cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of ultrapure ZBLAN glass for laser refrigeration

The fluorozirconate glass ZBLAN:1%Yb 3+ was synthesized, for the first time, from fluoride precursors that were individually purified by solvent extraction and hydrofluoric (HF) gas treatment. The synthesis used aqueous solutions of high-purity commercial precursors that were subjected to ultra-filtration followed by solvent extraction using ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) and methyl-isobutyl-ketone (MIBK). The purified metal fluorides were precipitated and treated in hot HF gas to remove water, hydroxyl (OH-), and oxide impurities. ZBLAN:1%Yb 3+ was fabricated from these precursors by melting under inert atmosphere, yielding glasses with excellent mechanical properties and having a clear, bubble-free, and crystallite-free matrix. The effect of adding 0.5 mol% of In 3+ as an oxidizer to suppress the reduction of Zr 4+ and the accompanying formation of black precipitates was studied. We found evidence for an oxidizer concentration threshold of ~0.8 mol%. Glasses made from purified fluorides formed black precipitates even with the addition of 0.5 mol% In 3+ , while glasses made from commercial fluorides did not. In the latter, additional oxidizers were likely present in the form of transition-metal impurities. An In 3+ oxidizer concentration of >0.8 mol% is expected to eliminate the black precipitates in purified glasses and to yield ZBLAN:Yb 3+ glass for efficient laser cooling.
Anion Substitutions in Lead Apatites

The XO group in lead apatites has lower symmetry. Replacement of Ca++ by Pb++ in the apatite structure shifts the ν3 and ν1 vibrations to lower frequencies. Die XO-Gruppe hat in Bleiapatiten eine geringe Sitesymmetrie. Der Ersatz von Ca2+ durch Pb2+ in der Apatitstruktur erniedrigt die Frequenz der ν3- und ν1 XO4-Valenzschwingungen.
Implicit Bias in Judicial Performance Evaluations: We Must Do Better Than This

Judicial performance evaluations (JPEs) are a critical part of selecting judges, especially in states using merit-based selection systems. This article shows empirical evidence that gender and race bias still exist in attorney surveys conducted in accordance with the ABA's Guidelines. This systematic bias is related to a more general problem with the design and implementation of JPE surveys, which results in predictable problems with the reliability and validity of the information obtained through these survey instruments. This analysis raises questions about the validity and reliability of the JPE. This is a particularly poor outcome, as it means that we are subjecting many judges to state-sponsored evaluations that are systematically biased against women and minorities.
The generalized morse lemma and the euler characteristic on banach manifolds

Abstract Let M be a C 2 manifold modeled on a Banach space with an inner product. We prove a generalized Morse Lemma and the Hopf–Euler Theorem for a so-called ZR vector field ∇ƒ for M , that is, the Euler characteristic χ ( M ) of M is equal to the Euler characteristic χ(∇ƒ) of the vector field ∇ƒ.
Local-scale characteristics of high-marsh communities next to developed and undeveloped shorelines in an ocean-dominated estuary, Murrells Inlet, SC.

Anthropogenic alteration of terrestrial shorelines can have pronounced effects on marine environments at the upland-marsh boundary. Possible terrestrial development effects on several physical and biological variables of high-marsh habitats were examined along developed and undeveloped shorelines in an ocean-dominated, southeastern US estuary. Analyses of sediment characteristics suggested development of the upland boundary affected physical conditions within the high-marsh. For example, pore water salinities were greater along undeveloped shorelines during a non-drought period even after rain events. Significant floral and faunal differences also existed between shoreline treatments. Black needle rush stems were significantly taller and marsh periwinkle densities significantly greater, but eastern coffee bean snail densities were significantly reduced along developed shorelines. Benthic infaunal community abundance and composition also were significantly different between shoreline treatments with sand fly larvae, human pest precursors, either only present or present in greater densities along developed shorelines. Sediment respirometry experiments indicated significant differences in heterotrophic and autotrophic processes occurring between shoreline treatments. Greater sediment surface temperatures along developed shorelines provided one possible mechanism driving high-marsh responses to boundary alteration. The history and extent of shoreline development along with a tendency in ocean-dominated southeastern marshes to resist change likely influenced current ecological conditions within our high-marsh study areas. A greater understanding of the driving mechanisms producing localized effects on salt marshes and recognizing regional differences in marsh resistance to change will facilitate predictions of shoreline development consequences and help in proposing effective management strategies for coastal boundaries.
Plot-scale manipulations of organic matter inputs to soils correlate with shifts in microbial community composition in a lowland tropical rain forest

Little is known about the organisms responsible for decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems, or how variations in their relative abundance may influence soil carbon (C) cycling. Here, we altered organic matter in situ by manipulating both litter and throughfall inputs to tropical rain forest soils, and then used qPCR and error-corrected bar-coded pyrosequencing to investigate how the resulting changes in soil chemical properties affected microbial community structure. The plot-scale manipulations drove significant changes in microbial community composition: Acidobacteria were present in greater relative abundance in litter removal plots than in double-litter plots, while Alphaproteobacteria were found in higher relative abundance in double-litter and throughfall reduction plots than in control or litter removal plots. In addition, the bacterial:archaeal ratio was higher in double-litter than no-litter plots. The relative abundances of Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were positively correlated with microbial biomass C and nitrogen (N), and soil N and C pools, while acidobacterial relative abundance was negatively correlated with these same factors. Bacterial:archaeal ratios were positively correlated with soil moisture, total soil C and N, extractable ammonium pools, and soil C:N ratios. Additionally, bacterial:archaeal ratios were positively related to the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, and negatively correlated to the relative abundance of Nitrospira and Acidobacteria. Together, our results support the copiotrophic/oligotrophic model of soil heterotrophic microbes suggested by Fierer et al. (2007).
Contrast-to-Noise of a Non-Ideal, Multi-bin, Photon Counting X-ray Detector

The contrast-to-noise (CNR) is optimized over the weights and energy threshold settings of energy bins in a photon counting detector using "delta-pulse" model simulations. Comparison is made to single-bin photon counting and energy integration detectors. The CNR 2 for iodine imaging is about a factor of 2.5X higher for a perfect, photon counting detector compared to energy integration. Monte Carlo simulations are used to determine the impact of pile-up and other factors that degrade the spectral performance. The benefits of multi-bin photon counting vanish at about 40-60% tail fraction and 20-30 keV RMS noise. Because of pile-up, the CNR 2 benefit also decreases as the incident count rate approaches the maximum periodic rate (MPR). However the impact of pile-up is less for a three-bin detector than for a two-bin detector when the multiple bins are weighted optimally.
School context, principal leadership, and achievement: The case of secondary schools in Singapore

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship among school contextual indicators in Singapore, principal leadership in managing the secondary school's governance and work structures, and achievement outcomes. Already established is that the context may enable or constrain how the school as a workplace affects student learning. Less clearly understood, however, is how the principal may contribute to the link between the school's context and important school processes that influence student achievement. The results of the study are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical significance.
Mumbai Urban Transport Project – A multi dimensional approach to improve urban transport

Abstract This paper attempts to bring out the lessons learned from implementation of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), a World Bank financed project. While some of the problems and many solutions may be case specific, the lessons learnt would be of use for other similar interventions especially in similar urban settings. Even complex engineering challenges are generally easy to be surmounted, when compared with the bigger challenges like resettling the project affected peoples, managing several stake holders and institutions, bringing them together and they agreeing to do things differently. MUTP was implemented under very difficult urban environment in the city of Mumbai (India) and involved resettlement of about 100,000 people. It also required coordination among several government agencies that were responsible for different components of the project. This project was partly financed by the World Bank and the loan has closed on June 15, 2011. The main focus of the paper is to bring out the challenges faced and the lessons learnt.
Construction of Evolutionary Tree for Morphological Engineering of Nanoparticles

In addition to chemical composition, the chemistry of nanocrystals involves an extra structural factor—morphology—since many of their properties are size- and shape-dependent. Although often described as artificial atoms or molecules, the morphological control of nanoparticles has not advanced to a level comparable to organic total synthesis, where complex molecular structures can be rationally designed and prepared through stepwise reactions. Here we report a morphological engineering approach for gold nanoparticles by constructing an evolutionary tree consisting of a few branches of independent growth pathways. Each branch yields a string of evolving, continuously tunable morphologies from one reaction, therefore collectively producing a library of nanoparticles with minimal changes of reaction parameters. In addition, the tree also provides ground rules for designing new morphologies through crossing over different pathways.
Can thermalization in heavy ion collisions be described by QCD diagrams

Abstract The onset of thermalization in heavy ion collisions in the weak coupling framework can be viewed as a transition from the initial state Color Glass Condensate dynamics, characterized by the energy density scaling like e ∼ 1 / τ with τ the proper time, to the hydrodynamics-driven expansion of the quark–gluon plasma with e ∼ 1 / τ 4 / 3 (or higher power of 1 / τ for the boost non-invariant case). We argue that, at any order of the perturbative expansion in the QCD coupling constant, the gluon field generated in an ultrarelativistic heavy ion collision leads to energy density scaling as e ∼ 1 / τ for late times τ ≫ 1 / Q s . Therefore, it is likely that thermalization and hydrodynamic description of the gluon system produced in heavy ion collisions cannot result from perturbative QCD diagrams at these late times. At earlier times with τ ∼ 1 / Q s the subleading corrections to e in 1 / τ expansion (terms scaling like ∼ 1 / τ 1 + Δ with Δ > 0 ) may become important possibly leading to hydrodynamic-like behavior of the gluon system. Still, we show that such corrections do not contribute to the particle production cross section, and are likely to be irrelevant for physical observables. We generalize our results by including massless quarks into the system. Thus, it appears that the apparent thermalization of quarks and gluons, leading to success of Bjorken hydrodynamics in describing heavy ion collisions at RHIC, can only be attributed to the non-perturbative QCD effects.
Ethanol and temperature effects on five membrane bound enzymes.

Abstract The effects of ethanol on the activities of five membrane bound enzymes were determined using a crude membrane preparation obtained from cortex of long-sleep (LS) and short-sleep (SS) mice. These two mouse lines were selectively bred for differences in duration of ethanol-induced sleep time. The enzymes studied were two forms of NaK-ATPase, Mg-ATPase, 5′nucleotidase, and acetylcholinesterase. Arrhenius plots of the ethanol-temperature-enzyme activity studies indicate specificity in ethanol's actions. NaK-ATPase activity consists of two enzymes which were distinguished by sensitivity to ouabain. The Arrhenius plot of the high ouabain sensitivity enzyme (low K i ) exhibited a transition temperature which was reduced twice as much by ethanol in LS membranes as in SS membranes. Ethanol did not affect the transition temperature of the high K i NaK-ATPase but the control (no ethanol) transition temperature was 2.7° higher in SS membranes. Arrhenius plots of Mg-ATPase activity did not exhibit a transition temperature and ethanol did not alter enzyme activity. Ethanol did not alter the transition temperatures of 5′nucleotidase or acetylcholinesterase but the control transition temperature for acetylcholinesterase was 2.3° higher in SS membranes. These results indicate specificity in ethanol's actions on membranes and that inhibition of the lipid-enzyme interactions for the low K i NaK-ATPase is correlated with the difference in sensitivity to ethanol seen between the LS and SS mice.
Sling Location in Women With Recurrent Stress Urinary Incontinence Following Midurethral Sling

Objective Persistent or recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after a midurethral sling (MUS) may result from incorrect location of the sling relative to the midurethra. This study's objective was to evaluate the incidence of bladder neck (BN) or more proximal MUS in women undergoing reoperation for SUI after synthetic MUS. Material and Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients referred and treated for isolated recurrent SUI after synthetic MUS (transobturator or retropubic approach). Patients undergoing sling excision for other indications (eg, outlet obstruction, urinary tract erosion) were excluded. Preoperative video urodynamic (VUDS) parameters were examined. Operative reports at re-exploration provided the anatomic location of the sling. Results Fifteen women with SUI after MUS underwent VUDS and subsequent reoperation. The MUS was found proximal to or at the BN in 8 (53%) women and suburethral in 7 (47%). Women with BN or proximal sling location were equally likely to have an open (4/8 patients) or closed BN (4/8 patients) at rest on filling cystography. VUDS parameters, including the radiographic finding of an open BN preoperatively, were not predictive of BN or more proximal sling location intraoperatively. MUSs found at the BN or proximal were more likely to be retropubic slings (7/8 patients). Rates of concomitant anterior prolapse repair did not differ according to sling location. Conclusion Recurrent SUI as a result of proximal MUS location cannot be predicted on preoperative VUDS parameters. Surgical exploration is the primary method for identifying this phenomenon as the etiology of failure in these patients.
Ca2+ Entry via postsynaptic voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels can transiently potentiate excitatory synaptic transmission in the hippocampus

Abstract We have studied the role of Ca 2+ entry via voltage-sensitive Ca 2+ channels in long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Repeated depolarizing pulses, in the presence of the NMDA receptor antagonist D-APV and without synaptic stimulation, resulted in a potentiation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) or currents (EPSCs). This depolarization-induced potentiation was augmented in raised extracellular Ca 2+ and was blocked by intracellular BAPTA, a Ca 2+ chelator, or by nifedipine, a Ca 2+ channel antagonist, indicating that the effect was mediated by Ca 2+ entry via voltage-sensitive Ca 2+ channels. Although the peak potentiation could be as large as 3-fold, the EPSP(C)s decayed back to baseline values within approximately 30 min. However, synaptic activation paired with depolarizing pulses in the presence of d-APV converted the transient potentiation into a sustained form. These results indicate that a rise in postsynaptic Ca 2+ via voltage-sensitive Ca 2+ channels can transiently potentiate synaptic transmission, but that another factor associated with synaptic transmission may be required for LTP.
The Characterization of the Energy of Fracture at or near Interfaces Between Viscoelastic Solids

Abstract The problem of separating two viscoelastic solids of different properties in a time dependent manner is considered. This work is part of a wider study concerned with the time dependent failure of viscoelastic adhesive bonds at and/or near the interface, including propagation of a crack away from the interface. Inasmuch as such a study requires sufficient bond strength to control the orientation of crack propagation, this paper deals with the characterization of interface strength. Following earlier analysis of crack propagation in homogeneous and bimaterial viscoelastic solids, experimental studies concerned with rate dependent fracture at the interface are evaluated in terms of the viscoelastic functions associated with homogeneous fracture of the adherends and a separate interface-intrinsic strength which is determined by the chemistry at the interface. This interface strength multiplies a viscoelastic function, which, for the interface problem, is a combination of the properties of the homogen...
Cationic Peptide Exposure Enhances Pulsed-Electric-Field-Mediated Membrane Disruption

Background The use of pulsed electric fields (PEFs) to irreversibly electroporate cells is a promising approach for destroying undesirable cells. This approach may gain enhanced applicability if the intensity of the PEF required to electrically disrupt cell membranes can be reduced via exposure to a molecular deliverable. This will be particularly impactful if that reduced PEF minimally influences cells that are not exposed to the deliverable. We hypothesized that the introduction of charged molecules to the cell surfaces would create regions of enhanced transmembrane electric potential in the vicinity of each charged molecule, thereby lowering the PEF intensity required to disrupt the plasma membranes. This study will therefore examine if exposure to cationic peptides can enhance a PEF’s ability to disrupt plasma membranes. Methodology/Principal Findings We exposed leukemia cells to 40 μs PEFs in media containing varying concentrations of a cationic peptide, polyarginine. We observed the internalization of a membrane integrity indicator, propidium iodide (PI), in real time. Based on an individual cell’s PI fluorescence versus time signature, we were able to determine the relative degree of membrane disruption. When using 1–2 kV/cm, exposure to >50 μg/ml of polyarginine resulted in immediate and high levels of PI uptake, indicating severe membrane disruption, whereas in the absence of peptide, cells predominantly exhibited signatures indicative of no membrane disruption. Additionally, PI entered cells through the anode-facing membrane when exposed to cationic peptide, which was theoretically expected. Conclusions/Significance Exposure to cationic peptides reduced the PEF intensity required to induce rapid and irreversible membrane disruption. Critically, peptide exposure reduced the PEF intensities required to elicit irreversible membrane disruption at normally sub-electroporation intensities. We believe that these cationic peptides, when coupled with current advancements in cell targeting techniques will be useful tools in applications where targeted destruction of unwanted cell populations is desired.
Anatomical Asymmetries of Anterior Perisylvian Speech-Language Regions

Anterior cortical perisylvian areas important for speech and language functions include the pars triangularis (PTR), comprised of heteromodal association cortex, and the pars opercularis (POP), comprised of motor association cortex. The anatomy of these frontal language regions has not been well studied in large samples, however in smaller samples, leftward asymmetry of these regions has been found. Sex-linked differences have also been suggested, with bilateral activation of frontal language areas in women and leftward activation in men. We used volumetric MRI methods to measure the gray matter volume of the PTR, POP, and diagonal sulcus (DS) in 60 healthy right-handed adults and examined the distribution of asymmetry of these regions. Sex-linked differences in volume and asymmetry of anterior speech regions were also examined. For the PTR, there was a slight leftward asymmetry, however for the POP+DS, there was a slight rightward asymmetry. The DS was present slightly more often in the right hemisphere than in the left hemisphere and its frequency was similar in men and women. There were no significant sex-linked differences in volume or asymmetry for any of these frontal areas. More studies are necessary, looking at the anatomy of anterior language regions in large samples and examining the relationship between anatomy and function.
Thidiazuron: Effect of Applications on Boll Weevil and Bollworm Population Densities, Leaf Abscission, and Regrowth of the Cotton Plant

In a replicated field test with cotton, a preconditioning application of thidiazuron at 0.11 kg Al/ha followed by a full defoliating application (0.22 kg AI/ha) applied 7 days later removed significantly more leaves and squares and reduced regrowth significantly more than an application of a standard defoliant, S, S, S -tributyl phosphorotrithioate (as DEF®), applied at 1.56 kg Al/ha. Thidiazuron treatments also reduced population densities of boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, and bollworms, Heliothis zea (Boddie), but did not adversely affect yield, seed germination, or fiber properties.
Induced seismicity within geological carbon sequestration projects: Maximum earthquake magnitude and leakage potential from undetected faults

Abstract With developing countries strongly relying on fossil fuels for energy generation, geological carbon sequestration (GCS) is seen as a candidate for large reductions in CO 2 emissions during the next several decades. GCS does, however, raise some safety concerns. Specifically, it has been associated with induced seismicity, as a result of pressure buildup arising from prolonged CO 2 injection in GCS projects. This seismicity is a delicate issue for two main reasons. First, over a short time scale, deformation of rock could release seismic energy, potentially affecting surface structures or simply alarming the population, with negative consequences for the social acceptance of this kind of projects. Second, over a longer time scale, activated faults may provide preferential paths for CO 2 leakage out of reservoirs. While known major faults intersecting target aquifers can be identified and avoided during site screening, the same might not be true for faults that are not resolvable by geophysical surveys. In this study, we use geological observations and seismological theories to estimate the maximum magnitude of a seismic event that could be generated by a fault of limited dimensions. We then compare our estimate with results of geomechanical simulations that consider faults with different hydrodynamic and geomechanical characteristics. The coupled simulations confirm the notion that the tendency of faults to be reactivated by the pressure buildup is linked with the in situ stress field and its orientation relative to the fault. Small, active (critically stressed) faults are capable of generating sufficiently large events that could be felt on the surface, although they may not be the source of large earthquakes. Active, relatively permeable faults may be detrimental concerning the effectiveness of a storage project, meaning that they could be preferential pathway for upward CO 2 leakage, although minor faults may not intersect both CO 2 reservoirs and shallower potable aquifers.
Aspectual Effects on Interpretation in Early Grammar

This paper focuses on the temporal and modal meanings associated with root infinitives (RIs) and other non-finite clauses in several typologically diverse languages—English, Russian, Greek and Dutch. I discuss the role that event structure, aspect, and modality play in the interpretation of these clauses. The basic hypothesis is that in the absence of a tense specification, the temporal reference of non-finite clauses is determined by the event structure of the predicate, in particular by the property of event closure. General principles of aspectual interpretation, such as the Punctuality Constraint (Giorgi and Pianesi 1997) and the Default Anchoring Requirement (a special case of a broader requirement that all clauses be temporally interpreted) interact with the particular aspectual features of the target language to explain the cross-linguistic differences in the temporal interpretation (past/present/modal) non-finite clauses.
Co-crystallization and characterization of the photosynthetic reaction center-cytochrome c2 complex from Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

The photosynthetic reaction center (RC) of Rhodobacter sphaeroides and cytochrome c2 (cyt c2), its physiological secondary electron donor, have been co-crystallized. The molar ratio of RC/cyt c2 wa...
Long Term Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Who Underwent a Reduced Intensity T Cell Depleted Haploidentical Transplantation

s / Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 19 (2013) S342eS354 S345 remains a seriousproblem.Newstrategies for CMVprophylaxis & therapy, and studies of the determinants of CMV-specific immune recovery, are a priority for this patient population.
Gonad-Stimulating Potency of Individual Pituitaries

Abstract OWING to the economic importance of the egg-laying characteristic of the fowl much research has been published on the inheritance of those phenomena associated with reproduction and sexual development. However, comparatively little is known concerning the physiological processes involved in development and activity of the reproductive organs. A knowledge of these processes is essential to a thorough genetical study of the reproductive phenomena in birds. The researches reported were planned in order to obtain a method by which the bases of individual differences in gonadal function might be evaluated. It has been shown by previous workers (Allen, 1932, p. 778) that the pituitary body is chiefly responsible for the development of the immature gonad of the chicken and duckling. Jaap (1934) found that the testes of adult Mallard drakes may be caused to increase in size during the winter months by feeding desiccated thyroid. This increase is due presumably to . . .
Human pituitary somatotropin. 46. Preparation of tritium labelled hormone

Abstract Human somatotropin was specifically tritiated by iodination of the hormone followed by catalytic dehalogenation with sodium boro[3H]hydride. The product was indistinguishable from native human somatotropin by chromatographic, immunochemical, and biological criteria, and had a specific activity of 1.7 Ci/mmol.
Risk neutralization in cardiac operations: detection and treatment of associated carotid disease.

Abstract Background . A screening and treatment protocol was implemented to extend the benefit of prophylactic carotid endarterectomy to patients who had open heart operations. Methods . Patients aged 65 or older or who at any age had left main coronary disease, transient ischemic attack, or stroke were eligible for preoperative carotid duplex screening. Carotid endarterectomies and open heart operations were planned as a staged (n = 59) or combined procedure (n = 55) for angiographically confirmed carotid stenosis of at least 80%. Results . Duplex scans were obtained in 1,719 of 7,035 open heart surgical patients over 8 years. The overall stroke rate was 1.5% (108 of 7,035). Seven of these were strokes of carotid origin (0.1%). There were 129 patients with at least 80% stenosis. One hundred fourteen had carotid endarterectomy preceding open heart operation, and none had carotid artery stroke. Twelve patients with at least 80% carotid stenosis by duplex scan had open heart operations without prophylactic carotid endarterectomies. There were four carotid strokes in these 12 patients ( p = 0.0001; odds ratio, 20.2). Stroke risk remained significantly elevated (16.8%, p = 0.005) in the 50% to 79% group. The changes associated with the reduced risk afforded by this screening and treatment strategy amounted to $346 for each patient in the study. Conclusions . The risk of carotid stroke at the time of cardiac operation can be defined by duplex screening. Prophylactic carotid endarterectomy neutralizes the risk in those with at least 80% stenosis. Consideration for lowering the threshold for assessment and treatment of carotid stenoses appears warranted. The economic investment is recouped by the savings in system resources that would have been depleted through care for carotid stroke and its sequelae.
Contrasting rRNA gene abundance patterns for aquatic fungi and bacteria in response to leaf-litter chemistry

AbstractFew investigators have examined simultaneous bacterial and fungal responses to leaf-litter chemistry in fresh water. We tested the hypothesis that bacteria would be more abundant on labile litter with lower concentrations of defensive compounds, whereas fungi would be more abundant on recalcitrant litter. We used quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to measure the abundance of bacterial 16S and fungal 18S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) genes and found that these groups responded differently to leaf chemistry. Bacterial 16S rRNA genes were 4× more abundant on labile than on recalcitrant litter. In contrast, fungal 18S rRNA genes were 8× more abundant on recalcitrant than on labile litter. Peak bacterial gene abundances on day 6 were related to leaf-litter % bound condensed tannin (r2 = 0.38), and peak fungal gene abundances on day 14 were related to % soluble condensed tannin (r2 = 0.49), % bound condensed tannin (r2 = 0.34), and % lignin (r2 = 0.33). Leaf-litter C∶N ratios were...
Antioxidative responses to mercury in the cell cultures of Sesbania drummondii

Abstract The effect of mercury (Hg) on the growth and the response of antioxidative systems have been investigated in Sesbania cell cultures to determine the tolerance limits and the mechanisms of metal (Hg) tolerance in plant cells. Cell cultures of Sesbania were developed in different concentrations (0–50 μM) of mercury. Cultures tolerated Hg up to a concentration of 40 μM and showed an increase in the fresh weight growth by 620% in 3 weeks. The levels of antioxidants: glutathione (GSH) and non-protein thiols (NPSH) and the activities of antioxidative enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) and glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2) were influenced by Hg treatments. The contents of GSH, NPSH and GSH/GSSG ratio increased up to a concentration of 40 μM Hg and then severely declined at 50 μM Hg. The activities of antioxidative enzymes, SOD, APX and GR followed the same trends as antioxidants, first increased up to a concentration of 40 μM Hg and then declined in the presence of 50 μM Hg.
EmPower: An Efficient Load Balancing Approach for Massive Dynamic Contingency Analysis in Power Systems

Power system simulations involving solution of thousands of stiff differential and algebraic equations (DAE) are computationally intensive and yet crucial for grid security and reliability. Online simulations of a large number of contingencies require very high computational efficiency. Furthermore, since the simulation times across the contingencies vary considerably, dynamic load balancing of parallel contingency analysis (CA) is required to ensure maximum resource utilization. However, the state-of-the-art contingency analysis techniques fail to fulfill this requirement. In this paper, we present EmPower, an Efficient load balancing approach for massive dynamic contingency analysis in Power systems. For single contingency analysis, EmPower uses time domain simulations and incorporates efficient numerical algorithms for solving the DAE. Further, the contingency analysis approach is scaled for large scale contingency analysis using MPI based parallelization. For enabling an efficient, non-blocking implementation of work-stealing, multithreading is employed within each processor. Simulations of thousands of contingencies on a supercomputer have been performed and the results show the effectiveness of EmPower in providing good scalability and huge computational savings.
Multimodal Sentiment Analysis of Spanish Online Videos

Using multimodal sentiment analysis, the presented method integrates linguistic, audio, and visual features to identify sentiment in online videos. In particular, experiments focus on a new dataset consisting of Spanish videos collected from YouTube that are annotated for sentiment polarity.
Energy Storage & the Grid - From Characteristics to Impact [Point of View]

The paper presents the attributes of energy technologies that compared against one another, an approach that leads to overly simplistic caricatures from which improper conclusions are drawn about new technologies. The result for intermittent renewable energy resources such as wind and solar has been a public misperception that energy storage is needed for continued deployment of these technologies. This misperception persists despite continued expansion of renewable generation and systems-based technology analyses that conclude significant additional renewable energy deployments can be accommodated without additional energy storage. To understand the value of, and opportunities for, grid-scale storage, one must first understand the electricity grid.
Rethinking the role of the risk approach and antenatal care in maternal mortality reduction.

In developing countries where most women are not delivered in health facilities, screening for obstetric risk is neither a cost-effective nor efficient strategy for maternal mortality reduction. Antenatal care can contribute to preventing such deaths when used for identifying early obstetric complications, educating women to identify obstetric danger signs, and motivating them and their families to seek appropriate referral care.
Relative Conductances of Alkaneselenolate and Alkanethiolate Monolayers on Au{111}

The electronic properties of alkanethiolate [CH3(CH2)nS−, n = 9 and 11] and alkaneselenolate [CH3(CH2)nSe−, n = 9 and 11] self-assembled monolayers on Au{111} have been quantitatively compared. Simultaneously acquired apparent tunneling barrier height (ATBH) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images reveal that alkanethiolate molecules have a lower barrier to tunneling, and therefore a higher conductance than alkaneselenolates of the same alkyl chain length. Molecular and contact conductance differences were elucidated by using observed STM topographic tunneling height differences between the analogous species. This apparent topographic difference combined with comparative ATBH data indicate that the observed decrease in conductance for alkaneselenolates compared to alkanethiolates originates exclusively from the Au-chalcogenide physical, chemical, and electronic contact.
Cortical somatosensory and trigeminal inputs to the cat superior colliculus: Light and electron microscopic analyses

Two different axonal transport tracers were used in single animals to test the hypothesis that the expansive intermediate gray layer of the cat superior colliculus (stratum griseum intermediale, SGI) is composed of sensorimotor domains. The results show that two sensory pathways, the trigeminotectal and the corticotectal arising from the fourth somatosensory area, commingle in patches across the middle tier of the SGI. Furthermore, the data reveal that tectospinal cells are distributed within these patches. Taken together, these results show a commingling of functionally related afferents and a consistent spatial relationship between these afferents and tectospinal neurons. These relationships indicate that the SGI consists of domains that can be distinguished by their unique combinations of afferent and efferent connections. The ultrastructural characteristics and synaptic relationships of these somatosensory afferent pathways suggest that they have distinct roles within the sensorimotor domain of the SGI. The trigeminotectal terminals are relatively small, contain round vesicles and make asymmetrical synapses on small, presumably distal, dendrites. We submit that these trigeminal terminals bestow the basic receptive field properties upon SGI neurons. In contrast, the somatosensory corticotectal terminals are relatively large, contain round vesicles, make asymmetrical synapses, participate in triads, and are presynaptic to proximal dendrites. We suggest that these cortical terminals bestow integrative abilities on SGI neurons.
Token reinforcement on WISC-R performance for white, low-socioeconomic, upper and lower elementary-school-age students

Abstract The effects of token rewards on the WISC-R performance of white, first, second, fourth, and fifth grade students of low-socioeconomic-status were examined. Twenty control subjects (10 first- and second-graders, 10 fourth- and fifth-graders) were administered the IQ test according to standardized procedures. An experimental group of 20 subjects (10 first- and second-graders, 10 fourth- and fifth-graders) earned tokens immediately following each correct response on the WISC-R. Upon completion of testing, tokens were exchangeable for a variety of items costing less than $3.00. The results indicated that the experimental group scored significantly higher (mean = 108) than the control group (mean = 102). A significant difference was also found for grade level, the first- and second-graders scoring higher (mean = 107) than the fourth- and fifth-graders (mean = 102). The implications for future research are discussed.
Factors contributing to institutions achieving environmental sustainability

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine what factors contributed to three universities achieving environmental sustainability.Design/methodology/approach – A case study methodology was used to determine how each factor contributed to the institutions' sustainability. Site visits, fieldwork, document reviews, and interviews with administration, faculty, staff, and students from the participating institutions were employed as primary data collection strategies.Findings – The six factors identified in the literature as contributing to environmental sustainability were present at all three institutions: green campus operation measures; campus administration, organization, and leadership; teaching, research, and service; campus‐wide actions and activities; institutional assessment of campus sustainability measures; and established methods for overcoming barriers.Research limitations/implications – This study was delimited to the six factors that were identified in the literature and the three insti...
Two-temperature stage biphasic CO2–H2O pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass at high solid loadings

Most biomass pretreatment processes for monosaccharide production are run at low-solid concentration (<10 wt%) and use significant amounts of chemical catalysts. Biphasic CO2–H2O mixtures could provide a more sustainable pretreatment medium while using high-solid contents. Using a stirred reactor for high solids (40 wt%, biomass water mixture) biphasic CO2–H2O pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass allowed us to explore the effects of particle size and mixing on mixed hardwood and switchgrass pretreatment. Subsequently, a two-temperature stage pretreatment was introduced. After optimization, a short high-temperature stage at 210°C (16 min for hardwood and 1 min for switchgrass) was followed by a long low-temperature stage at 160°C for 60 min. Glucan to glucose conversion yields of 83% for hardwood and 80% for switchgrass were obtained. Total molar sugar yields of 65% and 55% were obtained for wood and switchgrass, respectively, which consisted of a 10% points improvement over those obtained during our previous study despite a 10-fold increase in particle size. These yields are similar to those obtained with other major pretreatment technologies for wood and within 10% of major technologies for switchgrass despite the absence of chemical catalysts, the use of large particles (0.95 cm) and high solid contents (40 wt%). Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1499–1507. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cellular communication and heterogeneity in pancreatic islet insulin secretion dynamics

Coordinated pulses of electrical activity and insulin secretion are a hallmark of the islet of Langerhans. These coordinated behaviors are lost when β cells are dissociated, which also leads to increased insulin secretion at low glucose levels. Islets without gap junctions exhibit asynchronous electrical activity similar to dispersed cells, but their secretion at low glucose levels is still clamped off, putatively by a juxtacrine mechanism. Mice lacking β cell gap junctions have near-normal average insulin levels, but are glucose intolerant due to reduced first-phase and pulsatile insulin secretion, illustrating the importance of temporal dynamics. Here, we review the quantitative data on islet synchronization and the current mathematical models that have been developed to explain these behaviors and generate greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
The guide effect influence on the gregariousness of juvenile Caribbean spiny lobsters

Abstract Many animals are gregarious and potentially benefit from the presence of conspecifics. We examined both den finding and den sharing by vulnerable juvenile Caribbean spiny lobsters, Panulirus argus, and compared three functional explanations of why lobsters might benefit from being gregarious. Lobsters sharing dens did not have higher survival than those in dens by themselves, suggesting that cooperative group defence may not be important at this life history stage. Lobsters in areas of high conspecific density did not have higher survival than those in areas of low density, suggesting that the dilution effect may not be important either. Den sharing provided no additional benefit beyond that provided by the shelter. However, lobsters were able to find shelter significantly faster when conspecific residents were already present in a den. This ‘guide effect’ benefits the shelter-seeking individual by reducing the time of exposure and associated predation risk. Habitat or risk assessment based solely on the presence of conspecifics may be a critical first step in the evolution of more complex social behaviours.
Intracerebroventricular Administration of AT1 Receptor Antisense Oligonucleotides Inhibits the Behavioral Actions of Angiotensin II

Antisense oligonucleotides were developed to study the expression and function of angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptors in cultured cells and brain. In both liver epithelial WB and neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells AT1 antisense oligomers substantially decreased AT1 receptor density, whereas angiotensin type 2 (AT2) receptors remained unchanged. Similarly, repeated intracerebroventricular injections of AT1 antisense oligomers in rats decreased AT1 receptor density in hypothalamic-thalamic-septal tissue, and AT2 receptors were unaffected. Intracerebroventricular antisense oligomers also attenuated drinking elicited by intracerebroventricular angiotensin II but not the cholinomimetic carbachol. Collectively, these results demonstrate that antisense oligonucleotides attenuate angiotensin receptor expression and function in behaving animals.
Multi-Attribute Utility Analysis in the Choice of Vision-Based Robot Controllers

Multi-attribute utility analysis is an ideal tool for comparing the disparate performance of multiple visual servo controllers. Its strength lies in the fact that very different metrics can be compared and that it takes into account human preferences and risk attitudes. In this article, multi-attribute utility analysis is used to choose between multiple visual servo controllers and choices of camera lenses. The resulting visual servo controllers are suited to the needs of a specific user for specific tasks.
Surface green function for a semi-infinite unsymmetric sp-band monatomic chain

Abstract The Green function for a semi-infinite unsymmetric sp-band monatomic linear chain is derived. The electronic densities of states for the first few layers as well as the energy and the decaying constant of the Shockley surface state have been calculated. We also observe that the Shockley surface state can exist in both the direct and the indirect energy gaps.
Impact of beam smoothing method on direct drive target performance for the NIF

The impact of smoothing method on the performance of a direct drive target is modeled and examined in terms of its 1-mode spectrum. In particular, two classes of smoothing methods are compared, smoothing by spectral dispersion (SSD) and the induced spatial incoherence (ISI) method. It is found that SSD using sinusoidal phase modulation (FM) results in poor smoothing at low 1-modes and therefore inferior target performance at both peak velocity and ignition. This disparity is most notable if the effective imprinting integration time of the target is small. However, using SSD with more generalized phase modulation can result in smoothing at low l-modes which is identical to that obtained with ISI. For either smoothing method, the calculations indicate that at peak velocity the surface perturbations are about 100 times larger than that which leads to nonlinear hydrodynamics. Modeling of the hydrodynamic nonlinearity shows that saturation can reduce the amplified nonuniformities to the level required to achieve ignition for either smoothing method. The low l- mode behavior at ignition is found to be strongly dependent on the induced divergence of the smoothing method. For the NIF parameters the target performance asymptotes for smoothing divergence larger than {approximately}100 {mu}rad.
Thermal annealing of solid Kr precipitates in Ni

After implantation into Ni at room temperature, Kr condenses under high pressure as an fee solid aligned with the Ni lattice. Evolution of these precipitates during subsequent thermal annealing to a temperature of 650 C has been followed with transmission electron microscopy and modeled with rate theory. Room temperature implantation results in a monomodal size distribution of small solid Kr precipitates. When Kr is implanted into Ni at 500 C, some precipitates grow to larger sizes, and the precipitate size distribution becomes bimodal. Annealing to temperatures below 600 C after room temperature implantation produces a bimodal size distribution consisting of small solid Kr precipitates and large Kr bubbles. Annealing above 600 C leads to more complete precipitate motion and coalescence that eliminates all small precipitates and results in a monomodal size distribution of large faceted bubbles. Rate-theory modelling of Kr implantation into Ni at 500 C suggests that small solid Kr precipitates are immobile and that Kr melting is required for precipitate mobility. Similar calculations for thermal annealing experiments show that the bubble size distribution becomes bimodal when only a small fraction of the small precipitates melt and become mobile during annealing, while the size distribution remains monomodal when all precipitates become mobile after Kr melting at higher temperatures.