cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality and sensitivity of high-resolution numerical simulation of urban heat islands

High-resolution numerical simulations of the urban heat island (UHI) effect with the widely-used Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model are assessed. Both the sensitivity of the results to the simulation setup, and the quality of the simulated fields as representations of the real world, are investigated. Results indicate that the WRF-simulated surface temperatures are more sensitive to the planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme choice during nighttime, and more sensitive to the surface thermal roughness length parameterization during daytime. The urban surface temperatures simulated by WRF are also highly sensitive to the urban canopy model (UCM) used. The implementation in this study of an improved UCM (the Princeton UCM or PUCM) that allows the simulation of heterogeneous urban facets and of key hydrological processes, together with the so-called CZ09 parameterization for the thermal roughness length, significantly reduce the bias (<1.5 °C) in the surface temperature fields as compared to satellite observations during daytime. The boundary layer potential temperature profiles are captured by WRF reasonable well at both urban and rural sites; the biases in these profiles relative to aircraft-mounted senor measurements are on the order of 1.5 °C. Changing UCMs and PBL schemes does not alter the performance of WRF in reproducing bulk boundary layer temperature profiles significantly. The results illustrate the wide range of urban environmental conditions that various configurations of WRF can produce, and the significant biases that should be assessed before inferences are made based on WRF outputs. The optimal set-up of WRF-PUCM developed in this paper also paves the way for a confident exploration of the city-scale impacts of UHI mitigation strategies in the companion paper (Li et al 2014).
Impact of schedule on leucovorin potentiation of fluorouracil antitumor activity in dietary folic acid deplete mice

A dietary folic acid depleted mouse model was established and used to evaluate the relationship between elevation of reduced folates after leucovorin (LV) administration and potentiation of fluorouracil (FU) response of an implanted tumor. C3H mouse mammary adenocarcinomas from mice maintained on a folic acid deplete diet had modestly decreased methylenetetrahydrofolate and tetrahydrofolate levels, and were somewhat less responsive to FU alone compared with replete animals. LV administration resulted in a substantial increase in tumor folate by 1 hr that returned to near basal levels by 12 hr. Reduced folates were elevated to a lesser extent in animals on a standard diet. Tumor growth was suppressed approximately 80% when FU was administered to depleted animals 1 hr after LV administration, compared with approximately 50% suppression in control mice. LV administered 12 hr before FU resulted in tumor growth stimulation that was consistent with the pronounced growth stimulation when LV was administered without FU. These results show that dietary folic acid depletion can lead to a more responsive FU/LV model and that administration of LV at an improper time before FU not only can fail to potentiate but also can result in tumor growth stimulation.
Elastic-plastic analysis of scabbing in materials

Abstract This paper continues the analysis of scabbing in materials in terms of wave propagation effects due to the presence of plasticity. It presents the elastic and the elasto-plastic analysis of stress states which can cause scabbing. A particular problem is solved for scabbing in a bar of 14S-T4 aluminum using a triangular pressure pulse of peak intensity slightly more than twice the yield stress and duration 50 microseconds. One 4-in. scab is obtained by the elastic analysis, none by the elasto-plastic, confirming that plastic flow tends to prevent scabbing. Some of the general implications of the method are discussed.
Alignment of lenses: laboratory and numerical experiments

Abstract This paper addresses the question of what happens when two anticyclonic lens-like eddies with different densities come in contact with each other by, say, an advective current. We use laboratory and numerical experiments to demonstrate that, in a similar fashion to lenses with identical densities which often merge, lenses with unequal densities often align (i.e. the lenses “strive” toward a state where one lens is situated on top of the other). The two initially isolated eddies are formed in the laboratory by continuously injecting salty water through small filters situated in the interface separating two environmental layers. Hence, there is a total of four different fluids with graduated densities in the tank. The heaviest water is the lowest layer. One of the lenses is slightly lighter than this heaviest water and the other is still lighter than the first lens. Finally, the upper layer is the lighest of the four. Since the lenses are formed by injection, weak anticyclones which extend beyond the boundary of the lenses are formed above and below the lenses. Due to the continuous injection of fluid into the lenses they grow slowly so that after some time their edges meet. As in merging of lenses with identical densities, arms are then extended from one vortex to the other. However, in the present case the arms are situated above the heavier vortex and below the lighter vortex instead of being at the same level. At this point, the lenses are locked together and the arms continue to propagate and grow until the lenses ultimately align. This process is accompanied by filamentation where fluid is expelled from both lenses to accommodate the change in angular momentum. Comparable numerical experiments also are discussed. Here Gaussian lenses in a four-layer fluid are studied; the lenses occupy the two intermediate layers. The physical parameters of these experiments are chosen to resemble the now famous case of observed eddy merging off East Australia. In contrast to the laboratory study, the numerical lenses have no initial anticyclones located in the layers surrounding them. The results indicate alignment in a manner similar to the laboratory experiments, provided the eddies are initially sufficiently close.
Blood flow in the uterine loop artery and loop vein is bidirectional in the mouse : implications for transport of steroids between fetuses

In rodents, steroids are able to pass between fetuses. Although not previously examined in mice, we have provided evidence that blood flow in the uterine loop artery in rats is bidirectional and that steroids are transported between fetuses by diffusion via the uterine lumen, not via the uterine blood vessels of the mother. The direction of blood flow in the uterine loop artery and vein feeding each uterine horn in house mice was examined on day 17 of pregnancy. Dye was injected into the heart to determine the direction of blood flow in the uterine artery while injection of dye into individual placentae was used to determine the direction of blood flow in the uterine vein. Blood entered the loop artery from both the dorsal and caudal ends and was thus bidirectional. Venus blood flow from placentae was in a rostral direction from placentae in the rostral portion of a uterine horn and in a caudal direction from placentae in the caudal portion of a uterine horn. Comparison of anogenital distance and body weight at birth using a variety of classification schemes, based on different assumptions about the mechanism and direction of transport of steroids between fetuses, showed that the only scheme which accounted for variation in anogenital distance at birth in female mice was that which was based on the number of directly adjacent male siblings in utero. Taken together with recent findings in rats reported elsewhere, we conclude that blood flow in the uterine blood vessels is bidirectional, and steroids are transported between fetuses by diffusing through the amniotic fluid and across the fetal membranes of adjacent fetuses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Structural Strain: An Ecological Paradigm for Studying African American Drug Use

ABSTRACT Social structural factors (gender, age, income/wealth and geographic variations) are often ignored as descriptive or explanatory variables in drug studies. They are critical for differentiating drug use patterns, whether within an ethno-racial group or between ethno-racial groups. Within the African American community, specifically, drug involvement differences are best explained by heterogeneity in degrees of success in and attachment to mainstream social institutions (family, church, schools, workplace). These considerations predominate in structural strain theory, offered here for explaining African American drug use patterns. An ecological model operationalizes the theory and posits three different interlinking levels of social influence on individual drug use behavior: social structural, institutional, and interpersonal networks (macrosystem, exosystem, and microsystem, respectively). Findings then are presented from a 25-year study conducted with one community representative African America...
A Century of Evolution in Trauma Resuscitation

Good afternoon. Thank you Dr Rotondo for your generous introduction – I couldn’t have done better myself.
Sudden infant death syndrome-associated mutations in the sodium channel beta subunits.

Background Approximately 10% of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cases may stem from potentially lethal cardiac channelopathies, with approximately half of channelopathic SIDS involving the Na V 1.5 cardiac sodium channel. Recently, Na V beta subunits have been implicated in various cardiac arrhythmias. Thus, the 4 genes encoding Na V beta subunits represent plausible candidate genes for SIDS. Objective This study sought to determine the spectrum, prevalence, and functional consequences of sodium channel beta-subunit mutations in a SIDS cohort. Methods In this institutional review board–approved study, mutational analysis of the 4 beta-subunit genes, SCN1B to 4B , was performed using polymerase chain reaction, denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography, and direct DNA sequencing of DNA derived from 292 SIDS cases. Engineered mutations were coexpressed with SCN5A in HEK 293 cells and were whole-cell patch clamped. One of the putative SIDS-associated mutations was similarly studied in adenovirally transduced adult rat ventricular myocytes. Results Three rare (absent in 200 to 800 reference alleles) missense mutations (β3-V36M, β3-V54G, and β4-S206L) were identified in 3 of 292 SIDS cases. Compared with SCN5A+β3-WT, β3-V36M significantly decreased peak I Na and increased late I Na , whereas β3-V54G resulted in a marked loss of function. β4-S206L accentuated late I Na and positively shifted the midpoint of inactivation compared with SCN5A+β4-WT. In native cardiomyocytes, β4-S206L accentuated late I Na and increased the ventricular action potential duration compared with β4-WT. Conclusion This study provides the first molecular and functional evidence to implicate the Na V beta subunits in SIDS pathogenesis. Altered Na V 1.5 sodium channel function due to beta-subunit mutations may account for the molecular pathogenic mechanism underlying approximately 1% of SIDS cases.
Inter-Strain Aggressiveness and Performance in Chickens

Abstract EVIDENCE for the heritable nature of aggressiveness within strains of chickens has been published by Guhl et al. (1960), Komai et al. (1959) and by Siegel (1960). Tindell and Craig (1960) found differences among sire families in aggressiveness, indicating genetic variability to be present. Significant associations between social rank and performance traits have been reported by Guhl (1953) and Tindell and Craig (1959) within strains, while social “competition effects” between strains were also reported by the latter authors. That strains and breeds of chickens differ in aggressiveness has been shown by Potter (1949), Holabird (1955), Bellah (1957) and Tindell and Craig (1959). Conclusions concerning the degree of association of inter-strain aggressiveness and various performance items in egg production stocks are more variable as opposed to intra-strain aggressiveness and performance. In part, these differences in results may possibly be explained as being due to the diversity of the strains or breeds …
Partner-Guided Cancer Pain Management at the End of Life: A Preliminary Study

This preliminary study tested the efficacy of a partner-guided cancer pain management protocol for patients who are at the end of life. Seventy-eight advanced cancer patients meeting criteria for hospice eligibility and their partners were randomly assigned to a partner-guided pain management training intervention, or usual care control condition. The partner-guided pain management training protocol was a three-session intervention conducted in patients' homes that integrated educational information about cancer pain with systematic training of patients and partners in cognitive and behavioral pain coping skills. Data analyses revealed that the partner-guided pain management protocol produced significant increases in partners' ratings of their self-efficacy for helping the patient control pain and self-efficacy for controlling other symptoms. Partners receiving this training also showed a trend to report improvements in their levels of caregiver strain. Overall, the results of this preliminary study suggest that a partner-guided pain management protocol may have benefits in the context of cancer pain at the end of life. Given the significance of pain at the end of life, future research in this area appears warranted.
Cuckoo Linear Algebra

In this paper we present a novel data structure for sparse vectors based on Cuckoo hashing. It is highly memory efficient and allows for random access at near dense vector level rates. This allows us to solve sparse l1 programming problems exactly and without preprocessing at a cost that is identical to dense linear algebra both in terms of memory and speed. Our approach provides a feasible alternative to the hash kernel and it excels whenever exact solutions are required, such as for feature selection.
Identity, intersectionality, and mixed‐methods approaches

This chapter explores how mixed-methods research can reveal a more complex understanding of students' conceptualizations of their own identities.
Segregation effects during growth of pseudo-binary systems with large liquidus-solidus separation

Abstract The transport phenomena associated with melt-growth of semi-conductor crystals on Earth and in space were investigated for non-dilute pseudo-binary systems with large liquidus-solidus separation. In these systems, heat and mass transfer are coupled through the dependence of the melting point on composition and the presence of thermosolutal convection. Experimental growth studies of PbSnTe in a vertical Bridgman configuration involving melts with initial aspect ratios of 15 and 6.8 exhibit axial and radial Sn segregation indicative of intensive convective mixing in the melt. The present findings point to the need for more precise thermal field control in crystal growth and suggest growth in a microgravity environment if diffusion controlled conditions are to be achieved. An analysis of heat and mass transfer for an idealized Bridgman growth system has been made and gives predictions for the dynamics that can be expected in such a space experiment.
Important Factors of Early Addiction Recovery and Inpatient Treatment

Research is needed that confirms inpatient treatment outcomes and evaluates patient typologies. Factors of early recovery and inpatient treatment are examined to (1) support inpatient treatment effectiveness research, (2) explore impacts on outcomes of patient differences (collegiate vs. traditional), and (3) learn about factors that influence inpatient treatment effectiveness. Overall, 95 of 149 (63.8%) participants were classified as progressing in readiness for change from pre to post treatment. Second, a MANCOVA showed significant increases in hope, resiliency, and family functioning and decreases in craving from pre- to posttreatment. Expectations of significant differences in rates of change of treatment outcome variables between traditional and collegiate recovery programs were partially supported.
Estimating the Benefits of Individual Retirement Accounts: A Comparison to Capital Gains Investments

This paper compares the benefits of investing funds in an IRA account to the benefits of investing funds in a long-term capital gains investment. The comparison is motivated because IRA funds, although they can be placed in a long-term capital gains account, are ultimately taxed at ordinary income tax rates. IRA funds cannot receive the favorable long-term capital gains tax treatment. Following previous work by Collins, gain factors are computed for IRA accounts vs. long-term capital gains accounts. In most cases the gain factors are larger than one, although much smaller than when the alternative investment is a typical savings account. Gains factors are, however, universally less than one for premature withdrawal of the IRA.
Volatilization of alachlor and atrazine as influenced by surface litter

A basic knowledge of how herbicide volatilization is influenced by agronomic practices is necessary if long-term detrimental impacts from herbicides are to be minimized. We measured cumulative herbicide volatilization losses in glass agroecosystem chambers to assess how surface residue conditions, simulated rainfall, temperature, and herbicide formulation affect volatilization of atrazine and alachlor. Research results demonstrated that herbicide volatilization before water application was greater under mulched conditions, but decreased dramatically after the first irrigation. As a result, after 35 d cumulative volatilization of atrazine from a mulched soil surface was less than half that from bare soil for both formulations. Plant litter on the soil surface and encapsulated herbicides may be viable alternatives for reducing volatilization of some herbicides in humid regions.
The perineurium of the adult housefly: ultrastructure and permeability to lanthanum.

The ultrastructure of the perineurial cells of Musca overlying the first optic neuropile was examined by transmission electron microscopy. These cells are somewhat similar to those of other insects but cytoplasmic flanges seem to be absent, and mitochondria are relatively large and sinuous. The intercellular channel system on the lateral border of the cells is relatively spacious and highly meandering. Perineurial cells are joined by septate, gap, and tight junctions, hemidesmosomes, and desmosomes. Tight and septate junctions bond perineurial cells and glial cells. These data are evaluated on the basis of tracer studies with lanthanum. This material penetrates the extracellular space between perineurium and underlying glial and nerve cells, between epithelial glial cells and retinular axon terminals (capitate projections), and between the α-β fiber pair in the optic cartridge (gnarls). If no damage occurs to the perineurial cells during tissue preparation, this passage of lanthanum to neuronal surfaces indicates that the blood brain barrier is incomplete in this restricted area. Supportive evidence for such permeance is based on electrophysiological data, considerations of membrane specializations in the optic neuropile, and Na+/K+ ratios of dipteran hemolymph.
Digital detection of analog parametric faults in SC filters

Many design for test techniques for analog circuits are ineffective at detecting multiple parametric faults because either their accuracy is poor, or the circuit is not tested in the configuration it is used in. We present a DFT scheme that offers the accuracy needed to test high-quality circuits. The DFT scheme is based on a circuit that digitally measures the ratio of a pair of capacitors. The circuit is used to completely characterize the transfer function of a switched capacitor circuit, which is usually determined by capacitor ratios. In our DFT scheme, capacitor ratios can be measured to within 0.01% accuracy, and filter parameters can be shown to be satisfied to within 0.1% accuracy. A filter can be shown to satisfy all its functional specifications through this characterization process. We believe the accuracy of our scheme is at least an order of magnitude greater than that offered by any other scheme reported in the literature.
Persistency of Fat Secretion during the Lactation Period as Affected by Age

Summary 1.Using a method previously described for the quantitative determination of persistency of milk and fat secretion, a study was made of the effect of age upon this character. 2.Data were presented indicating that there is a decline in the persistency of secretion during the lactation period as the dairy cow reaches maturity. 3.A summary is made of the literature indicating the nature of the stimulation of mammary growth and secretion and the relation to the problem of the influence of age was indicated. 4.The theory is advanced that the normal or hereditary rate of decline of milk secretion during the early lactation periods is retarded due to further division of cells which become functional through the stimulation of the "follicular" hormone, and to the increased activity of the cells due to an increased blood supply and the perfection of the functioning of the cells.
Flux of Atmospheric Neutrinos

New calculations of the flux of neutrinos produced by cosmic rays in the atmosphere are reported. The authors have taken account of effects of the geomagnetic cutoff and of solar modulation separately for upward- and downward-going neutrinos of both electron and muon flavor with energies from 200 MeV to 10 GeV. The geomagnetic cutoff in particular must be handled carefully because it induces behavior very similar to a neutrino oscillation signal.
Patterns of haemozoin accumulation in tissue.

A sensitive fluorometric method for assaying malarial pigment, haemozoin, has been developed and used to determine the haemozoin content of blood and tissue samples. Plasmodium falciparum rings and trophozoites were found to contain 23 and 339 ng haemozoin/106 parasitized red blood cells (PRBCs), respectively. Unsynchronized Plasmodium berghei NK65 or ANKA parasites from infected mice contained 27 and 61 ng haemozoin/106 PRBCs, respectively. An exponential accumulation of haemozoin within 18 days after infection was demonstrated in liver and spleen tissue, representing up to 0·2% of the tissue by wet weight by day 18. Histology indicated that the accumulation occurred predominantly in the tissue monocytes. In the brain, the levels of haemozoin after 8 days of infection were considerably lower than they were in the liver or spleen, and most of the pigment appeared to be that present inside parasitized red blood cells. CBA/Ca mice infected with P. berghei ANKA (a cerebral malaria model) had significantly higher amounts of haemozoin in the brain than did ICR mice infected with P. berghei NK65. Thus, haemozoin levels in tissue increase with the duration of infection, and its presence may be associated with cerebral pathology.
Instantaneous transmitral flow using Doppler and M-mode echocardiography: Comparison with radionuclide ventriculography

To improve the accuracy of Doppler echocardiographic indices of left ventricular filling, we derived two indices of instantaneous transmitral flow with the use of Doppler velocities and M-mode echocardiography. These indices were calculated from the product of pulsed Doppler mitral velocities and either the excursion of the anterior mitral leaflet or the separation of both mitral leaflets as measures of the changing mitral orifice area. The derived flow indices and the mitral velocities alone were compared to left ventricular filling as determined by radionuclide ventriculography in 24 patients. When compared as areas under the matched decile divisions of the derived filling sequences by linear regression analysis, the relationship for combined Doppler and M-mode versus radionuclide left ventricular filling was closer to the line of identity (slope = 0.98 and 0.94 using the anterior mitral leaflet and both mitral leaflets, respectively, both p = NS versus the line of identity) than was the relationship for mitral velocities alone versus radionuclide left ventricular filling (slope = 0.74, p less than 0.05 versus the line of identity). The instantaneous mitral volume flow indices more closely resemble the time course and shape of radionuclide left ventricular filling curves than do mitral velocities alone, and the application of these indices should assist the quantitative description by Doppler echocardiography of left ventricular filling.
Ovulation induction in the poor responder or hyperresponder

tropin-human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation. Fertil Steril 1986;46:73-6. Pearlstone AC, Pang SC, Fournet N, Buyalos RE Gambone JC. Ovulation induction in women age 40 and older: the importance of basal follicle-stimulating hormone level and chronological age. Fertil Steril 1992;58:674-9. Scott RT, Toner JP, Muasher S J, Oehninger S, Robinson S, Rosenwaks Z. Follicle stimulating hormone levels on cycle day 3 are predictive of in vitro fertilization outcome. Fertil Steril 1989;51:651-4. Shoham Z, Conway GS, DiCarlo C, Jacobs HS, Patel A. Is it possible to run a successful ovulation induction program based solely on ultrasound monitoring? The importance of endometrial measurements. Fertil Steril 1991;56: 836-41. Silverberg KM, Burns WN, Olive DL, Riehl RM, Schenken RS. Serum progesterone levels predict success of in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer in patients stimulated with leuprolide acetate and human menopausal gonadotropins. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1991;73:797-803. Stewart EA, Rein MS, Jackson KV, Fox JH, Friedman AJ, Hornstein MD. The effect of baseline complex ovarian cysts on in vitro fertilization outcome. Fertil Steril 1992;57: 1274-8. Toner JE Philput CB, Jones GS, Muasher sJ. Basal follidestimulating hormone level is a better predictor of in vitro fertilization performance than age. Fertil Steril 1991;55: 784-91. Wood C, McMaster R, Rennie G, Trounson A, Leeton J. Factors influencing pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Fertil Steril 1985;43:24550.
Rotationally resolved threshold photoelectron spectroscopy of H2O and H2S

We report both measured and calculated rotationally resolved threshold photoelectron spectra for single-photon coherent VUV ionization of the X ^1A_1 ground state of jet-cooled H_2O and H_2S. Agreement between the calculated and measured spectra is very encouraging. Both the H_2O and H_2S spectra show type a transitions which arise from odd angular momentum components of the photoelectron matrix element and are quite molecular in origin. These type a transitions, however, are much weaker in H_2S due to its more atomiclike character.
Socratic Persuasion in the Crito

Socrates does not use the Laws' Speech in the Crito principally to persuade Crito to accept his coming execution. It is used instead to persuade Crito to examine and work on his inadequate view of justice. Crito's view of justice fails to coordinate one's duties to friends and those to the law. The Laws' Speech accomplishes this persuasive goal by accompanying Crito’s earlier speech. Both start from the same view of justice, one that Crito accepts, but reach opposing conclusions. Crito cannot judge between the two appealing speeches. His understanding of justice is too confused for him to decide well how to help Socrates. His need to explain what happened the morning he visited Socrates will prompt him and others to examine this indeterminate view of justice. Socrates foregoes direct refutation because Crito will not abide that usual way of interrogation. Engaging in short question-and-answer conversation is not the only way to bring a person to aporia and the intention to examine oneself. Socrates does n...
Living Polymerization of α-Olefins at Elevated Temperatures Catalyzed by a Highly Active and Robust Cyclophane-Based Nickel Catalyst

The living features of active olefin polymerizationcatalysts were usually lost at higher temperature. Forpractical applications, it would be highly desirable todevelop more robust living polymerization systems thatcan operate at higher temperatures. Herein we reportthe first late transition metal catalyzed living polymer-izations of R-olefins at elevated temperatures.Late transition metal olefin polymerization catalystshave received much attention recently because they canproduce polyolefins with interesting new branchingtopologies and have better tolerance to functionalgroups.
Synthesis of analogs of peptides from Buthus martensii scorpion venom with potential antibiotic activity

Five analogs of a natural peptide (BmKn1) found in the venom of scorpion Buthus martensii Karsh have been synthesized and tested to compare their antimicrobial and hemolytic activity with the wild type. Circular dichroism spectra show that these peptides form an alpha helix structure and its amino acid positions predict an amphipathic nature. Results show that increasing hydrophobicity by substituting successively positions 5 and 9 of the sequence (on the hydrophobic side of the helix) with alanine, valine and leucine enhances antimicrobial activity and hemolysis. When changes are done on positions 7 and 10 (on the hydrophilic side) by introducing more positive charges with addition of lysine, both activities also increase. However, when negative charges are introduced instead (with glutamic acids), antimicrobial activity is observed but hemolysis is reduced to zero under the concentrations studied. Although strong inhibitory activity begins at low concentrations (10μg/mL), some peptides level off inhibition and no change is observed as concentrations are increased.
Supercontinent cycles and the calculation of absolute palaeolongitude in deep time

To determine the geometric pattern of the supercontinent cycle, a new ‘orthoversion’ model is suggested that matches the geologic evidence better than the traditional ‘introversion’ and ‘extroversion’ models, enabling the calculation of absolute palaeolongitude for the early Earth. Geological models have predicted that the next supercontinent to form — to be called Amasia — will amalgamate either where Pangaea rifted apart, or on the opposite side of the world. An alternative model proposed here places the next supercontinent at right angles to these two positions. This new 'orthoversion' model assumes a 90° shift between supercontinents because the new aggregations would coalesce within the great circle of subduction encircling its relict predecessor. Traditional models of the supercontinent cycle predict that the next supercontinent—‘Amasia’—will form either where Pangaea rifted (the ‘introversion’1 model) or on the opposite side of the world (the ‘extroversion’2,3,4 models). Here, by contrast, we develop an ‘orthoversion’5 model whereby a succeeding supercontinent forms 90° away, within the great circle of subduction encircling its relict predecessor. A supercontinent aggregates over a mantle downwelling but then influences global-scale mantle convection to create an upwelling under the landmass6. We calculate the minimum moment of inertia about which oscillatory true polar wander occurs owing to the prolate shape of the non-hydrostatic Earth5,7. By fitting great circles to each supercontinent’s true polar wander legacy, we determine that the arc distances between successive supercontinent centres (the axes of the respective minimum moments of inertia) are 88° for Nuna to Rodinia and 87° for Rodinia to Pangaea—as predicted by the orthoversion model. Supercontinent centres can be located back into Precambrian time, providing fixed points for the calculation of absolute palaeolongitude over billion-year timescales. Palaeogeographic reconstructions additionally constrained in palaeolongitude will provide increasingly accurate estimates of ancient plate motions and palaeobiogeographic affinities.
On-Site X-Ray Fluorescence Testing for Presence of Corrosive Drywall

Corrosive drywall, also known as Chinese drywall, emits gases that cause corrosion of copper components within a building. Corrosive drywall has a strontium content that is often different from tested drywall sourced in North America. The strontium content can be used as a marker for the presence of corrosive drywall, in conjunction with visual evaluation of nearby copper components and confirmatory laboratory tests. This paper presents a methodology for on-site testing of the strontium content of drywall by X-ray fluorescence, along with supplemental laboratory testing of selected samples by exposure-testing of copper coupons. Testing has indicated populations of noncorrosive drywall with strontium contents both lower than and greater than that of the affected drywall.
The state distribution of OH radicals photodissociated from H2O2 at 193 and 248 nm

Photodissociation of H2O2 at 248 and 193 nm yields largely vibrationless OH radicals in their ground electronic state. At 248 nm, on the average about 64 and 3 kcal/mol of energy are relased as translational and rotational energy, respectively. At 193 nm the corresponding quantities are 92 and 8 kcal/mol. The distribution of the OH radicals over K″ peaks near K″=5 when dissociated at 248 nm and near K″=6 at 193 nm but the latter distribution is somewhat broader. Doppler width anisotropy data imply that at 248 nm a single upper state is reached but that at 193 nm several upper surfaces may be responsible for the absorption. It is concluded that the upper state potential functions(s) may be respresented by the sum of a large repulsive term depending only upon the distance between centers of mass of the OH radicals and a small angularly dependent term which generates the rotational excitation.
Sucrose leakage from excised maize scutella

Abstract Sucrose leaked from the maize scutellum into water upon removal of the seedling axis. A greater amount of sucrose leakage occurred when the seedlings were incubated with their scutella in fructose solutions for a number of hr before removal of the axis. Leakage into water was more rapid than into mannitol, and as the mannitol concentration was increased the leakage rate decreased. Ca2+ inhibited leakage when present in the bathing solution during the leakage period, but had little or no effect when it was added to the solution bathing the scutellum before the seedling axis was removed. At 30°, the leakage rate, initially high, declined rapidly; and leakage stopped within 90 min. At 1°, leakage was slower but the rate was maintained for at least 4 hr so that the total leakage was greater at 1° than at 30°. If scutella were kept at 30° until leakage stopped and then were placed at 1°, leakage resumed but at a rate lower than that from scutella excised directly into 1° water. The Q10 of the sucrose leakage process was well below 2·0, and leakage was not inhibited by DNP or by anoxia. It is concluded that sucrose leakage in the scutellum occurs by a pressure flow of solution which exits from the tissue through the cut ends of the phloem. Moreover, evidence is presented that indicates the flow is not restricted to the phloem but extends in an uninterrupted stream through the cytoplasm of most or all living cells of the scutellum.
Microcomputers and mainframes: A marriage of effectiveness

Section 1 touches on the notion of distributed processing in order to gain a perspective on the roles of mainframe computers, microcomputers and their “marriage” in the general computing environment. It then examines how the marriage is possible and looks at two appropriate uses of the micro/mainframe interface. Section 2 deals with some of the specifics: EDUNET'S involvement with microcomputer as intelligent terminal; some details on file transfer protocols; the efforts of several institutions of higher education to develop intelligent terminal emulation software for micros; and two commercial terminal emulation packages.
Children's Classroom Peer Relationships and Early School Attitudes: Concurrent and Longitudinal Associations.

The purpose of this study was to further explore the linkage between children's early school attitudes and interpersonal features of the classroom, including children's relationships with classmates and their perceptions of these relationships. Participants included 102 kindergarten children (M age= 5.8 years) who were interviewed at the beginning and end of kindergarten to obtain measures of their school attitudes (i.e., school liking), classroom peer relationships (i.e., peer acceptance, mutual friendships), and peer relationship perceptions (i.e., perceived loneliness, peer support). Results showed that initial school liking was associated with all four measures of children's peer relationships; however, only the number of mutual friendships that children possessed in their classrooms predicted changes in school attitudes (gains) over time. Early school attitudes were linked to changes in children's peer perceptions; children who disliked school early in kindergarten were more likely to view classmates...
2D Beamforming for Through-the-Wall Microwave Imaging applications

Recently, microwave imaging has received a considerable amount of interest with respect to other imaging techniques. A large number of studies [1] rely on microwaves, as a powerful electromagnetic tool to retrieve physical and electrical properties of penetrable and impenetrable objects. The capability of microwave signals to penetrate light opaque materials and sense distant or inaccessible objects with reasonable spatial resolution makes them attractive for different industrial, civil and medical applications. Our Through-the-Wall Microwave Imaging (TWMI) radar system facilitates us to detect and localize objects behind the wall. Measurements with mono-static radar configuration are made with various sizes of metallic materials inside the room with wooden wall (of known thickness and dielectric constant) using 2D antenna positioning assembly and scattering data is recorded in frequency domain. The simple and fast algorithm for compensation of different wave velocity inside the wall is used and the measured raw data is processed with 2D SAR Beamforming algorithm in time domain to reconstruct the image of the targets behind wall. This paper provides an overview of the basic concepts, foundation prototype system of TWMI, SAR Beamforming algorithm and Comparison of Various matched filter approaches and their effects on quality of image are elaborated in detail.
Interactive display and analysis of 3-D medical images

The ANALYZE software system, which permits detailed investigation and evaluation of 3-D biomedical images, is discussed. ANALYZE can be used with 3-D imaging modalities based on X-ray computed tomography, radionuclide emission tomography, ultrasound tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The package is unique in its synergistic integration of fully interactive modules for direct display, manipulation, and measurement of multidimensional image data. One of the most versatile and powerful capabilities in ANALYZE is image volume rendering for 3-D display. An important advantage of this technique is that it can be used to display 3-D images directly from the original data set and to provide on-the-fly combinations of selected image transformations, such as surface segmentation, cutting planes, transparency, and/or volume set operations (union, intersection, difference, etc.). The module has been optimized to be fast (interactive) without compromising image quality. The software is written entirely in C and runs on standard UNIX workstations. >
Kinetic investigation of the atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl acrylate

The kinetics of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl acrylate (MA) is discussed. MA polymerizations were carried out under homogeneous conditions using CuBr/4,4‘-di(5-nonyl)-2,2‘-bipyridine (dNbpy) as the catalyst. Plots of ln([M]o/[M]) vs time and molecular weight evolution vs conversion showed a linear dependence, indicating a constant number of propagating species throughout the polymerization as well as a negligible contribution of termination or transfer reactions. The dependence of the rate of polymerization on the concentrations of initiator, catalyst, Cu(II), and temperature are presented. The equilibrium constant between active and dormant species, Keq = 1.2 × 10-9 at 90 °C is much smaller than in the ATRP of styrene or methyl methacrylate. On the basis of an Arrhenius plot, the apparent enthalpy of activation for homogeneous ATRP of MA ΔH‡app = 27.5 kcal/mol corresponds to an enthalpy of equilibrium ΔH0eq = 23 kcal/mol, which is much higher than in the ATRP of styrene or methyl ...
Boundary Maintenance in Evangelical Christian Higher Education: A Case Study of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities.

This essay, utilizing the “kaleidoscope” image of historian Timothy Smith, reflects on issues affecting evangelical identity and boundaries in the major professional association for Christian higher education, the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). Since the CCCU was birthed by a smaller organization, the Christian College Consortium, attention is given to how evangelical boundaries were understood by the parent group. The paper then shows how the CCCU stretched those boundaries in several directions as membership grew. Over a period of 25-plus years, the CCCU cultivated a marked denominational pluralism along with a cooperative evangelical ecumenism. This essay explores these developments in terms of membership criteria including affiliate status, doctrinal standards, the emphasis on the integration of faith and learning, and official statements and limitations of the CCCU's approach to evangelical boundaries, suggesting that the CCCU look at developing more definitive doctrinal anchor...
Energy analysis of dislocation arrays near bimaterial interfaces

Expressions for the elastic strain energies due to dislocation arrays near bimaterial interface or near the free surface of a semi-infinite body are derived. Arrays with periodic straight dislocations of edge, screw and combined type are considered. Expressions for the complete stress distribution and dislocation forces are also presented.
Crystallization, resistivity and microstructure of co-deposited metal-silicon thin film alloys

Abstract Amorphous thin film silicides were deposited at room temperature. Crystallization was studied by in-situ transmission electron microscopy and resistivity. These procedures enabled the kinetics of crystallization and any additional transformations to be characterized by (a) measuring transformed volume fractions V f directly, (b) deducing V f from changes in resistivity and (c) studying the nucleation rate and growth of individual particles. A remarkable variety of crystallized microstructure including needles, spheroids and cylindrites was observed.
Interferon action: Role of membrane gangliosides

Abstract The antiviral activity of human (fibroblast + leukocyte) and mouse fibroblast interferon was neutralized by preincubation with ganglioside before application to cells. Ganglioside mixtures were as effective as pure gangliosides, with no particular ganglioside specificity observed for neutralization of human interferon. Ganglioside-agarose derivatives removed human interferon from solution; interferon was eluted with buffers containing urea, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and mercaptoethanol. Ganglioside-deficient transformed mouse cell lines were relatively insensitive to interferon action. Treatment of such cells with ganglioside led to an increase in membrane ganglioside content and in two of three cell lines to an increase in cell sensitivity to mouse interferon; in mouse SVS AL/N and TAL/N cells, GM 2 , GT 1 , and a mixture of crude gangliosides were effective whereas GM 1 and GD 1a were without effect. The interferon sensitivity of untransformed cells, which failed to take up appreciable ganglioside, was not increased by treatment with exogenous ganglioside; the sensitivity of one GM 1 -deficient transformed cell line ( K-Balb C-3T3 ) was not increased by pretreatment with ganglioside. These results indicate an interaction between gangliosides and several types of interferon and suggest a role for membrane gangliosides in the antiviral action of interferon.
What makes a man? Rereading Naven and The Gender of the Gift, 2004:

In this essay, I argue that the concept of masculinity that was first developed in Bateson's Naven, his 1936 monograph about ritual and society among the Iatmul, a New Guinea people, was an origina...
Strategic market planning in the commercial airline industry

Firms in the commercial airline industry were studied to ascertain their use of strategic market planning. The results indicate strategic market planning and related techniques (Experience curve/cost analysis, portfolio analysis, investment opportunity analysis, and PIMS) are not employed by all firms. In fact, many corporate planners were unfamiliar with the state-of-the-art methods. These results were found in firms of all sizes. Overall, individuals familiar with the strategic market planning tools were critical of their inflexibility and felt they had limited application to the airline industry. Some firms have developed their own proprietary planning methods. A large proportion of smaller firms had no formal planning process, relying instead on executive judgement. Planners identified the need for greater support from top management and better definition of planning requirements. The results are suggestive of the opportunity for greater dissemination of the state-of-the art and research to improve planning technique.
Fungal diseases in small mammals: therapeutic trends and zoonotic considerations

As medical knowledge continues to expand, the division between animal and human diseases continues to decrease. The popularity of small mammals in lieu of the increased numbers of immunocompromised individuals will require increasingly broader understandings of zoonotic disease. The vast amount of animal research in areas of human disease requires diligent study to stay abreast of emerging diagnostics and therapeutics. The core requirements of skin scrapings, fungal culture, and microscopy for the diagnosis of small mammal fungal disease, however, are unchanged.
Electron beam plasma modification of microtitre plates for covalent biomolecules immobilization

Summary form only given. Microtitre plates are effective solid-phase platforms for multiplexed, high-throughput screening and analysis of biomolecule interactions. This multi-well format is widely used in both industry and medical fields due to its ease of automation, high capacity for paralleled data collection, and versatile application of technologies (e.g., proteomics, functional genomics, biomolecule separation and purification). Microtitre plates made of polystyrene are most commonly employed because they readily adsorb (via non-specific adsorption) proteins, have excellent optical as well as mechanical properties, and are cost-effective. However, several of these intrinsic properties of polystyrene also present disadvantages: poor chemical resistance, difficulty controlling surface chemistry, protein denaturation, desorption and/or loss of biomolecule activity. Indeed, it has been estimated that less than 10% of adsorbed protein molecules retain their activity.Electron beam plasma treatment was applied to activate the polystyrene microtitre plates surface and thus to facilitate covalent biomolecule immobilization. Electron beam generated plasmas constitute a unique class of plasmas due to their intrinsic low electron temperatures (<; 1 eV), plasma potentials and thus ion kinetic energies. For the treatment of polymers, these plasmas have demonstrated the ability to change the surface energy and chemistry with limited change in surface topography and low etch rates. In this wore, we have taken standard hydrophobic microtitre plates costing ~$3 each and converted them to versatile immobilization platforms capable of covalent attachment chemistry; commercial pre-activated plates typically cost $15 to $25 each. This approach allows for variation of the chemical moiety on the surface, as well as the crosslinker used to attach the biomolecule. Furthermore, the user is able to define the conditions used for immobilization, further expanding the numbers and types of molecules that can be used in microtitre assays.