cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microstructural evolution in rapidly solidified Al-Cu-Si ternary alloys

Several Al-Cu-Si alloys were melt spun to produce stable, fine scale microstructures suitable for superplastic deformation and consolidation. Scanning electron microscopy of the ribbon cross-sections reveal two distinct alternating microstructural morphologies, suggesting transitions in solidification behavior. One structure consists of intimately interlocked α-Al and θ (Al2Cu) phases with dispersed spheroids of (Si). The other structure consists of equiaxed or cellular-dendritic α-Al with interdendritic θ and (Si). The latter was found in the middle portion of the ribbon cross-section when cast at a low speed, and throughout the ribbon cross-section when cast at high speed. The dendritic structure appears to result from independent nucleation events in the undercooled liquid ahead of the solid-liquid interface. The solidification mechanism for the interlocked structure appears to involve multiple nucleation of the θ phase followed by its cooperative growth with the α-Al phase. This cooperative growth is unlike that which forms a lamellar structure, as it results in a branched, randomly oriented network. We postulate that the (Si) phase is the first phase to form from the undercooled liquid, and it is uniformly dispersed throughout the undercooled melt. The (Si) spheroids provide nucleation sites for the θ phase because of its observed association with the θ phase. The α-Al grain size varies from 1 μm near the wheel side surface of the ribbon to 8 μm with sub-grains near the free surface. The size of the θ and (Si) phases is on the order of a μm and less. The microstructural size scale appears to be small enough for this material to exhibit superplastic behavior when deformed.
Case Report: Thoracoscopic-Assisted Posterior Tracheopexy for Severe Tracheomalacia

Abstract Introduction: Tracheomalacia refers to collapsibility of the posterior trachea commonly associated with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. Several surgical procedures for th...
Physical and chemical post-dam alterations in the Jamari River, a hydroelectric-developed river of the Brazilian Amazon

The regulation of the Jamari River advanced peak floods by 1–2 months and increased dry-season discharges from 60 to 200 m3 s−1, resulting in water levels approximately 1 m above those recorded before regulation. Daily variation in water level associated with fluctuations in electricity production by the dam propagated to the lower reaches of the tributary Candeias River. Dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, pH, and conductivity measured over 1.5 years on three locations along the regulated and two free-flowing rivers indicated important alterations in the case of oxygen concentrations. DO levels shifted from saturated (7–8 mg l−1) during the flood season (when the spillways were open releasing epilimnetic water) to hypoxic (1.5–3 mg l−1) during the dry season (when the floodgates were closed and only hypolimnetic water used to run the turbines was feeding the river). Fluctuations in water level and variation in dissolved oxygen tended to be greater at the site closest to the dam, gradually attenuating downstream. Mitigation of the downstream effects of river regulation would require modifications in the operation of the dam.
Synthesis of isomeric nucleoside phosphonates: Cyclic analogs of the anti-HIV active compound, PMEA

Abstract Synthesis of cyclic analogs of the anti-HIV active acyclic nucleoside phosphonate, PMEA, is described. A key reaction in the synthesis was the stereoselective cyclization of an acyclic phosphonyl intermediate to a phosphonyltetrahydrofuran. Complete stereostructures of the target isomeric phosphonyl-nucleosides were established by COSY and NOESY NMR data and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Preliminary anti-HIV data in infected CEM-SS cells are mentioned.
Deep Ultraviolet Luminescence Due to Extreme Confinement in Monolayer GaN/Al(Ga)N Nanowire and Planar Heterostructures.

We present experimental results confirming extreme quantum confinement in GaN/AlxGa1-xN (x = 0.65 and 1.0) nanowire and planar heterostructures, where the GaN layer thickness is of the order of a monolayer. The results were obtained from temperature- and excitation-dependent and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements. In the GaN/AlN nanowire heterostructure array sample, the measured emission peak at 300 K is ∼5.18-5.28 eV. This is in excellent agreement with the calculated optical gap of 5.23 eV and 160-260 meV below the calculated electronic gap of 5.44 eV, suggesting that the observed emission is excitonic in nature with an exciton binding energy of ∼160-260 meV. Similarly, in the monolayer GaN/Al0.65Ga0.35N planar heterostructure, the measured emission peak at 300 K is 4.785 eV and in good agreement with the calculated optical gap of 4.68 eV and 95 meV below the calculated electronic gap of 4.88 eV. The estimated exciton binding energy is 95 meV and in close agreement with our theoretical calculations. Excitation-dependent and time-resolved photoluminescence data support the presence of excitonic transitions. Our results indicate that deep-ultraviolet excitonic light sources and microcavity devices can be realized with heterostructures incorporating monolayer-thick GaN.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Carries a Lower Perioperative Mortality Including Sudden Cardiac Death over Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Patients with a Prior Cardiac History: An MBSAQIP Analysis.

Although bariatric surgery has proven beneficial for those with cardiovascular disease (CVD), the overall and procedure-specific risk associated with bariatric surgery in this patient population remains unknown. Patients who underwent primary laparoscopic, laparoscopic-assisted, or robotic-assisted Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) at a MBSAQIP-accredited center were included (n = 494,611). Exposures include history of MI, PCI, or cardiac surgery who underwent RYGB or SG. Outcome measures were 30-day mortality, perioperative cardiac arrest, and rehospitalization. Of 494,611 patients enrolled in MBSAQIP, 15,923 had a history of MI, PCI, or cardiac surgery (prior cardiac history). Patient history of MI, PCI, and cardiac surgery was associated with significantly increased adjusted risk of perioperative cardiac arrest requiring CPR (OR: 2.31, 2.12, 2.42, respectively) and adjusted 30-day mortality (OR: 1.72, 1.50, 1.68, respectively). Prior cardiac history was associated with increased adjusted 30-day readmission rate (MI – OR, 1.42; PCI – OR, 1.45; and cardiac surgery – OR, 1.68). Further, 30-day postoperative readmission, postoperative cardiac arrest, and death were lower for patients undergoing SG compared to RYGB (OR: 0.48, 0.49, and 0.54 respectively). Prior cardiac history was associated with significant greater risk of perioperative cardiac arrest and 30-day mortality among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. SG was associated with less adverse events than RYGB among this population. While there is a clear benefit to weight loss in patients with CVD, it is important to consider whether cardiac patients considering bariatric surgery may require additional preoperative optimization, perioperative interventions, and postoperative monitoring.
Modeling and spatial optimization of wastewater-source heat pump implementation in a wastewater collection system

Wastewater-source heat pump (WWSHP) applications to wastewater collection systems provide an attractive option for recovery of thermal energy. Although the idea is not new, there are few if any exi...
Pearls & Oy-sters: Rapid progression of prion disease associated with transverse myelitis: A rare presentation.

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (TM) or TM with inconclusive CSF findings should raise concern for prion disease (also known as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease [CJD]) especially in the setting of associated cognitive impairment.
Fertility Following Microsurgical Removal of the Ampullary-Isthmic Junction in Rabbits

The role of the ampullary-isthmic junction (AIJ) in fertility was investigated in the rabbit by using microsurgical tuboplastic techniques. Microsurgical transection or resection of the AIJ failed to alter fertility significantly. Nine of ten rabbits which underwent unilateral transection of the AIJ became pregnant on the operated side and eight of the ten became pregnant on the unoperated control side. Of the ten rabbits which underwent unilateral AIJ resection, all became pregnant bilaterally. The results of this study indicate that the AIJ is not necessary for normal fertility in the rabbit.
Radiation Range Evaluation of Grid Disturbance Sources Based on Voltage Vector Information

The increasing complexity and randomness of grid operation environment make it of great practical significance to realize real-time assessment of grid static stability based on wide-area measurement information. This paper describes an online node spatiotemporal linkage assessment using trajectory clustering to realize radiation range assessment of grid disturbance sources. The motion characteristics of the measured voltage vector trajectory information are firstly mined, and a new definition of the trajectory distance is proposed to fully characterize the trajectory features. A parameter-adaptive trajectory clustering algorithm is proposed to observe the similarity of voltage motion trends of nodes in different grid situations, so as to achieve the assessment of the influence range of specific nodes. The simulation of the IEEE 39-node system verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Unified Theory of Fractional Nonlocal and Weighted Nonlocal Vector Calculus

Nonlocal and fractional models capture effects that classical (or standard) partial differential equations cannot describe; for this reason, they are suitable for a broad class of engineering and scientific applications that feature multiscale or anomalous behavior. This has driven a desire for a vector calculus based on nonlocal and fractional derivatives to derive models of, e.g., subsurface transport, turbulence, and conservation laws. In the literature, several independent definitions and theories of nonlocal and fractional vector calculus have been put forward. Some have been studied rigorously and in depth, while others have been introduced ad-hoc for specific applications. At the moment, this fragmented literature suffers from a lack of rigorous comparison and unified notation, hindering the development of nonlocal modeling. The ultimate goal of this work is to provide a new theory and to "connect all the dots" by defining a universal form of nonlocal vector calculus operators under a theory that includes, as a special case, several well-known proposals for fractional vector calculus in the limit of infinite interactions. We show that this formulation enjoys a form of Green's identity, enabling a unified variational theory for the resulting nonlocal exterior-value problems, and is consistent with several independent results in the fractional calculus literature. The proposed unified vector calculus has the potential to go beyond the analysis of nonlocal equations by supporting new model discovery, establishing theory and interpretation for a broad class of operators and providing useful analogues of standard tools from classical vector calculus.
Abstract WP77: Final Infarct Volume May Predict Functional Outcome After Mild, Nondisabling Ischemic Stroke: Results From the PRISMS Trial

Introduction: In patients with acute cerebral ischemia (ACI) within 3h of onset with mild deficit judged as nondisabling at presentation, up to 20% experience poor functional outcome at 90 days. We...
Singular behavior of membrane vibration with hybrid boundary conditions

Abstract The Helmholtz equation with hybrid (mixed) boundary conditions is solved for the first time for the basic circular and rectangular regions. The solution applies to elastically attached membrane vibrations and acoustic or electromagnetic waves in hybrid (neither soft nor hard) walls. It is found that the fundamental vibrational mode is always symmetric and decreases singularly to zero as the hybrid parameter tends to the hard wall limit. An important result is that, since no boundary can be ideally hard, there always exist a low frequency mode which corresponds to the true cut-off frequency. This is important for acoustical, optical or electromagnetic wave guides.
Sophorolipid Butyl Ester: An Antimicrobial Stabilizer of Essential Oil-Based Emulsions and Interactions with Chitosan and γ-Poly(glutamic acid)

The life-threatening side effects of synthetic food preservatives have brought about an increased demand for safe and bio-based antimicrobials. Sophorolipid (SL) esters, which are naturally derived...
Abstract 5839: The unfolded protein response gene Ire1α is required for tissue renewal and normal differentiation in the mouse tongue and esophagus

IRE1α is a well-characterized stress response signaling protein that adapts the cell to conditions of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In addition to well-established sources of ER stress such as viral infection, hypoxia and nutrient deprivation, it has recently been proposed that the morphological and epigenetic changes associated with routine cell differentiation are also a source of ER stress for the cell, and that IRE1α has an important role in adapting the cell to its newly differentiated state. Here, we provide evidence that IRE1α is essential for the differentiation of stratified squamous epithelium. We utilized mice expressing K14CreERT2 and floxed IRE1α to enable tamoxifen-inducible deletion of IRE1α targeted to the basal layer and stem cells of stratified squamous epithelium. After tamoxifen injection, IRE1α knockout mice displayed severe weight loss resulting in death within 10 days of treatment. Histological analysis revealed that epithelial homeostasis in the tongue and esophagus was severely disrupted leading to significantly decreased food intake and, as a result, death. The tongue epithelium and esophageal mucosal layer were found to be significantly thinner, and filiform papillae were lost from the tongue. Immunohistochemical staining showed significant downregulation of the proliferative marker Ki67, as well as a marker of differentiation, Sox2, suggesting an almost complete loss of tissue renewal as early as four days after IRE1α deletion. This work highlights the complexity of IRE1α signaling beyond adaptation to external sources of stress and proposes a role of IRE1α in the normal physiology of tissue homeostasis. As inhibition of the IRE1α signaling pathway has been proposed as a therapeutic target in certain cancers, an increased understanding of how broad the scope of IRE1α activity is may provide insight into potential side effects resulting from these treatments. Citation Format: Fiona E. Chalmers, Douglas B. Stairs, Adam B. Glick. The unfolded protein response gene Ire1α is required for tissue renewal and normal differentiation in the mouse tongue and esophagus [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 5839.
Efficacy of a Point-of-Care Transthoracic Echocardiography Workshop for Medical Students.

Objective To assess the efficacy of a 5-week point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography workshop for medical students. Design Prospective, time-series design. Setting A single institution, including students at one US medical school. Participants The study comprised eight second- and third-year medical students. Interventions Subjects enrolled in a voluntary educational workshop designed to teach basic point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography. Measurements and Main Results The primary outcome was change on the total examination score (0-100) that assessed hands-on performance of four basic transthoracic echocardiography views, identification of relevant anatomy, and echocardiography knowledge. Secondary outcomes were scores on the practical (0-40) and written (0-60) subsections of the examination. Mean and standard deviation (±SD) total examination scores increased to 83.6 (±5.2) after the workshop versus 54 (±7.1) at baseline (p Conclusions Results of this pilot study indicated that the workshop curriculum may be an effective way to teach basic point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography to medical students.
Associations of Pain Characteristics with Long-term Trajectories of Physical Capacity among Older Adults in the United States

Bothersome and multisite pain are common and strongly associated with low physical functioning in older adults. Although these associations are well established in cross-sectional studies, few population-based studies have examined the impact of pain on physical functioning over time. Accordingly, we sought to determine the associations of pain characteristics with longitudinal trajectories of performance-based measures of physical capacity in older adults. Data on 6,783 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years who participated in the 2011-2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study were analyzed. Physical capacity was measured annually using the Short Physical Performance Battery. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify groups with similar longitudinal patterns of physical capacity. Baseline pain characteristics included report of bothersome pain in the past month, activity-limiting pain, location of pain, and pain medication use. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associations of pain characteristics with trajectories of physical capacity, adjusting for demographic and health characteristics. The cohort was 57% female, 68% white, and 58% were ≥75 years. Four distinct physical capacity trajectories were identified: “persistently low” (12% of cohort), “low, declining” (16%), “moderate, declining” (29%), and “persistently high” (43%). Participants who reported bothersome pain, activity-limiting pain, greater number of pain sites, and more frequent pain medication use at baseline were significantly more likely to demonstrate either “persistently low” or a declining physical capacity trajectory. For example, compared to those not reporting bothersome pain participants who reported bothersome pain were 79% (adjusted relative risk [RR]=1.79 [95%CI:1.26-2.55]), 75% (RR=1.75 [95%CI:1.42-2.16]), and 24% (RR=1.24 [95%CI:1.01-1.51]) more likely to have a “persistently low”, “low declining”, and “moderate declining” physical capacity trajectory, respectively. Among older adults in the US, bothersome pain and other pain characteristics were significantly associated with poor and worsening trajectories of physical capacity over a 6-year period. National Institute on Aging/NIH U01AG032947 and Scan Design Foundation.
Indications and Use of the Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

While the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator remains the therapy of choice for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death, many patients are unable or ineligible to receive this therapy for a multitude of reasons. The wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) is a non-invasive, mobile, self-contained device able to administer life-saving defibrillation to patients who experience sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. The goal of this chapter is to discuss the components of and indications for WCDs.
Staying Home, Staying Alive: Campus Food Pantry Student Clients’ Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to students’ food insecurity, a number of colleges and universities have taken action and established campus food pantries as part of their intervention plans. However, many of these pa...
Selective phosphorus doping of polycrystalline silicon on glass using self-assembled monolayer doping (MLD) and flash anneal

Abstract We report doping of thin (~60 nm) amorphous silicon (a-Si) on glass substrate to form n + polycrystalline silicon on glass in selective regions using Monolayer doping (MLD) via Flash Lamp Annealing (FLA). The phosphorus monolayer was formed on the exposed regions of SiO2 patterned a-Si, through functionalization with chemically bound Diethyl vinylphosphonate (DVP) dopant molecules. The samples were capped with SiO2 and annealed using a single xenon flash pulse (5.0 J/cm2, 250 μs) to simultaneously crystallize a-Si, incorporate and activate phosphorus dopants. SIMS results show an average concentration of 8x1019 cm−3 in the 60 nm of thin silicon on glass. Electrical results show a resistivity of ~6.60x10−2 Ω.cm in doped regions. N-channel field effect transistor devices are successfully demonstrated using this MLD-FLA technique.
Electrical conductivity: A simple and sensitive method to determine emulsifying capacity of proteins.

Emulsifying capacity (EC) of proteins is a benchmark standard widely used to evaluate the quality of protein ingredients in emulsion foods. EC (mL of oil emulsified per g of protein) is usually measured by a sudden drop in electrical resistance (phase transition) with the continuous addition of oil to a specific protein solution. However, little is known about electrochemical mechanisms behind this process because resistance, measured with an ohmmeter, is not sensitive enough to monitor changes in the concentration of protein electrolytes. Here, pea (PPI), myofibrillar (MPI), and whey (WPI) protein isolates were vigorously homogenized with oil at a series of oil/protein ratios to prepare emulsions with different final protein concentrations. The conductivity was closely monitored using a conductivity meter. A linear relationship was discovered between conductivity and the final protein concentrations. At higher oil fractions, the migration of proteins from the aqueous phase to the oil-water interface limited protein mobility, leading to a conductivity drop. EC was calculated from the regression lines; when the starting protein concentration was raised from 0.5% to 2.0%, the EC of PPI, MPI, and WPI decreased from 717, 782, 1339 to 219, 303, and 540 mL oil/g protein, respectively. The dependence of EC on the initial protein concentration and the sensitivity of conductivity to the depleting protein electrolytes suggest that protein concentration is an important factor to consider when determining EC for a given protein or comparing EC among different proteins. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The simple and sensitive electrical conductivity test described in this paper allows for the accurate determination of emulsifying capacity of proteins. It may be adopted by the food industry to compare the emulsifying properties of different protein ingredients.
Distributed Multimode Fiber Coherent Φ-OTDR

We demonstrate a distributed multimode fiber Φ-OTDR sensor using holographic detection to record the backscattered speckle field. The sensor detects frequencies up to 400 Hz over 2 km with a sensing aperture of 20 m.
Drivers of alliance terminations: An empirical examination of the bio-pharmaceutical industry☆

Abstract Strategic alliances are critical for firm performance, but are also highly susceptible to terminations. We utilize the exploration–exploitation framework to investigate how characteristics of the allying partners, observable at the time of alliance formation and, when possible, from both alliance partners, act as predictors of termination. We test our hypotheses using a data set of alliances in the bio-pharmaceutical industry. The results suggest that the perception of higher future returns from the alliance increases commitment by the focal company (the pharmaceutical firm) to the alliance and thereby reduces the probability of its termination. On the other hand, high levels of technological intensity of the alliance partners and high market density at the time of alliance formation will increase the propensity for termination. We further find that the relationship between product market diversity of the focal company and the propensity for termination is inverted U-shaped. Our research contributes to extant literature on alliances by introducing a more robust measure of firm commitment to the alliance and by introducing a model that measures factors observable at the time of the alliance formation to predict the propensity for alliance termination. Implications for managers and opportunities for future research are discussed.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 209

Abstract The experimental data are evaluated for known nuclides of mass number A = 209 (Au,Hg,Tl,Pb,Bi,Po,At,Rn, Fr,Ra,Ac,Th). Detailed evaluated level properties and related nuclear structure information are presented, with the best values recommended for level energies, half-lives, γ –ray energies and intensities, decay data (energies, intensities and placement of radiations), and other spectroscopic data. This work supersedes the earlier full evaluation of A = 209 by M.J. Martin (1991Ma16).
Isothermal approximation vs. differential emission measure analysis: How hot are hot loops

Abstract Analysis of EUV data from both EIT/ SOHO and TRACE suggests that active region loops may be isothermal. These results are in sharp contrast to the multi-thermal loops obtained from the analysis of X-ray data from the SXT instrument on the Yohkoh satellite. The analysis of all these observations uses an isothermal approximation, but the EUV results are derived from narrow-band filter ratios while the X-ray results use a broadband ratio. We have incorporated data from the CDS/ SOHO instrument into the mix in two different ways: (a) we have used an isothermal approximation with different iron line ratios to determine temperatures at various pixels along a (relatively) isolated coronal loop on the limb; and (b) we have used multiple spectral lines from the same data set to produce differential emission measure distributions at these pixels. The data set was obtained from observations taken on 13 Nov 1997 by CDS, EIT and SXT. We find that different instruments and/or different methods of analysis give different results. In some sense, this is not surprising since the limitations of the isothermal approximation are well understood.
Effect of self-phase modulation on ultrashort pulse transmission in dispersion compensated systems with large broadening and compression

Summary form only given. In this presentation we analyze nonlinearity limits for ultrashort pulses in dispersion-compensated fiber links with large pulse stretching and compression factors. In particular we perform numerical simulations to determine the input intensity levels at which self-phase modulation (SPM) disturbs the delicate balance between dispersive pulse stretching and recompression.
A Transformation Approach to Tenth-Grade Geometry.

THERE are many individuals who have called for the insertion of transfor mations into the tenth-grade geometry course; for example, Jeger (1966, preface), Adler (1968, p. 226), and Betz (1933, p. 110). For some time, texts have been appearing with a section or chapter de voted to reflections, rotations, or other kinds of transformations (Kelly and Ladd 1965; Fischer and Hayden 1965; Fehr and Carnahan 1961 ; and Jurgensen ; Don nelly; and Dolciani 1969). Two related questions immediately arise: Is there merit in introducing transformations to tenth graders? If so, can tenth-graders effec tively learn the mathematics? Many good reasons exist, both mathe matical and pedagogical, for introducing transformations in the tenth grade. Math ematically, transformations are conve nient examples of 1-1 onto functions, transformations easily lead to an elemen tary study of groups, certain transforma tions are useful in analysis, and, of course, much of the study of advanced geometry is done with the aid of transfor mations (see, for example, Coxeter and Greitzer 1967). Pedagogically, transfor mations provide unity to tenth-grade ge ometry and the means by which the for mal definitions of congruence, similarity, and symmetry are closely related to pre vious intuitive ideas. In 1967 the authors decided to write a geometry course in which the development would be based on transformations. Dur ing the 1967-68 school year, three classes at the University of Michigan High School used the preliminary materials. These classes contained students of all abilities and consequently were appropriate for the pilot work. During the 1968-69 school year, classes in thirteen schools partici pated in an experimental study involving a revised version of the materials (Usiskin 1969). The number of schools using the materials grew to twenty in 1969-70 and approximately thirty in 1970-71. In 1971 a hardbound version of the materials was published (Coxford and Usiskin 1971). The transformation approach described here has six major features: (1) an in formal introduction to postulates and theorems, (2) the postulation of preserva tion properties of reflections, (3) the use of reflection proofs to introduce the stu dent to writing his own proofs, (4) a study of symmetry as part of the logical development, (5) a general treatment of congruence in terms of transformations, and (6) a corresponding treatment of similarity via transformations.
The rate of loss of multiple alleles in finite haploid populations

Abstract In a haploid population of constant finite size, in the absence of mutation and selection, the probability that there will be less than i different alleles in the population in the next generation, given that there are i alleles in the population at present, tends asymptotically with time to 1 − Gii, where Gii is the probability that i randomly chosen haploid individuals are descended from exactly i individuals in the previous generation. When i is 2, this proves that the rate of increase of identity by descent equals the asymptotic rate of fixation of the whole population. The formula is used to calculate rates of loss of multiple alleles under several different models of population reproduction.
Ultrastructural changes in Blastomyces dermatitidis after in vitro exposure to lidocaine

Electron microscopic examination of yeasts of Blastomyces dermatitidis, exposed in vitro to concentrations of lidocaine that occur when the drug is used for topical anesthesia, showed that lidocaine rapidly damaged intracellular structures. The extent of damage was dependent on the concentration of drug and length of exposure. The observed ultrastructural changes were very similar to those reported for other drugs that directly damage membranes. This relationship suggests that the antifungal effect of lidocaine is the result of direct membrane damage.
Equalization for wireless optical communications over multipath channels

We review the advantages of digital pulse-position modulation (PPM) for wireless infrared communications, and then examine several equalization strategies for detecting PPM signals in the presence of intersymbol interference and additive white Gaussian noise. Our approach is based on an equivalent vector channel, obtained by viewing PPM as a binary block code, and we use this vector channel to derive the ML sequence detector. We also propose three sub- optimal block-by-block detectors, all of which use block decision-feedback equalization (DFE) to mitigate inter-block interference but differ in how they mitigate intra-block interference: the ML-BDFE accounts for it in an optimal way, the comparator-BDFE uses linear equalization, and the correcting-scalar-DFE uses DFE. We illustrate low-complexity implementations of these equalizers, and compare their performance to the ML detector using Monte-Carlo simulations.
Attenuation of the afferent limb of the baroreceptor reflex in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is a common complication following prolonged diabetes. Alterations of cardiovascular reflexes contribute to the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality seen in diabetic patients. This study sought to better characterize these complications by investigating the afferent limb of the baroreceptor reflex in an experimental rat model of diabetes. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic and euglycemic control rats were studied at 8- and 16-week time points after initiation of the experiment. Activation of the afferent limb of the baroreceptor reflex was assessed by measuring the numbers of c-Fos-immunoreactive (ir) neurons in the CNS site of termination of the baroreceptor afferent neurons, the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Initial experiments established that baseline cardiovascular parameters and NTS expression of c-Fos-ir neurons were not different between diabetic and control rats at either time point. Phenylephrine (PE)-induced activation of baroreceptors resulted in a significant elevation in the numbers of c-Fos-ir neurons in the NTS of control rats. Although diabetic rats showed similar pressor responses to PE, the activation of c-Fos-ir neurons in the NTS of diabetic rats was significantly attenuated. At both 8 and 16 weeks, STZ-induced diabetic rats had significantly fewer c-Fos-ir neurons in the commissural NTS and in the caudal subpostremal NTS when compared to the non-diabetic control animals receiving PE. These data suggest that STZ-induced diabetes, for a period of 8 and 16 weeks, results in reduced activity in the afferent baroreceptor input to the NTS, and are consistent with diabetes-induced damage to baroreceptor afferent nerves.
Therapeutic Dilemmas in Cross-Cultural Practice with Asian American Adolescents

The following study proposes that differences in traditions and values between Western clinicians and Asian American clients manifests in therapeutic dilemmas, and offers recommendations for cross-cultural practice with Asian American adolescents and their families. The themes that will be examined are independence vs. acculturation/individuation, equality vs. hierarchy/authority, and supportive vs. dynamic treatment.
How an unfamiliar thing should be called.

An empirical method is described to derive good names for unfamiliar objects. It is based on three principles: (1) The names should be within users' linguistic capacities; (2) names should be informationally efficient; (3) names should form a classification system. The principles lead to a three-step method: (1) Subjects generate names for the objects; (2) a subset of the names, which fulfills the principles, is selected; (3) how good the names are is tested by matching and recall tasks. Steps 2 and 3 are iterated to improve the nnames. The names that result are natural, short, easily matched with their physical referents, and well recalled. The method is generalizable and ought to be useful in a large variety of situations where names for unfamiliar objects are needed.
Growth of isolated palisade cells of Arachis hypogaea in vitro

Abstract Mesophyll was successfully excised under sterile conditions from ten kinds of angiospermous leaves and cultured in liquid on a shaker. Growth either occurred as spheres of small-celled tissue in the liquid, or as masses of small cells adhering to the glass above the menisci in the flasks. Time-lapse observations of a single palisade parenchyma cell of Arachis hypogaea are presented; they show that, prior to nuclear division, systrophy (symmetrical aggregation of the chloroplasts around the nucleus) occurs. Partitioning occurs in any plane, and the result is a small callus, without resemblance to an embryo. The most suitable culture medium for these cells and tissues was Heller's macroelements with special microelements, sucrose, casein hydrolyzate, 2,4-D, and kinetin. Greatly stimulated growth was achieved by addition of 0.1 mmole of NH 4 Cl per liter. Continuous cultures could be attained by transfers at appropriate intervals of undivided or divided spheres of tissues derived from the mesophyll inocula. On transfer of the spheres of tissue to agar medium, the modified Heller's medium did not permit survival. Linsmaier-Skoog's medium proved adequate here, and a large-celled callus was produced, and could be indefinitely transferred. The excision, growth, and development in culture of the highly differentiated palisade parenchyma cell, as a prime example of a mature living cell, are discussed in relation to previous results.
Energy, Society, and Education, with Emphasis on Educational Technology Policy for K-12

This paper begins by examining the profound impact of energy usage on our lives, and on every major sector of the economy. Then, the anticipated US energy needs by the year 2025 are presented based on the Department of Energy’s projections. The paper considers the much-touted National Energy Policy Report, and identifies a major flaw where the policy report neglects education as a contributor to solving future energy problems. The inextricable interaction between energy solutions and education is described, with emphasis on education policy as a potential vehicle for developing economically and commercially sustainable energy systems that have a minimal impact on the environment. With that said, an earnest argument is made as to the need to educate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) proficient individuals for the energy technology development workforce, starting with the K-12 level. A framework for the aforementioned STEM education policies is presented that includes a sustained national awareness campaign, address the teacher’s salary issues, and addresses teacher quality issues. Moreover, the framework suggests a John Dewey-style “learning-by-doing” shift in pedagogy. Finally, the framework presents specific changes to the current national standards that would be valuable to the 21st century student.
Leadership and the campus child care setting: Theory into practice

Abstract The Prehensive Leadership Model (PLM) is applied to two campus child care center problems. PLM motifs, prehension and informal organization, are applied to solving the problems of: (a) stepchild status and (b) low morale. The importance of the PLM distinction between general and special leadership is discussed. The need for further investigation of the successful balance of general and special prehensive leadership is noted.
Exposure to nitrous oxide stimulates a nitric oxide-dependent neuronal release of β-endorphin in ventricular-cisternally-perfused rats

We have previously shown that the antinociceptive effect of nitrous oxide (N(2)O) in the rat hot plate test is sensitive to antagonism by antisera against the endogenous opioid peptide beta-endorphin. Moreover, N(2)O-induced antinociception is reduced by inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in the brain. To test the hypothesis that N(2)O might stimulate an NO-dependent neuronal release of beta-endorphin, we conducted a ventricular-cisternal perfusion with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) in urethane-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Ten-minute fractions of aCSF perfusate were collected from separate groups of room air-exposed rats, N(2)O-exposed rats, and L-NAME-pretreated, N(2)O-exposed rats; they were then analyzed for their content of NO metabolites and beta-endorphin. Compared to room air control, exposure to 70% N(2)O increased perfusate levels of the NO metabolites nitrite and nitrate as well as beta-endorphin. Pretreatment of rats with L-N(G)-nitro arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of NO synthase, prevented the N(2)O-induced increases in nitrite, nitrate and beta-endorphin. These findings demonstrate in an in vivo rat model that N(2)O may stimulate an NO-dependent neuronal release of beta-endorphin.
HREELS study of vapor-deposited polyaniline on Ag(110)

Ultra-thin films of polyaniline on Ag(110) were characterized using high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) in the vibrational and electronic loss regimes. The films were grown in situ by chemical vapor deposition using an emeraldine source. Initially, short polyaniline oligomers adsorb on the surface followed by polymerization to form longer polyaniline chains. The loss spectra in the far-infrared region indicate that the films become highly conducting upon protonation. In addition, the role of the substrate in the initial stages of polymer film growth is demonstrated by comparison with polyaniline on Cu and Au surfaces.
Percolation Transport Exponents in a Generalized Swiss-Cheese Model and a Generalized Inverted Swiss-Cheese Model for a Conductive Substance

Critical exponents for elasticity, conductivity, and permeability are discussed for the generalized Swiss-cheese and generalized inverted Swiss-cheese models, where the general shape of hole rather than sphere is considered.
Oxidative coupling of methane using catalysts synthesized by solution combustion method

Abstract Solution combustion synthesis (SCS) is a one-step technique for the preparation of nanostructured complex metal oxides. In the present study, SCS was used for the synthesis of several promising oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) catalyst series with varying metal ratios: (a) Sr–Al complex oxides, (b) La 2 O 3 , (c) La–Sr–Al complex oxides and (d) Na 2 WO 4 –Mn/SiO 2 . The C 2 yield and ethylene/ethane ratio were measured for each catalyst over a wide range of temperatures. It was found that the double perovskite phase is active for OCM in the Sr–Al complex oxide series. The Na 2 WO 4 –Mn/SiO 2 catalyst synthesized by SCS was stable and also showed high ethylene/ethane ratio ∼2 along with high C 2 yield ∼25%, which is among the highest value reported in the literature, indicating that SCS is a promising method to prepare OCM catalysts.
Enhancing Nurse Assessment of Alcohol and Drug Dependency: A Preliminary Study

The purpose of this project was to prepare nurses to provide brief interventions for clients with alcohol or other drug (AOD) dependency in order to reduce hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. The project was a collaborative process between a major medical center and a school of nursing. Nurses were surveyed for understanding of alcohol and other drug assessment, and a day long training was provided to teach techniques of brief interventions. The short-term results included increased knowledge of nurses about AOD assessment. Long-term results indicated that 95% of patients referred to the AOD team were confirmed to have AOD problems (). This project documents the need for nurses to have more knowledge about AOD problems and brief intervention techniques.
Composite iterative method for elliptic problems in irregular regions

Abstract A finite element piecewise linear approximation to a self-adjoint second-order elliptic equation in an irregular bounded two-dimensional region with Dirichlet boundary condition is considered. A composite inner-outer iterations method for the arising linear systems of algebraic equations is presented. Preconditioned Richardson iterations are chosen as the outer iterations, in which the discrete Laplacian is employed as a preconditioner. In each outer iteration, systems with the Laplacian in an irregular region are solved by the imbedding capacitance matrix method that uses conjugate gradients as the inner iterations. We prove that with an optimal control of the termination criterium for inner iterations the rate of convergence of this composite iterative process depends only logarithmically on h , the parameter of triangulation. Extensive numerical experiments illustrate the theoretical predictions.
Correlational structure of a new self-rating scale for psychiatric patients

The Self-rating Psychiatric Inventory List (SPIL) is a newly developed patient self-rating scale. Factor analyses of the intercorrelations among the 88 self-rating variables of the SPIL revealed nine clinically meaningful dimensions of psychopathology to be measured by the instrument. A factor score profile sheet normed for the psychiatric population is presented.
Sintaxis de la ética del texto: Ricote, en el Quijote II, la lengua de las mariposas

Non a mala palabra si non es a mal tenida. Juan Ruiz A pesar de que la etica de cualquier texto funciona mediante reglas textuales, y a pesar de lo diferente que los libros—papel y tinta—tienen con...
The Effect of Electrolytes or Carbohydrates in a Sodium Chloride Deficient Medium on the Formation of Discrete Colonies of Proteus and the Influence of these Substances on Growth in Liquid Culture

Summary. Proteus spp. formed discrete colonies on a simple nutrient agar. This lack of swarming was neither a function of electrolyte deficiency nor of low osmotic pressure. If electrolytes and certain carbohydrates were added to such a medium the organism swarmed. Growth studies showed that 0.5% (w/v) NaCl or 2.86% (w/v) dulcitol promoted greater growth than 2.9% (w/v) glucose. Amongst the 9 genera tested only Proteus and Serratia grew better in the presence of NaCl. It is suggested that this growth enhancement is a factor in causing Proteus to swarm.
Balkanization of Politics, Politics of Balkanization

There are two sides of Balkanization: ‘Balkanization from above’ is a historical project of breaking inter-ethnic solidarity and regional sociocultural identity, violent incorporation into the nation-state system and capitalist world-economy, and more recently, imposing neoliberal colonialism. ‘Balkanization from below’, on the other hand, stresses social and cultural affinities, customs in common resulting from mutual aid and solidarity and fostering inter-ethnic self-activity—which was largely severed by Euro-colonial intervention. This pluri-cultural reality finds expression in anti-authoritarian politics of local self-government, communal land use, and federative movements. Activists and scholars would do well to recuperate this precious, historical vision of a trans-ethnic, anti-authoritarian society that a Balkan federation would make possible. We must examine the implications of ‘Balkanizing’ theory and ‘Balkanizing’ politics if this vision of ‘federalism from below’, sustained by networks of auton...
Structure-Dependent Immune Modulatory Activity of Protegrin-1 Analogs.

Protegrins are porcine antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that belong to the cathelicidin family of host defense peptides. Protegrin-1 (PG-1), the most investigated member of the protegrin family, is an arginine-rich peptide consisting of 18 amino acid residues, its main chain adopting a β-hairpin structure that is linked by two disulfide bridges. We report on the immune modulatory activity of PG-1 and its analogs in neutralizing bacterial endotoxin and capsular polysaccharides, consequently inhibiting inflammatory mediators’ release from macrophages. We demonstrate that the β-hairpin structure motif stabilized with at least one disulfide bridge is a prerequisite for the immune modulatory activity of this type of AMP.
The impact of deinstitutionalization on the current treatment of the mentally ill

For as long as formal systems have existed for the control of nonconforming people, policymakers have contemplated what to do with the mentally ill. Shifting notions of an “answer” to this complex problem have resulted in dramatic swings of policy which have had varying impact on the treatment of the mentally ill. As decisionmakers have responded to public pressure and considered various policy alternatives, they have often chosen solutions which appear strikingly similar to “answers” pursued by their predecessors. In fact, the history of the treatment of the mentally ill has a clearly cyclical appearance which has not been informed by the mistakes of the past. This article provides an analysis of the impact of deinstitutionalization on the current treatment of the mentally ill in the United States. It begins with a brief review of the historical precedents which led to deinstitutionalization, the expectations associated with the policy, and the problems that surfaced in its wake. It also predicts the next “cycle of reform” (Morrissey & Goldman, 1984) in mental health law in the United States. Special attention is given to how the criminal justice system has dealt with the mentally ill during the period of deinstitutionalization so that we may speculate on how mental health law might be structured in the future to avoid some of the mistakes of the past.