cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High precision fiber taper fabrication using the immersion depth control in chemical etching

ABSTRACT: High precision control is highly desirable when using the selective chemical etching technique to fabricate tapered fibers for many practical applications. So far, various methods have been proposed on this topic. In this paper, we proposed a novel and effective method to make tapered fibers in different shapes and sizes based on automatic control of the immersion depth in chemical etching. We adopted the diluted Hydrofluoric acid as etching solution in our preliminary experiment, and common selective chemical etching scheme was also implemented in our experiment in which the buffered hydrofluoric acid solution is used. We found out in our study that the etching process can be further controlled by controlling the evaporation of the etching solution. Under near-saturation condition, the ammonium fluoride ( NH 4 F ) in the etching solution tends to crystallize as the water evaporates. The evaporation of the water and the crystallization of the ammonium fluoride cause the immersion depth of the etched fiber to decrease in certain rate, which leads to different etching time on different parts of the etched fiber. This fact enables the etched fiber to have a very smooth tapered part. By controlling the changing rate of immersion depth and other etching conditions, we can finely control the shape and size of etched fibers.
Characterization of violet emission from Rb optical pumping cells used in laser-polarized xenon NMR experiments

Abstract Visible emission from Rb optical pumping cells was characterized under a range of conditions relevant to the production of laser-polarized xenon (including temperature, partial pressures, and D 1 -resonant 795 nm laser power). Bright 421 nm (6P → 5S) emission was consistent with energy-pooling processes of the type: Rb ∗ (5P 1/2 ) + Rb ∗ (5P 1/2,3/2 ) → Rb ∗ (6P 1/2,3/2 ) + Rb(5S 1/2 ), with processes transiting through 5D states likely contributing at higher temperatures/lower N 2 partial pressures. Under such conditions a number of Rb lines may be observed, indicating population of Rb states to ⩾9D (∼31 822 cm −1 ). Such energies exceed those required for efficient production of laser-induced plasma.
Case of Mycobacterium marinum Infection with Unusual Patterns of Susceptibility to Commonly Used Antibiotics

Mycobacterium marinum, found commonly in salt water and freshwater, is the causative agent of disease in many species of fish and occasionally in humans. MICs to most antimicrobial agents are relatively low. Susceptibility testing is not routinely performed, and single-drug therapy is used for the treatment of most infections. Here, we report an infection caused by a drug-resistant M. marinum strain in an otherwise healthy patient.
Verification of interacting sequential circuits

The problem of verifying the equivalence of interacting finite state machines (FSMs) described at the logic level is addressed. The problem is formulated as that of checking for the equivalence of the reset/starting states of the two FSMs. First, separate sum-of-product representations of the ON-sets and OFF-sets of each of the flip-flop inputs and primary outputs of the sequential circuit, are extracted using the PODEM algorithm. We describe a fast algorithm for state differentiation based on this representation. The input as well as the state space is implicitly enumerated through a process of repeated cube intersections to generate the State Transition Graph (STG).In contrast to previous approaches, this algorithm can be efficiently generalized for verifying distributed-style specifications of interacting sequential circuits, exploiting the nature of the interconnection topology. Pipeline latches in a distributed-style specification typically do not add complexity to the sequential behavior of a circuit, but greatly add to the complexity of traditional approaches to verifying sequential circuits. Pipeline latches are easily incorporated into our generalized, hierarchical verification strategy whereby the states of pipeline latches can be implicitly enumerated.Experimental results indicate the superior efficiency of this approach as compared to previous approaches for FSM verification. It is possible to verify examples with more than 1050 states.
Editorial Board Highlights

The prestige and influence of the Journal of Bacteriology are evidenced by the fact that it is the second most highly cited journal in the field of microbiology. It is my job as Editor in Chief to maintain the high standards of the journal and to provide useful service to the microbiology community
A hybrid number system processor with geometric and complex arithmetic capabilities

The architecture, design, and performance of a hybrid number system processor are described. The processor performs multiplication, division, square root, and square in the logarithmic number system (LNS) domain. However, the input, output, addition, and subtraction are all executed in the 32-b IEEE standard floating-point number system. With the LNS multiplier and pipelined architecture, the processor is able to perform the geometric and complex arithmetic very effectively. The processor is also shown to compare well to an existing 32-b floating-point DSP (digital signal processor) chip. For the same level of CMOS technology, the performance ratios between the hybrid number system and the floating-point processor are shown to be 6.4:1 and 8:1 for division and square root, respectively; for the complex FFT (fast Fourier transform) algorithm, the ratio is around 2:1. >
Minimizing Information Loss and Preserving Privacy

The need to hide sensitive information before sharing databases has long been recognized. In the context of data mining, sensitive information often takes the form of itemsets that need to be suppressed before the data is released. This paper considers the problem of minimizing the number of nonsensitive itemsets lost while concealing sensitive ones. It is shown to be an intractably large version of an NP-hard problem. Consequently, a two-phased procedure that involves the solution of two smaller NP-hard problems is proposed as a practical and effective alternative. In the first phase, a procedure to solve a sanitization problem identifies how the support for sensitive itemsets could be eliminated from a specific transaction by removing the fewest number of items from it. This leads to a modified frequent itemset hiding problem, where transactions to be sanitized are selected such that the number of nonsensitive itemsets lost, while concealing sensitive ones, is minimized. Heuristic procedures are developed for these problems using intuition derived from their integer programming formulations. Results from computational experiments conducted on a publicly available retail data set and three large data sets generated using IBM's synthetic data generator indicate that these approaches are very effective, solving problems involving up to 10 million transactions in a short period of time. The results also show that the process of sanitization has considerable bearing on the quality of solutions obtained.
Harmonic Generation Using Nonlinear LC Lattices

Nonlinear LC lattices have shown promise for high-power high-frequency signal generation. Here we offer the first detailed study of the frequency response of these lattices, as well as a method designed to find input excitation frequencies that result in intense harmonic generation. The crux of the method is to locate regions in frequency space where the spectral norm of the lattice response matrix is large. When the fundamental excitation frequency (or one of its multiples) is located in these regions, the lattice harmonic response is intensified. These findings are supported by extensive numerical simulations and experimental measurements. We deal chiefly with a first-order dependency of capacitance (C) on voltage (V); however, it is also shown that lattices with higher order C-V dependencies achieve proportionally higher harmonic generation. Simulations using a 0.13-μm CMOS process indicate harmonic generation at 400 GHz (three times the cutoff frequency of the fastest active device in this process), suggesting potential applications of this lattice topology in terahertz range devices.
The Myth of the Troubled and Scorned Vietnam Veteran

In the United States since the conclusion of the Vietnam War, the Vietnam veteran has become known as a neglected, troubled, and even scorned individual. According to this view, the Vietnam veteran's problems began in Vietnam where he was forced to participate in a brutal and disturbing war in which he was under fire twenty-four hours a day. The enemy, the wily and tenacious Vietcong and North Vietnamese regulars, were not always clearly defined nor were they above hiding behind or using civilians, leading to the unintentional – and sometimes intentional – killing by American forces of noncombatants, including women and children. Due to the military's policy of limiting the tour of duty in the war zone to one year, combat groups lacked cohesion and suffered from low morale, resulting in the excessive use of marijuana and heroin and an eventual breakdown of discipline, leading to the “fragging” of officers who attempted to reimpose order.
Impact of Mycobacterium Avium Infection on Macrophage-Liposome Interaction

AbstractMycobacterium avium (M. avium) can survive within macrophages, and alters various functions of its cellular host. Liposomes and other particulate drug carriers have been investigated as a means for enhancing drug delivery to the intracellular site of infection via the endocytic pathway. We have investigated the impact of M. avium infection on the endocytosis, retention, and intracellular disposition of liposomes, as these are essential macrophage functions that may determine the activity of liposome-encapsulated antibiotics. J774, a macrophage-like cell line, was infected with M. avium at various multiplicities. Infected cells accumulated and retained liposomes in a manner similar to uninfected cells, regardless of the time after infection. Moreover, the intracellular trafficking and disposition of liposomes was unaltered in J774 cells that contained live or heat-killed M. avium, as evidenced by the vesicular pH which liposomes encountered within cells. These results suggest that specific essentia...
Plasmon resonance spectroscopy: probing molecular interactions within membranes

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has become a popular method for investigating biomolecular interactions. A new variant of this technique, coupled plasmon-waveguide resonance (CPWR) spectroscopy, allows the characterization of anisotropic biological membranes. Plasmon resonance can therefore be used to study the molecular events involved in a wide variety of membrane processes, including energy conversion and signal transduction.
Nitrous acid in the atmosphere and laboratory experiments on its photolysis

Low concentrations of nitrous acid in air were estimated by a differential absorption method. Over a three-month period, atmospheric concentrations at one location in southern England varied between 0.4 and 11 ppb while those of nitrogen dioxide varied between 4 and 21 ppb. The highest proportion of acid was found in air which had passed over the industrial regions of W. Europe. In the laboratory, concentrations of about 1 ppm of nitrous acid with less than 0.03 ppm of nitrogen dioxide were produced by blowing air over a shallow layer of very dilute acidified nitrite solution. Exposure of the vapour to the light from a pyrex-shielded mercury arc caused decomposition, with production of nitrogen dioxide. This decomposition was apparently prevented by some olefins. The experiments did not support the view that nitrous acid is a source of hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1974.tb01964.x
Anode-pore tortuosity in solid oxide fuel cells found from gas and current flow rates

The effect of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode thickness, porosity, pore size, and pore tortuosity on fuel and exhaust gas flow is calculated. Also determined is the concentration of these gases and of diluent gases as a function of position across the anode. The calculation is based on the dusty-gas model which includes a Knudsen (molecule–wall) collision term in the Stefan–Maxwell equation which is based on unlike-molecule collisions. Commonly made approximations are avoided in order to obtain more exact results. One such approximation is the assumption of uniform total gas pressure across the anode. Another such approximation is the assumption of zero fuel gas concentration at the anode–electrolyte interface under the anode saturation condition for which the SOFC output voltage goes to zero. Elimination of this approximation requires use of a model we developed (published elsewhere) for terminal voltage V as a function of electrolyte current density i. Key formulae from this model are presented. The formulae developed herein for gas flow and tortuosity are applied to the results of a series of careful experiments performed by another group, who used binary and ternary gas mixtures on the anode side of an SOFC. Our values for tortuosity are in a physically reasonable low range, from 1.7 to 3.3. They are in fair agreement with those obtained by the other group, once a difference in nomenclature is taken into account. This difference consists in their definition of tortuosity being what some call tortuosity factor, which is the square of what we and some others call tortuosity. The results emphasize the need for careful design of anode pore structures, especially in anode-supported SOFCs which require thicker anodes.
A novel approach to solving the nonlinear Schrodinger equation by the coupled amplitude-phase formulation

A novel approach for solving the nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLSE) analytically is presented in this paper. Fundamental soliton solutions have been obtained for both anomalous dispersion regimes (/spl betasub 2/ 0) without using inverse scattering or the Backlund transform. By considering the amplitude and the phase of the complex solution separately, a set of amplitude-phase coupled nonlinear equations is derived from the NLSE. The characteristic equation satisfied by the envelope amplitude is obtained for the fundamental soliton and soliton-modulated wave. The conditions to be satisfied by the phase propagation constant and soliton power give rise to useful criteria for the design of optical soliton communication systems. Numerical simulations agree well with theoretical results. >
Study of Different Cool Down Schemes During the Crystal Growth of Detector Grade CdZnTe

Cd0.9Zn0.1Te crystals were grown using a modified vertical Bridgman growth technique to produce radiation detector grade material. Motivated by the importance of the retrograde solubility problem in II-VI compound semiconductors, particularly CZT, different cool down techniques were used to observe the effects on the secondary phase (SP) size, distribution, density and resulting detector properties. Presented are four of the cool down schemes performed and the results in terms of the secondary phases and charge transport characteristics of the grown crystals. The cooling of the grown ingot to ambient temperatures was done over various lengths of time. The differences between the cool down methods are in the rates of cooling through the retrograde solubility phase. Apart from these cool downs, quenching studies were also performed on some crystal growths giving unique results in terms of the secondary phase distribution and characteristics as radiation detectors.
Context Determines Content: Quantum Physics as a Framework for "Wholeness" in Urban Transformation

We live in a divided world dominated by a fragmentary worldview that treats the wholeness of the human family, urban environments and social reality as inherently discrete, distanced and disconnected. This fragmentary perspective, emerging from Greek dualism and fuelled by the Newtonian mechanical view of the world with its Cartesian split of either/or understanding of reality, does not lead to wholeness. Almost all discussion of urban social policies emerges from a context of fragmented thinking. Drawing from quantum physics, this paper presents a theoretical framework, a new `context' for understanding urban environments and the implementing of programmes of urban transformation, including faith-based programmes. The paper examines examples of effective change agents who have made a difference in people's lives. It culminates with an analysis of the broken window theory and how the differences in approaches—fragmentation or wholeness—generate different results. The critical point is in recognising the e...
An Improved Purification Protocol for Heart and Skeletal Muscle Calpastatin Reveals Two Isoforms Resulting from Alternative Splicing

Employment of a new protocol for efficient purification of calpastatin revealed the presence of two forms of calpastatin in porcine heart with apparent molecular weights of 125 and 145 kDa. Purification from bovine muscle resulted in a single species with an apparent molecular weight of 125 kDa. The presence of multiple species of calpastatin in porcine heart does not appear to be an artifact of the purification procedure since Western blotting revealed the presence of two types of calpastatin in ovine and porcine heart, but only one type in bovine heart and bovine, ovine, and porcine muscle. The origin of the two species in porcine heart was examined by RT-PCR and direct sequencing of calpastatin cDNA. This analysis revealed that porcine skeletal muscle exclusively produces transcripts lacking exon 3, while porcine heart produces transcripts that include or lack exon 3, consistent with the presence of two isoforms of the protein. The 125-kDa form of porcine calpastatin therefore appears to be a result of alternative splicing of the calpastatin transcript. The biological significance of the heart specific isoform is not clear; however, its ability to inhibit micro- or m-calpain does not differ considerably. The present purification protocol yielded 4.9 and 1.8 mg calpastatin per kg tissue from porcine heart and bovine skeletal muscle, respectively.
Asymmetry of Payoff Structure and Cooperative Behavior in the Prisoner's Dilemma Game

This study compares the effect of a standard symmetric Prisoner's Dilemma game and an asymmetric Prisoner's Dilemma game on choice behavior. The two types of Prisoner's Dilemma games were crossed with two sets of payoff matrices, thus generating four experimental conditions. It was predicted that subjects in the asymmetric game condition would manifest less cooperative behavior than subjects in the symmetric game condition. This effect would be due primarily to the significantly lower amount of cooperation for subjects assigned to the low potential reward position. The predicted outcomes were supported. It was concluded that concern with relative outcomes, and in particular concern with being surpassed by other, rather than maximization of own outcomes was the primary motivating factor underlying this finding.
Effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on biological responses and MR imaging properties in human mammary healthy and breast cancer epithelial cells.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs, diameters >50 nm) have received great attention due to their promising use as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. In this study, we evaluated the cellular uptake and biological responses in vitro of ultrasmall SPIONs (USPIONs, diameters < 50 nm). We compared the cellular responses between breast epithelia isolated from healthy and breast cancer donors after exposure to carboxy-terminated USPIONs (10 and 30 nm PEG-coated, 10 and 30 nm non-PEG-coated). The particles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and gel electrophoresis. Cellular interactions with USPIONs were assessed by confocal microscopy and TEM. Cellular uptake of USPIONs was quantified using ICP-MS. Cell viability was measured by MTT and neutral red uptake assays. T2* weighted MRI scans were performed using a 7T scanner. Results demonstrated that cell association/internalization of USPIONs was size- and surface coating-dependent (PEG vs. non-PEG), and higher cellular uptake of 10 and 30 nm non-coated particles was observed in both cell types compared with PEG-coated particles. Cell uptake for 10 and 30 nm non-coated particles was higher in cancer cells from two of three tested donors compared to healthy cells from three donors. There was no significant cytotoxicity observed for all tested particles. Significantly enhanced MRI contrast was observed following exposure to 10 and 30 nm non-coated particles compared to PEG-coated particles in both cell types. In comparison, cancer cells showed more enhanced MRI signals when compared to normal cells. The data indicate that cell responses following exposure to USPIONs are dependent on particle properties. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1032-1042, 2016.
Salmeterol in paediatric asthma

BACKGROUND The addition of long acting inhaled β 2 agonists is recommended at step 3 of the British guidelines on asthma management but a recent study suggested no additional benefit in children with asthma. METHODS The aim of this study was to compare, in a double blind, three way, crossover study, the effects of the addition of salmeterol 50 μg bd, salmeterol 100 μg bd, and salbutamol 200 μg qds in asthmatic children who were symptomatic despite treatment with inhaled corticosteroids in a dose of at least 400 μg/day over a one month period. Symptom scores, morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF) rates, use of rescue medication, spirometric indices, and histamine challenge were measured. RESULTS Forty five children aged 5–14 years were enrolled. All three treatments improved asthma control, morning and evening PEF rates, and spirometric indices with no change in bronchial hyperreactivity. Mean morning PEF was significantly better during the salmeterol treatment periods than with salbutamol treatment (p CONCLUSIONS In this population of moderate to severe asthmatic children on inhaled corticosteroids, salmeterol in a dose of either 50 μg bd or 100 μg bd is significantly more effective at increasing the morning PEF rate over a one month period than salbutamol 200 μg qds. The data provided no significant evidence of a difference in efficacy between the two doses of salmeterol, 50 μg and 100 μg. A trial of salmeterol 100 μg bd may be worth considering in those still symptomatic on the lower dose.
Making a new turn in matrix metalloprotease inhibition.

The paradigm for matrix metalloprotease inhibition combines active site tailoring and catalytic zinc ligation. But, selectivity has been difficult. Now, Engel et al. [1] present novel compounds, completely selective for MMP-13, with a unique binding mode.
The inferior glenohumeral ligament: A correlative investigation

The inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) was investigated by correlating the biomechanical properties, biochemical composition, and histologic morphology of its 3 anatomic regions (superior band, anterior axillary pouch, and posterior axillary pouch) in 8 human cadaveric shoulders. The overall biochemical composition of the IGHL appeared similar to other ligaments, with average water content of 80.9 ± 2.5%, collagen content of 80.0 ± 9.2%, and crosslinks of 0.715 ± 0.13 mol/mol collagen. The proteoglycan content was highest in the superior band (2.73 ± 0.7 mg/g dry weight) and may, in part, explain its viscoelastic behavior. Histologic analysis demonstrated longitudinally organized fiber bundles that were more uniform in the mid-substance but more interwoven and less uniformly oriented near the insertion sites. The superior band had the most pronounced fiber bundle interweaving, while crimping was more evident in the anterior axillary pouch. Elastin was identified in each of the regions. Tensile testing demonstrated a trend toward higher ultimate tensile stress (16.9 ± 7.9 MPa) and tensile modulus (130.3 ± 47.9 MPa) in the superior band compared to the axillary pouch. The mean ultimate tensile strain of the IGHL was 16.8 ± 4.6%. These complex IGHL properties may help to explain its unique functions in stabilizing the shoulder in different arm positions and at different rates of loading, including the failure patterns seen clinically, as in Bankart lesions (insertion site) versus capsular stretching (ligament substance).
Information Asymmetry, Liquidity, and Stock Returns

We develop a new measure for the probability of informed trading, called PCP. Using double-sorted portfolios, we find that excess returns increase from low to high PCP portfolios. In regression analysis, the effect of PCP on returns is significantly positive after controlling for illiquidity effect. The point estimate of the coefficient on one PCP is 3.788, suggesting that a difference of 10 percentage points in the PCP between two stocks leads to a difference in expected returns of 4.5 percent annually. Thus, the effect is also economically significant. Our results support the information asymmetry hypothesis that information risk is priced.
The Fermion Determinant in Massless Two-Dimensional QCD

I was very lucky to have been a colleague of Feza Gursey’s from 1965 to 1971 at Yale. As a young Ph. D. I learned a great deal from him—about field theory, group theory, and mathematics in general—and I came to admire his originality and the elegance of his ideas. Most people seem to associate Feza’s physics with aspects of group theory. But what struck me most about him in the late 60’s was his conviction that field theory would be the source of our new insights, even into strong interaction physics. This was by no means the party line at the time.
Fourier coefficients of logarithmic vector-valued Poincaré series

We give an exact expression (Theorem 3.2) for the Fourier coefficients of logarithmic vector-valued Poincare series associated to representations where $$\rho (T)$$ is a single Jordan block.
Naval applications of elastomers

Abstract The fact that rubber can be studied in a state of mechanical equilibrium makes it the most fundamentally interesting polymeric material. Elastomers also find wide application both in industry and the military, due to the unique combination of obtainable properties. This short review describes selected uses of rubber by the U.S. Navy on surface vessels, submarines and aircraft. The emphasis is applications which exploit rubber's capacity for energy transmission, storage and dissipation.
Strategic Performance Measurement and External Reporting

The emerging view among managers and academicians argues for an expanded reporting system to provide more comprehensive information about organizational performance. Little systematically-gathered evidence is available, however, concerning the views of the investment community on this matter. This article reports the results of a survey of 420 senior investment officers, directors of research, and financial analysts regarding the use, predictive value, and ease of acquisition of a variety of financial and nonfinancial performance measures. The patterns of use that emerge from the study paint a picture in which analysts go well beyond the traditional financial measures and use a broad range of leading indicators to assess long-term performance.
Deflection and Stress Patterns in Plate-Type Structures, Theory Vs. Test Results

V = potential energy \W\ = deflection matrix x = variable distance along the chord y = variable distance along the span {(f>j} = functions of deflection (j = 0, 1, and 2) u = Poisson's ratio (constant) a = principal stress <jx = chordwise stress oy = spanwise stress TXV = shear stress This report presents a practical analysis of the deflection and stress distribution throughout a plate-type structure with variable stiffness, loading, and boundary conditions. I ts application is to aircraft and missile wing and fin structural design, and the determination of the deflected shape of an airfoil surface under aerodynamic loading. The basic assumption used for the approximation of the rigorous theory is tha t of idealizing deflections. In this manner, the chordwise deflection a t any spanwise station is expressed in the form of a parabolic equation, where the coefficients are unknown functions of the spanwise stations. By utilizing the idealization, each spanwise station has three degrees of freedom tha t must be determined. This analysis allows the theoretical matrix plate equations to be programed easily on a high-speed digital computer; once programed, a practical wing may be designed by two or three stress analysts in a short period of time. The particular theory developed in this paper is for application to full-depth honeycomb construction, which is very efficient weightwise for a thin low-aspect-ratio airfoil surface. The problems presented are for airfoil surfaces attached to the side of a shell-type structure with full and partial root support. Comparisons of root support are shown in order to demonstrate the variation of deflection and stress distribution. In order to establish the validity of this analysis, and to verify that the results obtained may be applied to a plate-type structure, a test program was undertaken. The theory was then applied to two typical problems, and an experimental program was conducted. The results were then compared.
Tabletop Commentary, Café Pari—April 2014; [I’ve spent my life destroying the idea that I am the better man]; and The Eulogy of Daniel Day, Passenger

Shaking, shattered business deals oppressed by stacked volumes of Newsweek and Paris Living .
Low-cost Larval Diets for Mass Production of the Olive Fruit Fly

Low-cost larval diets for mass production of Dacus oleae (Gmelin) were developed and compared. Diets SFC and MNC containing inexpensive celluloses and diets CCG and CCM containing corn cob were found satisfactory. Two brands of brewer’s yeast (differing in cost) tested with these diets gave similar yields. Diet CCG with corn cob grits was the most economical and reduced the cost of pupal production up to 4 times compared with the control diets. It also improved significantly pupal yield.
Activity of Parathyroid Hormone in the Nephrectomized Rat.

SummaryWithin 48 hours, parathyroidectomy lowers the serum Ca in non-nephrec-tomized mature rats from 10.7 to 8.3 mg %. In the same period of time the serum Ca in nephrectomized-parathyroidectomized rats decreases from 9.6 to 6.5 mg %.The injection of 5 × 20 units of PTH into normal rats, after 48 hours produces an average elevation of the serum Ca of 1.5 mg %. The injection of the same quantity of PTH into parathyroidectomized-nephrec-tomized rats, after the same time produces an average elevation of the serum Ca of 4 mg % (from 6.5-10.5 mg %). Although these experiments prove that PTH raises the blood Ca without the intermediation of the kidneys, they do not exclude the possibility that the hormone may under normal conditions also affect renal function.Conclusion. (1) The serum Ca elevating activity of the parathyroid hormone is demonstrable in bilaterally nephrectomized rats. (2) Confirming previous observations, it has been found that “osteitis fibrosa” is produced by PTH injection in the absence of t...
Bonding in FSSF3: Breakdown in Bond Length-Strength Correlations and Implications for SF2 Dimerization

The product of SF2 dimerization is an unusual molecule with many unexpected properties. For instance, there are four nonequivalent SF bond lengths, and they are not inversely correlated with their respective bond dissociation energies. Further, the minimum energy pathway to dissociation into two SF2 molecules does not involve breaking the longest or weakest SF bond. In this paper, we provide compelling explanations for both of these unusual observations by analyzing the generalized valence bond (GVB) wave function for FSSF3.
Serum Uric Acid in Primary Hypertension: From Innocent Bystander to Primum Movens?

See related article, pp 934–940 Over about a quarter of a century, primary hypertension has become a rapidly growing health problem in children and adolescents.1 The pathogenesis of primary hypertension remains unclear and is said to involve a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Serum uric acid (sUA) has been implicated in pathogenesis and maintenance of primary hypertension.2 However, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and obesity, that have become highly prevalent in children and adolescents are associated with both elevated sUA and hypertension. Not surprisingly, it has been hotly debated whether sUA is a cause, consequence, or just an innocent bystander in the pathogenesis of hypertension. By analyzing the effect of lifestyle changes on blood pressure (BP), body weight and sUA levels in children, the article by Viazzi et al3 attempts to clarify some of these issues. Figure. Pathophysiology of uric acid–mediated hypertension and decreased insulin sensitivity. Increased intake of fructose or purine-rich diet and environmental factors (for example, intrauterine growth restriction [IUGR] resulting in low nephron number) contribute to increased serum uric acid. Hyperuricemia is associated with increased oxidative stress, augmented activity of the renin–angiontensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), and inflammation. In the systemic circulation, these mechanisms underpin the development of endothelial dysfunction and structural changes with consequent decreased muscular glucose uptake and increased vascular stiffening. In the kidney, these mechanisms induces glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis with subsequent decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow, and increased salt sensitivity. Finally, vascular changes and nephropathy promote the development of arterial hypertension and decreased insulin sensitivity. Lifestyle changes …
An insight into track and field coaches’ knowledge and use of sprinting drills to improve performance

Coaches’ knowledge of drills and their specificity to sprint movement patterns and muscle activations have become increasingly important. Drills are used to encourage the development of optimal movement and coordination. They are prescribed to help the athlete develop sprint technique, and it is generally assumed that the drills are the parts within a whole-part-whole learning strategy. Previous literature has suggested some drills may be questionable as they may not replicate the muscle activations or movement pattern of sprinting. A total of 209 coaches completed an online questionnaire, which examined coaches’ choice of drills; reasons for using each drill and reasons for changing drills used. The results were analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Results showed that coaches believed that drills are a vital part of training to improve performance but that they should be specific to sprinting technique.
Three-dimensional culture system combined with RCCS promotes platelet generation from cord blood stem cells

Objective To evaluate the effect of culturing CD34+stem cells in 3-dimensional cell-culture system( 3D),which is constructed with 3-dimensional chitosan-gelatin scaffold and rotary cell culture system( RCCS). Methods The chitosan-gelatin scaffold in varied concentration was lyophilized and produced. The surface feature of the chitosan-gelatin scaffold was observed by scanning electron microscope,and the bore diameter,available pore space,water-absorbing quality,and compatibility for the umbilical cord blood stem cell growing were measured. The 3-dimensional cell culture scaffold system with RCCS was established to promote in vitro platelet generation. The morphology of the cells was observed by inverted microscope. The activation and the CD62 expression of the platelet-like particle cells were detected by MTT and flow cytometry respectively. All the results from the 3-D system were compared with that of the 2-D system. Results We succeeded in constructing the 3-dimensional scaffold which was made of 0. 5 g chitosan and 0. 5 g gelatin,and produced at- 30℃. For the scaffold,the bore diameter was( 86 ± 21) μm, the water-absorbing rate was( 87. 62 ± 10. 19) %,the available pore space rate is( 92. 56 ± 1. 12) %,and there was no toxic for cell culture. The cells were grown well in the both systems observed by the scanning electron microscope. The proliferationtimes of the CD34+cells in 3D system was 87. 02 ± 4. 35,compared with 20. 78 ± 5. 03 in 2D system,with significant difference between the two systems( F = 273. 09,P 0. 05). The adhering rate of the platelet-like particles was relatively higher in the 3D system( 43. 05 ± 1. 93) % than that in the 2D system( 41. 37 ± 1. 06) %,but no significant differences( P 0. 05). The ability of aggregation of the platelet-like particles was observed in both systems. The CD62 expression of the platelet-like particles showed no significantly differences between the two groups. Conclusion The 3-dimensional scaffold cell culture system was successfully constructed as a good potential method for platelets generation in vitro.
Graphene and Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) based Hybrid Supercapacitors with Ionic Liquid Gel Electrolyte in Solid State Design and their Electrochemical Performance in Storage of Solar Photovoltaic Generated Electricity

In this work, ionic liquid gel polymer electrolyte is used to fabricate solid-state hybrid supercapacitors with microporous PEDOT and graphene asymmetric electrodes. The PEDOT electrode was prepared by ultra-short pulsed current electro-polymerization over flexible graphite sheets. The graphene electrode of 600 m2g-1 surface area was formed by slurry coating using graphene platelets of thickness 8 nm and size <2 µm. The ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIBF4) was mixed with poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) P(VdF-HFP) to form gel electrolyte. The quasi rectangular cyclic voltammetry (CV) plots in the voltage range -0.2 to +2.0V and the charge-discharge (CD) curves show highly capacitive behavior. The optimized 0.1M LiClO4 doping of IL gel electrolyte increases specific capacitance to 70.4 mF.cm-2. Increase in IL electrolyte thickness from 30 to 54 µm improves discharge capacitance from 10.6 to 23.3 mF.cm-2 and energy density from 2.90 to 5.86 Wh.kg-1. Hybrid solid-state supercapacitor has a flat stackable platform which easily integrates with solar cell module for direct storage of solar electricity. This paper describes the electrode synthesis, design and electrochemical properties of PEDOT/graphene hybrid supercapacitor and the charging characteristics by solar cells for evaluating energy storage performance in backing up the solar cell generated electricity.
Growing Up Along the Mississippi River ——Analysis on Spiritual Course of Huckleberry Fin

As the classical of American Initiation Story,The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin describes the experience of Huckleberry Fin who finished the growing-up and completeness of his moral and personality on the Mississippi River.The essay analyzed the spiritual course of Huckleberry Fin and the role of the River in the course.
Influence of thawing time and post-thaw temperature on acrosomal maintenance and motility of bovine spermatozoa frozen in .5-ml French straws.

The objective was to determine the relationship between thawing time and post-thaw temperature when the final temperature of the semen was brought to 40 C. One ejaculate from each of 12 dairy bulls was packaged in .5-ml French straws. Semen in five straws from each ejaculate was thawed in a 35 c water bath for 12 s or 1 min. The straws were then immediately placed in water baths at 0, 10 or 20 C for 1 min and then transferred to a water bath at 40 C for 1 min. Control treatments were thawed at (1) 35 C for 1 min, plunged into a 35 C water bath for 1 min and transferred to a final water bath at 40 C for 1 min, and (2) thawed at 40 C for 1 min, plunged into 40 C water bath for 1 min and transferred to a final water bath at 40 C for 1 min. Semen was incubated at 40 C and evaluated at 0, 4 and 8 h of incubation for percentage of motile spermatozoa (%MOT) and percentage of spermatozoa with intact acrosomes (PIA). Semen thawed at 35 C for 12 s and held at 0 C before being warmed to 40 C sustained immediate acrosomal damage (P less than .05) due to a delay in complete thawing of the semen. Semen thawed at 35 C for 1 min, held at 0 C and then warmed to 40 C also sustained immediate acrosomal damage which was due to cold shock. Cold shock damage was greater than damage due to a delay in complete thawing, therefore, precautions should be taken to prevent post-thawing cold shock. The 10 C post-thaw treatment resulted in spermatozoal damage with both thawing times, however, the effects were latent since damage was not observed until the 4- and 8-h evaluations. The 20 C post-thaw treatment did not decrease (P greater than .05) % MOT or PIA with either thawing time.
Uncertainty and feasibility of dynamical downscaling for modeling tropical cyclones for storm surge simulation

This paper presents a modeling study conducted to evaluate the uncertainty of a regional model in simulating hurricane wind and pressure fields, and the feasibility of driving coastal storm surge simulation using an ensemble of region model outputs produced by 18 combinations of 3 convection schemes and 6 microphysics parameterizations, using Hurricane Katrina as a test case. Simulated wind and pressure fields were compared to observed H*Wind data for Hurricane Katrina, and simulated storm surge was compared to observed high-water marks on the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The ensemble modeling analysis demonstrated that the regional model was able to reproduce the characteristics of Hurricane Katrina with reasonable accuracy and can be used to drive the coastal ocean model for simulating coastal storm surge. Results indicated that the regional model is sensitive to both convection and microphysics parameterizations that simulate moist processes closely linked to the tropical cyclone dynamics that influence hurricane development and intensification. The Zhang and McFarlane (ZM) convection scheme and the Lim and Hong (WDM6) microphysics parameterization are the most skillful in simulating Hurricane Katrina maximum wind speed and central pressure, among the three convection and the six microphysics parameterizations. Error statistics of simulated maximum water levels were calculated for a baseline simulation with H*Wind forcing and the 18 ensemble simulations driven by the regional model outputs. The storm surge model produced the overall best results in simulating the maximum water levels using wind and pressure fields generated with the ZM convection scheme and the WDM6 microphysics parameterization.
Parent as a Teacher Inventory: A Statistical Factor Analysis.

Strom (10) developed the Parent as a Teacher Inventory (PAAT) to measure parents’ feelings and beliefs regarding interaction with their young children. Parents indicate their level of agreement with 50 statements divided into five 10-item subsets. The investigators administered the PAAT to a sample of 615 parents of preschool children. Item analysis, principal component factor analysis, and a scree test retained 28 items grouped into six separate factors. Using coefficient alpha and multiple correlation, all six factors were found to be reliable and real. Recognition of the need for caution in the use and interpretation of the complete PAAT is important for future research.
Investigating the ground-state rotamers of n-propylperoxy radical.

The n-propylperoxy radical has been described as a molecule of critical importance to studies of low temperature combustion. Ab initio methods were used to study this three-carbon alkylperoxy radical, normal propylperoxy. Reliable CCSD(T) (coupled-cluster theory, incorporating single, double, and perturbative triple)/ANO0 geometries were predicted for the molecule’s five rotamers. For each rotamer, energetic predictions were made using basis sets as large as the cc-pV5Z in conjunction with coupled cluster levels of theory up to CCSDT(Q). Along with the extrapolations, corrections for relativistic effects, zero-point vibrational energies, and diagonal Born–Oppenheimer corrections were used to further refine energies. The results indicate that the lowest conformer is the gauche-gauche (GG) rotamer followed by the gauche-trans (0.12 kcal mol−1 above GG), trans-gauche (0.44 kcal mol−1), gauche′-gauche (0.47 kcal mol−1), and trans-trans (0.57 kcal mol−1). Fundamental vibrational frequencies were obtained using...
A gathering for Gardner

Martin Gardner, who turns 94 this autumn, seems to have pulled off an astounding trick. Every other year hundreds of people gather to honour Gardner, who is the author of over 70 books and wrote the popular "Mathematical Games" column that appeared in Scientific American for a quarter of a century from 1956. What is astonishing is that the people come from a bewildering variety of professions and include jugglers, magicians, artists, puzzle-makers, logicians, computer scientists, pseudoscience debunkers and mathematicians.
Enhanced piezoelectric energy harvester performance using magnetic force and thermal energy

One possible approach of improving the performance of energy harvesters is to use energy harvester with an external magnetic force to create a nonlinear coupling system. In this work, we report experimental results of a single piezoelectric cantilever beam (PCB) with tip mass or conventional piezoelectric energy harvester (CPEH), and the effect of applying an external magnetic force. The output voltage and power at optimal resistance was 7.62 V and 0.62 mW, respectively, at the resonance frequency of approximately 11 Hz of a CPEH. Also, the output voltage and average power at optimal resistance was 8.56 V and 0.44 mW, respectively, at resonance frequency of 7 Hz of a PCB with fixed opposing magnet. Furthermore, the output voltage and average power at optimal resistance was 13.31 V and 1.77 mW, respectively, at resonance frequency of 11 Hz of a PCB with opposing magnet attached at a second cantilever. In addition, comparison between the experimental results of all different configurations showed a ...
A Population Overlooked: Building Caring Relationships Between Military Children and Teachers

Millions of children across the globe are sons and daughters of military parents. These children have a unique set of circumstances which impact their education, development, family, and entire life. This paper considers research, which has shown that when teachers can create a positive relationship with individual students in their class, the student will see the school as a supportive space wherein he or she can academically and socially engage. Strategies to guide work with this population’s special needs are offered for teachers and administrators.
Discontinuation of heparin in patients with angina resulted in reactivation of ischemia

Source Citation Theroux P, Waters D, Lam J, Juneau M, McCans J. Reactivation of unstable angina after the discontinuation of heparin. N Engl J Med. 1992 Jul 16;327:141-5.
Psychodermatology: An Association of Primary Psychiatric Disorders With Skin

The association of nervous system with skin is well documented. Many common psychiatric disorders can involve skin either directly or indirectly. We found an association of 13 primary psychiatric disorders leading to dermatological diseases, with association of 2 of 13 considered to be idiopathic. Association of the mind and body has long been studied. Several skin problems lead to psychological and psychiatric symptoms, however not all skin problems lead to psychiatric symptoms. On the contrary, many primary psychiatric illnesses appear to have associated skin disorders.