cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Employing extant stable carbon isotope data in Gulf of Mexico sedimentary organic matter for oil spill studies

Abstract We have compiled and mapped available carbon isotope data from sedimentary organic material sampled from the Gulf of Mexico prior to 2010. These data provide a baseline to which any changes in the Gulf of Mexico after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill can be compared. The mean (±1σ) δ13C values, relative to PDB, are −21.4±1.9‰ (entire Gulf of Mexico), −21.7±1.2‰ (shelf sediments), −20.4±1.6‰ (deepwater sediments), and −25.2±4.1‰ (seep-affected sediments). We compare pre-spill mean δ13C values to carbon isotope measurements of sedimentary organic material from coretop samples collected after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The differences between the mean compiled δ13C values and the post-spill δ13C values are corroborated by qualitative relationships with the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a proxy for oil contamination, in the sediment. The relationships between δ13C of the sedimentary organic material and PAH concentrations allow estimation of background levels of PAHs on the shelf and in the deep Gulf of Mexico. Higher background levels of PAH on the shelf likely relate to Mississippi River outflow and its deposition of petrogenic PAH in riverine sediments.
Direct measurement of the vibrational predissociation lifetime of NeBr2 in the ground electronic state

Abstract The vibrational predissociation lifetime of NeBr 2 in the ground electronic state with one vibrational quantum in the halogen stretch was measured directly in a free jet expansion. NeBr 2 (X, ν = 1) was detected by optical-optical double resonance to monitor the population as a function of distance from the nozzle to the laser interaction region. The vibrational predissociation lifetime for NeBr 2 (X, ν = 1) was determined to be 8 ± 3 μs.
Effect of Diets Containing Sucrose vs. D‐tagatose in Hypercholesterolemic Mice

Effects of functional sweeteners on the development of the metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis are unknown. The objective was to compare the effect of dietary carbohydrate in the form of sucrose (SUCR) to D-tagatose (TAG; an isomer of fructose currently used as a low-calorie sweetener) on body weight, blood cholesterol concentrations, hyperglycemia, and atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient (LDLr−/−) mice. LDLr−/− male and female mice were fed either standard murine diet or a diet enriched with TAG or SUCR as carbohydrate sources for 16 weeks. TAG and SUCR diets contained equivalent amounts (g/kg) of protein, fat, and carbohydrate. We measured food intake, body weight, adipocyte diameter, serum cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations, and aortic atherosclerosis. Macrophage immunostaining and collagen content were examined in aortic root lesions. CONTROL and TAG-fed mice exhibited similar energy intake, body weights and blood glucose and insulin concentrations, but SUCR-fed mice exhibited increased energy intake and became obese and hyperglycemic. Adipocyte diameter increased in female SUCR-fed mice compared to TAG and CONTROL. Male and female SUCR-fed mice had increased serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations compared to TAG and CONTROL. Atherosclerosis was increased in SUCR-fed mice of both genders compared to TAG and CONTROL. Lesions from SUCR-fed mice exhibited pronounced macrophage immunostaining and reductions in collagen content compared to TAG and CONTROL mice. These results demonstrate that in comparison to sucrose, equivalent substitution of TAG as dietary carbohydrate does not result in the same extent of obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis.
Bioadhesive polymers as platforms for oral-controlled drug delivery: method to study bioadhesion

Abstract To overcome the relatively short gastrointestinal time and improve localization for oral-controlled or sustained-release drug delivery systems, it is suggested that bioadhesive polymers which adhere to the mucin/epithelial surface will be effective and lead to significant improvements in oral drug delivery. Improvements would also be expected for other mucus-covered sites of drug administration. To examine a large number of polymers as to their bioadhesive potential and to derive meaningful information on the structural requirements for bioadhesion a new, simple experimental technique that can quantitatively measure bioadhesive properties of various polymers has been developed. The technique consists of labeling the lipid bilayer of cultured human conjunctival epithelial cells with the fluorescent probe pyrene. Addition of polymers to this substrate surface compresses the lipid bilayer causing a change in fluorescence as compared to control cells. The fluorescent probe, pyrene, provides information on membrane viscosity, which is proportional to polymer binding. In addition to the use of pyrene, membrane proteins were labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate, and depolarization of probelabeled proteins was measured before and after polymer treatment. By using these fluorescent probes, it was possible to compare charge sign, charge type and density, and backbone structure as to their influence on polymer adhesion. Preliminary comments on structural features for polymer binding are that highly charged carboxylated polyanions are good potential bioadhesives for drug delivery.
Pottsville Alluvial Plain Coals in Northern West Virginia: ABSTRACT

In upper Pottsville strata (Pennsylvanian) in the central Appalachians, dominant facies are alluvial-plain sandstones. Flood-plain shales and siltstones intercalated with these sandstones contain numerous coal beds. The coals are laterally discontinuous, but locally thick and may be of interest in continuing development of coal resources of the region. Geometry of coal beds is facies-controlled and in many places may be predicted through interpretations of positions, trends, and geometries of associated facies components. In a study area covering the Philippi and Weston 15-minute quadrangles in north-central West Virginia, Pottsville strata can be subdivided into (1) a lower interval (average thickness in range of 50-60 m) with relatively lower-energy, mixed-load, coal-poor, alluvial-plain deposits, and (2) an upper interval (average thickness in range of 80 to 100 m) with higher-energy, bed-load, alluvial plain deposits with numerous coal beds, commonly at depths less than 300 m. Lower Pottsville strata in the study area contain multistoried sandstone units that occur in belts averaging 6 to 8 km in width. Individual sandstone units are up to 15 m thick and typically include one or more channel-fill sandstone bodies averaging 6 m thick, as interpreted from geophysical logs. In upper Pottsville strata ultistoried sandstone units occur in belts averaging 8 to 10 km in width. Individual sandstone units are up to 120 ft (36 m) thick, typically containing one or more channel-fill units averaging 8 m thick. Coal beds up to 2 m thick (as interpreted from geophysical logs) intertongue with or terminate against sandstone units. Coals record deposition in flood-basin environments. Coal thickness may be related partly to variable channel positions, differential compaction, and the interaction of regional subsidence and supply of clastics. Future economic development of such coal units should be carefully keyed to an understanding of facies relations. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1288------------
Substance Abuse among Aging Baby Boomers: Health and Treatment Implications

This paper highlights a looming crisis that will soon significantly impact the health of many older Americans: substance abuse among aging baby boomers. It first outlines what is known both about t...
Size of stimulus set and response latency in visual search

The effect of stimulus set size was studied in a visual search task called “matching-to-sample.” Ss’ task was to locate a predetermined “matching” stimulus in a display of similar stimuli. It was found that increasing the number of different stimuli seen on previous trials, while holding display size constant, increased reaction time (RT) to identical displays. This result is discussed in relation to feature-testing models of stimulus processing.
Search for charge-density waves in a single crystal of potassium

We have searched for charge-density-wave (CDW) satellites in a single crystal of potassium at 10 K using synchrotron x rays. The satellite positions reported by Giebultowicz, Overhauser, and Werner were studied at a sensitivity of 10/sup -7/ of the (110) Bragg peak. No CDW satellites were observed, thereby setting an upper limit on the combination of width and intensity within the reciprocal space probed in this study.
Influences of eolian and pedogenic processes on the origin and evolution of desert pavements

Well-developed desert pavements are present above eolian deposits that mantle flows of the Cima volcanic field, located in the Mojave Desert, California. Soil-stratigraphic data and geochemical data demonstrate that eolian and pedogenic processes play major roles in the evolution of these pavements. Eolian dust (1) accelerates mechanical fragmentation of flow rock, providing the source material for pavements, and (2) accumulates slowly below basaltic colluvium in flow depressions, eventually promoting development of cumulate soils below the evolving stone pavement. An increase in dust flux during the Holocene has raised ancient Pleistocene pavements as much as 20 cm above the former land surface. The results of our studies demonstrate for the first time that most desert pavements do not form by deflation, by overland flow, or by upward migration of stones through a slowly formed, clayey argillic horizon. Desert pavements are born and maintained at the surface.
Computer-Based Visualization and Manipulation of Orbit Warps in the Zero Gradient Synchrotron (ZGS)

The low energy orbit warps in the ZGS are corrected by eight current-regulated single-turn kicker windings. The currents regulated in these coils can be set individually by the operators through a central digital control system. Since large first harmonic warps are produced by small current changes in single coils, blind, individual adjustment of the eight currents is seldom productive. This paper describes a computer program and interactive graphic display system which allow accelerator operators to visualize the effects of single or multiple kicker coil current changes. The display provides numeric as well as graphic representation of the orbit warp produced. Localized orbit bumps can be inserted by specifying location and size. The program can be used for offline visualization purposes only, or optionally the desired currents can be introduced immediately by the computer.
A hierarchical approach for sparse source Blind Signal Separation problem

In this paper, a Blind Signal Separation (BSS) problem is considered: given [email protected]?R^m^x^N, BSS problem is to find [email protected]?R^m^x^n and [email protected]?R^n^x^N, where the matrices are related as X=AS. We have reviewed the sufficient conditions on the structure of X, A and S in terms of sparseness conditions on S, such that the equation X=AS can be solved uniquely (up to permutation and scalability). A hierarchical 0-1 MIP is proposed to solve the problem. Probabilistically, we have shown that every subsequent level of hierarchical MIP will be easier to solve than the precedent level of MIP. Moreover, we have presented case studies that illustrate the performance of proposed solution approach for correlated sparse sources.
Distortion of Protein Receptor Decreases the Lifetime of Receptor-ligand Bond

Ligand competition assay is often used in single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) to test the specificity of binding. We have noticed that in the SMFS measurements that utilize biotin tethered to the tip of an atomic force microscope and streptavidin bound to the surface, addition of ∼1mM of free biotin in solution does not completely eliminate binding events as detected by SMFS. We hypothesize that the compressive force applied to the streptavidin-biotin complex on the substrate during the measurements shortens the bond lifetime. We have tested this hypothesis by performing a series of measurements with different maximum compressive force applied to the surface. These measurements indicate that the compressive force affects the number of interactions measured in the presence of free biotin. The measured dependence agrees with the model that takes into account the increase of the tip-surface contact area with an increase of the maximum applied force. These results indicate that for SMFS to be used as a competition assays, shortening of a lifetime of the receptor-ligand bond by compressive force should be considered.
Linear estimation of self-similar processes via Lamperti's transformation

Lamperti's transformation, an isometry between self-similar and stationary processes, is used to solve some problems of linear estimation of continuous-time, self-similar processes. These problems include causal whitening and innovations representations on the positive real line, as well as prediction from certain finite and semi-infinite intervals. The method is applied to the specific case of fractional Brownian motion (FBM), yielding alternate derivations of known prediction results, along with some novel whitening and interpolation formulae. Some associated insights into the problem of discrete prediction are also explored. Closed-form expressions for the spectra and spectral factorization of the stationary processes associated with the FBM are obtained as part of this development.
Effect of Noise on DNA Sequencing via Transverse Electronic Transport

Previous theoretical studies have shown that measuring the transverse current across DNA strands while they translocate through a nanopore or channel may provide a statistically distinguishable signature of the DNA bases, and may thus allow for rapid DNA sequencing. However, fluctuations of the environment, such as ionic and DNA motion, introduce important scattering processes that may affect the viability of this approach to sequencing. To understand this issue, we have analyzed a simple model that captures the role of this complex environment in electronic dephasing and its ability to remove charge carriers from current-carrying states. We find that these effects do not strongly influence the current distributions due to the off-resonant nature of tunneling through the nucleotides—a result we expect to be a common feature of transport in molecular junctions. In particular, only large scattering strengths, as compared to the energetic gap between the molecular states and the Fermi level, significantly alter the form of the current distributions. Since this gap itself is quite large, the current distributions remain protected from this type of noise, further supporting the possibility of using transverse electronic transport measurements for DNA sequencing.
Using the Internet to investigate consumer choice spaces.

Traditional investigations of consumer choice processes include a matrix of alternatives described by attributes. The researcher-createdmatrix presents a product option space for the participant. In this article, we propose an alternative methodological approach to consumer choice processes. Specifically, we investigate choice processes when a participant creates his/her own product space. We describe a Web-based program and methodology used to collect data for three customizable products. Empirical results indicate that consumers are willing and able to make choices from their own product space. This research provides a new avenue for exploring choice processes.
Epithelial ingrowth in a corneal graft treated by laser in situ keratomileusis: light and electron microscopy

Abstract Purpose To demonstrate progressive epithelial ingrowth histopathologically in a human cornea after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and review its pathophysiology. Setting Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA. Methods Tissue from a corneal transplant specimen was examined 6 weeks after LASIK by light and transmission electron microscopy. Results Epithelial ingrowth in the flap interface with connection to the surface corneal epithelium was evident on light microscopy. In areas without epithelial ingrowth, the flap interface was imperceptible. Electron microscopy revealed minimal disruption of the stromal collagenous lamellae. Conclusion Progressive epithelial ingrowth occurred with a continuous sheet of epithelium to the flap edge. Location of epithelial ingrowth and cytokine epithelial–stromal interaction appear to be important factors in this complication. Histopathological changes in the cornea after LASIK are difficult to detect in areas with normal wound healing.
Performance-based measure of executive function: comparison of community and at-risk youth.

OBJECTIVE. We compared abilities and strategy use of at-risk youth aged 16–21 yr with those of a community sample of high school students using a performance measure of executive function, the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA). METHOD. We recruited students from an alternative school for at-risk youth (n = 113) and from community high schools in the same region (n = 49). We collected demographic information from and administered the WCPA to both groups. RESULTS. The at-risk group made more errors, used fewer strategies, and broke more rules than the community group; however, the groups were similar in average time for planning and task completion. Moderate relationships were found between WCPA and academic performance in the at-risk group. CONCLUSION. Comparison of at-risk and community youth provides support for discriminant validity of the WCPA and indicates that the WCPA is useful in identifying adolescents who are at risk for occupational performance deficits
Evolution of prokaryote and eukaryote lines inferred from sequence evidence

The new ferredoxin tree does not significantly alter our overall phylogenetic scheme. The agreement among the various diverse trees that we have presented has given us confidence that our interpretation of early evolutionary events is essentially correct. The recent increase in sequence information, particularly for 5S rRNA, has allowed us to begin the interpretation of the early evolutionary history of the eukaryotic host organisms. In the future, we intend to continue the elucidation of eukaryotic phylogeny and will shortly present a corroborative tree based on the 5.8S rRNAs.
Compositional variation in a steady-state zoned magma chamber: Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 36°50'N

Abstract Basalt glasses collected in the FAMOUS dive area by the submersible “Alvin” have been analyzed for B, Li, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Ga, Sr, Ba, V, Y and Zr by optical emission spectrometry. Field relations, petrography, and other published trace element data are reviewed. Published partition coefficients are combined with least-squares estimates of mineral proportions to compute variations expected for postulated equilibrium crystallization in a high-level, zoned magma chamber. Variation in Cr, Ni, Co and Cu is consistent with such a process, involving crystallization of plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine, and sulphide. The other elements are enriched by factors from about 1.5 to 4.0 times the amounts predicted by this model; the excess enrichment is greatest for Ba and least for Y and V. These excess enrichments may in part reflect the progressive accumulation of incompatible elements in the margins of a steady-state magma chamber, and may also reflect variations in initial concentrations in successive batches of mantle-derived parent liquid. Concentration of excess incompatible elements in a steady-state chamber may be sensitive to spreading rates and may, in favorable cases, lead to localized concentrations having many of the characteristics popularly attributed to mantle plumes.
Evaluation of the use of surrogate tissues for calculating radiation dose to lymphatic nodes from external photon beams.

Lymphatic node chains of the human body are particularly difficult to realistically model in computational human phantoms. In the absence of a lymphatic node model, researchers have used the following surrogate tissues to calculate the radiation dose to the lymphatic nodes: blood vessels, muscle and the combination of the muscle and adipose tissues. In the present work, the authors investigated whether and in which extent the use of different surrogate tissues is appropriate to assess the lymph node dose, using a realistic model of lymphatic nodes that the authors recently reported. Using a Monte Carlo radiation transport method coupled with the adult male hybrid phantom that included the lymph node model, the air kerma-to-absorbed dose conversion coefficients (Gy Gy−1) to the lymph nodes and other tissues used as surrogates for external photon beams of 15 discrete energies (0.015–10 MeV) were computed using the following six idealised geometries: anterior–posterior (AP), posterior–anterior (PA), right lateral, left lateral, rotational and isotropic. To validate the results of this study, the lymph node dose calculated here was compared with the dose published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection for the adult male reference phantom. The lymph node dose conversion coefficients with the values calculated for the blood vessels, muscle, adipose tissue and the combination of muscle and adipose tissues were then compared. It was found that muscle was the best estimator for the lymph nodes, with a dose difference averaged across energies >0.08 MeV of <8 % in all irradiation geometries excluding the AP and PA geometries for which the blood vessels were found to be the best estimator. In conclusion, muscle and blood vessels may preferably be used as surrogate tissues in the absence of lymphatic nodes in a given voxel phantom. For energies <0.08 MeV, for which the authors observed a difference of up to 30-fold, an explicit lymph node model may be required to prevent increasing differences with the lymph node dose as the photon energy decreases, though the absolute values of the dose conversion coefficients are smaller than at higher energy.
American Project : The Rise and Fall of a Modern Ghetto

Foreword Preface Introduction 1. A Place to Call Home 2. Doing the Hustle 3. "What's It Like to Be in Hell?" 4. Tenants Face Off with the Gang 5. Street-Gang Diplomacy 6. The Beginning of the End of a Modern Ghetto Author's Note Notes Acknowledgments Index
Comparison of the effects of succinylcholine and atracurium on intracranial pressure in monkeys with intracranial hypertension.

The effects of succinylcholine (1.5mg·kg-1 IV) administered five minutes after a defasciculating dose of curare (0.05 mg·kg-1 IV), were compared with the effects ofatracurium (0.5 mg·kg-1 IV) on intracranial pressure (ICP) in 13 cynomologus monkeys with intracranial hypertension (ICP· 25 mmHg). Neither succinylcholine nor atracurium increased ICP during general anaesthesia with 60 per cent N2O/O2, 0.5-1 per cent halothane. During a rapid sequence induction and intubation with thiopentone 5 mg·kg-1 IV, ICP increased equally with intubation following both atracurium (25 ± 1 to 32 ± 2 mmHg) and succinylcholine (25 ± 1 to 31 ± 2 mmHg) (p < 0.05). Intubation was also associated with significant increases in PaCO2, CVP and MAP. We conclude that in this primate model of intracranial hypertension, neither atracurium nor succinylcholine (when given following a defasciculating dose of curare) elevates ICP. In terms of the elevation of ICP associated with intubation, atracurium was found to offer no advantage over succinylcholine.
Ductility and work hardening in nano-sized metallic glasses

In-situ nano-tensile experiments on 70 nm-diameter free-standing electroplated NiP metallic glass nanostructures reveal tensile true strains of ∼18%, an amount comparable to compositionally identical 100 nm-diameter focused ion beam samples and ∼3 times greater than 100 nm-diameter electroplated samples. Simultaneous in-situ observations and stress-strain data during post-elastic deformation reveal necking and work hardening, features uncharacteristic for metallic glasses. The evolution of free volume within molecular dynamics-simulated samples suggests a free surface-mediated relaxation mechanism in nano-sized metallic glasses.
Depressive symptoms, stress, and coping among women recovering from addiction

This article focuses on the variability in well-being of 102 women in continuous recovery from addiction for 1 to 5 years. Univariate and bivariate analyses of cross-sectional data on recent depressive symptomatology, and psychosocial stress and coping strategies before and during recovery yielded the following findings: (a) Nearly a third of the sample reported scores above the 16-point cut-off on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, indicating risk for depression; (b) over half had a history of diagnosed depression; (c) perceived stress in 16 life domains significantly decreased from prerecovery to recovery; (d) by recovery, participants significantly increase their use of positive strategies, but they continued use some negative ones; and (e) risk for high depressive symptomatology was greatest among those who were married or cohabiting, had a history of clinical of depression, high perceived stress in areas of money and emotional and physical health. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for treatment and aftercare.
Pulmonary Hypertension Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Dastardly Duo

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a well-recognized complication of interstitial lung disease, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The underlying pathogenesis was initially hypothesized to be inflammatory but now is characterized as an over exuberant fibroproliferative process. The prevalence of PH in the setting of IPF has not been well described in the literature, with a reported occurrence from 32% to 85%. Diagnostically, recognizing underlying PH in the setting of IPF remains challenging because of nonspecific clinical symptoms and unrevealing ancillary testing. A high degree of clinical suspicion is paramount. The only reliable diagnostic tool for PH is right heart catheterization. The treatment of PH, in patients with IPF, is based on multiple factors, including disease severity, functional status and degree of hypoxemia. Medications currently approved to treat PH have been administered for PH in the setting of IPF, such as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, nonselective endothelin receptor antagonists and prostacyclin analogues. The treatment of PH in the setting of IPF may also be difficult due to worsening ventilation-perfusion mismatch induced by selective pulmonary artery vasodilator therapy. Lung transplantation should be considered with patients refractory to pharmacological treatment. Identification of PH in IPF patients is crucial, as functional status and prognosis are greatly reduced. Given the high mortality rate and propensity for acute decompensation, IPF and PH patients should be evaluated for transplant early in their disease course.
Vulnerabilities of patients recovering from an exacerbation of chronic heart failure.

Background Many rehospitalizations for heart failure (HF) are preventable as they are precipitated by modifiable factors. High early readmission rates suggest that patients commonly are discharged from HF hospitalizations with such problems unaddressed. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of multiple risk factors for rehospitalization in patients recently discharged from a hospitalization for decompensated HF. Methods and Results The following potentially modifiable risk factors for rehospitalization were evaluated in 202 patients: functional status; whether the patient lived alone; presence of anxiety, depression, or poor quality of life; and symptom status and adherence to prescribed medications, low-sodium diet, and symptom monitoring recommendations. Most patients were severely functionally impaired (70% New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional class III/IV). Of the 28% of patients who lived alone, 50% were rated as NYHA functional class III or IV. Fifty percent of patients were anxious, whereas 69% of patients were depressed. Health-related quality of life was substantially impaired. Patients reported substantial symptom burden. Adherence with recommended self-care strategies was poor: 14% weighed themselves daily, 9% of patients reported monitoring for symptoms of worsening HF, 31% could not name any symptom, and only 34% of patients taking all medications as prescribed. A total of 23% of patients had all of the following risk factors: NYHA functional class III or IV, lived alone, ≥1 comorbidities, and were depressed or anxious. Conclusions Patients newly discharged from a hospitalization for HF exhibit many psychosocial and behavioral risk factors for rehospitalization, although they have been judged clinically stable.
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to guinea pig lymphoid differentiation antigens

We have prepared 2 mouse monoclonal antibodies which react with differentiation antigens on guinea pig lymphoid cells. Monoclone 5AB2 recognizes an antigen expressed on both T and B lymphocytes and absent on macrophages. It has proven useful in the preparation of populations of antigen presenting cells which are free of T and B lymphocytes. The second monoclonal, 8BE6, is specific for peripheral T cells and 10% of thymocytes. It reacts with a 68,000 dalton molecule which is also expressed on the guinea pig B cell leukemia, EN-L2C. 8BE6 has proven to be lytic for peripheral T cells in the presence of rabbit complement and has been used to deplete T cells from heterogenous cell populations.
Books in sustainable development and related fields

(Published on 30 October, 2012) About the author: Charles J. Kibert, PhD, is a professor in the M. E. Rinker Sr. School of Building Construction at the University of Florida, Gainesville, and found...
Non-Gaussianity generated by the entropic mechanism in bouncing cosmologies made simple

Nongaussianity in the microwave background radiation is bound to play a key role in giving us clues about the physics of the very early Universe. However, the associated calculations, at second and even third order in perturbation theory, tend to be complicated to the point of obscuring simple underlying physical processes. In this note, we present a simple analytic procedure for approximating the nonlinearity parameters ${f}_{\mathrm{NL}}$ and ${g}_{\mathrm{NL}}$ for cyclic models in which the cosmological perturbations are generated via the entropic mechanism. Our approach is quick, physically transparent, and agrees well with the results of numerical calculations.
On the aromaticity of porphin

We have undertaken a study of the bromination of porphin. We have learned contrary to literature reports, that bromine (in chloroform) attacks porphin preferentially at the meso position and that bromination of this meso monobromoporphin produces a single dibromo product, namely 5, 15-dibromoporphin. Our results are interpreted in terms of the aromaticity of the different peripheral carbon atoms.
Activation of neurotensin receptor type 1 attenuates locomotor activity

Intracerebroventricular administration of neurotensin (NT) suppresses locomotor activity. However, the brain regions that mediate the locomotor depressant effect of NT and receptor subtype-specific mechanisms involved are unclear. Using a brain-penetrating, selective NT receptor type 1 (NTS1) agonist PD149163, we investigated the effect of systemic and brain region-specific NTS1 activation on locomotor activity. Systemic administration of PD149163 attenuated the locomotor activity of C57BL/6J mice both in a novel environment and in their homecage. However, mice developed tolerance to the hypolocomotor effect of PD149163 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.). Since NTS1 is known to modulate dopaminergic signaling, we examined whether PD149163 blocks dopamine receptor-mediated hyperactivity. Pretreatment with PD149163 (0.1 or 0.05 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited D2R agonist bromocriptine (8 mg/kg, i.p.)-mediated hyperactivity. D1R agonist SKF-81297 (8 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced hyperlocomotion was only inhibited by 0.1 mg/kg of PD149163. Since the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) have been implicated in the behavioral effects of NT, we examined whether microinjection of PD149163 into these regions reduces locomotion. Microinjection of PD149163 (2 pmol) into the NAc, but not the mPFC suppressed locomotor activity. In summary, our results indicate that systemic and intra-NAc activation of NTS1 is sufficient to reduce locomotion and NTS1 activation inhibits D2R-mediated hyperactivity. Our study will be helpful to identify pharmacological factors and a possible therapeutic window for NTS1-targeted therapies for movement disorders.
Nicotine (NIC) reduces body weight (BW) by decreasing food intake (FI).

NIC is known to decrease FI and BW and BW remains attenuated long after FI has returned to normal. This suggests NIC might be increasing metabolism. To test this idea, male Sprague Dawley rats were housed in computerized FI modules and fed 45 mg pellets. Three groups of rats were used: (1) saline (SAL) injected (i.p.), fed ad lib; (2) NIC injected (i.p.) 1.4 mg/kg/day (free base), fed ad lib; and (3) SAL injected (i.p.), pair-fed (PF) by computer with group 2. The rats received 4 equally spaced injections over the dark phase. The three groups were given: (1) NIC or SAL for 14 days then, (2) SAL only for 8 days; and then (3) SAL for 15 days with the PF group being “unyoked” and fed ad lib. Results show NIC reduced ( P P P P
Bubble nucleation in aqueous media: implications for diving physiology

Decompression sickness follows a reduction in ambient pressure and is a result of bubble formation in blood or tissue. Almost any body part, organ, or fluid can be affected, including bone. This generality suggests a common basis in the physical and chemical properties of water, particularly those relating to cavitation. In this paper, we review a cavitation model developed at the University of Hawaii in which spherical gas nuclei are stabilized by surface-active skins of varying gas permeability. The varying-permeability model provides a precise quantitative description of bubble counts made in supersaturated gelatin, and it accurately predicts levels of incidence for decompression sickness in several animal species, including salmon, rats, and humans.
A simulation of chrome migration and its prevention in photomask

Scanner expose condition is simulated to reproduce Chrome (Cr) migration on COG mask, known as a new type of mask degradation, with high energy fluency ArF acceleration tool. Contact hole size is decreased by forming rim inside sidewall of contact hole. CD change is observed as expose energy accumulates. Bridge defect is found on the unexposed line end feature adjacent to grounded pattern. Grounded mask showed much worse Cr migration than not grounded one. It may be analogized that the driving forces of Cr migration is relatively higher ArF energy (6.8eV) than self diffusion activation energy of Cr (3.5eV). Isolated exposed pattern will be positively charged by photovoltaic effect. Electric field potential with adjacent ground pattern formed by photovoltaic effect possibly boosts the Cr migration and material loss. New prevention treatment has been developed to mitigate Cr migration and it worked quite well. Cr migration by ArF expose wasn't found even grounded condition.
Easy bruisability, aspirin intolerance, and response to DDAVP®

Easy bruisability raises the issue of bleeding during otolaryngological surgery. Ten female patients with easy bruisability were evaluated by aspirin challenge; clinical history and screening coagulation studies in these patients had revealed no evidence of a bleeding disorder. The baseline Ivy bleeding time (BT) test (4.5 to 9.5 minutes) was found to be normal in 6 patients and prolonged in 4 patients. Following treatment with aspirin, the bleeding time prolonged significantly in the three groups evaluated: normal controls (6.0 +/- 1.5 minutes vs. 8.4 +/- 2.0 minutes), patients with easy bruisability and a normal baseline (7.8 +/- 1.3 minutes vs. 12.0 +/- 1.6 minutes), and patients with easy bruisability and an abnormal baseline (11.0 +/- 0.7 minutes vs. 14.5 +/- 0.9 minutes). Administration of DDAVP (desmopressin acetate) 0.3 microgram/kg normalized the prolonged bleeding times in all groups after 7 days of daily aspirin therapy. Performing bleeding times before aspirin challenge, after aspirin challenge, and after DDAVP therapy following aspirin challenge is both a useful way of confirming aspirin sensitivity in patients with easy bruisability as well as a useful way of documenting improved hemostasis after DDAVP administration.
Control in technological systems and physical intelligence: an emerging theory

The transduction and processing of physical information is becoming important in a range of research fields, from the design of materials and virtual environments to the dynamics of cellular microenvironments. Previous approaches such as morphological computation/soft robotics, neuromechanics, and embodiment have provided valuable insight. This work approaches haptic, proprioception, and physical sensing as all part of the same subject. In this presentation, three design criteria for applying physical intelligence to engineering applications will be presented. These criteria have several properties in common, which inspires two types of end-effector model: stochastic (based on a spring) and deterministic (based on a piezomechanical array). The generalized behavior and output dynamics of these models can be described as three findings summarized from previous work. In conclusion, future directions for modeling neural control using a neuromorphic approach will be discussed.
Variation in isotopologues of atmospheric nitric acid in passively collected samples along an air pollution gradient in southern California

The sources and oxidation pathways of atmospheric nitric acid (HNO3) can be evaluated using the isotopic signatures of oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N). This study evaluated the ability of Nylasorb nylon filters to passively collect unbiased isotopologues of atmospheric HNO3 under controlled and field conditions. Filters contained in passive samplers were exposed in continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) at high (16 mg/m 3 ) and moderate (8 mg/m 3 ) HNO3 concentrations during 1e4 week deployment times. Filters were concurrently exposed at high and low N deposition sites along a gradient in the Sonoran Desert. Filters deployed in CSTRs at moderate HNO3 concentrations for 1e2 weeks had greater variation of d 18 O relative to the 3e4 week deployments, while high concentration samples were consistent across weeks. All deployment means were within 2& of the source solution. The d 15 N of all weekly samples were within 0.5& of the source solution. Thus, when deployed for longer than 3 weeks, Nylasorb filters collected an isotopically unbiased sample of atmospheric HNO3. The initial HNO3 samples at the high deposition field sites had higher d 15 N and d 18 O values than the low deposition sites, suggesting either two independent sources of HNO3 were mixing or that heavier isotopologues of HNO3 were preferentially lost from the gas phase through physical deposition or equilibrium chemical reactions. Subsequent HNO3 samples were subject to summer monsoon conditions leading to variation of isotopic signatures of N and O following 2-source mixing dynamics. Both sites mixed with a source that dominated during the two discrete precipitation events. The high number of lightning strikes near the samplers during the monsoon events suggested that lightning-created HNO3 was one of the dominant mixing sources with an approximate isotopic signature of 21.6& and � 0.6& for d 18 O and d 15 N respectively. Two-source mixing models suggest that lightning-created HNO3 made up between 40 and 42% of atmospheric HNO3 at the high deposition sites and 59e63% at the low deposition during the 4 week exposure.
Indication of Anisotropy in Electromagnetic Propagation over Cosmological Distances

We report a systematic rotation of the plane of polarization of electromagnetic radiation propagating over cosmological distances. The effect is extracted independently from Faraday rotation, and found to be correlated with the angular positions and distances to the sources. Monte Carlo analysis yields probabilistic $P$ values of order ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ for this to occur as a fluctuation. A fit yields a birefringence scale of order ${10}^{25}\frac{{h}_{0}}{h}\mathrm{m}$. Dependence on redshift $z$ rules out a local effect. Barring hidden systematic bias in the data, the correlation indicates a new cosmological effect.
The Diagnostic Utility of Separation Anxiety Disorder Symptoms: An Item Response Theory Analysis

At present, it is not clear whether the current definition of separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is the optimal classification of developmentally inappropriate, severe, and interfering separation anxiety in youth. Much remains to be learned about the relative contributions of individual SAD symptoms for informing diagnosis. Two-parameter logistic Item Response Theory analyses were conducted on the eight core SAD symptoms in an outpatient anxiety sample of treatment-seeking children (N = 359, 59.3 % female, MAge = 11.2) and their parents to determine the diagnostic utility of each of these symptoms. Analyses considered values of item threshold, which characterize the SAD severity level at which each symptom has a 50 % chance of being endorsed, and item discrimination, which characterize how well each symptom distinguishes individuals with higher and lower levels of SAD. Distress related to separation and fear of being alone without major attachment figures showed the strongest discrimination properties and the lowest thresholds for being endorsed. In contrast, worry about harm befalling attachment figures showed the poorest discrimination properties, and nightmares about separation showed the highest threshold for being endorsed. Distress related to separation demonstrated crossing differential item functioning associated with age—at lower separation anxiety levels excessive fear at separation was more likely to be endorsed for children ≥9 years, whereas at higher levels this symptom was more likely to be endorsed by children <9 years. Implications are discussed for optimizing the taxonomy of SAD in youth.
Freshwater diversions as an ecosystem management tool for maintaining soil organic matter accretion in coastal marshes

Abstract Marsh soil accretion processes were examined at 12 locations in fresh and brackish marshes in Louisiana's northern Barataria Basin estuary. Soil accretion rate determined from 137 Cs ranged from 0.59 to 1.03 cm yr − 1 . Soil structure and accretion were controlled primarily by organic matter accumulation rather than mineral sediment deposition with water and entrapped gases occupying the majority of the soil volume ranging from 92 to 95%. Organic matter accumulation ranged from 328 to 580 g m − 2 yr − 1 while mineral accumulation ranged from 78 to 380 g m − 2 yr − 1 Such organic-based fresh and brackish marsh soil are more fragile than mineral based marsh soils and are subject to impact by salt water intrusion and hurricane storm surge forces. The Davis Pond diversion is a conduit between the Mississippi River and the coastal marshes of Barataria basin currently reintroducing river water into the basin leading to lower basin salinities This hydrologic management measure should benefit and extend the stability of the studied marsh sites encouraging continued vegetation growth and soil organic matter accumulation. Accrual of organic matter is necessary to prevent drowning of the marsh which is subject to both the global eustatic sea level rise (1–2 mm yr − 1 ) and significant local subsidence (~ 10 mm yr − 1 ). This high rate of relative sea level rise can lead to open water/ponding and subsequent erosion of the surrounding marsh due to flooding and salinity stress.
Energy formulations of head cut dynamics

Abstract This study employs the principles of energy conservation to establish the framework for the development of the dynamical equations of head cut as a part of a continuum mechanical analysis of soil erosion induced by surface flow. The dynamics of head cut are controlled by several physically distinct processes, notable among which are surface seal formation, its failure and the redistribution of flow energy into kinetic and dissipation energies of water and soil. Thus, an erosive energy release rate function is introduced in the global energy equation, which is shown to depend on physical parameters governing the dynamics of the process region. The energy release rates are decomposed into line integrals representing motions associated with the translation, rotation, self-similar expansion and the distortion of the head cut cavity. From these considerations, approximate analytical expressions are derived which establish criteria for the initiation and the steady state head cut velocity. The results at this stage of development are preliminary and need testing and validation with data under controlled experimental conditions.
Utilization-Based Resource Partitioning for Power-Performance Efficiency in SMT Processors

Simultaneous multithreading (SMT) increases processor throughput by allowing parallel execution of several threads. However, fully sharing processor resources may cause resource monopolization by a single thread or other misallocations, resulting in overall performance degradation. Static resource partitioning techniques have been suggested, but are not as effective as dynamic ones since program behavior does change over the course of its execution. In this paper, we propose an Adaptive Resource Partitioning Algorithm (ARPA) that dynamically assigns resources to threads according to changes in thread behavior. ARPA analyzes the resource usage efficiency of each thread in a given time period and assigns more resources to threads which can use them more efficiently. Its purpose is to improve the efficiency of resource utilization, thereby improving overall instruction throughput. Our simulation results on a set of 42 multiprogramming workloads show that ARPA outperforms the traditional fetch policy ICOUNT by 55.8 percent with regard to overall instruction throughput and achieves a 33.8 percent improvement over Static Partitioning. It also outperforms the current best dynamic resource allocation technique, Hill-climbing, by 5.7 percent. Considering fairness accorded to each thread, ARPA attains 43.6, 18.5, and 9.2 percent improvements over ICOUNT, Static Partitioning, and Hill-climbing, respectively, using a common fairness metric. We also explore the energy efficiency of dynamically controlling the number of powered-on reorder buffer entries for ARPA. Compared with ARPA, our energy-aware resource partitioning algorithm achieves 10.6 percent energy savings, while the performance loss is negligible.
The Mechanics of Prepreg Conformance

Experiments are reported and mathematical models are developed to describe the me chanics of prepreg conformance to a substrate. Two distinctly different behaviors are identi fied for graphite epoxy prepregs, called: 1) pressure driven lay-up behavior, and 2) surface tension driven lay-up behavior. In the first case it is shown that there is a force-velocity superposition principle that applies to the lay-up parameters. In the second case, the ap plied force is unimportant. For both cases an upper bound on the lay-up speed is observed and mathematical models are developed to describe the phenomena. Reasons for the dif ferent behavior, and applications to lay-up of prepregs in machine tools are discussed.