cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Post-retinal storage? Some further observations on Parks’ camel as seen through the eye of a needle

Parks recently reported observations with an apparatus in which successive slices of a stimulus figure could be entered on the same retinal locus. He reported that when this was done, a visual percept of the figure appeared, but one that appeared condensed in length. From this he argued that the slices, differing only in time of arrival, must be stored post-retinally and then reconstructed spatially to form the coherent figure again. In attempting to replicate this important conclusion, we found, contrary to Parks, that the appearance of the percept occurred only when the slices were spread out over the retina, and not when they were entered on the same spot. Thus, the percept is probably due to much more understandable poor temporal resolution, rather than spatial integration. Shape distortions were found corresponding to Parks’ reports, but only in the absence of any visual percepts. In spite of the failure to support all of Parks’ conclusions, the effects are seen as very intriguing ones, and may have critical theoretical ramifications.
Electronic Transport Properties of a-Si:H,F/a-Si,Ge:H,F Superlattices

We study the dark conductivity σ d, dark conductivity activation energy Ea and photoconductivity σ ph of a-Si:H,F/a-Si,Ge:H,F superlattices both perpendicular and parallel to the plane of the layers. In parallel transport, both the σ ph and σ d are dominated by the alloy layer characteristics with the superposition of carrier confinement quantum effects. In perpendicular transport, the σ d shows an interplay of quantum mechanical tunneling through the barriers and of classical thermal emission over the barrier layer and the σ ph is controlled by the decreasing absorption by the silicon barrier layer as the optical gap Eopt of the structure decreases. We also found that the multilayer structure allows to grow lower gap a-Si,Ge:H,F alloys than achievable under the same deposition conditions for bulk materials. This stabilizing effect allowed us to study low-gap superlattice structures and extract information about these very low gap (<1.2 eV) a- Si,Ge:H,F alloys.
Monotone Homomorphisms of Compact Semigroups

The problem of determining the class of homomorphic images of a given class of topological semigroups seems to have received little attention in the literature. In [4] Cohen and Krule determined the homomorphic images of a semigroup with zero on an interval. Anderson and Hunter in [1] proved several theorems in this direction. In general, the problem seems to be rather difficult. However, the difficulty is lessened somewhat if all of the homomorphisms of the semigroups in question must be monotone. Phillips, [7], showed that every homomorphism of a standard thread is monotone and hence every homomorphic image of a standard thread is either a standard thread or a point. In this paper a larger class of topological semigroups which admit only monotone homomorphisms is given. These results are used to determine the topological nature of the homomorphic images of certain classes of topological semigroups. These include products of standard threads with min threads, certain semilattices on a two-cell, and compact connected lattices in the plane.
Transition Training: A Theoretical Approach

By early 1964 almost 8,000 Americans had gained an experience which is unique in the history of cross-cultural contacts.
Rose yield, dry matter partitioning and nutrient status responses to rootstock selection

Abstract Yield, dry matter partitioning and leaf nutrient status of ‘Bridal White’ rose ( Rosa × hybrida ) plants grafted on the rootstocks R. manetti , R .× odorata , R.×‘ Natal Briar ’ and R.×‘ Dr. Huey ’ , were evaluated under greenhouse conditions. Plants were grown in 16 l containers filled with a peat:bark:sand growing medium and fertigated with a complete nutrient solution. Flower and dry biomass yield data collected over four flushes of growth and flowering did not show significant differences between rootstocks. Foliage quality or greenness, as expressed in chlorophyll readings, was the highest in R. manetti plants, and lowest in ‘Natal Briar’ and ‘Dr. Huey’ plants. Whole plant harvests produced similar total dry matter in all rootstocks, but revealed significant differences in allocation patterns. ‘Natal Briar’-grafted plants allocated significantly less biomass to leaves, but more biomass to roots, producing a shoot-to-root ratio of 3.5. This ratio was significantly lower than the 4.6, 7.1 and 7.3 ratios observed in ‘Dr. Huey’, R .× odorata and R. manetti , respectively. Tissue analyses pointed to significant differences in nutrient status, with ‘Natal Briar’ plants having the most distinctive leaf nutrient profile which included the lowest concentrations of P, K and Fe, and the highest concentrations of Mg, Cl, B and Na. The foliage on R .× manetti and R .× odorata plants presented the lowest B and Mn concentrations, respectively, while ‘Dr. Huey’ had the highest P and Zn concentrations.
Experimentally-induced diabetes reduces nocturnal pineal melatonin content in the Syrian hamster

Male, Syrian hamsters were rendered diabetic by either alloxan (60 mg/kg, i.v.) or streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.p.). Diabetic animals had reduced pineal melatonin contents during the night. Basal daytime values were not significantly altered. Diabetes may decrease melatonin synthesis by reducing the availability of glucose for metabolism or by decreasing the transport of tryptophan into pinealocytes for the synthesis of melatonin.
ADHD Symptom Severity Following Participation in a Pilot, 10-week, Manualized, Family-Based Behavioral Intervention

This investigation examined the effectiveness of a pilot, manualized 10-week intervention of family skills training for ADHD-related symptoms. The intervention combined behavioral parent training and child focused behavioral activation therapy. Participants were families with children ages 7–10 diagnosed with ADHD-Combined Type. This pilot investigation employed a single group, A-B research design comparing posttreatment behavioral symptoms to baseline functioning. Intervention effectiveness was analyzed using paired-samples t tests. Results indicated statistically significant improvements for behavioral symptoms from Time 1 to Time 2 with large main effects for the intervention. Further, intervention effects reduced symptoms below a level of clinical significance and greater than one standard deviation from baseline severity. Implications of combining behavioral activation training for children with ADHD and parent management training are discussed as well as the relevance of these results for improving ...
Hewlett-Packard's approach to environmental communications

This paper outlines Hewlett-Packard's (HP's) initial efforts at establishing a formal environmental information program. HP's reasons for initiating this program are examined, along with the company values and business considerations that affect the content of these communications. Additional information is provided about the company's process for producing a voluntary environmental report as well as the method for evaluating the effectiveness of this document.
The variable effect of smoking on pulmonary function.

The variable effect of cigarette smoking in producing airway obstruction was evaluated in 925 subjects who were tested in a respiratory disease screening program. There were 589 smokers who were divided into four groups by pack-year exposure. The flow rates in the 1-20 pack-year group were indistinguishable from those in nonsmokers. With increasing cigarette exposure there was a progressive reduction in mean flow rates and an increase in the incidence of severe obstruction. Nevertheless, a significant number of heavy smokers remained within normal limits. Thus, in the 20-40, 40-60 and 60+ pack-year groups, the FEV1/VC was within normal limits in 58 percent, 45 percent and 29 percent of subjects and the MMF was within normal limits in 40 percent, 38 percent and 21 percent of subjects, respectively. The highly variable individual susceptibility to the effects of cigarette smoking would seem to imply that other genetic and environmental factors are also operative in the production of airway obstruction. Identification of these additional factors would permit recognition of a high risk population for preventive health purposes.
INCORPORATION, EXPECTATIONS, AND ATTITUDES

This article examines attitudes toward mainstream society among Caribbeans and South Asians in Britain. Conventional wisdom predicts that Caribbeans should be more likely than South Asians to have positive attitudes toward British society, in part because Caribbeans are more socially and culturally assimilated. In addition, much of the current debate around ethnic minority alienation in Britain focuses on the fact that recent terrorist activity has primarily been committed by Muslim South Asians. This article presents evidence that runs counter to these predictions, with data suggesting that South Asians are more likely than Caribbeans to have high levels of positive national identification, high levels of trust, and less pessimistic expectations for discrimination in Britain. To account for these dynamics, I develop an argument about the importance of ethnic minority migrants' expectations. I claim that cultural and social assimilation increases expectations for incorporation. When migrants with high expectations face incorporation difficulties, they will be more likely to develop pessimistic attitudes. In comparison, cultural and social segregation lowers expectations for incorporation prospects. When migrants with lower expectations face incorporation difficulties, they will be less likely to have pessimistic attitudes. I use this argument to explain why Caribbeans are less likely than South Asians to have positive attitudes toward mainstream British society.
Optical properties of low molecular weight and colloidal organic matter: Application of the ultrafiltration permeation model to DOM absorption and fluorescence

Abstract Cross-flow ultrafiltration (CFF) is often used to obtain separation and concentration of colloids from bulk natural water samples. Application of the ultrafiltration permeation model allows the quantitative determination of the low molecular weight material (LMW,
A new algorithm for the estimation of hidden Markov model parameters

Discusses the problem of estimating the parameter values of hidden Markov word models for speech recognition. The authors argue that maximum-likelihood estimation of the parameters does not lead to values which maximize recognition accuracy and describe an alternative estimation procedure called corrective training which is aimed at minimizing the number of recognition errors. Corrective training is similar to a well-known error-correcting training procedure for linear classifiers and works by iteratively adjusting the parameter values so as to make correct words more probable and incorrect words less probable. There are also strong parallels between corrective training and maximum mutual information estimation. They do not prove that the corrective training algorithm converges, but experimental evidence suggests that it does, and that it leads to significantly fewer recognition errors than maximum likelihood estimation. >
High-Temperature Electronic Requirements in Aeropropulsion Systems

This paper discusses the needs for high-temperature electronic and electrooptic devices as they would be used on aircraft engines in either research and development applications, or operational applications. The conclusion reached is that the temperature at which the devices must be able to function is in the neighborhood of 500°C to 600°C either for R&D or for operational applications. In R&D applications, the devices must function in this temperature range when in the engine but only for a moderate period of time. On an operational engine, the reliability requirements dictate that the devices be able to be burned-in at temperatures significantly higher than those at which they will function on the engine. The major point made is that semiconductor technology must be pushed well beyond the level at which silicon will be able to function.
Bacterial translocation from the gastrointestinal tract to various segments of the mesenteric lymph node complex

Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis translocate to different segments of the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) complex at levels reflecting their population levels in the regions of the gastrointestinal tract that provide lymph to these various MLN segments. Salmonella typhimurium, however, translocates to all segments of the MLN complex equally regardless of regional intestinal population levels.
Compatibilizers made from Copolymers that Exhibit Strong Interactions

Random copolymers of poly(methyl methacrylate-d8) (PMMA) and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) were synthesized and blended with polyethylene oxide (PEO), and SANS was used to estimate the strength of interaction between the various polymer pairs. The addition of PMAA greatly reduced the scattering of the blend, giving a large negative Flory-Huggins interaction parameter. Copolymers of the type PMAA-g-PS, PMAA-r-PS, PMMA-g-PS, and PMMA-r-PS (g = graft, r = random) were used as compatibilizers for the melt blending of mixtures containing 80% PS and 20% PEO. Random copolymers containing half PMMA and half PS or half PMAA and half PS were ineffective compatibilizers while graft copolymers of these polymers produced a much finer dispersion of PEO in PS when blended at 190°C. Graft copolymers made with 90% PS were different, however, with PMMA grafts having only a small effect, while PMAA grafts having a large effect. Random and graft copolymers of PS and PMMA were also used to compatibilize blends of PS and PMMA. The results were similar to the same compatibilizers with blends of PS and PEO, with the graft copolymer causing a finer dispersion.
A smoothed boundary condition for reducing nonphysical field effects

In this paper, we examine the problem associated with abruptly mixing boundary conditions in the context of a two dimensional semiconductor device simulator. Explicitly, this paper addresses the transition between an ohmic-type Dirichlet condition and a passivated Neumann boundary. In the traditional setting, the details of the transition between the two boundary types are not addressed and an abrupt transition is assumed. Subsequently, the calculated observables (most notably the potential) exhibit discontinuous derivatives near the surface at the point where the boundary type switches. This paper proposes an alternative condition which models the progression between the two boundary types through the use of a finite length, smoothed boundary whereby the numerical discontinuities are eliminated. The physical and mathematical basis for this smoothed boundary condition is discussed and examples of the technique's implementation given. It is found that the proposed boundary condition is numerically efficient and can be implemented in pre-existing device simulators with relative ease.
Finite element analysis of copper loss in 1-10 MHz transformers

Issues related to the copper loss in the planar windings of 1-1 MHz power transformers are discussed. The relationship between current distribution, copper loss, and core geometry is investigated with the aid of finite-element analysis. Magnetizing current proximity effects are shown to cause excessive copper loss in a simple sandwich transformer, a structure formed by sandwiching the planar winding between two plates of magnetic material. Three alternative transformer structures that reduce this problem are compared. These alternative structures are: the cofired transformer, the slotted gapped transformer, and the slotted ungapped transformer. It is concluded that a slotted transformer design should be used if the magnetizing current is relatively large. Both a slotted gapped and a slotted ungapped design relies strongly on the exact permeability of the material and may suffer from higher core losses because all of the energy is stored in the magnetic material, rather than in an air gap. In either case, the depth of the slot should be About 40% of its width. >
Some aspects of mixing in a stratified turbulent patch

Mixing in a turbulent patch, that was generated within a linearly stratified fluid of buoyancy frequency No, was studied experimentally. The turbulence within the patch was induced by sustained oscillations of a mono-planar grid. Grid oscillations produced a local turbulent region, which initially grows rapidly as in a non-stratified fluid and then assumes a quasi-stationary thickness (Lp)c when the stratification inhibits its vertical growth at a time Not ≈ 4. The growth beyond (Lp)c occurs slowly via breaking of interfacial waves at the entrainment interface. As mixing proceeds, the buoyancy frequency within the patch N decreases. The time evolution of N, the buoyancy lengthscale, the Thorpe lengthscale, the maximum Thorpe displacement, the overturning lengthscale and the available potential energy fluctuations were measured and their relationships were investigated. Various aspects of the wave radiation from the patch to the outer stratified layer, the trapping of interfacial waves at the entrainment interface, and the effects of grid parameters on the evolution of the patch were also studied.
VisAGGE: Visible angle grid for glass environments

We describe a new algorithm for occupancy grid mapping using LIDAR in the presence of glass and other non-diffuse surfaces. This is a major problem for robot navigation in many indoor environments due to the prevalence of glass paned doors, windows, and even glass walls, as well as mirrors and polished metal surfaces. Current formulations of occupancy grid mapping make the assumption that objects in the environment are detectable from all angles. However, glass and other specular surfaces are invisible to LIDAR at most angles and so become washed out as “noise”. We modify the standard occupancy grid algorithm to allow for mapping objects that are only visible from certain view angles, by tracking the subset of angles from which objects are reliably visible. We show that these angles can be determined reliably with a single pass through the environment, and that the information can be used to map both diffuse and specular surfaces.
How Does Peer Honesty Affect Focal Manager Honesty in a Budget Reporting Setting

Abstract We examine the effect of peer honesty on focal manager honesty in a budget reporting setting. We disclose peer honesty to the focal manager at three levels: no, partial, and full disclosure of the reporting behavior of the other managers in the focal managers’ cohort. In partial disclosure, only the reports of the least honest peers are disclosed to the focal manager. In full disclosure, all managers’ reports in the cohort are disclosed to the focal manager. We predict and find that disclosure of other managers’ reports leads to less honesty compared to the absence of disclosure. We show that disclosure changes the focal manager’s perceptions of what constitutes acceptable reporting behavior, such that reporting more dishonestly becomes more acceptable. Our results have implications for understanding fraud dynamics and have practical implications for the design of control systems, as they suggest that managers will use peer dishonesty to justify their own dishonesty, even when they know that only some of their peers report dishonestly.
137Cs Levels in Deer Following the Three Mile Island Accident

AbstractWhite-tailed deer (Odocoileus virgianus) tongues were assayed to assess whether or not significant widespread 137Cs contamination occurred in the vicinity of Three Mile Island Nuclear Station as a result of the 1979 accident. White-tailed deer tongues harvested from 10 Pennsylvania counties
Switched-capacitor step-down rectifier for low-voltage power conversion

This paper presents a switched-capacitor rectifier that provides step down voltage conversion from an ac input voltage to a dc output. Coupled with current-drive source, low-loss and high step-down rectification is realized. Implementation in CMOS with appropriate controls results in a design suitable for low-voltage very-high-frequency conversion. Applications include switched-capacitor rectification to convert high-frequency ac to a dc output and, combined with inversion and transformation, to dc-dc converters for low-voltage outputs. A two-step CMOS integrated full-bridge switched-capacitor rectifier is implemented in TSMC 0.25 μm CMOS technology for demonstration purposes. For an operation frequency of 50 MHz and an output voltage of 2.5 V, the peak efficiency of the rectifier is 81% at a power level of 4 W.
Limitations of Serum Prostate Specific Antigen in Predicting Peripheral and Transition Zone Cancer Volumes as Measured by Correlation Coefficients

AbstractPurpose: We reexamined the relationship between preoperative serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostate cancer volume in 290 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: Serum samples from 290 consecutive patients were remeasured with the automated monoclonal-monoclonal Tosoh AIA-600 assay. These values were correlated with individual cancer volume by measuring Pearson correlation coefficients (r).Results: Cancer was noted in the transition zone in 31 patients and in the peripheral zone in 259. Of the peripheral zone cancers 133 (51.4 percent) were organ confined and 126 (48.6 percent) were nonorgan confined, including 12 (9.5 percent) with histologically confirmed lymph node metastasis (stage D1). The 259 peripheral zone cancers had a correlation coefficient with PSA (r = 0.499, p less than 0.0001). After distributing the 259 cases into cancer volume groups we found a large overlap in mean preoperative serum PSA, including 65 with 50 percent or greater Gleason grade...
Role of Virion-associated Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked Proteins CD55 and CD59 in Complement Resistance of Cell Line-derived and Primary Isolates of HIV-1

This study investigates whether cell-derived glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked complement control proteins CD55 and CD59 can be incorporated into HIV-1 virions and contribute to complement resistance. Virus was prepared by transfection of cell lines with pNL4-3, and primary isolates of HIV-1 were derived from patients' PBMCs. Virus was tested for sensitivity to complement-mediated virolysis in the presence of anti-gp160 antibody. Viral preparations from JY33 cells, which lack CD55 and CD59, were highly sensitive to complement. HIV-1 preparations from H9 and U937 cells, which express low levels of CD55 and CD59, had intermediate to high sensitivity while other cell line-derived viruses and primary isolates of HIV-1 were resistant to complement-mediated virolysis. Although the primary isolates were not lysed, they activated complement as measured by binding to a complement receptor positive cell line. While the primary isolates were resistant to lysis in the presence of HIV-specific antibody, antibody to CD59 induced lysis. Likewise, antibody to CD55 and CD59 induced lysis of cell line-derived virus. Western blot analysis of purified virus showed bands corresponding to CD55 and CD59. Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C treatment of either cell line-derived or primary isolates of HIV-1 increased sensitivity to complement while incubation of sensitive virus with purified CD55 and CD59 increased resistance to complement. These results show that CD55 and CD59 are incorporated into HIV-1 particles and function to protect virions from complement-mediated destruction, and they are the first report of host cell proteins functioning in protection of HIV-1 from immune effector mechanisms.
Cannabis, motivation, and life satisfaction in an internet sample.

Although little evidence supports cannabis-induced amotivational syndrome, sources continue to assert that the drug saps motivation [1], which may guide current prohibitions. Few studies report low motivation in chronic users; another reveals that they have higher subjective wellbeing. To assess differences in motivation and subjective wellbeing, we used a large sample (N = 487) and strict definitions of cannabis use (7 days/week) and abstinence (never). Standard statistical techniques showed no differences. Robust statistical methods controlling for heteroscedasticity, non-normality and extreme values found no differences in motivation but a small difference in subjective wellbeing. Medical users of cannabis reporting health problems tended to account for a significant portion of subjective wellbeing differences, suggesting that illness decreased wellbeing. All p-values were above p = .05. Thus, daily use of cannabis does not impair motivation. Its impact on subjective wellbeing is small and may actually reflect lower wellbeing due to medical symptoms rather than actual consumption of the plant.
Self-similar cataclasis in the formation of fault gouge

Particle-size distributions have been determined for gouge formed by the fresh fracture of granodiorite from the Sierra Nevada batholith, for Pelona schist from the San Andreas fault zone in southern California, and for Berea sandstone from Berea, Ohio, under a variety of triaxial stress states. The finer fractions of the gouge derived from granodiorite and schist are consistent with either a self-similar or a logarithmic normal distribution, whereas the gouge from sandstone is not. Sandstone gouges are texturally similar to the disaggregated protolith, with comminution limited to the polycrystalline fragments and dominantly calcite cement. All three rock types produced significantly less gouge at higher confining pressures, but only the granodiorite showed a significant reduction in particle size with increased confining pressure. Comparison with natural gouges showed that gouges in crystalline rocks from the San Andreas fault zone also tend to be described by either a self-similar or log-normal particle distribution, with a significant reduction in particle size with increased confining pressure (depth). Natural gouges formed in porous sandstone do not follow either a self-similar or a log-normal distribution. Rather, these are represented by mixed log-normal distributions. These textural characteristics are interpreted in terms of the suppression of axial microfracturing by confining pressure and the accommodation of finite strain by scale-independent comminution.
Association Between Vestibular and Cognitive Function in U.S. Adults: Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND: Vestibular function declines with age, and emerging evidence suggests that vestibular loss is associated with cognitive impairment. Whether vestibular dysfunction is associated with age-related cognitive decline is unknown. METHODS: We used data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys to evaluate the influence of vestibular function on cognitive performance in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged ≥60 years (n = 1,303). Vestibular function was measured with the modified Romberg test, and cognitive function was measured by the digit symbol substitution (DSS) score test. We also developed structural equation models (SEMs) to explore whether vestibular dysfunction and associated cognitive impairment mediate the effect of age on falls and activities of daily living (ADL) difficulty. RESULTS: Vestibular dysfunction was present in 58% of the study population. In multivariate analyses, vestibular dysfunction was associated with a 3.4-point lower DSS score (95% confidence interval: -5.2, -1.6; p CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that vestibular dysfunction partially mediates the association between age and cognitive impairment. Moreover, the cognitive impairment that results from vestibular loss may contribute to ADL difficulty and falls in older individuals. Language: en
Association Mapping for Compound Heterozygous Traits Using Phenotypic Distance and Integer Programming

For many important complex traits, Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have only recovered a small proportion of the variance in disease prevalence known to be caused by genetics. The most common explanation for this is the presence of multiple rare mutations that cannot be identified in GWAS due to a lack of statistical power. Such rare mutations may be concentrated in relatively few genes, as is the case for many known Mendelian diseases, where the mutations are often compound heterozygous (CH), defined below. Due to the multiple mutations, each of which contributes little by itself to the prevalence of the disease, GWAS also lacks power to identify genes contributing to a CH-trait. In this paper, we address the problem of finding genes that are causal for CH-traits, by introducing a discrete optimization problem, called the Phenotypic Distance Problem. We show that it can be efficiently solved on realistic-size simulated CH-data by using integer linear programming (ILP). The empirical results strongly validate this approach.
Localization of serum leucine aminopeptidase activity by paper electrophoresis.

SummaryThe electrophoretic behavior of serum leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) in normal individuals, in pregnancy, and in patients with hepatobiliary disease was investigated with paper electrophoresis technics. In normal serum LAP migrated as a single component in the α1-globulin fraction. In patients with elevated serum LAP activity due to hepatobiliary or pancreatic disease supplementary peaks of enzymatic activity were demonstrable in other protein fractions. Thus, in jaundiced patients with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas, liver metastases, biliary atresia, acute hepatitis, and drug-induced jaundice, additional activity was observed in the β-globulin fraction. In some patients with hepatitis additional activity was observed in the α2-globulin as well as β-globulin. In common duct stone additional activity in the albumin fraction was a consistent finding. In early pregnancy the electrophoretic pattern of LAP was similar to that observed in normal serum, whereas during the third trimester LAP activit...
Just a Matter of Taste

According to an ordinary view, we distinguish, classify, and appreciate food and beverages according to their taste. However, scientists seem to disagree with this naive view. They maintain that we don't really perceive the lemony taste of a cake or the delicate smoky taste of a single-malt whiskey, because what we ascribe to taste is in reality mostly perceived by smell. As opposed to this scientific consensus regarding taste, I will defend a naive view of taste and deny that olfaction is involved in what we naively call taste. Like the uninformed layman, I will maintain that when I eat a strawberry, what I really perceive is its taste, not its smell or flavor.
Facile One-Step Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Pd–Ag Bimetallic Alloy Networks and Their Electrocatalytic Activity toward Ethanol Oxidation

The three-dimensional palladium networks and palladium–silver bimetallic alloy networks were synthesized at room temperature on a large scale using a rapid and simple strategy. The results revealed that the morphology of the networks is not affected by the composition. We demonstrated that the as-prepared unsupported networks exhibited excellent electrochemical activity and stability toward ethanol oxidation reaction in alkaline media due to the formation of palladium–silver alloys as well as the porous nanostructures. The results indicate that the well-defined three-dimensional palladium–silver bimetallic alloy networks are promising catalysts for fuel cells.
Characterization and localization of epithelial Na+ channels in toad urinary bladder

The toad urinary bladder and epithelial cell lines derived from the urinary bladder, including TBM, serve as model systems for the study of transepithelial Na+ transport. We examined biochemical characteristics of epithelial Na+ channels in toad urinary bladder and TBM cells and their cellular localization in the urinary bladder. The radiolabeled amiloride analogue [3H]benzamil bound to a single class of high-affinity binding sites in membrane vesicles from toad urinary bladder with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 10 nM. Photoactive benzamil analogues specifically labeled a 135,000-Da polypeptide in toad urinary bladder and TBM cells. A monoclonal anti-Na+ channel antibody directed against the amiloride-binding component of the channel specifically recognized a 135,000-Da polypeptide in TBM cells. Polyclonal anti-Na+ channel antibodies generated against purified bovine epithelial Na+ channel specifically recognized a 235,000-Da polypeptide in toad urinary bladder and localized Na+ channels to the apical plasma membrane of urinary bladder epithelial cells. The biochemical characteristics and the cellular localization of epithelial Na+ channels in toad urinary bladder are similar to those previously described in mammalian kidney and in the A6 cell line.
Unobservable Selection and Coefficient Stability: Theory and Evidence

A common approach to evaluating robustness to omitted variable bias is to observe coefficient movements after inclusion of controls. This is informative only if selection on observables is informative about selection on unobservables. Although this link is known in theory in existing literature, very few empirical articles approach this formally. I develop an extension of the theory that connects bias explicitly to coefficient stability. I show that it is necessary to take into account coefficient and R-squared movements. I develop a formal bounding argument. I show two validation exercises and discuss application to the economics literature. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Intermarriage and Ethnicity: Punjabi Mexican Americans, Mexican Japanese, and Filipino Americans

Examines intermarriages patterned by gender (all men from one ethnic background & almost all women from another) that produce significant biethnic communities, drawing on fieldwork, interview, county record, & local historical data on Punjabi Mexican Americans in CA, whose fathers came from India's Punjab province & whose mothers were of predominantly Mexican or Mexican-American heritage. Punjabi Mexican Americans are compared to Filipino European Americans & to Mexican Japanese. Findings indicate that, in all three cases, members of the second biethnic generation evidence considerable ethnic identity flexibility; they also insist on cultural pluralism & claim the dominant national identity, particularly when confronted by new immigrants from their fathers' countries. Adapted from the source document.
Confronting Demographic Denial

(2002). Confronting Demographic Denial. Journal of Museum Education: Vol. 27, With, Not For: Redefining Community Relationships, pp. 3-6.
Drugging RAS: Know the enemy

The three RAS oncogenes make up the most frequently mutated gene family in human cancer. The well-validated role of mutationally activated RAS genes in driving cancer development and growth has stimulated comprehensive efforts to develop therapeutic strategies to block mutant RAS function for cancer treatment. Disappointingly, despite more than three decades of research effort, clinically effective anti-RAS therapies have remained elusive, prompting a perception that RAS may be undruggable. However, with a greater appreciation of the complexities of RAS that thwarted past efforts, and armed with new technologies and directions, the field is experiencing renewed excitement that mutant RAS may finally be conquered. Here we summarize where these efforts stand.
Dificultades de procedimiento durante la intubación exitosa en octogenarios: un estudio prospectivo observacional

Resumen Objetivo Los octogenarios tienen una degradacion anatomica y fisiopatologica que deriva en dificultades en el manejo de la via aerea, especificamente en la intubacion y ventilacion con la mascarilla facial, que originan desaturacion y/o aspiracion. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue examinar el proceso de manejo de la via aerea con respecto a los pasos involucrados en la intubacion, y cualquier desviacion o retraso en las tareas. Materiales y metodos Se realizo un estudio observacional prospectivo de via aerea dificil en adultos mayores. Los criterios de inclusion incluyeron caracteristicas de la via aerea indicativas de via aerea dificil, historia de intubacion fallida, uso planificado de dispositivos especializados en la via aerea y/o complicaciones previstas de la via aerea debidas a comorbilidades. Se analizo a los pacientes mayores de 80 anos. Los datos demograficos recogidos fueron: edad, peso, IMC, sexo, clasificacion ASA, indices de la via aerea, diagnostico y procedimientos. Se analizaron los problemas de intubacion (INT) (≥ 3 intentos de intubacion), ventilacion asistida laboriosa (VEN) (2 personas y/o aplicacion de CPAP > 20 cmH 2 O) y complicaciones de la oxigenacion (OXY) (SpO 2 Resultados De los 41 pacientes incluidos en el estudio, 3 (7,3%) reflejaron los 3 supuestos: problemas (INT), laboriosidad (VEN) y desaturacion (OXY); 8 (19,5%) reflejaron problemas (INT), 20 (48,8%) fueron descritos como laboriosos (VEN) y 14 (34,1%) experimentaron complicaciones de oxigenacion (OXY). Conclusion En octogenarios, encontramos una baja incidencia de dificultad de tipo INT-VEN-OXY conjunta. Sin embargo, se encontro que la ventilacion con la mascarilla facial era laboriosa, con una alta incidencia de desaturacion. La tasa de exito de INT como unica medida puede no describir con precision el proceso de intubacion. Nuestras recomendaciones alternativas son la seleccion de los dispositivos y las tecnicas de via aerea, y la necesidad de desarrollar protocolos especificos para las personas mayores.
The computational modeling of problems on domains with small holes

Abstract The modeling challenges arising when the problem domain has small supported holes in it are considered through a representative membrane problem. Such problems are sometimes modeled intuitively in engineering practice by taking the limiting case of holes with zero radius. This intuitive model is incorrect, since it has no mathematical solution. It is demonstrated, however, that finite element approximations based on it can still satisfy verification tests and appear to converge, leading to erroneous recovery of quantities of interest. This points to the need for an alternate approach where the holes of finite radius are properly incorporated in the modeling, and robustness with respect to the radius is maintained. To this end, a computational method is presented which combines analytic knowledge of the solution singularities with finite element approximation of its smooth components. Theoretical and numerical results are provided, establishing the efficacy and robustness of the method in extracting quantities of interest. The method converges both with respect to the size of the holes and the mesh discretization parameter, and provides a more accurate alternative to using the asymptotic limit.
A Two-Dimensional Bisection Envelope Algorithm for Fixed Points

In this paper we present a new algorithm for the two-dimensional fixed point problem f(x)=x on the domain 0, 1]×0, 1], where f is a Lipschitz continuous function with respect to the infinity norm, with constant 1. The computed approximation x satisfies ?f(x)?x?∞?? for a specified tolerance ?<0.5. The upper bound on the number of required function evaluations is given by 2?log2(1/?)?+1. Similar bounds were derived for the case of the 2-norm by Z. Huang et al. (1999, J. Complexity15, 200?213), our bound is the first for the infinity norm case.
Reciprocity and double plane-wave migration

In plane wave migration techniques, plane wave datasets with seismic energy in both positive and negative ray-parameter sections are more desirable than those with seismic energy only in either positive or negative ray-parameter sections. Such plane wave datasets are often referred to as optimal plane wave datasets, because they can be used to illuminate the subsurface from both sides of the targets and, therefore, produce sharp images. Traditionally, to obtain optimal plane wave datasets from one-sided gathers generated by marine seismic acquisition geometry, one needs to invoke the reciprocity principle to sort split-spread gathers prior to implementing plane wave decomposition. In this study, we investigate the applicability of the reciprocity principle in the double plane wave (DPW) domain. We propose an easy and efficient merging method that generates optimal plane wave datasets in the DPW domain using one-sided shot gathers. We call this resultant plane wave dataset the ‘optimal DPW dataset’. We fin...
Man-in-the-barrel syndrome: Case report of ventral epidural abscess and review of the literature.

Background Man-in-the-barrel syndrome (MBS) is an uncommon clinical condition for which patients present with bilateral brachial diplegia but intact lower extremity strength. This syndrome is typically attributed to a cranial/cortical injury rather than a spinal pathology. Case Description A 62-year-old diabetic male presented with bilateral upper extremity paresis attributed to a ventral cervical epidural abscess diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging. Emergent cervical decompression resulted in slight improvement of upper extremity strength. However, he later expired due to sepsis and respiratory compromise. Conclusion Establishing the correct diagnosis via clinical examination and proceeding with appropriate management of MBS attributed to a cervical epidural abscess is critical to achieve a good outcome.
Enlightenment in an Age of Destruction

There is not a single and unique enlightenment in world history, nor can a single nation claim to be its universal representative. There are many historical, philosophical, and mythological figures of enlightenment: from the Vedic hymns to Agni to the Greek cult of Prometheus and from Krishna’s teachings of Yoga to Kant’s Was ist Aufklarung. Modern nuclear warfare took the symbol of light and enlightenment (“the brightness of one thousand suns”) to announce the utter destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In an age that has transformed enlightenment into dogma, we have to recognize in myth—the myth of Prometheus and Quetzalcoatl, the saga of Krishna or Oedipus—an archaic expression of enlightenment.
Patterns of variation among forests of tropical Asian mountains, with some explanatory hypotheses

Decline in mean temperature with elevation correlates with a more or less gradual change in forest floristics mediated by minimum temperature tolerances and competition, and in its diversity, well ...
Photo-control of the mitotic kinesin Eg5 using a novel photochromic inhibitor composed of a spiropyran derivative

In this study, we synthesized a novel photochromic inhibitor of the mitotic kinesin Eg5, which is composed of the photochromic compound spiropyran to photo-control the function of Eg5. The compound (S)-2, 3-dispiropyran propionic acid (DSPPA) exhibits reversible spiropyran-merocyanine photo-isomerization upon irradiation with visible or ultra-violet light. DSPPA induced reversible changes in the inhibitory effect on Eg5 ATPase and motor activities, which correlates with the spiropyran-merocyanine photo-isomerization. Microtubule-dependent ATPase activity was significantly more inhibited by the spiropyran isomer of DSPPA than by the merocyanine isomer. Additionally, an in vitro motility assay revealed that the microtubule gliding velocity was reduced more by the spiropyran isomer than by the merocyanine isomer. This indicates that the spiropyran derivative may be useful in regulating the function of the mitotic kinesin.
MICROPREPARATIVE CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS (MPCE) AND MICROPREPARATIVE HPLC OF PROTEIN DIGESTS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses micropreparative capillary electrophoresis (MPCE) and micropreparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of protein digests. The availability of greater than 50–100 pmol of protein for protein sequence characterization is becoming an increasingly rare event. When such material is available, it is frequently bound to an immobilized support such as PVDF or nitrocellulose after gel electrophoresis of a partially purified preparation. The utilization of in situ protease digestion of these samples is frequently incomplete, resulting in the recovery of peptides at much lower than the expected levels. Consequently, there is an increasing need to separate and characterize digests at or below the 50 pmol level. The chapter describes a study that demonstrated the ability to separate approximately 100 pmol of a β-lactoglobulin digest on a 200 μ capillary, thereby successfully characterizing individual peptides. However, recoveries were variable as judged by N-terminal sequence analysis. The chapter focuses on stabilizing peptide recoveries and obtaining sequences from low picomole load levels of complex mixtures using both large diameter 150 μ single-capillary separations and by multiple separations on a single 50 μ analytical capillary.
Responsibility for the Retarded: Two Theological Views

Like their philosophical colleagues, Christian moral theologians have written relatively little about the rights of retarded persons or about our responsibilities to them. It appears that the existence of retarded persons raises difficulties for certain theological as well as philosophical approaches to ethics. Nevertheless, two contemporary American Protestant theologians, Joseph Fletcher and Stanley Hauerwas, have directly addressed the issue of our responsibilities regarding those with different natural endowments. In this paper, I will first review and evaluate the positions adopted by Fletcher and Hauerwas. We will see that despite a common Christian heritage, their approaches stand in striking contrast to one another. I will then attempt to suggest an acceptable middle ground between the two positions.
Associations Between Sleep Quality, Sleep Architecture and Sleep Disordered Breathing and Memory After Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Apnea Positive Pressure Long-term Efficacy Study (APPLES).

Objective The role of sleep architecture in consolidation of memory has not been extensively investigated. In this study, the association of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and sleep architecture and quality, and sleep disordered breathing on changes in memory are explored during the course of a 6 month clinical trial of CPAP or sham CPAP (APPLES). Methods 848 participants had polysomnographic and memory assessments (Buschke Selective Reminding Test [Buschke] and Digit Symbol Substitution Test [DSST]) at baseline, CPAP/Sham CPAP titration, and the 2 and 6 month time points. Half were assigned to the CPAP and Sham CPAP groups respectively. Changes in performance on the Buschke and the DSST were analyzed over the course of the study between CPAP and Sham CPAP as well as in relationship to changes in sleep architecture, sleep quality and sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Results Sleep architecture, sleep quality and SDB improved in the CPAP group at 6 months; performance on the Buschke and DSST improved equally in both CPAP and Sham CPAP groups. There also were no significant correlations between changes in the amount or percentage of sleep stages between baseline and the 6 months, and corresponding changes in either the Buschke or the DSST. However, when stratified by the upper quartile and lower 3 quartiles, greater changes in the Buschke occurred over 6 months in the top quartile of total sleep time (5.7±7.3 vs. 4.0±6.8, p≤0.01) and amount of N3 sleep (55.9±7.7 vs. 53.6±8.9 min, p≤0.01). Those with more %N3 at 6 months scored better on the Buschke as well (55.9±7.8 vs. 53.6±8.9, p≤0.01). Borderline improvement in the DSST over 6 months was observed in the top quartiles of amount of N3 and %N3. Those in the top quartile of the amount of REM and %REM also showed greater improvement in the Buschke after 6 months. No differences were observed for the AHI, but those in the top quartile of oxygen desaturation had worse scores on the Buschke at 6 months. CPAP/Sham CPAP adherence did not impact 6 month Buschke or DSST performance. Conclusions CPAP improved long-term sleep duration, quality and architecture, but did not memory. However, large changes in REM and N3 sleep as well as moderate amounts of nocturnal hypoxemia are associated with changes in assessments of memory.