cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Admittance Type Haptic Device: RML Glove

This paper presents the design and control of a newly developed five-fingered admittance haptic interface named RML-glove. This haptic device is a lightweight and portable actuator system that fits on a hand and adds a sense of touch to each finger of the user. With this system, the operator is able to feel the shape and size of virtual 3D objects or to control robots through force feedback. Each finger has a miniature linear actuator that can be individually controlled to provide the force feedback. An embedded lead screw mechanism makes it possible to provide force feedback from almost zero and up to 40 N to each finger. The interface consists of micro-motors, force sensitive sensors, lithium-ion battery, wireless RF module, and an ARM7 micro-controller board. Wireless communication with a robot or host PC is established via unlicensed bands of 2.4 GHz. This haptic device may be worn on the back of bare hand without any other intrusive hardware, which otherwise constrain the movement of the fingers.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Dissociation of the cytotoxicity of cocaine from its local anaesthetic effect: A comparison with lidocaine

Abstract It has been suggested that cocaine may be directly toxic to myocardial cells. The mechanism of the toxicity is not known. Because we found that cocaine and lidocaine shared similar patterns of cytotoxicity, a role for local anaesthesia in the cytotoxicity of cocaine was evaluated in cultured rat cardiomyocytes. The cells were incubated with cocaine or lidocaine at different concentrations for up to 48 hr. At equal molarities, cocaine and lidocaine showed similar patterns of toxicity as assessed by leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into cell medium and by cell viability staining with propidium iodide (PI). Increased extracellular sodium (Na + ) ameliorated lidocaine-induced LDH release, but had no effect on cocaine-treated cultures. The addition of veratridine, an activator of Na + channels, did not change the toxicity of both drugs. Isoproterenol did not affect cocaine-induced LDH leakage, whereas it significantly potentiated lidocaine toxicity. These data suggest that the local anaesthetic action of cocaine may not contribute to its cytotoxicity to myocardial cells.
Selective radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND. The role of radiotherapy (RT) in the management of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is controversial. The authors of this report evaluated the rates and patterns of failure in a selected group of patients who underwent RT for MCC of the head and neck (HN). METHODS. The records of 145 consecutive patients with MCC of the HN who presented to the authors' institution between 1988 and 2009 were reviewed. Only patients who received RT at the institution were included. The cumulative incidence of locoregional failure (LRF), distant metastatic failure (DMF), disease progression (DP) and disease-specific death (DSD) were estimated with death as a competing risk. RESULTS. Forty-eight patients were identified. The median follow-up was 51 months (range, 6-220 months) for living patients. LRF developed in 5 patients (10%), and those patients had a median time to recurrence of 3 months. Two of the 5 LRFs were local and developed at the edge of the treatment field; the remaining 3 LRFs were in lymph nodes and occurred outside the treatment field. DMF developed in 12 patients (25%). The estimated 5-year cumulative incidences of LRF, DP, and DSD were 10%, 30%, and 21%, respectively. Acute toxicities included 5 episodes (10%) of grade 3 dermatitis and 1 episode (2%) of grade 3 mucositis. CONCLUSIONS. The authors report a site-specific series of patients with HN MCC who received RT. In this group of patients with adverse features, RT was well tolerated, and LRF was low. The propensity for MCC to recur at the edge of the treatment field suggests that generous margins are appropriate when RT is administered. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Studies on electron paramagnetic resonance spectra manifested by a respiratory chain hydrogen carrier.

Abstract The high-potential iron-sulfur protein (HiPIP) center of succinate dehydrogenase has an electron paramagnetic resonance (epr) signal in the oxidized form, centered at g = 2.01, and under certain conditions this epr signal is accompanied by absorbances at g = 2.04, g = 1.99, and g = 1.96. These absorbances have been attributed to a spin-spin interaction of paramagnetic species, the semiquinone form of ubiquinone being involved (Ruzicka et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 72 , 2886). In the present work this magnetic interaction is studied further; it is concluded that of the three possible species (HiPIP, Flavin H and UQH (ubiquinone)) which may interact with UQH; a second UQ most likely partner for the interaction. Nonetheless, the HiPIP center of succinate dehydrogenase also plays a role in the interaction by acting as a “magnetic relaxer” of one or both of the interacting UQHs. The physiological reaction of that part of the ubiquinone pool associated with the succinate dehydrogenase (on the matrix side of the inner mitochondrial membrane) is UQH 2 ⇌ UQH + H + + e − . This is in line with recent postulates of the mechanism of ubiquinone mediation in electron transfer.
The Biography of Mary E. O'Sullivan: An Early American Headache Specialist

The aim of this study was to review the life of Mary E. O'Sullivan and to summarize her important contributions to the study of migraine. Mary E. O'Sullivan underwent extensive training to become a neurologist at a time when only 5% of women in America were physicians. She published five papers on migraine. In a 1936 Journal of the American Medical Association article, she described a patient with ergotamine overuse headache and recommended that daily doses of oral ergotamine should be avoided. Three years later she described migraine as a ‘complex’ syndrome with multiple causes and multiple cures. Mary E. O'Sullivan, an ambitious female headache specialist of the 1930s, was an early advocate of the use of ergotamine to treat migraine, yet she was one of the first to report ergotamine overuse headache. Although her life was short, her research, knowledge and ambition at a time when women had limited opportunities in medicine have left a mark.
Theoretical basis for unified analysis of experimental data and design of swelling-resistant alloys☆

Essential aspects of the theory of radiation-induced swelling are reviewed. In particular, concepts central to the understanding of experimental data and the control of swelling by alloy design are discussed. The knowledge that a critical number of gas atoms is required in a cavity before point defect-driven swelling can begin is a most important contribution of theory. The mathematical expressions that have been derived for calculating this critical quantity are given in terms of materials parameters and irradiation conditions. After swelling begins, its magnitude as a function of dose is governed strongly by the relative sink strengths for point defects of dislocations and cavities, expressed in terms of an index of the microstructure, Q. High swelling and low swelling microstructures can be categorized into four types based on this index. Wide ranges of experimental swelling results covering ferritic/martensitic and austenitic alloys, neutron and ion irradiations and a variety of compositions and irradiation conditions are analyzed and found to be explained consistently within this framework. Based on the understanding gained, approaches to alloy design for swelling resistance are recommended.
A numerical method for coupled filtration equations in porous media in presence of the inverse compaction factor

In this paper a mathematical model of the transport and accretion of colloidal type particles in porous media is examined. Different from previously considered ones, the model also includes an inverse compaction factor. We present a numerical method for the solution of the coupled nonlinear differential system of equations, which models the above phenomenon. Accuracy of the presented method is tested on concrete examples.
Ultrastructural localization of tyrosine hydroxylase in rat nucleus accumbens

Immunocytochemical localization of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was used to determine the ultrastructural morphology and synaptic associations of catecholaminergic terminals in the nucleus accumbens of the rat. The brains were fixed by vascular perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde and 0.2% glutaraldehyde. Coronal sections cut with a vibrating microtome were incubated with rabbit antiserum to TH then immunocytochemically labeled by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. Immunoreactivity for the enzyme was found within unmyelinated axons and axon terminals. These terminals contained either all small clear or combined small clear and large dense core vesicles. Approximately 40% of the labeled terminals formed symmetric synapses with unlabeled proximal or distal dendritic shafts. The dendrites showed a sparse distribution of spines. Axosomatic synapses and axonal associations of the TH-containing terminals also were detected. The recipient perikarya were usually 10–20 μm in diameter and contained an indented nucleus and abundant cytoplasm. The content of large dense vesicles and synaptic associations with somata and proximal dendrites suggest that a certain proportion of the TH-containing terminals within the nucleus accumbens are morphologically distinct from catecholaminergic terminals within the dorsal striatum. These differences are discussed in relation to neuropeptides and functions of the dopaminergic mesolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways.
Effects of pulse shape on strongly driven two-level systems

We present an experimental study of the dynamics of a two-level system driven by strong nonresonant electromagnetic pulses as a function of pulse intensity and detuning. We have explored the qualitative and quantitative behavior of the transition probability as a function of pulse area for five different temporal profiles: Lorentzian, Lorentzian squared, hyperbolic secant, hyperbolic secant squared, and Gaussian. The two-level system consists of a fine-structure doublet in sodium Rydberg states coupled by Raman transitions driven through far-off-resonance intermediate states. The pulses are in the microwave regime and have high fidelity and uniform intensity. Experiments show that, despite the similarity in the pulse shapes, the behavior of the population transfer versus intensity depends dramatically on the temporal shape and that the spectral properties and area of the pulse do not adequately describe the response.
SCALING FROM INDIVIDUALS TO FOOD WEBS: THE ROLE OF SIZE-DEPENDENT RESPONSES OF PREY TO PREDATION RISK

Ecologists strive to build a theory to predict reliably population and community dynamics across taxa and systems. This ability is often hampered by an incomplete empirical understanding of the functional way different components fit together to determine dynamics. We show here how to overcome this critical hurdle. We describe a research program whose aim is to understand the implications of body size-dependent responses of herbivores to predation risk for food web interactions. We illustrate how to introduce body size-dependent risk response rules into a modeling framework that can scale from individual detail to community-level phenomena. We then show how to use the model to predict the attendant effects of such size-dependent responses of herbivores to predation risk on trophic interactions and food web structure, and explain how to evaluate the net food web effects of variation in herbivore body size using field experimentation that emulates the modeling. Our focus is on effects of predation risk and ...
Genetics of Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Impressionist Perspective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common rheumatic disease. The genetic basis of RA is supported through the identification of more than 30 susceptibility genetic variants. Each of these genes individually makes only a slight contribution to the risk of disease. Moreover, there is significant disparity in the genetic variants associated with different RA subgroups and patient ethnicities, which emphasizes the intricate nature of the disease's pathogenesis, and the complexities involved in large-scale genetic studies. This review evaluates critically the recent literature on the genetic contribution to RA and assesses the methodology used to identify these risk alleles.
Executive Compensation and Earnings Persistence

Governing boards utilize executive compensation contracts in an attempt to align executive actions with corporate goals. The objective is to ensure that executive performance provides value to the organization in terms of successful outcomes. A key performance criteria typically specified in CEO compensation contracts is earnings targets. However, using earnings as a performance evaluation may be problematic because some firms exhibit robust and sustained earnings over time (high earnings persistence), and other firms, such as high growth oriented firms, exhibit weak or sometimes negative earnings over time (low earnings persistence). Our study reveals that the effect of high earnings persistence results in firms that focus more heavily on cash compensation (salary and bonus) rather than on equity compensation (stock options, etc.) to compensate executive performance. Additionally, for firms characterized by low earnings persistence, our study indicates that cash flows from operations act as a supplementary performance measure to accounting earnings, and become increasingly important as a means to justify executive cash compensation.
Transport of organic carbon in the world’s rivers

Total transport of organic carbon to the world's oceans in dissolved and particulate form in rivers is estimated as 0.37 × 10 15 gC yr -1 by an inventory and extrapolation of data on loss of carbon per unit volume of river discharge from twelve intermediate and large rivers. An alternative estimate of 0.41 × 10 15 gC yr -1 is derived from measurements of the fluvial loss of organic carbon per unit area of land in various ecosystem types. Rates of loss range from 1 gC m -2 yr -1 in grassland systems to 10 gC m -2 yr -1 in some forests. Organic carbon transport in rivers is a small flux in the global carbon cycle, but our present understanding is limited by inadequate sampling and few data from major world rivers. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1981.tb01742.x
Social Contagion and Multiplexity Communication Networks as Predictors of Commitment and Role Ambiguity

This research compares two contrasting perspectives of social contagion processes associated with the organizational outcome variables of commitment and role ambiguity in organizations. The two perspectives are structural equivalence (which focuses on the positions of individuals in social networks) and cohesion (which focuses on an individual's direct communication contacts). It was hypothesized that structural equivalence would be more associated with role ambiguity and that commitment would be more associated with cohesion. The relationship between these variables and multiplex content networks was also studied. It was hypothesized that commitment was a much more broadly based concept in the sense that a number of functional content networks systematically relate to it. On the other hand, role ambiguity was hypothesized to be more closely associated with uniplex networks, especially those related to job duties and organizational goals. While there were exceptions, generally the research results supported the hypotheses relating to multiplexity. The hypotheses that structural equivalence was more associated with role ambiguity and that commitment was more associated with cohesion also were supported in this research.
Elevated urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin can diagnose acute kidney injury in patients with chronic kidney diseases

To the Editor: Hsu et al. evaluated the association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). They demonstrated several important findings: (1) CKD is an important risk factor for the development of AKI; (2) even early CKD stage 3 kidney dysfunction is a risk factor for the development of AKI; and (3) AKI risk increased in a step-wise relationship with worsening kidney disease.1 The public health implication of their investigation is immense. In 2000, 20 million adults in the United States were affected by kidney disease,2 and as the prevalence of CKD increases, the incidence of AKI will also continue to increase.3
Nmr study of the structure of short‐chain peptides in solution

The electron-mediated spin–spin coupling constant J between the amide NH and the α-CH protons in the dipeptide fragment CαCO(NHCαH)RC′ONHCα is dependent on the dihedral angle of rotation (Φ) around the NC bond. Measurement of J in a series of zwitterionic dipeptides H3N+CHR1CONHCHR2CO2− (which is conformationally similar to the dipeptide fragment) in TFA solution shows that J is independent of R1, but dependent on the steric bulk of R2. The data are interpreted in terms of a model that assumes that what we measure is an average value of Ja thermal average over all the possible rotamers. The groups R1 and R2 are, in most cases, sterically kept apart by the trans and planar amide bonds, and hence the independence of J of R1. This model is consistent with the theoretical calculations done on the dipeptide fragment. The effect of the structural characteristics of the side chains (e.g., the effect of lengthening and branching the side chains) on the J values in dipeptides is discussed in the light of the existing results of theoretical calculations. Study of 〈J〉 values in tripeptides (C6H5CH2OCONHCHR1CONHCHR2CO2CH3, essentially three linked peptide units) shows that electrostatic interaction between the two amide bonds modifies the potential energy surface and the 〈J〉 value of a dipeptide subunit in the tripeptides. Also in some cases, direct steric interaction between the two side chains in the two adjacent dipeptide subunits in the tripeptide affects the potential energy surfaces of the individual dipeptide subunits and hence the 〈J〉 values. The influence of the structural characteristics of the side chains of individual amino acids on structure formation at or beyond the dipeptide level is discussed at various points. The J(NHαCH) values of CH3CONHCHRCONH2 and CH3CONHCHRCO2CH3 with the same R are quite different for R = valine, leucine, phenylalanine, methionine, but equal for R = glycine. This, coupled with the fact that one of the carboxamide NH resonances has a chemical shift different from its counterpart in simple amides like CH3CONH2 and the other carboxamide NH has the same chemical shift as its counterpart in CH3CONH2, suggest the presence of a hydrogen bond in dipeptide CH3CONHCHRCONH2 with carboxamide NH as the donor. Theoretical evidence for two seven-membered hydrogen-bonded rings with the carboxamide NH as donor and the acetyl oxygen as acceptor is summarized. Our data cannot suggest the number of such hydrogen-bonded rings, nor can they conclude the relative proportion of these rings in a particular dipeptide. A discussion of the difficulty of interpretation is presented and the data are discussed under certain simplifying assumptions.
Beliefs about Children: A Comparative Study of Mothers, Teachers, Peers, and Self

This study was designed to clarify findings from the parents' beliefs literature concerning the nature and the effects of parental accuracy. Subjects were 60 second- and fifth-grade children (mean ages = 8–5 and 11–5, respectively), their mothers, and teachers. Each child responded to 4 cognitive tasks, predicted how he or she would perform on each task, made self-assessments of preferences and personality traits, and predicted the response of 2 peers to all of the measures. Both the child's mother and the child's teacher were shown the tasks and made similar predictions of the child's probable response. As in previous studies, mothers were above chance but far from perfect in predicting their children's cognitive performance and preferences and traits. Teachers were as accurate as mothers in judging cognitive abilities; they were less successful, however, on the preference and personality items. The children's predictions, whether for self or peers, were less accurate than those of the adults on all tasks. The accuracy of the mothers' predictions correlated positively with external measures of the child's cognitive performance. This finding is compatible with the Hunt “match hypothesis,” although other bases for the correlations also exist.
Production of Oxidized Derivatives of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was catalytically converted in a bench-scale flow reactor to the oxidized derivatives 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), 5-formyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (FFCA), and 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF). Conversions and selectivities to these products depended on oxidant, pH, catalyst, and reactor operating conditions. The feasibility of producing these species in a flow reactor was demonstrated.
Manifestation of magic angle phenomenon: comparative study on effects of varying echo time and tendon orientation among various MR sequences.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the effect of varying the echo time (TE) values and angle of the tendon to the main magnetic field ( B o ) upon the signal intensity observed with the magic angle phenomenon in tendons among most commonly used MR pulse sequences, including conventional spin echo (CSE), fast spin echo (FSE) and gradient echo (GRE) sequences. The intact bovine Achilles tendon was imaged using a clinical 1.5-T MR scanner. Magic angle phenomenon occurs in CSE, FSE and GRE sequences with different grade, appearing most severe in CSE, middle in FSE, and weakest in GRE sequence. In addition, the tendon signal changes produced by the magic angle phenomenon could be greatly reduced by increasing the TE to above a certain critical value in all three sequences. These critical TE values were different among CSE (40 msec), FSE (70 msec), and GRE (30 msec) sequences.
ABSENCE OF IN-UTERO AMNIOTIC FLUID SWALLOWING IS ASSOCIATED WITH DECREASED CORD BLOOD TROPHIC GUT PEPTIDE LEVELS. † 701

The human fetus receives most of its nutrition parenterally via the placenta, but also swallows large volumes of amniotic fluid. The swallowed amniotic fluid provides nutrients, specific growth factors and mechanical distension for the fetal gut. These factors act in concert to stimulate gastrointestinal(GI) tract development. In several animal models, esophageal ligation causes decreased gastrointestinal weight and absorptive capacity, abnormal ultrastructural GI morphology and reduced blood levels of gut peptides. Similarly, human newborns who experience absent or reduced amniotic fluid swallowing(AFS) because of upper GI obstruction or neurologic disorders often present with GI immaturity and decreased absorptive capacity. We hypothesized that the absence of in-utero AFS would be associated with decreased umbilical cord blood levels of gut peptides shown to have trophic effects on the GI system.
Balancing the risk of postoperative surgical infections: A multivariate analysis of factors associated with laparoscopic appendectomy from the NSQIP database

Objective To establish the relationship between operative approach (laparoscopic or open) and subsequent surgical infection (both incisional and organ space infection) postappendectomy, independent of potential confounding factors. Background Although laparoscopic appendectomy has been associated with lower rates of incisional infections than an open approach, the relationship between laparoscopy and organ space infection (OSI) is not as clearly established. Methods Cases of appendectomy were retrieved from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for 2005 to 2008. Patient factors, operative variables, and the primary outcomes of incisional infections and OSIs were recorded. Factors associated with surgical infections were identified using logistic regression models. These models were then used to calculate probabilities of OSI in clinical vignettes demonstrating varying levels of infectious risk. Results A total of 39,950 appendectomy cases were included of which 30,575 (77%) were performed laparoscopically. On multivariate analysis, laparoscopy was associated with a lower risk of incisional infection [odds ratio (OR) 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32-0.43] but with an increased risk of OSI after adjustment for confounding factors (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.21-1.73). For a low-risk patient, probability of OSI was calculated to be 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively, for open versus laparoscopic appendectomy, whereas for a high-risk patient, probabilities were estimated at 8.9% and 12.3%, respectively. Conclusion Laparoscopy was associated with a decreased risk of incisional infection but with an increased risk of OSI. The degree of this increased risk varies depending on the clinical profile of a surgical patient. Recognition of these differences in risk may aid clinicians in the choice of operative approach for appendectomy.
The roles of steroidogenic factor 1 in endocrine development and function

The orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) was initially isolated as a key regulator of the cytochrome P450 steroid hydroxylases in adrenocortical and gonadal cells. Subsequent analyses of SF-1 knockout mice have expanded considerably our understanding of the roles that SF-1 plays in endocrine development. These SF-1 knockout mice lacked adrenal glands and gonads, with consequent male-to-female sex reversal of their internal and external genitalia. Thus, SF-1 is essential for the embryonic survival of the primary steroidogenic organs. They further exhibited impaired gonadotrope function and agenesis of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, establishing that SF-1 contributes to reproductive function at all three levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This report reviews experiments that have defined these critical roles of SF-1 in endocrine development, and highlights areas of ongoing investigation.
Hydroxyurea derivatives—1-methyl-1-hydroxyurea and 1-ethyl-1-hydroxyurea☆

Abstract Certain aspects of the biochemical pharmacology of 1-methyl-1-hydroxyurea (MHU) and 1-ethyl-1-hydroxyurea (EHU) were investigated and were contrasted with the actions of hydroxyurea (HU). Assay of inhibitory action against DNA synthesis in an ascites tumor cell system in vitro revealed an order of relative potentcy of MHU > HU > EHU. Slopes of the regression lines of dose response relationships were numerically similar. The action of each was resersible after removal of the drug by washing the cells. In addition, the inhibitory action of each on DNA synthesis was antagonized by the presence of exogenous deoxyribosides. No effect was demonstrated on the synthesis of RNA or of protein. Cross resistance to HU and MHU was shown in a microbial system, but EHU was without effect on the bacteria at the concentrations used.
Amine-reactive forms of a luminescent diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid chelate of terbium and europium: attachment to DNA and energy transfer measurements.

An isothiocyanate form of a lanthanide chelate which is highly luminescent when bound to terbium or europium has been synthesized. The chelate consists of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) covalently joined to a chromophore, 7-amino-4-methyl-2(1H)-quinolinone (cs124), and to l-p-aminophenylalanine, in which the aromatic amine was further converted to an isothiocyanate group. Ethylenediamine was also used in place of aminophenylalanine, but the isothiocyanate formed from the aliphatic amine was significantly less reactive. Site-specific attachments to triglycine and to the 5‘ ends of amine-modified DNA oligomers have been made. In addition, as an alternative method of coupling to macromolecules, DTPA anhydride−cs124 can be used to react specifically with a 5‘ amine group on base-deprotected synthetic DNA oligomers. Synthesis and purification is relatively straightforward in both cases, and luminescent properties are favorable for several applications, including as nonisotopic labels, as long-lifeti...
The Unpredictability of Free Choices

Now the Predictor is a most remarkable person; on thousands of occasions before he has under all sorts of circumstances predicted correctly and on no occasion has he predicted wrongly the choices of people placed in the same situation as myself. Assuming that I wish to gain maximum amount of money, should I make choice (I) or (2)? There is a compelling argument for making choice (I). On plain inductive reasoning it is virtually certain that the Predictor has predicted correctly my choice and that if I take both boxes he is sure to have predicted so and has placed no money in box II in which case I gain $i,ooo only. On the other hand, if I take nothing but box II it is sure that the Predictor correctly predicted this and hence placed $M in it and so I end up with $M. There seems, however, also a good argument why I should take both boxes. The Predictor has already made his prediction (say 24 hours ago), he has already either placed $M in box II (and it is guaranteed that once he has put $M there he cannot take it back) or decided not to put anything there. Suppose he has placed $M in box II then by taking both boxes I gain $i,ooi,ooo. If on the other hand he has put nothing in box II, then again, by taking both I gain more, namely, $I,ooo. Thus in either case I increase my gain by taking both boxes.
Reaction Kinetics in Ionic Liquids: Pulse Radiolysis Studies of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Salts

Radiolysis of liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium (BMI+) salts leads to formation of several species with similar absorption spectra. To identify and characterize these species, experiments were carried out with BMI+ in solution under various conditions. BMI+ is reduced by eaq- very rapidly (k = 1.9 × 1010 L mol-1 s-1) but not by (CH3)2ĊO- radicals (k ≤ 1 × 105 L mol-1 s-1). The reduced species exhibits an absorption peak at 323 nm (e = 5.9 × 103 L mol-1 cm-1). It decays via radical−radical reactions but does not react with O2 or with methyl viologen. BMI+ reacts rapidly also with OH radicals (k = 3.7 × 109 L mol-1 s-1) to produce a mixture of isomeric OH-adducts. The spectrum of these adducts is similar to that of the reduced species, it exhibits a peak at 322 nm (e = 2.5 × 103 L mol-1 cm-1) but with a pronounced shoulder at 380 to 420 nm. The adducts react with O2 and with OH-. In the latter reaction they lose H+ to form a hydroxylated analogue of the electron adduct. Irradiation of liquid BMI+ salts pro...
Contributions to Psychohistory: II. Toynbee's Study of History: A Contribution to the Psychology of Crisis Cults and Religion

Summary.-The premise in the psychology of religion which maintains that religion is a response to an unmanageable stress or threat is shown to have applicability above the level of the individual. It is shown to be inherent in the function of institutionalized religion for families. Oppressed minorities, marginal classes, and primitive tribes show similar responses when their security is endangered. . This is manifested by crisis cults, millennia1 cults, and nativist churches. Reference is made to the historical works of Arthur Toynbee, and it is suggested that high civilizations likewise evolve a buffering religion when endangered or disintegrating. A principle of behavior true at all levels of social organization can be considered to be an axiom in the psychology of religion. The validity of a scientific generalization is strengthened if it can be shown to apply at more than one level of complexiry. The laws of physical science are expected to describe atoms as well as stars. In psychology and the social sciences unifying generalizations sometimes involve a transfer of terminology without expanding understanding, e.g., mass hysteria, national ambitions. However, increasing the scope of a psychological "law" need not always be a sterile exercise. The purpose of this report is to suggest that a psychological premise concerning religion has wider applicability than customarily suspected or stated. This wider applicability naturally helps verify the original premise. The intuitive nature of religious feelings has not lent itself to the methodology of science. There has not been much progress in the psychology of religion beyond the observations of early ethnographers among primitive peoples. The observation that fear of the unknown stimulates religious fervor appears to have the force of a valid principle with broad acceptance in sophisticated treatises. Santayana (1948) offers the briefest formulation: "religion arises under high pressure; in the last extremity, every one appeals to God." What is true for the individual seems true for the family. At this level of social organization the ministrations of institutionalized religion are designed to buffer the social unit from potentially stressful status changes. The automatic ritual intervention at family formation (marriage), birth, puberty (baptism and confirmation), and at funerals is very evident. Anthropologists have documented the behavior of larger social groups. When oppressed minorities, marginal classes, and primitive tribes are con
A comparison of the beta A-and beta B-globin gene clusters of sheep.

Domestic sheep have two common alleles at the adult β-globin locus,βA andβB. Here we report the structure of the β-globin locus of A-haplotype sheep. The locus consists of 12 genes, organized as a triplicated 4-gene set: 5′ ∈I-∈II-ΨβI-βC-∈III-∈IV-ΨβII-βA-∈V-∈VI-ΨβIII-βF 3′. This arrangement is identical to that of the closely related goat locus. Sheep with the B haplotype have a locus arrangement consisting of a duplicated four-gene set, lacking the βC gene as well as three other genes present in A sheep and goats. In order to understand the evolutionary history of the B sheep locus, we have sequenced the βB gene from these sheep, and the βB gene from A-haplotype sheep, and compared the sequences to those of the sheep βA, goat βC, and βA, and cow adult β genes. Our results indicate that the βB gene has diverged recently from the βA gene, and therefore the βB locus structure may have resulted from a recent deletion from a triplicated locus.
Algorithm for Estimation of the Specific Differential Phase

Abstract The specific differential phase Kdp is one of the important parameters measured by dual-polarization radar that is being considered for the upgrade of the current Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) system. Estimation of the specific differential phase requires computing the derivative of range profiles of the differential propagation phase. The existence of possible phase wrapping, noise, and associated fluctuation in the differential propagation phase makes the evaluation of derivatives an unstable numerical process. In this paper, a robust algorithm is presented to estimate the specific differential phase, which is able to work on wrapped phases and keep up with the spatial gradients of rainfall, to provide a high-resolution specific differential phase.
A rind-associated factor from sclerotia of Sclerotinia minor stimulates germination of a mycoparasite

Compounds that specifically stimulate germination of Sporidesmium sclerotivorum macroconidia have been isolated from the melanized outer layer of Sclerotinia minor sclerotia. The compound is a small hydrophobic molecule that is able to pass through a 3000 Da filter and is heat-labile in water. Three fractions were resolved using reversed-phase hplc. The component with presumed biological activity in soil is sparingly soluble in water. It has been given the trivial name ‘sporigermin’. This is the first report describing the isolation of a compound from a host fungus that acts as a specific signal to stimulate germination of a mycoparasitic fungus.
On computing the length of longest increasing subsequences

Let S = x"1, x"2, ... x"n be a sequence of n distinct elements from a linearly ordered set. We consider the problem of determining the length of the longest increasing subsequences of S. An algorithm which performs this task is described and is shown to perform n log n-n log log n + O(n) comparisons in its worst case. This worst case behavior is shown to be best possible.
Revision of the apolipoprotein E compensatory mechanism recruitment hypothesis

Abstract The association between the apolipoprotein E e4 allele and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is well-established. Functional neuroimaging research has supported a compensatory mechanism recruitment hypothesis whereby nondemented e4 participants use additional cognitive resources to buffer against episodic memory declines in older age, a mechanism that is presumably associated with encroaching disease. However, recent studies have implicated a beneficial effect associated with the e4 allele early in the life span. These studies suggest a revised hypothesis whereby e4 persons perform better on cognitive measures early in the life span and then show greater recruitment of brain regions during performance to compensate for declines in older age caused by preclinical AD.
Understanding Local Policymaking: Policy Elites' Perceptions of Local Agenda Setting and Alternative Policy Selection

Despite the increasing interest in policy agenda research in recent years, very few studies have focused their attention on the relevant processes at the local level. Drawing on agenda-setting research, particularly Kingdon's multiple-streams framework, this study examines the key forces and factors, as well as their relative importance, in local agenda setting, problem identification, and alternative policy selection. Data are collected from 271 in-depth interviews with local policy stakeholders in three U.S. Gulf Coast areas. Interview materials are coded using a protocol focused on capturing stakeholders' perceptions of the key elements and forces in local policy dynamics. Our interview data indicate that (i) governmental actors and various interest groups have relatively more influence in shaping local agendas than the general public, experts, and election-related actors, while the mass media are found to have little agenda-setting power in local policy processes; (ii) budgetary consideration and various forms of feedback to local government are more important than objective problem indicators and focusing events in setting local policy priorities; (iii) policy alternatives that are deemed compatible with existing policies and regulations are more likely to be selected than those relying on other criteria such as technical feasibility, value acceptability, and future constraints; and (iv) consensus and coalition building is perceived as the most important political factor in local policy processes. Limitations of our study and recommendations for future research are discussed in the concluding section.
Frontal brain electrical activity in infants of depressed and nondepressed mothers: Relation to variations in infant behavior

In previous studies, infants of depressed mothers have been found to exhibit reduced left frontal brain electrical activity (EEG). The left frontal region has been hypothesized to mediate social approach behaviors and positive affective expression. These findings raise important questions about the cause and nature of atypical EEG patterns in infants of depressed mothers. The present study begins to address some of these questions by examining whether or not variations in patterns of frontal brain activity in infants of depressed and nondepressed mothers are related to variations in infant behavior as observed in naturalistic situations. If such relations exist, are they specific to certain behaviors hypothesized to be mediated by the frontal region (i.e., positive approach behaviors)? Frontal and parietal brain electrical activity was recorded from 14- to 15-month old infants of depressed versus nondepressed mothers during a baseline condition and during conditions designed to elicit interest and positive affect. Infant behavior was observed in naturalistic play conditions, with and without mother, on a separate day from EEG testing. Mothers provided information on infant temperament. Infants of depressed mothers showed less affection and touching of their mothers. For infants of depressed mothers only, reduced left frontal brain activity was found to be related to lower levels of affection toward mother, but not to infant temperament. Furthermore, increased generalized frontal activation was found to be related to higher levels of negative affect, hostility, and tantrums and aggression. Relations between infant brain activity and behavior were not found for parietal EEG activity. These results suggest that infant frontal electrical brain activity is related to variations in infant behavior, especially those involved in positive affiliative behavior and the expression and regulation of negative affect. The nature and cause of atypical patterns of brain activity and question of whether such atypical patterns of frontal brain activity predispose infants to affective disorders in later life are discussed.
Cooling vest system to assist regulation of core body temperature

Body area networks can be utilized to monitor and maintain core body temperature for individuals with impaired thermoregulation. An imbalance between heat gain and dissipation may lead to higher core body temperature. Heat stress caused by abnormally high body temperature increases the risk of heat stroke that may lead to tissue damage, neuronal impairment and potentially death. Thermoregulation may become impaired due to neurological dysfunction resulting from spinal cord injury, head injury, disease, cancer treatments or old age. This project developed a prototype of a scaled down (10:1) model of a cooling vest system. Sensors of core body temperature would be utilized by a microcontroller module to regulate the perfusion of water within a cooling vest. Water was pumped from a reservoir, perfused through a vest, and returned back to the reservoir. A thermoelectric cooler (Peltier device) transferred heat between the water in the reservoir and atmosphere air. An experimental test of the ability of the cooling vest system to lower the temperature of saline in a bladder in the chest of a teddy bear model was conducted. The pre-warmed saline was cooled more during the 4 minute test if the cooling vest system was on the bear compared to when the vest was not on the bear. Testing on a larger scale model will be necessary for further development of the system.
Equine Multinodular Pulmonary Fibrosis and Lymphoma in a Horse Associated with Equine Herpesvirus-5

Abstract A 9-year-old mare presented with a 2-week history of partial anorexia, multiple swellings in the area of the throatlatch, and purulent nasal discharge. On initial presentation, the horse had submandibular and retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy, mild ventral edema, and weight loss. Thoracic radiographs revealed a pulmonary interstitial pattern. Necropsy revealed enlarged lymph nodes throughout the body. The lung parenchyma contained multiple random, well-circumscribed nodules, which, on cut section, were pale, tan colored, and very firm with a distinct line of demarcation from the surrounding normal parenchyma. The subendocardium of the left ventricle, left atrium, and, multifocally, the right ventricle contained white, gritty areas of mineralization. There was marked subintimal mineralization of the aorta and pulmonary artery. Histopathology of the lymph nodes revealed effacement of the parenchyma by a neoplasm composed of large numbers of small mature lymphocytes, fewer large lymphocytes, and scattered moderate numbers of histiocytes. Immunohistochemistry tests for CD3, CD79a, and CD20, confirmed the lymphoma was T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma. The lungs contained marked interstitial fibrosis with alveolar histiocytosis. Polymerase chain reaction test results of lymph node and lungs were positive for equine herpesvirus-5 (EHV-5), a gammaherpesvirus. Gammaherpesvirus infection has been associated with lymphoma and pulmonary fibrosis in other species. This report describes the association between EHV-5 and both pulmonary fibrosis and lymphoma.
Ecdysteroids during embryonation of eggs of Ascaris suum

1. 1. The optimal temperature for in vitro development of fertilized eggs of Ascaris suum was 24°C. 2. 2. Samples (2 × 107 eggs) were obtained from in vitro embryonating cultures every 3 days for 4 weeks; lipids were extraced, partially purified, fractionated with HPLC and analyzed for ecdysteroids by radioimmunoassay. 3. 3. Free ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE) were at low levels (<20pg) in freshly excised eggs and rose to maximal values on day 6 of embryonation. 4. 4. Conjugated ecdysone and conjugated 20-HE rose to maximal values on day 9. 5. 5. Both free and conjugated ecdysteroids were undetectable from days 15 to 27 of cultivation. 6. 6. These profiles indicate that ecdysteroids might have a selective role in nematode embryonation and/or tanning of the egg shell.
Path Planning for Global-Positional-System-Guided Indirect Fire Weapons

Global-positioning-system-guided indirect fire weapons can precisely engage high-value targets at long range, and the use of these weapons has been contemplated in complex terrain with obstacles and restricted airspace. Path planning for loitering weapons, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, has been well studied in the recent literature, but no path planning methods for global-positioning-system-guided indirect fire weapons are currently available.Thispaperpresentsapathplanningmethodforthiscasebymodifyingaframework commonly used for loitering weapons. Nomenclature ax coefficient of t 3 in the parametric representation of x az coefficient of t 3 in the parametric representation of z bx coefficient of t 2 in the parametric representation of x bz coefficient of t 2 in the parametric representation of z c speed of sound cx coefficient of t in the parametric representation of x cz coefficient of t in the parametric representation of z Db axial force from the projectile in the body reference frame De
Mimetic methods on measure chains

We introduce the divergence and the gradient for functions defined on a measure chain, and this includes as special cases both continuous derivatives and discrete forward differences. It is shown that in one dimension, subject to Dirichlet boundary conditions, the divergence and the gradient are negative adjoints of each other and that the divergence of the gradient is negative semidefinite. These are well-known results in tile continuous theory, and hence, mimic those properties also for the case of a general measure chain. @ 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Leveraging context to resolve identity in photo albums

Our system suggests likely identity labels for photographs in a personal photo collection. Instead of using face recognition techniques, the system leverages automatically available context, like the time and location where the photos were taken. Based on time and location, the system automatically computes event and location groupings of photos. As the user annotates some of the identities of people in their collection, patterns of re-occurrence and co-occurrence of different people in different locations and events emerge. The system uses these patterns to generate label suggestions for identities that were not yet annotated. These suggestions can greatly accelerate the process of manual annotation and improve the quality of retrieval from the collection. We obtained ground-truth identity annotation for four different photo albums, and used them to test our system. The system proved effective, making very accurate label suggestions, even when the number of suggestions for each photo was limited to five names, and even when only a small subset of the photos was annotated