cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in the forms of nitrogen and oxygen during rapid coal pyrolysis

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the changes in the forms of nitrogen and oxygen during coal combustion. Fuel nitrogen is the major source of nitrogen oxide pollution. Nitrogen is located within the nitrogen macromolecule as pyridinic and pyrrolic structures with some amines forms. With the use of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), the pyridinic and pyrrolic forms of nitrogen are confirmed. The chars used are produced at low heating rates and temperatures and may not be applicable to the high heating rates and temperatures encountered in commercial pulverized coal furnaces. At high heating rates and temperatures, nitrogen release during pyrolysis is a function of coal rank. Large differences in the nitrogen volatiles occur over a range of coal rank and among coals of the same rank.
An introduction to ocean remote sensing

Preface 1. Background 2. Ocean surface phenomena 3. Electromagnetic radiation 4. Atmospheric properties and radiative transfer 5. Reflection, transmission and absorption at the atmosphere/ocean interface 6. Ocean color 7. Infrared observations of sea surface temperature (SST) 8. Introduction to microwave imagers 9. Passive microwave observations of the atmosphere and ocean surface 10. Introduction to radars 11. Scatterometer observations 12. The altimeter 13. Imaging radars 14. Future oceanographic satellite systems: 2003 to 2019 Appendixes References Index.
Photo-Thermoelectric Technique for Anisotropic Thermal Diffusivity Measurements

A photo-thermoelectric technique was employed to perform anisotropic thermal diffusivity measurements in nanocomposites and multilayer structures. In this technique a thermal wave is produced into the specimen by absorption of modulated laser radiation while the thermal wave is detected using a fast thermoelectric effect at the junction between a sharp wire probe and the sample surface. To allow effective heating and signal detection, additional thin-film layers may need to be deposited onto the samples. However, heat transport through the layers and into the thermoelectric probe may affect the thermal transport measurements. This work presents a heat conduction model that takes these effects into account and can be used to guide the selection of the probe and thin-film materials and thicknesses such that the accuracy of the thermal measurements is minimally affected. The discussion of the experimental technique is illustrated with simulation results, calibration experiments, and an example of anisotropic thermal diffusivity characterization in aligned multiwall carbon nanotube arrays.
An empirical analysis of differences in Black and White asset and liability combinationsâ

Abstract This study analyzes data from the 1992 Survey of Consumer Finances and finds significant differences in asset and liability combinations between Black and White households. In addition, White households are identified as having significantly greater net worth and financial assets relative to Black households. We are unable to show that the net worth of Black households is constrained by barriers in financial markets. Our study investigates how this difference in net worth could engender different financing decisions. We find that Black households are significantly more risk averse in their choice of assets. Further, we find that Black households typically pay higher rates for several types of credit instruments, even though they self identify as conducting significantly more extensive searches in the financial markets. JEL classification: D10; D31; J15
androgen-binding levels in a sexually dimorphic muscle of Xenopus laevis

The larynx of adult South African clawed frogs, Xenopus laevis, is larger in males than in females and hypertrophies in adult females and juveniles in response to androgen. Sexual dimorphism and androgen sensitivity suggest that the larynx is a testosterone target tissue. Saturation analysis of androgen (R1881) binding in laryngeal cytosol revealed an approximately threefold quantitative difference between male and female androgen-binding levels (36.4 vs 11.5 fm/mg protein). By contrast, as measured by one-point assay, androgen-binding levels in thigh muscle of either males or females were between 0 and 4 fm/mg protein with no apparent sex difference. Competition studies indicated that dihydrotestosterone was the most effective competitor for R1881 binding activity in the larynx. Saturation analysis showed the binding activity to be saturable and of high affinity (apparent Kd 0.46 nM in the male and 0.38 nM in the female). After 1 month of testosterone treatment, female binding levels averaged 16.6 fm/mg protein with a Kd of 0.49 nM, within the range for normal females. In males castrated for 4 months, binding levels were 52 fm/mg protein. After 1 year of castration, binding levels were 25 fm/mg protein. We conclude that laryngeal muscle is an androgen target tissue with sexually dimorphic levels of binding in adults.
The financial and some social aspects of asthma in the clinic patient

Abstract A survey on the financial and some social aspects of asthma was made upon 616 patients in the postgraduate hospital allergy clinics. 1.1. The cases were about equally divided between the sexes. 2.2. Ninety per cent of the sensitive cases developed their symptoms before the age of 40 years. Sixty-three per cent of the infective cases developed their asthma before the age of 40 years. There is an apparent lag of about a decade between the onset of clinical symptoms and the solicitation of treatment. 3.3. About 40 per cent of the clinic clientele is Jewish. The Jewish population of New York City is about 30 per cent of the total population. 4.4. Over a period of several years only 12 per cent of the patients felt that they did not improve with treatment. Only 4 per cent discontinued treatment because they were not improving. 5.5. The average money spent per patient per year for the treatment of the asthma in all groups was $36.10. The average money spent per person in the adult infective group was $68.30. 6.6. An account of the money spent for medical care is as follows: 6.1.A. Adult asthmatics: 75 per cent was for medical service (clinic and home physician); about one-half of this amount was the fee to home physicians. 6.2.B. Adult infective asthmatic patients: 68 per cent was for medical service; about two-thirds, or 44 per cent, of this was the fee to home physicians. 6.3.C. Children: 84 per cent was for medical service; about three-eighths of this was the fee to home physicians. 7.7. Of the employed people who reported disability, the average number of days lost per year was eleven or about two full working weeks.
Hg and Pt-metals in meteorite carbon-rich residues - Suggestions for possible host phase for Hg

Carbon-rich and oxide residual phases have been isolated from Allende and Murchison by acid demineralization for the determination of their Hg, Pt-metal, Cr, Sc, Co, and Fe contents. Experimental procedures used eliminated the possibility of exogenous and endogenous contaminant trace elements from coprecipitating with the residues. Large enrichments of Hg and Pt-metals were found in Allende but not in Murchison residues. Hg-release profiles from stepwise heating experiments suggest a sulfide as the host for Hg. Diffusion calculations for Hg based on these experiments indicate an activation energy of 7-8 kcal/mol, the same as that for Hg in troilite from an iron meteorite. This is further support for a sulfide host phase for Hg. Equilibration of Hg with this phase at approximately 900 K is indicated. Reasons for the presence of Pt-metals in noncosmic relative abundances are explored.
Applying machine learning to programs

Certain tasks, such as recognizing speech, or correcting spelling errors, are now routinely handled with machine learning algorithms. But most tasks are handled the old fashioned way, with programmers writing code line by line. Machine learning algorithms work by amassing large numbers of examples and extracting patterns from them. We certainly have amassed a large number of examples of code; what can algorithms, and we, learn from them?
Molecule formation and infrared emission in fast interstellar shocks. I Physical processes

The paper analyzes the structure of fast shocks incident upon interstellar gas of ambient density from 10 to the 7th per cu cm, while focusing on the problems of formation and destruction of molecules and infrared emission in the cooling, neutral post shock gas. It is noted that such fast shocks initially dissociate almost all preexisting molecules. Discussion covers the physical processes which determine the post shock structure between 10 to the 4 and 10 to the 2 K. It is shown that the chemistry of important molecular coolants H2, CO, OH, and H2O, as well as HD and CH, is reduced to a relatively small set of gas phase and grain surface reactions. Also, the chemistry follows the slow conversion of atomic hydrogen into H2, which primarily occurs on grain surfaces. The dependence of this H2 formation rate on grain and gas temperatures is examined and the survival of grains behind fast shocks is discussed. Post shock heating and cooling rates are calculated and an appropriate, analytic, universal cooling function is developed for molecules other than hydrogen which includes opacities from both the dust and the lines.
A CYBERNETIC MODEL OF THE MBO PROCESS

In a rapidly changing environment, organizations are prone to adopt almost any new technique that purports to bring increased efficiency or effectiveness. One such technique that has recently found favor with practitioners of management is the objective-based planning and control system popularly known as Management by Objectives (MBO). An MBO system relies upon an interlocking hierarchy of organizational, departmental, and individual objectives. Attainment of individual objectives hopefully assures the successful achievement of departmental objectives and ultimately organizational goals (Hughes, 1965; Hill, 1969; Granger, 1970; Humble, 1970; Raia, 1974). An inherent problem with most new management tools is the absence of a conceptual base. Consequently, even though a tool may be effective, it is difficult to explain why it works. MBO is no exception. For the most part. emphasis in the MBO literature has been on the procedural aspects of the technique with „normative prescriptions” emerging from trial an...
The structure of transparent soap

The classical conception of transparent soaps as amorphous undercooled liquids has been tested by means of X-rays. A transparent soap, such as Pears Soap, is shown to consist of a mass of fine ultra-microscopic crystallites, scattering light and arranged completely at random. Keeping for twenty years at room temperature does not appreciably affect this structure.
Contribution of the TPT to adult neuropsychological assessment: a review.

Abstract The Tactual Performance Test (TPT) is reviewed because of its widespread use in neuropsychology. The review indicates that: (1) each of the three TPT scores (Time, Memory, Location), while having considerable overlap in what is measured, contributes something unique; (2) test-retest reliability is adequate, although TPT Memory and Location are generally less reliable than TPT Time; (3) TPT Time has proven to be a sensitive and valid measure of dysfunction in heterogeneous populations of brain-damaged subjects; (4) subject variables of importance to TPT performance are age, IQ, sex, and, to a much less extent, education; (5) there are indications that TPT Time is somewhat more sensitive to right-hemisphere dysfunction, at least in acutely brain-damaged subjects; (6) in more chronic cases, the TPT may be more sensitive to extent of damage than locus of lesion; (7) in obtaining lateralizing information, TPT Time scores for each hand are most helpful; and, (8) additional information may be obtained t...
Topical vitamin D3 analogues: unapproved uses, dosages, or indications.

Topical vitamin D3 gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1994 as an effective therapy for plaque-type psoriasis. Advances in the understanding of its effect on the inhibition of cellular proliferation, cellular differentiation, and immune modulation have led to its usage in other skin diseases. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of topical vitamin D3 analogues in the treatment of several disorders, such as congenital ichthyoses, 1 pityriasis rubra pilaris, 2 other forms of psoriasis, 3–5 morphea, 6 and other diseases. The potential clinical applications of topical vitamin D3 analogues continue to broaden with further knowledge of the mechanism by which vitamin D3 functions. History
Numerical modeling of superlattice x-ray-scattering intensities.

We describe a one-dimensional x-ray-scattering model that includes discrete layer-thickness fluctuations and interfacial diffusion in the kinematical approximation. We demonstrate the use of the model in an analysis of the out-of-plane scattering intensities of epitaxial Co-Au and Co-Cu superlattices. In the case of Co-Au superlattices, the experimental data show that interfacial diffusion is limited to a two-monolayer region, and that layer-thickness fluctuations are of order \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1 monolayer. The superlattice features in Co-Cu superlattice measurements are shown to arise from lattice-spacing modulations and are insensitive to composition modulation. The measured intensities are consistent with Co-Cu interfaces which are 2 monolayers thick. A dilation of the Co lattice in the direction of growth is observed for both Co-Au and Co-Cu superlattices. We speculate that the expansion is due to a slightly reduced density of atoms in an imperfectly stacked structure.
A scaled quantum mechanical force field and vibrational analysis for the gamma glycine crystal polymorph: Hydrogen bond stretching modes observed

Abstract A scaled quantum mechanical force field has been obtained from periodic solid state density functional theory calculations on the glycine crystal γ polymorph unit cell at the DNP/GGA/PBE level. The assignments here differ in some respects from those obtained earlier, primarily where a broad weak band observed in both Raman and IR spectra at 285 cm −1 , previously assigned to an overtone of a lattice mode, is assigned here as a mix of Hydrogen bond stretching and CC torsion. The standard deviation of the error between experimentally observed and calculated frequencies, for calculations performed on both the optimized and neutron diffraction crystal structures, is 6 cm −1 for a total of 118 vibrational modes.
A challenge for the diagnostic immunohistopathologist. Adding the CD phenotypes to our diagnostic toolbox.

As medical knowledge grows and demands for subspecialty expertise increase, the practice world of the diagnostic anatomic pathologist risks being compartmentalized into 2 functional knowledge domains: the domain in which practicing pathologists have confidence in their knowledge, and the rest. One knowledge domain in pathology that has seen an exponential growth in information, the clinical relevance of that information, and the demand for subspecialty expertise is hematopathology. A consequence is that fewer generalist surgical pathologists are comfortable with contemporary hematopathology diagnostic approaches. A major component of current hematopathology practice is based on interpreting patterns of expression of the cluster designation (CD) antigens, of which there are more than 250. The present issue of the Journal and a previous issue contain articles that report the use of CD immunochemical analysis, by flow cytometry 1 or by immunohistochemical analysis, 2 in solid tumor diagnosis. These articles exemplify the value of being aware of what goes on outside the narrow box of a subspecialty knowledge domain.
Differentiation of Streptomyces strains by gas chromatography.

Culture fluids of representative strains ofStreptomyces griseus, S. griseoluteus, S. albus, S. viridochromogenes andS. fradiae were distilled at 100 C, the distillates extracted with ether and the concentrated extracts analyzed by dual-channel gas chromatography. Each extract gave a distinctly different chromatogram. The greatest number of clearly separable peaks and the highest yields of volatile products were formed byS. griseus. The possible use of gas chromatography in taxonomic studies of actinomycetes is discussed.
Transmission efficiency initiative: Contributing to a lower carbon future

Electricity grids of the future will be smarter in several ways in order to fulfill their vision of being flexible, accessible, reliable and efficient.
Adding a Closed Unbounded Set

The extreme interest of set theorists in the notion of “closed unbounded set” is epitomized in the following well-known theorem: Theorem A. For any regular cardinal κ > ω, the intersection of any two closed unbounded subsets of κ is closed and unbounded . The proof of this theorem is easy and in fact yields a stronger result, namely that for any uncountable regular cardinal κ the intersection of fewer than κ many closed unbounded sets is closed and unbounded. Thus, if, for κ a regular uncountable cardinal, we let denote { A ⊆ κ ∣ A contains a closed unbounded subset}, then, for any such κ, is a κ-additive nonprincipal filter on κ. Now what about the possibility of being an ultrafilterκ It is routine to see that this is impossible for κ > ℵ 1 . However, for κ = ℵ 1 the situation is different. If were an ultrafilter, ℵ 1 would be a measurable cardinal. As is well-known this is impossible if we assume the axiom of choice; however if ZF + “there exists a measurable cardinal” is consistent, then so is ZF + “ℵ 1 is a measurable cardinal” [2]. Furthermore, under the assumption of certain set theoretic axioms (such as the axiom of determinateness or various infinite exponent partition relations) can be proven to be an ultrafilter. (See [3] and [5].)
Evaluation of New Anti-Infective Drugs for the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Meningitis

Predisposing conditions for acute bacterial meningitis include prematurity, young age, management in an intensive care setting, low socioeconomic background, and crowded living conditions. Clinical findings vary with age and may be nonspecific (altered feeding behavior) or specific (Kernig and Brudzinski signs). Examination and culture of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are essential for diagnosis. Antigen identification in CSF, serum, or urine by latex agglutination or other techniques can be useful in the identification of the pathogen. Randomized, controlled studies with a single-, double-, or evaluator-blinded design are encouraged. Among neonates, infants, and children, CSF should be examined again 24-36 hours after initiation of therapy. Outcomes should be judged by both clinical and microbiological criteria. Assessment of microbiological outcome is paramount.
EXAFS studies of the zinc sites of UDP-(3-O-acyl)-N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase (LpxC).

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy has been used to determine the structure of the Zn(II) sites in UDP-(3-O-acyl)-N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase (LpxC) from Aquifex aeolicus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The active site Zn(II) is four coordinate, with exclusively low-Z (nitrogen and oxygen) ligation in both enzymes. The amplitude of the outer-shell scattering from the histidine ligands is best fit using two histidine ligands, suggesting a ZnO2(His)2 site, where O most likely represents a conserved aspartate and a solvent molecule. The same structure was found for Co(II)-substituted A. aeolicus LpxC, although in this case it is possible that the coordination sphere may expand to include a fifth low-Z ligand. EXAFS data were also measured for the Escherichia coli LpxC enzyme. When a single Co(II) is substituted for Zn(II) in the active site of E. coli LpxC, EXAFS data show the same ligand environment as is found for the P. aeruginosa and A. aeolicus enzymes. However, the EXAFS data for E. coli LpxC with two zinc ions bound per protein, with the second Zn(II) acting as an inhibitory metal, demonstrates that the inhibitory metal is bound to at least two high-Z (sulfur, presumably thiolate, or chlorine) ligands. Results of the outer-shell scattering analysis, combined with previous studies of the LpxC enzyme, indicate a novel zinc binding motif not found in any previously studied zinc metalloproteins.
Photocatalyzed oxidation pathways of 2,4-dichlorophenol by CdS in basic and acidic aqueous solutions

Abstract Photocatalytic oxidation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) by CdS in the presence and absence of thioacetamide as a function of pH has been studied. Based upon the trends in the appearance of different intermediates such as benzene and hydroxylated biphenyl, it is proposed that 2,4-DCP oxidation by positive holes (h+) is favored at pH less than 6, while oxidation by hydroxyl radicals (·OH) becomes dominant at pH greater than 6. This is evidenced by the intermediates detected at different pH values. In the absence of thioacetamide (TA), benzene was detected as the only intermediate at pH ranging from 4 to 5. When pH changed from 5 to 9, no benzene was detected. Highly hydroxylated intermediates, such as hydroxylated biphenyl, were the major intermediates. When TA was present, it may act as a “bridge” between, 2,4-DCP and CdS through its thiol functional group. Therefore, a shift of the optimal pH for 2,4-DCP oxidation from 5 to 9 was observed and no hydroxylated biphenyl were detected.
Fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative disc disease: still more questions than answers.

Commentary on Yoshihara H, Yoneoka D. National trends in the surgical treatment for lumbar degenerative disc disease: United States, 2000 to 2009. Spine J 2015;15:265–71 ( in this issue ).
Home production and endogenous economic growth

Abstract We introduce a model of endogenous growth that is driven by the augmentation of a stock of information generated as a by-product of household consumption activities. We distinguish human capital that is generated through use of stocks of information in home activities from human capital that is the result of formal education and on-the-job training. The growth rate in our model is determined via a preference measure unrelated to the rate of time preference. Our model can generate persistence in growth rates, nonergodic growth, and persistent inequality. Empirical results we report operationalize the preference measure and demonstrate its relationship to demand for information-intense print media in personal consumption. We also demonstrate a relationship between an estimate of the household stock of information cumulated from information-intense print media and labor productivity. Directions for further consideration of growth implications of personal consumption activities are noted.
Curvature-Driven Dynamic Sorting of Lipids and Proteins in Membrane Tubes: The Race Between Convection and Diffusion

Conventional models of multi-component membranes usually assume the lipid velocity induced by membranes shape change is small. Hence, The Peclet number is small and convection is negligible compared to diffusion. However, the situation is dramatically different if the deformation of membranes is big and fast. In this paper, we report striking effects of convection when membrane tubes are pulled out from liquid ordered (Lo) phase with various pulling speeds. The competition between curvature-driven lipid sorting and the pulling-induced convection leads to new behavior. If the pulling speed is very big, the diffusion process is much slower than the pulling process. The lipids are “frozen” on the surface and diffusion can be neglected. The whole membrane is in Lo phase. If the pulling speed is very small, the membrane shape change slowly and lipids have enough time to diffuse. The high curvature of the membrane tube will drive the formation of the liquid disordered (Ld) phase. If the pulling speed is comparable to the diffusion speed, some interesting phenomena appear. For example, one Ld domain is nucleated around the neck region and grows larger with time for relatively low pulling speed. If the pulling speed is a little higher, multiple Ld domains can be nucleated and pulled out from the neck region. Finally, experiments are designed to verify the predictions.
Absence of gaseous symptoms during ingestion of commercial fibre preparations.

Background: While fibre is believed to cause gaseous symptoms, a study in healthy volunteers showed no increase in flatulence when the diet was supplemented with fermentable (psyllium) or non-fermentable (methylcellulose) fibre. However, extrapolation of this observation to subjects who use fibre is arguable since these individuals may have a propensity to gaseousness. In the present study, gaseous complaints during fibre ingestion were assessed in subjects who believed that a previous exposure to fibre induced gas. Methods: In a double-blind protocol, subjects were randomized to one of four treatment periods, during which the regular diet was supplemented for 1-week periods with two daily doses of: placebo 10 g, psyllium 3.4 g, methylcellulose 2 g or lactulose 5 g. A symptom diary was maintained for 1-week periods on or off treatment. Results: During treatment, the lactulose group passed gas significantly more often than did the psyllium or the methylcellulose group (P=0.01). No other symptom was significantly different among the treatment groups. Conclusions: (1) psyllium and methylcellulose did not cause greater gaseous symptomatology than did placebo in subjects who believed that these preparations caused gas; and (2) subjects commonly misidentify dietary components that cause gaseous symptoms.
ANA negative systemic lupus erythematosus sera revisited serologically.

Objective: To better define the serology of a panel of sera from patients with a clinical diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) with a negative antinuclear antibody (ANA) test on mouse liver.Methods: Sensitive ELISA methods for anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, and anti-U1RNP were applied to a panel of 76 sera with either SLE or SCLE and a negative ANA test on mouse liver.Results: These sera had previously been shown to have a high prevalence of anti-Ro/SSA (68%) and anti-La/SSB (27%) precipitins respectively. None had precipitins to U1RNP or Sm. ELISA methodology revealed that all of the sera 76=76 (100%) had elevated levels (Mean±2SDofa panel of 21 normal sera) of anti-Ro/SSA, 36=76 (46%) had elevated levels of anti-La/SSB, and 27 of 76 (35%) had elevated levels of anti-U1RNP.Conclusion: The subset of patients with SLE and SCLE with a negative ANA test on mouse liver almost uniformly have antibodies to the Ro/SSA antigen by a sensitive ELISA. This adds ...
Review of three books by university presidents

Presidential books vary in range and scope. They include memoirs, collections of essays on common or similar themes, topical and exploratory books that examine a single topic and collections of speeches and essays prepared for different audiences. The three books reviewed represent two of these types, and exemplify the effectiveness of each. The books are critiqued and a summary of each is provided.
Contributions to the History of Psychology: LXXXI. The Friendship of Anna Freud and Dorothy Tiffany Burlingham

Anna Freud and Dorothy Tiffany Burlingham, pioneers in child psychoanalysis, were soulmates for 55 years. They lived and worked together until their deaths, Dorothy in 1979, Anna in 1982. Theirs was a deep and caring relationship, Anna serving as a surrogate parent for Dorothy's four children. It was a bonded friendship likened to those which women cherished in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Their hope was to spend eternity together.
The oxygen equilibrium of leghemoglobin.

Abstract The oxygen equilibria of several ferroleghemoglobin fractions were determined, using the system, lactate-cytochrome b 2 -coenzyme Q 2 , for ferrileghemoglobin reduction. At pH 7.0 and 20°, crude leghemoglobin was half-oxygenated at an oxygen pressure of 0.050 mm Hg, and the three homogeneous fractions a , c , d ( Ellfolk ) were half-oxygenated at oxygen pressures of 0.040, 0.068 and 0.063 mm Hg respectively. Spectroscopic observations showed the soybean nodule to contain a mixture of ferroleghemoglobin and oxyleghemoglobin, and hence to have a low internal oxygen tension. Some theories concerning the role of oxyleghemoglobin in symbiotic nitrogen fixation are considered.
Comparison of the effects of daily and intermittent-dose calcitriol on serum parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium concentrations in normal cats and cats with chronic renal failure

Background:Chronic renal failure is complicated by secondary hyperparathyroidism, which traditionally has been controlled by dietary restriction of phosphorus and administration of phosphorus binders. Early treatment of patients with chronic renal failure with calcitriol may be indicated because once established, parathyroid gland hyperplasia does not readily resolve with therapy. Hypothesis:Daily and intermittent dosing of calcitriol will decrease plasma parathyroid hormone concentration in normal cats and cats with chronic renal failure without causing ionized hypercalcemia. Animals:Ten normal cats; 10 cats with chronic renal failure. Methods:Phase 1 was daily calcitriol administration (2.5 ng/kg PO q24h) for 14 days. Phase 2 was intermittent calcitriol administration (8.75 ng/kg PO q84h) for 14 days. A 7-day washout period separated phases 1 and 2. Before each phase, calcitriol, parathyroid hormone, and ionized calcium concentrations were measured. On days 1, 2, and 3 of both phases, serum ionized calcium concentrations were measured. On the last day of both phases, calcitriol, parathyroid hormone, and ionized calcium concentrations were measured 0, 2, 4, and 6 hours after calcitriol administration. Results:Overall, serum parathyroid hormone concentrations were significantly higher in cats with chronic renal failure than in normal cats (P= .022), but serum parathyroid hormone concentrations for both normal cats and cats with chronic renal failure were not significantly different before and after 14 days of treatment with calcitriol, regardless of whether calcitriol was administered daily or intermittently. Adverse effects of calcitriol administration (specifically ionized hypercalcemia) were not seen in either feline group during either phase of the study over the 3-day evaluation after calcitriol administration was initiated. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: At the dosages used, calcitriol treatment did not result in significant differences in serum parathyroid hormone concentrations before and after treatment in both normal cats and cats with chronic renal failure. With these dosages, adverse affects of calcitriol administration were not seen. Potential reasons for lack of apparent effect include small sample size, insufficient duration of study, insufficient dosage of calcitriol, problems with formulation or administration of calcitriol, and variable gastrointestinal absorption of calcitriol.
Activation of the external anal and urethral sphincter muscles by repetitive transcranial cortical stimulation during spine surgery

Objective.Clinical utility of high intensity repetitive transcranial electrical stimulation (rTES) to elicit a response in external anal and urethral sphincter muscles was investigated in 23 patients undergoing spine surgery. Methods.During surgery, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from external anal sphincter (EAS), external urethral sphincter (EUS), and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles following high voltage rTES under total intravenous anesthesia. Results.No neurologic sequelae occurred during or after the rTES of the motor cortex. Onset latency for the EAS muscle was 20.2 ± 3.5 msec which was not significant compared to the EUS muscle latency at 19.9 ± 1.8 msec. The average electrical intensity to evoke EAS response was 789 ± 78 volts compared to the 831 ± 11 volts of the EUS muscle. Waveform latency for the TA muscle was robust in all cases while the latencies for EAS and EUS were not always clear. Conclusions.This preliminary study shows that intraoperative MEP monitoring of the external anal and urethral muscles is feasible method in particular in circumstances where bowel and bladder function are at risk of an inadvertent injury due to surgical manipulation.
The Pharmacology of p-Aminopropiophenone in the Detoxification of Cyanide

Abstract : PAPP is effective as a pretreatment antidote to cyanide when used by single-dose administration. Further experiments need to be performed to establish a lack of toxicity of PAPP in multiple-dose experiments. Possible chronic hematological and genotoxic effects of PAPP may limit its development in repeated chronic treatment. Combination therapy of a prophylactic sulfur donor with a low dose of a safer prophylactic aminophenone (e.g., PAOP or p- aminoheptanoylphenone or their N-hydroxy metabolites) may provide more efficacious protection against cyanide than PAPP. This combination could allow for a reduction in the dosage of MetHb formers that would reduce the chance of unwanted side effects of the employed therapeutic compounds.
First-Principles Study of 75 As NQR in Arsenic-Chalcogenide Compounds

We present a theoretical study of the nuclear quadrupole interaction, νQ, of 75As in crystalline and amorphous materials containing sulfur and selenium, and compare them with experiment. We studied a combination of hydrogen-terminated molecular clusters and periodic cells at various levels of quantum chemical theory. The results show clearly that the standard density functional theory (DFT) approximations, LDA and GGA, underestimate the nuclear quadrupole (NQR) interaction systematically, while Hartree–Fock theory overestimates it to an even greater degree. However, various levels of configuration interaction and the B3LYP hybrid exchange–correlation functional, which includes some exact exchange, give very good quantitative agreement for As bonded only to the chalcogen species. As–As bonds require highly converged basis sets. We have performed a systematic study of the effect of local distortions around an arsenic atom on νQ and η. Using a simple, semiclassical model, we have combined our total energy results with our NQR calculations to predict νQ lineshapes for bond angle and bond length distortions. Our predictions for lineshape, including first and second moments, are in excellent agreement with the results of Su et al for a-As2S3, a-As2Se3 and a-AsSe. We offer new insight into the distortions that led to this inhomogeneous broadening. Our results show clearly that, for trivalent arsenic atoms with zero or one arsenic nearest neighbor, symmetric bond stretching is the predominant contributor to the νQ linewidth. However, in the presence of two arsenic nearest neighbors, distortions of the As–As–As apex angle dominates and, in fact, leads to a much larger second moment, in agreement with experiment.
Sex-dependent effect of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition on mouse spatial memory

Abstract Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is constitutively expressed in neurons of the hippocampus and neocortex. Therefore, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) targeting inflammation-induced COX-2 in the periphery and the central nervous system may also affect cognitive function mediated by basal COX-2 activity. We report that systemic administration of the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 6 h prior to behavioral assessment does not influence spatial acquisition or retention in male C57BL/6J mice. However, we observed impaired spatial retention in female mice treated with NS-398, suggesting a sex-dependent role of COX-2 in spatial memory of mice.
Providing Price Displays for Physicians: Which Price is Right?

Price transparency is gaining momentum as one way to address the cost crisis in U.S. health care. Attention frequently focuses on patients’ awareness of prices.1 Less attention has been given to initiatives designed to increase physicians’ awareness. Recent research demonstrates that displaying prices to physicians reduces expenditures2,3 and is well-received by physicians.3 Price displays are also being used to teach cost-consciousness in medical education.4 However, prices are notoriously variable, and “price” can have multiple potential meanings (e.g., cost of service provision, cost plus profit, charges, or expected reimbursement, among others). To illustrate, consider three general sources that might be considered for displaying the “price” of certain tests (Table). In this example, potential displayed amounts vary as much as tenfold. Table Examples of possible prices (rounded to the nearest dollar) Which “price” is right? Implementing price displays requires more than knowing only whether doing so effectively decreases expenditures. In this Viewpoint we suggest that several ethical values should be considered to guide the design and implementation of providing price displays to physicians. While recognizing its sometimes ambiguous use in this context, we refer simply to “price” throughout; our goal is to offer ethical clarity on choosing an amount to display.
Lignin degradation and lignin peroxidase production in cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium immobilized on porous ceramic supports.

Abstract The ligninolytic fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium has been proposed as a biocatalyst for the degradation of aromatic pollutants in wastewaters. Application of the organism for this purpose will benefit from improved methods for immobilization in culture. In this investigation, P. chrysosporium was grown in rotary-shaken immobilized culture on 1.3-cm diameter porous alumina spheres. These cultures degraded a synthetic 14 C β -labeled guaiacyl lignin at the same rate that conventional nonimmobilized cultures did, and produced ligninolytic peroxidases at levels comparable to those previously reported for nonimmobilized agitated cultures. Immobilization of the fungus greatly facilitated periodic replacement of the extracellular medium, and the porous supports were reusable after removal of the spent mycelium.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDIES OF EARLY STAGES OF SPERM PENETRATION IN HYDROIDES HEXAGONUS (ANNELIDA) AND SACCOGLOSSUS KOWALEVSKII (ENTEROPNEUSTA)

1. The early events of sperm entry in Saccoglossus and Hydroides are described and examined in relation to present knowledge of the acrosome reaction and of egg membrane lysins. In Saccoglossus and several other species these events occur in two phases. First. The acrosome filament of the spermatozoon spans the egg membrane barriers, reaches the reactive egg protoplasm, and causes the egg to begin its fertilization reaction. Second. The filament and its connected sperm head move through the egg membrane barriers and enter the egg proper. The first phase is completed in a matter of seconds but the second phase usually requires several minutes. 2. The peripheral areas of the eggs of the two species differ as seen in sections. In Hydroides, but not in Saccoglossus, the vitelline membrane is bounded by a distinct outer border layer of small concentrically differentiated bodies and penetrated by microvilli from the egg. 3. The acrosome filament, seen in the living condition as a delicate thread in Hydroides and as an exceedingly tenuous thread in Saccoglossus, appears to be tubular in both species when seen in electron micrographs of thin sections. 4. The acrosomal region of Hydroides appears to consist of two components-a peripheral one, which may collapse during the acrosome reaction, and a central one related to the acrosome filament. 5. Deliberately induced polyspermic material was used to increase the probability of finding examples of sperm penetration in thin sections. 6. As seen in sections, areas of low electron density, interpreted as spaces or pits from which the material of the membrane is absent, surround the attached or penetrating spermatozoa. (a) In Hydroides the spaces vary greatly in many characteristics including shape, position in the membrane, and size with relation to the enclosed sperm head. In one specimen a portion of the membrane is missing from border to border; no spermatozoon is seen but immediately beneath the space is the apex of a fertilization cone. (b) In every case in which a determination could be made, the spermatozoon in the membrane has undergone its acrosome reaction. (c) In Saccoglossus some pits are found with which several spermatozoa are associated. Generally, where the spermatozoa are more numerous the pit is larger. (d) Pits similar to those seen in Saccoglossus sections are observed in living eggs. They remain in Membrane I after sperm entry. (e) From the above and other considerations it is suggested that the pits and spaces are formed by local action of a lysin or lysins emanating from the individual spermatozoon at the site of sperm entry. 7. It is considered that the suggested lysin would participate in sperm entry by eroding the membrane barrier in the vicinity of the sperm head, thus permitting the sperm head to pass through the membrane. Since the acrosome filament much earlier stimulates the egg's initial fertilization response, this lysin would facilitate the second phase of the early events of sperm entry.
Correlation of mineral luminescent phenomena and its selenological implications

Enstatite luminescence response for bulk specimens, powders and individual grains, considering selenological implications
Mono- and dinuclear non-heme iron–nitrosyl complexes: Models for key intermediates in bacterial nitric oxide reductases

Abstract High-spin non-heme iron–nitrosyls are of direct interest to both the chemical and biological communities as these species exhibit interesting chemical properties and act as direct models for enzymatic intermediates. The electronic ground state of the ferrous NO complexes, {Fe–NO}7, is best described as high-spin FeIII antiferromagnetically coupled to NO−, generating the spectroscopically observed S = 3/2 ground state. These species have been identified as catalytically relevant to a variety of NO-reducing enzymes such as bacterial nitric oxide reductase (NorBC) and flavo(rubredoxin) nitric oxide reductase (FNOR). Recently, the corresponding one-electron reduced {Fe–NO}8 (nitroxyl) complexes have also been implicated as biologically significant species. In this review the available spectroscopic data for {Fe–NO}7 and {Fe–NO}8 mono- and dinuclear non-heme iron–nitrosyls are summarized, and the implications of these results with respect to the electronic structures and reactivities of these species, in particular towards NO reduction, are discussed.
Induction of polarity inFucus eggs by potassium ion gradients

Establishment of steady differences of 20 to 40 millimolar potassium ion acrossFucus eggs induces about 35% orientation of the rhizoidal poles toward the high potassium end. We argue that the potassium gradient acts by way of a transcytoplasmic voltage gradient. We describe a method for establishing known and steady concentration gradients across each of large numbers of developing cells. Establishment of steady hydrogen ion gradients acrossFucus eggs induces an orientation of the rhizoidal poles toward the more acid end. Per cent orientation equals 1.5 times per cent hydrogen ion gradient.
Medial auditory thalamus is necessary for acquisition and retention of eyeblink conditioning to cochlear nucleus stimulation

Associative learning tasks commonly involve an auditory stimulus, which must be projected through the auditory system to the sites of memory induction for learning to occur. The cochlear nucleus (CN) projection to the pontine nuclei has been posited as the necessary auditory pathway for cerebellar learning, including eyeblink conditioning. However, the medial auditory thalamic nuclei (MATN), consisting of the medial division of the medial geniculate, suprageniculate, and posterior interlaminar nucleus have also been implicated as a critical auditory relay to the pontine nuclei for cerebellum-dependent motor learning. The MATN also conveys auditory information to the amygdala necessary for avoidance and fear conditioning. The current study used CN stimulation to increase activity in the pontine nuclei, relative to a tone stimulus, and possibly provide sufficient input to the cerebellum for acquisition or retention of eyeblink conditioning during MATN inactivation. Primary and secondary effects of CN stimulation and MATN inactivation were examined using 2-deoxy-glucose autoradiography. Stimulation of CN increased activity in the pontine nuclei, however, this increase was not sufficient for cerebellar learning during MATN inactivation. Results of the current experiment provide additional evidence indicating the MATN may be the critical auditory relay for many associative learning tasks.
Is past prologue? Prospects for state and local sales tax bases

General sales taxes provide substantial fractions of state and local revenues in the US. However, state and local sales tax bases have been eroding steadily during the past 50 years. Base erosion contributes to fiscal stress in the states; therefore, prospects for continued sales tax base erosion are important to state tax administrators, policymakers and public finance economists. This article offers a quantitative assessment of base erosion. We construct time series of a representative state sales tax base and its price index, and estimate a structural demand system for ‘taxed’ and ‘untaxed’ commodities. We use the estimates to forecast the sales tax base over coming years. Time-series forecasts and a weighted-average forecast are constructed, to reduce the likelihood of forecast error. The results suggest slow, but relentless, base erosion and possible recurring fiscal stress, in states where sales tax revenues make up sizable fractions of total tax revenues.
Depth Distribution of Origins of Characteristic X-Rays from Thick Targets

If $I$ is the intensity of any x-ray wave-length as observed in a direction making an angle $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ with the face of the (thick) target in which the radiation originates, then ${S}_{T}=\frac{\ensuremath{-}1}{\ensuremath{\mu}}{\left(\frac{dlogI}{dcsc\ensuremath{\varphi}}\right)}_{csc\ensuremath{\varphi}=0}$ is the depth of the centroid of the x-ray luminosity distribution in the target. This depth is greater than the effective mean depth of production by an amount which depends upon the angle of observation and the form of the luminosity distribution. For large angle observation of Ag $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ at 100 kv (and probably at any voltage) the two depths are identical within the errors of measurement. The distributions of x-ray luminosity with target depth for Ag $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ from a thick target are calculated for six tube potentials from 50 kv to 175 kv from the intensity observations of Webster, Hansen and Duveneck. There is as yet no theory of these distribution functions. The characteristics of the curves obtained are shown to be capable of fairly simple mathematical description and to be in harmony with certain physical checks.
The effective use of secondary data.

Abstract In primary data analysis the individuals who collect the data also analyze it; for meta-analysis an investigator quantitatively combines the statistical results from multiple studies of a phenomenon to reach a conclusion; in secondary data analysis individuals who were not involved in the collection of the data analyze the data. Secondary data analysis may be based on the published data or it may be based on the original data. Most studies of animal cognition involve primary data analysis; it was difficult to identify any that were based on meta-analysis; secondary data analysis based on published data has been used effectively, and examples are given from the research of John Gibbon on scalar timing theory. Secondary data analysis can also be based on the original data if the original data are available in an archive. Such an archive in the field of animal cognition is feasible and desirable.
Jeffreys-Bayes posterior odds ratio and the Akaike information criterion for discriminating between models

Abstract The Jeffreys-Bayes posterior odds criterion (POC) and an Akaike information criterion (AIC) for discriminating between two regression models are compared. It is found that the AIC is a truncated version of the POC that omits important factors.