cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polarography as a tool in organic analysis

The indirect polarographic method for the determination of the nitro group has been extended to the estimation of the nitroso group in organic compounds. The average error was 0.4%, compared with 0.6% for the visual titration method. Indirect polarographic and visual micromethods have also been developed for the successive determination of nitroso and nitro groups in the same solution at room temperature, through pH adjustment. The nitroso group is reduced at pH 0.5 and the nitro group at pH 5.5. With nitroso-dinitro mixtures, however, the visual finish gave correct results only for the nitroso group. In general, the polarographic results are more accurate than the visual ones.
Chapter 2 – Ecologically Meaningful Germination Studies

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses how germination is controlled by nature. It illustrates how seed germination studies are carried out so that data is used to explain the timing and control of seed germination of species in nature. However, an understanding of seed germination ecology is enhanced by giving knowledge of the physiology, which includes germination responses. The chapter discusses the changes in physiological, morphological, and physical states of seeds that precede germination. In addition, it describes the environmental conditions required for these changes and environmental conditions occurring in the habitat at the time of maturation and germination. Thus, both summer and winter conditions in the habitat play a vital role in the germination of seed. In these studies, seeds are collected at the time of natural dispersal and are sown in soil where they receive natural temperature and soil moisture conditions either outside or in a nonheated greenhouse environment.
Settling the Terror of Your Mind with the Deities: About Fear, Anxiety, Inherent Chaos and Self-Doubt in Hind Kush-Himalaya Expeditions and Associated Research

The Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) area is not your average holiday location; it still lacks the big commercial tourist buses and hotel franchises as well as pretty ocean party beaches with high waves for surfing. But it still can feature some ‘dudes’, mostly from abroad; many of them are naive in the sense that they do not really know, prepare for, or truly can handle and grasp the deep culture and spiritual connection of the region with ‘Mother Earth’ (see for instance Chopel 2014; Karmay and Watt 2007; Knott 2016). That’s because the real issues in HKH are not even the very high and overwhelming mountains – the roof of the world – surrounded by a vast foreland, hinterland and breathtaking water systems of relevance to global mankind (walking and operating in such a landscape remains to be a gratifying experience; Ohmori 1994; Bonington 2016). Instead it is the associated embedded and complex human culture that it creates and attracted, and which is so ‘foreign’ to us westerners; we are always in a learning situation there (Herzog 1997; Messner 1998; Bonington 2016). HKH has over 150 languages and dialects spoken in its landscapes and remote valleys (Whelpton 2005). Many distinct religions are found there (Lama 2012). Outsiders, like westerners, are somewhat tolerated there, dealt with and treated like certain ‘deities’ (a certain type of outside god) that are better left untouched, ignored but treated with some respect. And thus the locals remain indifferent to them; this makes for a peculiar and convenient blend of uttermost ignorance and helpfulness. Nowadays this is spiced up with flavors of globalization (see Baumgartner 2015 for international mountaineering tourism start-up companies). However, the outsiders are not really part of the intimate fabric and deep culture of the wider mountain landscape and its native inhabitants. It’s unlikely though that without guidance and pointers outsiders will fully see and understand the depth of the local fabric (e.g. Lama 2012).
Nerve root enhancement in Guillain-Barré syndrome

A 26-year-old woman presented with low back pain, perineal numbness, double incontinence and numbness involving her distal upper and lower limbs, with mild weakness of both legs. These symptoms followed a 3-week history of gastrointestinal illness. On neurological examination, there was weakness (Medical Research Council grade 4/5) of finger abduction and in proximal and distal leg muscles. Deep tendon reflexes were absent in both legs but normal in the arms. Pinprick sensation was diminished in the saddle area and the feet, with loss of vibration sense in the feet. MR scan of lumbar spine showed diffuse enhancement of all nerve roots in the cauda equina (figure 1). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was acellular with elevated protein at 1.42 g/L (0.12–0.45). Nerve conduction studies, performed 4 weeks after symptoms onset, found prolonged …
Marital Satisfaction as a Moderator of Molecular Genetic Influences on Mental Health

The quality of one’s romantic relationship is associated with mental health. Low levels of relationship quality may be a stressor that triggers a predisposition or diathesis to mental illness. Anal...
In vivo analysis of LEA-1 in C. elegans desiccation tolerance

Abstract Cells and organisms typically cannot survive in the absence of water. However, there are some notable exceptions, including animals such as nematodes, tardigrades, rotifers, and some arthropods. One class of proteins known to play a role in desiccation resistance is the late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins. These largely disordered proteins protect plants and animals alike from desiccation. A multitude of studies have characterized stress-protective functions of LEA proteins in vitro and in heterologous systems. However, the extent to which LEA proteins exhibit the same functions in their native contexts in animals is unclear. Furthermore, nothing is known about the distribution of LEA proteins in multicellular organisms or tissue-specific requirements in conferring stress protection. To study the endogenous function of LEA proteins in an animal, we created a true null mutant of C. elegans LEA-1, as well as endogenous fluorescent reporters of the protein. We confirmed that C. elegans lacking LEA-1 are sensitive to desiccation. LEA-1 mutant animals were also sensitive to heat and osmotic stress and were prone to protein aggregation. During desiccation, LEA-1 expression increased and became more widespread throughout the body. LEA-1 was required at high levels in body wall muscle for animals to survive desiccation and osmotic stress. We identified minimal motifs within LEA-1 that are sufficient to increase desiccation survival of E. coli. Our results provide insights into the endogenous functions and expression dynamics of an LEA protein in a multicellular animal. We show that LEA-1 buffers animals from a broad range of stresses. Our identification of functional motifs within the protein suggests the possibility of engineering LEA-1-derived peptides for desiccation protection.
Strategies for the Design of Vitamin D Receptor Ligands

Structure-activity relationship analysis is a powerful tool to elucidate the structural requirements for high-affinity vitamin D receptor (VDR) ligands. This chapter systematically interrogates the structural features of 1α,25(OH)2D3, the vitamin D metabolite with the highest VDR affinity. It can be concluded that the C1α and C25 hydroxyl groups of 1α,25(OH)2D3 are very important for binding. Optimal spatial arrangement of both hydroxyl groups was achieved with either a hydrophobic semi-flexible secosteroid scaffold or a simplified, flexible carbon chain. Y-shaped ligands with high affinity confirmed a highly inducible VDR ligand-binding pocket, which has been visualized by X-ray crystallography. Substitution of the secosteroid scaffold by other hydrophobic spacers such as carboranes or aromatic ring systems has led to many non-secosteroid VDR ligands. Exploration of ligand substitution has led to the development of antagonists that are accommodated by the inducible VDR ligand-binding pocket but alter the overall conformation of VDR in ways that prevent interactions with coactivator proteins from occurring and ultimately result in reduced gene transcription.
Development and Characterization of a Carbon-Based Composite Material for Reducing Patulin Levels in Apple Juice

Patulin, a heterocyclic lactone produced by various species of Penicillium and Aspergillus fungi, is often detected in apple juices and ciders. Previous research has shown the effectiveness of granular activated carbon for reducing patulin levels in aqueous solutions, apple juices, and ciders. In this study, ultrafine activated carbon was bonded onto granular quartz to produce a composite carbon adsorbent (CCA) with a high carbonaceous surface area, good bed porosity, and increased bulk density. CCA in fixed-bed adsorption columns was evaluated for efficacy in reducing patulin levels from aqueous solutions and apple juice. Columns containing 1.0, 0.5, and 0.25 g of CCA were continuously loaded with a patulin solution (10 microg/ml) and eluted at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. Results indicated that 50% breakthrough capacities for patulin on 1.0-, 0.5-, and 0.25-g CCA columns were 137.5, 38.5, and 19.9 microg, respectively. The effectiveness of CCA to adsorb patulin and prevent toxic effects was confirmed in vitro using adult hydra in culture. Hydra were sensitive to the effects of patulin, with a minimal affective concentration equal to 0.7 microg/ml; CCA adsorption prevented patulin toxicity until 76% breakthrough capacity was achieved. Fixed-bed adsorption with 1.0 g of CCA was also effective in reducing patulin concentrations (20 microg/liter) in a naturally contaminated apple juice, and breakthrough capacities were shown to increase with temperature. Additionally, CCA offered a higher initial breakthrough capacity than pelleted activated carbon when compared in parallel experiments. This study suggests that CCA used in fixed-bed adsorption systems effectively reduced patulin levels in both aqueous solutions and naturally contaminated apple juice; however, the appearance and taste of apple juice may be affected by the treatment process.
The Littoral Zone

The littoral zone represents an interface between the land of the drainage basin and the open water of the lake, reservoir, or stream (Wetzel, 1990). The extent of the development of the littoral zone is highly variable and depends on both the geomorphology of the basin and the rate of sedimentation that has occurred since its formation.
Who Participates in Global Governance?: States, bureaucracies, and NGOs in the United Nations

Why are non-state actors sometimes granted participation rights in international organizations? This book argues that IOs, and the states that compose them, systematically pursue their interests when granting participation rights to NSAs. This book demonstrates that NSAs have long been participants in global governance institutions, and that states and bureaucracies have not always resisted their inclusion. At the same time, this study encourages skepticism of the assumption that increasing participation should be expected with the passage of time. The result is a study that challenges some commonly held assumptions about the interests of IOs and states, while providing an interesting comparison of secretariat and state interests with regard to one particular aspect of IO institutional rule and practice: the participation of non-state actors. Addressing the regular assumption that the power of states and the efficacy of multilateral governance have simply wilted in the heat of globalization while NSAs have flourished, this work features analysis of key institutions such as UNCEF, UNDP and the Environment Programme. It will be of great interest to students and scholars of international relations, the United Nations, and NGOs.
The Phonetic Structure of Paragraphs

The present paper describes a pilot study designed to clarify some issues that need to be taken into account in planning a larger-scale investigation of the phonetic structure of paragraphs. The investigation is expected to make a contribution to our knowledge about discourse-level phonetics and phonology, and thus deepen our insights about the general process of communication by spoken language. It is clear that people communicate by isolated sentences only in exceptional circumstances. A message is often long and complicated enough to require that it be cast in paragraph form. (The planned study -will be limited to paragraph level, but there exist units of still higher levels, e.g. anecdotes, sermons, or narrative reports.) Sentences within a paragraph may be formally linked by the use of definite and indefinite articles, deictic adverbs and pronouns, sequence of tenses etc. It is hypothesized also that paragraphs possess a suprasegmental structure that indicates the beginning and end of paragraphs and characterizes the body of the paragraph. For example, it may be that the intonation contour applied to a sentence produced in isolation (constituting a one-sentence paragraph) will differ from the intonation contour applied to the same sentence in the beginning, middle and end of a paragraph. In other words, it is possible that a paragraph is characterized by an overall intonation structure to which the intonation contours of its constituent sentences are subordinated.
The Ionosphere and Upper Atmosphere of Venus

The Mariner 10 flyby of Venus has provided us a second close look at the upper atmosphere of a planet which has intrigued aeronomers for a long time. The Mariner 10 payload included an objective grating spectrometer designed to measure airglow radiations from Venus and Mercury in the spectral range 200 to 1700 A at discrete wavelengths corresponding to the resonance radiations of H, He, C, O, Ar, Ne and CO (Broadfoot et al., 1974). The data on the ionosphere and the neutral atmosphere were obtained from the radio-occultation experiment (Howard et al., 1974) whereas an electrostatic analyzer was employed to make in situ measurements of the charged particle environment arotind Venus (Bridge et al., 1974). A highly sensitive dual magnetometer system was employed to measure magnetic fields around Venus, especially in the bow shock region (Ness et al., 1974). A number of questions raised by the Mariner 5 flyby in 1967 have been answered while many more new ones have evolved. Far UV spectra (1200–1900 A) of Venus with moderate spectral resolution (∼ 20 A) have also been obtained from a number of rocket experiments (Moos et al., 1969; Moos and Rottman, 1971; Rottman and Moos, 1973). These spectra have lead to the identification of several minor constituents in the upper atmosphere. This paper summarizes the current understanding of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere of Venus and its interaction with solar wind.
Analysis of PKR-RNA interactions by sedimentation velocity

PKR is an interferon-induced kinase that plays a pivotal role in the innate immunity pathway for defense against viral infection. PKR is activated to undergo autophosphorylation upon binding to RNAs that contain duplex regions. Some highly structured viral RNAs do not activate and function as PKR inhibitors. In order to define the mechanisms of activation and inhibition of PKR by RNA, it is necessary to characterize the stoichiometries, affinities, and free energy couplings governing the assembly of the relevant complexes. We have found sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation to be particularly useful in the study of PKR–RNA interactions. Here, we describe protocols for designing and analyzing sedimentation velocity experiments that are generally applicable to studies of protein–nucleic acid interactions. Initially, velocity data obtained at multiple protein:RNA ratios are analyzed using the dc/dt method's to define the association model and to test whether the system is kinetically limited. The sedimentation velocity data obtained at multiple loading concentrations are then globally fitted to this model to determine the relevant association constants. The frictional ratios of the complexes are calculated using the fitted sedimentation coefficients to determine whether the hydrodynamic properties are physically reasonable. We demonstrate the utility of this approach using examples from our studies of PKR interactions with simple dsRNAs, the HIV TAR RNA, and the VAI RNA from adenovirus.
Healthcare Experiences of Zabbaleen Women in Cairo, Egypt

The current political instability in the regions of North Africa and the Middle East threaten the safety of disenfranchised, vulnerable populations and the knowledge of health determinants in these people groups. Gender roles and cultural norms of the region place women in a marginalized position resulting in isolation and disconnection from society and the information or resources regarding healthcare. The women of the Zabbaleen community are a unique population in Cairo, Egypt with multiple factors known to contribute to inequities in healthcare. This study reveals barriers that affect healthcare related to issues of cultural behaviors and social determinants of health for the Zabbaleen women. The results provide insight into the perceived and actual barriers to health the women experience. This study reveals information critical to developing interventions in healthcare delivery and services during tumultuous times and future peaceful times. A qualitative constructivist design with personal interviews, participatory observation and field notes was used for this study. Internal barriers of cultural norms of gender, religion and isolation alongside external factors of environment, unique economic conditions and health resources shape the womenâs experiences.
On the OVI abundance in the circumgalactic medium of low-redshift galaxies

We analyze the mass, temperature, metal enrichment, and OVI abundance of the circumgalactic medium (CGM) around $z\sim 0.2$ galaxies of mass $10^9 M_\odot <M_\bigstar < 10^{11.5} M_\odot$ in the Illustris simulation. Among star-forming galaxies, the mass, temperature, and metallicity of the CGM increase with stellar mass, driving an increase in the OVI column density profile of $\sim 0.5$ dex with each $0.5$ dex increase in stellar mass. Observed OVI column density profiles exhibit a weaker mass dependence than predicted: the simulated OVI abundance profiles are consistent with those observed for star-forming galaxies of mass $M_\bigstar = 10^{10.5-11.5} M_\odot$, but underpredict the observed OVI abundances by $\gtrsim 0.8$ dex for lower-mass galaxies. We suggest that this discrepancy may be alleviated with additional heating of the abundant cool gas in low-mass halos, or with increased numerical resolution capturing turbulent/conductive mixing layers between CGM phases. Quenched galaxies of mass $M_\bigstar = 10^{10.5-11.5} M_\odot$ are found to have 0.3-0.8 dex lower OVI column density profiles than star-forming galaxies of the same mass, in qualitative agreement with the observed OVI abundance bimodality. This offset is driven by AGN feedback, which quenches galaxies by heating the CGM and ejecting significant amounts of gas from the halo. Finally, we find that the inclusion of the central galaxy's radiation field may enhance the photoionization of the CGM within $\sim 50$ kpc, further increasing the predicted OVI abundance around star-forming galaxies.
Eimeria chihuahuaensis sp.n. and Other Coccidia from Dipodomys spp. in El Paso County, Texas

SYNOPSIS. Dipodomys merriami Mearns and Dipodomys ordi Woodhouse were surveyed for coccidia in El Paso County, Texas. Infections with Eimeria chobotari. Eimeria dipodomysis and Eimeria balphae were 24.8%. 4.4%, and 11%, respectively, for D. ordi. Dipodomys merriami had an infection level of 23.8% with E. chobotari. Four animals concurrently harbored E. chobotari and E. balphae or E. dipodomysis or a new species Eimeria chihuahuaensis. Male and female host infection levels were not significantly different. The new species is described and photographs of 3 previously described Eimeria from Dipodomys are presented.
ac-field-controlled localization-delocalization transition in a one-dimensional disordered system

Based on the random dimer model, we study correlated disorder in a one-dimensional system driven by a strong ac field. As the correlations in a random system may generate extended states and enhance transport in dc fields, we explore the role that ac fields have on these properties. We find that similar to ordered structures, ac fields renormalize the effective hopping constant to a smaller value and thus help to localize a state. We find that ac fields control then a localization-delocalization transition in a given one-dimensional system with correlated disorder. The competition between band renormalization (band collapse and dynamic localization), Anderson localization, and the structure correlation is shown to result in interesting transport properties.
A Program to Estimate Repairable Systems Reliability

The reliability of critical systems within an organization can dramatically impact many different aspects of its operations such as production Vols., labor requirements, and inventory levels. This article discusses the application of a widely used stoch..
Removal of Jugular Foramen Tumors: The Fallopian Bridge Technique

Despite recent advances in neuroradiographic and electrophysiologic assessment, the surgical extirpation of lesions of the bony skull base remains challenging. Moreover, as surgeons have gained experience in removing tumors from the irregular osteologic confines of the skull base, attention has been directed toward preservation of vital neural and vascular structures traversing the operative field. This report describes the creation of a fallopian bridge with preservation of the facial nerve in removing tumors that arise within or juxtaposed to the jugular fossa. Thirty-five patients are reported herein with analysis of pathology, surgical approach, and outcome. An algorithm for use of the fallopian bridge, as opposed to facial nerve mobilization and rerouting, is presented with particular emphasis on limitation of this selective procedure.
Water Salination: A Source of Energy

The thermodynamically reversible mixing of freshwater and seawater at constant temperature releases free energy. Salination power as a resource is comparable with hydroelectric power in magnitude; U.S. freshwater runoff could yield over 10(10) watts. The energy flux available for natural salination is equivalent to each river in the world ending at its mouth in a waterfall 225 meters high. An osmotic salination converter could possibly operate at 25 percent efficiency. This energy source is renewable and nonpolluting. Although its full utilization would destroy estuarine environments, it might be practical for specialized purposes.
The metabolic role of RNases

Abstract Cells contain an unexpectedly large number of distinct ribonucleases (RNases). Through a combination of various strategies these enzymes carry out the many specific reactions of RNA metabolism, but avoid the wholesale degradation of cellular RNA.
Radiation and Society

AbstractRadioactivity and radiation have always existed, yet it is less than a century since we have become aware of their presence in nature and been able to exploit the knowledge of natural and man made radiation to improve our health and well being. It has been estimated that natural radiation accounts for more than 80% of the radiation exposure of the general population, with medical exposure accounting for most of the rest. There appears to be no reproducible evidence of harmful effects associated with increases in background radiation up to six times the usual levels. In the absence of smoking, the age adjusted lung cancer death rates in the USA and in the high background region of China are in the range of 2–3 per 100 000. Although many studies have shown that very high exposure of miners to the naturally radioactive gas radon and its daughter products result in a marked increase in lung cancer, there is no evidence for an increase in lung cancer among non-smokers exposed to radon related levels co...
The John Insall Award: No Functional Advantage of a Mobile Bearing Posterior Stabilized TKA

Background Mobile bearing (MB) total knee design has been advocated as a means to enhance the functional characteristics and decrease the wear rates of condylar total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, it is unclear if these designs achieve these goals.
Trophic effects of adult peripheral nerve extract on muscle cell growth and differentiation in vitro

Abstract Recent experiments suggest that a combination of embryo extract and adult sciatic nerve extract has trophic activity on chick muscle cells in vitro. In the present study, growth- and differentiation-promoting activity of nerve extract was quantitatively assayed in the absence of embryo extract. Dissociated chick embryo muscle cells were plated at clonal densities and subjected to various concentrations of adult ischiatic-peroneal nerve extract (TF). For comparison, cells were treated with the same concentrations of embryo extract (EE) and other tissue extracts. The results demonstrated that EE is not required for TF to promote growth and differentiation of muscle cells in clonal cultures. At low concentrations (0.1 to 0.3 mg protein/ml), TF apparently supports muscle clone growth and differentiation as well as EE. At greater concentrations (0.6 mg/ml), TF seems to support the largest amount of muscle. At elevated concentrations, all tissue extracts become inhibitory. Cell division does not occur in the absence of TF (or EE) or in the presence of low concentrations of adult muscle or adult brain extract. The concomitant presence of more than 8% horse serum is required.
Survival and Dispersal of Young White-Footed Mice Born in Nest Boxes

Thirty-nine litters of white-footed mice ( Peromyscus leucopus ) were followed from birth in nest boxes until establishment of home ranges in an isolated, 2-ha woodlot. The sex ratio at birth was significantly biased toward males in the spring and females in the fall. Mothers were significantly heavier in spring than in fall. In the spring, 39 of 97 pups (40%) were weaned, while in the fall only 8 of 67 (12%) were weaned. After three weeks of age the expectation of further life was more than 9 weeks for spring-born and less than 3 weeks for fall-born mice. Young left the nest at an average age of 5.6 weeks. Mothers consistently retained their home ranges after young dispersed. With the exception of one litter, littermates did not aggregate after dispersal, but scattered throughout the woodlot. Males settled at an average of 75 m from the natal nest, females an average of 39 m. These small dispersal distances, coupled with a near absence of immigration and low spring populations, suggest the possibility of inbreeding.
Why species matter: an experimental assessment of assumptions and predictive ability of two functional-group models

Community ecologists use functional groups based on the rarely tested assumption that within-group responses to ecological processes are similar and thus members are functionally equivalent. However, recent research suggests that functional equivalency may break down with human impacts. We tested the equivalency assumption and model predictions of responses to simulated human alterations in nutrients and large herbivores for two models of coral reef algae, the Relative Dominance Model (RDM) and the Functional Group Model (FGM). Results of both mesocosm and field experiments using assembled communities were compared to model predictions, and within- and between-group variability were assessed. Both models' predictions of group response to herbivory matched experimental outcomes, but only the RDM predicted response to nutrients. However, within-group variability was dramatic, because the RDM grouped species with opposite responses to herbivory and the FGM grouped species with unique responses to nutrients. These heterogeneous responses resulted in loss of information and masked strong interactions between herbivory and nutrients that were not included in the models. As humans continue to impact major ecological processes in ecosystems globally, we postulate that functional-group models may need to be reformulated to account for shifting baselines.
Time and dose-dependent radiosensitization of the glioblastoma multiforme U251 cells by the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor ZD1839 ('Iressa')

Hyperactive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, which promotes unregulated cell growth and inhibits apoptosis, is believed to contribute to clinical radiation resistance of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Blockage of the EGFR signalling pathways may offer an attractive therapeutic target to increase the cytotoxic effects of radiotherapy. We report the effects of ZD1839 ('Iressa'), a selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor on the radiation sensitivity of the U251 GBM cell line, which expresses high levels of EGFR. In radiation survival experiments, 5 microM of ZD1839 had a significant radiosensitizing effect and increased cell death was observed at doses of 5Gy in the presence of ZD1839. Dose and schedule of drug administration in combination with radiation appeared to be a crucial element to obtain radiosensitization of the cells. These studies suggest novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of GBM.
On Symmetric Stability and Instability of Zonal Mean Flows Near the Equator.

Abstract Obserations of longitudinally-averaged zonal flows in the atmosphere and ocean tend to display north–south symmetry about the equator, with a characteristic wind maximum or minimum, and therefore little horizontal wind shear locally near the equator. It is shown that this configuration is required for balanced flow on a sphere to be inertially stable. If dissipation can be neglected, any horizontal wind shear at the equator will cause inertial instability to develop. effectively eliminating the horizontal shear. It follows that the potential vorticity (q) must vanish at the equator for the symmetric circulation to be stable; and that it must increase to the north and decrease to the south. Balanced cross-equatorial flow can occur only if there is a north–south gradient in the torque or the diabatic heating at the equator. These conclusions are obtained under the assumption of a balanced zonal flow; i.e., acceleration and dissipation are explicitly neglected in the meridional momentum equation. Th...
Status and challenges of inkjet printed RF and THz structures

Inkjet printing is a low-cost, additive process that has enabled various disruptive technologies that combine new materials with novel multidisciplinary operation concepts. Beyond prototyping, their inherent scalability could make them good candidate for commercial/mass production applications such as large area structural monitoring, distributed sensing and IoT applications. This overview explores the reliability and the great potential of these novel technologies when applied to high performance RF and THz devices of the future.
Theophylline intoxication and status epilepticus in a child

Theophylline is used less frequently to treat bronchospasm due to the availability of alternative medications with less toxicity. Theophylline intoxication can cause significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case of theophylline toxicity in a child that progressed to status epilepticus and death. While prevention of ingestions is the best way to eliminate paediatric theophylline intoxications, early recognition and prompt institution of treatment can be lifesaving.
Partial characterization of the copolymerization reaction of erythrocyte membrane band 3 with hemichromes.

Early intermediates in the denaturation of hemoglobin, termed hemichromes, have been found previously to associate with the cytoplasmic domain of erythrocyte membrane band 3 in a manner which rapidly propagates into an insoluble, macroscopic copolymer. Because this interaction is thought to force a redistribution of band 3 in situ, the properties of the copolymerization reaction were investigated in greater detail. The band 3-hemichrome coaggregate was found to be stabilized largely by ionic interactions since elevation of either ionic strength or pH led to dissolution of the complex. The pH dependence, however, shifted to a more alkaline pH with increasing hemichrome concentration, suggesting a strong linkage between band 3 or hemichrome protonation and copolymer formation. The stoichiometry of the copolymer was measured at five globin chains per band 3 chain whenever underivatized dimer-tetramer hemichrome mixtures were employed. However, cross-linking of the hemichromes at either the alpha or the beta chains to form the stabilized tetramer yielded a copolymer stoichiometry of approximately eight globin chains per band 3 chain, i.e., two hemichrome sites per band 3 subunit. While underivatized hemichromes exhibited both a fast and slow phase of copolymerization, the cross-link-stabilized tetrameric hemichromes displayed predominantly the fast phase kinetics. Naturally occurring disulfide cross-linked hemichromes also reacted more avidly with band 3 than their reduced counterparts; however, the copolymerization process also proceeded to completion with totally reduced components. It is concluded that copolymerization of band 3 with hemichromes should occur under normal cellular conditions and at an accelerated velocity when the intracellular reducing power is low.
Increasing self-esteem and competency in children

This paper is an adaptation of a presentation made at the International Symposium on Preschool Education held in Nanjing, China, in October, 1989. One hundred and forty scholars from eight countries gathered at this symposium which was sponsored by UNICEF and Nanjing Normal University to discuss the current trends and future directions in program design and curriculum for young children. This presentation focuses on the importance of self-esteem in the development of personal competency. The role of the early childhood educator and the type of educational environment conducive to this developmental process are described. The importance of self-initiated learning and a personal locus of control are discussed. The impact of self-esteem and competency are discussed in normal development and in children who have a developmental disability. A longitudinal case study is presented to illustrate the positive impact of a well developed sense of self-esteem and personal competency.
Reinforced site isolation leading to remarkable thermal stability and high electrooptic activities in cross-linked nonlinear optical dendrimers

A series of cross-linkable electro-optic (E-O) dendrimers have been developed with anthracene- and acrylate-containing dendrons functionalized on the periphery of chromophores that can form thermally stable Diels−Alder adducts. These new E-O dendrimers with a high density of standardized AJL8-type chromophore are originally prone to thermo-decomposition in their thermoplastic form but can be converted into thermally stable networks to provide excellent site isolation for these chromophores. After poling, large E-O coefficients (up to 84 pm/V at 1310 nm) can be obtained in these dendrimers. These poled E-O dendrimers can maintain their alignment stability at 200 °C for 30 min and also possess impressive long-term stability at 150 °C for more than 200 h. This result provides a very effective molecular engineering approach to systematically increase the thermal stability of highly polarizable dipolar chromophores for high temperature on-chip applications.
ZnO Thin Film, Device, and Circuit Fabrication using Low-Temperature PECVD Processes

We report undoped ZnO films deposited at low temperature (200°C) using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). ZnO thin-film transistors (TFTs) fabricated using ZnO and Al2O3 deposited in situ by PECVD with moderate gate leakage show a field-effect mobility of 10 cm2/V s, threshold voltage of 7.5 V, subthreshold slope 104. Inverter circuits fabricated using these ZnO TFTs show peak gain magnitude (dVout/dVin) ~5. These devices appear to be strongly limited by interface states and reducing the gate leakage results in TFTs with lower mobility. For example, ZnO TFTs fabricated with low-leakage Al2O3 have mobility near 0.05 cm2/V s, and five-stage ring-oscillator integrated circuits fabricated using these TFTs have a 1.2 kHz oscillation frequency at 60 V, likely limited by interface states.
KN sigma terms from kaon-nucleus scattering lengths

K−-nucleus scattering lengths have been analysed in terms of Fubini-Furlan sum rules (supplemented with a gray-sphere model to describe the Λ(1405) absorption inside the nucleus), which extrapolate the current-algebra results to the physical threshold. A value of about 600 MeV is obtained for theI t =0KN sigma term, consistent with large violations of the Zweig rule in the scalar-isoscalarN\(\bar N\) system att=0.
Averaged evoked responses to tapping: a one-subject scalp study of large signals.

Somatosensory evoked responses (SERs) of unusual amplitude were averaged from the scalp of one subject, for inspection of the time-course of the early positive-negative waveform (P1 to NH). These early components had a peak-to-peak half period of 10–14 msec, for varied stimulus locations and intensities, while their amplitude and latencies varied monotonically with stimulus intensity and sensory level. The time-course of the P1 to NH components conformed with that observed for the postsynaptic soma-dendritic response to direct stimulation of sensory cortex (DCR) in other mammals. Inspection of the later waveform, up to 125 msec poststimulus-onset (PSO), revealed no negative later than the NH, which peaked at 43–45 msec for digital stimulation. Mechanical stimulation of the digits in the absence of the usual masking noise evoked a different waveform having significant earlier and later components.
Sleuthing the MSL EDL performance from an X band carrier perspective

During the Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), or Curiosity, rover to Gale Crater on Mars on August 6, 2012 UTC, the rover transmitted an X-band signal composed of carrier and tone frequencies and a UHF signal modulated with an 8kbps data stream. During EDL, the spacecraft's orientation is determined by its guidance and mechanical subsystems to ensure that the vehicle land safely at its destination. Although orientation to maximize telecom performance is not possible, antennas are especially designed and mounted to provide the best possible line of sight to Earth and to the Mars orbiters supporting MSL's landing. The tones and data transmitted over these links are selected carefully to reflect the most essential parameters of the vehicle's state and the performance of the EDL subsystems for post-EDL reconstruction should no further data transmission from the vehicle be possible. This paper addresses the configuration of the X band receive system used at NASA / JPL's Deep Space Network (DSN) to capture the signal spectrum of MSL's X band carrier and tone signal, examines the MSL vehicle state information obtained from the X band carrier signal only and contrasts the Doppler-derived information against the post-EDL known vehicle state. The paper begins with a description of the MSL EDL sequence of events and discusses the impact of the EDL maneuvers such as guided entry, parachute deploy, and powered descent on the frequency observables expected at the DSN. The range of Doppler dynamics possible is derived from extensive 6 Degrees-Of-Freedom (6 DOF) vehicle state calculations performed by MSL's EDL simulation team. The configuration of the DSN's receive system, using the Radio Science Receivers (RSR) to perform open-loop recording for both for nominal and off-nominal EDL scenarios, is detailed. Expected signal carrier power-to-noise levels during EDL are shown and their impact on signal detection is considered. Particular attention is given to the selection of the appropriate RSR processing bandwidths and to its configuration for real-time signal detection. The X-band carrier frequency obtained through post-processing of the open-loop recorded spectrum is given. Detection of spacecraft status and completion of key vehicle events through their Doppler signature is discussed and illustrated. This Doppler-derived information is compared against the very accurate vehicle data obtained post-EDL via MSL's UHF radio subsystem. The paper concludes with a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of transmitting the X-band carrier and tone signal in the general context of EDL communications and lessons learned for future missions with EDL sequences are given.
Archives document preservation: II

This is a continuation of the work reported on in the same journal in 1966, in which impregnation of paper with carboxymethyl cellulose wet-strength resin combinations increased the paper's pH, its strength, and its aging characteristics. This paper deals with the modification of a mimeograph machine for impregnating the sheets, more extensive testing of the process, and a reversible method of encapsulating the documents with polyethylene-coated Mylar film. The mimeograph process involves laying the document on the drum of the modified machine, turning the machine through six revolutions, and peeling the document off by hand. Encapsulation with the polyethylene-Mylar combination is said to be superior to cellulose acetate because of the substantially lower permeability of the former. The use of these materials is said to be made reversible by insertion of sheets of cellulose acetate film between the document and the Mylar. The exact technique of this process is not made clear. For the first part of this article see AATA (6)-B3 -- 27. -- AATA
Mechanisms of Chronic Allograft Dysfunction

This review was designed to highlight new findings that have contributed to our knowledge of the pathogenesis of late graft dysfunction. Both immune and nonimmune causes contribute to its development. Specific contributors to late graft dysfunction have been recently recognized and are potential targets for new treatment options. The variables associated with late graft failure include donor age and tissue quality, brain death and other issues specific to the deceased donor, tissue injury secondary to organ preservation, alloimmune-mediated injury, and posttransplantation factors in the recipient, such as viral infections, hypertension, drug toxicity, and hyperlipidemia. One of the critical variables that is controllable is the total ischemic time; the longer the ischemic episode, the worse the long-term results of the transplant are. Another significant obstacle to long-term allograft survival is the MHC barrier. The roles of B cells and alloantibody as effectors of alloimmunity have been underestimated; emerging studies strongly suggest that previous sensitization and/or de novo donor-anti-human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies secondary to poor HLA matching portend a poor prognosis for allograft survival, even in the presence of chronic T-cell-specific immunosuppression.
Microbial Rumen Fermentation

With the ruminant animal, we have essentially two ecosystems, namely, the microbial ecosystem within the rumen and the animal's external environment. In dealing with the microbial ecosystem, we have made significant strides in the last few decades toward accomplishing the overall goal of ecology, which is to understand the relationships of organisms to their environments. As pointed out by Hungate (47), a complete ecological analysis of any natural habitat requires an elaboration of: 1 ) kinds and numbers of organisms, 2) activities of the organisms, and 3) extent to which their activities are expressed. Within the last 25 yr, much information has been gained in the first two aspects of the ecological analysis. Currently we are just beginning to address the third aspect. The rumen is an ideal fermentation site. In most ruminant species, the rumen is approximately one-seventh of the mass of the animal, is maintained at a relatively constant temperature (39°C), is buffered well by salivary secretions, and compared to many other microbial ecosystems is well supplied with nutrients. End-products of the fermentation (e.g., volatile fatty acids), which can be toxic to microbial metabolism, are removed across the rumen wail. The microflora inhabiting the rumen is dense and contains approximately 10 l° to 1011 bacterial and 106 protozoal cells per milliliter. Diversity within this population is extensive, and approximately 200 species of bacteria and 20 species of protozoa have been isolated (13). Although a few of these bacteria may be "casual passengers brought in with the food" and thus not be "authentic rumen bacteria",
Modeling psychopathology structure: A symptom-level analysis of Axis I and II disorders.

Background. Analyses of co-morbidity patterns among common mental disorders have repeatedly indicated that relationships among disorders can be understood in terms of broad superordinate dimensions. However, these analyses have been based on syndromal-level indicators, which are often heterogeneous, rather than on symptoms, which are presumably more homogeneous. Method. Symptom-level exploratory and confirmatory analyses were used to explore the joint hierarchical organization of Axis I and II psychopathology, using data on 8405 individuals from the 2000 British Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. Results. Analyses indicated that 20 identified subordinate dimensions of psychopathology could be organized into four broad superordinate dimensions: Internalizing, Externalizing, Thought Disorder, and Pathological Introversion. Conclusions. These results extend existing model frameworks 'downward' as well as 'outward', by analyzing symptoms rather than diagnoses, and by integrating symptoms from Axis I and II disorders in a common framework. This model demonstrates the importance of hierarchy in psychopathology structure, comprises replicable features of psychopathology structure, and has important implications for understanding the nature and organization of mental disorders.
Finite- and Infinite-Component Wave Equations

We show that there exists a strong reciprocal relationship between the algebras associated with the wave equations of Bhabha and Nambu. The representations of the two groups obtained, O(6) and O(4, 2), respectively, are the simplest algebras which can describe supermultiplets of relativistic particles.
Knowledge-based system using a neural network

Neural network technology is finding applications in a wide range of research fields, such as, pattern recognition, robot navigation, communications, computer vision, etc. Neural nets can also be used as experts in a particular problem domain. Powerful learning algorithms associated with neural net architectures provide them the ability to extract similarities from the database and encode these properties in a weight matrix. This reduces the dependance on a human expert to create a rule base. In this paper we describe a knowledge-based network for the diagnosis of the risk factor of developing coronary atherosclerosis. The entire system consists of a knowledge based system which uses a neural network, that is trained for a specific set of data, to obtain a risk factor which it then modifies based on additional information to obtain the final result.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.