cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three-body model for K (1460 ) resonance

We develop the three-body $KK\overline{K}$ model for the $K(1460)$ resonance based on the Faddeev equations in configuration space. A single-channel approach is utilized that takes into account the difference of masses of neutral and charged kaons. It is demonstrated that the mass splitting of the $K(1460)$ resonance takes a place around 1460 MeV according to ${K}^{0}{K}^{0}{\overline{K}}^{0}$, ${K}^{0}{K}^{+}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${K}^{+}{K}^{0}{\overline{K}}^{0}$, ${K}^{+}{K}^{+}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ neutral and charged particle configurations, respectively. The calculations are performed with two sets of $KK$ and $K\overline{K}$ phenomenological potentials, where strength interactions are considered the same for the isospin singlet and triplet states. We study the effect of repulsion of the $KK$ interaction on the mass of the $KK\overline{K}$ system and evaluate the effect of the mass polarization. The Coulomb interaction for description of the $K(1460)$ resonance is considered for the first time. The mass splitting in the $K(1460)$ resonances is evaluated to be in the range of 10 MeV with taking into account the Coulomb force. The three-body model with the $K\overline{K}$ potential, which has the different strengths of the isospin singlet and triplet interactions and is related to the condition of obtaining a quasibound three-body state is also considered. Our results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental mass of the $K(1460)$ resonance.
Ultrafast modulation in terahertz metamaterials enabled by WSe2

In this work, we study transient THz conductivity of tungsten diselenide (WSe2) thin films to assess its potential for high-speed THz modulators, i.e., with pulsed optical excitation one could potentially realize all-optical, terahertz devices. Time-resolved THz spectroscopy, across different samples, reveal carrier recombination lifetimes of ~10-100 ps and a transient conductivity that exhibits a non-Drude behavior. We observe a strong dependence of the photoconductivity on the grain size. Based on this study, we can provide a general framework to understand the interplay between grain size and transient conductivity and leverage its role for ultrafast modulator design in terahertz metamaterials.
Training hospitalists in negotiations to address conflicts with older adults around their social needs

Hospitalists care for a growing population of older patients with unique social needs that can often be addressed by providing caregiver help in the home. The importance of addressing social needs is well-recognized, yet older patients sometimes refuse these services. This refusal of services may result in rehospitalization and increased morbidity for patients. We aimed to overcome this refusal of social support through an innovative workshop training hospitalists in negotiation and dispute resolution. Hospitalists at a tertiary care, urban academic medical center completed a one-hour interactive workshop on negotiation and dispute resolution focused on addressing older patients’ refusal of social services. One month post workshop, participants reported increased confidence in engaging patients and families in conflicts and felt empowered to negotiate in both their clinical practice and personal lives. Training hospitalists to negotiate with older adults needing social services is feasible and positively impacts the ability to provide geriatric care.
Robust Batch Policy Learning in Markov Decision Processes.

We study the sequential decision making problem in Markov decision process (MDP) where each policy is evaluated by a set containing average rewards over different horizon lengths and with different initial distributions. Given a pre-collected dataset of multiple trajectories generated by some behavior policy, our goal is to learn a robust policy in a pre-specified policy class that can maximize the smallest value of this set. Leveraging the semi-parametric efficiency theory from statistics, we develop a policy learning method for estimating the defined robust optimal policy that can efficiently break the curse of horizon under mild technical conditions. A rate-optimal regret bound up to a logarithmic factor is established in terms of the number of trajectories and the number of decision points.
Estrogen-Associated Glycoproteins in Oviduct Secretions: Structure and Evidence for a Role in Fertilization

The oviducts are tubular extensions of the uterus that end in close proximity to the ovaries. The lumen of the oviduct is continuous with that of the uterus and also opens to the peritoneal cavity near the ovary. This structural arrangement makes it possible for ovulated ova to enter the tubular organs of the female reproductive tract. Historically, as its name implies, the oviduct was recognized as a conduit to carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus, although the oviduct is now known to have many functional roles. Included among these are sperm, ovum and early embryo transport, and to provide a physiological environment for events surrounding fertilization and early embryo development. Because the oviduct is the site at which fertilization occurs, its influence can have a profound affect on the success of reproduction.
Object Databases: The Essentials

This work conveys the important facts and concepts that business professionals need in order to understand the role of object databases in today's evolving computing environments. Covering all the essentials of object database technology without requiring an advanced technical knowledge, this book shows managers and IT professionals how and under what conditions object database technology can give organizations a significant competitive advantage through the availability of better information.
Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on all-trans retinoic acid metabolism and interleukin-4 signaling in porcine alternatively activated lung macrophages. (IRM7P.493)

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), the most active vitamin A (VA) metabolite, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (VD3), the most active form of vitamin D (VD), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) each positively regulate the development of alternatively activated macrophages (AAM) however, their interactions are unknown. We have previously shown that VA, ATRA, and IL-4 have differing mechanisms for sustaining a Th2-type AAM response. Herein, we demonstrate that VD3 regulates the contribution of ATRA and IL-4 inducible signals to this system. While ATRA (10-7 M) increases mRNA expression of retinol producing dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR family) member, 4 fold, VD3 (10-7 M) decreases its expression 3-fold and additively increases expression of retinal producing, Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A2, and dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR family) member 9 by 5 fold when present along with ATRA. Conversely, VD3 decreases IL-4 (10 ng/ml) -induced chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 17 by 4 fold, and C-type lectin CD209 antigen by 60 fold. These results suggest that VD3 increases expression of genes involved in ATRA anabolism while decreasing expression of IL-4 responsive genes. In conclusion, VD3 may regulate the development of AAM by increasing levels of ATRA and decreasing the effect of IL-4, thereby supporting an alternate signal for AAM development.
CHEMICALLY DEFINED, SYNTHETIC MEDIA FOR SPORULATION AND FOR GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF BACILLUS SUBTILIS.

Donnellan, J. Edward, Jr. (U.S. Army Natick Laboratories, Natick, Mass.), Ella H. Nags, and Hillel S. Levinson. Chemically defined, synthetic media for sporulation and for germination and growth of Bacillus subtilis. J. Bacteriol. 87:332-336. 1964.-From 90 to 130 mg (dry weight) of spores (about 1% dark forms) were obtained (per liter) from a chemically defined, synthetic medium, with a two-phase (polyethylene glycol-potassium phosphate) harvest procedure. Optimal sporulation occurred when glucose and glutamic acid were at a concentration of 10 mm in the medium. Ca(++) and Mn(++) were required for sporulation. Heat resistance, dipicolinic acid content, and properties of germination and postgerminative development of spores grown in different concentrations of Ca(++) were investigated. Heat shock did not increase germination of spores derived from the synthetic medium. A synthetic medium, in which spore germination, emergence, and first cell division approached synchrony, was devised.
Linear minimum mean squared error (LMMSE) equalization for holographic data storage

A holographic data storage system (HDSS), just like other storage systems, suffers from interference between adjacent symbols and from noise. In this paper, we present a method for applying the linear minimum mean squared error (LMMSE) equalization to a HDSS. Numerical results with five defocused pages of data indicate that a significant improvement in the bit error rate (BER) is possible using LMMSE equalization.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the 6061-Based Nanocomposites Fabricated via Ultrasonic Processing

There is strong evidence showing that microstructure and mechanical properties of a cast component can be considerably improved if nanoparticles are used as a reinforcement to form a metal-matrix nanocomposite. In this paper, 6061 nanocomposite castings were fabricated using the ultrasonic stirring technology (UST). The 6061 alloy and Al2O3/SiC nanoparticles were used as the matrix alloy and the reinforcement, respectively. Nanoparticles were injected into the molten metal and dispersed by ultrasonic cavitation and acoustic streaming. The applied UST parameters in the current experiments were used to validate a recently developed multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, which was used to model the nanoparticle dispersion during UST processing. The CFD model accounts for turbulent fluid flow, heat transfer, and the complex interaction between the molten alloy and nanoparticles using the ANSYS’s fluent dense discrete phase model (DDPM). The modeling study includes the effects of ultrasonic probe location and the initial location where the nanoparticles are injected into the molten alloy. The microstructure, mechanical behavior, and mechanical properties of the cast nanocomposites have been also investigated in detail. The current experimental results showed that the tensile strength of the as-cast-reinforced 6061 alloy with Al2O3 or SiC nanoparticles increased slightly while the elongation increased significantly. The addition of the Al2O3 or SiC nanoparticles in 6061 alloy matrix changed the fracture mechanism from brittle dominated to ductile dominated.
Community cyberinfrastructure for Advanced Microbial Ecology Research and Analysis: the CAMERA resource

The Community Cyberinfrastructure for Advanced Microbial Ecology Research and Analysis (CAMERA, http://camera.calit2.net/) is a database and associated computational infrastructure that provides a single system for depositing, locating, analyzing, visualizing and sharing data about microbial biology through an advanced web-based analysis portal. CAMERA collects and links metadata relevant to environmental metagenome data sets with annotation in a semantically-aware environment allowing users to write expressive semantic queries against the database. To meet the needs of the research community, users are able to query metadata categories such as habitat, sample type, time, location and other environmental physicochemical parameters. CAMERA is compliant with the standards promulgated by the Genomic Standards Consortium (GSC), and sustains a role within the GSC in extending standards for content and format of the metagenomic data and metadata and its submission to the CAMERA repository. To ensure wide, ready access to data and annotation, CAMERA also provides data submission tools to allow researchers to share and forward data to other metagenomics sites and community data archives such as GenBank. It has multiple interfaces for easy submission of large or complex data sets, and supports pre-registration of samples for sequencing. CAMERA integrates a growing list of tools and viewers for querying, analyzing, annotating and comparing metagenome and genome data.
On the Maximum Observed Wind Speed in a Randomly Sampled Hurricane

Abstract There is considerable interest in detecting a long-term trend in hurricane intensity possibly related to large-scale ocean warming. This effort is complicated by the paucity of wind speed measurements for hurricanes occurring in the early part of the observational record. Here, results are presented regarding the maximum observed wind speed in a sparsely randomly sampled hurricane based on a model of the evolution of wind speed over the lifetime of a hurricane.
The formation and inhibition of photochemical smog.

Photochemical smog is caused by a free-radical chain mechanism which converts NO to NO/sub 2/. The NO/sub 2/ further reacts to produce ozone, nitric acid, and peracylnitrates. This chain mechanism can be inhibited by suitable free-radical scavengers. The chemistry and toxicology of one such free-radical scavenger, diethylhydroxylamine, has been studied in depth. It has been shown to be effective, safe, and practical for use in urban atmospheres to prevent photochemical smog formation. 42 references.
The effects of nonverbal behavior on outcomes of compliance gaining attempts

An increasing number of investigations have demonstrated that the use of certain nonverbal behaviors such as gaze and touch can increase compliance‐gaining effectiveness. A meta‐analysis of 49 studies with a total of 9977 subjects was conducted to determine the strength of the nonverbal‐compliance relationship. The results indicated that there are consistently positive and small effects for gaze, touch, proxemics, and apparel in increasing compliance‐gaining effectiveness. Several different theoretical accounts of these data are evaluated. Finally, the effects of the nonverbal behaviors are compared with those of verbal behaviors. The nonverbal behavioral effects on compliance‐gaining appear to be as strong, and in some cases stronger, than the effects associated with various verbal compliance‐gaining strategies.
Effects of Within-Class Differences in Sample Responding on Acquired Sample Equivalence

Two experiments examined whether acquired sample equivalence in many-to-one matching was affected by variation in sample-response requirements. In each experiment, pigeons responded on either identical or different response schedules to the sample stimuli that occasioned the same reinforced comparison choice (i.e., to the within-class samples). Transfer-of-control tests were then conducted to determine acquired equivalence, or lack thereof, between these samples. In both experiments, there was minimal or no evidence of acquired sample equivalence when pigeons responded differently to the samples within each common-choice class. By contrast, transfer was observed if pigeons responded (a) identically to all sample stimuli, or (b) identically to samples within each common-choice class (viz., to samples that occasioned the same reinforced choice) and differently to samples from different classes (viz., to samples that occasioned different choices). These results may help to explain the recent lack of evidence for response membership in pigeons' acquired equivalence (Urcuioli, Lionello-DeNolf, Michalek, & Vasconcelos, 2006). They also raise questions about the functional sample stimuli and about possible interactions between acquired equivalence and acquired distinctiveness.
On the reduction of pseudo-differential operators to canonical forms

In this paper, we are concerned with microlocal reductions of classical pseudodifferential operators with real principal symbols near a double characteristic point. We obtain various simple forms of the lower order terms of the operators, according to the nature (symplectic or involutive) of the manifold of double characteristic points. Results of this type have also been obtained by Ivrii [15] and Hanges [lo] (in the hyperbolic non-involutive case), Uhlmann [21] (in the hyperbolic involutive case), Guillemin and Shaeffer [9] (f or some Fuchsian-type operators), Duistermaat-Sjostrand [6] (f or complex symbols) and Kashiwara-Kawai-Oshima [16] (in the complex domain).
Interventional catheterization for congenital heart disease : Limited surgery without the chest scar

The desire for less invasive treatments and for reduction of the cost of hospitalizations has spurred the development of interventional catheterization. The range of corrections that can be performed through the use of catheters is much more limited than what can be accomplished with surgery, but in patients with certain conditions, interventional catheterization techniques offer results similar to those of surgery at considerably less pain and expense. We expect the range of defects that can be treated nonoperatively to continue to increase in the years to come.
Determinants of P3 Amplitude and Response to Alcohol in Native American Mission Indians

Abstract Native Americans have some of the highest rates of alcohol abuse and dependence, yet potential biological risk factors associated with the problem drinking seen in some tribes remain relatively unknown. The amplitude of the P3 component of the event-related potential (ERP) is perhaps the most studied electrophysiological “marker” of potential vulnerability to alcohol dependence, yet it has not been investigated in Native Americans. Forty-seven, non-alcohol-dependent Native American Mission Indian men between the ages of 18 and 25 years participated in the study. ERPs were collected at 60 minutes following both alcohol (0.56 g/kg) and placebo intake. No relationship was found between P3 amplitude and degree of Native-American heritage (NAH), or family history (FH) of alcohol dependence. The results of this study did, however, replicate previous findings that the P3 component of the ERP is sensitive to the effects of alcohol. A reduction in the P3a component across the scalp was found in these Native American men following alcohol when compared with placebo ingestion. P3 response to alcohol, although not influenced by a subject’s NAH or FH, was influenced by the presence of a polymorphism in the alcohol metabolizing enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Men with an ADH2*3 allele had significantly higher amplitude P3 components at placebo and also demonstrated more alcohol-induced reductions in P3 amplitude than men with ADH2*1 alleles only. In addition, individuals with low P3 amplitude in the placebo condition had less of a reduction or an actual increase in P3a and P3b amplitudes following alcohol intake. Given that a less intense response to alcohol has been associated with greater risk for the development of alcohol-related problems, these data suggest the presence of certain biological variables within this Native American population that may confer both risk and protection for the future development of alcohol dependence.
An Ethnography of an AIDS Hospice: Toward a Theory of Organizational Pastiche

This article describes everyday life at a hospice that provides terminal, residential care to persons with AIDS. Data were gathered over 12 months of participant observation and a series of formal interviews. The hospice is a nonprofit organization that receives most of its financial support from local community churches and agencies. The philosophy of the hospice is common to its genrethat is, care for dying patients should be holistic, personal, and palliative. The hospice staff largely adheres to this philosophy yet also organizes its everyday activities to meet the practical needs of everyone involved. Some of the more interesting staff practices include the use of touch for healing and communicating, and stress management techniques. The essence of everyday life in the hospice, though, is the relationship between the staff member and the resident. The study identifies three types of relationships-caring, pastoral, and intimate. The conclusion focuses on the value of integrating traditional interactionist ethnography and postmodernist social theory for conducting qualitative research on emerging health care phenomena like the AIDS hospice. The concept of organizational pastiche is offered to interpret the distinctive ways health care organizations specializing in HIV/AIDS care must adapt to the unprecedented cultural and biological features of the epidemic.
Poverty traps and the robust political economy of development assistance

Robust political economy emphasizes the lack of benevolence and omniscience of would be reformers. In addition, we consider the effects of biased decision-making for the robustness of the policy implications. This paper examines the robustness of the policy implications of models based on coordination failures and poverty traps. In particular, we address the revival in ‘big push’ type models and its policy implications. We argue that attempts to promote economic development through ‘big push’ models lack robustness.
Some functional equations related to binomial coefficient summation

Abstract The general solution has been obtained of two functional equations suggested by a binomial coefficient identity proved by Gould and Kaucký[J. Combinatorial Theory. 1 (1966), 233–247].
Sibling visitation: research implications for pediatric and neonatal patients.

(1) Little research has been published addressing the effects of sibling visitation on the nonhospitalized sibling. This integrative review synthesizes the studies and has been summarized to include findings, gaps, and limitations. The majority of research regarding the benefits of sibling visitation has come from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This summary, however, includes one study set in the NICU, one set in an adult ICU, two on a postpartum floor, and one based on siblings of pediatric patients. Findings indicate that children who visited their sibling exhibited improved activity levels, spoke more about their siblings, and did not increase the frequency of infectious signs and symptoms in the newborn siblings. Implications for research utilization include the identified benefits and minimal risks of sibling visitation. Nurses have a vital role initiating and implementing policies that incorporate more liberal sibling visitation.
Psychosocial Predictors of Sexual HIV Transmission Risk Behavior among HIV-Positive Adults with a Sexual Abuse History in Childhood

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with HIV sexual risk behavior. Although many psychosocial correlates of sexual risk among HIV-positive persons have been identified, studies predicting continued risk among HIV-positive adults with histories of CSA are limited. This cross-sectional study identified variables predictive of sexual transmission risk behavior among an ethnically diverse sample of 256 HIV-positive adults (women and men who have sex with men; MSM) with CSA histories. Participants were assessed for trauma symptoms, shame related to HIV and sexual trauma, substance use, coping style, and sexual risk behavior. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify variables predictive of unprotected sexual behavior in the past 4 months. Unprotected sex was significantly associated with substance use and trauma-related behavioral difficulties among women and men, and less spiritual coping among men. Unprotected sex with HIV negative or serostatus unknown partners was significantly associated with greater trauma-related behavioral difficulties, more HIV-related shame, and fewer active coping strategies. Thus, trauma symptoms, shame, coping style, and substance use were significantly associated with sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive adults with histories of CSA, with models of prediction differing by gender and partner serostatus. HIV prevention intervention for persons with HIV and CSA histories should address trauma-related behavioral difficulties and enhance coping skills to reduce sexual transmission risk behavior.
Body waves in fractured porous media saturated by two immiscible newtonian fluids

A study of body waves in fractured porous media saturated by two fluids is presented. We show the existence of four compressional and one rotational waves. The first and third compressional waves are analogous to the fast and slow compressional waves in Biot's theory. The second compressional wave arises because of fractures, whereas the fourth compressional wave is associated with the pressure difference between the fluid phases in the porous blocks. The effects of fractures on the phase velocity and attenuation coefficient of body waves are numerically investigated for a fractured sandstone saturated by air and water phases. All compressional waves except the first compressional wave are diffusive-type waves, i.e., highly attenuated and do not exist at low frequencies.
Slag and Other Liquid Behavior on Vertical Surface at Near-Freezing Temperature

Deposition of liquid droplets from turbulent stream to vertical surface and the subsequent transient behavior of the liquid layer are analyzed for the surface temperatures near the freezing point of the liquid. General wave behavior of the equations governing the liquid layer is elucidated. The analysis is applied to the problem of slag layer accumulation on the passage walls of a magnetohydrodynamic regenerative heat exchanger using the coal combustion product as the heat source. The wave behavior predicts the emergence of an accumulation shock that leads to clogging of the passages for certain cyclic operations.
Data Mining for Climate Change and Impacts

Knowledge discovery from temporal, spatial and spatiotemporal data is critical for climate change science and climate impacts. Climate statistics is a mature area. However, recent growth in observations and model outputs, combined with the increased availability of geographical data, presents new opportunities for data miners. This paper maps climate requirements to solutions available in temporal, spatial and spatiotemporal data mining. The challenges result from long-range, long-memory and possibly nonlinear dependence, nonlinear dynamical behavior, presence of thresholds, importance of extreme events or extreme regional stresses caused by global climate change, uncertainty quantification, and the interaction of climate change with the natural and built environments. This paper makes a case for the development of novel algorithms to address these issues, discusses the recent literature, and proposes new directions. An illustrative case study presented here suggests that even relatively simple data mining approaches can provide new scientific insights with high societal impacts.
“Cross-talk” in recording evoked potentials

Abstract When two potentials having large amplitude differences are simultaneously recorded, the large amplitude potential contaminates the small amplitude response. The small, early potentials generated by this contamination resemble far-field potentials. Although scalp-recorded SEP was contaminated by waves similar to the peripheral potential, peak latencies and wave form were not identical. Experiments simulating the recording situation verified the presence of “cross-talk”. Capacitive coupling would shift peaks and alter the wave forms. Other possible mechanisms for the cross-talk and methods of minimizing it are offered. One should be cautious interpreting the results when potentials of large amplitude differences are simultaneously recorded.
Oxidative modification of von Willebrand factor by neutrophil oxidants inhibits its cleavage by ADAMTS13.

Elevated plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) and low ADAMTS13 activity have been reported in several inflammatory states, including sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. One hallmark of inflammation is neutrophil activation and production of reactive oxygen species, including superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide, and hypochlorous acid (HOCl). HOCl is produced from hydrogen peroxide and chloride ions through the action of myeloperoxidase. HOCl can oxidize methionine to methionine sulfoxide and tyrosine to chlorotyrosine. This is of interest because the ADAMTS13 cleavage site in VWF, the Tyr1605-Met1606 peptide bond, contains both oxidation-prone residues. We hypothesized that HOCl would oxidize either or both of these residues and possibly inhibit ADAMTS13-mediated cleavage. We therefore treated ADAMTS13 substrates with HOCl and examined their oxidative modification by mass spectrometry. Met1606 was oxidized to the sulfoxide in a concentration-dependent manner, with complete oxidation at 75μM HOCl, whereas only a miniscule percentage of Tyr1605 was converted to chlorotyrosine. The oxidized substrates were cleaved much more slowly by ADAMTS13 than the nonoxidized substrates. A similar result was obtained with multimeric VWF. Taken together, these findings indicate that reactive oxygen species released by activated neutrophils have a prothrombotic effect, mediated in part by inhibition of VWF cleavage by ADAMTS13.
Combination HIV Prevention Interventions: The Potential of Integrated Behavioral and Biomedical Approaches

Combination HIV prevention interventions that integrate efficacious behavioral and biomedical strategies offer the potential to reduce new HIV infections. We overview the efficacy data for three biomedical HIV prevention approaches, namely microbicides, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and HIV vaccination; review factors associated with differential acceptability and uptake of these methods; and suggest strategies to optimize the effectiveness and dissemination of combination HIV prevention approaches. A narrative review was conducted highlighting key efficacy data for microbicides, PrEP, and an HIV vaccination and summarizing acceptability data for each of the three biomedical HIV prevention approaches. Recommendations for the integration and dissemination of combined behavioral and biomedical HIV prevention approaches are provided. To date, microbicides and an HIV vaccination have demonstrated limited efficacy for the prevention of HIV. However, PrEP has demonstrated efficacy in reducing HIV incident infections. A diverse array of factors influences both hypothetical willingness and actual usage of each biomedical prevention method. Strategies to effectively integrate and evaluate combination HIV prevention interventions are urgently needed.
8-2 Fluorotelomer alcohol aerobic soil biodegradation: Pathways, metabolites, and metabolite yields

The biodegradation pathways and metabolite yields of [3-(14)C] 8-2 fluorotelomer alcohol [8-2 FTOH, F(CF(2))(7)(14)CF(2)CH(2)CH(2)OH) in aerobic soils were investigated. Studies were conducted under closed (static) and continuous headspace air flow to assess differences in degradation rate and metabolite concentrations in soil and headspace. Aerobic degradation pathways in soils were in general similar to those in aerobic sludge and bacterial culture. (14)C mass balance was achieved in soils incubated for up to 7 months. Up to 35% (14)C dosed was irreversibly bound to soils and was only recoverable by soil combustion. The average PFOA yield was approximately 25%. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) yield reached approximately 4%. (14)CO(2) yield was 6.8% under continuous air flow for 33 days. Three metabolites not previously identified in environmental samples were detected: 3-OH-7-3 acid [F(CF(2))(7)CHOHCH(2)COOH], 7-2 FT ketone [F(CF(2))(7)COCH(3)] and 2H-PFOA [F(CF(2))(6)CFHCOOH]. No perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was observed. The formation of 2H-PFOA, PFHxA, and (14)CO(2) shows that multiple -CF(2)- groups were removed from 8-2 FTOH. 7-3 Acid [F(CF(2))(7)CH(2)CH(2)COOH] reached a yield of 11% at day 7 and did not change thereafter. 7-3 Acid was incubated in aerobic soil and did not degrade to PFOA. 7-2 sFTOH [F(CF(2))(7)CH(OH)CH(3)], a transient metabolite, was incubated and degraded principally to PFOA. 7-3 Acid may be a unique metabolite from 8-2 FTOH biodegradation. The terminal ratio of PFOA to 7-3 acid ranged between 1.8-2.5 in soils and 0.6-3.2 in activated sludge, sediment, and mixed bacterial culture. This ratio may be useful in evaluating environmental samples to distinguish the potential contribution of 8-2 FTOH biodegradation to PFOA observed versus PFOA originating from other sources.
Trichloroethylene uptake by apple and peach trees and transfer to fruit.

A greenhouse study was conducted to quantify 14C-trichloroethylene (TCE) uptake and transfer into the edible fruit of apple and peach trees. Trees were subsurface irrigated with solutions of 14C [TCE] that bracketed groundwater concentrations (5 and 500 μg/L) found in residential areas surrounding Hill Air Force Base, UT, where trace amounts of TCE had been found in several fruits during a preliminary field survey. Nondosed control trees were grown within the canopy of the dosed trees and in a separate greenhouse. Tissue samples were analyzed for 14C and TCE using combustion/liquid scintillation counting (LSC) and headspace/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS/GC/MS). Tissue was also extracted and analyzed by GC/MS for dichloroacetic acid (DCAA), trichloroacetic acid (TCAA), and trichloroethanol (TCEt), three specific TCE metabolites that have been previously identified in laboratory and field studies. No 14C was detected in the nonexposed control trees. Exposed trees contained levels of 14C that were...
The dissolution kinetics of feldspars at 25°C and 1 atm CO2 partial pressure

The dissolution kinetics of 5% by weight suspensions of two potassium feldspars and six plagioclases were studied for 400–1200 hr at 1 atm PCO2 The less than 37 μm particles had surface areas ranging from 0.83 to 1.84 m2/g. At frequent intervals, the pH of the stirred suspensions were measured in the reaction cell as the solutions were sampled. The filtered aqueous samples were acidified and then were analyzed for Si, Al, K, Na, Ca, Mg, and Fe. The following sequence of events were recognized in the artificial weathering of all the feldspars: 1. (1) an initial ion exchange stage lasting approximately l min during which the surface cations were replaced by hydrogen ions from the bulk solution, 2. (2) an up to 4 day non-parabolic stage characterized by the very rapid release of cations and silicic acid into the bulk solution, 3. (3) a diffusion-controlled parabolic stage lasting approximately 19 days, and 4. (4) a steady-state stage characterized by the very slow release of cations and silicic acid. All the rate constants for all the feldspars were evaluated at the pH of about 5. 5. The calculated parabolic rate constants range from 3.4 × 10−14 to 9.3 × 10−13 mole/cm2/sec1/2, the linear rate constants range from 3.2 × 10−17 to 2.5 × 10−15 mole/cm2/sec, and the apparent diffusion coefficients range from 1 × 10−22 to 5 × 10−21 cm2/sec. The steady-state composition of the surface layer of all the plagioclases appears to have a 1:1 Si: Al molecular ratio, whereas in contrast, the potassium feldspars appear to have a 2:1 ratio.
Accuracy and Distortion in Memory for High School Grades

The relation between accuracy and distortion of autobiographical memory content was examined by verifying 3,220 high school grades recalled by 99 college students Accuracy of recall declined monotonically with letter grade, from 89% for grades of A to 29% for grades of D The positive correlation between achievement and accuracy of recall is attributed to more frequent rehearsals of affectively positive content and to greater accuracy of reconstructive inferences based on homogeneous, generic memories Most errors inflated the verified grade, and the degree of asymmetry of the error distribution is used as an index of the degree of distortion Distortions are attributed to reconstructions in a positive, emotionally gratifying direction Contrary to expectation, the percentage of accurate recall and the degree of asymmetry of the error distribution were uncorrelated This finding indicates that the process of distortion does not cause forgetting of the veridical content Rather, distortion reflects bias in recon...
Fast Sweeping Algorithms for a Class of Hamilton--Jacobi Equations

We derive a Godunov-type numerical flux for the class of strictly convex, homogeneous Hamiltonians that includes $H(p,q)=\sqrt{ap^{2}+bq^{2}-2cpq},$ $c^{2}<ab.$ We combine our Godunov numerical fluxes with simple Gauss--Seidel-type iterations for solving the corresponding Hamilton--Jacobi (HJ) equations. The resulting algorithm is fast since it does not require a sorting strategy as found, e.g., in the fast marching method. In addition, it providesa way to compute solutions to a class of HJ equations for which the conventional fast marching method is not applicable. Our experiments indicate convergence after a few iterations, even in rather difficult cases.
Introduction of A Time for Recommitment: Building the New Relationship between Christians and Jews

A founding officer and secretary-treasurer of The Council of Centers on Christian-Jewish Relations, Dr. Philip A. Cunningham, addressed the assembly at the July 2009 Berlin ICCJ conference before the ceremony at which representatives from twenty-three countries signed the 'A Time for Recommitment' document.
Levels of mRNAs which code for small, acid-soluble spore proteins and their LacZ gene fusions in sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis

Abstract The levels of mRNAs from genes (sspA, B and E) which code for major small, acid-soluble, spore proteins of Bacillus subtilis have been determined, as well as the levels of mRNAs from ssp-lacZ gene fusions. Increasing the gene dosage of ssp-lacZ fusions resulted in parallel increases in both the ssp-lacZ mRNA level and the rate of b-galactosidase accumulation. Similarly, an 11-fold increase in sspE gene dosage gave a comparable increase in sspE mRNA, but at most a 1.5-fold increase in the amount of sspE gene product accumulated. In contrast, an 11-fold increase in the dosage of the sspA or B genes had no significant effect on the level of total sspA plus sspB mRNA, but did alter the ratios of these mRNAs as well as the amount of their gene products, to reflect the altered ratio of the two genes. These results suggest that intact ssp genes, but not ssp-lacZ gene fusions, are subject to feedback regulation of gene expression, with this regulation of the sspA and B genes effected by modulation of mRNA levels, while the feedback regulation of the sspE gene is at the post-transcriptional level.
ENHANCEMENT OF RELAXATION PROCESSES BY COLLECTIVE EFFECTS.

It is well-known that in a plasma the rate of relaxation toward equilibrium can be enhanced by collective processes. Since the gravitational force is analogous to the Coulomb force, the question naturally arises whether a similar enhancement may occur in stellar dynamics. That such an enhancement may well occur can be inferred, for example, from the observation of well-developed velocity distributions in stellar systems such as elliptical galaxies, in which ordinary two-body collision processes are so slow that they could not possibly lead to any appreciable relaxation, even during the age of the universe. Further, rapid relaxation of stellar clusters in galactic nuclei can lead to a compact cluster of stars in which violent processes may occur, such as those observed in Seyfert galaxies and quasars (Spitzer and Saslaw, 1966). Thus, it is of considerable interest to enquire what processes can possibly lead to such a rapid collapse.
Optimal generation of single-qubit operation from an always-on interaction by algebraic decoupling

We present a direct algebraic decoupling approach to generate arbitrary single-qubit operations in the presence of a constant interaction by application of local control signals. To overcome the difficulty of undesirable entanglement generated by the untunable interaction, we use an algebraic approach to decouple the two-qubit Hamiltonian into two single-qubit Hamiltonians and the desired single-qubit operations are then generated by steering on the single-qubit operation spaces. Specifically, we derive local control fields that are designed to drive the qubit systems back to unentangled states at the end of the time interval over which the desired single-qubit operation is completed. As a result of the decoupling, optimal control strategies may be carried out on single qubit subspaces rather than on the full coupled qubit Hilbert space. This approach is seen to be particularly relevant for the physical implementation of solid-state quantum computation.
Heat transfer between counterflowing fluids separated by a heat-conducting plate

The hea t t r a n s f e r betwreri two counterf lowing f l u i d s sepa ra t ed by a heat conducting p l a t e wss analyzed numerical ly . In a convent ional a n a l y s i s , a n one-dimensional hea t conduct ion t r a n s v e r s i n g t h e p l a t e assumption i s made by neg lec t ing the a x i a l conduct ion along t h e p l a t e . The p resen t r e s u l t s c o n s i s t e d of a comparison between cases where a x i a l p l a t e conduct ion was ignored t o those where a x i a l p l a t e conduct ion was included. Axial f I u i d conduct i o n was always included i n t h e a n a l y s i s . Heat t r a n s i e r performance, b u l k f l u i d temperat.ure and p l a t e temperature d i s t r i b u t i o n s were presented f o r va r ious P e c l c t numbers and va lues of a dimensionl e s s wall conduct ion parameter . Roth hydrodynanii c a l l y f u l l y developed and developing flow s i tuat i o n s were cons ide red .
Further investigations of berkson's example

Berkson's bioassay problem is investigated in detail. In addition to maximum likelihood estimators and Berkson's proposed minimum logit χ2 estimators, several modified estimators are considered. Two Rao-Blackwellized estimators - a conditional mean and conditional median, given the sufficient statistics - as well as Amemiya's bias-corrected and partially bias-correct estimators are included. The estimators are compared with respect to bias, variance, mean squared error, and Pitman's measure of closeness. The experiment is examined at four different levels of the parameters, and is re-examined subject to a monotonicity condition imposed on the sample space. The results provide a new insight into the controversy over the comparison of minimum χ2 and maximum likelihood estimators.
Delivering Health Care to the Global Poor: Solving the Accessibility Problem

celebrate their fifth birthday. A child in a developing country is 33 times as likely to die before age five as a child in the industrialized world, and up to 60 percent of these deaths could be prevented through basic health education, products, and services, including low-cost treatments that are readily available in developed countries. Adults are also dying of illnesses that have largely been eradicated in developed countries and could be prevented using low-cost interventions that are often available within the country, but are not accessible to those who need them, and not in sufficient amounts. In comparisons of industrialized and developing countries, the lack of financial resources partially accounts for the differential mortality rates. However, many prevention and treatment strategies for easily treatable conditions have been made available to developing countries by local and international governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In 2007 alone, these entities provided
New nonlinear conduction mechanisms in charge-density-wave condensates in two or three space dimensions

Abstract It is shown that in phase-pinned charge-density-wave condensates an external electric field induces thermally activated continuous creation of new domains, when the pinning potential is periodic in the phase π of the condensate wave function. The mechanism gives rise to a nonlinear dc conductivity at finite temperatures, which seems to account for the anomalous conductivity observed in NbSe 3 .
The X-ray crystal structure of the trans-dl-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-(N-methyliminodiacetato)platinum(II) complex

Abstract The crystal structure of the trans-dl-1,2-diaminocyclohexane(N-methyliminodiacetato)platinum(II) complex has been determined by X-ray diffraction. It has the following parameters: space group P21/c (monoclinic), a=11.272(5), b=14.034(7), c=10.163(5) A, β=116.13(3)°, Z=4. The slightly distorted square plane of the Pt includes two nitrogens of the diamine in cis positions and one oxygen and one nitrogen from N-methyliminodiacetate ion. The PtN and PtO distances average 2.038 and 2.013 A, respectively. An intricate system of hydrogen bonds which involves every hydrogen atom not attached to carbon was observed. The molecule is a zwitterion and the charge density on the unbound carboxylate is probably stabilized through this series of strong hydrogen bonds.
Actor‐Network Theory as a Critical Approach to Environmental Justice: A Case against Synthesis with Urban Political Ecology

Abstract: Recent critiques of environmental justice research emphasize its disengagement from theory and its political focus on liberal conceptions of distributional and procedural justice. Marxian urban political ecology has been proposed as an approach that can both contextualize environmental inequalities more productively and provide a basis for a more radical politics of environmental justice. Although this work takes its primary inspiration from historical materialism, it also adapts key concepts from actor-network theory (ANT)—in particular, the agency of nonhumans—while dismissing the rest of ANT as insufficiently critical and explanatory. This paper argues that ANT—specifically, the version articulated by Bruno Latour—provides a basis for an alternative critical approach to environmental justice research and politics. Instead of arguing for a synthesis of ANT and Marxism, I contend that ANT gives us a distinctive conception of the social and opens up new questions about the production and justification of environmental inequalities.
Significant levels of extracellular reactive oxygen species produced by brown rot basidiomycetes on cellulose.

Abstract It is often proposed that brown rot basidiomycetes use extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) to accomplish the initial depolymerization of cellulose in wood, but little evidence has been presented to show that the fungi produce these oxidants in physiologically relevant quantities. We used [14C]phenethyl polyacrylate as a radical trap to estimate extracellular ROS production by two brown rot fungi, Gloeophyllum trabeum and Postia placenta, that were degrading cellulose. Both fungi oxidized aromatic rings on the trap to give monohydroxylated and more polar products in significant yields. All of the cultures contained 2,5-dimethoxyhydroquinone, a fungal metabolite that has been shown to drive Fenton chemistry in vitro. These results show that extracellular ROS occur at significant levels in cellulose colonized by brown rot fungi, and suggest that hydroquinone-driven ROS production may contribute to decay by diverse brown rot species.
Wild Yeast Strains as Prospective Candidates to Induce Resistance Against Potato Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans)

The potential for crop destruction by Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of the Late Blight of potato has not diminished since its impact led to the Irish potato famine. Potato production generally requires frequent applications of synthetic fungicides to hold this disease in check. As possible alternatives to fungicides, we investigated wild yeasts as bio-control agents. Ten strains of wild yeasts isolated from vineyards within Washington State were assessed for the ability to reduce effects of P. infestans in potato leaf assays, and for suppression of growth of selected plant pathogenic fungi in agar culture. Metschnidowia pulcherrima (Mp), Curibasidium pallidicorallinum (Cp), and Candida saitoana (Cs) strains applied to potato leaves prior to inoculation with P. infestans reduced symptoms in a manner suggestive of induced immunity. A narrow concentration range of Mp most favorably suppressed late blight symptoms. These and other wild yeast strains were shown to induce phytoalexin production in a pea system developed for monitoring nonhost resistance. Further work toward developing successful agricultural application of this biocontrol agent will require verification of resistance-inducing benefits under field conditions.