cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability of amino acid racemisation dating and palaeotemperature analysis on bones

THE general inability of isotope geologists to work out techniques for dating continental Pleistocene deposits has led to the conception of nonisotopic chemical methods. Hare and Mitterer1 noted that fossils could possibly be dated by determining the extent to which the l optical isomer of a given amino acid had racemised to form the d isomer which is initially absent in skeletal material. Obviously, the rate constant for the reaction must be known accurately if age is to be calculated, but its value is difficult to assess: it is highly temperature dependent2 (about 20%° C−1); it depends on the state of the amino acids (free amino acids racemise about an order of magnitude more rapidly than those bound as peptites)3–5; and it is highly dependent on environment6. Furthermore, free amino acids may back react to produce the bound forms, and there could be open system conditions during diagenesis2.
Scaling of a magnetic system describable by critical exponents application to superconductors

Abstract I derive thermodynamic scaling relations for the coherence length, ξ the susceptibility χ, and the specific heat C near the transition temperature of a magnetic system describable by critical exponents, assuming that the Gibbs free energy G is a generalized homogeneous function. I consider the special case when G is a homogeneous function which I previously had shown applies to superconductors.
Rural depopulation in the united states: Some demographic consequences of agricultural adjustments

La poblacion agricola de los Estados Unidos, que ha estado gradualmente declinando desde 1916, ha disminuido a una tasa sin precedentes desde 1940, y en el presente, esta reduciendose a una tasa alrededor del 6 por ciento anual. Los progresos tecnologicos en la agricultura: el uso de la fuerza mecanica, smillas mejoradas, razas mejores de animales y mas alimentos compuesto cientificamente, mejores fertilizantes y productos quimicos para combatir plagas y malezas, mejores administracion agricola general, son las causas principales. Estos cambios, en conjunto, llevan a una consolidacion de las explotaciones agropecuarias en unas pocas unidades aunque mucho mas grandes. A medida que los agricultores con fincas pequenas mueren o se retiran, esta se incorporan a las explotaciones vecinas. Mientras tanto sus hijos emigran a un centro metropolitano o urbane en busca de una manera de vivir. Esta declinacion en la poblacion agricola ha sido tan fuerte que ha llevado a una declinacion de la poblacion rural, y aun de la poblacion total, en la mayor parte de una gran region agricola del interior ubicada entre los Alleghenies y las Rocky Mountains. (Montanas Rocosas). Muchos miles de pequenos pueblos y aldeas tambien disminuyen su poblacion, dado que su existencia ocurrio para servir a la poblacion agricola que estaba alli. La declinacion en la ocupacion de persona en mineria ha contribuido a despoblar otras dreas rurales, Las areas en las que aun se observa crecimiento rural estan asociadas principalmente con la “suburbanization” del crecimiento de aglomeraciones metropolitanas. Dado que este desarollo se ha producido en una epoca cuando la nacion esta creciendo moderamente rapido, esta causando una gran disparidad en el patron de densidad del asentamiento de poblacion. La emigracion de la poblacion rural esta fuertemente concentrada entre personas con edad de sobreparto y como un resulto de esio, en muchas regiones que han sufrido despoblacion, los nacimientos son algos menores que las muertes a pesar que la tasa neta de reproduccion es bastante superior a la unidad. La mayoria de los cambios tecnologicos en la agricultura ya han tenido lugar, pero el proceso de la poblacion rural es probable que continue por una o dos decadas mas mientras los agricultores de edad media y avanzada con pequenas fincas gradualmente se despide de la agricultura. Mientras tanto, los Estados Unidos se estd enfrentando a un vasto problema de distritos pequenos con asentamiento de poblacion de muy baja densidad, el cual presenta problemas graves e intricados en mucho aspectos de la vida economica y social. Es este el anverso del problema de congestion y aglomeracion centralizada que acosa a los centros metropolitanos, los cuales estan absorbiendo el equivalente a todo el crecimiento de la poblacion nacional.
“Infrared” Maxwell fields

We study the analytic behavior of a class, the so-called infrared sector, of globally regular vacuum Maxwell fields in the neighborhood of the boundary of compactified Minkowski space, i.e., in the neighborhood ofi±,i0, and\(S^ \pm \). It is shown that generally they are regular everywhere except ati0.
Size effect on damage parameters for softening in simulated rock

Laboratory uniaxial tests on cylindrical specimens of a simulated rock are used to identify the influence of the diameter (D) and height (L) of the specimens on the damage parameters. The relations are expressed in terms of the characteristic parameter C = L2/D.
DiAMOND:Distributed alteration of messages for on-chip network debug

During emulation and post-silicon validation of networks-on-chip (NoCs), lack of observability of internal operations hinders the detection and debugging of functional bugs. Verifying the correctness of the control-flow portion of the NoC requires tests that exercise its functionality, while abstracting the data content of traffic. We propose a methodology where network packets are repurposed for the storage of debug information collected during execution. Debug data pertaining to each packet is collected at routers along its path and stored by replacing the packet's original data content. Our solution is coupled with a detection scheme consisting of small checkers that monitor execution and flag bugs. Upon bug detection, we analyze the debug information to reconstruct network traffic.We also provide relevant statistics for debugging, such as packet interactions and packet latencies, per router. In our experiments, this approach allows us to reconstruct over 80% of the packets' routes. Moreover, the obtained statistics facilitate debugging erroneous network behavior and identifying performance bottlenecks.
US-Asia Interdependencies: A Study of Business and Knowledge Links

Abstract In the past two decades, US–Asia linkages have improved tremendously with the gradual transformation of some Asian countries as sources of high skilled as well as low cost labor. Extensive research on US–Japan relationships have been undertaken in the 1980s and the 1990s with a progression of research toward the four tigers and now China. South and South East Asian economies are usually neglected in academic research on Asia. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of business links (trade, foreign direct investment, licensing, and patents) and knowledge links (labor flow, publications and citations) within the context of technology transfer and technology cooperation between the two regions. The data show that the United States is increasingly dependent on imports from Asia while Asian nations are dependent on US FDI and technology licenses. For knowledge links, the United States continues to attract Asian scientists and engineers and, over the past ten years, interregional collaboration...
Ruminative subtypes and coping responses: Active and passive pathways to depressive symptoms

Individuals draw on a variety of cognitive strategies—some active, some passive—as a way of coping with stress and dysphoria. Previous research suggests that the impact of rumination—one such strategy—on depression depends on whether rumination takes the passive form of brooding versus the more active form of reflection. This study tests whether brooding and reflection explain the effects of passive versus active coping responses, respectively, on depressive symptoms. In an undergraduate sample (n=284), brooding partially mediated the relationship between passive coping and depressive symptoms, whereas reflection did not. Reflection moderated the relationship between active coping and symptoms, such that low active copers who were high in reflection endorsed more symptoms than those low in reflection. Brooding and reflection may operate within cognitive–behavioural response pathways characterised by an active/passive distinction. Whether reflection is maladaptive likely depends on the active nature of the...
The periodic viscous sublayer in turbulent flow

The model of the fluctuating viscous sublayer proposed by Einstein and Li was modified by treating some of the objections to the original formulation without greatly altering the essential simplicity of the concept. The applicability of this model to the description of the important features of turbulent flow and heat transfer in ducts and of the Toms phenomenon was evaluated by comparison of predictions of the model with experimental measurements. The mean period for growth and decay of the sublayer and the magnitudes of the wall-pressure fluctuations and wall-temperature fluctuations were compared for the flow of air and liquids. Quantitative spatial features of the periodic sublayer, that is, minimum and maximum sublayer thickness and patch size in the directions normal and parallel to the flow direction, were determined.
Babies born at the threshold of viability: attitudes of paediatric consultants and trainees in South East England

Aim: To determine attitudes of paediatric consultants and trainees towards immediate care of babies born at 22–24 weeks gestation. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to one consultant and one trainee within each of 63 neonatal units in South East England. Results: Response rate was 90% (111/123). At 22 weeks gestation, 51% of all respondents would not attend the delivery. At 23 weeks gestation, 63% of respondents would advise against resuscitation during antenatal counselling but 45% would resuscitate despite a parental request for comfort care. Forty-one percent of respondents would provide comfort care for a 23 week gestation baby born in poor condition. If required, 53% of respondents would use chest compressions and/or adrenaline at birth of a 24 week gestation infant (38% consultants, 54% trainees; p = 0.05). More experienced and older paediatricians were more likely to attend 22 week deliveries and be comfortable with parental requests for resuscitation. Fifty-four percent of units had written guidelines on care of these babies. Significantly more consultants (67%) than trainees (25%) correctly classified neonatal deaths. Conclusions: Paediatricians with greater experience and age demonstrated more shared decision-making with parents. Nearly half of paediatricians would defy parental wishes at 23 weeks gestation, contrary to ethical recommendations (Nuffield Council on Bioethics, http://www.nuffieldbioethics.org).
Modified Trocar With Laser Diode for Instrument Guidance

Laparoscopic instruments that are newly inserted into trocars are initially outside the surgeon's endoscopic field of view. This can make it difficult to accurately position the instrument at the operative site and presents a potential risk to patients since the tip of the instrument could potentially perforate organs and blood vessels while it is advanced blindly. To solve this problem, I have designed a trocar that incorporates a laser pointer to guide laparoscopic instruments while they are outside the endoscopic field of view. The laser dot is projected along the long axis of the trocar. This allows the surgeon to instantly determine the direction and target of the introduced instrument. Furthermore, the projected laser dot serves as evidence of an unobstructed path from the trocar to the target. This modification improves safety in laparoscopic surgery.
Level sets of quantum control landscapes

A controlled quantum system possesses a search landscape defined by the observable value as a functional of the control field. Within the search landscape, there exist level sets of controls giving the same observable value. This paper focuses on level sets of the transition probability P i→f . For transition probabilities 0 ≪ P i→f ≪ 1, a first order diffeomorphic modulation observable response preserving homotopy (D-MORPH) algorithm is utilized to investigate level sets. At the top of the control landscape, P i→f = 1, a second order D-MORPH algorithm is presented that can explore the perfect control level set. D-MORPH is utilized to identify level set members that exhibit certain desirable secondary characteristics, e.g., minimal pulse fluence. Numerical simulations for finite level systems are presented to illustrate the variety of control behavior found across level set members.
Simultaneous input and parameter estimation with input observers and set-membership parameter bounding: theory and an automotive application

SUMMARY The paper addresses an on-line, simultaneous input and parameter estimation problem for a first-order system affected by measurement noise. This problem is motivated by practical applications in the area of engine control. Our approach combines an input observer for the unknown input with a set-membership algorithm to estimate the parameter. The set-membership algorithm takes advantage of a priori available information such as (i) known bounds on the unknown input, measurement noise and time rate of change of the unknown input; (ii) the form of the input observer in which the unknown parameter affects only the observer output; and (iii) the input observer error bounds for the case when the parameter is known exactly. The asymptotic properties of the algorithm as the observer gain increases are delineated. It is shown that for accurate estimation the unknown input needs to approach the known bounds a sufficient number of times (these time instants need not be known). Powertrain control applications are discussed and a simulation example based on application to engine control is reported. A generalization of the basic ideas to higher order systems is also elaborated. Copyright # 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SMALLab: a mixed-reality environment for embodied and mediated learning

In this video presentation, we introduce the Situated Multimedia Arts Learning Lab [SMALLab], a mixed-reality learning environment that supports interactive engagement through full body 3D movements and gestures within a collaborative, computationally mediated space. The video begins by describing the holistic approach to embodied and mediated learning developed by our transdisciplinary research team, grounded in understandings derived from research in the learning sciences, digital media and human computer interaction. We then outline the three core tenets of effective learning exemplified by our research -- embodiment, multimodality and collaboration. The video next demonstrates the design and functionality of the physical and digital components of SMALLab. We conclude by illustrating our partner collaborations with K12 teachers and students with four scenarios depicting Geography, Physics, Language Arts and Chemistry learning modules.
A non-local description of advection-diffusion with application to dispersion in porous media

When the lengthscales and timescales on which a transport process occur are not much larger than the scales of variations in the velocity field experienced by a tracer particle, a description of the transport in terms of a local, averaged macroscale version of Fick's law is not applicable. Here, a non-local transport theory is developed in which the average mass flux is not simply proportional to the average local concentration gradient, but is given by a convolution integral over space and time of the average concentration gradient times a spatial- and temporal-wavelength-dependent diffusivity. The non-local theory is applied to the transport of a passive tracer in the advective field that arises in the bulk fluid of a porous medium, and the complete residence-time distribution - space-time response to a unit source input - of the tracer is determined. It is also shown how the method of moments may be simply recovered as a special case of the non-local theory. While developed in the context of and applied to tracer dispersion in porous media, the non-local theory presented here is applicable to the general problem of determining the average transport behaviour in advection-diffusion-type systems in which spatial and temporal variations are occurring on scales comparable with the scale of interest.
Variable Turbulent Schmidt Number Formulation for Scramjet Applications

In high speed engines, thorough turbulent mixing of fuel and air is required to obtain high performance and high efficiency. Thus, the ability to predict turbulent mixing is crucial in obtaining accurate numerical simulation of an engine and its performance. Current state of the art in CFD simulation is to assume both turbulent Prandtl number and Schmidt numbers to be constants. However, since the mixing of fuel and air is inversely proportional to the Schmidt number, a value of 0.45 for the Schmidt number will produce twice as much diffusion as that with a value of 0.9. Because of this, current CFD tools and models have not been able to provide the needed guidance required for the efficient design of a scramjet engine. The goal of this investigation is to develop the framework needed to calculate turbulent Prandtl and Schmidt numbers as part of the solution. This requires four additional equations: two for the temperature variance and its dissipation rate and two for the concentration variance and its dissipation rate. In the current investigation emphasis will be placed on studying mixing without reactions. For such flows, variable Prandtl number does not play a major role in determining the flow. This, however, will have to be addressed when combustion is present. The approach to be used is similar to that used to develop the k-zeta model. In this approach, relevant equations are derived from the exact Navier-Stokes equations and each individual correlation is modeled. This ensures that relevant physics is incorporated into the model equations. This task has been accomplished. The final set of equations have no wall or damping functions. Moreover, they are tensorially consistent and Galilean invariant. The derivation of the model equations is rather lengthy and thus will not be incorporated into this abstract, but will be included in the final paper. As a preliminary to formulating the proposed model, the original k-zeta model with constant turbulent Prandtl and Schmidt numbers is used to model the supersonic coaxial jet mixing experiments involving He, O2 and air.
Flyovers and High Flow Arterial Concept

The feasibility of the development of high flow urban arterials by means of an integration of flyover technology with signal optimization is examined. Simulation results, using a modified version of the TRANSYT model, are presented for a case study arterial in the Greater Los Angeles area. These results indicate that the use of prefabricated flyovers, in conjunction with signal optimization, can effectively reduce travel delays and stops along heavily congested major arterials. The resulting high flow arterials can function effectively as “continuous flow boulevards,” even when embedded in relatively dense urban traffic networks.
Hierarchical Krylov subspace reduced order modeling of large RLC circuits

In this paper, we propose a new model order reduction approach for large interconnect circuits using hierarchical decomposition and Krylov subspace projection-based model order reduction. The new approach, called hiePrimor, first partitions a large interconnect circuit into a number of smaller subcircuits and then performs the projection-based model order reduction on each of subcircuits in isolation and on the top level circuit thereafter. The new approach can exploit the parallel computing to speed up the reduction process. Theoretically we show hiePrimor can have the same accuracy as the flat reduction method given the same reduction order and it can also preserves the passivity of the reduced models as well. We also show that partitioning is important for hierarchical projection-based reduction and the minimum-span objective should be required to archive best performance for hierarchical reduction. The proposed method is suitable for reducing large global interconnects like coupled bus, transmission lines, large clock nets in the post layout stage. Experimental results demonstrate that hiePrimor can be significantly faster than flat projection method like PRIMA and be order of magnitude faster than PRIMA with parallel computing without loss of accuracy.
DnaN clamp zones provide a platform for spatiotemporal coupling of mismatch detection to DNA replication

Summary Mismatch repair (MMR) increases the fidelity of DNA replication by identifying and correcting replication errors. Processivity clamps are vital components of DNA replication and MMR, yet the mechanism and extent to which they participate in MMR remains unclear. We investigated the role of the Bacillus subtilis processivity clamp DnaN, and found that it serves as a platform for mismatch detection and coupling of repair to DNA replication. By visualizing functional MutS fluorescent fusions in vivo, we find that MutS forms foci independent of mismatch detection at sites of replication (i.e. the replisome). These MutS foci are directed to the replisome by DnaN clamp zones that aid mismatch detection by targeting the search to nascent DNA. Following mismatch detection, MutS disengages from the replisome, facilitating repair. We tested the functional importance of DnaN-mediated mismatch detection for MMR, and found that it accounts for 90% of repair. This high dependence on DnaN can be bypassed by increasing MutS concentration within the cell, indicating a secondary mode of detection in vivo whereby MutS directly finds mismatches without associating with the replisome. Overall, our results provide new insight into the mechanism by which DnaN couples mismatch recognition to DNA replication in living cells.
PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN THE BLOOD OF FREE-RANGING SEA OTTERS (ENHYDRA LUTRIS SSP.) IN ALASKA AND CALIFORNIA

As part of tagging and ecologic research efforts in 1997 and 1998, apparently healthy sea otters of four age-sex classes in six locations in Alaska and three in California were sampled for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other chemicals of ecologic or environmental concern (COECs). Published techniques for the detection of POPs (specifically Σpolychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], ΣDDTs, Σhexachlorocyclohexanes [HCHs], Σpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], Σchlordanes [CHLs], hexachlorobenzene [HCB], dieldrin, and mirex) in the tissue of dead otters were modified for use with serum from live sea otters. Toxic equivalencies (TEQs) were calculated for POPs with proven bioactivity. Strong location effects were seen for most POPs and COECs; sea otters in California generally showed higher mean concentrations than those in Alaska. Differences in contaminant concentrations were detected among age and sex classes, with high levels frequently observed in subadults. Very high levels of ΣDDT were detected i...
Concept Maps for Improved Science Reasoning and Writing: Complexity Isn't Everything

A pervasive notion in the literature is that complex concept maps reflect greater knowledge and/or more expert-like thinking than less complex concept maps. We show that concept maps used to structure scientific writing and clarify scientific reasoning do not adhere to this notion. In an undergraduate course for thesis writers, students use concept maps instead of traditional outlines to define the boundaries and scope of their research and to construct an argument for the significance of their research. Students generate maps at the beginning of the semester, revise after peer review, and revise once more at the end of the semester. Although some students revised their maps to make them more complex, a significant proportion of students simplified their maps. We found no correlation between increased complexity and improved scientific reasoning and writing skills, suggesting that sometimes students simplify their understanding as they develop more expert-like thinking. These results suggest that concept maps, when used as an intervention, can meet the varying needs of a diverse population of student writers.
Increased Floral Divergence in Sympatric Monkeyflowers

Sympatric sister species are predicted to have greater divergence in reproductive traits than allopatric sister species, especially if mating system shifts, such as the evolution of self-fertilization, are more likely to originate within the geographic range of the outcrossing ancestor. We present evidence that supports this expectation—sympatric sister species in the monkeyflower genus, Mimulus, exhibit greater divergence in flower size than allopatric sister species. Additionally, we find that sympatric sister species are more likely to have one species with anthers that overtop their stigmas than allopatric sister species, suggesting that the evolution of automatic self-pollination may contribute to this pattern. Potential mechanisms underlying this pattern include reinforcement and a stepping stone model of parapatric speciation.
Legendre transforms and their application in thermodynamics

Legendre transform theory is: (1) developed to show the relationships among the common thermodynamic potential functions (that is, energy, enthalpy, and free energy); (2) extended to introduce other potential functions which are particularly convenient in certain applications (for example, stability and critical point phenomena of multicomponent systems). General derivative operators are employed to allow partial derivatives of a given potential functions to be transformed to derivatives of other potential functions.
Lower-Tropospheric Heat Transport in the Pacific Storm Track

Abstract The relative effects of dynamics and surface thermal interactions in determining the heat flux and temperature fluctuations within the lower-tropospheric portion of the Pacific storm track are quantified using the probability distribution functions (PDFs) of the temperature fluctuations and heat flux, Lagrangian passive tracer calculations, and a simple stochastic model. It is found that temperature fluctuations damp to the underlying oceanic temperature with a timescale of approximately 1 day but that dynamics still play the predominant role in determining atmospheric heat flux, due to eddy mixing lengths within the storm track of ≤ 5° latitude. These results are confirmed by the favorable comparison of the PDFs of the model-generated and observed temperature fluctuations and heat flux. The implications of strong thermal damping in the lower troposphere are discussed and speculations are made regarding the effect of such damping upon baroclinic eddy life cycles and the general circulation.
Supporting language learners in science classrooms: Insights from middle school English language learner students

ABSTRACTIncreases in the number of English language learner (ELL) students in the United States has led to a significant need for research that explores teaching and learning for ELL students in science and other content-area classrooms. This qualitative study investigated middle-school ELL students’ (N = 12) beliefs and practices surrounding science learning. We explore the instructional opportunities that are lost when teachers do not take student voice into consideration when designing and implementing curricula. We contextualize these findings by relating them to a commonly used instructional model for integrating language and content instruction. We conclude with implications for teacher education and in-service teacher professional development.
Diagnosis of Eutamias obscurus (Rodentia: Sciuridae)

The taxon Eutamias merriami (J. A. Allen) consists of two parapatric sibling species— E. obscurus (J. A. Allen) and E. merriami ( sensu strictu ). E. obscurus includes E. m. merriami (in part), E. m. obscurus (J. A. Allen), and E. m. meridionalis Nelson and Goldman. E. merriami ( sensu strictu ) includes E. m. merriami (in part), E. m. kernensis Grinnell and Storer, and E. m. pricei (J. A. Allen). The two species are distinguished by their ossa genitalia, coloration, and cranial and external measurements; two subspecies of E. obscurus also differ cytologically from E. merriami ( sensu strictu ). A third subspecies of obscurus , described herein, appears to have the same karyotype as does E. merriami ( sensu strictu ). The new subspecies and E. m. merriami coexist without intergradation at several localities in southern California. The distribution and affinities of E. obscurus are discussed. Its nearest relative appears to be E. bulleri .
Magnetic tunnel junctions with single-layer-graphene tunnel barriers

We report on the fabrication and characterization of magnetic tunnel junctions consisting of a single layer of graphene as the tunnel barrier, sandwiched between two metallic ferromagnetic electrodes. We employ a fabrication process chosen to minimize oxidation of the electrode materials at the ferromagnet/graphene interfaces. The devices have low resistance-area products of 1.5--6 \textohm{} \ensuremath{\mu}m${}^{2}$, with low-temperature magnetoresistances of 1.5--3.4%. The temperature and bias dependencies of the resistance confirm that transport is dominated by tunneling processes rather than by any unintended pinholes.
Legalizing Parents and Other Caregivers: A Family Immigration Policy Guided by a Public Ethic of Care

In this article, I consider the implications of an ethic of care for reforming U.S. family-based immigration admissions and waiver policies. Using an ethic of care as a starting point, I make a normative argument for extending family-based immigration benefits to the primary caregivers of resident and citizen-children. This policy reform would provide a basis for recognizing the social membership of the children of immigrants and rewarding the dependency work of their deportable parents or other primary caregivers. It would also broaden the definition of family in immigration law to encompass a wider range of caregiving relationships beyond blood and kinship relations.
Ferrosalen and Ferrosalen-Type Ligands: Structural Modulation and Applications in Asymmetric Catalysis

Several ferrosalen and ferrosalen-type ligands, 1−10, were prepared and fully characterized. The structure of one of these ligands ligated to Cu(II) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In comparison with the parent ligand 1, the two six-membered rings of ligand 2 are not aromatized and the synthesis was more facile. Diastereoisomers 3 and 4, containing substituents on the ethylene chain, were synthesized. The aromatized versions of 3 and 4, namely 5 and 6, were also prepared. Further modulation of the ethylene backbone produced ligands 7 and 8. Replacing the Cp ligands with Cp* and CpPh5 gave ligands 9 and 10, respectively. All these ligands were tested for catalytic asymmetric reactions, including the Co(III)-catalyzed carbonyl-ene reaction, Al(III)-catalyzed Strecker reaction, and Al(III)-catalyzed silylcyanation of aldehyde.
Aluminum Nanocrescent Plasmonic Antennas Fabricated by Copper Mask Nanosphere Template Lithography

Aluminum plasmonic nanocrescent antennas were fabricated over large substrate areas by incorporating a sacrificial copper layer in nanosphere template lithography (NTL). The addition of the copper mask eliminates the argon ion milling step in the NTL process that is challenging to implement for aluminum nanostructures because of the robust native oxide layer. The aluminum nanocrescents exhibit polarization-dependent localized surface plasmon responses that can be tuned from the near-infrared into the ultraviolet, a region that is difficult to access with more typically used gold and silver. Finite-difference time-domain simulations predict the observed multimodal plasmonic behavior of these aluminum structures. This simple fabrication process will facilitate the implementation of the aluminum nanocrescent antennas in long and short wavelength surface-enhanced spectroscopies, fluorescence lifetime reduction processes, and photocatalysis.
Epidemiological analysis and control measures of rabies in Guangxi

In the recent years,the number of rabies cases has decreased year by year in Guangxi,but the regions where the rabies case were reported has increased obviously.The peak season of rabies was summer and autumn.Most of patients were farmers,followed by students and scattered children.85.2% of cases were attacked by dogs,and the rate of post-exposure prophylaxis(PEP) was low.The positive rate of rabies virus of dogs in markets of Guangxi was 1.12% during 2006-2009.The main causes of high incidence of rabies in Guangxi were unsuccessful and inadequate PEP of patients and high carried rate of rabies virus in healthy dogs.The high density and low immunization of dogs in rural areas,and poor knowledge about rabies prevention were also the factors leading to high incidence of rabies in Guangxi.The effective measures for preventing and controlling rabies are strengthening the management of dogs and health education,as well as improving the rate of correct treatment after exposure and immunization coverage rate.
Liquid chromatographic determination of nicarbazin in feeds and premixes

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method has been developed for the determination of nicarbazin in premixes and poultry feed. Liquid chromatography of the 4,4'-dinitrocarbanilide (DNC) portion of nicarbazin is performed isocratically with a reverse phase octadecylsilica column and a UV detector set at 340 nm. The 2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine (HDP) portion of nicarbazin is chromatographed isocratically with a reverse phase octylsilica column and a UV detector set at 305 nm. Nicarbazin concentration can be calculated by assaying both DNC and HDP, or by assaying DNC or HDP and assuming that nicarbazin is a 1:1 molar ratio of the two. Average recoveries of DNC and HDP added to poultry feed were 101% and 87%, respectively. This procedure provides an alternative to existing colorimetric procedures for determining nicarbazin in premixes and poultry feeds.
Evaporation of a Volatile Liquid Lens on the Surface of an Immiscible Liquid.

The evaporation behavior of toluene and hexane lenses on the surface of deionized (DI) water is studied. The toluene and hexane lenses during evaporation experience an advancing stage and a receding stage. There exists a significant difference of the evaporation behavior between the toluene lenses and the hexane lenses. The lifetime and largest diameter of both the toluene and hexane lenses increase with increasing the initial volume of the lenses. For the evaporation of the toluene lenses, the lifetime and largest diameter of the lenses decrease with increasing the temperature of DI water. The effect of the residual of the oil molecules on the evaporation of toluene lenses at a temperature of 21 °C is investigated via the evaporation of a series of consecutive toluene lenses being placed on the same position of the surface of DI water. The temporal evolution of the toluene lenses placed after the first toluene lens deviates significantly from that of the first toluene lens. Significant increase of the re...
The effect of hypermethylation on the functional properties of transfer ribonucleic acid. Formation of aminoacyl-transfer-ribonucleic acid

1. The ability of chemically hypermethylated Escherichia coli B transfer RNA to accept 19 amino acids was studied and the results were compared with those obtained with a control sample of E. coli B transfer RNA incubated under similar conditions in the absence of methylating agent. 2. There is a marked decrease in the ability of the modified transfer RNA to accept amino acids in almost all instances. 3. The acceptance of cysteine appears to be unique in that it is enhanced in the hypermethylated transfer RNA. 4. More detailed studies on the kinetics of acceptance for six amino acids is presented, emphasizing the variation in response of the individual amino acids. 5. Increasing hypermethylation causes a progressive decrease in the amino acid acceptance. 6. The results are discussed in terms of methylation at functional sites within the transfer RNA and possible conformational alterations to the structure of the macromolecule.
Toward a Theory of Personality and Neurosis

THOSE WHO READ DETAILED ACCOUNTS of the trials of criminal cases are often puzzled and baffled by the rule of evidence which restrains a witness from stating conclusions based upon what he has perceived and confines him to reporting his perceptions only. The witness is expected to tell what he saw and what he heard, but his conclusions as to the meanings of these things or as to the intentions of the persons concerned in his testimony are subject to being ruled out of evidence either by the objection of opposing counsel or by the trial judge himself. The layman often finds such procedure difficult to understand, since all of us are forever coming to conclusions as to another person’s intentions when we see him act or hear him speak. But, nevertheless, there is wisdom in this rule of evidence: such conclusions are, after all, merely the opinions of those who make them and in the final analysis only the person who acted or spoke can say what his intentions were.
Simulation and Optimization of a Granular Limestone Flue Gas Desulfurization Process

This chapter presents a process simulation model developed for the Limestone Emission Control process. The process involves contacting flue gas with a densely packed, wet bed of granular limestone. The process model includes the chemistry, mass transfer, and heat transfer associated with this system along with sorbent screening and recycle steps occurring outside the scrubber. Approximate cost correlations are applied to various system components and used to drive a design optimization for four different cases corresponding to two levels of sulfur capture and two levels of sulfur content in the coal. The results indicate that this technology is best suited for high-sulfur, small-scale applications. Future experimental work should evaluate the use of larger (1/4 inch) sorbent.
Molecular simulation of CO chemisorption on Co(0001) in presence of supercritical fluid solvent: A potential of mean force study.

For several decades, heterogeneous catalytic processes have been improved through utilizing supercritical fluids (SCFs) as solvents. While numerous experimental studies have been established across a range of chemistries, such as oxidation, pyrolysis, amination, and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, still there is little fundamental, molecular-level information regarding the role of the SCF on elementary heterogeneous catalytic steps. In this study, the influence of hexane solvent on the adsorption of carbon monoxide on Co(0001), as the first step in the reaction mechanism of many processes involving syngas conversion, is probed. Simulations are performed at various bulk hexane densities, ranging from ideal gas conditions (no SCF hexane) to various near- and super-critical hexane densities. For this purpose, both density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations are employed to determine the adsorption energy and free energy change during CO chemisorption. Potential of mean force calculations, utilizi...
Bioactive 4-Oxoheptanedioic Monoamide Derivatives of Proteins and Ethanolaminephospholipids: Products of Docosahexaenoate Oxidation.

Oxidative stress causes lipid-derived oxidative modification of biomolecules that has been implicated in many pathological states. Phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids are major targets of free radical-initiated oxidation. Phospholipids that incorporate docosahexaenoate (DHA) are highly enriched in important neural structures including the brain and retina, where DHA comprises 40% and 60% of total fatty acids, respectively. Oxidative fragmentation of 2-docosahexaenoyl-1-palmityl-sn-glycerophosphocholine generates esters of 4-hydroxy-7-oxohept-5-enoic acid (HOHA) and 4-keto-7-oxohept-5-enoic acid (KOHA) with 2-lysophosphatidylcholine, HOHA-PC, and KOHA-PC. Covalent HOHA adducts that incorporate the primary amino groups of proteins and ethanolamine phospholipids in carboxyethylpyrrole (CEP) derivatives were detected immunologically with anti-CEP antibodies in human tumors, retina, and blood. Now, we generated an anti-OHdiA antibody to test the hypothesis that KOHA adducts, which incorporate ...
Lies, Damn Lies, and Fake News

The Oxford Dictionaries selected "post-truth" as the 2016 international word of the year. This is such a preposterous recognition from a heretofore august publication that I just can't allow it to pass in silence.
A quality improvement project to reduce waiting time for pediatric outpatient referral clinics in Singapore

Background:The long waiting time in our General Pediatric Clinic results in the delay in diagnosis and treatment leading to increase in morbidity and dissatisfaction rate among sick children who se...
Solid phase control of aluminium activity in an artificial plant growth medium containing hydroxy-Al-montmorillonite

Acid deposition is an environmental concern of global importance. One of the major deleterious effects of acid deposition on the lithosphere is aluminium mobilization in the soil environment and consequent aluminium toxicity to terrestrial vegetation and aquatic biota. We applied a sulfuric acid-containing nutrient solution to an artificial plant growth medium which contained Al(OH)3 precipitated on montmorillonite (interlayer-Al(OH)3). We determined pH and total concentrations of Al, Ca, Mg, K, Na, So4, Cl, NO3 and PO4 in leachate solutions and calculated the activity of Al, K, SO4 and other ions with MINTEQA1, a computer speciation program. We found that Al activity was controlled by interlayer-Al(OH)3 when 2pH + pSO4 was less than 12.7, as long as this phase was not depleted. When 2pH + pSO4 was more than 12.7, the Al activity followed a line parallel to crystalline alunite, implying an unknown Al-controlling phase of the same Al/S/K/OH ratio, but more soluble than the crystalline alunite. We propose that this unknown phase is amorphous alunite. The re-examination of several sets of published data for naturally-acidic surface and ground waters, mine waste drainage water, and solutions from acidic soils and sediments revealed that the Al activity in those solutions fell between what would be expected for equilibrium with the proposed amorphous alunite (upper limit) and the crystalline alunite (lower limit). This implies that an alunite-like aluminium sulfate may have controlled Al activity in natural environments that were influenced by sulfate and proton input from either natural or manmade causes.
The Effect of Regulation on the Timeliness and Informational Role of Earnings Announcements

This paper examines the effect of regulations (i.e., the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act and Regulation G) on both the timing of earnings announcements and their relative informational role. I find that after the regulation of earnings announcements was instituted, firms began issuing less timely earnings announcements, and those announcements have become more important for shareholders. Ceteris paribus, after the regulations, firms have disclosed their fiscal year‐end announcements more than four days later than they had prior to regulatory changes. My results are robust to sensitivity analyses that control for concurrent earnings announcement disclosures and other changes instituted by the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act. Further, I find evidence suggesting that the relative informational role of earnings announcements has increased significantly in the post‐regulation period. This study highlights a shift in both the timeliness and investor perceptions of earnings announcements spurred by the implementation of regulatory oversight, indicating a trade‐off of timeliness for relevance. L'incidence de la reglementation sur la rapidite de publication des communiques sur les resultats et leur role informationnel L'auteur etudie l'incidence de la reglementation (Loi Sarbanes‐Oxley et Reglement G) sur la rapidite de publication des communiques sur les resultats et leur role informationnel relatif. Il constate qu'apres l'instauration de la reglementation regissant les communiques sur les resultats, les societes se sont mises a publier moins rapidement leurs communiques qui ont d'autre part gagne en importance aux yeux des actionnaires. Toutes choses egales par ailleurs, apres l'adoption de la reglementation, les societes ont publie leurs resultats de fin d'exercice au‐dela de quatre jours plus tard qu'ils ne le faisaient avant les modifications reglementaires. Les resultats de l’etude resistent aux analyses de sensibilite visant a controler la publication simultanee de communiques sur les resultats et d'autres modifications apportees par la Loi Sarbanes‐Oxley. L'auteur releve en outre des donnees qui laissent croire que le role informationnel relatif des communiques sur les resultats s'est sensiblement accentue dans la periode posterieure a la reglementation. L’etude met en lumiere un changement tant dans la rapidite de publication des communiques sur les resultats que dans la perception qu'en ont les investisseurs par suite de la mise en place de la surveillance reglementaire, ce qui revele l'existence d'un arbitrage entre rapidite et pertinence.
Etics and Emics Awry: Contesting Matsumoto and Juang's Interpretation

David Matsumoto and Linda Juang’s depiction of the concepts is awry, as in, the authors identify etics as the universal aspects of psychological processes and emics as the means peoples of differing cultures implement these processes. The contention of this paper there is there has been limited success in obtaining empirical evidence to advance the idea of a universal psychology. Therefore, in considering cross-cultural comparisons, a more valuable approach is to consider the indigenous psychology of a people, as an emic approach from “bottom up” perspective to minimize an observer’s cultural bias or ethnocentricity. Whereas etics is a means to engender a universal psychology derived from cross-cultural comparisons of indigenous psychologies in an attempt to reveal psychological universals.