cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Multiscale Mortar Mixed Finite Element Method

We develop multiscale mortar mixed finite element discretizations for second order elliptic equations. The continuity of flux is imposed via a mortar finite element space on a coarse grid scale, while the equations in the coarse elements (or subdomains) are discretized on a fine grid scale. The polynomial degree of the mortar and subdomain approximation spaces may differ; in fact, the mortar space achieves approximation comparable to the fine scale on its coarse grid by using higher order polynomials. Our formulation is related to, but more flexible than, existing multiscale finite element and variational multiscale methods. We derive a priori error estimates and show, with appropriate choice of the mortar space, optimal order convergence and some superconvergence on the fine scale for both the solution and its flux. We also derive efficient and reliable a posteriori error estimators, which are used in an adaptive mesh refinement algorithm to obtain appropriate subdomain and mortar grids. Numerical experi...
Synthesis and cytotoxicity of 9-(2-deoxy-2-alkyldithio-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)purine nucleosides which are stable precursors to potential mechanistic probes of ribonucleotide reductases

A series of 2′-thionucleosides, as potential inhibitors of ribonucleotide reductases, has been synthesized. Treatment of the 3′,5′-O-TPDS-2′-O-(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)adenosine with potassium thioacetate gave the arabino epimer of 2′-S-acetyl-2′-thioadenosine which was deacetylated to give 9-(3,5-O-TPDS-2-thio-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)adenine in high yield. Treatment of the latter with diethyl azodicarboxylate–C3H7SH–THF gave 2′-propyl disulfide which was desilylated to give 9-(2-deoxy-2-propyldithio-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)adenine. Subsequent tosylation (O5′) and displacement of the tosylate with pyrophosphate afforded the 5′-O-diphosphate in a stable form as propyl mixed-disulfide, which upon treatment with dithiothreitol releases 9-(2-thio-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)adenine 5′-diphosphate. The arabino 2′-mercapto group might interact with the crucial thiyl radical at cysteine 439 leading to the inhibition of ribonucleotide reductases via formation of a Cys439–2′-mercapto disulfide bridge. The 2,6-diamino-, 2-amino-6-chloro- and 2-amino-6-methoxypurine ribosides were also converted to the corresponding 2′-deoxy-2′-propyldithio-β-D-arabinofuranosyl nucleosides, which might serve as convenient precursors to the arabino epimer of 2′-thioguanosine. Analogously, 2′-deoxy-2′-propyldithioadenosine was prepared from 9-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)adenine. The nucleoside disulfides show modest cytotoxicity in a panel of human tumor cell lines.
New techniques for approximating optimal substructure problems in power-law graphs

The remarkable discovery of many large-scale real networks is the power-law distribution in degree sequence: the number of vertices with degree i is proportional to i^-^@b for some constant @b>1. A lot of researchers believe that it may be easier to solve some optimization problems in power-law graphs. Unfortunately, many problems have been proved NP-hard even in power-law graphs. Intuitively, a theoretical question is raised: are these problems on power-law graphs still as hard as on general graphs? In this paper, we show that many optimal substructure problems, such as Minimum Dominating Set, Minimum Vertex Cover and Maximum Independent Set, are easier to solve in power-law graphs by illustrating better inapproximability factors. An optimization problem has the property of optimal substructure if its optimal solution on some given graph is essentially the union of the optimal sub-solutions on all maximal connected components. In particular, we prove the above problems and a more general problem (@r-Minimum Dominating Set) remain APX-hard and their constant inapproximability factors on general power-law graphs by using the cycle-based embedding technique to embed any d-bounded graphs into a power-law graph. In addition, in simple power-law graphs, we further prove the corresponding inapproximability factors of these problems based on the graphic embedding technique as well as that of Maximum Clique and Minimum Coloring using the embedding technique in [1]. As a result of these inapproximability factors, the belief that there exists some (1+o(1))-approximation algorithm for these problems on power-law graphs is proven to be not always true. At last, we do in-depth investigations in the relationship between the exponential factor @b and constant greedy approximation algorithms.
Characterization of complement-fixing antibodies to peripheral nerve myelin in Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Complement-fixing antibodies to peripheral nerve myelin (anti-PNM Ab) can be detected in the serum of patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Kinetics of these antibodies can be correlated with the changing clinical course; the appearance of activation products of the terminal complement cascade in cerebrospinal fluid, serum, and peripheral nerve of patients with GBS; and the ability of GBS serum to mediate complement-dependent demyelination of myelinating cultures of rodent dorsal root ganglion. Some of the anti-PNM Ab in all GBS serum tested thus far bind a neutral glycolipid of human PNM and cross react with Forssman antigen, a cross-species antigen found in many infectious agents. Studies suggest that an IgM antibody in GBS patients that could be triggered by multiple infectious agents binds a surface determinant of a Forssman-like lipid of human PNM and participates in demyelination of peripheral nerve through the activation of complement.
First Ultraviolet Spectrum of a Brown Dwarf: Evidence for H2 Fluorescence and Accretion*

We analyze an HST STIS ultraviolet spectrum of the young brown dwarf 2MASSW J1207334-393254, a member of the 10 million year old TW Hya association that has a planetary-mass companion. We detect and identify numerous emission lines. C IV and other ions are seen that arise in hot gas. We identify a series of lines with Lyman-pumped H2 molecular lines, indicating that cool gas is also present. Overall, this substellar object shows many of the same characteristics as classical T Tauri stars. We interpret our results as direct evidence of accretion from a circumstellar gas disk, consistent with previous claims. The lack of Si IV emission from the accreting gas indicates that silicon has been depleted into grains.
Using synthetic data to evaluate multiple regression and principal component analyses for statistical modeling of daily building energy consumption

Abstract Multiple regression modeling of monitored building energy use data is often faulted as a reliable means of predicting energy use on the grounds that multicollinearity between the regressor variables can lead both to improper interpretation of the relative importance of the various physical regressor parameters and to a model with unstable regressor coefficients. Principal component analysis (PCA) has the potential to overcome such drawbacks. While a few case studies have already attempted to apply this technique to building energy data, the objectives of this study were to make a broader evaluation of PCA and multiple regression analysis (MRA) and to establish guidelines under which one approach is preferable to the other. Four geographic locations in the US with different climatic conditions were selected and synthetic data sequences representative of daily energy use in large institutional buildings were generated in each location using a linear model with outdoor temperature, outdoor specific humidity and solar radiation as the three regression variables. MRA and PCA approaches were then applied to these data sets and their relative performances were compared. Conditions under which PCA seems to perform better than MRA were identified and preliminary recommendations on the use of either modeling approach formulated.
Stopping Out and Persisting: Experiences of Latino Undergraduates:

This study examines the experiences that 10 Latino recent undergraduate students reported having at a large midwestern university. Five persisted through graduation, and five stopped out. Both groups described similar home environments, a lack of social integration, and feelings of academic unpreparedness. Differences among groups were academic difficulties, home-to-school transition, high school segregation, anticipatory socialization, first contact with the university, and education and career goals. The study's implications suggest several approaches to increasing Latino persistence.
Seebeck effect in Mg2Si single crystals

Abstract The Seebeck coefficients (thermoelectric powers), resistivities and Hall coefficients of Mg 2 Si single crystals have been measured from 7°K to 1000°K. At low temperatures, the magnitude of the Seebeck coefficient showed a pronounced maximum which is interpreted in terms of the phonon drag effect. Both n -type and p -type crystals exhibited this effect. The magnitude of the phonon contribution to the Seebeck coefficient was found to be proportional to T −3·0 at temperatures above the boundary scattering range. In the intrinsic temperature range (650°K to 1000°K), the Seebeck coefficients of the n -type samples were proportional to 1/T and implied a ratio of electron to hole mobility of about 3·5. The density-of-states effective mass parameters were calculated both from data in the extrinsic temperature range (200°K to 300°K) and from data in the intrinsic temperature range. Consistent results of m n = 0·5 m 0 and m p = 2 m 0 were obtained if it was assumed that optical mode scattering predominated in the pure n-type samples above 200°K, but that optical mode scattering and ionized impurity scattering were comparable in the doped p-type samples between 200°K and 300°K.
Opioid antagonists in the treatment of impulse-control disorders.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of impulse-control disorders are generally refractory to psychotherapeutic or pharmacologic treatments. Recent study results suggest that opioid antagonists may reduce human urges, one of the core symptoms of impulse-control disorders. The author discusses the rationale for and the potential utility of the opioid antagonists in the treatment of impulse-control disorders. METHOD: Work by preclinical and clinical investigators on the subject of motivation and its contextually relevant behavior is reviewed. The review includes the pharmacologic modulation of the motivation or drive and subsequent changes in behavior in animals and humans. On the basis of these reviews, the author prescribed naltrexone for up to 9 months to 15 patients who had impulse-control disorder, and 3 select cases are reported. RESULTS: Naltrexone was generally well tolerated, and there were no hepatic side effects. Naltrexone appears to reduce urge-related symptoms and decreases the problematic behaviors such as pathological gambling. The effect appears to be sustained. In general, 50 mg/day of naltrexone was not effective. Most patients required higher doses. Results were similar in the 12 other cases not reported here. CONCLUSION: Naltrexone may be of use in select impulse-control disorder patients. Other opioid antagonists such as nalmefene also need to be tested. Until controlled study data become available, the present report should be viewed as preliminary. Language: en
Altered reactivity and the emergence of ionic metal ordered structures in Li-Cs at high pressures.

We show how pressure fundamentally alters the repulsive nature of the nonreactive Li-Cs mixture, converting it from strongly phase separating at ambient pressure to strongly long-range ordering at high pressures. The ordered phases found via a global space group optimization within the density-functional theory are ${\mathrm{Li}}_{7}\mathrm{Cs}$ in the $Cmmm$ structure, LiCs in the $B2$ structure, and ${\mathrm{Li}}_{7}\mathrm{Cs}$ in the $C2/m$ structure. These structures are remarkably stabilized by a pressure-induced increase in charge transfer from Cs to Li unit, an unusual effect concerning two elements from the same group (isovalent). These high-pressure phases exhibit interesting behaviors: (i) LiCs ($B2$) has its $\mathrm{Cs}(5p)$ core states nearly merged with the valence $\mathrm{Cs}(6s)$ states, indicating that core states can become valence states at high pressures; (ii) ${\mathrm{Li}}_{7}\mathrm{Cs}$ ($Cmmm$) structure exhibits an interesting 1D electronic structure within a 3D crystal structure.
Reaction Times of Normal Listeners to Laryngeal, Alaryngeal, and Synthetic Speech

The purpose of this study was to compare listener processing demands when decoding alaryngeal compared to laryngeal speech. Fifty-six listeners were presented with single words produced by 1 profic...
Imposition of Chirality in a Dinuclear Triple-Stranded Helicate by Ion Pair Formation1

Tunable chiral induction and complete determination of chirality in a dinuclear triple helicate, [Ga213]6- (1 = N,N‘-bis(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)-1,4-phenylenediamine, an achiral ligand) is achieved by the use of a chiral counterion. The counterion, (S)-N-methylnicotinium (s-nic), has stereospecific interactions with the helicate. The energy difference, ΔG, between the ΛΛ and ΔΔ helicates in the asymmetric environment afforded by enantiopure s-nic is about 1.1 (±0.2) kcal/mol.
Racial Triangulation of Latino/a Workers by Agricultural Employers

Tree-fruit production in the US Northwest relies heavily on seasonal workers who for many years have come primarily from Mexico and Central America. Racialization of that worker population on the part of employers and communities maintains a markedly stratified labor force. This paper examines racial triangulation, or the valuation and placement of racial groups in a field of racial positions relative to one another and along two axes: superior/inferior and insider/outsider, as one key dimension of the racialization of workers by employers. Specifically, employers valorize Latino/a workers relative to White workers. Significantly also, employers make distinctions between recent and settled immigrants and consistently articulate a preference for recently-arrived immigrants, citing their good work ethic, lack of complaining, and a lack of shame in doing manual work. Further, employers claim that the longer Latino/a workers are in the United States, the more these virtues recede, thus effectively justifying ...
Folding and characterization of the amino-terminal domain of human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) expressed at high yield in E. coli

Methods are described for producing an active amino-terminal domain of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (N-TIMP-1) from inactive protein expressed as inclusion bodies in E. coli. Yields exceed 20 mg per litre of bacterial culture. Activity measurements, CD spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy of the 15N-labeled protein show that it is fully active, homogeneous in conformation and suitable for high-resolution structural analysis. The affinity of N-TIMP-1 for matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2 and 3 is 6–8-fold less than that of the recombinant full-length protein, indicating that deletion of the C-terminal domain reduces the free energy of interaction by < 10%.
Characterization of near-surface traps in semiconductors: GaN

We present a simple a criterion, based on deep-level transient spectroscopy peak heights S(Vr) at two or more values of reverse bias Vr, to unequivocally determine whether or not a particular semiconductor trap is of bulk or near-surface nature. Moreover, we present an expression for S(Vr) with fitting parameters φB, the Schottky barrier height; δ, the trap penetration depth; and NT, the trap density. Application of the method to a thick, high-quality, epitaxial GaN layer, reveals two common traps which penetrate only 2700±300 A into the layer.
Evidence that porcine pancreatic phospholipase A2 via its high affinity receptor stimulates extracellular matrix invasion by normal and cancer cells.

Cellular migration and extracellular matrix (ECM) invasion are some of the critical steps in embryonic implantation, inflammation, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. Extracellular phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), belonging to either group I (PLA2-I) or group II (PLA2-II), play an essential role in the generation of proinflammatory lipid mediators (e.g. prostaglandins, leukotrienes, etc.). Recent reports indicate that PLA2-I, in addition to its digestive function, has receptor-mediated effects. For instance, PLA2-I, via its receptor, can induce cell proliferation and airway as well as vascular smooth muscle contraction. Here, we report that both porcine pancreatic and Naja naja PLA2s, in a dose-dependent manner, stimulate dramatic invasion of an artificial ECM (MatrigelTM) by NIH 3T3, mouse fibrosarcoma, and sarcoma cells in vitro, but it has no such effect on lymphoma and mastocytoma cells. That this is a receptor-mediated process is strongly suggested by the following findings. (a) While NIH 3T3, mouse fibrosarcoma, and sarcoma cells, which respond to PLA2-I stimulation, express high affinity PLA2-I receptor mRNA and protein, this receptor expression is not detectable in nonresponder lymphoma and mastocytoma cells. (b) There is a close correlation between the Kd values for 125I-PLA2-I binding to its receptor and the ED50 values for PLA2-I-induced ECM-invasion. (c) Catalytically inactivated PLA2-I is as effective as the active enzyme in stimulating invasion. (d) Suppression of PLA2-I receptor expression in responder cells causes inhibition of ECM invasion. (e) Treatment of the same cells with PLA2-I receptor-antibody also produces virtually identical effects. Taken together, our results identify a novel receptor-mediated function of PLA2-I and raises the possibility that extracellular PLA2s play important physiological as well as pathological roles via this receptor. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this novel receptor-mediated effect (i.e. ECM invasion) of PLA2-I on normal as well as malignant cancer cells.
Relationship of sexual dimorphism in canine size and body size to social, behavioral, and ecological correlates in anthropoid primates

Among anthropoid primates there are interspecific differences in the degree of sexual dimorphism in both body size and canine size. Within the suborder body size dimorphism and canine size dimorphism are positively correlated,r=0.76. This correlation suggests that the two dimorphisms are equally developed in some species, while in other species there is a differential degree of sexual dimorphism. An analysis of these results and their relation to social organization and other ecological variables reveals: (1) the degree of canine size dimorphism is closely related to the amount of male intrasexual selection in a given mating system; and (2) the degree of body size dimorphism is also related to male intrasexual selection, but may be modified (either enhanced or diminished) by selection pressure from factors such as habitat, diet, foraging behavior, antipredator behavior, locomotory behavior, and female preference.
Axenic storage of small volumes of Tetrahymena cultures under liquid nitrogen: A miniaturized procedure.

Abstract A method for freezing and storing samples of Tetrahymena thermophila in short lengths of Teflon tubing is described. Survival rates of the organism frozen with this technique are sufficient to permit routine storage of many strains in one quarter of the LN 2 refrigerator space heretofore required.
Chronic dose effects of methyl parathion on nuthatches: cholinesterase and ptilochronology.

The widespread use of organophosphorus (OP) insecticides in agriculture has caused increased concern for the potential exposure to wildlife. Some effects of OPs on wildlife include loss of body weight (Grue 1982), reproductive effects (Stromborg 1977, 1981; Spyker and Avery 1977), susceptibility to environmental stress (Pope and Ward 1972), reductions in visual acuity, vigilance, and food-seeking behavior (Grue et al. 1983), hypothermia (Chattopadhyay et al~ 1982) and death.
A pulsed dye laser with a 10-mm beam diameter and a pigmented lesion window for purpura-free photorejuvenation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In traditional pulsed dye lasers (PDLs), power limitations and pulse characteristics have compromised purpura-free procedures. This study evaluated a new PDL with a modified pulse structure and a 10-mm beam diameter for purpura-free photorejuvenation. A compression handpiece was used for targeting lentigines. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients with skin types I to III were treated three times at 3- to 4-week intervals. The first pass was delivered through a 10-mm compression handpiece to target pigment dyschromias using fluences between 6.5 and 8.0 J/cm2 with a 1.5-ms pulse duration. A second pass was then performed with a 10-mm spot with fluences between 9.5 and 10 J/cm2, a 20-ms pulse duration, and cryogen spray enabled. Improvement was evaluated by comparing pre- and posttreatment photographs and live subjects 1 month after the third treatment. RESULTS In the majority of patients, >90% reduction of fine telangiectasias (<0.6 mm) and dark lentigines was achieved. Pigmented dyschromias improved proportional to the degree of pigment at presentation. Avoidance of purpura with the compression handpiece was dependent on obtaining proper compression before laser emission. Mean textural improvement was 34%. CONCLUSIONS The new 595-nm PDL is highly effective for two-pass purpura-free improvement of telangiectases, pigment dyschromias, and texture.
Liquid chromatography-chloride-attachment negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract Chloride-attachment negative chemical ionization mass spectra can be generated by the addition of chlorinated solvent modifiers to the high-performance liquid chromatographic mobile phase in liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry. The observed mass spectra of several organophosphorus pesticides are similar to those reported for direct probe analysis with methylene chloride as the reagent gas. For certain classes of compounds, this mode of ionization yields more structural information than does conventional negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The addition of chlorinated solvent modifiers to the high-performance liquid chromatographic mobile phase in liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry allows for the analysis of mixtures by chloride-attachment negative chemical ionization.
Fixed point roundoff noise in frequency sampling filters

Abstract A frequency sampling filter which is a finite impulse response digital filter uses a recursive structure that requires exact pole zero cancellation on the unit circle. When implemented with digital technology, errors due to finite length registers and finite precision arithmetic can prevent exact pole zero cancellation making the filter unstable. To guarantee stability, the poles and zeros on the unit circle are moved to a circle of radius r where 0
Snow accumulation in thinned lodgepole pine stands, Montana, USA

Alternative silvicultural treatments such as thinning can be used to restore forested watersheds and reduce wildfire hazards, but the hydrologic effects of these treatments are not well defined. We evaluated the effect of two shelterwood-with-reserve silvicultural prescriptions, one leaving residual trees evenly distributed (SE) and the second leaving residual trees in groups (SG), both with ∼50% basal area removal, on snow accumulation in lodgepole pine stands at the Tenderfoot Creek Experimental Forest, west-central Montana. The snow water equivalent (SWE) close to the seasonal peak was measured at >250 locations in the SE and SG treatments and a control in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Reduced interception in SE resulted in significant (P < 0.0001) 7.2 and 5.6 cm increases in SWE relative to the control in 2003 and 2004, respectively, and a 1.7 cm increase in 2005. Predictive models for the mean peak SWE in the control and the SE treatment were based on an inverse-exponential relationship between interception efficiency and mean storm intensity, and the average percent deviation for the two models was 9.4 and 7.6%, respectively. In the SG treatment, increased solar radiation and wind resulted in sublimation losses that offset gains due to reduced interception in the openings between groups. Consequently, SG always accumulated significantly less snow than SE (P < 0.0001), and the SG treatment and control means were not significantly different. Differences in snow accumulation between groups and openings and between the north and south sides of groups meant that the SWE in SG was up to three times more variable than in either SE or the control. The contrasting responses in the SE and SG treatments demonstrate that thinning can have substantially different effects on snow accumulation depending on the spatial arrangement of tree removal.
The “Moral Hazards” of Microfinance: Restructuring Rural Credit in India

Abstract: This paper explores how economic ideas are produced, how they travel, and how they are contested, in complex and contingent ways, in particular places. It stems from events that took place in coastal Andhra Pradesh, India, where I conducted fieldwork on microfinance programs during 2007. I begin by tracing how the practices of microfinance—and the ideas and rationalities underpinning them—have been increasingly globalized as a development tool since the 1970s. I then move on to describe the proliferation of various microfinance programs across Andhra Pradesh over the last decade. In the closing section, I consider the implications of a recent protest that took place against commercial microfinance institutions in the region.
Transgenerational effects from early developmental exposures to bisphenol A or 17α-ethinylestradiol in medaka, Oryzias latipes

The transgenerational consequences of environmental contaminant exposures of aquatic vertebrates have the potential for broad ecological impacts, yet are largely uninvestigated. Bisphenol A (BPA) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) are two ubiquitous estrogenic chemicals present in aquatic environments throughout the United States and many other countries. Aquatic organisms, including fish, are exposed to varying concentrations of these chemicals at various stages of their life history. Here, we tested the ability of embryonic exposure to BPA or EE2 to cause adverse health outcomes at later life stages and transgenerational abnormalities in medaka fish. Exposures of F0 medaka to either BPA (100 μg/L) or EE2 (0.05 μg/L) during the first 7 days of embryonic development, when germ cells are differentiating, did not cause any apparent phenotypic abnormalities in F0 or F1 generations, but led to a significant reduction in the fertilization rate in offspring two generations later (F2) as well as a reduction of embryo survival in offspring three generations later (F3). Our present observations suggest that BPA or EE2 exposure during development induces transgenerational phenotypes of reproductive impairment and compromised embryonic survival in fish of subsequent generations. These adverse outcomes may have negative impacts on populations of fish inhabiting contaminated aquatic environments.
Professional opportunities and responsibilities in the provision of genetic information to children relinquished for adoption.

We report a case involving the disclosure of BRCA1 mutation results to a woman who had placed a child for adoption 30 years prior to learning her mutation status. The disclosure of the mother's genetic test result to the son resulted in unexpected subsequent communications. This article briefly describes the experience and discusses the unique issues that arise in counseling a parent who has relinquished a child who is subsequently at risk to inherit a mutation for an adult onset genetic condition. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the one-dimensional modeling of camber bending deformations in active anisotropic slender structures

Abstract The paper presents a one-dimensional model for anisotropic active slender structures that captures arbitrary cross-sectional deformations. The 1-D geometrically-nonlinear static problem is derived by an asymptotic reduction process from the equations of 3-D electroelasticity. In addition to the conventional (bending–extension–shear–twist) beam strain measures, it includes a Ritz approximation to account for arbitrary deformation shapes of the finite-size cross-sections. As a particular case, closed-form analytical expressions are derived for the linear static equilibrium of a composite thin strip with surface-mounted piezoelectric actuators. This solution is based on a boundary-layer approximation to the static equilibrium equations in regions where Saint-Venant’s principle for elastic bodies cannot be applied and includes camber bending deformations to account for the local bimoments induced by the distributed actuation in a finite-width strip.
Duodenal Stump Tumor

: A rare case of duodenal stump tumor is described. The patient was an 84-year-old woman who had undergone a subtotal gastrectomy nine years previously. The polypoid tumor of the duodenal stump may have been a factor in the production of extrahepatic biliary obstruction, for which surgical treatment was required. The aged patient withstood the operation well.
Dissociative adsorption of thiourea at a polycrystalline silver electrode in alkaline media

Abstract In alkaline solutions, when the potential of the silver electrode is more than −450 mV vs sce , thiourea undergoes decomposition and a sparingly soluble silver sulfide film forms as a product of the accompanying anodic reaction. These processes are controlled by convective diffusion and depend upon the thiourea concentration. During the reverse cathodic scan, two cathodic stripping peaks are observed. The first one corresponds to the stripping of Ag 2 S (bulk) and the second one to the stripping of an adsorbed layer of Ag 2 S. Hydrosulfide ion (HS − ) are produced by these two cathodic reactions. The formation of an adsorbed layer of Ag 2 S has been confirmed in rotating ring-disk electrode experiments.
Molecular Recognition of Ferrioxamine B by Host−Guest Complex Formation with Lasalocid A in Chloroform

The polyether carboxylic acid antibiotic lasalocid A was employed as an ionophore in the extraction of ferrioxamine B (FeHDFB+) from H2O to CHCl3 at aqueous pH 3 and pH 9. Lasalocid can selectively...
Methodological issues in the recruitment of primary care patients with depression.

Objective:To compare two strategies of patient recruitment, waiting room (WR) screening and screening after physician referral (PR), for participation in a treatment-outcome study of minor depression and dysthymia in primary care. The influence of demographic factors on patients' refusal to participate in WR screening was also examined.Method:Of a convenience sample of 3,344 first stage patients, a total of 609 patients were evaluated in a semi-structured manner using a two-stage screening procedure from the mood module of the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD).Results:Male and older patients were more likely to refuse participation in screening than female and younger patients. Waiting room screens yielded a higher number of qualified patients compared to PR screens, but PR screens yielded a higher percentage of patients who qualified for further participation.Conclusions:The recruitment of male and older primary care patients is complicated by their tendency to refuse participation i...
Comparison of soleus H-reflex gain from prone to standing in dancers and controls

To examine the differences in soleus H-reflex gain between trained dancers and control subjects, the soleus H-reflex amplitude and background muscle activity of 9 trained dancers (means of 20.3 ± 2.1 years of age, and 14.3 ± 3.8 years of training) and 9 control subjects (mean 23.3 ± 3.2 years of age) were compared at rest and at 10, 20, and 30% of a maximal voluntary soleus contraction during two conditions: prone and standing. The ratio of the maximal H-reflex (H-max) to the maximal motor response (M-max) was also measured during both conditions. Correlation was performed between background EMG and the resultant H-reflex to determine reflex gain. The results demonstrated that the control subjects and the dancers displayed a similar reflex gain during the prone condition (slope = 3.30 vs. 3.64, respectively). However, during the standing condition, dancers demonstrated a significantly lower reflex gain (slope = 1.78) than did control subjects (slope = 3.68). Furthermore, although both groups significantly decreased the H-max/M-max ratio from prone to standing, no differences were found between groups at either condition. This suggests that the differences in standing reflex gain between the dancers and control subjects were a product of differential control of reflex modulation involved in postural control. An initial hypothesis explaining the differences between the standing reflex gain of the groups relates to plasticity of central inhibitory control mechanisms, primarily presynaptic and/or reciprocal inhibition.
Stimulation by growth hormone (GH) of GH receptor-associated tyrosine kinase activity.

We have shown previously that GH receptors (GHRs) become phosphorylated on tyrosyl residues when GH-responsive cells are exposed to GH. In this work we investigate the molecular mechanism by which GH binding stimulates tyrosyl phosphorylation of GHR. To test whether in the presence of GH, GHR and the tyrosine kinase responsible for GHR phosphorylation are tightly associated in a complex or form a transient enzyme-substrate complex, the rate of in vitro phosphorylation of GHR was determined as a function of receptor concentration. GH-GHR complexes were purified from 3T3-F442A fibroblasts by immunoadsorption to and elution from immobilized phosphotyrosyl-binding antibody. The rate of in vitro tyrosyl phosphorylation of GH-GHR complexes was not substantially reduced when the GHR preparation was diluted 1:10 or 1:100 before phosphorylation, consistent with a tight association between kinase and substrate (GHR). When cells were labeled metabolically with 35S, and GHRs containing phosphorylated tyrosyl residues...
Microwave detection of hairline surface-breaking cracks in metals using open-ended coaxial sensors: preliminary results

Recent microwave methods have shown to be capable of detecting and sizing surface slots and cracks in metals. These methods have incorporated the use of an open-ended rectangular waveguide probe for such measurements. A new microwave method utilizing an open-ended coaxial line sensor has been under investigation for some time now. Coaxial line sensors have certain features that make them quite attractive for surface crack detection. These features include their high level of sensitivity to the presence of very narrow cracks as will as the fact that their geometry may include complicated bends allowing access to hard to reach places. This paper presents and comments on some preliminary experimental results of using this sensor for hairline surface crack detection.
Effect of sand addition on the specific heat and thermal conductivity of cement

Sand addition was found to decrease the specific heat and increase the thermal conductivity of cement, in contrast to the opposite effects of silica fume addition. The thermal conductivity increase due to sand addition was much greater when silica fume was present. The thermal conductivity decrease due to silica fume addition was much smaller when sand was present.
The correlates of safe sex practices among Rwandan youth: a positive deviance approach

This paper presents the results of a 2001 sample survey and uses an ideation model to identify the factors affecting primary sexual abstinence and condom use among Rwandan youth. The findings showed that urban residence and age negatively influence primary sexual abstinence and positively affect condom use. Living within the same household as the father tends to protect girls from early sexual experimentation but has no noticeable effect on boys. Moslems are considerably less likely than Christians to report primary sexual abstinence. The use of alcohol tends to be negatively associated with sexual abstinence. The ideational factors that are significant for primary sexual abstinence are perceptions about the sexual behaviours of peers, perceived self-efficacy to refuse sex with someone truly loved, perceived self-efficacy to refuse sex with someone known for more than three months, self-esteem and attitudes toward premarital sex. As for condom use, the ideational variables with significant independent effects on the behavior are: discussion of HIV/AIDS with sexual partner, and to a lesser extent, the perceived self-efficacy to use condoms, and discussion of condom use with the sex partner. The programmatic and policy implications of the results are discussed.
Corn Yield Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer Timing and Deficiency Level

Nitrogen fertilizer is typically applied to corn (Zea mays L.) shortly before planting, but there are several reasons why later N applications may be of interest: to spread work away from the busy planting season, to avoid the frequent wet field conditions in spring, to reduce or remedy in-season N loss in wet years, or to allow use of in-season diagnostic tools. One of the obstacles to the use of later N applications is the fear that irreversible yield loss will occur due to N stress. Our objective was to evaluate the yield impact of delaying N applications until the late vegetative growth stages and as far as silking. We conducted a total of 28 experiments with timing of a single N application as the experimental treatment. We found little or no evidence of irreversible yield loss when N applications were delayed as late as stage V11, even when N stress was highly visible. There was weak evidence of minor yield loss (about 3%) when N applications were delayed until stage V12 to V16. Only 3 of the 28 experiments had N applications later than V16-all were at silking and relative yields were 0.71, 0.89, and 0.95. Though full yield was not achieved when N applications were delayed until silking, yield was still highly responsive to N application at this stage-yield response exceeded 2.2 Mg ha -1 in all three experiments.
Hybrid model-based approach to batch-to-batch control of particle size distribution in emulsion polymerization

There is an increasing interest in the control of particulate systems, with a focus on the control of distributions (e.g. particle size distribution (PSD)). It is known that such distributions have strong correlations with end-product quality indices, this motivating their tight regulation. This paper addresses the design of a control strategy for control of PSD in a semi-batch emulsion polymerization process. In particular, this work presents a hybrid modeling approach for batch-to-batch optimization in which a fundamental population balance model describing PSD evolution is augmented by a Partial Least Squares (PLS) model. This hybrid model is then embedded in a successive quadratic program (SQP) to design surfactant and initiator input trajectories that drive the process to a target PSD.
Secretion from Human Apocrine Glands: An Electron Microscopic Study

Electron microscopic examination of apocrine glands revealed three types of secretion: merocrine, apocrine, and possibly holocrine. In the merocrine type of secretion numerous vesicles originating in the Golgi area discharged their granular contents into the lumen of the gland. In the apocrine type of secretion three stages were observed: (1) formation of an apical cap; (2) formation of a dividing membrane at the base of the apical cap; and (3) formation of tubules above the dividing membrane that extended parallel to the membrane and led to a separation of the apical cap from the underlying cell. In the holocrine type of secretion individual secretory cells or even strands of secretory cells were discharged into the lumen of the gland.
Demonstration and possible significance of uricase in human pathogenic fungi.

URICASE has been demonstrated in several moulds, bacteria, and yeasts1–4 and in animal tissues5,6. The elimination of uric acid as the chief waste product of nitrogen metabolism from birds and the isolation of certain human pathogenic fungi from soils in poultry pens and yards7–9 have suggested the possibility that these fungi may be able to utilize uric acid as a source of nitrogen for growth.
I. The self and its parts.

In a series of studies over the last several years I have attempted to formulate a theory of the self that is synonymous with the human person and consistent with psychoanalytic perspectives (Meissner, 1986a, 1986b, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998a, 1998b, 1998c, 1999a, 1999b, 2000b, 2000c, 2000d, 2001, 2003d). My purpose in the present effort is limited in scope, namely to integrate this emerging theoretical overview of the self with current views of the development of the self. My analysis contains no new data regarding the psychic development of the self, but seeks only to achieve a further degree of theoretical integration. My approach is based on the well-worn strategy of “divide and conquer.” In this first of three related papers appearing in this issue, I approach the material available from the rich literature on child development from the perspective of aspects of the self as formulated in my previous studies of the theory of the self. These will focus on considerations of the self-as-agent, self-as-subject, and self-as object, the combination of which constitutes the person as such as an internally organized self-system contained within the boundaries of the body-self. Beside reflections on the nature of the self as inherently bodily, I discuss aspects of the self as interpersonally and socially related as they find expression and implementation in the developmental process. In the second paper (Meissner, 2009a) I review and integrate some of the major findings of studies of child development in infancy with the theory of the self and its development as outlined in this first paper. My review will be selective and focused specifically on issues related to development of the self-asperson. The third and final paper (Meissner, 2009b) attempts to
The survival of the Democratic Party outside the South: An update and reassessment

Partisan change outside of the South has not been studied as extensively as in the 11 states of the Old Confederacy. Given the partisan advantage that the Democratic Party enjoys outside of the Sou...
Molecular mechanisms of thrombin function

The discovery of thrombin as a Na(+)-dependent allosteric enzyme has revealed a novel strategy for regulating protease activity and specificity. The alllosteric nature of this enzyme influences all its physiologically important interactions and rationalizes a large body of structural and functional information. For the first time, a coherent mechanistic framework is available for understanding how thrombin interacts with fibrinogen, thrombomodulin and protein C, and how Na+ binding influences the specificity sites of the enzyme. This information can be used for engineering thrombin mutants with selective specificity towards protein C and for the rational design of potent active site inhibitors. Thrombin also serves as a paradigm for allosteric proteases. Elucidation of the molecular basis of the Na(+)-dependent allosteric regulation of catalytic activity, based on the residue present at position 225, provides unprecedented insights into the function and evolution of serine proteases. This mechanism represents one of the simplest and most important structure-function correlations ever reported for enzymes in general. All vitamin K-dependent proteases and some complement factors are subject to the Na(+)-dependent regulation discovered for thrombin. Na+ is therefore a key factor in the activation of zymogens in the coagulation and complement systems.
PET Lesion Segmentation Using Automated Iso-intensity Contouring in Head and Neck Cancer

To improve the objectivity of the integration of positron emission tomography (PET), we used the conformality index (CI) to measure the goodness of fit of a given PET iso-SUV (standardized uptake value) level with the GTV defined on PET (GTVPET) and CT (GTVCT). Twenty-two datasets involving 20 head and neck cancer patients were identified. GTVPET and GTVCT were delineated manually. An iso-intensity method was developed to automatically segment GTVPET-ISO using (a) SUV and (b) maximum intensity thresholding (%Max), over a range of intensities. For each intensity, GTVPET-ISO was compared to GTVPET using the conformality index CIPET (and, similarly, to GTVCT using CICT). Comparing GTVPET to GTVPET-ISO vs comparing GTVCT to GTVPET-ISO, the average peak CI was 0.68 ± 0.09 vs 0.49 ± 0.12 (p<0.001), the optimum iso-SUV was 2.7 ± 0.7 vs 2.9 ± 1.0 (p=0. 253), and the %Max SUV was 21.8% ± 7.6% vs 23.8% ± 8.6% (p=0. 310), respectively. The radiation oncologist's volumes corresponded to a lower iso-SUV (3.02 ± 0.58 v...
Penetration into soil targets

Summary We developed penetration equations for ogival-nose projectiles that penetrated soil targets after normal impact. The spherical cavity-expansion approximation simplified the target analysis, so we obtained closed-form penetration equations. To verify our model, we conducted field tests into soil targets with 23.1 kg, 95.25 mm diameter projectiles and obtained rigid-body decelerations and final penetration depths. Model predictions show good agreement with measurements for five tests conducted at an impact velocity of 280 ms −1 .
Glenoid component loosening due to deficient subscapularis: a case study of eccentric loading

Total shoulder arthroplasty is an effective means of treating pain and loss of function associated with glenohumeral arthritis. The most common complication of this procedure is failure of the glenoid component, accounting for up to 59% of the unsatisfactory total shoulder arthroplasty results. Multiple studies to identify the factors associated with glenoid component failure have led to improvements in component design, bony preparation, and cement technique. Late failure has been partially attributed to eccentric loading of the glenoid component. This results in a rockinghorse phenomenon of the component, with the loading of one edge of the component causing the opposite edge to lift off the glenoid bone. This cyclic stress can lead to failure of the component fixation. The causes for this eccentric loading can be multifactorial, including conformity of the joint surfaces, component malposition, glenoid version, and rotator cuff insufficiency. This phenomenon has beenwell documented in total shoulder arthroplasties with superior migration of the humeral component on the glenoid due to rotator cuff tears. There have been many studies of retrieved glenoid components as well as biomechanical studies of glenoid loading related to glenoid loosening. Although subscapularis deficiency and anterior eccentric loading would be expected to cause a similar problem, to our knowledge, no report has been published of a patient in whom the clinical, anatomic, and pathologic findings all support this mechanism of glenoid loosening due to
A cellular automata model of circulating cell adhesion and transmigration in the microvaculature

Researchers theorize that bone marrow-derived stem cells contribute to vascular growth by homing from bone marrow through the circulation to sites of tissue injury in the body. Here they adhere to and transmigrate through microvessels, whereupon they participate in microvascular growth. These processes are complex making traditional experimental results difficult to evaluate. We created a cellular automata computational model of the microvascular system that incorporates circulating stem cells. Simulations were run on six mouse muscle vascular networks. The number of transmigrating cells in both the model and the animal experiments were similar, indicating that the model is capable of predicting stem cell homing and transmigration. The number of transmigrated stem cells suggests that this population may contribute to new vessel growth. By understanding the mechanisms of vascular growth, new therapies can be developed for cancer, heart disease, and wound healing.