cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adsolubilization and stability characteristics of hydrocarbon aggregates chemically bonded to porous silica

The desorption of surfactant may be a problem in the development of admicellar catalysis for organic synthesis or for wastewater cleanup. The formation of hydrocarbon aggregates chemically bonded to mineral oxide surfaces has been investigated to solve this problem. In this study, octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODS) was chemically bonded with silanol groups of a silica surface. The adsolubilization capabilities and stability of the bonded ODS were then studied and compared to those of physically adsorbed aggregates of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The adsorption of ODS increases with increasing ODS concentration in the bulk phase and reaches a constant value when the equilibrium ODS concentration is higher than 17 000 μM. The maximum ODS adsorption of 340 μmol/g is slightly higher than that of CTAB (300 μmol/g). The critical micelle concentration of CTAB is approximately 3000 μM. The adsolubilization of two organic substrates, trichloroethylene (TCE) and phenol, was also measured. The adsolubilization of TCE was similar in CTAB and bonded ODS, while the phenol adsolubilized to a greater extent in CTAB than in ODS. The bonded ODS was stable under agitation up to 310 rpm and temperatures below 40 °C. The pH value has very little effect on ODS debonding. The rate of oxidation of ODS by ozone increases with increasing ozone concentration, but pH has no effect on ODS oxidation.
A Histone Acetylation Switch Regulates H2A.Z Deposition by the SWR-C Remodeling Enzyme

The histone variant H2A.Z plays key roles in gene expression, DNA repair, and centromere function. H2A.Z deposition is controlled by SWR-C chromatin remodeling enzymes that catalyze the nucleosomal exchange of canonical H2A with H2A.Z. Here we report that acetylation of histone H3 on lysine 56 (H3-K56Ac) alters the substrate specificity of SWR-C, leading to promiscuous dimer exchange in which either H2A.Z or H2A can be exchanged from nucleosomes. This result was confirmed in vivo, where genome-wide analysis demonstrated widespread decreases in H2A.Z levels in yeast mutants with hyperacetylated H3K56. Our work also suggests that a conserved SWR-C subunit may function as a “lock” that prevents removal of H2A.Z from nucleosomes. Our study identifies a histone modification that regulates a chromatin remodeling reaction and provides insights into how histone variants and nucleosome turnover can be controlled by chromatin regulators.
An Analysis of Children's Programs in the Hotel and Resort Industry Market Segment

Abstract This research study was conducted to identify and analyze children's programs within the hotel and resort industry. The availability of published work pertaining to this subject is limited. Therefore, considering the growth of the family travel industry, there is a substantial need for further study into this subject. A survey was administered to 100 children's program staff working at various hotels and resorts in the U.S. The hospitality professionals surveyed strongly agree that children's programs are a growing part of the hotel and resort segment of the hospitality industry. The results explore the availability of activities among hotel and resort
Scatter reduction in mammography with air gap.

Scatter reduction by air gaps in mammography was investigated. We have experimentally demonstrated that, independently of the imaging geometry, scatter in air‐gap mammography can be well described by a virtual source of scatter (VSS) model. This model postulates that scatter radiation originates from a virtual point source of scatter placed on the central axis between the x‐ray source and the exit surface of a patient at distance δ and utilizes only two parameters: δ and (S/P)0. The (S/P)0 parameter represents scatter‐to‐primary ratio without an air gap and δ is the distance from the exit surface of a patient to the virtual source of scatter. We have experimentally determined the analytical form of the two independent parameters of the VSS model; δ exhibits a linear increase proportional to the radiation field size, does not depend on patient thickness, and is in the 10–30 cm range, while (S/P)0 increases with the field size as a power function and is in the 0.4–1.3 range. In the framework of the VSS model the selectivity, the contrast improvement factor, and the signal‐to‐noise improvement factor were employed to evaluate performance of air‐gap mammography systems. We have demonstrated that selectivity of an air gap rapidly deteriorates at some well‐defined critical value of scatter fraction that has profound consequences on air‐gap performance. Assuming fixed patient exposure, the results shows that, if a contrast limited detection system (such as film/screen mammography) is used, an air gap system can outperform a grid system only if a very large source‐to‐patient (SPD) distance is utilized, which might be possible with new laser‐based x‐ray sources. For the noise limited detection systems (such as digital mammography) even a small SPD (70 cm) and a small air‐gap (20 cm) system will outperform a grid system.
Delayed systolic peak of the femoral pulse from kinking of the aortic arch

Abstract In an asymptomatic 38 year old man, an abnormal mediastinal density was due to kinking of the aortic arch. A delay in the systolic peak of the femoral pulse compared to that of the radial pulse aided in making the correct diagnosis. Indirect pulse tracings taken simultaneously from the femoral and the right radial arteries revealed that the delayed femoral pulse was due to a longer systolic build-up time in the femoral artery than in the radial artery. The onset of the up-stroke was simultaneous in both arteries as in normal persons. An aortogram demonstrated narrowing of the aortic lumen at the site of the kink. Direct intraaortic pressure measurements revealed identical peak systolic pressures in the aortic arch and in the descending aorta distal to the kink.
Comparative effects of androgens and catecholestrogens on progesterone production by porcine granulosa cells

Abstract The objective of the present studies was to evaluate and compare the effects of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to those of 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OH-E 2 ) and 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeO-E 2 ) on progesterone production in cultured porcine granulosa cells. Granulosa cells were exposed to various treatments of DHT, 2-OH-E 2 and 2-MeO-E 2 in the absence or presence of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) for 4 days and concentrations of progesterone hi medium and cell numbers were determined. In the absence of FSH, maximally effective concentrations of DHT (1 μg/ml) and 2-OH-E 2 (4 μg/ml) stimulated progesterone production (ng/10 5 cells/48 h) to 2.2 ± 0.2- and 10.8 ± 2.2-fold of controls ( n = 4 experiments), respectively. In the presence of 200 ng/ml FSH, progesterone production stimulated by 1 μg/ml DHT and 4 μg/ml 2-OH-E 2 was 5.4 ± 1.1- and 15.5 ± 6.0-fold of controls ( n = 4 experiments), respectively. Thus, FSH appeared to enhance the response of both DHT and 2-OH-E 2 . The dose-response of DHT was biphasic in the presence and absence of FSH, such that progesterone production in the presence of 8 μg/ml DHT was similar to basal progesterone production. Concurrent treatment with saturating concentrations of 2-OH-E 2 and DHT resulted in fully additive increases in progesterone production. Testosterone mimicked the effect of DHT. In comparison, concurrent treatment of saturating concentrations of 2-MeO-E 2 and DHT or 2-MeO-E 2 and 2-OH-E 2 resulted in progesterone production that was only partially additive. Progesterone production stimulated by DHT alone and 2-OH-E 2 alone was significantly reduced (50% inhibition) with addition of the antiandrogen hydroxyflutamide. Estradiolstimulated progesterone production was unaffected by hydroxyflutamide. Since the maximal effectiveness of 2-OH-E 2 to stimulate progesterone production was 3–5 times greater than that of DHT and the effects of 2-OH-E 2 and DHT (or testosterone) were fully additive, we conclude that the mechanisms of action of androgens and 2-OH-E 2 within porcine granulosa cells are different. In addition, our studies suggest that hydroxyflutamide may exhibit discrete antiandrogenic and anticatecholestrogenic activity.
Soluble factors from Leishmania major-specific CD4+T cells and B cells limit L. amazonensis amastigote survival within infected macrophages

In contrast to L. major, the factors required for clearance of Leishmania amazonensis parasites from infected macrophages have been difficult to define. Multiple studies have made progress towards identifying the phenotypic differences in various cell types secondary to L. amazonensis infection as compared to L. major infection, but few have shown the cell types or factors required for parasite clearance. Based on studies which identified that mice previously infected with L. major and healed can mount a protective immune response against L. amazonensis, this study identifies cell types and factors from draining lymph node cells of L. major-infected mice that are necessary and sufficient to control infection in L. amazonensis-infected bone-marrow derived macrophages. Using a transwell system we show that soluble factors from CD4+T cells and B cells were required to kill intracellular parasites. One of these factors, L. major-specific immunoglobulin, may serve to trigger macrophage activation and promote parasite killing via superoxide production. Identification of these factors will provide more precise knowledge of host-cell signaling required to promote an effective immune response against L. amazonensis.
The absolute configuration of edulinic acid, a constituent of the “Khat” alkaloid cathedulin K-19

Abstract The absolute configuration of edulinic acid, and hence of the C-9′ centre of cathedulin K-19, was found to be (S) by synthesis of edulindol, which was also by obtained by degradation.
A method for constructing toxic waste site histories from old airphotos of coastal regions

Archive aerial photos have been used to create a skeletal history for several toxic waste sites currently under investigation in the United States. Because many of the sites are very small in area, and the majority of the historical aerial photography is not large scale, specialized methods have, through experience, been developed to do this work. The result of the work is a series of standard format film stereograms and a detailed report. The report includes several unique methods for presenting the airphoto findings.
Blood pressure measurement prior to initiating hormonal contraception: a systematic review.

Abstract Background Women with hypertension who use hormonal methods of contraception may have an increased risk for cardiovascular events. This review was conducted to evaluate the evidence regarding whether blood pressure should be measured prior to initiating hormonal contraceptives. Study Design The PubMed database was searched from database inception through March 2012 for all peer-reviewed articles in any language concerning blood pressure measurement prior to initiation of hormonal contraceptives. Articles were included if they reported on women with and without blood pressure measurement prior to current hormonal contraceptive usage and assessed cardiovascular outcomes. The quality of each study was assessed using the United States Preventive Services Task Force grading system. Results Six fair-quality articles from three studies met inclusion criteria for this review. Three case-control studies showed that women who did not have blood pressure measurement prior to initiating combined oral contraceptives (COCs) had a higher risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than women who did have blood pressure measurement. Two case-control studies showed that women who did not have blood pressure measurement prior to initiating COCs had a higher risk for ischemic stroke than women who did have blood pressure measurement. One case-control study showed no difference in the risk for hemorrhagic stroke among women who initiated COCs based on whether or not blood pressure was measured. Conclusions Fair-quality evidence from five reports showed that women who did not have blood pressure measurement prior to COC initiation had a higher risk for AMI and ischemic stroke than women who did have blood pressure measurement. One fair-quality study showed no increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke based on whether or not blood pressure was measured. Studies that examined hormonal contraceptive methods other than COCs were not identified.
Vortex lattice melting and interlayer coupling in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ crystals

We find that resistive hysteresis accompanies vortex lattice melting in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+° single crystals, together with a sharp drop of the resistance with decreasing temperature. The melting transition temperatureT m was current dependent, indicating that current drives the vortex system out of equilibrium. AboveT m , we find a second sharp feature in the data which we interpret to signify the decoupling transition of the vortex line liquid. Our measurements show nonlocal conductivity in the vortex liquid phase, which correlates with the strength of interlayer vortex coupling. Finally, we review existing literature on vortex lattice melting in BSCCO. While the melting curve varies significantly for different samples, the measurements appear to probe the same physical process in all cases.
Matrix metalloproteinase-1 contribution to sarcoma cell invasion

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) activity has been linked to numerous disease processes from arthritis to ulcer. Its proteolytic activity has been implicated inconsistently in different steps of tumourigenesis and metastasis. The discrepancies may be attributable to our limited understanding of MMP-1 production, cellular trafficking, secretion and local activation. Specifically, regulation of MMP-1 directional delivery versus its general extracellular matrix secretion is largely unknown. Inhibition of prenylation by farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI-276) decreased extracellular MMP-1 and subsequently reduced invasiveness by 30%. Parallel, stable cell line RNAi knockdown of MMP-1 confirmed its role in cellular invasiveness. The prenylation agonist farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) partially normalized FTI-276 inhibited extracellular MMP-1 levels and invasion capacity while transiently delayed its cellular podia distribution. MMP-1 directional delivery to these structures were confirmed by combination of a MMP-1–specific fluorogenic substrate, a MMP1-Ds-Red fusion protein construct expression and DQ-collagen degradation, which demonstrated coupling of directional delivery and activation. MetaMorph analysis of cellular lamellipodia structures indicated that FTI-276 inhibited formation and delivery to these structures. Farnesyl pyrophosphate partially restored lamellipodia area but not MMP-1 delivery under the time frame investigated. These results indicate that MMP-1 directional delivery to podia structures is involved in the invasive activity of sarcoma cells, and this process is prenylation sensitive.
Under Microscope and Macroscope

The Nature of Technology What It Is and How It Evolves by W. Brian Arthur Free Press, New York, 2009. 255 pp. $27, C$34.99. ISBN 9781416544050. Allen Lane, London. £22. ISBN 9781846140174. How technology works, how it evolves, and how it prompts economic change are among the questions Arthur explores in this thought-provoking account.
The relation of human and cattle blood groups.

The blood groups of humans and of cattle are very similar, even though cattle cells are typed by a hemolytic test and human cells by an agglutination test. In each species, over 50 antigenic factors are detectable and nine to ten genetically independent systems are known. The J substance of cattle and the A substance of humans are serologically and chemically related. Both occur on the erythrocytes and in body fluids and their respective naturally occurring antibodies show seasonal variation in titer. The B system of cattle contains over 200 phenogroups detected with one or more of 20-odd reagents; the Rh system of humans also contains over 200 phenogroups detected with ten to 12 standard reagents. As knowledge of the Rh system evolves, it more nearly parallels the B system of cattle. Hemolytic disease does not occur in cattle either naturally or by active or passive immunization. Erythrocyte chimerism is much more frequent in cattle than in humans, but sterility of females born co-twin to males has been observed in cattle only. The excess of MN heterozygotes from intercross matings in humans has its parallel in the excess of Z heterozygotes in cattle, both phenomena are presumably associated with a heterotic effect.
Some dimensions of intercultural variation and their implications for community psychology

This essay provides a framework for studying cultural differences and similarities in social behavior and their implications for community psychology. Culture acts as a schedule of reinforcement, thereby influencing what is perceived (perceptual selectivity), how it is perceived (information-processing strategies), and how the information is organized (cognitive structures). There are four dimensions of behavior that appear to be universal: association versus dissociation, superordination versus subordination, intimacy versus formality, and overt versus covert behavior. Research findings on these dimensions are reviewed within the context of the needs of community psychology to develop multicultural paradigms for research and intervention.
THE TRANSITION FROM FILAMENTOUS TO TWO‐DIMENSIONAL GROWTH IN FERN GAMETOPHYTES. IV. INITIAL EVENTS

A B S T R A C T Time-lapse photomicrography and autoradiography were used to study the initial events leading to the first cell division following transfer from red to white light. The first responses to white light, an apical swelling and a reduced rate of elongation, were often observed within the first 1-2 hr after the transfer; these two changes were not always initiated at the same time. Only the dome region of the cell participated in the elongation in red, as demonstrated by the displacement of anion exchange resin markers. The dome region as well as the region proximal to the dome was associated with the apical swelling, including regions formed in red. The average duration of the Gl, S, G2, and M phases was found to be approximately 4, 3, 3.5, and 1 hr, respectively.
The interaction between basic fibroblast growth factor and heparan sulfate can prevent the in vitro degradation of the glycosaminoglycan by Chinese hamster ovary cell heparanases.

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell surfaces can bind and internalize basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). We have investigated whether this interaction affects heparan sulfate catabolism in vitro by measuring the ability of partially purified CHO heparanase activities to degrade 35S-labeled heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans in the absence or presence of bFGF. Our studies show that the presence of the growth factor prevents partially purified heparanases from degrading the nascent 81-kDa chains to short 6-kDa products, whether the glycosaminoglycan is free in solution or covalently bound to core proteins. A 30-60 molar excess of the growth factor is required to inhibit completely chain degradation by heparanases, implying that multiple bFGF molecules must be bound to the glycosaminoglycan to prevent heparanase-catalyzed catabolism. This hypothesis is supported by protection studies indicating that nascent CHO heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans have at least four to eight bFGF binding sites/chain. It does not appear, however, that the growth factor inhibits heparanase-catalyzed degradation of the glycosaminoglycan by binding to the sequence cleaved by the enzyme. Both the nascent and short chains bind bFGF with similar affinity (Kd values of 27.0 ± 3.5 and 38.9 ± 5.1 nM, respectively), indicating that heparanase activities do not destroy the bFGF binding sites. Rather, our results suggest that the growth factor interferes sterically with heparanase action by binding the heparan sulfate chain at a sequence next to the cleavage site or at a secondary site recognized by the enzyme.
Low temperature processed mosfet's using laser recrystallized polycrystalline silicon films

Abstract An n -channel MOS transistor was fabricated on a laser recrystallized polycrystalline silicon film at temperatures below 630°C. The gate oxide was sputter deposited at 200°C. Lasers were used for substrate recrystallization, implantation damage annealing and dopant drive-in. An electron field effect mobility higher than 100 cm 2 /V · sec. was observed on the finished transistors. With 10 V applied to the gate of the transistors for 2 hr, less than a 20 mV shift in threshold voltage was observed.
Observation of Quasi-periodic Compressive Waves in Solar Polar Plumes

On 1996 March 7, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory spacecraft conducted a multi-instrument campaign to observe polar plumes in the south polar coronal hole. Recent time-domain analyses of EUV Imaging Telescope images from that campaign show filamentary substructure in the plumes, on a length scale of ~5'', which changes on timescales of a few minutes, and coherent quasi-periodic perturbations in the brightness of Fe IX and Fe X line emission at 171 A from the plumes. The perturbations amount to 10%-20% of the plumes' overall intensity and propagate outward at 75-150 km s-1, taking the form of wave trains with periods of 10-15 minutes and envelopes of several cycles. We conclude that the perturbations are compressive waves (such as sound waves or slow-mode magnetosonic waves) propagating along the plumes. Assuming that the waves are sonic yields a mechanical energy flux of 150-400 W m-2 (1.5-4 ×105 ergs cm-2 s-1) in the plumes.
WE-E-BRE-07: High-Throughput Mapping of Proton Biologic Effect

Purpose: To systematically relate the relative biological effectives (RBE) of proton therapy to beam linear energy transfer (LET) and dose. Methods: Using a custom irradiation apparatus previously characterized by our group, H460 NSCLCs were irradiated using a clinical 80MeV spot scanning proton beam. Utilizing this system allowed for high-throughput clonogenic assays performed in 96-well tissue culture plates as opposed to the traditional 6-well technique. Each column in the 96-well plate received a set LET-dose combination. By altering the total number of dose repaintings, numerous dose-LET configurations were examined to effectively generate surviving fraction (SF) data over the entire Bragg peak. The clonogenic assay was performed post-irradiation using an INCell Analyzer for colony quantification. SF data were fit to the linear-quadratic model for analysis. Results: Irradiation with increasing LETs resulted in decreased cell survival largely independent of dose. A significant correlation between LET and SF was identified by two-way ANOVA and the extra sum-of-squares F test. This trend was obscured at the lower LET values in the plateau region of the Bragg peak; however, it was clear for LET values at and beyond the Bragg peak. Data fits revealed the SF at a dose of 2Gy (SF2) to be 0.48 formore » the lowest tested LET (1.55keV/um), 0.47 at the end of the plateau region (4.74keV/um) and 0.33 for protons at the Bragg peak (10.35keV/um). Beyond the Bragg peak we measured SF2s of 0.16 for 15.01keV/um, 0.02 for 16.79keV/um, and 0.004 for 18.06keV/um. Conclusion: We have shown that our methodology enables high-content automated screening for proton irradiations over a range of LETs. The observed decrease in cellular SF in high LET regions confirms an increased RBE of the radiation and suggests further evaluation of proton RBE values is necessary to optimize clinical outcomes. Rosalie B. Hite Graduate Fellowship in Cancer Research, NIH Program Project Grant P01CA021239.« less
Prophylactic dose fondaparinux for 6 weeks in superficial thrombophlebitis of the legs reduces the risk for symptomatic thromboembolic complications

Commentary on: Di Nisio M, Wichers IM, Middeldorp S. Treatment for superficial thrombophlebitis of the leg. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;3:CD004982.[OpenUrl][1][PubMed][2] Superficial thrombophlebitis (ST), an inflammatory-thrombotic disorder in a superficial vein, is relatively common and estimated to occur in 1 per 1000 persons.1 The classic symptoms include pain, oedema, erythema and occasionally a palpable cord in the area of the thrombosed vein. Risk factors for ST include surgery, pregnancy and puerperium, female hormones, malignancy, infection, varicose veins, autoimmune disorders and thrombophilia.2 ST is a risk factor for deep venous thrombosis (DVT); 12–44% of patients with ST develop a DVT.3 The treatment of ST is highly variable ranging from no treatment to treatments with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DCochrane%2Bdatabase%2Bof%2Bsystematic%2Breviews%2B%2528Online%2529%26rft.stitle%253DCochrane%2BDatabase%2BSyst%2BRev%26rft.aulast%253DDi%2BNisio%26rft.auinit1%253DM.%26rft.volume%253D3%26rft.spage%253DCD004982%26rft.epage%253DCD004982%26rft.atitle%253DTreatment%2Bfor%2Bsuperficial%2Bthrombophlebitis%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bleg.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22419302%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=22419302&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F18%2F1%2F28.atom
'Today' messages: lightweight group awareness via email

'Today' messages are short daily status emails sent by members of a project team to each other. Their original purpose was to take the place of status updates at meetings. However, they had the unexpected additional effect of increasing group task awareness at very low cost. We present the results of a small study of 'today' messages and their effect on group dynamics.
The “constant changing of myself”: Revising roles in undergraduate teacher preparation

Abstract In this article the author describes the revision of the traditional roles of teacher educator, experienced mentor teacher, high school student, and preservice teacher required by a project based in the undergraduate secondary teacher education program she directs. Although role revisions can pose profound challenges to peoples identities and relationships, participants in the project find the “constant changing of myself.” That the role revisions require to be liberating, empowering, and educative. The role revisions foster the development of more dynamic and productive relationships than exist among individuals in traditional roles in teacher preparation and inspire participants to develop a more flexible sense of identity. These outcomes enhance the educational experiences of all the stakeholders.
Mercury: Environmental considerations, Part II

Mercury is present in nature, as in the laboratory, in three different oxidation states. Thus mercury is commonly found as the chloride salt, calomel, it is found as the ore cinnabar, and elemental mercury is encountered, usually in the vapor state, wherever certain mercury compounds are subject to high temperatures. This paper discussed mercury in the natural environment and the problems caused when mercury was introduced into the natural environment through pollution of the air, land, and water. 585 references, 64 figures, 46 tables.
Price gouging versus price reduction in retail gasoline markets during Hurricane Rita

Abstract Using extensive hand-collected retail gas prices, I show that there was no price gouging in Bryan/College Station during Hurricane Rita. Instead, the retail price markup dropped by twelve cents during the hurricane, despite most stations running out of gas.
Correlation of Schottky constants with interatomic distances of selected I-VII and II-VI compounds

Abstract The observed linear (Na-, K-halides) and near-linear (Mg-, Sr-, Zn-, Cd-, and Hg-chalcogenides) dependences of Schottky constants on reciprocal interatomic distances yield the relation log K S = ( ( s s 1 / T ) + i s ) 1 / d ( A − B ) + ( s i 1 / T ) + i i , where KS is the product of metal and non-metal thermal equilibrium vacancy concentrations, and ss, is, si and ii are the group specific slope and intercept values obtained from an extended analysis of the above log KS versus 1/d(A−B) data. The previously reported linear dependences of log KS on the Born–Haber lattice energies [1] are the basis for combining the earlier results [1] with the Born–Mayer lattice energy equation to yield a new thermodynamic relationship, namely log K S = − ( 2.303 n R T ) − 1 ( c ( B − M ) / d ( A − B ) − I e ) , where c(B−M) is the product of the constants of the Born–Mayer equation and Ie is the metal ionization energy of the above compounds. These results establish a correlation between point defect concentrations and basic thermodynamic, coulombic, and structural solid state properties for selected I–VII and II–VI semiconductor materials.
MethylCoder: software pipeline for bisulfite-treated sequences

Motivation: MethylCoder is a software program that generates per-base methylation data given a set of bisulfite-treated reads. It provides the option to use either of two existing short-read aligners, each with different strengths. It accounts for soft-masked alignments and overlapping paired-end reads. MethylCoder outputs data in text and binary formats in addition to the final alignment in SAM format, so that common high-throughput sequencing tools can be used on the resulting output. It is more flexible than existing software and competitive in terms of speed and memory use. Availability: MethylCoder requires only a python interpreter and a C compiler to run. Extensive documentation and the full source code are available under the MIT license at: https://github.com/brentp/methylcode. Contact: moc.liamg@esredepb
Understanding the effects and implications of compute node related failures in hadoop

Hadoop has become a critical component in today's cloud environment. Ensuring good performance for Hadoop is paramount for the wide-range of applications built on top of it. In this paper we analyze Hadoop's behavior under failures involving compute nodes. We find that even a single failure can result in inflated, variable and unpredictable job running times, all undesirable properties in a distributed system. We systematically track the causes underlying this distressing behavior. First, we find that Hadoop makes unrealistic assumptions about task progress rates. These assumptions can be easily invalidated by the cloud environment and, more surprisingly, by Hadoop's own design decisions. The result are significant inefficiencies in Hadoop's speculative execution algorithm. Second, failures are re-discovered individually by each task at the cost of great degradation in job running time. The reason is that Hadoop focuses on extreme scalability and thus trades off possible improvements resulting from sharing failure information between tasks. Third, Hadoop does not consider the causes of connection failures between its tasks. We show that the resulting overloading of connection failure semantics unnecessarily causes an otherwise localized failure to propagate to healthy tasks. We also discuss the implications of our findings and draw attention to new ways of improving Hadoop-like frameworks.
Simultaneous Independent Online Auctions with Discrete Bid Increments

Decentralized multi-item auctions offer great opportunities for integrating fragmented online auction markets into larger markets with more efficient outcomes. This paper extends the theory of multi-item ascending auctions of substitutes by considering any finite positive bid increment and allowing the bidders to bid asyn-chronously instead of bidding in a round-robin fashion. We consider a setup where the bidders' utilities over multiple items are additive and bound the maximum inefficiency in the allocation when the bidders follow a simple greedy strategy. We also obtain the limits within which the prices of individual items can vary from one outcome to another. For the special case of single unit bidder demand, we also bound the maximum surplus which a bidder can extract by unilaterally switching to some other strategy. The paper suggests an upper bound for the minimum required bid increment which would be necessary for competitive price discovery and truthful bidding in a practical online implementation.
Interviewing in the Search for “Truth”

(1965). Interviewing in the Search for “Truth”. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 281-288.
CD8+ T cell-coccidia interactions

Host responses to coccidian parasites involve many facets of the immune system, including antigen-specific as well as antigen-nonspecific components. Hyun Lillehoj and James Trout here review the evidence that cell-mediated responses are probably the main line of defense against coccidial infection.
Stereochemical effects in the chemical ionization mass spectra of cyclic diols

Abstract The chemical ionization mass spectra of configurational isomers of many cyclic diols give substantial differences which are characteristic of their stereochemistry. For the cis-isomer of 1,3- and 1,4-cyclohexanediols, formation of a stable intramolecular proton bridge involving the OH groups gives rise to dominant MH+ peaks, suppressing the (M-H)+ peaks found in the spectra of the trans-isomers and monoalcohols. The stability of the proton bridge in cis-1,3-cyclohexanediol structures is decreased by a sterically interfering cis-5-methyl substituent, but increased by a cis-5-OH group due to additional proton solvation. cis-Stereochemistry also gives increased formation of the dimeric M2H+ ions, but decreased formation of trimers, at higher diol concentrations, for the 1,3- and 1,4-diols. The similarity of the CI spectra of cis- and trans-1,2-cyclohexanediol are explicable in terms of the similarities of the most stable proton-bridged conformers; the reduced ring flexibility in cis- and trans-1,2-cyclopentanediols makes such similar structures unfavorable, as shown by the substantial differences between their CI spectra. The substantial, but expected, variations in behavior with temperature and reagent gas are useful for maximizing stereochemical effects on CI spectra; conditions of lowest energy are usually, but not always, the most useful.
Resolving arguments accurately

This empirical investigation examined how ordinary language users resolved disagreements over the solutions to categorical syllogisms. Forty-six participants completed puzzles in logic. After completing the puzzles, participants were then randomly paired into 23 to compare their answers and to resolve 159 disagreements. Results indicate that the most frequently used strategies for resolving disagreements centered on: (a) arguing over the merits of the position (47% of the time) and (b) appealing to past solutions as a means of addressing current disputes (28% of the time). In addition, the data revealed that the most frequently used strategy (arguing the merits of the positions) was no more effective than random choice (52% increase in correct solutions) while the strategy of appealing to past solutions significantly aided dyads in reaching correct solutions (70% increase in correct solutions).
A proof for the Burton and Miller integral equation approach for the Helmholtz equation

Abstract The A. J. Burton and G. F. Miller integral equation formulation for the exterior Neumann problem for the Helmholtz equation [ Proc. Roy. Soc. London Ser. A 323 (1971) , 201–210] is one of the most important integral equation approaches in that area. However, the kind of space settings they are working with is not clear. Evidently, the Fredholm integral equation of the second kind which they deduced is not well defined on the usual C ( S ) or L 2 ( S ), where S is a closed bounded smooth surface. In this paper, appropriate space settings are found and a rigorous existence and uniqueness proof for their integral equation formulation is given.
Isolation, synthesis, and biological activity of aphrocallistin, an adenine-substituted bromotyramine metabolite from the Hexactinellida sponge Aphrocallistes beatrix.

A new adenine substituted bromotyrosine derived metabolite designated as aphrocallistin (1) has been isolated from the deep-water Hexactinellida sponge Aphrocallistes beatrix beatrix Gray, 1858 (Order Hexactinosida, Family Aphrocallistidae). Its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectral data and confirmed through a convergent, modular total synthetic route that is amenable towards future analog preparation. Aphrocallistin inhibits the growth of a panel of human tumor cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 7.5 to >100 μM and has been shown to induce G1 cell cycle arrest in the PANC-1 pancreatic carcinoma cell line. Aphrocallistin has been fully characterized in the NCI cancer cell line panel and has undergone in vitro ADME pharmacological profiling.
The effect of rapid rotation on a vertical bridgman furnace at large Rayleigh number

In quasi-steady operation, convection currents in a Bridgman device, used for producing a semiconductor crystal, create inhomogeneities that may make the crystal unusable. It has often been suggested that additional forces due to rotation or magnetism might be efficacious in reducing the segregation of the elements of the alloy. It has been found that, over a wide range of rotation rates, there is no improvement in performance due to rotation about the vertical axis. However, numerical results that have been obtained previously (Lee & Pearlstein, J. Crys. Growth 240, 2002) indicate that, when effects of centrifugal buoyancy are introduced, a substantial reduction in segregation is achieved. In the work reported here, by contrast, in which we extend previous large-Rayleigh-number asymptotic analysis to include centrifugal buoyancy, we find no improvement in radial segregation, but rather increasing segregation with increasing rotation rate.
Fluorocarbon aerosol propellents IX: Adsorption on activated charcoal

Abstract The adsorption of three commonly used fluorocarbons, trichloromonofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, and dichlorotetrafluoroethane, on activated charcoal was studied at 25°. The adsorption versus pressure plots are consistent with the Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) type II and type IV isotherms, which can be explained as the condensation of the gaseous molecules in a wide range of pores in the activated charcoal. The monolayer capacity derived from the BET equation is discussed and used to estimate the volume of micropores present in the activated charcoal. Below the relative pressure of 0.01, the adsorption deviated from the BET plot. The deviation revealed that the adsorption capacity and adsorption potential at these lower pressures are greater than the extrapolated values. It is concluded that activated charcoal can be used effectively to remove propellants from the air in pollution control.
Sexual function and fertility in paraplegic males

Abstract Sexual function and fertility potential suffer severely after spinal cord injury, with subsequent function related to the level and degree (completeness) of the injury. This review indicates that from a practical standpoint, erections satisfactory for coitus are achieved by less than 25 per cent of the cord-injured and the ability to ejaculate is retained by less than 10 per cent of paraplegic males. The outlook for fertility in paraplegic males after spinal cord injury is poor. Methods for the management of sexual dysfunction and infertility in paraplegic males are discussed.
HONL-LONDON FACTORS FOR MULTIPLET TRANSITIONS IN HUND'S CASE $a$ OR $b$.

Abstract Honl–London factors are the factors that give the dependence of spectroscopic line intensities on the rotational quantum numbers. Recently it has been shown that most tabulations of Honl–London factors for singlet–singlet transitions do not allow for the special cases of Π – Σ and Σ – Π transitions, where a consideration of the parity symmetrisation shows that an extra factor of 2 is required. The present paper extends these considerations to multiplet transitions, in either pure Hund’s case a or pure Hund’s case b.
Tip Clearance Flow Visualization of a Turbine Blade Cascade With Active and Passive Flow Control

The secondary flow in the tip clearance region of a stationary linear low pressure turbine blade cascade was studied using two types of surface flow visualization and documented using wake pressure measurements in order to identify the potential means and impact of flow control to reduce losses associated with the tip clearance flow. An evaporating fluid mixture was used for flow visualization on the casing surface of the tip clearance. An oil ink-dot tracing method was used on the blade tip. These measurements illustrate the important features of the near-casing flow physics, including the size and chordwise extent of the blade tip separation bubble, separation lines on the casing, the flow direction on the blade tip and casing, the size and exit trajectory of the tip leakage and passage vortices, as well as the total pressure loss and secondary velocity vectors downstream of the blade. The flow was visualized in this way for a plain, flat tip, a tip mounted plasma actuator, and a partial suction side squealer tip. Both flow control devices were observed to affect the flow in the clearance. The plasma actuator was shown to improve the total pressure loss in the tip leakage vortex by as much as 9% from the loss over the plain tip blade. The tests were performed over a Reynolds numbers range between 5.3 × 104 and 1.04 × 105 at a fixed tip clearance of 2% of axial chord.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
GameChanger: a middleware for social exergames

While the health benefits of exercise are wide-ranging and wellknown, the population of the United States is suffering from a lack of physical activity. We believe that combining elements of social interaction with exercise in video games will lead to increased and sustained engagement in physical activity. In this paper, we present an initial design of GameChanger, a middleware to support the development of a new generation of social exergames that interweave physical activity as a core game mechanic with social elements such as competition and collaboration. The GameChanger middleware provides programming abstractions that are specific to social exergame mechanics, elevating their description so that even non-expert programmers can create interesting social exergames that utilize mobile phones and sensing technology to integrate physical activity into gameplay. In addition, the middleware provides constructs for performing continuous assessment of physical activity during gameplay; these constructs can be used to provide feedback to the gameplayer or to collect datasets for evaluation by health researchers. As such, the GameChanger middleware can also serve as a platform to support scientific experimentation and exploration to determine which combinations of social and physical elements have the greatest impact on physical activity.
A simple quantitative procedure for obtaining the unsaponifiable matter from butteroil

A simple, relatively rapid quantitative procedure for obtaining the unsaponifiable matter from butteroil is described. The oil is saponified without a solvent by merely blending the oil with aqueous KOH in a mortar and heating. The unsaponifiable matter is extracted from the soaps with benzene after grinding the soaps onto Celite.
Application of quantitative morphological cytometry for evaluation of shear stress: potential for HCS systems.

Shear stress is known to have a significant effect on the state of cellular differentiation. It also induces morphologic responses including changes to cytoskeletal organization subsequently leading to changes in cell shape. In fact, fluid shear stress caused by blood flow is a major determinant of vascular remodeling and can lead to development of atherosclerosis. The morphological changes are usually evaluated using boundary-based shape descriptors or binary geometrical moments on manually segmented cells. Although any one of the many automated segmentation methods could be employed, these techniques are known to be complex and time consuming, and often require user input to operate properly, which is especially problematic for HCS systems. Therefore, development of robust, quantitative morphological measurements that are not dependent on precision and reproducibility of segmentation is extremely important for a substantial improvement of shear-stress analysis. The goals of this study were to find simple morphological descriptors that could be applied to cells isolated by tessellation in order to enable a high-throughput screening of morphological shear-stress response, and to determine the amount of fluid shear stress to which endothelial cells were exposed on the basis of changes in their morphology. The proposed technique is based on the monitoring of changes in cytoskeleton organization using texture descriptors, rather than on quantifying cell-boundary modifications. We showed that objects identified by Voronoi tessellation carried enough information about cytoskeleton texture of individual cells to create a robust classifier. Our approach provided higher discriminant and predictive powers, and better classification capability, than traditional boundary-based methods. The robustness of classification in the presence of segmentation difficulties makes the proposed approach particularly suitable for automated HCS systems.
Comparison of the Amount of Iliopsoas Tendon Lengthening That Occurs after ArthroscopicLabral-Level and Lesser Trochanteric Tenotomies

Objectives:The success of arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomies (AIT’s) performed at the level of the lesser trochanter for treatment of a painful snapping tendon is well documented. Currently, iliopsoas labral-level tenotomies have been advocated for treatment of this problem. However, a recent study reported a high incidence (∼50%) of recurrent snapping after iliopsoas tendon (IT) releases at this level (1). The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the amount of tendon separation/lengthening following AIT’s at the labral and lesser trochanteric levels. To date, the amount of tendon separation that occurs after releases at these two sites has not been reported. Methods:From the senior author’s data base of 900 hip arthroscopies, 80 patients who had arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomies performed:1) at the level of the labrum (40 patients); or 2) at the lesse rtrochanter (40 patients) were identified. The amount of tendon separation/lengthening in these 80 patients was determined eit...