cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aqueous Solutions of Calcium Ions: Hydration Numbers and the Effect of Temperature

Hydration numbers of calcium ions are determined from extensive measurements of colligative properties of water solutions of calcium salts. The hydration numbers reported refer to the average number of water molecules that are bound sufficiently strongly to calcium ions so as to be removed from the solvent and become part of the solute. Contrary to common descriptions of deviations from ideal behavior for concentrated solutions, ideal behavior is demonstrated when mole fractions are calculated by taking account of such bound water. Measurements over wide concentration and temperature ranges are used to obtain the effect of temperature on the average hydration number of Ca2+. Freezing point depression measurements yield a hydration number of 12.0 ± 0.8. Boiling point elevations yield 6.7 ± 0.6. Consistent with this, vapor pressure measurements from 0 to 200 °C show a gradual decrease in hydration number with increasing temperature, with a value of 5.0 at 200 °C.
Future directions in surface fitting

Approaches to surface fitting can be classified according to the nature of the raw data (visible surfaces or extracted surfaces, variously crossclassified by aspects of the case or of the conditions of observation), context of measurement (are queries qualitative or quantitative? are we in the operating room or producing an Atlas of normal variation?), geometrical model (topology, position, derivatives, statistics), biometrical model (landmarks, curves, or neither), and criterion of fit (a-priori parameters, geometric or other 'distances,' or a more general 'equilibrium'). After reviewing the current approaches under these rubrics I conclude that the topic of surface fitting badly needs a shared mathematical formalism, and I modestly suggest a composite that might work: a combination of the thin-plate spline with two separate diffusion algebras, Pizer's for features of single grey-scale images and Grenander's for deformations as 'patterns.'
OXIDATION OF ADRENALINE BY FERRYLMYOGLOBIN

Abstract The oxidation of adrenaline by ferrylmyoglobin, the product formed by the oxidation of myoglobin with H 2 O 2 , was examined by absorption, fluorescence, and EPR spectroscopy in terms of the formation of intermediate free radicals and stable molecular products and the binding of adrenaline oxidation products to the apoprotein. The reaction of adrenaline with ferrylmyoglobin resulted in reduction of the hemoprotein to metmyoglobin and consumption of adrenaline. Quantification of metmyoglobin formed per adrenaline yielded a ratio of 1.66. The reaction was found first order on adrenaline concentration and second order on ferrylmyoglobin concentration. This, together with the above ratio, suggested a mechanism by which two oxoferryl moieties (ferrylmyoglobin) were reduced by adrenaline yielding metmyoglobin and the o -semiquinone state of adrenaline. The decay of the o -semiquinone to adrenochrome was confirmed by an increase in absorbance at 485 nm. The product was nonfluorescent; alkalinization of the reaction mixture resulted in a strong fluorescence at 540 nm ascribed to 3,5,6-trihydroxyindol or adrenolutin. Hence, adrenochrome and its alkali-catalyzed product, adrenolutin, are the major molecular products formed during the oxidation of adrenaline by ferrylmyoglobin. Semiquinones formed during the adrenaline/ferrylmyoglobin interaction were detected by EPR, spin stabilizing these species with Mg 2+ . The six-line EPR spectrum observed (a N = 4.5 G, a N (CH 3 ) = 5.1, and a 2H = 0.91; g = 2.0040) may be assigned to the semiquinone forms of adrenochrome and/or adrenolutin or a composite of these species. The intensity of the EPR signal increased with time and its subsequent decay followed a second-order kinetics as inferred by the proportionality of the square of the EPR line intensity with H 2 O 2 concentration. Heme destruction and lysine loss, inherent in the reaction of metmyoglobin with H 2 O 2 , were prevented 80 and 34% by adrenaline, respectively. The low protection exerted by adrenaline against lysine loss was possibly due to the formation of Schiff bases between the ϵ-NH 2 group of lysine and the o -quinone oxidation product(s) of adrenaline. The yield of Schiff base formation was 20–25%. The autoxidation of adrenaline at physiological pH is extremely slow or nonexistent. These data provide a rationale for the primary oxidation of adrenaline by the pseudoperoxidatic activity of ferrylmyoglobin and suggest implications of the free radicals thereby formed for the oxidative damage in reperfusion injury.
D-amino acid scan of γ-melanocyte-stimulating hormone : Importance of Trp8 on human MC3 receptor selectivity

In our search for potent and receptor-selective agonists and antagonists, we report here the results of D-amino acid substitution at each position of the short peptide gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (gamma-MSH). The native gamma-MSH shows weak binding at all three receptors (i.e., the human MC3, MC4, and MC5) and a selectivity of 1-2 orders of magnitude at the MC3R over the MC4R and MC5R. Sequential replacement of each residue in the gamma-MSH sequence with the corresponding D-isomer results in analogues which mostly have weaker binding affinity than the native peptide, except for two analogues. For the DTrp(8) analogue, there is an increase in binding affinity by about 1 order of magnitude (IC(50) = 6 nM) at the MC3R compared with that of the natural molecule and an increase in selectivity for the MC3R by 2 orders of magnitude compared with the activity at the MC4R and MC5R. The DPhe(6) analogue is about 10-fold more potent (IC(50) = 8.8 nM) at the MC3R compared with the native peptide but lacks subtype selectivity. Measurement of the intracellular cAMP accumulation in human MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R revealed that the native peptide shows potent activity at the MC3R (EC(50) = 5.9 nM) and is about 50-100-fold selective at this receptor compared with the MC4R and MC5R. The DArg(10) (EC(50) = 35 nM) and DPhe(11) (EC(50) = 11 nM) analogues are selective for the MC3R by 1 and 2 orders of magnitude compared with the MC4R and MC5R, respectively. The DTrp(8) compound (EC(50) = 0.33 nM) shows about 300- and 250-fold increase in selectivity at the MC3R compared with the MC4R and MC5R, respectively. Finally, the DTyr(1) peptide is selective for the MC3R (EC(50) = 12 nM) by 40-200-fold compared with the MC4R and MC5R. In general, the trend is that D-amino acid substitutions of the aromatic residues 1, 6, 8, and 11 and the basic residue Arg(10), but not Arg(7), result in an increase in MC3R selectivity over the MC4R and MC5R and only agonist activity is observed. Thus, the key residues of gamma-MSH identified in this study include the aromatic residues 1, 6, 8, and 11 and the basic residue Arg(10) (but not Arg(7)), as important for MC3 selectivity over the MC4 and MC5 subtypes. Further, the study reveals the extreme importance of DTrp at position 8 in imparting potency and selectivity since this is the most selective analogue for the human MC3R reported thus far.
Stealing the Limelight? Examining the Relationship Between New Librarians and Their Supervisors

Abstract This study was conducted in order to determine how supervisor support relates to a new librarian's job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Factors examined include whether librarians in positions of power are reluctant to foster growth in beginning librarians and, if so, whether this reluctance is due to feelings of insecurity or fear of being outshone. This paper also examines the effect a supervisor's reluctance to offer advice and mentoring on the psychological state of new librarians. Suggestions for future research are discussed.
Multi-armed bandit problem revisited

In this paper, we revisit aspects of the multi-armed bandit problem in the earlier work (Ref. 1). An alternative proof of the optimality of the Gittins index rule is derived under the discounted reward criterion. The proof does not involve an explicit use of the interchange argument. The ideas of the proof are extended to derive the asymptotic optimality of the index rule under the average reward criterion. Problems involving superprocesses and arm-acquiring bandits are also reexamined. The properties of an optimal policy for an arm-acquiring bandit are discussed.
Metal/insulator/semiconductor carrier selective contacts for photovoltaic cells

A novel solar cell structure using metal/insulator (TiO 2 and NiO)/semiconductor (MIS) structures as carrier selective contacts on both Si and GaAs is proposed. These cells do not use any diffused p-n junction to separate the carriers. Simulations show that these cells can provide a very high open circuit voltage. Using MIS contacts a three terminal multi-material solar cell composed of two independently operating subcells of GaAs and Si is introduced. Since no current matching is required, a combined efficiency of 39% can be achieved. This technology can enable high efficiency solar cells at a low cost.
Immunosuppression by 5‐fluorouracil

Twelve patients with neoplasia undergoing therpay with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were immunized with Escherichia coli Vi antigen and tetanus toxoid to test the primary and secondary humoral immune responses. Skin sesitization was attempted with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, and a battery of conmon microbial skin tests were applied during and after therapy. Eight of 10 patients failed to demonstrate a primary response the responders made only mercaptoethanol-sensitive, presumably IgM, antibody the secondary response was compl, etely inhibited in 4 of 9 patients and delayed until 10 days after cessation of drug in the otghers. Five of 6 patients tested failed to achieve hypersensitivity to DNCB. Three of 6 patients showed reversion to positive of one or more skin tests after therapy. This last somewhat unexpected finding may have reflected weakened skin reactivity in these patients with very limited life expectancy in contrast to its variable effectiveness in rodents, 5-FU was confirmed to be a potent immunosuppressive agents in man.
Osteopontin: an emerging therapeutic target in uraemic vascular disease.

This editorial refers to ‘Osteopontin deficiency dampens the pro-atherogenic effect of uraemia’ by T.X. Pedersen et al. , pp. 352–359, this issue. The incidence of cardiovascular disease remains high in the population with renal failure and constitutes the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. According to the U.S. Renal Data System 2011 Annual Data Report, the rate of death among dialysis patients attributable to cardiovascular disease was 40% and 5% to acute myocardial infarction.1 However, the mechanisms by which renal failure accelerates development of vascular disease and magnifies cardiovascular morbidity and mortality remain elusive. As a common component in development of atherosclerosis, calcification characterizes vasculopathy, contributes to plaque rupture and thrombosis, and predicts high mortality in hemodialysis patients.2 In addition to traditional risk factors, this complication is associated with non-traditional factors such as elevated serum phosphorus and serum calcium × phosphorus product in uraemia.3 However, recent evidence suggests that the mechanism underpinning vascular calcification in uraemia is more than passive metastatic calcification, but an active cell-mediated process. Furthermore, osteopontin (OPN) has emerged as a key regulator in development of atherosclerosis-associated vasculopathy. OPN, a small integrin-binding ligand, N -linked (SIBLING) glycoprotein first identified in 1986 as …
The Greensboro massacre: Political biographies of four surviving demonstrators

Abstract On November 3, 1979, a group of radical activists, black and white, prepared to march against the Ku Klux Klan through the streets of Greensboro, NC. Suddenly, a caravan of armed Klansmen and Nazis drove into their midst and opened fire. Eighty‐eight seconds later 13 demonstrators lay wounded, and five of them died. The demonstrators were radicals; some of them had been activists since the early 1960s. Veterans of the Civil Rights Movement, they became union organizers in the 1970s in North Carolina. As America became more conservative in the 1970s, these activists became more radical, becoming Marxists and joining an organization that became the Communist Workers Party. This article focuses on four surviving demonstrators who come from very different family backgrounds and followed diverse paths to political activism. Willena Cannon's parents were black sharecroppers who never discussed politics. Jean Sharpe was the daughter of a member of the Ku Klux Klan. Paul Bermanzohn's mother and father we...
Audiofrequency vibrations and gravity-wave detectors

Non-elastic audiofrequency vibrational modes in aluminium and other metals are suggested as a possible reason for the differences reported by various observers using large aluminium alloy bars (or disks) as gravity-wave detectors. Loading of suspended gravity-wave detector bars resulting from the gravitational attraction of the Earth is also sufficient to produce the small stresses required for the self-generation of audiofrequency sounds (acoustic emission) in materials. Both the non-elastic mode response and acoustic emission frequencies depend critically on the exact microstructure and/or residual stress state of a bar.
Multi-source capacitated lot-sizing for economically viable and clean biofuel production

Abstract Excessive water usage and CO2 emissions resulting from industrial systems and processes have significantly raised environmental concerns. Although biofuels help to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, the biofuel industry itself consumes a considerable amount of water and produces CO2 emissions during ethanol production. In this paper, we develop a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) capacitated lot-sizing model for analyzing the economic and environmental feasibility of ethanol production using multiple biomass sources. The model minimizes the cost of ethanol production while penalizing its possible adverse environmental impacts such as CO2 emissions and excessive water usage. The overall cost of ethanol production includes production, setup, and inventory holding costs with penalties for environmental impacts minus the income from ethanol tax credits and electricity generated from waste heat. We perform a sensitivity analysis and analyze results to improve our understanding of the economic viability of ethanol production and associated environmental effects. Results show that switchgrass is the most profitable and preferred biomass type when there is an unlimited supply of all biomass sources, while wheat and corn become more preferable in the case of a limited biomass supply. Compared to low- and medium-demand cases, when there is high demand, total costs increase significantly due to multiple production setup costs, excessive water usage, and CO2 emissions under limited biomass supply. The solution of the proposed model also indicates that if ongoing technology investments in the conversion rate succeed, the total cost of ethanol production can decrease by up to 21 percent. Finally, results show that the proposed MILP model provides valuable insights and strategies for future investors, decision-makers, and the government to achieve sustainable and economically viable biofuel production using various biomass types.
Generation and characterization of recombination-pumped x-ray laser plasmas

A multi-terawatt laser was used to generate and characterize plasmas appropriate for recombination pumped x-ray lasers. Thomson scattering was used to determine the electron and ion temperatures of a laser-produced, high-density helium plasma on a subpicosecond time-scale. A recombination pumped x-ray laser on the Lyman-alpha transition of hydrogen- like lithium was also studied.
P2-S9.12 Descriptions of behaviours by partner type for ethnic minority female adolescents with histories of abuse

Background Identifying the sexual risk behaviour associated with relationship status informs researchers and clinicians concerning female adolescent conceptualisation of partnerships in the context of risk recognition, sexual boundaries, and social expectations of relationships. This study describes risk behaviour of high-risk ethnic minority female adolescents with STI and abuse histories reporting either dating one person exclusively, not currently being in relationship, or dating more than one person. Methods African-and Mexican-American adolescent women aged 13–18 years (n=559) were enrolled in a randomised trial of a behavioural intervention. At study entry, participants completed semi-structured interviews including questions addressing primary outcomes including STI infection, abuse recurrence, unintended pregnancy, sexual behaviour, substance use, and contraceptive use. Descriptive, χ 2 analyses, and t-tests for bivariate analysis of differences between groups by relationship status at study entry were conducted. Results Participants (59%) reported dating one person exclusively, not currently involved with a partner (29.2%), and dating more than one person (4.3%). Participants not currently in a relationship vs those who were with one partner exclusively described more often a most recent partner who would physically harm them if she had sex with another man χ 2 (1, N=527) =4.51, p=0.034; having more guy friends they just have sex with χ 2 (1, N=531) =7.74, p 2 (1, N=529) =174.86, p Conclusions Female adolescents with abuse histories who describe relationship status as not involved or involved with more than one partner engage in more risk behaviour than those who report exclusive relationships with one partner. Explicating behaviour that occurs by relationship status has implications for interpreting and addressing risk for intervention and practice guidelines.
Rotordynamics of a Two-Phase Flow Twin Screw Pump

Twin-screw pumps are positive displacement machines. Two meshing screws connected by timing gears push the fluid trapped in the screw cavities axially from suction to discharge. Available steady state hydraulic models predict pump performance and axial pressure distribution in the chambers in single and two phase flow conditions. However, no model is available for their rotordynamics. Due to the helix angle of the screw, the pressure distribution around the rotor is not balanced; giving rise to both static and dynamic lateral forces. The work presented here introduces a starting point for rotordynamic analysis of twin screw-pumps. We first show that the screw rotors geometry can be represented by axisymmetric beam elements. Second, we extend the steady state hydraulic model to predict both the static and dynamic lateral forces resulting from the unbalanced pressure field. Finally, hydraulic forces are applied to the rotor to predict static, synchronous and nonsynchronous responses. Predictions of the dynamic pressure were compared to measurements from the literature and were found to be in good agreement.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Dialkylimidazolium halide ionic liquids as dual function inhibitors for methane hydrate

Abstract Six dialkylimidazolium halide ionic liquids have been investigated for their potential application as novel gas hydrate inhibitors. Their effects on the equilibrium methane hydrate dissociation curve in a pressure range 105–205 bar and the induction time of methane hydrate formation at 114 bar and a high degree of supercooling, i.e., about 25 °C, are measured in a high-pressure micro-differential scanning calorimeter. Similar to dialkylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate investigated in our previous work, these ionic liquids are found to shift the equilibrium hydrate dissociation/stability curve to a lower temperature and, at the same time, retard the hydrate formation by slowing down the hydrate nucleation rate. To understand the performance of these ionic liquids in inhibiting the hydrate formation, the electrical conductivity and infrared spectra of ionic liquids are also obtained and analyzed.
Renins and prostaglandins in segmental renal artery aneurysm associated with accelerated hypertension

Abstract A patient with hypertension of sudden onset and with segmental renal ischemia due to an aneurysm in a renal artery branch underwent a nephrectomy which apparently, cured his arterial hypertension. The nephrectomy specimen was studied to determine the activity of the juxtaglomerular cells and the concentration of prostaglandins in both ischemic and normal renal tissue. As compared with the normal tissue, the ischemic cortex had an increased number of heavily granulated juxtaglomerular cells. Interstitial fibrosis in the ischemic segment was associated with considerably lower tissue concentration of both prostaglandins A 2 and E 2 when compared with surrounding normal medulla. These findings appear to correlate well with present theories that consider renal ischemia to be associated with decreased production or response of prostaglandins that normally would counteract the effects of angiotensin.
High porosity of basal till at Burroughs glacier, southeastern Alaska

Debris-rich basal ice at Burroughs glacier, southeastern Alaska, has 60 vol% to 70 vol% debris. Recently deposited basal till exceeds 60 vol% sediment with 30% to almost 40% porosity. Where basal ice is very rich in debris, basal till is deposited through melt out with only slight compaction of the debris. Porosity this high in till is commonly associated with subglacially deforming and dilated sediment. However, the recently deposited basal melt-out till at Burroughs glacier has not been deformed after deposition, but has porosity values similar to tills elsewhere interpreted to be subglacially deforming and dilated in an unfrozen state. High porosity can occur in basal melt-out till deposited directly by basal melt out.
Congenital Heart Surgery Nomenclature and Database Project: pulmonary venous anomalies

The extant nomenclature for pulmonary venous anomalies is reviewed for the purpose of establishing a unified reporting system. The subject was debated and reviewed by members of the STS-Congenital Heart Surgery Database Committee and representatives from the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery. All efforts were made to include all relevant nomenclature categories using synonyms where appropriate. The basis for classification are the prenatal errors of embryologic development. The major categories include: partially anomalous pulmonary venous connection, totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection, atresia of the common pulmonary vein, cor triatriatum, and stenosis or abnormal number of pulmonary veins. A comprehensive database set is presented that is based on a hierarchical scheme. Data are entered at various levels of complexity and detail that can be determined by the clinician. These data can lay the foundation for comprehensive risk stratification analyses. A minimum database set is also presented that will allow for data sharing and would lend itself to basic interpretation of trends. Potential diagnostic-related risk factors are presented.
Estrogen causes cell death of estrogen receptor stably transfected cells via apoptosis

Abstract We examined the effect of estrogen on the growth of estrogen receptor (ER) stably transfected cells (Rat1 + ER). 17-β-estradiol (E2, 10 nM) inhibited approximately 35–50% of Rat1 + ER growth after 3 d of treatment. The half-maximal growth inhibition occurred at 0.5–0.75 nM of E2 concentration and was saturated above 10 nM. This E2-induced antiproliferative effect was mediated through the ER since E2 did not cause any change in ER-negative parental Rat1 cells. Cells started to detach from plates and the adherent cells exhibited nuclear condensation. Apoptotic cell populations showed a 25% increase at 2 d of E2 treatment over controls that were quantified by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. This indicates that E2 induced apoptosis in Rat1 + ER cells.
Energy band offsets of SiGeC heterojunctions

Abstract We report on conduction and valence band offsets in thick, relaxed Ge-rich Si 1− x − y Ge x C y alloys grown by solid source molecular beam epitaxy on (100) Si substrates. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy was used to measure the valence band energies with respect to atomic core levels, and showed that C increased the valence band maximum of SiGeC by +48 meV/%C. The bandgap energies were obtained from optical absorption, and were combined with the valence band offsets to yield the conduction band offsets. For SiGeC/Si heterojunctions, the offsets were typically 0.6 eV for the valence band and 0.38 eV for the conduction band, with a staggered type II alignment. These offsets can provide significant electron and hole confinement for device applications.
Extreme-value statistics of human red blood cells

Abstract Paper is devoted to answer the question: “How large is the largest red blood cell in a blood sample?” The red cell diameter was measured by photographing the cell in an interferometric microscope and processing the hologram by a numerical procedure of superresolution, which yields an improved resolution of 0.02 μm. Data on the largest cells in samples of specific size were collected and analyzed according to the theory of extreme-value statistics. It was found that the statistical distribution of the largest cells follows the asymptote derived for initial distribution of the exponential type. When the parameters of the asymptotic extreme distribution are determined from the observed data, the expected largest red cell in a sample of arbitrary size n can be easily determined as a function of n . For example, for the group of young adult male students examined the predicted largest diameter in a population of 10 8 red blood cells lies between 15.66 and 17.06 μm.
Loudness evaluations of electric clock noise

Abstract The noise from consumer electric clocks was studied to evaluate loudness estimating procedures. Eight different clock noises were tape recorded for presentation to a panel of people for loudness judgments. An electronic switch enabled the recorded clock noise and a 1000 Hz tone to be presented alternately via earphones for 1 2 -sec durations with 1 2 -sec silences between signals. The subjects adjusted the 1000 Hz tone to match the loudness of the clock noise. It was determined that Stevens' MARK VI procedure generally underestimates the observed loudness, but is usually less than 10 phons in error. It is possible that biasing effects had some influence on this result. If ranking on a relative loudness scale is all that is desired, dB(A) measurements will suffice. However, the dB(A) measurements do underestimate the differences in loudness between the quietest and loudest clocks.
Allele Identical by Descent Sharing at Any Point of a Chromosome of a Sib Pair

This work was supported by research grant F05 TW05285 from the Fogarty International Center and resource grant P41 RR03655 from the National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health.
Non-destructive structural homogeneity of MOEMS arrays: applications of a through-transmissive-media interferometer on a digital mirror device-spatial light modulator

Interrogation tools are the key to a thorough understanding of any technology. Texas Instruments' DLP(R) Products - Digital Mirror Device is no exception to this rule. We will discuss the application of a non-destructive, through-glass interferometer system toward gaining insight to the degree of structural uniformity of a statistically significant sampling of micro-opto-electromechanical (MOEM) mirrors as used in our product line. In the course of providing this information, instrumentation details such as reliability and reproducibility of measurements obtained on this interferometer will be discussed. Additionally, the importance of this mechanical uniformity to displaying images with this spatial light modulator (SLM) will be discussed as well.
Automated Determination of Scale and Orientation of Mine Field Grid

Mine fields are often distinguishable in overhead hyperspectral LWIR imagery due to the spatial pattern in which the mines are laid. Recognition of these field patterns in overhead landmine imagery shows promise for enhancing the ability to detect mine fields. However, before one can search for a field pattern in an image, it is necessary to determine the orientation and size of the pattern within the image, should it exist. We present a method for determining likely scales and orientation for grids of landmines. The approach is to consider pairs of interest points and then look for patterns in the slopes of the lines connecting them. The dominant slope then determines an orientation angle. Next, we look for patterns in the distances between pairs of points that have a slope close to the orientation angle. An application to detecting mine fields via recognition of patterns of features in hyperspectral LWIR imagery is given.
Renormalization group study of interaction-driven quantum anomalous Hall and quantum spin Hall phases in quadratic band crossing systems

It is shown that topological insulating phases driven by interactions can be realized without the need for spin-orbit coupling or large intersite interaction in a two-dimensional system of spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ fermions with a single pair of parabolically touching bands. Using a weak-coupling, Wilsonian renormalization group procedure, we show that a quantum anomalous Hall phase is realized for Hubbard interaction, while a quantum spin Hall phase is favored for longer-ranged interactions.
Mode of action for natural products isolated from essential oils of two trees is different from available mosquito adulticides.

Insecticidal properties of natural products may present alternatives to the use of synthetic molecule pesticides that are of diminishing effectiveness due to resistance. Three compounds, thymoquinone, nootkatone, and carvacrol, components of Alaska yellow cedar, Chamaecyyparis nootkatensis (D. Don) Spach, and incense cedar, Calocedrus decurrens (Torr.), essential oils, have been shown to have biological activity against a variety of mosquito and tick species. Although these components act as both repellents and insecticides, how they function in either capacity is unknown. Their use as mosquito control insecticides would be greatly increased if their mode of action is not the same as that of currently used commercial products. This study compared the lethal dosages for nootkatone, carvacrol, and thymoquinone by using colony strains of Anopheles gambiae Giles with known mutations at three different target sites. The altered target sites evaluated were the sodium channel para-locus mutation (L1014 F KDR) that confers permethrin resistance, the ACE-1 gene that confers organophosphate and carbamate resistance, and a γ-aminobutyric acid receptor mutation of the Rdl locus conferring dieldrin resistance. Significant increases in lethal dose were not observed in any of the mosquito strains for any of the compounds tested compared with the doses required of chemicals with known modes of action at the mutated sites. Although the mode of action was not determined, this screening study indicates that none of these compounds interact at the target sites represented in the test mosquito strains. These compounds represent a different mode of action than existing chemicals currently used in mosquito control.
Laboratory experiments on the effects of antecedent moisture and residue application on aggregation of different soils

Aggregation of fine particles (<50 μm and <2μm) in a weakly structured or fragile soil with different amounts of residue and antecedent moisture was investigated using a hydrometer technique. Results indicated that aggregation of particles <50 μm was a linear function of addition and incorporation of residues, ranging from about 16% (w/w) for the non-residue soil treatment to about 50% (w/w) for the soil treated with 1.87% (w/w) residue. Studies of 5 soils with contrasting textural properties and different antecedent moisture conditions, showed that maximum aggregation of particles <50μm ranged from about 30% (w/w) on the coarse-textured Miles soil to 90% (w/w) for the soils which were high in clay and organic matter. Aggregation of particles <50 μm was a parabolic function of antecedent moisture with maximum aggregation occurring at a matric moisture potential of about −15 MPa. At high antecedent moisture, aggregation of particles <50 μm in the fragile soils was <20% (w/w), whereas aggregation of particles <50 μm at high antecedent moisture for two soils high in organic matter and clay was 40–50% (w/w). At high moisture content, aggregation of particles <2 μm on fragile soil ranged from almost 0 on the Miles to a high of about 45% (w/w) on the Abilene. In contrast, aggregation at high antecedent moisture of particles <2μm for two soils high in clay and organic matter ranged from 65 to 70%. These studies demonstrated that residue and antecedent moisture affect the stability of fine particles which can affect the structural properties of soils.
The Forward Stem Matrix: An Efficient Data Structure for Finding Hairpins in RNA Secondary Structures

With the rapid growth in available genomic data, robust and efficient methods for identifying RNA secondary structure elements, such as hairpins, have become a significant challenge in computational biology, with potential applications in prediction of RNA secondary and tertiary structures, functional classification of RNA structures, micro RNA target prediction, and discovery of RNA structure motifs. In this work, we propose the Forward Stem Matrix (FSM), a data structure to efficiently represent all k-length stem options, for k ∈ K, within an n-length RNA sequence T. We show that the FSM structure is of size O(n|K|) and still permits efficient access to stems. In this paper, we provide a linear O(n|K|) construction for the FSM using suffix arrays and data structures related to the Longest Previous Factor (LPF), namely, the Furthest Previous Non-Overlapping Factor (FPnF) and Furthest Previous Factor (FPF) arrays. We also provide new constructions for the FPnF and FPF via a novel application of parameterized string (p-string) theory and suffix trees. As an application of the FSM, we show how to efficiently find all hairpin structures in an RNA sequence. Experimental results show the practical performance of the proposed data structures.
Hydrodynamic Effects in Liquid Membrane Transfer

Abstract An experimental apparatus was developed which permitted the thickness of liquid membranes to be measured. The observed values for the thickness were of the order of 0.01 cm which is considerably in excess of those values previously reported in the literature. The experimentally observed data were favorably compared to the thicknesses computed using boundary layer theory. Finally, dimensional analysis was used to develop a correlation of the computed membrane thickness as a function of the droplet diameter and system properties.
Advances in the treatment of meningeal cancers

3. Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _, 3.1. Radiation therapy . . . . . 3.2. Chemotherapy . . . . . 3.2.
Design and Analysis of Metal Foam Enhanced Latent Thermal Energy Storage With Embedded Heat Pipes for Concentrating Solar Power Plants

Thermal energy Storage is a critical component of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant, enabling uninterrupted operation of plant during periods of cloudy or intermittent solar weather. Investigations of Latent Thermal Energy Storage (LTES) which utilizes Phase Change Material (PCM) as a heat storage medium is considered due to its high energy storage density and low capital cost. However, the low thermal conductivity of the PCM restricts the solidification rate of the PCM leading to inefficient heat transfer between the PCM and the HTF which carries thermal energy to the power block. To address this, LTES embedded with heat pipes and PCM’s stored within the framework of porous metal foams possessing one to two orders of magnitude higher thermal conductivity than the PCM are considered in the present study. A transient, computational analysis of the metal foam (MF) enhanced LTES system with embedded heat pipes is performed to investigate the enhancement in the thermal performance of the system for different arrangement of heat pipes and design parameter of metal foams, during both charging and discharging operation.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Theory of isotachophoresis development of concentration boundaries

Abstract Three-dimensional partial differential equations describing the migration of ions through a stationary medium under the influence of an electric field are developed and then applied to the analysis of steady-state and unsteady-state properties of isotachophoresis in one dimension. The shape of the front region between two ion species in the steady state is discussed, and the time development of the system from an arbitrary initial distribution of ions to the steady state is analyzed and illustrated by a numerical example.
Malignant mixed mullerian tumor arising in extragenital endometriosis: Report of a case and review of the literature

A primary malignant mixed Mullerian tumor (MMMT) was found in the wall of the rectum of a 67-year-old female. The uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries had been previously excised for benign disease. The tumor was associated with foci of benign endometriosis. A literature review of extragenital MMMTs indicates that these are extremely rare tumors. This case supports the theory that endometriosis may serve as a progenitor to extraendometrial malignancy.
Evaluation of myocardial preservation using 31P NMR

The purpose of this study was (1) to monitor myocardial high-energy phosphate content and recovery of left ventricular (LV) contractile function following normothermic graded cardiac ischemia and single-dose hypothermic potassium cardioplegia, and (2) to assess the temporal limits of LV functional recovery during single-dose cardioplegia maintained at 17 degrees C. Rabbit hearts (30) were perfused, equipped with an LV balloon, paced at 240 beats/min, and placed in a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) magnet. Hearts underwent either graded, global normothermic ischemia or potassium cardioplegia arrest maintained at 17 degrees C for 1 hr. Myocardial high-energy phosphate level, LV contractility, and temperature were monitored continuously. Phosphocreatine (PCr) fell to 10 +/- 2, 2 +/- 1, and 0% of control and ATP to 70 +/- 3, 19 +/- 7, and 0% of control at 10, 40, and 60 min of 37 degrees C ischemia. After 1 hr of reperfusion, regression analysis of final developed pressure (DP) on end ischemic ATP (EIATP) content revealed: DP = 1.02 EIATP + 18 (r = 0.95). Following single-dose cardioplegia, maintained at 17 degrees C, PCr fell to 16 +/- 3% of control at 60 min while ATP fell only to 92 +/- 5% control. With reperfusion, recovery of DP was 100%. It was concluded that (1) PCr serves as an energy buffer for ATP, (2) EIATP predicts recovery of LV function, (3) single-dose cardioplegia maintained at 17 degrees C provides complete myocardial preservation for up to 60 min.
Lewis-Randall to McMillan-Mayer conversion for the thermodynamic excess functions of solutions. Part III. Common-ion mixtures of two electrolytes

Derivations are given for the equations expressing the thermodynamic coefficients that characterize the process of mixing two electrolytes with a common ion in the McMillan-Mayer system in terms of the coefficients for the corresponding process in the Lewis-Randall system, together with correction terms made up of various Lewis-Randall thermodynamic coefficients of the solutions. In the former case, the solutions are mixed at fixed molar ionic strength (i.e., fixed Debye kappa), fixed temperature, and fixed chemical potential of the solvent. In the latter case they are mixed at fixed molal ionic strength, fixed temperature, and fixed total pressure on the solutions.
Crystallographic analysis of the interaction of nitric oxide with quaternary-T human hemoglobin.

In addition to interacting with hemoglobin as a heme ligand to form nitrosylhemoglobin, NO can react with cysteine sulfhydryl groups to form S-nitrosocysteine or cysteine oxides such as cysteinesulfenic acid. Both modes of interaction are very sensitive to the quaternary structure of hemoglobin. To directly view the interaction of NO with quaternary-T deoxyhemoglobin, crystallographic studies were carried out on crystals of deoxyhemoglobin that were exposed to gaseous NO under a variety of conditions. Consistent with previous spectroscopic studies in solution, these crystallographic studies show that the binding of NO to the heme groups of crystalline wild-type deoxyhemoglobin ruptures the Fe−proximal histidine bonds of the α-subunits but not the β-subunits. This finding supports Perutz's theory that ligand binding induces tension in the α Fe−proximal histidine bond. To test Perutz's theory, deoxy crystals of the mutant hemoglobin βW37E were exposed to NO. This experiment was carried out because previous ...
Evaluation of Dietary Supplementation of Graded Levels of β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate for Hybrid Striped Bass Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis

ABSTRACT Leucine is traditionally regarded solely as an indispensable amino acid which is abundant in most protein feedstuffs used in fish diets. However, the beneficial influences of a leucine metabolite, β-hydroxy-β-methyl-butyrate (HMB), on growth and/or immune responses have been reported for various animals including fishes. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted to evaluate HMB with hybrid striped bass Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis. A basal diet containing 40% crude protein from menhaden fish meal was supplemented with four incremental levels of HMB (50,100, 250, and 1,000 mg/kg diet) at the expense of cellulose. Three groups of juvenile hybrid striped bass (10.2 ± 0.3 g/fish, 16 fish/group) were fed each experimental diet for six weeks, followed by an immersion challenge with Streptococcus iniae. Whole-body composition and innate immune responses also were analyzed at the end of the six-week feeding period. Dietary supplementation of HMB failed to improve weight gain and feed efficiency o...
Low-temperature atmospheric-pressure metal−organic chemical vapor deposition of molybdenum nitride thin films

Abstract Amorphous molybdenum nitride thin films were deposited from tetrakis (dimethylamido)molybdenum(IV), Mo(N(CH3)2)4, and ammonia at low substrate temperatures (200–400 °C). The films were characterized by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, elastic recoil detection and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Rutherford backscattering gave a N/Mo = 1.4-1.5 stoichiometry that did not vary significantly with deposition temperature. The hydrogen content, determined by elastic recoil detection, varied from H/Mo = 1.0 to 0.45 with the content decreasing as the deposition temperature was increased. Carbon contamination was not observed in the film bulk. The films had high resistivities (≈ 104 μΠ cm).
Noninvasive assessment of energy expenditure in children.

This study establishes an affordable, simple, and noninvasive method to assess energy expenditure (EE) in children, an underrepresented group. The method is based on regression modeling, where prediction of oxygen consumption (VO2), a proxy of EE, was deduced from heart rate (HR) and several variables that adjusted for interindividual variability. Limb activities (arms vs. legs) and posture (sitting vs. standing) were represented in the regression as dichotomous covariates. The order of activities and intensities was randomized. Seventy-four children (aged 7–10 years), raised at sea-level (Seattle, WA), comprised the sample. Anthropometric measures were taken, and VO2 and HR were measured for activities using the arms in sitting and standing positions (mixing and punching), as well as walking at different velocities on a treadmill. Repeated measures and least square regression estimation were used. HR, body mass, number of hours of physical activity per week (HPA), an interaction term between sitting and standing resting HR, and the two dichotomous variables, sex and limbs, were significant covariates; posture was not. Several equations were developed for various field uses. The equations were built from sea-level data, but ultimately this method could serve as a baseline for developing a similar approach in other populations, where noninvasive estimation of EE is imperative in order to gain a better understanding of children's energetic issues. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 18:600–609, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electronic medical record, error detection, and error reduction: a pediatric critical care perspective.

Introduction:Automated extraction of data from computer-based medical records for use in quality improvement has been described for >20 yrs.Objective:This article reviews the role of the electronic medical record in automating adverse event detection in the study of medication errors, nosocomial inf
Impact of sex and ozone exposure on the course of pneumonia in wild type and SP-A (−/−) mice

Female mice exhibited higher survival rate than males after pneumonia, with a reversal of this pattern following ozone exposure. Surfactant protein A (SP-A) plays an important role in innate immunity and SP-A (−/−) mice were more susceptible to pneumonia than wild type mice. Here, we investigated underlying mechanisms of the differential susceptibility of mice to pneumonia. Wild type and SP-A (−/−) C57BL/6J male and female mice were exposed to ozone or filtered air (FA) and then infected intratracheally with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Blood, spleen, and lung were analyzed for bacterial counts, lung and spleen weights, and sex hormone and cortisol levels were measured in plasma within two days post-infection. We found: 1) in the absence of ozone-induced oxidative stress, males had higher level of bacterial dissemination compared to females; ozone exposure decreased pulmonary clearance in both sexes and ozone-exposed females were more affected than males; 2) ozone exposure increased lung weight, but decreased spleen weight in both sexes, and in both cases ozone-exposed females were affected the most; 3) plasma cortisol levels in infected mice changed: ozone-exposed > FA-exposed, females > males, and infected > non-infected; 4) no major sex hormone differences were observed in the studied conditions; 5) differences between wild type and SP-A (−/−) mice were observed in some of the studied conditions. We concluded that reduced pulmonary clearance, compromised spleen response to infection, and increased cortisol levels in ozone-exposed females, and the higher level of lung bacterial dissemination in FA-exposed males, contribute to the previously observed survival outcomes.
Housing dynamics: An urban approach

Abstract A dynamic linear rational equilibrium model in the tradition of Alonso, Rosen and Roback is consistent with many outstanding stylized facts of housing markets. These include: (a) that the markets are local in nature; (b) that construction persistence is fully compatible with mean reversion in prices; and (c) that price changes are predictable. Calibration exercises to match moments of the real data have notable successes and failures. The volatility in local income processes as reflected in HMDA mortgage applicant data can account for much of the observed price and construction volatility, except for the most inelastically supplied local markets. The model’s biggest failure lies in its inability to match the strong persistence in high frequency price changes from year to year.