cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic calculations on sulfide flotation systems: I. Galena-ethyl xanthate system in the absence of metastable species

Abstract Mass balance equations for the species present in the galena-ethyl xanthate system have been derived in terms of the appropriate equilibrium constants and solved to determine not only the concentrations of the dissolved species, but also the weight(s) of the solid(s) present at a given Eh and pH. The computations have been carried out for potassium ethyl xanthate (KEX) additions of 0, 10−7, 10−6, 10−5, and 10−4 moles/l, and the results have been used to generate: (1) plots of the equilibrium concentrations of the various dissolved species as a function of pH at a given Eh; (2) Eh-pH stability diagrams for each xanthate addition; and (3) plots of the amounts of lead xanthate and/or dixanthogen formed as functions of Eh and pH. In addition, the results have been used to quantitatively explain the anodic dissolution of galena in acidic conditions.
Distribution of coitus in the menstrual cycle.

PERIODICITY is characteristic of the sexual behaviour of lower mammals. In animals with oestrous patterns, the female will accept the male only when she is “in heat”, a condition relating temporally to ovulation and the presence of certain gonadal hormones. Primates are different; apes and most monkeys, like humans, have menstrual cycles, and mate at all times during the cycle. Laboratory studies of several species of primates, however, show a periodicity of sexual behaviour within the menstrual rhythm with increased sexual behaviour occurring at mid-cycle when ovulation is believed to occur1.
Network design problems for controlling virus spread

The spread of viruses in human populations (e.g., SARS) or computer networks is closely related to the network's topological structure. In this paper, we study the problem of allocating limited control resources (e.g., quarantine or recovery resources) in these networks to maximize the speed at which the virus is eliminated, by exploiting the topological structure. This problem can be abstracted to that of designing diagonal K or D to minimize the dominant eigenvalue of one of the system matrices KG, D + KG or D + G under constraints on K and D (where G is a square matrix that captures the network topology). We give explicit solutions to these problems, using eigenvalue sensitivity ideas together with constrained optimization methods employing Lagrange multipliers. Finally, we show that this decentralized control approach can provide significant advantage over a homogeneous control strategy, using a model for SARS transmission in Hong Kong derived from real data.
Anti-TNF therapy is associated with decreased imaging and radiation exposure in patients with Crohn's disease.

Background: Diagnostic imaging is frequently used in Crohn's disease (CD) for diagnosis, evaluation of complications, and determination of response to treatment. Patients with CD are at risk for high radiation exposure in their lifetime. The aim of our study was to compare the effective dose of radiation in CD patients the year prior to and the year after initiation of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents or corticosteroids. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 99 CD patients initiated on anti-TNF therapy or corticosteroids between 2004 and 2009 in a tertiary care center. Results: Sixty-five patients were initiated on anti-TNF agents and 34 were initiated on corticosteroids. The anti-TNF cohort was significantly younger at diagnosis and at the time of initiation of anti-TNF or steroid therapy. The anti-TNF group had significantly more stricturing, penetrating, and perianal disease than the corticosteroid group. The anti-TNF cohort had a significant reduction in number of radiologic exams (5.5 vs. 3.7, P < 0.01) as well as a significant reduction in the cumulative radiation dose (28.1 vs. 15.0 mSv, P < 0.01) the year after initiation of therapy. This reduction was largely attributable to decreased use of computed tomography (CT) scans. In contrast, there was no significant change in radiation exposure in the corticosteroid cohort. Logistic regression analysis showed a strong trend toward higher exposure in patients with complicated disease behavior (stricturing or penetrating phenotype) (odds ratio [OR] 2.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–8.38). Conclusions: Initiation of anti-TNF therapy for treatment of CD is associated with a significant reduction in diagnostic radiation exposure. Conversely, steroid treatment does not reduce diagnostic radiation exposure. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;)
Zur Bindung von Steroidhormonen an Serumproteine

Vor mehr als 60 Jahren stellte der 25jfihrige Ernst Oppenheimer im Pharmakologischen Institut der Universitfit Freiburg i.Br. Versuche an, die zum ersten Male die reversible Bindung yon Steroiden an Eiweil3stoffe aufzeigten [1]. In Untersuchungen fiber die Eigenschaften herzwirksamer Digitalisk6rper beobachtete er am isolierten Froschherzprfiparat eine Abnahme der Toxizitfit, wenn er den Digitalisl6sungen Serum zusetzte. Oppenheimer interpretierte dies Resultat als eine ,,Adsorption" der toxischen Steroidsubstanzen an die Serumkolloide, die eine Herabsetzung der Giftigkeit bewirkte, da das gebundene Steroid inaktiv war. Er erkannte weiterhin, dab die Assoziation yon Digitalissteroiden und Serumprotein reversibel war, sodal3 der Wirkstoff dissoziieren und yon den Herzzellen als Erfolgsorgan aufgenommen werden konnte. Er konzipierte den Vorgang als ein Bindungsgleichgewicht (,,Adsorptionsgleichgewicht") physikalisch-chemischer Natur, in dem der Digitalisstoff zwischen den Serumkolloiden (als ,,Giftvehikel") und den Herzzellen verteilt war. Diese bemerkenswerten fundamentalen Ergebnisse waren ihrer Zeit voraus; sie fanden keinen Widerhall in der wissenschaftlichen Welt und wurden bald vergessen. Erst Ende der zwanziger Jahre wurde das Problem wieder aufgegriffen, als H. Bennhold die systematische Bearbeitung der Bindung verschiedenartiger niedrigmolekularer Stoffe an die Eiweil3k6rper des Blutserums begann, wobei er die Transportfunktion (,,Vehikelfunktion °') in den Vordergrund stellte [2]. Das Verdienst des ersten Nachweises einer Proteinbindung der Steroidhormone gebfihrt B. Brunetli [3], der in Dialyseversuchen die Bindung von Ostron an Plasmaproteine beobachtete. Wiederum verging eine Reihe von Jahren bis F. Bischoff und seine Mitarbeiter [4] und sp/iter die Arbeitsgruppe
Self-Assembled Monolayers of Organosilicon Hydrides Supported on Titanium, Zirconium, and Hafnium Dioxides

This work investigates the preparation of the self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of organosilicon hydrides (RSiH3) supported on transition metal oxides. The reactions of alkyl-, fluoroalkyl-, and ω-alkenyl-silanes and α,ω-bis-hydridosilanes with nonporous high surface area TiO2 (rutile and anatase), ZrO2 (monoclinic), and HfO2 (monoclinic) powders were studied, and supported SAMs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and chemical analysis. SAMs of organosilicon hydrides were closely packed and well-ordered (assessed from CH2 stretchings). Grafting densities of the monolayers were ∼4.6−4.8 group/nm2 for C18H37 SAMs and ∼3.6−3.7 group/nm2 for C6F13 SAMs, which are close to the ultimate values reported in the literature for the best organosilicon SAMs. The reactions with organosilicon hydrides proceed in a noncorrosive environment (no HCl), which distinguishes RSiH3 from RSiCl3 coupling agents. Synthesis of the monolayers was highly reproducible...
Regression rates of polymers during burning of their volatile degradation products

Regression rates as functions of air flow rates and oxygen content of the oxidant gas as well as the distance of the polymer surface from the top of the reaction vessel have been investigated for poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(α-methyl-styrene), a polymide, and isotactic polypropylene. The results are discussed from the standpoint of reaction kinetics, considering regression rates and energies of activation for diffusion and degradation.
'Pauci-immune' rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis associated with systemic vasculitis

'Pauci-immune' glomerulonephritis has been recognized as an important cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. The paucity of immune deposits can be separated from the other two major immunohistologic variants of crescentic glomerulonephritis, ie, antiglomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody-mediated and immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. Here we describe the case of a 42-year-old woman with pauci-immune' glomerulonephritis and vasculitis presenting as rapidly progressive renal failure with characteristic pathologic and immunohistologic findings. And in this case, despite oliguria and rapid deterioration of renal function, the renal function recovered partially and continued to be stabilized with a favourable response to hemodialysis and combined system immunosuppressive therapy.
High-pressure polymorphism of Fe2P and its implications for meteorites and Earth's core

[1] Minerals with composition (Fe,Ni)2P, are rare, though important accessory phases in iron and chondritic meteorites. The occurrence of these minerals in meteorites is believed to originate either from the equilibrium condensation of protoplanetary materials in solar nebulae or from the later accretion and condensation processes in the cores of parent bodies. Fe-Ni phosphides are considered a possible candidate for a minor phase present in the Earth's core, and at least partially responsible for the observed density deficit with respect to pure iron. We report results of high-pressure high-temperature X-ray diffraction experiments with synthetic barringerite (Fe2P) up to 40 GPa and 1400 K. A new phase transition to the Co2Si-type structure has been found at 8.0 GPa, upon heating. The high-pressure phase can be metastably quenched to ambient conditions at room temperature, and then, if heated again, transforms back to barringerite, providing an important constraint on the thermodynamic history of meteorite.
Studies on the rat glomerular basement membrane: age-related changes in composition.

To examine the effect of age on the glomerular basement membrane, compositional analyses were performed on membranes isolated in highly purified form from rats at different stages of their growth (35 to 200 days old). Substantial age-related changes were observed in the amino acid composition of the basement membranes. A significant correlation with age (P < 0.01) was evident in the contents of 3- and 4-hydroxyproline, threonine, serine, alanine, valine, half-cystine, hydroxylysine, and lysine. Of these amino acids, hydroxylysine and both isomers of hydroxyproline demonstrated a progressive increase with age, while the others were found to decline. The direct relationship of hydroxylysine content with age (P < 0.001) was associated with an inverse correlation of lysine with age (P < 0.001) so that the ratio of hydroxylysine to lysine increased in a highly significant manner from 0.92 at 35 days to 1.33 at 200 days. This elevation in the hydroxylysine content was accompanied by an augmentation in the number of saccharide units linked to it so that the percentage glycosylation of this amino acid was not significantly affected by age. The relative differences in the hydroxylysine and lysine levels between young and older rats were maintained in sodium dodecyl sulfateextracted membranes. These results suggest that the compositional changes observed during the aging process reflect an alteration in the subunit makeup of the basement membrane, possibly due to an increased synthesis or decreased degradation of the more collagen-like polypeptide components.
Numerical methods for a model of cardiac muscle contraction

Three numerical procedures are developed to approximate the solution of a nonlinear integro-differential system arising in a model of cardiac muscle contraction. Error estimates are derived for each method.
Low Frequency Plasma Oscillations in a 6-kW Magnetically Shielded Hall Thruster

The oscillations from 0-100 kHz in a 6-kW magnetically shielded thruster are experimen- tally characterized. Changes in plasma parameters that result from the magnetic shielding of Hall thrusters have the potential to significantly alter thruster transients. A detailed investigation of the resulting oscillations is necessary both for the purpose of determin- ing the underlying physical processes governing time-dependent behavior in magnetically shielded thrusters as well as for improving thruster models. In this investigation, a high speed camera and a translating ion saturation probe are employed to examine the spatial extent and nature of oscillations from 0-100 kHz in the H6MS thruster. Two modes are identified at 8 kHz and 75-90 kHz. The low frequency mode is azimuthally uniform across the thruster face while the high frequency oscillation is concentrated close to the thruster centerline with an m = 1 azimuthal dependence. These experimental results are discussed in the context of wave theory as well as published observations from an unshielded variant of the H6MS thruster.
Electronic structure of palladium

A detailed investigation of the electronic structure of palladium is presented in terms of two different band models: (1) ab initio calculations using the augmented-plane-wave method, and (2) calculations using the combined interpolation scheme augmented by inclusion of relativistic corrections. The width and position of the $d$-band complex are found to be particularly sensitive features of the electronic structure of palladium. A highly detailed density-of-states histogram, and estimates for the first and second derivatives of the density of states at the Fermi energy are derived. In addition, detailed comparisons are made with Fermi-surface-static susceptibility, and specific-heat experimental results. Estimates for the effects of manybody enhancements suggest that paramagnons raise the effective mass at the Fermi energy by only about 41%. Owing to the strong $s\ensuremath{-}d$ hybridization in palladium, the Fermi surface is made up almost entirely of $d$-like states. Because the Fermi energy in palladium falls near the strongly spin-orbit split levels at $X$ and $L$, spin quenching reduces the effective $g$ factor at the Fermi energy from 2 to about 1.65. This increases an estimate of the effective Stoner-enhancement factor from 10 to about 15.
Sooting counter-flow diffusion flames with varying velocity gradients

The influence of varying the oxidizer stream velocity on the sooting structure of an ethylene/air counter-flow diffusion flame, stabilized around a porous cylinder, has been examined. Laser light scattering and extinction measurements have been made to determine the soot parameters in the forward stagnation region. Temperature and velocity were measured to locate the flame front and to enable calculation of the soot residence time and growth rates. The soot loading, represented here by the soot volume fraction, was found to decrease with increasing oxidizer velocity; e.g. maximum vlaues of 9.3×10−7, 6.7×10−7, 5.4×10−7 and 3.6×10−7 for oxidizer velocities of 21, 38, 58 and 67 cm/sec respectively. The variation of the peak measured temperature was very small (1907–1927° K). The number of soot particles did not vary significantly within this velocity range. Maximum particle size decreased with increasing oxidizer velocity as a result of the reduced residence time for coagulation and for surface growth reactions with fuel pyrolysis products. The specific surface growth rate (/S), when examined in terms of particle age, show the typical decrease with time (age). For velocities of 21, 38, and 58 cm/sec the rates are very similar close to the flame front, but deviate later on. In the highest approach velocity case, 67 cm/sec, the growth rate is lower than those of the other cases also in the immediate vicinity of the flame front (where the soot particles are young and thus have a high surface reactivity).
Mass-transfer and kinetic aspects in continuous bioreactors usingRhodospirillum rubrum

In designing bioreactors for the conversion of sparingly soluble gases, both mass transfer and kinetic effects must be considered.Rhodospirillum rubrum, an anaerobic photosynthetic bacterium capable of carrying out the water gas shift reaction, is an ideal organism for studying the relative importance of mass-transfer and kinetics since the cell concentration in continuous reactors employingR. rubrum may be regulated by the quantity of light supplied to the bacterium. This article addresses the performance ofR. rubrum in continuous stirred-tank and trickle-bed reactors, with particular attention given to the importance of mass-transfer and reaction kinetics in modeling reactor performance. Estimates of mass-transfer coefficients are made for a trickle-bed reactor system based upon reactor performance equations and experimental observations.
Deformation bands, the LEDS theory, and their importance in texture development: Part II. Theoretical conclusions

The facts regarding “regular” deformation bands (DBs) outlined in Part I of this series of articles are related to the low-energy dislocation structure (LEDS) theory of dislocation-based plasticity. They prompt an expansion of the theory by including the stresses due to strain gradients on account of changing selections of slip systems to the previously known dislocation driving forces. This last and until now neglected driving force is much smaller than the components considered hitherto, principally due to the applied stress and to mutual stress-screening among neighbor dislocations. As a result, it permits a near-proof of the LEDS hypothesis, to wit that among all structures which, in principle, are accessible to the dislocations, that one is realized which has the lowest free energy. Specifically, the temperature rises that would result from annihilating the largest DBs amount to only several millidegrees Centigrade, meaning that they, and by implication the entire dislocation structures, are close to thermodynamical equilibrium. This is in stark contrast to the assumption of the presently widespread self-organizing dislocation structures (SODS) modeling that plastic deformation occurs far from equilibrium and is subject to Prigogine’s thermodynamics of energy-flow-through systems. It also holds out promise for future rapid advances in the construction of constitutive equations, since the LEDS hypothesis is the principal basis of the LEDS theory of plastic deformation and follows directly from the second law of thermodynamics in conjunction with Newton’s third law. By contrast, all other known models of metal plasticity are in conflict with the LEDS hypothesis. In regard to texture modeling, the present analysis shows that Taylor’s criterion of minimum plastic work is incorrect and should be replaced by the criterion of minimum free energy in the stressed state. Last, the LEDS hypothesis is but a special case of the more general low-energy structure (LES) hypothesis, applying to plastic deformation independent of the deformation mechanism. It is thus seen that plastic deformation is one of nature’s means to generate order, as a byproduct of the entropy generation when mechanical work is largely converted into heat.
A site of interaction between pleckstrin's PH domains and Gβγ

Pleckstrin is a 40 kDa substrate for protein kinase C found in platelets and neutrophils. Based upon its sequence, pleckstrin contains two of the recently-described PH domains that are thought to be binding motifs for phosphatidyl 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and/or G protein beta gamma heterodimers (G beta gamma). In the present studies we have examined the interaction between pleckstrin and G beta gamma by incubating pleckstrin fusion proteins with lysates from human platelets. In this analysis, both the N-terminal and C-terminal PH domains from pleckstrin bound G beta gamma in vitro, as did peptides containing as little as the first 30 residues of the C-terminal pleckstrin PH domain. Introduction of a point mutation into this region, analogous to the mutation in the Btk PH domain that causes X-linked immunodeficiency disease (XID) in mice, dramatically disrupted this interaction. We propose that pleckstrin may interact with G beta gamma, and that one potential site for this interaction involves the first 30 residues of pleckstrin's C-terminal PH domain.
A simple stopped-flow temperature-jump apparatus

Abstract A stopped-flow temperature-jump apparatus that has been used to extend the capabilities of a temperature-jump apparatus described previously (Verkman et al., Anal. Biochem.102, 189–195, 1980) is described. The observation cell is a single cylinder made from ultraviolet-transmitting Lucite. Stainless steel electrodes are fitted axially into each end of the cylinder, and solutions enter into and exit from the cylinder by passing through holes drilled perpendicular to the cylinder axis at the level of the electrodes. A triggering circuit provides a variable delay between solution mixing and the temperature-jump discharge. The mixing time for this instrument is under 1 ms, the dead time is under 60 ms, and the heating time is under 3 μs. Solution reactions are followed by measuring optical absorption, fluorescence, or scattering with signal-to-noise ratios generally exceeding 500:1. The performance of this apparatus is illustrated by several membrane-substrate interactions.
Comparison of Right Ventricular Stroke Work for Tetralogy Patient and Normal Subject

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), also called blue-baby syndrome is one of the most common congenital heart defects in children after infancy and is estimated to account for 10% of all congenital heart defects [3]. TOF consists of four interrelated lesions: i) ventricular septal defect ii) Pulmonary stenosis iii) Right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy and (iv) Overriding Aorta [3]. TOF has been successfully repaired for several decades (Fig. 1). There are now an estimated 100,000 adult “repaired TOF” patients in the United States alone. As a result, long-term sequelae of the disease and repair have become important clinical issue. Specifically, residual pulmonary valve insufficiency (PI) is one such accepted and often unavoidable sequela. PI, when severe, abnormally alters the RV loading conditions, thereby triggering RV hypertrophy and dilatation. In turn, RV dilatation can evolve into irreversible RV myocardial contractile dysfunction, and has been related to sudden death in many “repaired TOF” patients. To normalize RV loading conditions, pulmonary valve replacement is often necessary and should be performed prior to the onset of irreversible RV myocardial damage.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Unusual Tonoplast in Conifer Leaves

I HAVE found a type of tonoplast in conifer leaves that has not been reported before. Its characteristics suggest that this plasma membrane may be involved in stress resistance in plant cells.
The role of volatile transport by diffusion and dispersion in driving biotite-forming reactions during regional metamorphism of the Gile Mountain Formation, Vermont

Infiltration-driven decarbonation reactions produced biotite in pelites and psammites but not in micaceous carbonate rocks in the biotite zone during metamorphism. In one large exposure, the amount of biotite varies greatly in rocks that retain reactants of biotite-forming reactions (0.01–1.10 mol/L in pelites; 0.15–0.53 mol/L in psammites; 0 in carbonates). Conventionally, the variations are interpreted as reactive fluid flow in chemically isolated channels that correspond to individual metasedimentary layers. Measured values of ln Q s for the equilibria: KAl 3 Si 3 O 10 (OH) 2 + 3 CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 + 2 SiO 2 = KMg 3 AlSi 3 O 10 (OH) 2 + CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 + 2 CaCO 3 + 4 CO 2 and 3 KAl 3 Si 3 O 10 (OH) 2 + Mg 5 Al 2 Si 3 O 10 (OH) 8 + 4 CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 + 5 SiO 2 = 3 KMg 3 AlSi 3 O 10 (OH) 2 + 4 CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 + 8 CO 2 + 4 H 2 O are uniform within error of measurement in all analyzed samples (−1.67 ± 0.08, MSWD = 0.89, and −4.17 ± 0.26, MSWD = 0.52, respectively). The uniformity in Q s values is explained by homogenization of the activities of CO 2 and H 2 O by diffusion and dispersion over a distance >70 m across layering during metamorphism. The uniformity in Q s is inconsistent with the conventional interpretation of differences in the abundance of biotite. The differences are better explained in terms of layer-by-layer variations in the amounts and compositions of minerals prior to reaction. Measured progress of the biotite-forming reactions is reproduced by mass-balance calculations that consider different initial amounts and compositions of reactant minerals in different samples but the same or nearly the same value of Q s at the end of reaction. Mass transport of volatiles both by advection and by diffusion and dispersion are essential controls on the progress of infiltration-driven reactions.
A high boundary tone as a resource for a social action: The Korean sentence-ender –ta☆

Abstract The Korean sentence-ender –ta has been studied in linguistics as a grammatical element marking declarative sentences. Contributing to recent studies that have proposed –ta's functions in discourse, this study examines –ta's different boundary tones and argues that they allow speakers to perform different social actions in naturally occurring conversation. Based upon conversation analysis of video- and audio-recorded conversations, this article demonstrates that speakers, by using –ta in a high boundary tone, display the conveyed information as announceable and newsworthy, thereby highlighting newness of the information. Due to these characteristics, -ta utterances are overwhelmingly found in pre-telling sequences in which speakers announce news and within telling sequences in which speakers provide information that they believe is tellable for the development of a telling. By taking into account a boundary tone mapped onto a specific sentence-ender and analyzing in detail naturally occurring interaction with access to non-verbal interaction, the study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of prosody and interaction.
Taste responses to amino acids in the Southern leopard frog, Rana sphenocephala

Abstract 1. 1. Integrated taste recorclings of the glossopharyngeal (IX) nerve innervating the tongue of the southern leopard frog were studied in response to various amino acids and quinine hydrochloride. 2. 2. Amino acids and quinine hydrochloride elicited primarily phasic taste responses. 3. 3. Acidic ( l -aspartic and l -glutamic) and basic ( l -lysine and l -arginine) amino acids, adjusted to pH8, were effective taste stimuli. 4. 4. All glossopharyngeal nerve twigs that responded to amino acid stimuli also responded to quinine; however, not all quinine-sensitive IX nerve bundles were responsive to amino acids. 5. 5. Electrophysiological thresholds for amino acids were estimated to be 2.5–10 mM, whereas threshold for quinine hydrochloride averaged approximately 10 μM.
C-Si solar cell modules

In order to meet the rapidly growing demand for solar power photovoltaic systems which is based on public consciousness of global environmental issues, SHARP has increased the production of solar cells and modules over 10-fold in the last 5 years. Silicon-based technologies are expected to be dominant in the coming decade. In the course of an increase of the annual production scale to 1000 MW, the efficiency of modules will be improved and the thickness of wafers will be decreased and all this will lead to a drastic price reduction of PV systems. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Swing Changes: Big-Band Jazz in New Deal America

Introduction: Understanding Swing 1. The Tempo of the Time Song of the Jitterbug New Venues, New Audiences 2. Between Conjure and Kapital The Big Bringdown As American as Baseball and Hotdogs We Are All Americans Just Rich Men's Sons 3. The Incorporation of Swing Anyone Can Lead a Dance Band Broadcasting Swing The Jukes Take Over Are Colored Bands Doomed? Passing in Hollywood 4. The Conscription of Swing Soldiers of Music The Theater of Race The Gender Front 5. Swing and Its Discontents Tension Music and Concertitis Smothering the Market Crewcut, Jarb, Swixibop Swing Redux 6. Cracks in the Coalition That Modern Malice Jazz Is America's Own Epilogue: Shall We Dance? Notes Index
Biodegradation of atrazine in surface soils and subsurface sediments collected from an agricultural research farm

The purpose of the present study was to assess atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) mineralization by indigenous microbial communities and to investigate constraints associated with atrazine biodegradation in environmental samples collected from surface soil and subsurface zones at an agricultural site in Ohio. Atrazine mineralization in soil and sediment samples was monitored as 14CO2 evolution in biometers which were amended with 14C-labeled atrazine. Variables of interest were the position of the label ([U-14C-ring]-atrazine and [2-14C-ethyl]-atrazine), incubation temperature (25°C and 10°C), inoculation with a previously characterized atrazine-mineralizing bacterial isolate (M91-3), and the effect of sterilization prior to inoculation. In uninoculated biometers, mineralization rate constants declined with increasing sample depth. First-order mineralization rate constants were somewhat lower for [2-14C-ethyl]-atrazine when compared to those of [U-14C-ring]-atrazine. Moreover, the total amount of 14CO2 released was less with [2-14C-ethyl]-atrazine. Mineralization at 10°C was slow and linear. In inoculated biometers, less 14CO2 was released in [2-14C-ethyl]-atrazine experiments as compared with [U-14C-ring]-atrazine probably as a result of assimilatory incorporation of 14C into biomass. The mineralization rate constants (k) and overall extents of mineralization (P max ) were higher in biometers that were not sterilized prior to inoculation, suggesting that the native microbial populations in the sediments were contributing to the overall release of 14CO2 from [U-14C-ring]-atrazine and [2-14C-ethyl]-atrazine. A positive correlation between k and aqueous phase atrazine concentrations (C eq ) in the biometers was observed at 25°C, suggesting that sorption of atrazine influenced mineralization rates. The sorption effect on atrazine mineralization was greatly diminished at 10°C. It was concluded that sorption can limit biodegradation rates of weakly-sorbing solutes at high solid-to-solution ratios and at ambient surface temperatures if an active degrading population is present. Under vadose zone and subsurface aquifer conditions, however, low temperatures and the lack of degrading organisms are likely to be primary factors limiting the biodegradation of atrazine.
A realist view of marketing ethics

ing through it's advertising and sales activities is necessarily manipulative; it stimulates the worst instincts and desires in mankind. In other words, marketing is inherently unethical. Yet, most marketing experts would argue that marketing is driven by competitive market forces that reflect societal needs. They claim that marketing activities are not inherently unethical for they satisfy consumer demands.
Comparison of L-band and X-band polarimetric SAR data classification for screening earthen levees

The main focus of this research is to detect vulnerabilities on the Mississippi river levees using remotely sensed Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. Unstable slope conditions can lead to small landslides which weaken the levees and increase the likelihood of failure during floods. This paper analyzes the ability of detecting the landslides on the levee with different frequency bands of synthetic aperture radar data using supervised machine learning algorithms. The two SAR datasets used in this study are: (1) the X-band satellitebased radar data from DLR’s TerraSAR-X (TSX), and (2) the L-band airborne radar data from NASA JPL’s Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR). The Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification algorithm was implemented to detect the landslides on the levee. The results showed that higher accuracies have been attained using L-band radar data compared to the X-band data, likely due to the longer wavelength and deeper penetration capability of L-band data.
Experimental studies of the 13C NMR of iodoalkynes in Lewis-basic solvents.

The 13C NMR spectra of two different iodoalkynes, 1-iodo-1-hexyne (1) and diiodoethyne (2), exhibit a strong solvent dependence. Comparisons of the data with several common empirical models, including Gutmann's Donor numbers, Reichardt's ENT, and Taft and Kamlet's β and π*, demonstrate that this solvent effect arises from a specific acid−base interaction. Solvent basicity measures such as Donor numbers and β values correlate well with the α-carbon chemical shift of 1, but polarity measures such as ENT and π* do not correlate. The similarity of the solvent effect for 1 and 2 suggests that carbon−carbon bond polarization may not play a role in the change in chemical shift, as previously hypothesized.
Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in pituitary macroadenoma surgery: an assessment of visual outcome

Pituitary macroadenomas most frequently present with visual loss. Although transsphenoidal surgery remains the treatment of choice for patients with neurological manifestations, there have been several advances in its implementation over the last 5 years. Intraoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has emerged as a novel quality control measure, with the potential to guide the surgeon to tumor remnants concealed from the operating microscope. Investigators have reported enhanced resections when using intraoperative MR imaging, leading to complete tumor removal in a larger proportion of cases. Further debulking of unresectable lesions may also prove beneficial in delaying symptom recurrence and facilitating radiotherapy, where distance between the tumor and optic chiasm is an important predictor of visual outcome. However, confirmation of such advantages is complicated by the fact that most macroadenomas are both indolent and hormonally silent, necessitating years of follow-up. Experienced pituitary surgeons will operate as safely with intraoperative MR imaging as without it, perhaps due to a balance between more elaborate resections and better visualization. Intraoperative MR imaging represents a new technique applied to an old problem in tumor surgery: complete, safe resection.
Risk-based strategies for the next generation of maintenance and inspection programs

The maritime industry has seen an ever-increasing interest in applying risk-based approaches to better manage the integrity of ships and offshore units in service. The recent initiatives related to IMO in setting Goal Based Standards will also be reflected in justification of maintenance and inspection regimes for marine assets from a performance based standpoint. The development of risk-based strategies for the next generation of maintenance and inspection programs for various ship includes the application of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) for machinery systems and Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) for hull structures and fixed equipment systems.
A method for analyzing heat conduction with high-frequency periodic boundary conditions

A special method is developed for calculating the steady periodic temperature solution in solid bodies with high-frequency boundary conditions. The numerical difficulty associated with steep gradients and rapid temperature variation near the boundary is addressed by confining all transient temperatures to a narrow boundary layer of constant depth. The depth of the layer is specified in advance and depends only on the period of the boundary disturbance and the thermal diffusivity of the material. The transient solution in the surface layer is represented by a polynomial in its transverse coordinate, with time-varying coefficients determined by a Galerkin method. This solution is coupled with the steady interior solution by imposing continuity of temperature and time-averaged heat flux at the interface. Although the method is sufficiently general to handle nonlinear boundary conditions, it turns out to be particularly useful in the important case of a time-varying heat transfer coefficient. In the latter case, it is possible to decouple the solution process and determine the solution in the transient surface layer separately from the solution in the steady interior. This reduces the effort of determining the complete steady periodic solution to little more than a routine steady analysis. Comparison with an exact solutionmore » shows that the polynomial representation for the transient solution in the surface layer converges very rapidly with increasing order. Moreover, the solution at the surface turns out to be relatively insensitive to the choice of the layer depth as long as it is greater than a certain minimum value. An application to permanent mold casting is given, illustrating both the utility and accuracy of the method in a practical context.« less
Sea level changes in the Chesapeake Bay during historic times

Abstract The positions beneath modern sea level of marsh surfaces that have been buried by alluvial deposits since the Chesapeake Bay area was first settled by Europeans in the mid-seventeenth century have been used to document the magnitude of the increase in sea level during the past three centuries in the area. The results indicate a rate of rise of sea level of 27.4 cm/century, a figure in substantial agreement with that measured in the Chesapeake Bay during this century from tide gauge data, but much larger than that suggested for the past several millenia based on radiocarbon dated basal marsh and peat deposits. This suggests that the observed rapid rate of rise of sea level during this century has been occurring for at least the past several centuries, and that the pattern of the Holocene marine transgression might have been characterized by high-frequency oscillations in the rate of rise of sea level that are not picked up by submergence studies based on widely spaced radiocarbon dates.
Comment on John Yolton's ‘Is There a History of Philosophy? Some difficulties and suggestions’

In this comment on John Yolton's ‘Is There a History of Philosophy?’ (Yolton, 1985) I review his account of the development during the 17th to 19th centuries of a common sense of the range of philosophical problems and of the canon of philosophical works. I suggest that his account may be read in light of Rorty's four genres of historiography (Rorty, 1984). I criticize his view of the place of the history of philosophy in philosophy as too timid, though correct as far as it goes. I then suggest, but do not attempt to establish, a bolder thesis. Finally, I raise some doubts about the adequacy of Yolton's reading of Descartes and Berkeley set out in two of his ‘Puzzlements.’ The ‘Puzzlements’ themselves are supposed to illustrate typical misreading of major figures in the history of philosophy.
TIN ETIOPURPURIN DICHLORIDE‐SENSITIZED LIPID PHOTOOXIDATION OF ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANES

Tin(IV) etiopurpurin dichloride (SnET2 x 2Cl) is a photosensitizer which has been shown to be an effective photodynamic agent for the treatment of transplantable animal tumors in vivo. The purpose of this study was to understand the effect of SnET2 x 2Cl on membrane lipid peroxidation. When erythrocyte membranes were exposed to visible light in the presence of SnET2 x 2Cl, lipid peroxidation was observed. An accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides and an increase in lipid fluorescence were also observed. Thin layer chromatography of lipid extracts from photooxidized membrane revealed photoperoxide products derived from phospholipid. Investigations into the mechanism(s) of lipid peroxidation by SnET2 x 2Cl and light-sensitized membranes were also performed. Results indicate that singlet oxygen (1O2) plays a major role in lipid peroxidation.
Effects of an Educational Campaign to Change Employer Attitudes toward Hiring Epileptics

SUMMARY This experimental field study used an intensive educational campaign to try to modify employer attitudes toward hiring persons with epilepsy in the experimental city; there was no campaign in the control city. No statistical differences were found in a comparison of experimental and con trol'ci ties' pre- and post-data. It is suggested that traditional community education methods do not change employer attitudes or practices in hiring qualified persons with epilepsy. Despite employers' ratings of workers with epilepsy as working out well on their jobs, and as being productive, pleasant, cooperative and able-bodied they did not feel that they could hire more epileptics. The attitudes toward hiring epileptics were fixed and reported as not changing nor likely to change. This supports the common clinical experience in epilepsy that employer resistance is the largest factor responsible for unemployment of persons with epilepsy. These results have implications for the lay and professional organizations conducting public education programs. RESUME Cette etude experimentale de milieu s'est servi d'une intense campagne educative dans la ville test, pour essayer de modifier l'attitude des employeurs vis a vis des travailleurs epileptiques; on n'a pas fait de campagne educative dans la ville de controle. On n'a pas trouve de differences statistiquement significatives en comparant les resultats avant et apres dans la ville test et dans celle de controle. Cela amene a penser que les methodes habituelles d'education d'une communaute ne changent pas l'attitude ou les habitudes des employeurs vis-a-vis du personnel epileptique qualifie. Bien que les employeurs considerent que leur personnel epileptique travaille bien, est efficient, agreable, cooperant et physiquement capable, ils ne pensent cependant pas pouvoir en accepter un plus grand nombre. L'attitude concernant l'emploi des epileptiques etait fixee et consideree comme definitive. Ceci confirme l'experience clinique commune en epilepsie, que l'opposition de l'employeur est le facteur le plus important du non emploi des personnes epileptiques. Ces resultats ont des implications pour les organisations professionnelles ou non, responsables des programmes d'education publique.
A 55-Year-Old Smoker With a Persistent Right Lower Lobe Infiltrate

(CHEST 2005; 127:2266–2270) A 55-year-old African-American man presented with a week-long history of cough with bloodstreaked sputum. He denied fevers, night sweats, weight change, and sinus symptoms. He was physically active and had no dyspnea on exertion. He reported gastroesophageal reflux symptoms but denied any other complaints. His medical history included diverticulosis and depression. He took no medications. He was an active smoker with a 60pack-year smoking history. In addition, he smoked crack cocaine with reported use 3 months prior. He denied alcohol or IV drug use. He had no significant travel, occupational, or exposure history. His physical examination was unremarkable. A chest radiograph revealed an ill-defined infiltrate in the right lower lobe (Fig 1). Laboratory study findings, including cell counts and blood chemistry measurements, were normal. The results of HIV and hepatitis serology tests were negative. A presumed diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia was made, and the patient was treated with an oral fluoroquinolone for 10 days.
Mammalian tooth marks on the bones of dinosaurs and other Late Cretaceous vertebrates

Abstract: We describe bones from the Late Cretaceous of Alberta – including bones of large dinosaurs, a femur from the aquatic reptile Champsosaurus, and a dentary from the marsupial Eodelphis– that bear tooth marks made by animals with opposing pairs of teeth. Of the animals known from the Late Cretaceous of North America, only mammals are capable of making such tooth marks. In particular, multituberculates, which have paired upper and lower incisors, are the most likely candidates for the makers of these traces. The traces described here represent the oldest known mammalian tooth marks. Although it is possible that some of these tooth marks represent feeding traces, the tooth marks often penetrate deep into the dense cortices of the bone. This raises the possibility that, much as extant mammals gnaw bone and antler, some Cretaceous mammals may have consumed the bones of dinosaurs and other vertebrates as a source of minerals. However, none of the tooth marks described here resemble the extensive gnaw traces produced by Cenozoic multituberculates or rodents. This suggests that specialized gnawing forms may have been rare or absent in the Late Cretaceous of North America.
Eastern Interconnection Phasor Project

Utilities, operating authorities and reliability councils representing a majority of the eastern electric power interconnection are working together under the auspices of the Eastern Interconnection Phasor Project to advance the state of the art in power system monitoring and to share information deemed to be valuable in enhancing the reliability of the bulk power grid. The project depends upon the participation of a broad array of stakeholders including manufacturers, software providers, the aforementioned operating/reliability organizations, academia, government, the IEEE and other standards bodies, and more. The project has the potential to bring great value to the participants, the industry as a whole, and the public. This paper describes the project background and organizational structure and provides an overview of the projects data management system and related project activities.
A Plasma Inhibitor of the Renin-Antirenin Reaction and the In Vitro Generation of Angiotensin I

In the course of studies designed to develop a radioimmunoassay system for the detection of renin, we have identified in human plasma a potent inhibitor that interferes with the renin-antirenin reaction. Utilizing gel filtration, this renin-antirenin inhibitory activity was found to have the same molecular size as renin substrate. However, it could be separated from renin substrate by ion-exchange chromatography. When fractions containing this activity were tested in an in vitro system containing renin and renin substrate, they were found to inhibit the generation of angiotensin I.
Mass Spectrometry as a Platform for the Diagnosis of Lysosomal Disorders

There are more than 40 lysosomal disorders, and although individually rare, they are collectively a significant group of disorders with life-altering manifestations not only for patients but with equally devastating effects for their families (1). The cost of healthcare for an individual affected with one of these disorders is exceedingly high over an often shortened life span. The diseases are a result of the failure of one or more lysosomal enzymes to degrade the generally polymeric biomaterials that are brought into the organelle for digestion. In the case of the mucopolysaccharidoses, a single enzyme defect leads to a block in the sequential degradation of glycosaminoglycans, and the undigested fragments accumulate in the lysosomes, which become distended and gradually compromise cellular function. The symptoms organomegaly, skeletal deformity, and mental retardation result from this accumulation, and the latter two are generally irreversible in nature. Early intervention with therapies has therefore become the goal of laboratories involved in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. For this to be possible, because so many of the symptoms that develop are irreversible, presymptomatic diagnosis is …