual adverbs like reng and hai are operators that can back-shift the temporal perspective of a non-root modal from the speaker’s utterance time to a past time. The back-shifting gives rise to a metaphysical reading of the non-root modal. In spite of surface differences, English and Mandarin Chinese actually employ similar strategies in expressing metaphysical modality with a past temporal perspective.
Examining the “Family Effect” on Firm Performance

The purpose of this article is to provide an explanation for the contradictory evidence in the literature regarding the performance of family-owned firms. The article suggests that most of the research fails to clearly describe the “family effect” on organizational performance. The “family effect,” based on agency theory and the resource-based view of the firm, is described and propositions are generated that examine the relationship between families and organizational performance. Implications for theory and research are also discussed.
Transmission sputtering by heavy ions

Transmission sputtering yields of single and polycrystalline gold foils have been measured as a function of thickness in the range 250--5000 A for bombardments with 560-keV Bi, 400-keV Ag, 200- and 400-keV Ar, and 50-keV He ions. Good agreement is found between the yield curves for polycrystalline and single-crystalline targets oriented in a high-index (random) direction. Calculated distributions of energy deposition in an amorphous target compare well with regard to the position of the maximum in the sputter yield. Absolute yields in the vicinity of the peak are generally in better agreement with yields calculated by Monte Carlo simulation for finite targets than with yields calculated on the basis of transport theory in an infinite solid. Compared with theory, all measured yield curves exhibit considerable enhancement at great depths. Sputter-yield distributions for a beam of 560-keV Bi ions along are in qualitative agreement with channeling theory. From a comparison with the random sputter-yield distributions, it can be concluded that channeling of such heavy projectiles causes a relatively minor reduction (< or approx. = 40%) in the total amount of energy that goes into nuclear motion.
Predictors of deterioration among patients with substance-use disorders.

The purpose of this study was to identify patients with substance-use disorders who deteriorate during treatment, and to examine baseline predictors of deterioration. Three groups of 872 patients each, matched on number of problems at baseline, were selected from a larger sample based on their treatment outcome (improved, nonresponsive, deteriorated). Deterioration was predicted by younger age and African-American race; four aspects of patients' history (psychiatric symptoms, arrests, prior drug treatment, and recent inpatient or residential care); and having no close friends. Patients who had both an alcohol and a drug diagnosis, a personality-disorder diagnosis, and those who had a shorter episode of care and fewer outpatient-mental-health visits, also were more likely to deteriorate.
Growth rate of low-space-charge oxides on spherical metal particles

Abstract The present work addresses the effect of spherical geometry on metal oxidation enabled by the steady-state transport of mobile charged point defects. This is carried out by extending the coupled-currents approach of metal oxidation to this non-planar situation. Kinetic laws for the rate of oxidation of spherical samples are derived. It is found that the electric potential developed across the oxide is the same as for planar geometry, but the time for complete oxidation (i.e. the burn-up time ) for spherical particles of a given diameter can be as much as a factor of 3 shorter than that for planar samples of the same thickness.
Influence of H Ion Concentration on Depressant Effect of Nicotine Solutions on Ciliated Epithelium

ConclusionA change in the physiological activity of a nicotine solution accompanies a change in pH of the solution when the phenomenon of transport across membranes is involved. An increase in pH causes an increase in the proportion of free base present, and, as pointed out by Ellisor and Richardson,1 an increase in the rate at which nicotine passes through membranes. This is believed to account for the fact that a solution containing equal parts of nicotine acetate and the free base is about three times more effective in inhibiting ciliary activity than a solution containing about 98% of the acetate.
Persistent Activation of Nuclear Factor-κB by Interleukin-1β and Subsequent Inducible NO Synthase Expression Requires Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase

The role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was studied in the signaling pathway by which interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) increases the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in rat vascular smooth muscle cells. IL-1beta induced a rapid and transient activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), followed by a prolonged activation of NF-kappaB that was required to induce iNOS expression. Either PD98059 or U0126, selective inhibitors of ERK activation, did not influence IL-1beta-induced early activation but effectively reduced the prolonged activation of NF-kappaB and significantly reduced IL-1beta induction of iNOS. Transfection with antisense, but not sense, phosphorothioate-modified oligodeoxynucleotides directed toward ERK also reduced IL-1beta-induced prolonged NF-kappaB activation and iNOS expression. IkappaBbeta, but not IkappaBalpha degradation, induced by IL-1beta was markedly attenuated when ERK activation was inhibited and could be partially responsible for the persistent NF-kappaB activation. These data suggest that ERK activity is required for persistent NF-kappaB activation by IL-1beta that is necessary for iNOS gene expression.
Symptom, family, and service predictors of children's psychiatric rehospitalization within one year of discharge.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate predictors of readmission to inpatient psychiatric treatment for children aged 5 to 12 discharged from acute-care hospitalization. Method One hundred nine children were followed for 1 year after discharge from inpatient care. Time to rehospitalization was the outcome of interest. Predictors of readmission, examined via the Cox proportional hazards model, were symptom and family factors assessed at admission, aspects of psychiatric treatment, and demographic variables. Results The Kaplan-Meier rehospitalization risk within 1 year of discharge, taking into account known readmissions and censored observations, was 0.37. Most readmissions (81%) occurred within 90 days of discharge. Four variables contributed simultaneously to predicting readmission risk. More severe conduct problems, harsh parental discipline, and disengaged parent–child relations conferred a higher risk for rehospitalization; these risks were attenuated when parents disclosed higher stress in their parenting roles. Conclusions Findings showed that psychiatric rehospitalization of children is common, most likely in the trimester after discharge, and highly related to both child symptoms and family factors measurable at admission. Results suggest that efforts to improve postdischarge outcomes of children should target the initial period following inpatient care, address vigorously the complex treatment needs of those with severe conduct problems, and aim to improve parent–child relations.
Tidal gravity, heat flow, and the upper crust

Abstract Tidal gravity anomalies appear to vary linearly with terrestrial heat flow. The linear relationship between heat flow and heat production within an individual heat-flow province indicated that variations in heat flow depend on the distribution of heat sources situated in the upper crust. This implied a measurable upper crustal effect on the tidal response of the Earth.
Facilitation of sidman avoidance performance by p-chloroamphet amine: Role of biogenic amines

Abstract Results of previous studies suggest that the stimulatory effect of p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) on motor activity in rats is related to drug-induced changes in the metabolism of catecholamines as well as serotonin (5-HT). The present experiments were designed to test the extent to which the catecholamines and 5-HT mediate the facuitatory effect of PCA on non-discriminated barpress (Sidman) avoidance performance. The administration of 5 mg/kg of PCA to trained rats produced a dramatic increase in avoidance responding which gradually dissipated over 8 hr. No additional effect was observed during 10 daily 4-hr test sessions, although brain levels of 5-HT were still reduced 48 hr after the last test session. The optical isomers of PCA are equipotent with regard to their initial effects on brain 5-HT mechanisms; however, (S)-( + )-PCA was more potent then (R)-(—)-PCA in the behavioural task as well as in the ability to increase in vivo tyrosine hydroxylase activity and increase the rate of conversion of 3H-tyrosine to 3H-catecholamines. Moreover, the facuitatory effect of PCA on Sidman avoidance performance, in contrast to the stimulatory effect of the drug on motor activity, did not diminish significantly after 3 daily administrations of 5 mg/kg. These results indicate that PCA produces an amphetamine-like facuitatory effect on behaviour which is independent of its effects on 5-HT mechanisms and is related to drug-induced changes in the metabolism of catecholamines in brain.
The Exceptionalism of Housing in the Ideology and Politics of Early Communist Romania (1945–1965)

The article analyses the exceptionalism of housing during the early communist period in Romania, in particular the extent to which the regime's ambivalent policies regarding housing undermined the overall political and ideological goal of dismantling private property. Focusing on appropriations, restitutions and new construction in the city of Timi¸oara and the surrounding region, the article emphasises conflicting and inconsistent policies regarding housing and the consequences of these policies. Housing's double meaning as home and asset further complicated the overall ideological mission of denaturalising bourgeois private property, and provided a basis for the continuing relevance of pre-communist legal ideologies and consciousness of property rights during this period. The article is based on documentary and archival research conducted in the city of Timi¸oara, Romania, in 2007–2008.
Systemic neuroaxonal dystrophy in Suffolk sheep

A progressive ataxia in Suffolk sheep, appearing at 1/12–5 months of age after a period of clinical normality, is reported. The condition is regarded as hereditary and probably recessive, although it is not established that only a single locus is involved. Lesions were characterized by spheroids derived from the distal portions of axons. The bodies appeared to undergo hydropic swelling and eventual lysis. During the short periods of clinical observation, neither neuron necrosis nor tract degeneration were observed. The spheroids were distributed in a unique systemic pattern involving visual and proprioceptive pathways. Comparisons are made with other neuroaxonal dystrophies.
Neutralization of Endogenous Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Depletes Primordial Follicles in the Mouse Ovary

The regulation of early follicular growth and development involves a complex interaction of autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signals. The ability of these factors to regulate follicle growth may depend in part on the extent of vascular delivery to and perfusion of the ovary. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is a major regulator of vascular physiology in the ovary. VEGFA is produced in numerous ovarian compartments and likely plays a role in the regulation of all phases of follicular growth, from preantral through preovulatory. The aim of the present study was to further evaluate the role of VEGF in early follicle growth by neutralization of endogenous VEGF or VEGF receptors. Adult mice were injected systemically and prepubertal mice were injected directly under the ovarian bursa with antibodies designed to neutralize VEGF or block interaction with its receptors in the ovary. Both systemic and intrabursal injections of VEGF antibody significantly reduced the number of primordial follicles within 1-3 days after administration without affecting primary or secondary follicle numbers. Primordial follicle numbers were not different from control levels by 30 days after VEGFA antibody administration. Administration of antibodies to the kinase domain receptor (KDR), but not the FMS-like tyrosine receptor (FLT1), for VEGF also resulted in a significant decrease in primordial follicles. These data suggest that VEGF plays a vital role in the maintenance and growth of the primordial follicle pool.
Modification of Life Event Questionnaires for Use with Female Respondents

The purpose of this research was to increase the relevance of a life-event questionnaire for adult female respondents of childbearing age. A two-step procedure with three subject groups was used to develop a modified life-event questionnaire for this population. First, open-ended interview questions were used with 32 single mothers to obtain relevant content. Ninety-eight responses were coded for congruence with existing life-event questionnaires. Nine new items were created from the noncongruent responses and the wording of existing items modified to reduce bias from sexist assumptions about marital status and other socio-economic factors. Two samples, 60 female graduate students and 69 single and partnered mothers, were used to study reliability, the frequency of selecting new items, and the validity of the revised 82-item instrument. As expected, the negative events score was related to negative mood states and psychiatric symptoms.
Cell division and DNA replication following a shift to a richer medium.

Abstract Following a shift to a richer medium, Escherichia coli B r continues to divide at the pre-shift rate (“rate maintenance”) for 60 to 70 minutes. The fairly constant period of rate maintenance can be explained by the model of Cooper & Helmstetter (1968) which proposed a constant time between initiation of a round of chromosome replication and cell division following completion of that round. Slight deviations from rate maintenance can be explained by slight variations in the constant. Studies of the rate of DNA synthesis during the division cycle following a shift-up strongly support the initiator accumulation model of Helmstetter (1968b). That is, the initiation of a new round of replication occurs when a threshold amount of hypothetical initiator substance has accumulated since the previous initiation event.