cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal secondary stability simulation of Rayleigh-Bénard-Poiseuille flow

Abstract The onset of primary and secondary instability has important implications for Rayleigh-Benard-Poiseuille flows. This paper demonstrates that the primary and secondary instability can be investigated with temporal simulations based on the full and linearized Navier-Stokes equations. Three cases with subcritical Reynolds number and supercritical Rayleigh number are discussed. It is shown that the secondary instability results from a triad interaction of the fundamental steady three-dimensional mode with a two-dimensional and two oblique modes. As the disturbances grow to non-linear amplitudes, the longitudinal rolls exhibit a sinusoidal wavy deformation. The wavelength of the most amplified secondary instability wave is in good agreement with experimental observations. The phase speed of the waves is close to the basic flow bulk velocity as suggested in the literature.
Comparison of Feeding-Artery-Only versus Nidus-Plus-Feeding-Artery Embolization of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations.

PURPOSE To compare coil embolotherapy outcomes of feeding-artery-only versus nidus-plus-feeding-artery technique for treating pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 219 treatment-naive PAVMs embolized in 90 patients at a single center from 2008 to 2018 met inclusion criteria for retrospective evaluation. Of the patients, 87% had a diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Feeding artery (FA) diameters ≥2 mm were treated. Coil embolization techniques were classified on the basis of embolic deployment zone: (i) distal feeding artery (DFA) technique (coil-to-nidus distance ≤ 1 cm) or (ii) nidus plus feeding artery (NiFA) technique. Successful embolization predictors were assessed using a multivariate linear regression model with input from patient- and PAVM-specific variables. RESULTS Treatment success was achieved in 192 of 219 PAVMs (87.7%) over a mean follow-up period of 19 months. Statistically significant predictors of success in the linear regression model included simple angioarchitecture, NiFA embolization technique, and shorter follow-up duration. Stratified by technique, success rates were 99 of 105 (94.3%) and 93 of 114 (81.6%) PAVMs for NiFA and DFA, respectively (P = .007). On average, NiFA-embolized PAVMs had a larger FA diameter (3.6 mm vs 2.7 mm, P < .001) and comprised more complex PAVMs (48% vs 22%, P < .001) than DFA. Treatment success was not significantly associated with sac size or FA diameter. CONCLUSIONS Coil embolization of both the nidus and FA was associated with a higher persistent occlusion rate than FA embolization alone.
Risk of bladder cancer and lymphoma in dogs is associated with pollution indices by county of residence.

Human urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are considered environmental cancers in people, but less is known about environment risk for UCC and lymphoma in dogs. The objective of this study was to determine whether dogs with these cancers, compared to unaffected control dogs, live in counties with higher tap water contaminants or higher levels of air pollution as measured by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and by National Air Toxics Assessment chemical exposure risk estimates. Dogs with available home addresses from two previously published case-control populations were included: 66 dogs with UCC and 70 unaffected controls; and 56 boxer dogs with lymphoma and 84 unaffected boxer controls. Tap water total trihalomethanes, which are water disinfection by-products, were more than threefold higher in UCC case counties of residence compared to controls (p < .0001), and a higher proportion of dogs with UCC lived in counties exceeding EPA ozone limits (41.8%) compared to controls (13.6% p = .0008). More boxers with lymphoma lived in counties exceeding EPA ozone limits (52.1%) compared to controls (29.0%; p = .018), with higher exposure risk estimates for airborne 1,3-butadiene and formaldehyde (p = .004-.005). These data support the hypothesis that tap water contaminants and airborne environmental pollutants contribute to the risk of both urothelial carcinoma and lymphoma in dogs. If these findings reflect causal relationships, then it is possible that tap water filtration units and more effective air pollution controls could decrease the overall incidence of these cancers in dogs.
Adverse Perinatal and Early Life Outcomes following 15q11.2 CNV Diagnosis.

The copy number variation (CNV) of 15q11.2, an emerging and common condition observed during prenatal counseling, is encompassed by four highly conserved and non-imprinted genes—TUBGCP5, CYFIP1, NIPA1, and NIPA2—which are reportedly related to developmental delays or general behavioral problems. We retrospectively analyzed 1337 samples from genetic amniocentesis for fetal CNV using microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization analysis between January 2014 and December 2019. 15q11.2 CNV showed a prevalence of 1.5% (21/1337). Separately, 0.7% was noted for 15q11.2 BP1–BP2 microdeletion and 0.8% for 15q11.2 microduplication. Compared to the normal array group, the 15q11.2 BP1–BP2 microdeletion group had more cases of neonatal intensive care unit transfer, an Apgar score of <7 at 1 min, and neonatal death. Additionally, the group was symptomatic with developmental delays and had more infantile deaths related to congenital heart disease (CHD). Our study makes a novel contribution to the literature by exploring the differences in the adverse perinatal outcomes and early life conditions between the 15q11.2 CNV and normal array groups. Parent-origin gender-based differences may help in the prognosis of the fetal phenotype; development levels should be followed up in the long term and echocardiography should be offered prenatally and postnatally for the prevention of a delayed diagnosis of CHD.
Patterns of International Migration Policy: a Diachronic Comparison

Global conditions shape international migrations by determining the dispositions of individuals toward movement as well as of the states in which they live or seek to enter toward potential population flows. The paper focuses on the policy responses of states in three historical periods, the early modern, the XlXth century, and the contemporary, with special emphasis on the role of western states in patterning labor migrations and refugee flows. An attempt is made to account for the shift from a trend toward liberal exit and entry policies in the XlXth century to one involving highly restrictive entry policies on the part of potential receiving states, and a combination of restrictive exit with forced departure in other parts of the XXth century world.
Maintaining the norm: T-cell homeostasis.

The persistence of naive and memory T cells has long been of interest to immunologists, but the factors that influence the survival and homeostasis of these subsets have remained obscure. In recent years, it has become evident that the homeostasis of both naive and memory T-cell pools is highly dynamic and tightly regulated by internal stimuli, including cytokines and self-peptide–MHC ligands for the T-cell receptor. These homeostatic mechanisms might have a vital influence on the capacity of the T-cell pool to respond to both foreign and self-antigens.
Vidale receives Macelwane Medal

The James B. Macelwane Medal, which is given for significant contributions to the geophysical sciences by a young scientist of outstanding ability, was presented to John E. Vidale at the 1994 Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony on December 7, 1994, in San Francisco. The award citation and Vidale's response are given here. “Scientific discovery most often comes from the creative exploitation of newly available data to address long-standing problems. John Vidale, who shares the 1994 Macelwane Medal, has excelled in this regard. His contributions in seismological studies of Earth structure and earthquake sources have been an inspiration to geophysicists throughout the world. His numerous publications in the leading journals Nature and Science over the past 4 years already well exceeds the number of papers accepted by these two journals in a typical scientific career. John selects data like ripe fruit waiting to be plucked, and utilizes it wisely.
Soybean Planting Date and Growth and Development Study

Soybean planted either the last week of April or the first week of May typically produces yields greater than later planted soybean. This project will determine if initiation and duration of particular growth stages, along with main stem node accumulation explain why early planted soybean (late April/early May) yield greater than late planted soybean (mid May). Six planting dates with a one week interval were planted at seven Iowa State University (ISU) research stations and growth stages of the plants from the different planting dates were determined twice weekly.
Morphological investigation of elliptical galaxies

We describe the two large surface photometry surveys of elliptical galaxies, completed at Mt. Hopkins and Lick observatories. These comprise the largest such surveys of early-type galaxies to this date, and will provide us with a large set of uniform quality data for a variety of statistical and dynamical studies. We discuss briefly some results from the Mt. Hopkins survey.
Assistive technology: Impact on education, employment, and independence of individuals with physical disabilities

The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss how assistive technology impacts individuals with disabilities in relation to their education, employment, and ability to live independently. Appropriately selected and utilized assistive technology is imperative for individuals to approach an even par with their non-disabled peers. This paper specifically addresses a number of key questions: How important is assistive technology (AT) to the success of individuals with disabilities in education, employment, and achieving independence? If AT is important, in what ways is it important? What essential need(s) are met by the use of AT in education, employment, and independence? What remain as unresolved issues and questions regarding the use of AT by individuals with disabilities as they pursue postsecondary education, meaningful careers, and living independently? This review notes that AT is a foundational support that produces multiple and life-altering benefits. While we know much about the impact of AT on the lives of individuals with disabilities, many unanswered issues and questions remain.
Psychometric evaluation of the PROMIS Physical Function Computerized Adaptive Test in comparison to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score and Simple Shoulder Test in patients with rotator cuff disease

Background The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function Computerized Adaptive Test (PF CAT) is a newly developed patient-reported outcome instrument designed by the National Institutes of Health to measure generalized physical function. However, the measurement properties of the PF CAT have not been compared with established shoulder-specific patient-reported outcomes. Methods Patients with clinical diagnosis of rotator cuff disease completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and PF CAT. Responses to each of the 3 instruments were statistically analyzed with a Rasch partial credit model. Associations between instruments, convergent validity, item and person reliability, ceiling and floor effects, dimensionality, and survey length were determined. Results Responses from 187 patients were analyzed. The PF CAT required fewer questions than the ASES or SST (PF CAT, 4.3; ASES, 11; SST, 12). Correlation between all instruments was moderately high. Item reliability was excellent for all instruments, but person reliability of the PF CAT was superior (0.93, excellent) to the SST (0.71, moderate) and ASES (0.48, fair). Ceiling effects were similar among all instruments (PF CAT, 0.53%; SST, 6.1%; ASES, 2.3%). Floor effects were found in 21% of respondents to the SST but in only 3.2% of PF CAT and 2.3% of ASES respondents. Conclusion The measurement properties of the PROMIS PF CAT compared favorably with the ASES and SST despite requiring fewer questions to complete. The PROMIS PF CAT had improved person reliability compared with the ASES score and fewer floor effects compared with the SST.
Control and diagnostics for nuclear power plant performance and safety enhancement

The author describes the technological advances in the area of diagnostics, control, and automation for the enhancement of performance and safety of nuclear plants. This survey is carried out in the framework of a human cognitive model of control and diagnostics. Particular attention is given to signal validation for a safety parameter display system; a fault-tolerant digital feedwater control system; simulator qualification methodology and a reactor emergency action level monitor expert system. >
Audit mechanisms for provable risk management and accountable data governance

Organizations that collect and use large volumes of personal information are expected under the principle of accountable data governance to take measures to protect data subjects from risks that arise from inapproriate uses of this information. In this paper, we focus on a specific class of mechanisms—audits to identify policy violators coupled with punishments—that organizations such as hospitals, financial institutions, and Web services companies may adopt to protect data subjects from privacy and security risks stemming from inappropriate information use by insiders. We model the interaction between the organization (defender) and an insider (adversary) during the audit process as a repeated game. We then present an audit strategy for the defender. The strategy requires the defender to commit to its action and when paired with the adversary’s best response to it, provably yields an asymmetric subgame perfect equilibrium. We then present two mechanisms for allocating the total audit budget for inspections across all games the organization plays with different insiders. The first mechanism allocates budget to maximize the utility of the organization. Observing that this mechanism protects the organization’s interests but may not protect data subjects, we introduce an accountable data governance property, which requires the organization to conduct thorough audits and impose punishments on violators. The second mechanism we present achieves this property. We provide evidence that a number of parameters in the game model can be estimated from prior empirical studies and suggest specific studies that can help estimate other parameters. Finally, we use our model to predict observed practices in industry (e.g., differences in punishment rates of doctors and nurses for the same violation) and the effectiveness of policy interventions (e.g., data breach notification laws and government audits) in encouraging organizations to adopt accountable data governance practices.
Ethics for Independent Auditors

This article suggests that the AICPA, state societies, state boards, and CPA firms must reemphasize the need for professional conduct as well as the need to exercise self-restraint so that excessive competitive behavior does not reduce the quality of service and erode the accountant's professional image. It also recommends that the kind of professional ethics likely to promote professionalism be taught in auditing courses at universities as a way of instilling durable professional ethics in young accountants.
Plasma turbulence of nonspecular trail plasmas as measured by a high‐power large‐aperture radar

[1] High-power, large-aperture radars have been used to characterize plasmas formed as meteoroids ablate in Earth's atmosphere. These plasmas are referred to as heads, the plasmas surrounding the meteoroids, and trails, the plasmas left behind by the meteoroids. A subset of trails is nonspecular trails, which are detected when the radar beam is quasi-perpendicular to the magnetic field. Radar returns from trail plasma are thought to originate from field-aligned irregularity reflections that form due to turbulence within the trail. In this paper, we present theory and analysis of plasma trail diffusion using nonspecular trails detected by the Advanced Research Project Agency Long-range Tracking and Identification Radar. These data include dual frequency, dual polarized, and high-range resolution in-phase and quadrature returns with azimuth and elevation data. We present turbulence onset times for nonspecular trails and derive comparisons to models. We compare diffusion coefficients calculated from the decay in signal return with ambipolar diffusion coefficients derived for specular meteor trails. These results, in conjunction with an analysis of the diffusion perpendicular and parallel to the magnetic field, demonstrate that the ambipolar diffusion coefficient is not a sufficient description of the turbulent diffusion in nonspecular trails and that other influences, such as external electric fields and anomalous cross-field diffusion, must be considered when calculating the diffusion coefficients of nonspecular trails. In addition, we examined these results with respect to the polarization of the returns and found similar trends between all polarizations with slight differences for the right circular return.
Regional Landscape System Protection in the Urbanising Desert Southwest: Lessons from the Phoenix Metropolitan Region, USA

Through the lens of holistic landscape ecology, the authors present for public consideration a desert landscape typology and plan assessment criteria. As a case study, historical trends in open space planning and two contrasting examples of recent open space plans from the Phoenix metropolitan area were analysed and compared to the typology in order to understand how successfully the open space planning efforts had addressed protection of the regional landscape system in the Sonoran Desert. We also developed an approach for the analysis of the landscape ecological component of plans that was based on Baer's general plan assessment criteria (1997). Our results indicate the desert landscape typology is a valuable step as part of a plan assessment of two regional, open space plans, but more importantly, the assessment criteria presented in this paper could be used as the foundation for a more thorough assessment method of the landscape ecological component of plans. The desert landscape typology and plan assessment criteria presented in this paper can be used to increase understanding about how the decision making of planners and designers has influenced the temporal and spatial dimensions of landscape legacies, trajectories and transformations, such as connectivity and fragmentation of open space.
Impact of nitrate supplementation via beetroot juice on capillary hemodynamics in skeletal muscle of rats in chronic heart failure (1106.16)

Chronic heart failure (CHF) causes deficiencies in skeletal muscle blood flow resulting in compromised skeletal muscle capillary red blood cell (RBC) distribution and hemodynamics. These impairments are thought to be due, in part, to reductions in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability within skeletal muscle. In healthy animals, nitrate (NO3-) supplementation via beetroot juice (BR) elevates skeletal muscle blood flow and raises the pressure head for capillary-myocyte O2 flux during exercise presumably following a stepwise reduction to NO in vivo. We tested the hypothesis that BR supplementation would increase the % of capillaries supporting RBC flow at rest and during contractions in CHF rats. CHF was induced in young adult male Sprague-Dawley rats via myocardial infarction (MI). Following a 5-week recovery period rats were given BR ([NO3-] 1 mmol/kg/day, CHF+BR) or water (CHF) for 5 days. MI size was not different between groups (CHF: 28 ± 5, CHF+BR: 28 ± 6 %). Intravital microscopy was used to study the in ...
Learning from revealed preference

A sequence of prices and demands are rationalizable if there exists a concave, continuous and monotone utility function such that the demands are the maximizers of the utility function over the budget set corresponding to the price. Afriat [1] presented necessary and sufficient conditions for a finite sequence to be rationalizable. Varian [20] and later Blundell et al. [3, 4] continued this line of work studying nonparametric methods to forecasts demand. Their results essentially characterize learnability of degenerate classes of demand functions and therefore fall short of giving a general degree of confidence in the forecast. The present paper complements this line of research by introducing a statistical model and a measure of complexity through which we are able to study the learnability of classes of demand functions and derive a degree of confidence in the forecasts.Our results show that the class of all demand functions has unbounded complexity and therefore is not learnable, but that there exist interesting and potentially useful classes that are learnable from finite samples. We also present a learning algorithm that is an adaptation of a new proof of Afriat's theorem due to Teo and Vohra [17].
Emergence of a rehabilitation medicine model for low vision service delivery, policy, and funding.

Background A rehabilitation medicine model for low vision rehabilitation is emerging. There have been many challenges to reaching consensus on the roles of each discipline (optometry, ophthalmology, occupational therapy, and vision rehabilitation professionals) in the service delivery model and finding a place in the reimbursement system for all the providers. Methods The history of low vision, legislation associated with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services coverage for vision rehabilitation, and research on the effectiveness of low vision service delivery are reviewed. Results Vision rehabilitation is now covered by Medicare under Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation codes by some Medicare carriers, yet reimbursement is not available for low vision devices or refraction. Also, the role of vision rehabilitation professionals (rehabilitation teachers, orientation and mobility specialists, and low vision therapists) in the model needs to be determined. In a recent systematic review of the scientific literature on the effectiveness of low vision services contracted by the Agency for Health Care Quality Research, no clinical trials were found. The literature consists primarily of longitudinal case studies, which provide weak support for third-party funding for vision rehabilitative services. Conclusions Providers need to reach consensus on medical necessity, treatment plans, and protocols. Research on low vision outcomes is needed to develop an evidence base to guide clinical practice, policy, and funding decisions.
Early identification and management of graft failure after unrelated cord blood transplantation.

Delayed hematologic recovery is common after unrelated donor umbilical cord blood transplants (UCBT). Clinically it is important to quickly differentiate slow engraftment from graft failure (GF). We report the engraftment data on 110 pediatric UCBT recipients. By day 28, 71 patients achieved an ANC >0.5 × 109 per liter, and 6 others died early without recovery. Of the remaining 33 patients who were still neutropenic, 20 eventually attained donor myeloid recovery, 3 died of transplant-related complications or recurrent leukemia and 10 survived without donor-derived hematopoiesis. These patients received a second UCBT 33–95 days after the first transplant, after additional immunosuppression. One patient died early, the remaining nine patients were engrafted; eight demonstrated complete, and one mixed, donor chimerism (with subsequent graft loss). Acute GVHD developed in three, and chronic GVHD in six of the eight engrafted patients. Two patients developed EBV-lymphoproliferative disorder. Infections, especially viral, were common and protracted. Six of 10 patients are alive, 165–1375 (median 1147) days after second UCBT. Chimerism studies correlated with subsequent engraftment course. Any result showing <5% donor cells was associated with irreversible graft loss. In conclusion, early second UCBT after primary GF is a feasible treatment option. Chronic GVHD and viral reactivation are common post transplant.
Compressibilities of lunar crystalline rock, microbreccia, and fines to 40 kilobars.

The compressibilities of three lunar samples were studied at room temperature from 0 to 40 kilobars. The samples were a fine-grained vesicular crystalline rock (type A), a microbreccia (type C), and fines (type D). All samples were porous. The microbreccia and fines were quite compressible at all pressures; the compressibility of the crystalline rock was somewhat less, being 8.4 megabar-1 at 1 atmosphere and 1.5 megabar-1 at 35 kilobars. Some porosity appeared to remain in the samples at all pressures. Thus the pressure-volume data derived from these samples may be representative of porous surface and near-surface material in the vicinity of the Apollo 11 landing site but may not be representative of lunar material at depth.
Separating ${AC}^0$ from Depth-2 Majority Circuits

We construct a function in ${AC}^0$ that cannot be computed by a depth-2 majority circuit of size less than $\exp(\Theta(n^{1/5}))$. This solves an open problem due to Krause and Pudlak [Theoret. Comput. Sci., 174 (1997), pp. 137-156] and matches Allender's classic result [A note on the power of threshold circuits, in Proceedings of the 30th Annual IEEE Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science (FOCS), Research Triangle Park, NC, 1989, pp. 580-584] that ${AC}^0$ can be efficiently simulated by depth-3 majority circuits. To obtain our result, we develop a novel technique for proving lower bounds on communication complexity. This technique, the Degree/Discrepancy Theorem, is of independent interest. It translates lower bounds on the threshold degree of any Boolean function into upper bounds on the discrepancy of a related function. Upper bounds on the discrepancy, in turn, immediately imply lower bounds on communication and circuit size. In particular, we exhibit the first known function in ${AC}^0$ with exponentially small discrepancy, $\exp(-\Omega(n^{1/5}))$, thereby establishing the separations $\Sigma_2^{cc}\not\subseteq{PP}^{cc}$ and $\Pi_2^{cc}\not\subseteq{PP}^{cc}$ in communication complexity.
Feedback and instructions in the control of digital skin temperature.

Fourteen female subjects suffering from idiopathic Raynaud's Disease were trained during 6 laboratory sessions to raise skin temperature. All subjects were given autogenic instructions and half the subjects were given skin temperature feedback from the middle digit of the dominant hand. Autogenic instructions were found to produce small but reliable increases in skin temperature regardless of whether or not feedback was provided. Following the autogenic instructions all subjects showed decreases in skin temperature. However, these decreases were greater for subjects not receiving feedback than for those receiving feedback. Theoretical implications of these data are discussed.
Organizational and union commitment among railroad employees

This study examines the relationship between union and organizational commitment among a sample of 1167 railroad employees from four of the seven largest Class I railroads in the U.S. Specifically, the study sought to determine whether union commitment and organizational commitment were contradictory, independent, or complementary forms of commitment. An examination of the association between union and organizational commitment on a variety of employee attitudes and work-related perceptions revealed the two forms of commitment to be independent. Results are discussed in light of the literature and the implications of each form of commitment on the rail industry. 0 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd
In vivo imaging of tumor vascular endothelial cells

Phosphatidylserine (PS), normally restricted to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, becomes exposed on the outer surface of viable (non-apoptotic) endothelial cells in tumor blood vessels, probably in response to oxidative stresses present in the tumor microenvironment. In the present study, we optically imaged exposed PS on tumor vasculature in vivo using PGN635, a novel human monoclonal antibody that targets PS. PGN635 F(ab’) 2 was labeled with the near infrared (NIR) dye, IRDye 800CW. Human glioma U87 cells or breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells were implanted subcutaneously or orthotopically into nude mice. When the tumors reached ~5 mm in diameter, 800CW- PGN635 was injected via a tail vein and in vivo dynamic NIR imaging was performed. For U87 gliomas, NIR imaging allowed clear detection of tumors as early as 4 h later, which improved over time to give a maximal tumor/normal ratio (TNR = 2.9 ± 0.5) 24 h later. Similar results were observed for orthotopic MDA-MB-231 breast tumors. Localization of 800CW-PGN635 to tumors was antigen specific since 800CW-Aurexis, a control probe of irrelevant specificity, did not localize to the tumors, and pre-administration of unlabeled PGN635 blocked the uptake of 800CW-PGN635. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed that 800CW-PGN635 was binding to PS-positive tumor vascular endothelium. Our studies suggest that tumor vasculature can be successfully imaged in vivo to provide sensitive tumor detection.
Generating and storing nonclassical correlations in a warm Rb vapor cell with buffer gas

Quantum memory is regarded as one of the essential components in the fields of quantum computing and quantum communication. Warm atomic vapor cells for quantum memory, as originally described in DLCZ (for Duan, Lukin, Cirac, and Zoller) protocol, are appealing due to the perceived reduction in experimental complexity and commercial availability. However, published studies on quantum memory using warm vapor cells were performed under widely dissimilar experimental conditions and reported ambiguous results. In order for the memory to exhibit non-classical behavior to a high degree of certainty, the cross-correlation value between the Stokes and anti-Stokes photons needs to be greater than two. In this work we demonstrate quantum memory with cross-correlation value between the Stokes and anti-Stokes photons greater than two lasting for 4 μs using warm Rb vapor with buffer gas for nearly co-propagating write and read beams.
Two-Dimensional (1)H NMR Studies on Octahedral Nickel(II) Complexes.

The dinucleating ligand ethylene glycol−bis(β-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N‘,N‘-tetrakis[(2-(1-ethylbenzimidazoyl)] (EGTB-Et; 1) was used to synthesize the dinuclear Ni(II) tetraacetonitrile complex cation [Ni2(EGTB-Et)(CH3CN)4]2+ (2): triclinic space group P1 (a = 12.273(5) A, b = 12.358(7) A, c = 12.561(6) A, α = 90.43(4)°, β = 110.26(3)°, γ = 99.21 (4)°, and Z = 1). The structure shows two identical octahedral Ni(II) centers each bound to two benzimidazole ring nitrogen atoms, one amine nitrogen atom, an ether oxygen atom, and two acetonitrile nitrogen atoms. The Ni(II) ions are tethered together by a diethyl ether linkage with a crystallographic center of inversion between the methylene carbons of this bridge. The Ni--Ni separation in 2 is 7.072 A. The mononuclear Ni(II) complex cation [Ni(Bipy)2(OAc)]+ (3) (Bipy = bipyridine) was synthesized and crystallographically characterized: monoclinic space group P21/c (a = 9.269(4) A, b = 8.348(4) A, c = 14.623(7) A, and β = 102.46(4)°, Z = 2). The Ni(II) ions i...
Competitive self-assembly of symmetrical, difunctional molecules on ambient copper surfaces.

This paper describes competitive self-assembly from solutions of symmetric α,ω-difunctional molecules on Cu substrates briefly exposed (less than 5 min) to ambient conditions. XPS and PM-IRRAS were...
Neural-network-based image resolution enhancement from a multiple of low-resolution images

A neural network based image enhancement method is introduced to improve the image resolution from a sequence of low resolution image frames. Most of the existing methods reconstruct a high-resolution image from a multiple of low-resolution image frames by minimizing some established cost function using a mathematical technique. This method, however, uses an integrated recurrent neural network (IRNN) that is particularly designed to be capable of learning an optimal mapping from a multiple of low-resolution image frames to a high-resolution image through training. The IRNN consists of four feed-forward sub-networks working collectively with the ability of having a feedback of information from its output to input. As such, it is capable of both learning and searching the optimal solution in the solution space leading to high resolution images. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed IRNN has good potential in solving image resolution enhancement problem, as it can adapt itself to the various conditions of the reconstruction problem by learning.
A Modal Search Technique for Predictive Nominal Scale Multivariate Analysis

Abstract A method is proposed in which a statistic, Θ, is used as a probabilistic measure of strength of association in the multivariate prediction of a nominal scale by nominal and/or ordinal scales. The relationship of theta to the bivariate Goodman and Kruskal's Lambda statistic is given. An algorithm using the theta statistic as criterion in an exhaustive search and optimal stepwise binary split procedure is described. A computer program and sample results are discussed.
Effect of turning frequency and season on composting materials from swine high-rise facilities

Composting swine slurries has several advantages, liquid slurries are converted to solids at lower moisture, the total volume and weight of material is reduced and the stabilized product is more easily transported off-site. Despite this, swine waste is generally stored, treated and applied in its liquid form. High-rise finishing facilities (HRFF) permit liquid slurries to be converted to solids which are partially decomposed underneath the HRFF and then finished in compost windrows. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of turning frequency and ambient weather conditions on biological, physical and chemical properties of composted slurry-woodchip mixtures from HRFF. Compost trials were conducted in either fall (FT) or spring (ST) and piles were turned once or three times per week or upon compost temperature reaching 65°C. Physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics were measured over the course of 112 (FT) or 143 (ST) days of composting. Total carbon, total nitrogen (N) and inorganic N decreased in all piles. Ammonium decreased while nitrate increased in all piles (including unturned), but total N losses were greatest in piles turned more frequently during the ST. Microbial populations of nitrifiers were dominated by ammonia-oxidizing archaea (3.0×10(3)-4.2×10(6)cellsg(-1) compost) but ammonia oxidizing bacteria (below detection to 6.0×10(5)cellsg(-1) compost) varied in response to turning and compost temperature; denitrifiers were present in high concentrations throughout the process. Swine HRFF materials composted well in windrows regardless of turning frequency and despite significant differences in starting materials and low initial C/N. Volume reduction, low moisture and low readily degradable organic matter suggest that the finished compost would have lower transportation costs and should provide value as a soil conditioner.
Vitreoscilla hemoglobin enhances ethanol production by Escherichia coli in a variety of growth media.

Abstract In a previous study, we showed that expression of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb) in ethanologenic Escherichia. coli strain FBR5 enhanced ethanol production in a limited range of nutrient concentrations. Here enhancement of ethanol production in the VHb expressing strain (TS3) was investigated in a wider variety of growth media. For nutrient (LB) concentrations from 0.25X to 2X (supplemented with 80 g dm −3 xylose), ethanol production was always better in TS3 than in FBR5. The greatest relative advantage of TS3 over FBR5 occurred at 0.25X LB, while the greatest yield for both strains relative to LB concentration occurred at 0.5X LB. In these experiments, the enhancement in ethanol production of TS3 was determined to be due to both an increased ethanol metabolic efficiency and increased cell growth. 2X LB was also supplemented with purified biomass hydrolysate produced by acid treatment and overliming; additional treatment with activated carbon decreased the fermentability of the hydrolysate. Strain TS3 outperformed strain FBR5 in 2X LB at hydrolysate concentrations of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 m 3 m −3 ; the greatest yield by TS3 relative to the level of hydrolysate occurred at 0.4 m 3 m −3 . The concentrations of NAD, NADH, and ATP were measured in both strains to investigate the biochemical basis of the ethanol production enhancement by VHb. The most significant difference found was in the NAD/NADH ratio; this was generally lower for TS3 than for FBR5 earlier in the fermentation, while this pattern was reversed later in the fermentation.
Nanoparticle-dispersed metamaterial sensors for adaptive coded aperture imaging applications

We propose tunable single-layer and multi-layer (periodic and with defect) structures comprising nanoparticle dispersed metamaterials in suitable hosts, including adaptive coded aperture constructs, for possible Adaptive Coded Aperture Imaging (ACAI) applications such as in microbolometry, pressure/temperature sensors, and directed energy transfer, over a wide frequency range, from visible to terahertz. These structures are easy to fabricate, are low-cost and tunable, and offer enhanced functionality, such as perfect absorption (in the case of bolometry) and low cross-talk (for sensors). Properties of the nanoparticle dispersed metamaterial are determined using effective medium theory.
Duct-bowing reactivity trends in EBR-II

Abstract Nonlinear components of the power reactivity decrements (PRDs) deduced from measurements for four differing loading configurations of the Experimental Breeder Reactor II are compared with idealized subassembly-bowing calculations. The magnitudes and power dependencies of the nonlinear components, which can differ both in magnitude and sign, are interpreted as differing primarily because of differing effective zero-power separations of the subassembly ducts primarily resulting from differing dimensional and axial distortions of the surrounding out-of-core ducts. Trends in the bowing component caused by void-swelling-induced bowings and by creep relaxation of stresses resulting from thermal and void-swelling-induced bowings are illustrated.
Infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies on the mechanism of chromium(III) binding to alfalfa biomass

Previous studies have shown that alfalfa biomass possesses the potential to be a biosorbent for chromium(III) removal from contaminated and industrial wastewaters. However, the mechanism through which chromium(III) binds to alfalfa biomass has not been identified. Therefore, studies were conducted to determine how modification of chemical groups present on the alfalfa biomass affect the chromium(III) binding. Batch pH profile studies were performed on esterified, hydrolyzed and unmodified alfalfa biomasses. A comparison study with ion exchange resins containing carboxyl, thiol, amino, sulfonic, and phosphate groups were also performed. These studies showed that chromium(III) binds predominantly to the alfalfa biomass through carboxyl ligands and follows a binding trend similar to that of the carboxyl resin. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies were conducted in order to better understand how the chemical modification affects the alfalfa biomass and the mechanism(s) by which chromium(III) binds to alfalfa. From these experiments, it was determined that chromium(III) may be coordinating with carboxyl ligands present on the surface of the alfalfa biomass through a bridging bidentate complex. X-Ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) studies were also performed, which corroborate with batch modification and ion exchange resin comparison studies, further indicating carboxyl involvement in chromium(III) binding by inactivated alfalfa biomass.
Teaching the analysis of algorithms with visual proofs

We describe an approach for visually teaching important proofs in the Junior-Senior level course on the design and analysis of data structures and algorithms (CS7/DS&A). The main idea of this educational paradigm is to justify important claims about data structures and algorithms by using pictures that visualize proofs so clearly that the pictures can qualify as proofs themselves. The advantage of using this approach for DS&A is that it augments or even replaces inductive arguments that many students find difficult. Moreover, this paradigm communicates important algorithmic facts in a compelling way for students who are more visually-oriented. We illustrate this technique by giving examples of visual proofs of several key concepts in DS&A.
The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Nursing

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe the nature of suffering and the goals of nursing. DATA SOURCES: Data sources informing this work included descriptions of suffering as derived from the literature; narrative data from patients, family caregivers, and nurses; and personal and professional experiences of the authors. DATA SYNTHESIS: Previous descriptions of suffering from seminal sources are insufficient to elucidate suffering from a nursing perspective. This article is parallel to Cassell's description in 1982 of the nature of suffering and the goals of medicine. Nurses play a fundamental role in caring for those who suffer. Suffering is associated with loss, intense emotions, spiritual distress, and inability to express those experiences. CONCLUSIONS: The 10 basic tenets of suffering describe its nature and the goals of nursing; they include listening, intimate care of the body, and presence. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Oncology nurses witness suffering in their daily work. This article is intended to acknowledge suffering experienced in oncology nursing and to stimulate future research.
Cluap1 is essential for ciliogenesis and photoreceptor maintenance in the vertebrate eye.

PURPOSE To identify the mutation and cell biological underpinnings of photoreceptor defects in zebrafish au5 mutants. METHODS Whole genome sequencing and SNP mapping were used to determine the genomic interval that harbors the au5 mutation. A candidate mutation was cloned and sequenced, and mRNA rescue used to validate that the affected gene was correctly identified. In situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and confocal imaging were used to determine the effects on photoreceptor development and maintenance in mutant retinae, and to determine if ciliogenesis or cilia-dependent development was affected in mutant embryos. Expression of tagged proteins and high-speed in vivo confocal imaging was used to quantify intraflagellar transport (IFT) and IFT particle localization within multiciliated cells of the Xenopus epidermis. RESULTS The au5 mutants possess a nonsense mutation in cluap1, which encodes a component of the IFT machinery. Photoreceptor defects result from degeneration of photoreceptors, and defects in ciliogenesis precede degeneration. Cilia in the olfactory pit are absent, and left-right heart positioning is aberrant, consistent with a role for cluap1 during ciliogenesis and cilia-dependent development. High-speed in vivo imaging demonstrates that cluap1 undergoes IFT and that it moves along the cilium bidirectionally, with similar localization and kinetics as IFT20, an IFT-B complex component. CONCLUSIONS We identified a novel mutation in cluap1 and determined that photoreceptor maintenance is dependent on cluap1. Imaging data support a model in which cluap1 is a component of the IFT-B complex, and cilia formation requires cluap1 function. These data may provide new insights into the mechanism of photoreceptor degeneration in retinal ciliopathies.
Further insights into the reaction of melatonin with hydroxyl radical.

Abstract Recent interest has focused on the use of exogenous melatonin as an antioxidant, particularly to scavenge the highly cytotoxic hydroxyl radical (HO ) which may be generated in many pathological conditions. However, in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at assessing the antioxidant properties of melatonin have produced conflicting results. While it is known that HO reacts with melatonin at a diffusion limited rate, very little is known about the products of this reaction. In this investigation it is shown that incubation of melatonin with a Fenton-type HO -generating system at pH 7.4 forms a complex mixture of primary products. These include 2-hydroxymelatonin, which was isolated as its more stable oxindole tautomer, 4- and 6-hydroxymelatonin, N -acetyl- N 2 -formyl-5-methoxykynurenine and 7,7 ′ -bi-(5-methoxy- N -acetyltryptamine-4-one). Reaction pathways that might lead to these products are described. The differing biological effects of these products, while currently incompletely understood, might account for the controversy concerning the antioxidant properties of melatonin.
Crossover in baroreflex pathways controlling renal sympathetic nerve activity.

Experiments were performed to investigate the physiologic significance of the crossover of baroreceptor afferent input to the contralateral nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in terms of reflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity and to determine the physiologic significance of neuronal crossover which may occur beyond the NTS. Experiments were done in 14 alpha-chloralose anesthetized rabbits. Baroreflex control of left renal nerve activity was determined from responses to phenylephrine-induced increases and nitroglycerin-induced decreases in arterial pressure. Under control conditions, the mean regression slope for changes in renal nerve activity (imp/sec/mmHg change in arterial pressure) was -2.2±0.5. After unilateral NTS lesion (n=14) the gain of the reflex was -2.4±0.4imp/sec/mmHg. Denervation of baroreceptors ipsilateral to the NTS lesion (n=6) did not alter the regression slope (-2.7±0.5imp/sec/mmHg), but interruption of the contralateral carotid and aortic baroreceptor afferent fibers (n=8) markedly reduced the slope of the linear regression relationship from -2.4±0.3 to -1.1±0.3imp/sec/mmHg. We interpret these data to suggest that baroreceptor afferent input exerts its major reflex influence via the ipsilateral NTS and that there is modest influence exerted by fibers which cross over to the contralateral side. In addition, since we recorded from the left renal nerves and alternated the side of the NTS lesion, we interpret our findings regarding a lesion in only one NTS to suggest that there is crossover in the baroreflex pathway beyond the NTS which permits the NTS on one side to exert an influence on the renal nerves on the contralateral side similar to that seen when the NTSs on both sides are intact.
Predation and Survival of Limonius Agonus Say (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Cannibalism among newly hatched, confined larvae of L. agonus suggested that survival might be dependent on an animal meal in early instars, and that lack of such food might account for previous failures to rear these larvae in isolation. In the present tests, isolated, newly hatched larvae were offered dried liver, sugar, yeast, honey, potato, potato roots, and dissected or whole insects. They fed on all these foods (except Collembola), but molted only when animals were provided as food. In contrast, larvae of the non-cannibalistic Agriotes mancus fed on all foods except insects, and molted only when plants were provided as food. As a possible test of predation in the field, L. agonus and another cannibalistic wireworm, Clenicera tarsalis, were compared with two noncannibals, A. mancus and Melanotus sp., for the amounts of potassium and sodium in the whole body. The cannibalistic species had less of both these elements than did the plant feeders, but in all four species the potassium content was greater than the sodium content.