cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Palladium nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes from solventless preparations: versatile catalysts for ligand-free Suzuki cross coupling reactions

Palladium nanoparticles supported on single- or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Pd/SWCNT and Pd/MWCNT) were prepared by a rapid, solventless method that does not require reducing agents or electric current. The method involves a straightforward process using dry mixing of a precursor Pd salt (e.g., palladium acetate) with carbon nanotubes at ambient temperature by ball-milling (mechanochemical route) or with subsequent annealing at 300 °C (thermal route) in an inert atmosphere. The Pd/MWCNT sample with Pd nanoparticle size of 1–3 nm and uniform dispersion prepared by mechanochemical ball-milling at room temperature [designated as (Pd/MWCNT)M] displayed remarkable catalytic activity towards Suzuki cross coupling reactions with a high turn over number (TON) of 7250 and turn over frequency (TOF) of 217500 h−1. These nanoparticles were characterized by a variety of techniques including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Additionally, the (Pd/MWCNT)M sample was successfully employed in Suzuki cross coupling reactions with a wide variety of functionalized substrates.
Quantified propositions in a linguistic logic

Abstract We introduce two methodologies for interpreting quantifiers in binary logic. We then extend these interpretations to the case where the quantifiers are linguistic. We use the formalism of fuzzy subset theory to provide a framework in which to interpret linguistic quantifiers. We discuss various methodologies for measuring the cardinality of a fuzzy set including the concept of a fuzzy cardinality. Among the important questions we study in the paper is the problem of making quantified statements based upon the observation of a sample from a set of objects.
Analysis of the shoulder in brachiating spider monkeys

Adult spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi and A. paniscus) were conditioned to brachiate on a rope mill (an arboreal analogue of a treadmill). The postures and excursions of the shoulder girdle were studied by cineradiography. These data, together with conventional cinematographic and anatomical studies, permit reassessment of some characteristic structural and functional features of the shoulder in brachiators. During the propulsive phase, the shoulder joint moves caudad from fifth cervical to seventh cervical levels; at the same time, the joint moves dorsad (from a frontal plane midway between the first thoracic vertebra and the manubrium, to a frontal plane through the spinous processes) and slightly mediad. Spider monkeys position the scapula principally on the dorsum of the thorax, in contrast to quadrupedal primates which maintain a more lateral position (even in suspended postures). During brachiation, the scapula rotates a total of 35°; most of this rotation (20°) occurs in the non-propulsive phase when the free arm is being elevated to secure a new handhold. The sigmoidal shape, twisting of proximal relative to distal ends, and elongation of the clavicle in spider monkeys and other brachiators appear to be related to the specialized positioning of the shoulder girdle on the dorsum of the thorax. Shoulder and elbow movements contribute to the efficiency of the swing in terms of the dynamics of a pendulum.
Investigation of foraging habits and prey selection by humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) using acoustic tags and concurrent fish surveys

Tags containing acoustic time-depth transmitters (ATDT) were attached to four humpback whales near Kodiak, Alaska. Tags allowed for whale dive depths to be recorded in real time. Acoustic and mid-water trawl surveys were conducted concurrent with tagging efforts within the study area to quantify available fish resources and describe potential prey selection by humpback whales. Recorded dives were grouped through visual assessment and t-tests. Dives that indicated likely foraging occurred at a mean maximum depth of 106.2 m with 62% of dives occurring between 92 m and 120 m. Acoustic backscatter from fish surveys was attributed to potential humpback prey based on known target strength values and 10 net tows. Capelin comprised 84% of the total potential prey abundance in the region followed by age 0 (12%) and juvenile pollock (2%), and eulachon (<1%). Although horizontally segregated in the region, both capelin and age 0 pollock were distributed at depths exceeding 92 m with maximum abundance between 107 m and 120 m. The four-tagged humpbacks were found to forage in areas with greatest capelin densities but bypassed areas of high age 0 pollock abundance. The location and diving behavior of tagged whales suggested that whales were favoring capelin over pollock as a prey source.
Warfarin resistance in a Chicago strain of rats.

Abstract A warfarin-resistant strain of rats trapped in Chicago was studied to determine the mechanism of the warfarin resistance. The Chicago-resistant rats (CR) differ from a Welsh-resistant strain (WR) which has a vitamin K epoxide reductase that is insensitive to warfarin. The epoxide and dithioldependent quinone reductases of the CR rats were as sensitive to warfarin as the normal enzyme. Unlike the irreversible warfarin inhibition seen in normal rats, the warfarin inhibition of the epoxide reductase from the CR strain was partially reversible in vitro. In this respect, the CR rats appeared similar to a Scottish warfarin-resistant strain. The same steady-state level of warfarin (40 ng/mg protein) in liver microsomes could be achieved in normal and CR strain rats following a few days ingestion of a diet containing 50 ppm warfarin, but clearance of warfarin (l mg/kg) from the liver microsomes was more rapid in the CR strain than in normal rats, and the recovery of epoxide reductase activity and prothrombin levels was more rapid. The mechanism of warfarin resistance in the CR strain differed from the warfarin resistance mechanisms of both the Scottish- and Welsh-resistant rat strains. The combination of an increased rate of warfarin clearance and the partially reversible inhibition of the epoxide reductase would be sufficient to allow the rats to survive a limited exposure to warfarin.
Synthesis of Rhodamines from Fluoresceins Using Pd-Catalyzed C–N Cross-Coupling

A unified, convenient, and efficient strategy for the preparation of rhodamines and N,N′-diacylated rhodamines has been developed. Fluorescein ditriflates were found to undergo palladium-catalyzed C–N cross-coupling with amines, amides, carbamates, and other nitrogen nucleophiles to provide direct access to known and novel rhodamine derivatives, including fluorescent dyes, quenchers, and latent fluorophores.
Incrementally Rich Seeding Treatments in Tallgrass Prairie Restoration

Experimental plots were established in 2007 to examine relationships between seeding mixture treatments and establishment of tallgrass prairie plantings. Native grass and wildflower seed mixtures, representing four functional groups (C4 grasses, C3 grasses, nitrogen-fixing species, and late-flowering composites), were sown at five levels of richness—4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 species—in 900-m2 plots. Annually, I measured total cover, species richness, and evenness for target and non-target species. Plots seeded with 16 and 20 species achieved 100% target cover by the second year; plots seeded with 12 species had 100% target cover by the fourth year. Plots seeded with 8 or more species had less non-target cover than 4-species plots by the second year, a pattern that persisted. Target species richness of plots increased directly with treatment seeding richness, except there was no difference between the 16- and 20-species treatments in four of the years. Non-target species richness varied among treatments in five of seven years, with non-target richness highest in 4- and 8-species treatments. There were few treatment effects on target evenness; non-target evenness differed among years. The years 2011 through 2013 were drought years. There was no evidence that non-target cover or richness increased in any treatments during the drought, however, target cover was lower in the 12- and 16-species treatments in drought years relative to pre-drought (2010). The results, that establishment of prairie-like communities can be hastened by sowing more species at the outset, can inform grassland restorations in which diversity and persistence are key goals.
Canine Chronic Inflammatory Rhinitis

Chronic inflammatory rhinitis is commonly found in dogs with chronic nasal disease and is characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the nasal mucosa in the absence of an obvious etiologic process. The pathogenesis of lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis remains unknown. Animals respond poorly to antibiotics, oral glucocorticoids, and antihistamines, making primary infectious, immune-mediated, or allergic etiologies unlikely. Aberrant immune response to inhaled organisms or allergens may induce inflammation in some animals. Common clinical signs include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, epistaxis, and stertor. Diagnosis is made by performing a thorough history, physical examination, radiography or advanced imaging (via computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging), rhinoscopy, and nasal mucosal biopsy to rule out primary etiologies of nasal discharge. Treatment strategies have included various antibiotics, antihistamines, oral and inhalant steroids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatories, and antifungal medications. Some dogs may respond partially to doxycycline or azithromycin, although it is unclear whether response is related to antimicrobial or antiinflammatory properties of these drugs. Hydration of the nasal cavity through nasal drops or aerosols may limit nasal discharge, and some animals may improve with inhalant (but rarely oral) glucocorticoids.
Relationship Between Chloride Content and Blood Cerebrospinal Fluid Bromide Ratio

Conclusions(1) The determination of the bromide content of a fluid containing chlorides, by the Walter method, is influenced by the amount of chlorides in that fluid. The loss of bromides is directly proportional to the amount of chlorides. Blood serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and water are, within narrow limits, similar in this respect. (2) The determination of the bromide content by the Walter method in chloride-free fluid is reliable, the margin of error being quite limited. (3) Blood and cerebrospinal fluid containing similar quantities of chlorides would be liable to the same error, and the bromide contents obtained would be reliable for purposes of comparison. (4) For absolute reliability the technique of the Walter method should be modified as follows: a. The blood should be diluted with a NaCl solution, the strength of which is equal to that of the blood, b. The chloride contents of the blood and cerebrospinal fluid should be determined, and in computing the actual amount of bromides allowances shoul...
Double-armed McCannell suture for repair of traumatic iridodialysis.

Purpose To repair iridodialysis in a traumatized eye with minimal surgical manipulation. Method We examined a patient with traumatic iridodialysis. The separated iris obstructed the visual axis and was cosmetically disfiguring. Results At surgery we secured the iridodialysis to the anterior chamber angle by using a new technique with double-armed McCannell suture. Conclusion Compared with other procedures, this technique is simple and provides the least amount of ocular manipulation for iridodialysis repair.
Dynamics of the mental health workforce: investigating the composition of physicians and other health providers

We evaluate how changes to mental health workforce levels, composition, and degree of labor substitution, may impact typical practice output. Using a generalized Leontief production function and data from 134 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health practices, we estimate the q-complementarity/q-substitutability of mental health workers. We look at the entire spectrum of mental health services rather than just outpatient or physician office services. We also examine more labor types, including residents, than previous studies. The marginal patient care output contribution is estimated for each labor type as well as the degree to which physicians and other mental health workers may be substitutes or complements. Results indicate that numerous channels exist through which input substitution can improve productivity. Seven of eight labor and capital inputs have positive estimated marginal products. Most factor inputs exhibit diminishing marginal productivity. Of 28 unique labor-capital pairs, 17 are q-complements and 11 are q-substitutes. Complementarity among several labor types provides evidence of a team approach to mental health service provision. Our approach may serve to better inform healthcare providers regarding more productive mental health workforce composition both in and outside of VA.
Resolving conformational ambiguities in M2(hpp)4Cl2 paddlewheel compounds: M=Mo, W, Re, Ru, Os, Ir, Pd, Pt

Abstract A total of 11 crystal structures, in six different space groups of the compounds M2(hpp)4Cl2 (hpp=the anion of 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidine) with M=Mo (1), W (2), Re (3), Ru (4), Os (5), Ir (6), Pd (7), and Pt (8) have been studied with a view to seeing that ambiguities caused by disorder and difficulties in distinguishing between similar space groups are correctly resolved. The importance of this goes beyond mere crystallographic pedantry because the existence (or not) of internal torsion, the correct angle when torsion does exist, and the accuracy of bond lengths depend on correct refinement. Compounds 1–4 are isomorphous in terms of crystal space group symmetry (I4/m) and unit cell dimensions, but the molecular structure of 4 is different from the others. The internal M2N8 cores in 1, 2 and 3 are eclipsed whereas the Ru2N8 core in 4 is twisted. The twisted configuration in 4 has also lead to merohedral twinning for the dichloromethane solvate 4·4CH2Cl2 and the structure has been refined in space group I4/m instead of space group I4/mmm as reported for 2·4CH2Cl2 and 5·4CH2Cl2. Compound 6 crystallizes in tetragonal space group P4/n with the molecule residing on a crystallographic C4 symmetry position. Idealized D4 symmetry is found for 7, which crystallizes in tetragonal space group P4/nnc. It has been found that 8 can be better refined in space group I4/m instead of the published space group I422.
Constructing Uniformly Better Estimators

Abstract A new way of constructing uniformly better estimators (in the sense of minimum variance) from two independent unbiased estimators is presented. The problem of weighting estimators, when the ratio of their variances is unknown, is not straightforward. Yet this problem is particularly important in the recovery of inter-block information in balanced incomplete blocks. The theorem given in this paper suggests a simple method of constructing “better” estimators. The theorem has application in the analysis of balanced incomplete block designs; an example is given.
Form of Feedback Effects on Verb Learning and Near-Transfer Tasks by Sixth Graders.

Abstract The purposes of this study were to (a) examine the effects of two forms of feedback on learning; (b) using a recent model of instructional feedback (Kulhavy & Stock, 1989), examine how feedback would effect performance on near-transfer tests at cycle 3 of the model; and (c) implement a feedback study using the procedural task of verb recognition in the classroom with sixth-grade students. Students took an initial 24-item test on verb recognition, processed feedback in one of three forms, and then completed three post-tests. Students in the experimental feedback groups either copied sentences with the correct feedback or generated new sentences. Both feedback groups improved on post-test performance using raw scores gains and conditional probabilities of error correction. A review of individual student performance showed that over 75% of the students demonstrated meaningful improvement with additional students showing improvement. Positive gains were extended across two near-transfer post-tests. Findings from the study are discussed in relation to transfer and feedback theory.
MT1 melatonin receptor overexpression enhances the growth suppressive effect of melatonin in human breast cancer cells

Melatonin inhibits the proliferation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive (MCF-7), but not ERα-negative (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells. Here, we assessed the effect of MT1 melatonin receptor stable overexpression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells on the growth-suppressive effects of melatonin. Parental and vector-transfected MCF-7 cells demonstrated a modest, but significant, growth-suppressive response to melatonin; however, melatonin treatment of MT1-transfected MCF-7 cells resulted in significantly enhanced growth-suppression. This response was blocked by an MT1/MT2 melatonin receptor antagonist. Interestingly, MT1-overexpression did not induce a melatonin-sensitive phenotype in melatonin-insensitive MDA-MB-231 cells. Finally, Northern blot analysis demonstrated an enhanced inhibition of ERα mRNA expression and an enhanced induction of pancreatic spasmolytic polypeptide (pS2) by melatonin in MT1-transfected MCF-7 cells relative to vector-transfected MCF-7 cells. These data suggest the involvement of the MT1 melatonin receptor in mediation of melatonin effects on growth-suppression and gene-modulation in breast cancer cells.
Structure-activity function for binding and signaling in CHO-K1 and COS-7 cells expressing the cholecystokinin A receptor.

Abstract Key amino acids of the cholecystokinin (CCK) peptide for receptor binding are sulfated Y27, W30, D32, and F33-NH2. Three-dimensional modeling showed that the CCK-A receptor (CCK-AR) antagonist devazepide penetrated into the transmembrane (TM) domains, whereas CCK was placed on the surface of the CCK-AR. Four types of rat CCK-AR cDNAs were transfected into CHO-K1 and COS-7 cells: normal CCK-AR cDNA transfected cells (wild type, WT); K120 substituted with V; K130V; and R352V. Binding of [3H]CCK-8 was observed in WT and K130V, but not in K120V and R352V. CCK caused Ca2+ spiking in WT and K130V, whereas K120V and R352V had no effect. Three chimeras including the CCK-AR/3iβ2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR), 3Niβ2AR, and 3Ciβ2AR were constructed. Two groups of point mutations in the CCK-AR3i were also made: Y252V, S274V, S281V, and S289V (non-phospho-acceptor Y or S); S260V, S264V, S271V, and S275V (phospho-acceptor S). WT and CCK-AR/3Ciβ2AR increased [Ca2+]i in response to CCK; 3Niβ2AR was vice versa. CCK failed to increase [IP3] in phospho-acceptor S to V without affecting binding. Non-phospho-acceptor S or Y to V showed normal response. Thus, Lys120 outside the TM2 and Arg352 outside the TM6 of the CCK-AR are amino acids interacting with Tyr[SO3H]27 and Asp32 of the CCK peptide for binding. Phospho-acceptor Ser groups in the CCK-AR 3Ni are amino acids for initiating cell signaling.
A statistical thermodynamic supermolecule-continuum study of ion hydration: Cell and shell methods

A theoretical study of ion hydration using the statistical thermodynamic supermolecule-continuum method is described. The cell and shell methods are used for configurational averaging. Enthalpies, free energies and entropies are calculated for Li+, Na+, K+, F− and Cl− each four coordinated with water. The results are in reasonable accord with experiment. A comparison of the site method, cell method and shell method results is presented. The supermolecule-continuum approach to solvent effects seems to be capable of accommodating essential features for the calculation of solvation energy and solvent effects on structure and properties.
Response suppression in normal and septal rats.

Abstract After 11 days of lever press training on a variable interval 30 sec schedule, separate groups of septal and normal rats were exposed for 10 days to one of two response-suppression procedures; extinction or differential reinforcement of other behaviors. Both procedures were effective in suppressing responding, with the septal rats taking longer to reach the suppression asymptote than did the normals. All rats then received 5 days of non-contingent food presentation. Under these conditions responding recovered to a much greater degree in rats previously given extinction than in those given DRO. Further, septal rats given extinction showed more recovery than did normals given extinction.
Model Checking Autonomous Planners: Even the B est L aid P lans M ust be V erified

Automated planning systems (APS) are gaining acceptance for use on NASA missions as evidenced by APS flown on missions such as Earth Orbiter 1 and Deep Space 1, both of which were commanded by onboard planning systems. The planning system takes high level goals and expands them onboard into a detailed plan of action that the spacecraft executes. The system must be verified to ensure that the automatically generated plans achieve the goals as expected and do not generate actions that would harm the spacecraft or mission. These systems are typically tested using empirical methods. Formal methods, such as model checking, offer exhaustive or measurable test coverage which leads to much greater confidence in correctness. This paper describes a formal method based on the SPIN model checker. This method guarantees that possible plans meet certain desirable properties. We express the input model in Promela, the language of SPIN (Holzmann, 1997 and Holzmann, 2003) and express the properties of desirable plans formally. The Promela model is then checked by SPIN to see if it contains violations of the properties, which are reported as errors. We have applied this approach to an APS and found a defect
Quark mixing in weak interactions

The status of the quark mixing in weak interaction is reviewed. The 3×3 quark mixing matrix for the three left-handed doublet model is analyzed using various experimental information involving strange, charmed, and b-flavored particles. Its interplay with nonleptonic decays, implication on neutral particle-antiparticle mixing and CP violation in heavy quark systems, and the possible origin of the quark mixing from quark mass matrix are discussed. Finally we briefly review the status of alternative sources for CP violation, and alternative models to the three left-hand quark doublet model.
Microstructure of Suspension Plasma Spray and Air Plasma Spray Al2O3-ZrO2 Composite Coatings

Al2O3-ZrO2 coatings were deposited by the suspension plasma spray (SPS) molecularly mixed amorphous powder and the conventional air plasma spray (APS) Al2O3-ZrO2 crystalline powder. The amorphous powder was produced by heat treatment of molecularly mixed chemical solution precursors below their crystallization temperatures. Phase composition and microstructure of the as-synthesized and heat-treated SPS and APS coatings were characterized by XRD and SEM. XRD analysis shows that the as-sprayed SPS coating is composed of α-Al2O3 and tetragonal ZrO2 phases, while the as-sprayed APS coating consists of tetragonal ZrO2, α-Al2O3, and γ-Al2O3 phases. Microstructure characterization revealed that the Al2O3 and ZrO2 phase distribution in SPS coatings is much more homogeneous than that of APS coatings.
Comparative functional genomics analysis of NNK tobacco-carcinogen induced lung adenocarcinoma development in Gprc5a-knockout mice

Background Improved understanding of lung cancer development and progression, including insights from studies of animal models, are needed to combat this fatal disease. Previously, we found that mice with a knockout (KO) of G-protein coupled receptor 5A (Gprc5a) develop lung tumors after a long latent period (12 to 24 months). Methodology/Principal Findings To determine whether a tobacco carcinogen will enhance tumorigenesis in this model, we administered 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) i.p. to 2-months old Gprc5a-KO mice and sacrificed groups (n = 5) of mice at 6, 9, 12, and 18 months later. Compared to control Gprc5a-KO mice, NNK-treated mice developed lung tumors at least 6 months earlier, exhibited 2- to 4-fold increased tumor incidence and multiplicity, and showed a dramatic increase in lesion size. A gene expression signature, NNK-ADC, of differentially expressed genes derived by transcriptome analysis of epithelial cell lines from normal lungs of Gprc5a-KO mice and from NNK-induced adenocarcinoma was highly similar to differential expression patterns observed between normal and tumorigenic human lung cells. The NNK-ADC expression signature also separated both mouse and human adenocarcinomas from adjacent normal lung tissues based on publicly available microarray datasets. A key feature of the signature, up-regulation of Ube2c, Mcm2, and Fen1, was validated in mouse normal lung and adenocarcinoma tissues and cells by immunohistochemistry and western blotting, respectively. Conclusions/Significance Our findings demonstrate that lung tumorigenesis in the Gprc5a-KO mouse model is augmented by NNK and that gene expression changes induced by tobacco carcinogen(s) may be conserved between mouse and human lung epithelial cells. Further experimentation to prove the reliability of the Gprc5a knockout mouse model for the study of tobacco-induced lung carcinogenesis is warranted.
Facile in Situ Silver Nanoparticle Formation in Insulating Porous Polymer Matrices

The in situ formation of well-dispersed silver nanoparticles in an insulating polymer matrix is reported. Poly(aryl ether)s (PAEs) incorporating an oxadiazole moiety were synthesized, and they demonstrated selective interaction with silver ions. Polymer−ion thin films were easily spin cast and exposed to hydrazine vapors in order to induce metal nucleation. Introducing a triptycene monomer into the polymer backbone resulted in a highly porous matrix and prevented nanoparticle aggregation. This provides a generalized approach to the facile preparation of well-dispersed metal nanoparticle embedded thin films.
The IBM large-systems software development process: objectives and direction

This paper introduces a special issue of the IBM Systems Journal on the IBM large-systems software development process. The issue provides an overview of the subject and a summary of the key principles of the IBM software quality and productivity efforts in large-scale systems programming. The major topics addressed in this issue are the software development process, software development tools and methodologies, quality and productivity measurements, and programmer education.
Thermally activated phase slippage in high-Tc grain-boundary Josephson junctions.

The effect of thermally activated phase slippage (TAPS) in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ grain-boundary Josephson junctions has been studied. TAPS has been found to be responsible for the dc noise voltage superimposed on the dc Josephson current near the transition temperature. Because of the reduced Josephson coupling energy of the grain-boundary junctions, which is caused by a reduced superconducting order parameter at the grain-boundary interface, TAPS is present over a considerable temperature range. The implications of TAPS on the applicability of high-${\mathrm{T}}_{\mathrm{c}}$ Josephson junctions are outlined.
Evaluating Healing of Allograft Tissues in the Shoulder—Cartilage and Bone

Glenohumeral bone loss and articular defects are often treated by using osseous or osteoarticular allografts. These aid in glenohumeral joint stability and in reconstruction of the native articular surface. Grafts include those such as iliac crest, coracoid, distal tibia, femoral head, or humeral head, depending on the specific surgical pathology. Articular grafts can be further subdivided into viable or nonviable sources. The outcome of grafts that are implemented for stability could be subject to osteolysis, which may portend a poor clinical outcome and recurrent instability. Similarly, grafts required for reconstruction of the articular surface may undergo avascular necrosis, nonunion, and collapse, rendering them useless. The status of these grafts is best assessed with postoperative imaging modalities, which range from plain film radiography to 3-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature regarding the rate of graft resorption, integration, collapse, and union for each of the grafts mentioned using postoperative imaging.
Chemical Understanding of Friction Polymer Based Tribo-Chemical Films Derived From Nanolubricant

MoS2 multi-component nanolubrication system showed significant friction and wear reduction (more than 30% in friction reduction and 50% in wear reduction) in sliding steel surfaces, especially under mixed and boundary lubrication conditions [1–3]. It is believed that the formation of tribofilms in MoS2 multi-component nanolubrication system under different lubrication regimes is the primary reason for reduced friction and wear. To investigate the in-depth science of the tribo-chemical interface formed by MoS2 multicomponent nanolubrication system, it is necessary to study the chemical states of tribofilm during its evolution (generation ↔ regeneration) process at tribo-interfaces. Tribofilms from various lubrication regimes were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Raman microscope, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques to study the morphology, chemical composition, elemental distribution, and chemical bonding of tribo-chemical surface, respectively. Besides the evolution process, the characterization of tribofilms also reveals the possibility of forming new meta-stable phases (chemical compounds) after tribological testing. Patchy tribofilms and progressive tribofilms have been observed from the SEM analysis and the EDX results showed existence of Mo-S-P as the composition of tribo-chemical films. The Raman spectroscopy analysis of tribofilms showed significant difference (such as formation of poly-molybdates) in chemical information of nanolubricants and tribofilms, which is an indication of the formation of friction polymer [4–5]. Additionally, phosphates and oxides, acting as components of surface protecting layer of tribofilms, have been found on surface by XPS technique. Moreover, MoS2 nanoparticles are found to navigate into surface asperities to protect the contacting surfaces. The results (information about the chemical states of the tribofilm) obtained from different characterization techniques can be used to explain the mechanism of friction and wear reduction associated with MoS2 multi-component nanolubrication system that has been reported in the literature.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Doth the lady protest too much? Pre-service teachers and the experience of dissonance as a catalyst for development

Abstract This paper presents findings from an ethnographic study of beginning pre-service teachers enrolled in a large U.S. teacher preparation program (N = 34). Discussion focuses on participants' identity development as examined through the lens of the stories they learn and tell during and about their initial experiences of becoming teachers. Specifically, the analyses suggest that dissonance may play an important catalytic role in pre-service teacher identity development among the study participants. The stories participants tell illuminate their negotiations of conflicting stories about teaching, teachers work and themselves and inform a tentative theoretical model of identity development. The implications for teacher educators include immediate programmatic concerns as well as issues potentially related to teacher attrition.
The effects of various nutrients on extracellular peroxidases and acid-precipitable polymeric lignin production by Streptomyces chromofuscus A2 and S. viridosporus T7A

The relationships between growth, medium pH, assimilation of glucose and amino acids, presence or absence of lignocellulose in the medium, lignin solubilization, and the appearance of extracellular peroxidase activity were compared for two lignin-solubilizing actinomycetes, Streptomyces chromofuscus A2 and S. viridosporus T7A. In a mineral salt medium containing yeast extract and three amino acids S. chromofuscus A2 grew faster than S. viridosporus T7A. When d-glucose was added to this medium, it was used in preference to the amino acids, the assimilation of which was delayed. Extracellular peroxidase activity peaked during the stationary phase, and glucose supplementation delayed peroxidase production. The eventual peak in peroxidase activity was higher in glucose-containing medium than in medium without glucose. Supplementation of the medium with lignocellulose did not affect either the level or time of appearance of extracellular peroxidase. However, lignin solubilization in lignocellulose-supplemented medium correlated positively with peroxidase activity: both increased after the cells entered the stationary phase. Supplementation of lignocellulose-containing medium with glucose delayed peroxidase production and lignin solubilization until the glucose had been assimilated. With S. viridosporus T7A, addition of d-glucose to the standard medium affected amino acid assimilation differently from S. chromofuscus A2. Glucose was consumed concomitantly with the amino acids. In the medium supplemented with lignocellulose, peroxidase activity and lignin solubilization correlated as they did for S. chromofuscus A2. A correlation of unknown significance was observed between the peroxidase activities of both strains and increasing medium pH. S. chromofuscus A2 produced more peroxidase and solubilized more lignin from lignocellulose than did S. viridosporus T7A. Overall, these findings show that extracellular peroxidases of both Streptomyces ssp. appear extracellularly primarily after cells cease growing and nutrients have been depleted from the medium. Also, increasing extracellular peroxidase activity and rates of lignin solubilization in both organisms are correlated and subject to glucose repression. These results point to the involvement of stationary-phase active peroxidases in the Streptomyces-catalyzed solubilization of lignin.
The human impact of tropical cyclones: a historical review of events 1980-2009 and systematic literature review

Background. Cyclones have significantly affected populations in Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, and the Americas over the past quarter of a century. Future vulnerability to cyclones will increase due to factors including population growth, urbanization, increasing coastal settlement, and global warming. The objectives of this review were to describe the impact of cyclones on human populations in terms of mortality, injury, and displacement and, to the extent possible, identify risk factors associated with these outcomes. This is one of five reviews on the human impact of natural disasters. Methods. Data on the impact of cyclones were compiled using two methods, a historical review from 1980 to 2009 of cyclone events from multiple databases and a systematic literature review of publications ending in October 2012. Analysis included descriptive statistics and bivariate tests for associations between cyclone characteristics and mortality using Stata 11.0. Findings. There were 412,644 deaths, 290,654 injured, and 466.1 million people affected by cyclones between 1980 and 2009, and the mortality and injury burden was concentrated in less developed nations of Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Inconsistent reporting suggests this is an underestimate, particularly in terms of the injured and affected populations. The primary cause of cyclone-related mortality is drowning; in developed countries male gender was associated with increased mortality risk, whereas females experienced higher mortality in less developed countries. Conclusions. Additional attention to preparedness and early warning, particularly in Asia, can lessen the impact of future cyclones.
A calibrated source of N2O5

Abstract A calibrated source of N2O5 was developed for use in evaluating instruments designed to measure reactive odd-nitrogen species in the atmosphere. The desirable features of the source are the output of a very low mixing ratio of N2O5, the measurement of total reactive nitrogen NOy in the source output, and the use of commercially-available detection and calibration equipment. N2O5 was derived from a solid crystalline sample at 192 K. Mixing ratios of N2O5 less than 2 ppmv (parts per million by volume) were produced in a small flow (
Iterative histogram modification of gray images

We develop an iterated histogram modification algorithm for enhancing gray images. The modified image has very few gray levels corresponding to the spikes found. A process of sharpening the peaks on the histogram of an image is considered using an iterative process where large bins increase at the expense of nearby smaller bins. >
Effect of task variables and their interactions in lifting and lowering loads.

An experiment was designed to study the effect of several task variables on the metabolic energy expenditure and heart rate of individuals performing lifting and lowering tasks. The task variables studied were: load of lift (lower), frequency of lift (lower), height of lift (lower), presence or absence of handles, container height, container width (in the frontal plane) and container length (in the sagittal plane). Four male subjects participated in the experiment. Their oxygen uptake and heart rate were monitored. Various strength measurements were made on the subjects before their participation in the study and after the study was over. The data were analyzed separately for lifting and lowering, using the analysis of variance. Container height did not affect the metabolic energy expenditure or heart rate of the subjects for lifting or lowering activities. Presence or absence of handles did not cause a significant change (a≥.10) in the physiological responses for lowering tasks. All other task variable e...
Effect of Indomethacin on Changes of Acute Ureteral Pressure Elevation in the Dog

The effects of indomethacin on hemodynamic and excretory alterations produced by acute ureteral obstruction were investigated in anesthetized dogs by means of radiolabeled microspheres and clearance techniques. Renal blood flow in untreated animals increased by 40 ± 12% with acute ureteral pressure elevation in comparison to the contralateral unobstructed kidney. This increase was only 7 ± 3% (p
Test-driven learning in high school computer science

Test-driven development (TDD) is an accepted practice in the software development industry. Although computer science teaching programs have been slower to adopt test-driven practices, test-driven learning has been used in a number of universities with generally positive results. The use of test-driven learning at the high school level is less studied. We introduce and assess the benefits of using test-driven learning in a high school Advanced Placement (AP) computer science course. This course is a strong candidate for the introduction of TDD. The Java language used in AP computer science is well-supported by TDD tools, and the concepts of TDD show promise in helping students develop the ability to analyze problem statements and develop programs. Preliminary results indicate that students respond well to the use of TDD tools to complement other teaching techniques in AP CS.
Edge-to-edge measurement-based distributed network monitoring

Continuous monitoring of a network domain poses several challenges. First, routers of a network domain need to be polled periodically to collect statistics about delay, loss, and bandwidth. Second, this huge amount of data has to be mined to obtain useful monitoring information. This increases the overhead for high speed core routers, and restricts the monitoring process from scaling to a large number of flows. To achieve scalability, polling and measurements that involve core routers should be avoided. We design and evaluate a distributed monitoring scheme that uses only edge-to-edge measurements, and scales well to large network domains. In our scheme, all edge routers form an overlay network with their neighboring edge routers. The network is probed intelligently from nodes in the overlay to detect congestion in both directions of a link. The proposed scheme involves only edge routers, and requires significantly fewer number of probes than existing monitoring schemes. Through analytic study and a series of experiments, we show that the proposed scheme can effectively identify the congested links. The congested links are used to capture the misbehaving flows that are violating their service level agreements, or attacking the domain by injecting excessive traffic.
Robotic manipulators with remotely-actuated joints: implementation using drive-shafts and u-joints

A popular configuration for the actuation of robotic manipulators with articulated joints is to have motors directly attached to the joints. This approach does not involve any transmission elements between the actuators and the joints and it is advantageous in many respects. However, in certain cases this configuration may not be appropriate and manipulators with remotely-actuated joints may be desirable. In this article different alternatives for the implementation of remote actuation would be discussed and a case study would be presented relevant to a robotic arm, which was designed to operate inside a closed cylindrical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner for the performance of image-guided interventions. The transfer of motion to the articulated joints of the arm was implemented using drive shafts and universal joints (u-joints). Experimental testing of the arm highlights issues relevant to remote actuation
Timing of surgery for enterovesical fistula in Crohn's disease: decision analysis using a time-dependent compartment model.

Objectives: Previous decision analyses of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have used decision trees and Markov chains. Occasionally IBD patients present with medical problems that are difficult or even impossible to phrase in terms of such established decision tools. This article aims to introduce modeling by a time-dependent compartment model and demonstrate its feasibility for decision analysis in IBD. Methods: A Crohn's disease patient presented with a pelvic abscess and an enterovesical fistula. Being hesitant to operate in an acutely inflamed area, the surgeon recommended that the patient continue antibiotic therapy until the abscess had resolved. The gastroenterologist argued that the patient had already been treated with antibiotics for a prolonged time period and expressed concern that the patient's overall diminished health status would deteriorate by further delay of surgery. The occurrence of fistula, abscess, urinary tract infection, antibiotic therapy, surgical operation, and health-related quality of life were modeled as separate compartments, with time-dependent relationships among them. The simulation was carried out on an Excel spreadsheet. Results: In the model, the surgeon's predictions were associated with rapid resolution of the pelvic abscess under antibiotic therapy and improvement of the patient's health status. The gastroenterologist's predictions resulted in a smaller decline in abscess size and further deterioration of the patient's health while waiting for a definitive treatment. The disagreement between surgery and gastroenterology arose from predicting different time courses for the individual disease events, in essence, from assigning different time constants to the time-dependent influences of the disease model. Conclusions: The compartment model provides a simple and generally applicable method to assess time dependent-changes of a complex disease. The present analysis also serves to illustrate the usefulness of such models in simulating disease behavior.
ScienceSifter: facilitating activity awareness in collaborative research groups through focused information feeds

As the amount of scientific information available to researchers increases, the challenge of sifting through the information to find what is truly important to their work increases, as well. In this paper we describe ScienceSifter, a tool that addresses this challenge by enabling groups of researchers and channel editors to create and customize information feeds. Using ScienceSifter, users can combine several information feeds, then filter them by keywords to create a focused information feed. They can view the feed in a shared information space in the form of a list, a list with descriptions, or a hyberbolic tree visualization, and they can save items to a shared list. Thus ScienceSifter can reduce the amount of time researchers spend finding and sharing information. It can facilitate shared intellectual activity and activity awareness among the members of the group
Fluorine end-capped optical fibers for photosensitizer release and singlet oxygen production.

The usefulness of a fiber optic technique for generating singlet oxygen and releasing the pheophorbide photosensitizer has been increased by the fluorination of the porous Vycor glass tip. Singlet oxygen emerges through the fiber tip with 669-nm light and oxygen, releasing the sensitizer molecules upon a (2 + 2) addition of singlet oxygen with the ethene spacer and scission of a dioxetane intermediate. Switching from a nonfluorinated to a fluorinated glass tip led to a clear reduction of the adsorbtive affinity of the departing sensitizer with improved release into homogeneous toluene solution and bovine tissue, but no difference was found in water since the sensitizer was insoluble. High surface coverage of the nonafluorohexylsilane enhanced the cleavage efficiency by 15% at the ethene site. The fluorosilane groups also caused crowding and seemed to reduce access of 1 O2 to the ethene site, which attenuated the total quenching rate constant kT, although there was less wasted 1 O2 (from surface physical quenching) at the fluorosilane-coated than the native SiOH silica. The observations support a quenching mechanism that the replacement of the SiOH groups for the fluorosilane C−H and C−F groups enhanced the 1 O2 lifetime at the fiber tip interface due to less efficient electronic-to-vibronic energy transfer.
When boundaries are crossed: Evaluating language attrition data from two perspectives

This study provides an account for a long-term selective loss of L1 (Russian) morpho-syntactic and content components in early immigrants to the U.S. The analysis of naturally occurring data is carried out from the perspective of two theoretical approaches – three models developed within language contact (Myers-Scotton 2002, 2005) and the Activation Threshold hypothesis as a component of a neurolinguistic approach to bilingualism (Paradis, 2004, 2007). The results show that the language contact approach is useful in identifying morpheme types that are most vulnerable to attrition. The second approach helps explain the differential rate of loss of content morphemes in a variety of topics and account for variability in the rate of attrition of late system morphemes through frequency factors. The study demonstrates that by crossing the boundaries of one theory and one view of language researchers can achieve a stronger explanatory power and identify the common and complementary features that both models provide.
An individually rational, budget-balanced mechanism that implements in Nash equilibria the solution of the unicast service provisioning problem

We consider the decentralized bandwidth/rate allocation problem in unicast service provisioning with strategic users. We present a mechanism/game form that has the following desirable features. (1) It implements in Nash equilibria the solution of the corresponding centralized rate allocation problem in unicast service provisioning. (2) It is individually rational. (3) It is budget-balanced at all Nash equilibria of the game induced by the mechanism/game form as well as off equilibrium. When the utilities of the users are quasi-concave the mechanism possesses properties (2) and (3) stated above. Moreover, every Nash equilibrium of the game induced by the proposed mechanism results in a Walrasian equilibrium. We provide an intuitive interpretation of the mechanism, and discuss problems that need further investigation.