cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observation of surface phenomena on semiconductor devices by a light spot scanning method

Abstract A description of an experimental technique developed for the study of electronic processes on semiconductor device surfaces is given, in connection with its application to Si planar transistors. In this method the whole surface of a diode or a transistor is scanned by a light beam of 10 μ dia. synchronized to which travels the electron beam of a cathode-ray oscilloscope. The signal controlling the vertical deflection of the scope is composed of a raster and a photoresponse signal induced by the illuminating spot. The resulting pattern on the screen is a map-like display of the photoresponse, consisting of 40 complete images per second in our arrangement. This photo-response map is suitable to observe the changes in the surface electronic state due to gas ambient and/or bias conditions. Moreover, the local inhomogeneities on the surface and the spatial and time changes of slow processes such as creep or channel formation can be studied. A short discussion of the apparatus and the performance is given, and as an application, photographs represnting Si n-p-n planar transistor surface properties are presented.
Photoresponse and electroresponse of polymer light-emitting diodes

We have studied the photoresponse and electroresponse of light emitting diodes (LEDs) made from a variety of soluble conducting polymers sandwiched between indium tin oxide (ITO) and metals including calcium, aluminum and copper. Under illumination all freshly prepared LEDs exhibit relatively large photoconductive current-voltage (I-V) responses which cross the dark I-V curve at a forward-bias voltage V 0 that scales with the difference in the work functions between the ITO and metal electrodes. This causes the open-circuit voltage to easily saturate at V 0 and consequently to be temperature independent, in contrast to the properties of the photovoltaic effect exhibited by conventional Schottky-barrier type photodiodes. Some LEDs, prepared under less ideal conditions exhibit I-V curve, electroluminescence (EL) intensity-voltage (I EL -V) curve, an EL spectra identical in forward and reverse bias. The I-V curves were also symmetric under illumination, with I approximately equal to 0 at V equals 0, suggesting a negligibly small internal electric field. These diodes are discussed in relation to Fermi-level pinning at defect states in the interfaces between the polymer and the electrodes.
Making Sociobiological Sense Out of Sociology

Rather than offering a simplistic determinism or an oversimplified reductionism, the sociological approach elaborated on here may lead to a much needed unifying and parsimonious system that will further our understanding of human behavior and make it more coherent and comprehensive. A synthesis of the views of George Homans with a sociobiological framework derived from the work of Charles Lumsden, Edward Wilson and John and Janice Baldwin allows us to see connections between several seemingly unrelated sociological topics and may help unite a fractured sociology.
Convergence of sequences of inverse limits

Abstract We consider the following question. Let X be a compact metric space, and let ( f n : X → 2 X ) n = 1 ∞ be a sequence of upper semi-continuous set-valued functions whose graphs converge to the graph of a function f : X → 2 X in the hyperspace 2 X × X . Under what additional assumptions does it follow that the corresponding sequence of inverse limits ( lim ← f n ) n = 1 ∞ converges to lim ← f in the hyperspace 2 ∏ i = 1 ∞ X ? We give two nonequivalent conditions which generalize previous answers given by Banic, Crepnjak, Merhar, and Milutinovic in 2010 and 2011.
Intrinsically biased, resonant NEMS MEMS oscillator and the second law of thermodynamics

An experimentally testable NEMS-MEMS resonant cantilever oscillator is examined theoretically for compliance with the second law of thermodynamics. The device consists of a p-n semiconductor parallel-plate capacitor, with one plate fixed (p-doped) and the other (n-doped) mounted on a flexible double cantilever spring. The built-in potential across the n-p depletion region is expressed as an electric field between the capacitor plates, providing negative pressure capable of closing the plates. For matched electrical and mechanical time constants (τ e ≃ τ m ), the device is predicted to execute steady-state electromechanical oscillation, powered solely by the p-n diodic electric field, thereby challenging the Kelvin-Planck formulation of the second law. Prospects for laboratory tests are discussed.
Kinetics of aggregation of synthetic β-amyloid peptide

Abstract β-Amyloid peptide is the major protein component of senile plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid deposits in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The peptide deposits extracellularly in the form of amyloid fibrils, in a cross-β conformation, β-amyloid peptide is a 39- to 43-residue segment of a normal membrane precursor protein. In this work, a peptide homologous to the first 40 amino acids of β-amyloid peptide, β(1–40), was synthesized and characterized. β(1–40) exhibited a sharp change in solubility near physiological pH and gel formation at concentrations of 3 mg/ml or greater. Circular dichroism indicated that, β(1–40) contained approximately two-thirds β-structure, but no α-helical character. Quasielastic and classical light scattering measurements showed that β(1–40) aggregated end-to-end in solution, reaching average molecular weights greater than 4 × 106 after 13 days. The aggregates were best modeled as rigid rods of 5 nm diameter, similar to the diameter of amyloid fibrils purified from plaques. A mathematical model based on diffusion-limited aggregation was developed to describe the kinetics of aggregation.
Azimuthal anisotropy and phase velocity beneath Iceland: implication for plume^ridge interaction

Abstract We have determined the pattern of azimuthal anisotropy beneath Iceland from shear-wave splitting and Rayleigh wave tomography using seismic data recorded during the ICEMELT and HOTSPOT experiments. The fast directions of shear-wave splitting are roughly N–S in western Iceland and NNW–SSE in eastern Iceland. In western Iceland azimuthal variations in Rayleigh wave phase velocity show that fast directions are close to the plate spreading direction at short periods of 25–40 s and roughly parallel to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at longer periods of 50–67 s. Beneath the rift zones in central Iceland, we find a ridge-parallel fast direction at periods of 25–40 s and significantly weaker azimuthal anisotropy at periods of 50–67 s. The 2-D variation of isotropic phase velocity at periods of 33–67 s indicates that the lowest velocities are beneath the rift zones in central Iceland rather than above the plume conduit in southeast Iceland. While ridge-parallel alignment of melt films might contribute to anisotropy above 50 km depth beneath the rift zones, the overall observations are consistent with a model in which plume-influenced, hot, buoyant mantle rises beneath the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at depths greater than 50 km and is preferentially channeled along the ridge axis at the base of the lithosphere beneath Iceland. The shear-wave splitting results are attributed primarily to a N–S mantle flow at depths greater than 100 km.
Ten microsatellite loci from Zamia integrifolia (Zamiaceae)

Ten microsatellite loci isolated from Zamia integrifolia are described. All 10 are polymorphic, with three to 10 alleles across 36 members of a single population from South Florida. Heterozygosities ranged from 0.139 to 0.889. Two loci depart significantly from Hardy– Weinberg equilibrium, and exhibit heterozygote deficiency. One locus pair exhibits significant linkage disequilibrium. The primers have also successfully amplified loci from Zamia portoricensis and Zamia ambliphyllidia . These loci will be utilized for population studies in the Caribbean Zamia pumila complex.
THE HEMODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF PROLONGED ALKALOSIS IN ANESTHETIZED NEWBORN PIGLETS † 926

Respiratory alkalosis (RA) continues to be used as a therapy for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Hypothesis: Prolonged alkalosis has adverse effects on hemodynamic variables, furthermore, it can exacerbate hypoxic induced pulmonary vasoconstriction. Method: 2 groups (control n=5, and hypocapnic alkalosis, n=6) of 1-3 d old fentanyl anesthetized, vecuronium paralyzed piglets (mean weight 1.69 ± 0.11 kg) were instrumented with an arterial catheter and a flow directed thermodilution catheter to measure cardiac index (Q), mean systemic (SAP) and pulmonary (PAP) arterial pressure. Baseline values were recorded. Alveolar hypoxia was then induced to arterial O2 sats of 50-60% for 15 minutes. RA (pH 7.55-7.60) was then achieved and continued for 240 minutes by hyperventilation in the RA group, and final values were recorded. Inspired CO2 was used with hyperventilation in the control group to maintain PaCO2 35-45 mmHg and pH 7.35-7.45. Hypoxia was induced again at 15 and 240 minutes. Pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance (PVR and SVR) and stroke volume (SV) were calculated. Results: Prolonged alkalosis leads to a statistically significant 18% fall in SAP (ANOVA, p<0.05), with no effect on Q or PAP. Calculated SVR therefore decreased (0.45 ± 0.03 vs. 0.39 ±.05, p<0.05). There were no statistically significant changes in any of the variables in the control group. Both ionized calcium and serum phosphorus fell with RA (1.38 ± 0.034 and 6.9 ± 1.17 vs. 1.28 ± 0.08 and 6 ± 0.86, p<0.05) and were unchanged in the control animals. Neither acute or prolonged RA had a significant effect on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.
A Method for Calculating the Effect of Aircraft Maneuvers on Sonic Booms

Sonic boom theories initiated by Friedman, Kane, and Sigalla have been extended to include the effects of diving and climbing aircraft on curved flight paths. It is shown that flight paths that are concave downward can cause focusing of the wave energy giving rise to high boom overpressures. The present theory indicates that undesirable focusing effects might be avoided by pitting aircraft acceleration against flight-path curvature.
Institutional Flexibility in the Design of Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Current research on international treaties suggests that flexibility provisions can facilitate the diplomatic resolution of international environmental problems.This article advances understanding of this process by describing a typology of flexibility mechanisms found in multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), and by arguing that negotiators strategically select different types of institutional flexibility mechanisms in response to different problems. Multivariate analysis of a new dataset of MEAs indicates that a wider variety of factors influence provision of institutional flexibility than many current studies consider. Specifically, power asymmetry among contracting states is shown to be the most important predictor of flexibility provisions in MEAs.
Effective bandwidths: Call admission, traffic policing and filtering for ATM networks

In this paper we review and extend the effective bandwidth results of Kelly [28], and Kesidis, Walrand and Chang [29, 6]. These results provide a framework for call admission schemes which are sensitive to constraints on the mean delay or the tail distribution of the workload in buffered queues. We present results which are valid for a wide variety of traffic streams and discuss their applicability for traffic management in ATM networks. We discuss the impact of traffic policing schemes, such as thresholding and filtering, on the effective bandwidth of sources. Finally we discuss effective bandwidth results for Brownian traffic models for which explicit results reveal the interaction arising in finite buffers.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGFβ1) Enhances Apoptosis in Human Papillomavirus Type 16-Immortalized Human Ectocervical Epithelial Cells

Abstract Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is a potent inhibitor of epithelial cell growth. In the present study TGFβ1 modulation of human ectocervical epithelial cell growth and differentiation is evaluated using an HPV16-immortalized human ectocervical cell line, ECE16-1. These cells were found to contain a high-affinity receptor for TGFβ1 ( K d = 75 p M ). TGFβ (10-500 pg/ml) suppressed ECE16-1 growth and [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent manner. Growth inhibition was reversible at TGFβ1 concentrations of 100 pg/ml or less. At higher concentrations of TGFβ1, treatment for longer than 2 days induced irreversible growth inhibition. In addition to its effects on cell growth, TGFβ1 treatment increased apoptosis in ECE16-1 cells as measured by an increase in cornified envelope formation, flow cytometry, and DNA fragmentation. Apoptosis was enhanced at doses ⩾100 pg/ml. There was a highly significant increase in the activity of tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme believed to play an important role in apoptosis. This increase in transglutaminase activity was paralleled by a TGFβ1-stimulated increase in fibronectin levels. Transglutaminase and fibronectin have been shown to associate during tissue remodeling. These data suggest that TGFβ1 may act as an important paracrine/autocrine factor to stimulate normal cervical remodeling and to limit HPV16-immortalized cervical cell progression by stimulating apoptosis. The induction of fibronectin and tissue transglutaminase suggests that the TGFβ1 pathway of cell death differs from that of normal ectocervical epithelial cell differentiation, which is mediated by epidermal transglutaminase.
Trimming analytic functions using right sided Poisson subdivision

Just as the Bernstein basis and Bezier points give us tools to manipulate polynomials, the Poisson basis and control points provide a new framework for investigating analytic functions. Using the Poisson representation, two different subdivision algorithms for analytic functions can be derived as extensions of the Bezier polynomial subdivision algorithm. The first procedure generates an approximation algorithm, the second a trimming algorithm. Three applications of these two subdivision algorithms are developed here: an evaluation algorithm, a method for extending the convergence domain of the Poisson representation of an analytic function, and an intersection algorithm for analytic curves.
VLF modal interference over west-east paths

Abstract The frequency and latitude dependence of sunrise modal interference was investigated as observed over long west-east VLF propagation paths. Modal interference spacings were found to be constant to within 10% over a 0–60° latitude range for this direction of propagation and no significant anomalies associated with trans-equatorial propagation were observed. Comparison with middle latitude east-west data suggests that modal interference spacings are slightly greater for propagation to the west than to the east. The locations of two-mode signal minima at night are derived and used to explain some propagation asymmetries previously reported in the literature.
Corrections to the universal behavior of the Coulomb-blockade peak splitting for quantum dots separated by a finite barrier

Building upon earlier work on the relation between the dimensionless interdot channel conductance $g$ and the fractional Coulomb-blockade peak splitting $f$ for two electrostatically equivalent dots, we calculate the leading small-$g$ correction that results from an interdot tunneling barrier that is not a $\ensuremath{\delta}$ function but, rather, has a finite height ${V}_{0}$ and a nonzero width $\ensuremath{\xi}$ and can be approximated as parabolic near its peak. The finiteness of the barrier leads to a small upward shift of the $f$-versus-$g$ curve for $g\ensuremath{\ll}1$. The shift is a consequence of the fact that the tunneling matrix elements vary exponentially with the energies of the states connected. For a parabolic barrier, the energy scale for the variation is $\ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega}$, where $\ensuremath{\omega}$, which is proportional to $\sqrt{{V}_{0}}/\ensuremath{\xi}$, is the harmonic oscillator frequency of the inverted parabolic well. In the limit $g\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$, the finite-width $f$-versus-$g$ curve behaves like $(U/\ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega})/|\mathrm{ln}g|$, where $U$ is the energy cost associated with moving electrons between the dots.
The fine structure of the heart valves in the chicken. I. Mitral valve.

The fine structure of the mitral valve in the chicken heart is described. The chicken has no distinct muscular component within the mitral valve; on the other hand, the tricuspid valve is a muscular fold. The mitral valve is a thin, membranous, fibrous structure and is composed of three layers: (a) an auricular and ventricular endothelial layer, (b) a zona spongiosa, and (c) a zona fibrosa. The endothelium of the heart valve resembles closely that of vascular channels, but the shape and size of the valvular endothelial cells vary considerably from those of other vascular channels. From the valvular endothelial cells thin villus-like projections extend into the cardiac lumen. Their cellular junctions frequently have a complicated pattern in the form of interdigitating folds, although some show a long linerar zone of simple overlapping between adjoining cells. A fine filamentous plexus is a feature of the cytoplasm but is less evident than in other vascular channels. The basement membrane varies with its location in the valve; it is distinct on the atrial side but is often scanty and obscure on the ventricular surface. Some elastic tissue is found in the subendothelial tissue. The zona spongiosa and zona fibrosa are quite similar to those of other species, but the amorphous ground substance in the zona spongiosa is more abundant. Both layes contain elastic fibers and collagen in both fibrils and bundles. Their amount, composition and configuration vary in different locations within the valve. Avian valvular endothelium is compared with that of lining vascular channels and valves of other species. There are structural differences, some of which may reflect physical conditions and function, such as mobility, extensibility and state of contraction.
Limitations of Using Dosimeters in Impulse Noise Environments

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) investigated the capabilities of noise dosimeters to measure personal exposure to impulse noise. The two leading types of commercially available dosimeters were evaluated in terms of their ability to measure and integrate impulses generated from gunfire during live-fire exercises at a law enforcement indoor firing range. Sound measurements were conducted throughout the firing range using dosimeters, sound level meters, and a measurement configuration that consisted of a quarter-inch microphone and a digital audiotape recorder to capture the impulse waveforms. Personal dosimetry was conducted on eight shooters, an observer, and the range master. Peak levels from gunfire reached 163 decibels (dB), exceeding the nominal input limit of the dosimeters. The dosimeters "clipped" the impulses by acting as if the gunfire had a maximum level of 146 dB. In other cases, however, peak levels (e.g., 108 dB) were below the dosimeter input limits, but the dosimeters still showed a peak level of 146 dB. Although NIOSH recommends that sound levels from 80 to 140 dB (A-weighted) be integrated in the calculation of dose and the time-weighted average, our present data suggest this criterion may be inadequate. These results showed that some instruments are incapable of providing accurate measures of impulse sounds because of their electroacoustic limitations.
Ocular effects of oral lithium in humans

Thirteen healthy adult subjects, 34.2 +/- 7.4 years of age received oral lithium carbonate, 900 or 1200 mg daily for 10 days. Refraction, visual acuity, visual fields, corneal sensation, basal tear secretion, ocular motility, convergence amplitude, near point of convergence, Hertel exophthalmometry, pupillary reflexes, intraocular pressure, voluntary and pilocarpine-induced accommodation, and biomicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy of the anterior and posterior ocular segments were determined 4 days prior to starting lithium, 10 days after commencing lithium, and 14 days after discontinuing lithium. Some subjective visual or ocular complaints were reported, but no clinically or statistically significant change occurred in any parameter studied. There were slight, non-significant tendencies toward constriction of the measured visual field, reduction of voluntary and pilocarpine-induced accommodation, and reduction of near convergence amplitude while taking lithium; the former two were reversed when lithium was discontinued, the latter was not.
Response Switching and Self-Efficacy in Peer Instruction Classrooms.

Students with low self-efficacy are more likely to switch their answers to Peer Instructions questions to an incorrect response.
Corrupted: A Game to Teach Programming Concepts

Collaborative teams at the University of Washington Bothell are designing games like Corrupted that introduce students to basic programming structures and functionalities.
The Brightness and Polarization of the Daylight Sky at Altitudes of 18,000 to 38,000 Feet above Sea Level

The brightness and polarization of the daylight sky over Arizona and Southern California were measured from B-29 aircraft while flying at altitudes of 18,000, 27,500, 34,000, and 38,000 feet above sea level. Comparison of the results with the Tousey and Hulburt theory of sky brightness showed that the theory agreed fairly well with the experimental data for all altitudes of observation, for all points in the sky more than 30° from the horizon, and for scattering angles greater than about 40° from the sun, when an atmospheric attenuation coefficient of 0.017/km was assumed. The values of sky brightness observed at scattering angles within 30° of the sun indicated that large scattering particles were present in the atmosphere overhead at all altitudes of observation including 38,000 feet.
Regulation of Glucose and Ammonia Production in the Isolated, Perfused Rat Kidney

Renal gluconeogenesis in vitro is enhanced by increased [H+]. In Vivo, both acute and chronic metabolic acidosis are associated with increased NH4 + excretion. Previous studies from our laboratory, using renal cortex slices, indicated that increased rates of ammonogenesis from glutamine are not dependent on corresponding changes in glucose production. The following studies have utilized perfusion of the isolated rat kidney to further investigate these interrelationships. A modified, oxygen-saturated Krebs-Henseleit buffer, with added glutamine, was utilized as perfusate in an open system. The adequacy of this system was shown by the capacity to estalish a [H+] gradient, and constancy of urine flow, glomerular filtration (C+) and rates of gluconeogenesis for a period of two hours. Glucose production and urinary ammonia excretion were markedly increased when the pH of perfusate was 7.1 as compared to 7.7. However, total ammonia production (effluent+urinary) was decreased at the acid pH. Addition of α-ketoglutarate or pyruvate to the perfusate led to expected increases in gluconeogenesis while total ammonia production decreased. Addition of glucose to the perfusate had no effect on total ammonia production from glutamine. These studies indicate the following: (1) urinary ammonia excretion is not directly correlated with total ammonia production; (2) enhanced ammonia production is not an obligate consequence of increased glucose formation; (3) rates of ammonogenesis are regulated by changes in concentration of Krebs cycle intermediates.
Early Season Weedy Legumes: Potential Larval Food Plants for the Migratory Velvetbean Caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Survival and growth of larvae of the velvetbean caterpillar (VBC), Anticarsia gemmatalis Hiũbner, in the laboratory on four early season weedy legume species, three of which have not been reported previously as food plants, indicated that these could serve as larval food plants in the field. Larval development on white sweetclover, Melilotus alba Desrousseaux, black medic, Medicago lupulina L., and a vetch, Vicia angustifolia L., was similar to that on cultivated soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, except that survival on V. angustifolia was very low. Compared with the other species, significantly greater weight gain and growth rate occurred on white clover, Trifolium repens L., associated with a significantly higher efficiency of conversion of ingested food to biomass (ECI), which was the product of a high approximate digestibility (AD) and a high efficiency of conversion of digested food to biomass (ECD). Approximately 50% greater food consumption on G. max and Medicago lupulina was associated with similarly low ECI values, which resulted from a low AD ( G. max ) or a low ECD ( Medicago lupulina ). Nitrogen content of G. max foliage was significantly less, and its dry matter content significantly greater, than that of the wild species. Oviposition occurred on all plants in a cage test, although G. max was preferred.
Unusual behavior of low-grade, low stage transitional cell carcinoma of bladder☆

Abstract A case report of low-grade, low stage transitional cell cancer of the bladder with isolated metastases to the uterus, fallopian tube, and ovary is presented. The pathogenesis of such unusual behavior for a local bladder malignancy is discussed along with a review of similar cases from the literature.
Sequence diversity studies of rat brain RNA: effects of environmental complexity on rat brain RNA diversity.

— The sequence complexities of rat brain RNAs were measured by RNA-driven hybridization reactions with nonrepetitive rat DNA. The total sequence complexity of rat brain HnRNA was estimated to be 6.61 x 108 nucleotides while rat brain poly(A)-mRNA sequence complexity was 1.32 x 108 nucleotides. Up to 33.7% of the total transcribable nonrepetitive DNA was expressed in the nuclear RNA. The nuclear RNAs reacted with complex kinetics over at least 4.5 decades of equivalent Rot (product of RNA concentration and time), with an apparent division into three major RNA abundance classes. The abundances of average nuclear RNA species in these classes ranged from 2.9 x 109 copies per brain (18 copies per cell) to 2.4 x 105 copies per brain (1.5 x 10−3 copies per cell). Poly(A)-mRNA diversity was sufficient to code for 8.8 x 104 polypeptides of 50,000 daltons. There were also three distinguishable abundance classes of poly(A)-mRNA with frequencies which ranged from 8.9 x 108 copies per brain (5.5 copies per cell) to 3.2 x 105 copies per brain (2 x 10−3 copies per cell). Evidence for compartmentalization of expressed RNA sequences supports the concept that the extensive morphological and physiological specialization evident in brain parallels extensive transcriptional specialization at the cellular level. Brain and liver RNA diversities were measured under double-blind experimental conditions in three experiments with rats raised in experientially enriched (EC) or impoverished (IC) environments. Liver RNA diversity of EC animals was not different from that of IC animals. Brain total RNA of EC animals, at equivalent R0ts of 184,000-212,000, hybridized to 10.6% of rat unique DNA (mean of 11 separate groups of rats). The average hybridization of brain RNA from 11 groups of IC animals in the same range of equivalent Rot was 8.2% of the unique DNA. The difference was statistically significant at P < 0.02. Of 10 groups of 3 littermate pairs (paired across EC and IC groups) brain RNA diversity was greater in EC animals in 8 cases. A least squares fit of the kinetics of hybridization to a pseudo first order reaction showed that, at saturation, the RNA from brains of EC animals was complementary to 16.4% of the unique DNA while that from IC animals was complementary to 9.1%. This difference was found in the least abundant class of rat brain RNA. These changes in sequence diversity reflected either an increase in the number of diverse RNA species present or an increase in the number of copies of certain RNA species in the rats raised in an enriched environment. A change in brain RNA populations of this magnitude may reflect a significant difference in brain function between EC and IC animals.
Homological Properties of Quotient Divisible Abelian Groups

Abstract An abelian group A is quotient divisible if its torsion subgroup tA is reduced, and it contains a finitely generated free subgroup F such that A/F is the direct sum of a finite and a divisible torsion group. This paper focuses on homological properties of quotient divisible groups. A group A such that tA is reduced is quotient divisible if and only if it is small with respect to the class of quotient divisible groups. Further results investigate when an A-generated torsion group is A-solvable. The last section discusses quotient divisible groups A such that ℚ ⊗ℤ E(A)/tE(A) is a quasi-Frobenius ring.
Release of Volatile Branched-Chain and Other Fatty Acids from Ruminant Milk Fats by Various Lipases

Bovine, ovine, and caprine milk fats were treated with pregastric lipases (kid goat, calf, and lamb), microbial lipases (Candida cylindracea, C. cylindracea AY30, Aspergillus niger APF12, Rhizopus arrhizus, Penicillium roqueforti R10, and Mucor zavanicus Map 10), porcine pancreatic lipase, or milk lipase. All three pregastric lipases preferentially hydrolyzed volatile branched-chain and short n-chain fatty acids from each milk fat. Pregastric lipases also released a relatively low proportion of C10 from bovine milk fats but a high proportion of C10 from caprine milk fat. Milk lipase released very low concentrations of butanoic acid and did not release 4-methyloctanoic acid in significant amounts except from caprine milk fat. Ovine milk fat yielded a substantially greater concentration of butanoic acid than did bovine or caprine milk fats when it was hydrolyzed by porcine pancreatic lipase. Candida cylindracea lipase yielded high amounts of volatile n-chain fatty acids nonselectively and only small quantities of volatile branched-chain fatty acids. High amounts of the medium-chain branched fatty acids were produced by kid goat, P. roqueforti, A. niger, and R. arrhizus lipases.
Hand2 determines the noradrenergic phenotype in the mouse sympathetic nervous system.

Abstract The basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor Hand2 has been shown to play a role in the development of the mammalian sympathetic nervous system (SNS); however, its precise role could not be uncovered because Hand2 is required for early embryonic survival. We therefore generated a conditional Hand2 knockout mouse line by excising Hand2 in Wnt1-Cre-expressing neural crest-derived cells. These mice die at 12.5 dpc with embryos showing severe cardiovascular and facial defects. Crest-derived cells, however, populate sites of SNS development and proliferate normally. Sympathetic precursors differentiate into neurons and express the pan-neuronal markers, β3-tubulin (Tuj1) and Hu showing that Hand2 is not essential for SNS neuronal differentiation. To determine whether Hand2 regulates noradrenergic differentiation, the levels of the norepinephrine biosynthetic enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) was examined. Both enzymes were dramatically reduced in mutant embryos suggesting that the primary role of Hand2 in the SNS is determination of neuronal phenotype. Loss of Hand2 did not affect the expression of other members of the transcriptional circuit regulating SNS development, including Phox2a/b, Mash1 and Gata2/3; however, Hand2 was required for Hand1 expression. Our data suggest that the major role of Hand2 during SNS development is to permit sympathetic neurons to acquire a catecholaminergic phenotype.
How significant are transfer function relations and invariant points for a quarter car suspension model

The quarter car model has been used extensively to study the benefits of active, semi-active and passive suspensions. Despite the evident simplicity of the model, the insights obtained from this model have been found to have counterparts in half- and full-car suspension models. Among the most interesting results of the analysis of the quarter car are the relationships among certain transfer function and invariant points in the frequency response functions. These results are of great interest for the application of linear control techniques to the design of active suspensions and the optimisation of linearised passive suspensions. This paper attempts to show why some of the limitations implied by the model are less absolute than they at first seem.
Transformation of the herbicide methyl-N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-carbamate (Swep) in soil.

In soil, the herbicide methyl-N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-carbamate (Swep) was transformed to 3,4-dichloroaniline, 3,3′,4, 4′-tetrachloroazobenzene and other unidentified compounds. The rate of Swep degradation was found to be slower than that of acylanilide herbicides. Under identical conditions 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1, 1-dimethylurea (Diuron) and 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methoxy-1-methylurea (Linuron) remained unchanged for 40 days.
Predicting clinical and economic outcomes after liver transplantation using the mayo primary sclerosing cholangitis model and child-pugh score

Issues in the selection and timing of liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remain controversial. Although the Child-Pugh classification (CP) score and Mayo PSC model have similar abilities to estimate pretransplantation survival, a comparison of these 2 scores in predicting survival after liver transplantation has not been conducted. The aim of this study is to compare the Mayo PSC model and CP score in predicting patient survival and related economic outcomes after liver transplantation. Data from 128 patients with PSC, identified from the NIDDK database, were used to calculate patient-specific Mayo PSC and CP scores before transplantation. Levels reflecting a poor outcome were defined a priori. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and regression methods (Cox proportional hazards and linear regression models) were used to assess the relationship between these 2 scores and 5 post liver transplantation outcome measures. CP score was found to be a significantly (P 21 days (or death before discharge) and (b) resource utilization >200,000 units (measured by area under the ROC curve). The Cox model identified statistically significant (P < .05) associations between CP score and each outcome after adjusting for the Mayo PSC risk score. Similar results were not observed for the Mayo PSC model when adjusted for CP score. Among patients with PSC undergoing liver transplantation, CP score was a better overall predictor of both survival and economic resource utilization compared with the Mayo PSC model. (Liver Transpl 2000;6:753-758.)
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Msh2 Mismatch Repair Protein Localizes to Recombination Intermediates In Vivo

Abstract Mismatch repair proteins act during double-strand break repair (DSBR) to correct mismatches in heteroduplex DNA, to suppress recombination between divergent sequences, and to promote removal of nonhomologous DNA at DSB ends. We investigated yeast Msh2p association with recombination intermediates in vivo using chromatin immunoprecipitation. During DSBR involving nonhomologous ends, Msh2p localized strongly to recipient and donor sequences. Localization required Msh3p and was greatly reduced in rad50Δ strains. Minimal localization of Msh2p was observed during fully homologous repair, but this was increased in rad52Δ strains. These findings argue that Msh2p-Msh3p associates with intermediates early in DSBR to participate in the rejection of homeologous pairing and to stabilize nonhomologous tails for cleavage by Rad1p-Rad10p endonuclease.
Glacial conglomerates of the Appalachian Plateau, New York

Abstract Three generations of Quaternary conglomerates formed by cementation of glacial gravels are found in drift of the Appalachian Plateau in south-central New York. Postglacial conglomerates have been locally cemented by carbonate minerals within limestone-bearing (erratic-rich) gravels of Late Wisconsin (Woodfordian) age. Conglomerates cemented during the Mid-Wisconsin interstade occur as numerous fragments in erratic-rich Late Wisconsin drift, and as a single in situ mound near Syracuse. Mid-Wisconsin conglomerate contains fragments of a still older conglomerate believed to be of possible pre-Wisconsin (Sangamon) age. Both postglacial and Mid-Wisconsin conglomerates were cemented in the same manner, as a result of diagenetic processes in the vadose zones of limestone-bearing terraces. Information gleaned from conglomerate fragments indicates that Early Wisconsin drift was similar to Late Wisconsin drift; the Early and Late Wisconsin glaciations and deglaciations of the plateau probably proceeded in much the same fashion.
Automated Twitter data collecting tool and case study with rule-based analysis

Applying data mining techniques to social media can yield interesting perspectives about individual human behavior, detecting hot issues and topics, or discovering a group and community. However, it is difficult to build your own data set to apply data mining techniques without an automated data gathering and filtering system because of main characteristics of social media: the data is large, noisy and dynamic. To overcome these challenges, we developed a java-based data gathering tool that continually collects social data from Twitter and filters noisy data. This allows us, as well as other researchers, to build our own Twitter database. In this paper, we introduce the design specifications and explain the implementation details of the Twitter Data Collecting Tool we developed. In addition, we provide an analysis of Twitter messages about various Super Bowl ads by applying data-mining techniques to a case study.
Dexamethasone could improve myocardial infarction outcomes and provide new therapeutic options for non-interventional patients.

Summary Background Statins reduce death and morbidity of acute myocardial infarction in part through immunosuppressive mechanisms, suggesting glucocorticoids could produce similar benefits. Glucocorticoids inhibit proliferation of smooth muscle cells and activation of macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques and protect ischemic myocardium through inhibition of a heat shock protein. Dexamethasone-eluting coronary stents have a decreased rate of restenosis, and oral prednisone reduces restenosis of conventional stents. Some studies from the 1970’s and 1980’s showed that steroids improve survival in myocardial infarction, but no conclusive large-scale randomized well-powered trials have been conducted. Presentation of the hypothesis Dexamethasone administered alongside statins in the setting of acute myocardial infarction could attenuate myocardial damage in patients with diffuse disease. Testing the hypothesis Patients with acute myocardial infarction who cannot undergo angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting could be given a statin and intravenous and oral dexamethasone. Dexamethasone minimizes fluid retention and avoids mineralocorticoid-induced cell proliferation in plaques. Blood glucose monitoring should be ordered for all patients, but diabetic patients need not be excluded. There should be measures to prevent steroid-induced homocystinuria or more common complications such as ulcers, osteoporosis, infections and psychosis. Implications of the hypothesis Showing that acute coronary syndrome is a steroid-responsive disorder would have immediate relevance for patients limited to medical management because of anatomy and comorbidities, and results would similarly have application for acute ischemic stroke.
Depressed mood and maternal report of child behavior problems: Another look at the depression–distortion hypothesis☆

Abstract Caregiver depression has been described as leading to overreport of child behavior problems. This study examines this “depression–distortion” hypothesis in terms of high-risk families of young adolescents. Questionnaire data were collected from mothers, teachers, and fathers, and self-report information was obtained from youth between ages 10 and 14 years. First, convergent and discriminant validity were demonstrated for internalizing and externalizing multiagent constructs. Second, the depression–distortion hypothesis was examined, revealing a modest effect of maternal depression, leading to the inflation of reported son externalizing and daughter internalizing problems. The data suggest the need to consider multiple influences on parental perceptions of child behavior and psychopathology in research and clinical settings.
The Effects of an Early Observational Experience on Medical Students’ Attitudes Toward End-of-Life Care

End-of-life care is paramount in maintaining the quality of life of the terminally ill, protecting them from unnecessary treatment, and controlling costs incurred in their care. Training doctors to be effective end-of-life caregivers begins in medical school. A survey design was used to collect data from 166 first-year medical students before and after exposure to hospice or palliative care through an early clinical exposure program. Data demonstrated that students had a significant change in attitude scores after the observational experience (P < .05). Providing students with the opportunity to observe and participate in end-of-life care has a positive effect on attitudes toward the care of dying persons. We recommend that direct exposure to end-of-life care practices be incorporated early in the medical school curriculum.
O + NNH: A possible new route for NOX formation in flames

We propose a new high temperature pathway for NO formation that involves the reaction of NNH with oxygen atoms. This reaction forms the HNNO* energized adduct via a rapid combination reaction; HNNO* then rapidly dissociates to NH + NO. The rate constant for O + NNH NH + NO is calculated via a QRRK chemical activation analysis to be 3.3 × 1014T−0.23exp(+510/T) cm3 mol−1 s−1. This reaction sequence can be an important or even major route to NO formation under certain combustion conditions. The presence of significant quantities of NNH results from the reaction of H with N2. The H + N2 NNH reaction is only ca. 6 kcal/mol endothermic with a relatively low barrier. The reverse reaction, NNH dissociation, has been reported in the literature to be enhanced by tunneling. Our analysis of NNH dissociation indicates that tunneling dominates. We report a two-term rate constant for NNH dissociation: 3.0 × 108 + [M] {1.0 × 1013T0.5exp(−1540/T)} s−1. The first term accounts for pressure-independent tunneling from the ground vibrational state, while the second term accounts for collisional activation to higher vibration states from which tunneling can also occur. ([M] is the total concentration in units of mol cm−3.) Use of this dissociation rate constant and microscopic reversibility results in a large rate constant for the H + N2 reaction. As a result, we find that NNH H + N2 can be partially equilibrated under typical combustion conditions, resulting in NNH concentrations large enough for it to be important in bimolecular reactions. Our analysis of such reactions suggests that the reaction with oxygen atoms is especially important. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An in vitro cell invasion assay: Determination of cell surface proteolytic activity that degrades extracellular matrix

A correlative morphological and biochemical method is described that facilitates assaying the invasive phenotype of tumor cells in vitro. The method involves a labeled matrix substrata to measure the activity of cell surface proteases, and uses the covalent linkage of fluorescence-labeled fibronectin (or other purified extracellular matrix components) to the surface of crosslinked gelatin substrata. We have investigated the invasiveness of tissue culture cells based on two criteria: the ability of the cells to form invadopodia and create surface indentations into crosslinked gelatin films that can be visualized by differential interference contrast microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, as well as their ability to locally degrade fibronectin or other matrix components coated on loosely crosslinked gelatin films by fluorescence microscopy. In using this method, we have demonstrated the existence of cell surface proteases that may be important in the invasion of cells into the extracellular matrix. Also, we have identified various cell types including embryonic fibroblasts transformed by Rous sarcoma virus, malignant human melanoma cell lines, breast carcinoma cell lines, neural microglia, and neural crest cells that are invasive in culture.
Fabrication and characterization of aligned nanofibrous PLGA/Collagen blends as bone tissue scaffolds

Abstract Aligned nanofibrous blends of poly ( d , l -lactide- co -glycolide) (PLGA) and collagen with various PLGA/collagen compositions (80/20, 65/35 and 50/50) were fabricated by electrospinning and characterized for bone tissue engineering. Morphological characterization showed that the addition of collagen to PLGA resulted in narrowing of the diameter distribution and a reduction in average diameter. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) studies showed that the triple helix structure of the native collagen was not destroyed during the fabrication process. However, the blending had a marked effect on the overall enthalpy of the blends, whereby the total enthalpy decreased as the collagen content decreased. Thermogravimetric analysis showed the addition of collagen increased the hydrophilicity of the scaffolds. The crosslinking of collagen to increase the biostability was done using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) in ethanol and an overall ∼25% degree of crosslinking was achieved. The EDC crosslinking had little effect on the nanofibrous morphology of the 80/20 blend system; however, the nanofibrous features were compromised to some extent at higher collagen concentrations. The mechanical characterization under dry and wet conditions showed that increasing collagen content resulted in a tremendous decrease in the mechanical properties. However, crosslinking resulted in the increase in elastic modulus from 47 MPa to 83 MPa for the wet PLGA/Collagen 80/20 blend system, with little effect on the tensile strength. In conclusion, the aligned nanofibrous scaffold used in this study constitutes a promising material for bone tissue engineering.
The 'sweet' spot of cellular pluripotency: protein glycosylation in human pluripotent stem cells and its applications in regenerative medicine.

Introduction: Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) promise for the future of regenerative medicine. The structural and biochemical diversity associated with glycans makes them a unique type of macromolecule modification that is involved in the regulation of a vast array of biochemical events and cellular activities including pluripotency in hPSCs. The primary focus of this review article is to highlight recent advances in stem cell research from a glycobiological perspective. We also discuss how our understanding of glycans and glycosylation may help overcome barriers hindering the clinical application of hPSC-derived cells.Areas covered: A literature survey using NCBI-PubMed and Google Scholar was performed in 2014.Expert opinion: Regenerative medicine hopes to provide novel strategies to combat human disease and tissue injury that currently lack effective therapies. Although progress in this field is accelerating, many critical issues remain to be addressed in order for cell-based therapy to become a pr...