cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chiari malformation associated with vitamin D-resistant rickets: case report.

Introduction Craniocervical junction abnormalities have a wide range of origins, from rare congenital conditions to common arthritic processes. We present a rare case of foramen magnum stenosis with Chiari I malformation and associated syringomyelia, which resulted from vitamin D-resistant hypophosphatemic rickets. Methods This 12-year-old male patient had a history of vitamin D-resistant rickets, and he presented with a 1-year history of increasing upper extremity weakness and sharp pain in the left shoulder and arm. Magnetic resonance imaging of his spine showed a large syrinx from C2 to T7, with significant foramen magnum stenosis and a Chiari Type I malformation. Results The patient underwent craniocervical decompression, consisting of a suboccipital craniectomy and C1 laminectomy with duraplasty. A pathological evaluation of bone yielded no diagnostic abnormality. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed significant reduction in the diameter of the cervical thoracic spinal cord syrinx 3 months after surgery. The patient's pain and sensation in his left arm had not improved by that time, and he still had some diffuse weakness in his arms. Two years later, he had persistent left shoulder girdle pain and his syrinx had collapsed, except for a small residual from T2 to T6. Discussion and conclusion The bone disease of vitamin D-resistant rickets can involve the base of the cranium, precipitating the development of the Chiari malformation and associated syringomyelia. We review the association between rickets and Chiari malformation and discuss the management of these patients.
Ionospheric interaction of VLF radio waves

Abstract Ground-based VLF transmitters may modify the lower ionosphere. The largest heating effects are observed under conditions when the quasi-longitudinal approximation of ionospheric fields becomes inaccurate for the idealized homogeneous anisotropic ionosphere model, which occurs north of transmitters located at moderate northern latitudes. Temperature changes of the order of 10 per cent or by 20°K can be expected for the nighttimeE-layer with 1000 kW of transmitted power. This temperature increase causes an increase of electron collision frequency and also a short term increase of electron density following the hypothesis of LeLevier. The resulting change of reflection coefficients is of the order of 1 per cent and the wave fields in the ionosphere are changed by several per cent for frequencies in the VLF range; incident ELF signals are affected to a lesser degree. A neglect of electron density changes leads to smaller changes of reflection coefficients and of wave fields. The estimated changes of ionospheric parameters are comparable to those observed in current ionospheric modification experiments at higher frequencies. The calculated electron temperature changes are much smaller than in models which use an isotropic ionosphere and free space fields for estimating the amplitude of the heating signal.
Mechanisms of mucosal injury and healing: the role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Biological insights into injurious effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin (ASA), on mucosal protection and repair, are largely from studies of acute injury. That chronic ulceration is similar is not established. NSAIDs directly injure tissues, including endothelia, and at the same time impair the operation of many of the processes that normally contribute to mucosal protection, whatever the injurious agent. Many protective processes are mediated through prostaglandins, whose synthesis is abolished by inhibition of the constitutive isoenzyme, cyclooxygenase I (COX I) or Prostaglandin H-Synthase1 (PGHS1). The aims of therapy are aimed at inhibiting the inducible isozyme cyclooxygenase II (COX II) or prostaglandin-H Synthase2 (PGHS2), which contributes to prostanoid synthesis at sites of inflammation. Newer NSAIDs, selectively inhibiting COX II, promise to revolutionize the treatment of inflammatory disease while reducing mucosal injury. Meanwhile, there is increasing ev...
Suppression of high-speed C2H4/air flameswith C1-halocarbons

Experimental investigations of the effect of the presence of five C 1 -halocarbons (CF 4 , CHF 3 , CF 3 I, CHF 2 Cl, and CF 3 Br) on the suppression of premixed high-speed turbulent flames and quasi detonations have been carried out in a 7.5-m long, 50-mm diameter tube. Lean and stoichiometric C 2 H 4 /air mixtures in the absence of any halocarbon, initially at 100 kPa and 295K, constitute the reference states. A primary objective of the work has been to determine the relative suppression efficiencies of different agents under highly dynamic situations, without the undue influence of either the ignition event of the mixing of the agent into the flame front. This was accomplished by generating a highly turublent flame/quasi detonation in the driver section, which contained no suppressant, followed by measurements of the velocity and pressure ratio as the wave front entered the test section of the tube, which contained suppressant premixed with the same fuel/air combination. A turublence generator in the form of a spiral obstruction was used in the tube to broaden the gas-dynamic conditions attainable by the flame. Flame and shock wave velocities up to 1300 m/s, pressure ratios across the shock fronts over 26:1, and shock wave/flame spacings of the order of 10 cm were measured with piezoelectric pressure transducers and fast photodiodes. The experimental facility was successfully employed to clearly discriminate among the dynamic characteristics of the five compounds, revealing behavior distinct from what was observed in companion studies using atmospheric nonpremixed flames. The suppression process is strongly influenced by the concentration of an agent, the structure and composition of an agent molecule, and the composition of the combustible mixture itself.
Non-Standardized Standards

AbstractThe evidence put forth by those who favor standardization and centralization of the public school system does not add up. Two popular claims made by standardizers advocating for the need to end local control of curriculum and assessment are refuted here and evidence in support of some alternate ideas for moving the public school system forward is presented.
Continuous Oxygen Measurements in Bio-media using Metal-halide Cluster Phosphorescence

A dissolved oxygen sensor for biological media using the 3O2 quenching of the phosphorescence from MoCl clusters is presented. Real-time measurements for four hours over a physiologically relevant pO2 range show no evidence of photobleaching
Influence of hydroxyethylcellulose on the drug release properties of theophylline pellets coated with Eudragit® RS 30 D

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of a hydrophilic polymer, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), on the release properties of theophylline from pellets coated with Eudragit® RS 30 D, and the physicochemical properties of Eudragit® RS 30 D cast films. The release rate of theophylline from Eudragit® RS 30 D coated pellets decreased during storage at 25 °C/60% RH due to the further coalescence of colloidal acrylic particles. In addition, water-vapor permeability and tensile strength of Eudragit® RS 30 D cast film decreased after 1-month storage at 25 °C/60% RH. The presence of 10% hydroxyethylcellulose in the coating formulation was shown to stabilize the drug release rate from coated pellets, the water-vapor permeability and the tensile strength of free films. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy were used to demonstrate that the HEC was immiscible with Eudragit® RS 30 D in the cast films. The stabilization effect of HEC was investigated and determined to be due to the formation of an incompatible phase between the latex particles which impaired further coalescence of the colloidal acrylic particles.
Synthesis of 2‘-C-α-(Hydroxyalkyl) and 2‘-C-α-Alkylcytidine Phosphoramidites: Analogues for Probing Solvent Interactions with RNA

Nucleoside analogues bearing 2‘-C-α-(hydroxyalkyl) and 2‘-C-α-alkyl substitutes have numerous applications in RNA chemistry and biology. In particular, they provide a strategy to probe the interaction between the 2‘-hydroxyl group of RNA and water. To incorporate these nucleoside analogues into oligonucleotides for studies of the group II intron (Gordon, P. M.; Fong, R.; Deb, S.; Li, N.-S.; Schwans, J. P.; Ye, J.-D.; Piccirilli, J. A. Chem. Biol. 2004, 11, 237), we synthesized six new phosphoramidite derivatives of 2‘-deoxy-2‘-C-α-(hydroxyalkyl)cytidine (36: R = −(CH2)2OH; 38: R = −(CH2)3OH; 40: R = −(CH2)4OH) and 2‘-deoxy-2‘-C-α-alkylcytidine (37: R = −CH2CH3; 39: R = −(CH2)2CH3; 41: R = −(CH2)3CH3) from cytidine or uridine via 2‘-C-α-allylation, followed by alkene and alcohol transformations. Phosphoramidites 36 and 37 were prepared from cytidine in overall yields of 14% (10 steps) and 7% (11 steps), respectively. Phosphoramidites 38 and 39 were prepared from uridine in overall yields of 30% (10 s...
The equalization phenomenon: status effects in computer-mediated and face-to-face decision-making groups

New computer-based communications technologies make possible new or expanded forms of group work. Although earlier researchers suggest that scant social information in these technologies might cause status equalization in groups, no experimental test of this phenomenon has been made. In a laboratory experiment, we compared face-to-face communication with electronic mail in decision-making groups whose members differed in social status. We examined status in two ways: by varying the external status of group members, and by varying the decision task to manipulate expertise. When the groups made decisions in face-to-face meetings, the high-status member dominated discussions with the three low-status members. Also, the high-status member more often was a "first advocate" in the face-to-face discussions, and first advocates were more influential than later advocates. These status inequalities in face-to-face decision making were pronounced just when the high-status member's expertise was relevant to the decision task. When the same groups made comparable decisions using electronic mail, status and expertise inequalities in participation were reduced. A striking and unexpected result was that "first" advocacy was shared by high-and low-status members in discussions using electronic mail. This behavior resulted in increased equality of influence across status and expertise. We discuss the implications of these results for research and for design of new communication technologies.
The Cosmic Triangle : Revealing the State of the Universe

The cosmic triangle is introduced as a way of representing the past, present, and future status of the universe. Our current location within the cosmic triangle is determined by the answers to three questions: How much matter is in the universe? Is the expansion rate slowing down or speeding up? And, is the universe flat? A review of recent observations suggests a universe that is lightweight (matter density about one-third the critical value), is accelerating, and is flat. The acceleration implies the existence of cosmic dark energy that overcomes the gravitational self-attraction of matter and causes the expansion to speed up.
Roles of Aquaporin-3 in the Epidermis

Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) is a membrane transporter of water and glycerol expressed in plasma membranes in the basal layer keratinocytes of epidermis in normal skin. AQP3 expression in human skin is increased in response to skin stress in diseases such as atopic eczema, to various agents such as retinoic acid, and in skin carcinomas. AQP3-knockout mice have reduced stratum corneum water content and elasticity compared with wild-type mice, as well as impaired wound healing and epidermal biosynthesis. Reduced AQP3-dependent glycerol transport in AQP3-deficient epidermis appears to be responsible for these phenotype findings, as evidenced by reduced glycerol content in epidermis and stratum corneum in AQP3-knockout mice, and correction of the phenotype abnormalities by glycerol replacement. Recent data implicate AQP3 as an important determinant in epidermal proliferation and skin tumorigenesis, in which AQP3-knockout mice are resistant to tumor formation by a mechanism that may involve reduced cell glycerol content and ATP energy for biosynthesis. AQP3 is thus a key player in epidermal biology and a potential target for drug development.
Seasonal Abundance of the Ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in Relation to Water Temperature and Other Zooplankton in the Thames River Estuary, Connecticut

Abstract I examined seasonal patterns in the abundance of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi (Atlantic Comb Jelly) to determine whether unusually early ctenophore blooms occur outside the range in which they were originally reported (Narragansett Bay, RI) and whether ctenophore abundance is correlated with sea surface temperature (SST) or with declines in zooplankton prey. Sampling was conducted from 23 April to 16 November 2004 in the Thames River Estuary, CT. Adult (≥1 cm) ctenophores first appeared in the estuary on 20 May 2004, with a seasonal peak in mean (± SD) density (9.9 ± 2.5 individuals m-3, n = 7 stations) and biovolume (26.6 ± 9.9 ml m-3, n = 7 stations) on 9 July 2004. Adult Atlantic Comb Jelly abundance was positively correlated with SST, but only during the spring and early summer. Food availability also likely played an important role in ctenophore-population growth early in the year. However, I observed a delay between copepod density and ctenophore biovolume, possibly due to unusually col...
Effects of temperature and larval diet on development of the beet armyworm (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae)

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), was reared at eight constant temperatures ranging from 15 to 38°C on an artificial diet, smooth pigweed, Amaranthus hybridus , or cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. Developmental rates, survival, pupal weights, and number of stadia varied among diets. Both linear and nonlinear models were developed for the developmental rate of beet armyworm eggs, each stadium, and the entire larval and pupal stages on each diet. A developmental threshold of 12.42 ± 1.58°C was estimated for eggs. Larval developmental rates declined at 38°C on all diets. Pupal developmental rates declined at 36°C on all diets. Developmental thresholds were similar for all developmental categories on all diets and averaged 13.6 ± 0.46°C. The number of stadia increased at both high and low temperatures on all diets. Larvae took longer to develop, attained a lower pupal weight, and required a greater number of stadia on cotton than on artificial diet or pigweed.
STORAGE STABILITY of FRANKFURTERS CONTAINING CORN GERM PROTEIN1

Storage stability of frankfurters containing 3% corn germ protein (CGP) defatted by supercritical CO2 or hexane was determined by sensory characteristics and chemical and microbiological tests. Meaty aroma and meaty flavors scores of control and experimental samples decreased from 46.3–49.2 points after 3 days of storage to 34.2–42.3 points after 50 days of storage. Rates of increase in values of total volatile nitrogen (TVN), nonammonia amino nitrogen (NAAN), and 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) were similar in control and experimental frankfurters. These results of TVN, NAAN, and TBA tests indicated chemical changes in the protein and lipid components of frankfurters during storage. the incorporation of 3% CGP (both types) did not affect the rate of bacterial growth in frankfurters or stability during 50 days of storage at 3–4°:C.
Oral Poliovirus Vaccine: History of Its Development and Use and Current Challenge to Eliminate Poliomyelitis from the World

Oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) is like no other live virus vaccine used in humans: vaccine strains multiply extensively in the intestinal tract, are widely disseminated in the family and community, and immunize a large proportion of the unvaccinated population. During the search for optimal strains for vaccine use, motor neurons in the spinal cord of chimpanzees (and by extrapolation those of humans) were found to be much more resistant to polioviruses than those of monkeys; the reverse was true for the alimentary tract. Various biologic properties of polioviruses also varied quantitatively over a wide spectrum and were genetically distinct. The phenomenon of somewhat increased neurovirulence for monkeys, but not for chimpanzees, encountered in excreted virus was extensively studied in families, in children's homes, and finally among hundreds of thousands of susceptible children and adults in areas where only 50% of the susceptible population received OPV; these studies did not reveal evidence of danger. During the past 20 years approximately 5 million cases of paralytic poliomyelitis were probably prevented by OPV in predominantly temperate-climate countries inhabited by approximately 2 billion people. OPV has also been used less extensively and not optimally in many tropical and subtropical countries, where paralytic poliomyelitis is now known to be an important public health problem, with reduction in numbers of cases but not elimination of the disease except in some countries with better health services. Experience in Cuba during the past 21 years, in Brazil during the past 5 years, and in the Dominican Republic during the past 2 years has shown that the strategy of annual short-term vaccination of all children in the most susceptible age groups can rapidly eliminate the disease from tropical and subtropical countries.
Fully gauge-invariant field theory of free superstrings☆

Abstract Gauge invariant actions are discussed for free open superstrings in the BRST formalism. While the Neveu-Schwarz sector is analogous to the bosonic string, the Ramond sector has a complication in the commuting zero modes of the superconformal ghost. It is shown how consistency determines the inner product of the zero-mode states. On this basis, a fully gauge-invariant action for free open superstrings is derived. It is also shown that by consistent truncation this action precisely reproduces the “minimal” one with a smaller gauge invariance discussed by other authors.
A Model for Gap Conductance in Nuclear Fuel Rods

Computation of nuclear reactor fuel behavior under normal and off-normal conditions is influenced by gap conductance models. These models should provide accurate results for heat transfer for arbitrary gap widths and gas mixtures and should be based on considerations of the kinetic theory of gases. There has been considerable progress in the study of heat transfer in a simple gas for arbitrary Knudsen numbers (Kn = l/similar to d, where l is a meanfree-path and similar d is the gap width) in recent years. Using these recent results, a simple expression for heat transfer in a gas mixture (enclosed between parallel plates) for an arbitrary Knudsen number has been constructed, and a new model for gap conductance has been proposed. The latter reproduces the free molecular (small gap, Kn >> 1) and the jump limits (large gaps, Kn << 1) correctly, and it provides fairly accurate results for arbitrary gap widths. The new model is suitable for use in large fuel behavior computer programs.
Surgical arthritis service weekly rounds: ankylosing spondylitis.

Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (e.g., consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the reporting of this case and that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.
Simple water clusters of Coumarins 151 and 152A studied by IR–UV double resonance spectroscopy

Abstract The hydrogen-bonded clusters Coumarin 151/(H 2 O) 1 and Coumarin 152A/(H 2 O) 1 have been studied via IR–UV double-resonance spectroscopy. Each cluster exists in two structural forms having distinct electronic properties. Evidence is presented to show that the structures involve water hydrogen bonded to groups at opposite ends of the molecular dipole. These results were supported by semiempirical structure calculations and, for C151, by infrared measurements in the S 1 state.
A Potential Role for Avocado- and Soybean-Based Nutritional Supplements in the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, painful, and debilitating condition that affects approximately 46.4 million individuals in the United States. By 2012, this number is expected to increase to 60 million. In addition, it is the leading cause of activity limitation in adults and represents a widely acknowledged economic burden. Although the ultimate goal is to slow or prevent OA progression, at present, medical management of OA is aimed primarily at controlling symptoms of pain and stiffness and maintaining joint mobility and quality of life. Because of the lack or perceived lack of response to many conventional therapies for OA as well as concerns regarding the long-term administration of drugs (eg, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), oral joint health supplements (OJHSs) have become increasingly popular among patients with OA. This article briefly reviews pertinent molecular mechanisms involved in the development of OA and summarizes available in vitro and in vivo evidence supporting the use of avocado and soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) either alone or in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in patients with OA. Basic scientific research studies and a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available high-quality randomized clinical trials indicate that 300 mg of ASU per day (with or without glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate) appears to be beneficial for patients with hip or knee OA. There is also some evidence that ASU or ASU/glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate combination products could be used prophylactically in even the earliest stages of OA. Considering concerns regarding inferior-quality OJHSs, consumers and physicians are encouraged to take an evidence-based approach when evaluating OJHSs to identify and recommend safe and effective products that meet label claims when tested independently, and are of the highest quality.
Picosecond Photoconductive Sampling Measurements of the Scattering Parameters of High-Speed Field-Effect Transistors

We describe stimulus-response measurement techniques based on the photoconductive generation and sampling of picosecond electrical pulses for measuring the high frequency scattering parameters of high speed microwave devices. We compare these techniques with more conventional microwave diagnostic techniques.
Computational fluid dynamic modeling of a chemical vapor synthesis process for aluminum nanopowder as a hydrogen storage precursor

A chemical vapor synthesis (CVS) process for synthesizing nano-sized aluminum powder as a precursor for various hydrogen storage materials was simulated by the use of computational fluid dynamic modeling. The fluid flow, heat transfer and chemical reaction phenomena taking place inside the reactor were analyzed together with particle formation and growth in the CVS process. The temperature, velocity and particle size distribution fields inside the reactor were computed. Chemical reaction rate and population balance model were used to calculate the particle formation and growth. The particle size computed by the program was compared with the experimental data, and the calculated average size of the final product particles was consistent with those obtained in the experimental work.
Parameterization of Continuum Theories for Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Switches by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

We propose continuum models for simulation of carbon nanotube based electromechanical switches. Mechanical behavior of a single wall nanotube has been modeled by a continuum model parameterized by using molecular dynamics simulations. By coupling the continuum mechanical and electrostatic models, electromechanical analysis of a single wall nanotube is performed to compute the pull-in voltage.
Expression and distribution of grp-78/bip in mineralizing tissues and mesenchymal cells

Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP-78) is one of the many endoplasmic reticulum chaperone proteins that have been shown to possess multifunctional roles. We have previously demonstrated that GRP-78 functions as a receptor for dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) and is required for DMP1-mediated calcium release; that it is a secreted protein and can bind to type I collagen and DMP1 extracellularly and aid in the nucleation of calcium phosphate. We provide evidence in this study that tyrosine phosphorylation is required for DMP1/GRP-78-mediated calcium release in mesenchymal cells. We further demonstrate that GRP-78 is localized in the nucleus of mesenchymal cells and that the cell surface GRP-78 is not associated with the G-protein Gαq in mesenchymal cells. Results from this study show that during development of mineralized tissues, increased expression of GRP-78 can be observed in condensing cartilage and mesenchymal cells of the alveolar bone, endochondral bone and dental pulp. Additionally, we show that GRP-78 is present in the mineralizing matrices of teeth, bone and in the extracellular matrix of differentiating human marrow stromal cells and dental pulp stem cells. Collectively, our observations provide a new perspective on GRP-78 with respect to mineralized matrix formation.
Dynamics of polymerization of macromolecules with multiple binding sites

In Nature, there are many examples of biological polymerizations in which the monomers possess multiple binding sites. Under certain circumstances, such branched polymerizations may produce a large macroparticle that constitutes a significant fraction of the monomers. In this paper, we show that the polymerizations of antibodies with antigens and the polymerization of fibrin are of this type. We then present the results of stochastic simulations for the time-evolutions of these processes, and characterize their gel transitions. Finally, we relate the innate fluctuations of these processes to the gel transition, and demonstrate the necessity of using a stochastic approach to quantify polymerization kinetics.
Composition and temperature dependence of the dielectric, piezoelectric and elastic properties of pure PZT ceramics

Pure (undoped) piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic samples at compositions across the ferroelectric region of the phase diagram were prepared from sol-gel-derived fine powders. Excess lead oxide was included in the PZT powders to obtain dense (95-96% of theoretical density) ceramics with large grain size (>7 mu m) and to control the lead stoichiometry. The dielectric, piezoelectric, and elastic properties were measured from 4.2 to 300 K. At very low temperatures, the extrinsic domain wall and thermal defect motions freeze out. The low-temperature dielectric data can be used to determine coefficients in a phenomenological theory. The extrinsic contribution to the properties can then be separated from the single-domain properties derived from the theory. >
Bone metastases and skeletal-related events from neuroendocrine tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) metastasize to bone; however, a multi-institution evaluation of the natural history and complications of bone metastases across multiple NET subtypes has not, to our knowledge, previously been conducted. At two tertiary academic centers, we identified patients with bone metastases from databases of patients with a diagnosis of NET between 2004 and 2008. Detection of bone metastases, occurrence of skeletal-related events (SREs), and interventions were analyzed using summary statistics and categorical methods. Time-to-event data were assessed using Kaplan–Meier estimates and log-rank tests. Between 2004 and 2008, 82 out of 691 NET patients (12%) were reported to have bone metastases. Of the 82 patients with bone metastases, 55% were men and their median age was 49. Bone metastases occurred in 25% of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, 20% of high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas, 9% of carcinoid tumors, and 8% of pancreatic NETs. At time of detection of bone metastases, 60% reported symptoms, including pain; 10% developed cord compression, 9% suffered a pathological fracture, and 4% developed hypercalcemia. Occurrence of SREs did not differ significantly with regard to tumor histology. Of patients with bone metastases, 67 (82%) received at least one form of bone-directed treatment, 50% received radiation, 45% received a bisphosphonate, 18% underwent surgery, 11% received 131I-MIBG, 5% received denosumab, and 46% were treated with more than one treatment modality. Bone metastases occur in a substantial number of patients diagnosed with NETs. Patients are often symptomatic and many develop SREs. Given the recent therapeutic advances and increasing life expectancy of patients with NETs, development of guidelines for surveillance and clinical care of bone metastases from NETs is needed.
Alignment of carbon nanotubes comprising magnetically sensitive metal oxides in heat transfer nanofluids

High speed microscopy was utilized to allow real time visualization of the movement of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) with magnetically sensitive nanoparticles (Fe2O3) and a chemical surfactant (NaDSSB) in water. Initially, entangled SWNT, Fe2O3 and NaDSSB mixtures were randomly dispersed in the fluid. Upon extended exposure to the magnetic field, the mixture slowly vibrated, the nanoparticles straightened and aligned with respect to the magnetic field. The aligned nanoparticle chains appeared to be continuous and unbroken, forming a combination of aligned particles and clusters. Because of the semi-continuous nature of these nanosuspensions and the inherent viscosity of the fluid, some minutes are required for the mixtures to respond to the applied magnetic field and align. Time dependent thermal conductivity experiments indicate that the alignment process dominates the thermal conductivity enhancement as opposed to micro convection. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images also show that the SWNT and Fe2O3 particles are well aligned under the influence of the magnetic field. Verification of the assumption that electrostatic attraction between nanotube/surfactant and metal oxides makes aggregation happen was obtained, by changing the nature of the charge of the surfactant from a negative charge (NaSDDB) to a positive charge (CTAB). Compared with the alignment of Ni coated SWNTs that contain chemical bonds between Ni and C atoms, this electrostatic force induced alignment could maintain nanotube perfect conjugate structures which result in excellent thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. The alignment of the carbon nanotubes in nanosuspensions may offer new opportunities for the development of nanofluids. In addition, these nanosuspensions could be applicable in a wide variety of potential applications, such as thermally conductive films, reinforced polymer composites, transparent electrodes for display and solar cells, electromagnetic interference shielding, new sensors, etc.
Cross-cultural, values and ethics differences and similarities between the US and Asian countries

Purpose – This article aims to investigate the differences and similarities among cross-cultural, values and ethics between the USA and Asian countries. This article analyzes the degree of cultural distance between USA and Asian countries and the impact it has in companies. It examines the comparison between the USA and China’s value system. It also assesses how idealism and relativism impact individual ethical decision-making. In addition, this article examines the impact that globalization, foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade have in the Chinese culture and other countries. Design/methodology/approach – The data for this research paper were collected from the following models: Ethics Position Questionnaire of Forsyth, Rokeach Values Survey, Hofstede model, GLOBE model and Wilcoxon test. The main sources used for this research were the Journal of Technology Management in China and the EBSCO database. Findings – The research found that Western cultures tend to be more individualistic, while Asian countries tend to be very collective. This study also found that the type of value system that each culture holds depends on the type of government. This research also found that researchers have discovered that American managers are more loyal to their ethical beliefs, rather than to their superior’s or company’s ethical beliefs. While eastern Asian cultures focus more on the importance of acting in the best interests of the company’s superior. The study also found that it is extremely important for foreigners to build a relationship with Chinese business professionals before they do business negotiations. In addition, the study found that globalization, FDI and trade do make a significant cultural difference in some cultural dimensions. Originality/value – It contributes to the literature by analyzing the different measurements in value, ethics and cultural differentiation. This research wants to demonstrate the importance of cultural differences, ethics and values across different countries and cultures. It also provides factual evidence that it’s important to understand these differences to be a successful global manager. In addition, it contributes to this literature by analyzing the effect that globalization, FDI and trade have in national cultures.
Toleration of high concentrations of dietary zinc by mink.

Adult and kit male and female natural dark ranch mink (Mustela vison) were fed a conventional diet supplemented with 0, 500, 1,000, or 1,500 ppm zinc, as ZnSO4·7H2O, for 144 days. No marked adverse effects were observed in feed consumption, body weight gains, hematologic parameters, fur quality, or survival. Zinc concentrations in liver, kidney, and pancreas of the mink increased in direct proportion to the zinc content of the diet. Histopathologic examination of the livers, kidneys, and pancreata revealed no lesions indicative of zinc toxicosis. The results indicate that mink can tolerate at least 1,500 ppm dietary zinc, as ZnSO4=7H2O, for several months without apparent adverse effects. Zinc (Zn) is an essential element required by animals and humans for the normal functioning of numerous biological processes. 30 Over 70 metalloenzymes are known to require Zn for normal activity, 13 including carbonic dehydrogenase, carboxypeptidase, alcohol dehydrogenase, glutamic dehydrogenase, lactic dehy- drogenase, and alkaline phosphatase. 2 Most studies dealing with abnormal Zn metabolism in animals have been concerned with a deficiency of this element; few investigations have reported on the effects of dietary exposure to high concentrations of Zn. A study of Zn toxicity in the European ferret, a close relative of the mink, has shown that ferrets are more susceptible to high concentrations of dietary Zn than are most other species.
The complete ordered ray expansion‐I. Calculation of synthetic seismograms

SUMMARY As high-quality broad-band data become more widely available, efficient methods for modelling and inverting such data are increasingly required. In this paper we describe a novel method for calculating seismograms, referred to as the Complete Ordered Ray Expansion or CORE. This technique is based on a ray-generation algorithm involving the symbolic manipulation of complete wavefield expressions from reflectivity theory, truncated to produce a finite ray series. CORE represents an extremely flexible tool for the generation of body wave synthetics, and for the interpretation of observed seismograms. It also provides a framework for waveform inversion that exploits the natural division between smooth structure and discontinuities. We describe the ray-generation algorithm, and show examples of the effect of varying degrees of truncation on the ray series. Although CORE uses asymptotic ray theory to generate the seismograms from the ray series, the resulting traces show surprisingly good agreement with full reflectivity synthetics. We show comparisons of broad-band CORE and reflectivity synthetics, as well as a comparison with observed data. Our method is particularly useful in modelling the complete broad-band wave train at teleseismic distances, where the computing time for reflectivity becomes excessively large. The computational procedure is readily extended to a laterally heterogeneous model, where it forms the basis for a fully automated procedure for phase association and waveform inversion.
NO REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION BETWEEN FRESHWATER PULMONATE SNAILS PHYSA VIRGATA AND P. ACUTA

Abstract Mate choice tests provided no evidence of prezygotic reproductive isolation between a population of Physa virgata (Gould, 1855) collected from its type locality in the Gila River of Arizona and Physa acuta (Draparnaud, 1805) from a control site in Charleston, South Carolina. Reared in a no-choice experimental design, 10 outcross Arizona × South Carolina pairs initiated reproduction at approximately the same age as Arizona × Arizona controls, and earlier than South Carolina × South Carolina controls. Parents in the outcross experiment did not differ significantly from either control in their median weekly fecundity across 10 weeks of observation, yielding an F1 generation with significantly improved viability. We detected no evidence of reduction in F1 fertility. Thus, P. virgata, the most widespread freshwater gastropod of the American Southwest, should be considered a junior synonym of the cosmopolitan P. acuta.
Wireless Business And The Impact On Firm Performance: The Strategic Move To Adopt A New Technology

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is receiving increased attention due to the vast potential it presents for rural and underserved settings. Successful adoption of new technology, in particular mobile commerce, can serve as a catalyst for improving quality of life and reducing the digital divide. Adoption of new technology is dependent upon variables such as: organizational culture, business strategy, as well as their surrounding environment. Hypotheses that investigate the relationships between the above variables and business performance in the context of the new technology adoption process are formulated. A sample of small and medium-sized businesses from the American Midwest that adopted, or are in the process of adopting, wireless technology is used to test these hypotheses. The methodology, results, and managerial implications are discussed.
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis for Home Use

In order to provide an alternative to maintenance home dialysis for patients remotely situated or who had vascular access failure, a parallel peritoneal dialysis (PD) program was developed in March 1972. Over four years, 36 patients started PD with the intention of carrying out home treatments. Thirty of the 36 succeeded and 22 completed at least six months of home treatments, seven have so far been treated for over one year. No neuropathy developed except in diabetic patients. No patient, including four who had undergone bilateral nephrectomy, was depenedent on blood transfusions. Predialysis serum creatinine values were questionably higher (p less than 0.07) in a group of six patients who at another time had been maintained on hemodialysis (HD). In this group serum albumin was (mean +/- 1 S.D.) 3.3 +/- 4 g/100 ml on PD and 3.8 g/100 ml on HD (p less than 0.05). Sixteen of the 36 patients had bacterial peritonitis on 22 occasions; the average incidence was once every 14 months of patient exposure. An epidemic of sterile peritonitis involving 40 episodes in 16 patients was resolved after machine techniques were changed. Catheter failure occurred in 15 of the 22 patients in the long-term group, but catheter replacement was not difficult.
The Indian Child Welfare Act and the African American Tribe: Facing the Adoption Crisis

This article examines the application of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978 to past and present law and policy relating to adoptions by and of African Americans. Potential solutions to the adoption crisis within the African American community are addressed. Currently, adoption is based upon the model of the nuclear family. This article discusses why this is not the appropriate model for all children. Rather, the “extended family” model -- like that found in the ICWA -- for adoption is the most widely applicable model for African American children.
Simulation of O2 transport in skeletal muscle: diffusive exchange between arterioles and capillaries

Theoretical simulations of oxygen transport in skeletal muscle are used to study the role of arterioles in oxygen delivery. A three-dimensional configuration of capillaries and arterioles in a cubo...
Online kernel dictionary learning

Efficient online algorithms are developed to perform dictionary learning (DL) for the features lifted to a high-dimensional space via nonlinear mapping. Inspired by recent works on batch kernelized DL with promising performance for real-world learning tasks, two kernel DL formulations are put forth, amenable to online processing. The first formulation aims at faithfully representing the high-dimensional features in an unsupervised manner, while the the second one focuses on discriminative DL, where the dictionary is optimized for a specific supervised learning task. Motivated by Big Data processing applications, our algorithms are based on computationally efficient stochastic gradient descent variants. Numerical tests were performed to verify the convergence of the algorithms and to compare classification performances.
Methyl Insufficiency in Carcinogenesis

In 1946 Copeland and Salmon found that the chronic administration of a choline-deficient diet to rats led to the formation of liver cancer1. Thus began one of the most prolonged and controversial areas of study in the field of chemical carcinogenesis. At first, such results were not regarded as surprising, for at the time other dietary deficiencies had also been shown to enhance carcinogenesis2,3. However, subsequent studies showed that the peanut meal diets used to obtain the choline deficiency were in fact contaminated with aflatoxin and that the original strain of rats used by Salmon’s group appeared to undergo genetic drift such that the original results in tumor formation by choline deficiency alone could no longer be repeated4–6. Although the original observations became doubted, they did serve to focus interests of other groups on the possible role of labile methyl group deficiency in carcinogenesis. Thus, Farber et al.7 showed that ethionine, an antagonist of the labile methyl group donor methionine also caused liver cancer in rats. Together, methionine and choline constitute the chief dietary sources of methyl groups. The Millers2 postulated that a labile methyl group insufficiency might by involved in hepatocarcinogenesis by the monomethyl aminoazo dyes. However, from 1960 to 1975, with the exception of the group of P. Newberne6, little research was conducted on the possible etiological role of dietary methyl donors in carcinogenesis. In the early 1970s, this group showed that several biochemical effects of hepatocarcinogens could be enhanced by the administration of diets marginally deficient in lipotropes, including methionine and choline8. Also, in the late 1970s, the group of Lombardi and Shinozuka showed that choline-devoid diets enhanced the activities of several hepatocarcinogens9–11 (Table 1).
HL-A antigens and acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Twenty-four children with acute lymphocytic leukemia were compared with unmatched, unrelated normal controls for 20 HL-A specificities. No association between HL-A specificities and susceptibility to acute leukemia could be established. However, additional cytotoxic reactions were observed in the lymphocytes of three of six patients when malignant lymphoblasts were used as target cells. Since cytotoxic reactions occurred with multiple antisera detecting the same HL-A specificity, the data suggest the presence of neoantigens or the uncovering of existing antigens in leukemic lymphoblasts which cross react with the HL-A antigens normally present.
Biliary excretion of thyroid hormones in heat-exposed rats.

SummaryHeat-exposed rats gained less weight, consumed less food, and, when bile was collected, secreted less bile than the controls. When heat-exposed rats were injected with 131I-T4, this hormone was excreted into the animals'bile at the same rate as exogenous 131I-T4 is eliminated in controls. However, heat-exposed rats cleared less plasma per unit time of endogenous 131I-thyroid hormones than did normal controls. It was concluded that this decrease in hepatic secretion of endogenous labeled 131I-thyroid hormones is not due to the observed reduction in bile flow in heat-exposed rats, since a choleretic did not increase biliary clearance of 131I in heat-exposed rats.
Factors Affecting Survival of Kentucky Populations of the Alfalfa Weevil, Hypera postica (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Eight life tables were developed for alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) populations in 2 Kentucky locations (Lexington and Bowling Green) during the period 1972–1976, which encompassed 4 consecutive generations. Analysis of the mortality components, expressed as k values, revealed that adult loss from emigration, etc., and larval mortality during establishment and feeding were major mortality factors that determined seasonal population changes of the insect. Adult mortality compensated for changes in larval loss; in years when larval mortality was high, adult mortality was low, and vice versa. The parasite, Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) acted independently of density. However, B. anurus (Thomson) was inversely density-dependent.
Performance and carcass characteristics of swine when fed diets containing canola oil and added copper to alter the unsaturated:saturated ratio of pork fat.

A 3 x 2 trial was conducted to determine the effects of adding canola oil (0, 5, or 10%) and copper sulfate (0 or 250 ppm Cu) to diets of growing-finishing swine on performance, carcass characteristics, and carcass fat fatty acid composition. The trial used 180 pigs (27 kg). Grower diets (.80% lysine for 0% canola oil diet) were given from 27 to 57 kg of BW and finisher diets (.64% lysine) from 57 to 102 kg. Diets were formulated to constant ME:lysine ratio within the grower and finisher phases. Over the entire growing-finishing period, the addition of canola oil to the diets resulted in linear improvements in rate of gain (P less than .05) and feed efficiency (P less than .01). Dietary additions of canola oil had no effect (P greater than .10) on resulting backfat thickness or longissimus muscle area but resulted in reductions (P less than .01) in loin marbling and color and carcass fat firmness, mostly noted in pigs fed the diets with 10% canola oil. Canola oil additions at 5 and 10% levels, respectively, resulted in a 23 and 37% reduction (P less than .01) in saturated fatty acids, 3 and 8% increase (P less than .01) in monounsaturated fatty acids, and 37 and 77% increase (P less than .01) in polyunsaturated fatty acids in the carcass fat compared with the diets without canola oil. The addition of canola oil to diets of growing-finishing swine had a favorable influence on animal performance and on increasing the unsaturated:saturated ratio of the carcass fat.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Report on Sabbatical activities - Dr. Ronnie Shepherd - 05/25/2014 to 08/21/2014

The sabbatical performed by Dr. Ronnie Shepherd from 05/25/2014 to 08/21/2014 had two central goals: 1) write three proposals for future collaborative experiments at Ecole Polytechnique (and possibly LLNL) 2) if laser time was granted (based on the proposal), perform a preliminary experiment in preparation for the campaign of laser time based on proposal submission.