cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of ion solvation and volume change of reaction on the equilibrium and morphology in cation-exchange reaction of nanocrystals.

The effects of cation solvation and the volume change (ΔV) of reaction on the equilibrium and the morphology change in the cation-exchange reactions of metal chalcogenide nanocrystals, CdE → MxEy (E = S, Se, Te; M = Pd, Pt), were investigated. Since the solvation of cations is an important controllable factor determining the free energy of the reaction, the effect of varying cation solvation conditions on the equilibrium of the reaction was examined. A two-phase solvent environment, where the cations involved in the exchange reaction were preferentially solvated in different phases by using selective cation complexing molecules, was particularly efficient in increasing the thermodynamic driving force. The effect of ΔV of reaction on the morphology of the product nanocrystals was also investigated. Depending on the stress developed in the lattice during the reaction, product nanocrystals underwent varying degrees of morphological changes such as void formation and fragmentation in addition to the preservat...
Early Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase and Choline Acetyltransferase Activity in Herpes simplex Virus Type 1 Infection of PC12 Cells

Early in the course of productive Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection of PC12 cells, activities of both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (CAT) fell. Studies using metabolic inhibitors and a temperature-sensitive mutant of the virus suggested that the decline in activities of both enzymes was associated with events occurring early in the replicative cycle related to expression of the immediate-early (alpha) group of viral polypeptides. HSV-1 gene products thus may alter specialized cell functions well before the production of viral progeny and initiation of cell lysis. The early clinical manifestations of nervous system viral infection may reflect focal metabolic disturbance rather than, or in addition to, simple cell death.
A weighted accumulation test for associating rare genetic variation with quantitative phenotypes

Currently there is a great deal of interest in developing methods for testing the role that rare variation plays in disease development. Here we propose a weighted association test that accumulates genetic variation across a signaling pathway. We evaluate our approach by analyzing simulated phenotype data from an exome sequencing study of 697 unrelated individuals from the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 (GAW17) data set. Although our weighted approach identifies several interesting pathways associated with phenotype Q1, so does an alternative unweighted accumulation approach. Such a result is not unexpected because there is no systematic relationship between the allele frequency of a variant and its effect on phenotype in the GAW17 simulation model.
Iron(VI) and Iron(V) Oxidation of Copper(I) Cyanide

Copper(Il) cyanide (Cu(CN)4(3-)) in the gold mine industry presentsthe biggest concern in cyanide management because it is much more stable than free cyanide. Cu(CN)4(3-) is highlytoxic to aquatic life; therefore, environmentally friendly techniques are required for the removal of Cu(CN)4(3-) from gold mine effluent. The oxidation of Cu(CN)4(3-) by iron-(VI) (FeVIO4(2-), Fe(VI)) and iron(V) (FeVO4(3-), Fe(V)) was studied using stopped-flow and premix pulse radiolysis techniques. The stoichiometry with Fe(VI) was determined to be 5HFeO(4-) + Cu(CN)4(3-) + 8H2O - > 5Fe(OH)3 + Cu2+ + 4CNO- +3/202 + 6OH-. The rate law for the oxidation of Cu(CN)4(3-) by Fe(VI) was found to be first-order with each reactant. The rates decreased with increasing pH and were mostly related to a decrease in concentration of reactive protonated Fe(VI) species, HFeO4-. A mechanism is proposed that agrees with the observed reaction stoichiometry and rate law. The rate constant for the oxidation of Cu(CN)4(3-) by Fe(V) was determined at pH 12.0 as 1.35 +/- 0.02 x 10(7) M(-1) s(-1), which is approximately 3 orders of magnitude larger than Fe(VI). Results indicate that Fe(VI) is highly efficient for removal of cyanides in gold mill effluent.
Hazardous waste, distributional conflict, and a trilogy of failures

Environmentally dangerous but profitable hazardous waste disposal is an instance of market failure. Tort law has failed as a social mechanism to sanction powerful corporations for such crimes against the environment. The federal Superfund hazardous waste cleanup program, a regulatory system created to fill this void, is also marked by failure. This article makes the case that the inability to resolve Superfund-engendered distributional conflicts has precluded the efficient and equitable outcomes that characterize a socially beneficial market, tort, or regulatory response. A political economy of regulation that links conflict, conflict resolution, and Superfund failure is examined.
Empty waves: A genuine effect?

Abstract A consistent history analysis of a gedanken experiment proposed by Hardy to demonstrate the physical effect of an “empty wave” in a quantum interferometer shows that the particle actually passes through the arm of the interferometer where the effect is produced, rather than the other arm as claimed by Hardy, and thus there is no effect of an empty wave.
Modular, active, and robust Lewis acid catalysts supported on a metal-organic framework.

Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown promise as heterogeneous catalysts because of their high crystallinity, uniform pores, and ability to be chemically and physically tuned for specific chemical transformations. One of the challenges with MOF-based catalysis is few systems achieve all of the desired features for a heterogeneous catalyst, including high activity, robustness (recyclability), and excellent selectivity. Herein, postsynthetic modification (PSM) of a MOF is used to synthesize a series of MOF catalysts that are highly robust and active for epoxide ring-opening reactions. In the following study, four metalated MOFs (UMCM-1-AMInpz, UMCM-1-AMInsal, UMCM-1-AMFesal, and UMCM-1-AMCupz) are examined as catalysts for β-azido and β-amino alcohol synthesis with epoxides of varying sizes and shapes using two different nucleophiles (TMSN3 and aniline). The four MOFs are isostructural, exhibit good thermal and structural stability, and display different catalytic activities based on the combination of...
The d-Methyl Group in β-Lactamase Evolution: Evidence from the Y221G and GC1 Mutants of the Class C β-Lactamase of Enterobacter cloacae P99†

The β-lactam antibiotics act through their inhibition of d-alanyl-d-alanine transpeptidases (dd-peptidases) that catalyze the last step of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Bacteria resist β-lactams by a number of mechanisms, one of the more important of which is the production of β-lactamases, enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of these antibiotics. The serine β-lactamases are evolutionary descendants of dd-peptidases and retain much of their structure, particularly at the active site. Functionally, β-lactamases differ from dd-peptidases in being able to catalyze hydrolysis of acyl-enzyme intermediates derived from β-lactams and being unable to efficiently catalyze acyl transfer reactions of d-alanyl-d-alanine terminating peptides. The class C β-lactamase of Enterobacter cloacae P99 is closely similar in structure to the dd-peptidase of Streptomyces R61. Previous studies have demonstrated that the evolution of the β-lactamase, presumably from an ancestral dd-peptidase similar to the R61 enzyme, included s...
Efficacy and safety of intravenous amiodarone for incessant tachycardias in infants

Amiodarone is an effective anti-arrhythmic agent for the treatment of supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias. The safety and efficacy of intravenous amiodarone has been described in adults and children but only to a limited extent in infants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous amiodarone in infants. Between February 1994 and June 2001, 23 infants with a median age of 8 days (range 1–300 days) with life-threatening incessant tachycardias (17 supraventricular, 6 ventricular) were treated with intravenous amiodarone as single anti-arrhythmic agent. At presentation, 22 infants were haemodynamically unstable. Amiodarone was given as an intravenous loading dose of 5 mg/kg over 1 h followed by an intravenous maintenance dose of 5 µg/kg per min with stepwise increase up to 25 µg/kg per min until arrhythmia control or side-effects occurred. Amiodarone was effective in 19 infants, partially effective in three and ineffective in one infant. The median time until arrhythmia control was 24 h (range 1–96 h) and the median maintenance dosage 15 µg/kg per min (range 5–26 µg/kg per min). Electrophysiological side-effects necessitating dose reduction comprised of sinus bradycardia in two patients. Hypotension in one patient resolved after dose diminution. Neurological side-effects consisted of choreatic movements in one infant, which resolved over time. Amiodarone administration was stopped in one patient with elevated liver enzymes. Conclusion:intravenous amiodarone is a safe and effective therapy for life-threatening incessant tachycardias in infants.
Effects of Azidosilane Treatments of Wood and Cellulose Fiber Surfaces on Adhesion to Polypropylene

Wood strip surfaces (Aspen and Birch) and cellulose fibers (Birch, pulped paper fibers) were treated with azidosilane coupling agent, via immersion in methylene chloride and methanol solutions respectively, and then subsequently dried. Polypropylene films were compression molded to the wood surfaces and peel forces were measured. The treated cellulose fibers were suspended and mixed with polypropylene fibers in water, formed into thin sheets by wet forming, dried, and compression molded to melt the polypropylene. p]Treated wood surfaces gave two to six times the dry peel force versus untreated wood surfaces. However, the wet peel force of treated wood degraded to that of untreated wood. The elongation, fail stress, and tensile energy absorption of treated molded sheets were all increased over the untreated fibers for both dry and wet testing; the wet-tested properties were especially enhanced by the silane treatment.
Experimental study on electrostatic atomisation of liquids and electrospraying

Nanoscience and nanotechnology is one of the most important scientific fields, and the material processing using the nanotechnology is now advanced towards more precise and controllable smart stage. Electrospraying is an innovative method to deposit thin films. The formation of electrospray from a capillary can be obtained by applying a high electric potential across its orifice, experiments using electrostatic force are proposed in this study. In order to study the effect of the nature of liquid, the atomisation has been studied by using distilled water and a liquid prepared by dissolving Zn-acetate in methanol. Experiments have been carried out by using a downward rigid conducting electrode capillary containing the working liquid, which is to be electrostatically sprayed, connected to a high voltage power supply. The effect of applied voltages and the nature of the substrate on electrostatic spraying were investigated.
An evaluation of the performance characteristics of the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network in Florida using rocket‐triggered lightning

[1] The performance characteristics of the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) were evaluated using rocket-triggered lightning data, acquired in the summers of 2001–2003 at the International Center for Lightning Research and Testing (ICLRT), at Camp Blanding, Florida. During the 3-year period, 37 flashes, containing a total of 159 (158 negative and 1 positive) strokes, were triggered at Camp Blanding. Flashes consisting of the initial stage only (having no return strokes) were not considered in this study. Directly measured currents were obtained for 122 of these strokes in 29 flashes. Camp Blanding and NLDN events were correlated using GPS time stamps. The NLDN recorded 95 Camp Blanding strokes in 31 flashes. Of these 95, usable directly measured currents were obtained for 70 strokes in 22 flashes. Flash and stroke detection efficiencies were estimated to be about 84% and 60%, respectively. Median location error was about 600 m, with larger location errors (greater than 2 km) being associated with strokes having smaller peak currents (5–10 kA). The NLDN tended to underestimate peak current, with the median peak current estimation error (signed) being about 18%. There was a steady trend of improved stroke detection efficiency from 2001 to 2003.
Adenylate Kinase-catalyzed Phosphoryl Transfer Couples ATP Utilization with Its Generation by Glycolysis in Intact Muscle

We previously suggested that an importance of adenylate kinase (AdK) in skeletal muscle is to function as a high energy phosphoryl transfer system regulating ATP generation in correspondence with its consumption by specific cellular processes. The present experiments are intended to define the ATP-generating system coupled to and regulated by AdK-catalyzed phosphotransfer in skeletal muscle and also to examine the relationship between AdK- and creatine kinase (CK)-catalyzed phosphotransfer. Rates of phosphoryl transfer catalyzed by AdK were assessed in intact, isolated rat diaphragm by determining rates of AMP phosphorylation with endogenously generated [γ-18O]ATP under conditions of altered anaerobic and aerobic ATP production. AdK-catalyzed phosphoryl transfer rates accelerated incrementally up to 12-fold in direct proportion to stimulated contractile frequency in parallel with equivalent increases in rates of ATP generation by lactate producing glycolysis. Stoichiometric equivalent increases of AdK-catalyzed phosphotransfer and anaerobic ATP production also occurred up to more than 20-fold when oxidative phosphorylation was impaired by either O2 deprivation or treatment with KCN or p-(trifluoromethoxy)-phenylhydrazone. These enhanced rates of AMP phosphorylation were balanced by virtually identically increased rates of AdK-catalyzed generation of AMP. This AMP was traced to arise from AdK-catalyzed phosphotransfer involving ADP generated by a muscle ATPase. Increased AdK-catalyzed phosphotransfer paired with the apparent compensatory increase in ATP generation by anaerobic glycolysis in oxygen-deprived muscle occurred coincident with diminished rates of CK-catalyzed phosphoryl transfer indicative of a pairing between oxidatively produced ATP and CK-catalyzed phosphotransfer. A metabolic model consistent with these results and conforming to the Mitchell general principle of vectorial ligand conduction is suggested.
Facilitation of semantic comprehension at the one-word stage of language development.

Early in the development of language, children must learn to relate the language they hear to objects and events in their immediate perceptual environment. Gilmore (1977) found that infants at the two-word stage of language production and, under certain conditions, some infants at the one-word stage as well, seemed to map a simple sentence (e.g. The bunny hugs the kitty) onto a visual event (which, for example, showed a puppet rabbit hugging a puppet cat). In Gilmore's experiment, a habituation series of trials, presenting either appropriate pairings of a variety of sentences with visual events (as in the above example), or inappropriate pairings (e.g. The kitty hugs the bunny, when, in fact, the reverse was true) were presented repeatedly until subjects habituated. A test series of trials followed with an inappropriate/appropriate pairing, whichever was not used during habituation. Two-word subjects seemed to discriminate between the test and habituation pairings in either case. One-word subjects seemed to discrimi- nate only when they received the appropriate pairing during habituation and the inappropriate during the test.
Linking inventory efficiency, productivity and responsiveness to retail firm outperformance: empirical insights from US retailing segments

This paper establishes an empirical model linking a retail firm’s inventory management effectiveness to superior competitive operational performance for specific product-line retail segments. Using 16 years of US retail firm financial data from the COMPUSTAT Fundamentals database across 12 distinct competitive retailing segments, we develop and test a time-series model that links several inventory management execution measures to the competitive operational outperformance of retail firms. The analysis presented provides strong evidence that measures of inventory management performance are not ‘one size fits all’ for the retail industry, and helps to explain why extant research has had difficulty linking inventory control policy effectiveness to operational performance advantages in retailing. We discuss the implications of these empirical findings on the study of inventory policy execution, and offer some guidance for further research.
Distinct geographic patterns of genetic diversity are maintained in wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) despite migration

Mutations arise in a single individual and at a single point in time and space. The geographic distribution of mutations reflects both historical population size and frequency of migration. We employ coalescence-based methods to coestimate effective population size, frequency of migration, and level of recombination compatible with observed genealogical relationships in sequence data from nine nuclear genes in wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum), a highly self-fertilizing grass species. In self-fertilizing plants, gamete dispersal is severely limited; dissemination occurs primarily through seed dispersal. Also, heterozygosity is greatly reduced, which renders recombination less effective at randomizing genetic variation and causes larger portions of the genome to trace a similar history. Despite these predicted effects of this mating system, the majority of loci show evidence of recombination. Levels of nucleotide variation and the patterns of geographic distribution of mutations in wild barley are highly heterogeneous across loci. Two of the nine sampled loci maintain highly diverged, geographic region-specific suites of mutations. Two additional loci include region-specific haplotypes with a much shallower coalescence. Despite inbreeding, sessile growth habit, and the observation of geographic structure at almost half of sampled loci, parametric estimates of migration suggest that seed dispersal is sufficient for migration across the ≈3,500-km range of the species. Recurrent migration is also evident based on the geographic distribution of mutational variation at some loci. At one locus a single haplotype has spread rapidly enough to occur, unmodified by mutation, across the range of the species.
A MICROCAD system for design of steel connections—I. Program structure and graphic algorithms

Abstract A microcomputer-aided design (MICROCAD) system is presented for interactive design of connections in steel buildings made of standard rolled I-sections. Design of different types of connections is based on the American Institute of Steel Construction Specification. Connecting elements may be plates, angles, or T-sections. Connectors may be bolts or welds. The MICROCAD system can display/plot any isometric view of the connection plus three orthographic views, i.e. front, side, and top views. Program structure, face frame representation, and graphic algorithms are presented. An efficient priority list algorithm with back-face elimination is developed for the orthographic views. The painter's algorithm is used to remove hidden lines. A five-test algorithm is developed for efficient drawing of the isometric views. Application of the MICROCAD system for practical design of steel connections is presented in an accompanying paper.
Automated coded ambulatory problem lists: evaluation of a vocabulary and a data entry tool.

Abstract Background: Problem lists are fundamental to electronic medical records (EMRs). However, obtaining an appropriate problem list dictionary is difficult, and getting users to code their problems at the time of data entry can be challenging. Objective: To develop a problem list dictionary and search algorithm for an EMR system and evaluate its use. Methods: We developed a problem list dictionary and lookup tool and implemented it in several EMR systems. A sample of 10,000 problem entries was reviewed from each system to assess overall coding rates. We also performed a manual review of a subset of entries to determine the appropriateness of coded entries, and to assess the reasons other entries were left uncoded. Results: The overall coding rate varied significantly between different EMR implementations (63–79%). Coded entries were virtually always appropriate (99%). The most frequent reasons for uncoded entries were due to user interface failures (44–45%), insufficient dictionary coverage (20–32%), and non-problem entries (10–12%). Conclusion: The problem list dictionary and search algorithm has achieved a good coding rate, but the rate is dependent on the specific user interface implementation. Problem coding is essential for providing clinical decision support, and improving usability should result in better coding rates.
On the ability to predict one's own responses while learning

Abstract In a multiple-trial, paired associate procedure, subjects predicted “Yes” or “No” on each trial. Significant prediction accuracy was attributed (a) to knowledge of items correctly recalled on Trial N-1, leading to “Yes” predictions and correct recall on Trial N, and (b) to estimates of item difficulty. In Experiment 2, subjects served in triads. The Learner received 48 sentences in a four-trial, study-test paradigm, predicting his own recall on each trial for each sentence. The Listener predicted and heard the Learner's recall. The Observer predicted but did not hear the Learner's recall. The Learner had virtually no advantage in predicting his own recall compared to the Listener, with both performing better than the Observer. The results were related to “feeling-of-knowing” research, to self-responding as the basis of self-knowledge, and to the concept of privileged access.
New Directions for the Design and Study of Professional Development: Attending to the Coevolution of Teachers' Participation across Contexts

Research on professional development (PD) typically focuses on what teachers learn as a result of their participation in PD. Questions are framed unidirectionally: To what extent does participation in PD affect teachers' classroom practice? The authors challenge this unidirectional conceptualization of teacher learning and instead argue for understanding the multidirectional influences between teachers' participation across the PD and classroom settings. Drawing on research in mathematics education, they argue that researchers should examine what teachers are learning during and after PD, looking at the coevolution of participation between classroom practice and PD. To advance studies of and designs for PD, the authors' perspective leads them to argue for the importance of better understanding how teachers come to make sense of primary artifacts, depictions, and enactments in and through PD.
Turbulent Cells in Stars: Fluctuations in Kinetic Energy and Luminosity

Three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic simulations of shell oxygen burning exhibit bursty, recurrent fluctuations in turbulent kinetic energy. These are shown to be due to a general instability of the convective cell, requiring only a localized source of heating or cooling. Such fluctuations are shown to be suppressed in simulations of stellar evolution which use the mixing-length theory. Quantitatively similar behavior occurs in the model of a convective roll (cell) of Lorenz, which is known to have a strange attractor that gives rise to chaotic fluctuations in time of velocity and, as we show, luminosity. Study of simulations suggests that the behavior of a Lorenz convective roll may resemble that of a cell in convective flow. We examine some implications of this simplest approximation and suggest paths for improvement. Using the Lorenz model as representative of a convective cell, a multiple-cell model of a convective layer gives total luminosity fluctuations which are suggestive of irregular variables (red giants and supergiants), and of the long secondary period feature in semiregular asymptotic giant branch variables. This '{tau}-mechanism' is a new source for stellar variability, which is inherently nonlinear (unseen in linear stability analysis), and one closely related to intermittency in turbulence. It was alreadymore » implicit in the 3D global simulations of Woodward et al. This fluctuating behavior is seen in extended two-dimensional simulations of CNeOSi burning shells, and may cause instability which leads to eruptions in progenitors of core-collapse supernovae prior to collapse.« less
Geochemical Monitoring Considerations for the FutureGen 2.0 Project

Abstract Geochemical monitoring is an essential component of a suite of monitoring technologies designed to evaluate CO 2 mass balance and detect possible loss of containment at the FutureGen 2.0 geologic sequestration site near Jacksonville, IL. This presentation gives an overview of the potential geochemical approaches and tracer technologies that were considered, and describes the evaluation process by which the most cost-effective and robust of these were selected for implementation.
Toward an Assessment of the Mental Health of Factory Workers: A Detroit Study

Industrial psychology in America has been most concerned with productivity and organizational effectiveness. Working people are studied primarily as means to the ends of efficiency, whether of the single enterprise or of the larger society. Even when attention is directed to attitudes, feelings, and morale, interest usually centers on how these subjective states affect performance.
Use Of Two-Media Photogrammetry In Biological Research

Photogrammetry was applied to help biological research in determining the growth rate of living jelly fish colonies bred under different laboratory conditions. The examined species of jelly fish is a tiny roundshaped animal with diameter up to three milimeters. It is grouped and reproduced in colonies. Individual colonies are kept on slides submerged in sea water. Pairs of close range photographs were obtained from a press camera that did not meet all photogrammetric requirements. It was, therefore, indispensable to calibrate each individual picture. A special self-calibrating system was designed for this purpose. This made it possible to perform the calibration directly from the measurements on the photographs of the colonies. The techriique of photogrammetric evaluation on the Wild A-7 plotter was adapted to cope with the specific two-media conditions of the photography (salt solution and air between the object and the camera). The theoretical analysis of the case led to the use of a relatively simple photogrammetric treatment of photographs with affine-transformed bundles of projecting rays in the plotter.© (1971) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Web-Based authoring tool for e-salesman system

Searching and finding items on the WWW is increasingly difficult for businesses and for consumers. Many navigation and keyword searches are inadequate for the modern consumer. What’s plaguing e-commerce is the lack of intelligent assistance. The e-Salesman System (eSS) [11], based on a knowledge-driven intelligent model, aims to simulate the human element of traditional shopping for online sales. This paper presents a tool for authoring and managing an intelligent system that will change the current approach to online browsing, searching, and shopping. The contribution of this solution is to allow merchants to customize and change their e-retail shops to interact with online users based on their dynamic changed models to meet their business rules and marketing needs.
Plasma somatomedin-C levels in systemic sclerosis.

SUMMARY We have measured the plasma levels of somatomedin-C (SM-C) or insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in 13 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and age and sex matched healthy controls. We found the plasma SM-C levels to be within normal limits in all the patients. Thus, if somatomedin-C plays a role in the pathogenesis of PSS, it is more likely to be at the fibroblast receptor level or in the synthetic response of fibroblasts to SM-C.
Incrementally scalable optical interconnection network with a constant degree and constant diameter for parallel computing

A new scalable interconnection topology called the spanning-bus connected hypercube (SBCH) that is suitable for massively parallel systems is proposed. The SBCH uses the hypercube topology as a basic building block and connects such building blocks by use of multidimensional spanning buses. In doing so, the SBCH combines positive features of both the hypercube (small diameter, high connectivity, symmetry, simple routing, and fault tolerance) and the spanning-bus hypercube (SBH) (constant node degree, scalability, and ease of physical implementation), while at the same time circumventing their disadvantages. The SBCH topology permits the efficient support of many communication patterns found in different classes of computation, such as bus-based, mesh-based, and tree-based problems, as well as hypercube-based problems. A very attractive feature of the SBCH network is its ability to support a large number of processors while maintaining a constant degree and a constant diameter. Other positive features include symmetry, incremental scalability, and fault tolerance. An optical implementation methodology is proposed for the SBCH. The implementation methodology combines the advantages of free-space optics with those of wavelength-division multiplexing techniques. An analysis of the feasibility of the proposed network is also presented.
The evolution and ontogeny of nestmate recognition in social wasps

During the past decade, a substantial and rapidly expanding literature has documented that a diversity of hymenopterans have the ability to recognize their conspecific nestmates (22). As recognition research enters its second generation, investigators are turning their attention to elucidating the mechanisms of nestmate recognition and how the features of these mechanisms, as well as recognition ability itself, relate to an animal’s sociobiology. Such studies are important not only because of their relevance to an understanding of the evolution and ecology of hymenopteran sociality, but also because of their potential application for control of economically important social insects. In our review, we summarize the evidence for nestmate recognition ability in social wasps, and examine in detail the mechanism of female-female nestmate recognition using primitively eusocial wasps (Polistes) as a model. We also compare the Polistes mechanism with mechanisms proposed for other social Hymenoptera nd ,with the major theoretical models of kin recognition developed for animals in general. This is followed by a discussion of the possible adaptiveness of both female-female nestmate recognition ability and the specific mechanisms underlying this ability. Finally, we explore the preadaptations
Implications from the b -decay measurements

The recent measurements of the bottom-quark $b$ lifetime and the ratio $\frac{{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{b\ensuremath{\rightarrow}u}}{{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{b\ensuremath{\rightarrow}c}}$ are used to analyze the quark-mixing phenomena. We report the implications of these measurements on the Kobayashi-Maskawa angles and phase, ${K}_{e3}$ and hyperon decays, $\mathrm{CP}$-violation parameter $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$, $t$-quark mass, ${K}^{0}\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}{\overline{K}}^{0}$ transition dynamics, ${B}^{0}\ensuremath{-}{\overline{B}}^{0}$ mixing and $\mathrm{CP}$ violation, and nonleptonic decays and leptonic production of heavy quarks.
Neutron production by cosmic-ray muons at shallow depth

The yield of neutrons produced by cosmic ray muons at a shallow depth of 32 meters of water equivalent has been measured. The Palo Verde neutrino detector, containing 11.3 tons of Gd loaded liquid scintillator and 3.5 tons of acrylic, served as a target. The rate of one and two neutron captures was determined. Modeling the neutron capture efficiency allowed us to deduce the total yield of neutrons, Ytot=(3.60±0.09±0.31)×10^-5 neutrons per muon and g/cm^2. This yield is consistent with previous measurements at similar depths.
Effect of Methodology in Estimating and Interpreting Water-Extractable Phosphorus in Animal Manures

Manure water-extractable phosphorus (WEP) data are used in indices and models to assess P transport in runoff. Methods to measure WEP vary widely, often without understanding the effect on how much P is extracted. We conducted water extractions on five dairy, swine, and poultry manures to assess single and sequential extractions, drying manures, solution to solid (cm3 g(-1)) extraction ratios, and P determination method. We found little difference in WEP of single or sequential extractions. Increasing extraction ratio from 10:1 to 250:1 resulted in more WEP recovered, but in a diminishing fashion so that ratios of 200:1 and 250:1 were not significantly different. Patterns of increased WEP with extraction ratio varied with manure type, presence of bedding material, and drying treatment. Fresh and air-dried manures had similar patterns, but differed substantially from oven-dried (90 degrees C) manures. The differential effect of oven-drying on WEP was greatest for dairy and poultry manure, and less for swine manure. We analyzed water extracts colorimetrically before and after digestion, to examine the potential effect of P determination by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. Digested extracts always contained more P. For manures with bedding, drying decreased the difference in P measured before and after digestion. The opposite was true for manures without bedding. Results highlight the influence of methodology on manure WEP measurement and caution needed when comparing data across studies using different WEP methods. Overall, our results point to a need for a standard manure water extraction method.
In Vitro Comparison of Wire and Plate Fixation for Midline Sternotomies

Background The incidence of severe sternal wound complications in high-risk cardiac patients presents a significant need for more stabile sternal fixation techniques after median sternotomy procedures. Rigid metal plates, a potential alternative to wire fixation, are thought to promote faster sternal healing by reducing motion at the wound site. The goal of this study was to compare the stability provided by commercially available sternal plates with standard wires using an in vitro model. Methods Lateral distraction tests were conducted on bisected polyurethane sternal models fixed with either a standard 7 wire configuration (n = 5) or a 3 plate configuration (n = 3). To assure controlled loading, the sternal models were attached to a computer-controlled test machine by a novel tethering system that distributes the total force (180N) equally to eight locations on the sternum. Stability was defined as the ability to restrict sternal separation at seven locations along the midline quantified using digital image analysis. Results Our results indicate that rigid plate fixation significantly reduced lateral motion relative to wire fixation. The lower sternal region most noticeably benefited from plate fixation as the splaying observed for wire fixation was reduced. Conclusions Under these loading conditions, plating increased stability at the midline compared to wires; this increased stability may facilitate the recovery of high-risk patients undergoing cardiac operation. To enhance in vitro testing methods, future studies should incorporate additional in vivo loading conditions applied to the sternum. Alternate plating configurations should also be examined to further increase stability.
Performance of mice in an automated olfactometer: odor detection, discrimination and odor memory.

Mice were trained on a variety of odor detection and discrimination tasks in 100- or 200-trial sessions using a go, no-go discrete trials operant conditioning procedure. Odors, presented for 1 s on each trial, were generated by an air dilution olfactometer (for threshold tests) and an easily constructed eight-channel liquid dilution unit (for two- and multiple-odor discrimination tasks). Mice rapidly acquired the operant task and demonstrated excellent stimulus control by odor vapors. Their absolute detection threshold for ethyl acetate was similar to that obtained with rats using similar methods. They readily acquired four separate two-odor discrimination tasks and continued to perform well when all eight odors were presented in random order in the same session and when reinforcement probability for correct responding was decreased from 1 to 0.5. Memory for these eight odors, assessed under extinction after a 32 day rest period, was essentially perfect. Time spent sampling the odor on S+ and S‐ trials was highly correlated with response accuracy. When accuracy was at chance levels (e.g. initial trials on a novel task), stimulus sampling time on both S+ and S‐ trials was ~0.5‐0.7 s. As response accuracy increased, sampling time on S+ trials tended to increase and remain higher than sampling time on S‐ trials.
Morphologic Investigations of the Guinea Pig Model of Iron Overload

We have developed a guinea pig model of iron overload toxicity. Animals were administered intraperitoneal iron dextran 3 times a week to achieve total body iron load of 0.25,0.5 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g Fe/kg body weight in less than 30 days. Quantitation of tissue iron levels with atomic absorption indicated increased iron deposition in liver and heart of the iron-loaded guinea pigs (p -= 0.001). Additionally, the iron-loaded pigs demonstrated decreased nuclear magnetic resonance spectropscopy T1 relaxation times in both liver and heart (p < 0.001). Serum iron, total body iron capacity, and transfenin saturation values were also determined in guinea pigs treated with 0.25,0.5, and 1.0 g Fe/kg body weight. Serum iron and total iron-binding capacity were significantly increased at 0.5 and 1.0 g Fe/kg; transfemn saturation was elevated at 0.25 and 1.0 g Fe/ kg. Histologic examination of liver, heart, and bone marrow as well as ultrastructural studies on liver and heart confirmed increased iron deposition in treated animals. At the low iron dose level of 0.5 g Fe/kg, liver iron particles were primarily confined to Kupffer cells with minimal hepatocellular localization. Increased hepatocellular iron deposition was observed with larger doses of loaded iron. Myocardial iron was most prominent in interstitial cells of the epicardium, endocardium, myocardium, and coronary adipose tissue. Ultrastructurally, the presence of iron particles in pennuclear, membrane-bound structures (consistent with lysosomes) was confirmed using x-ray microanalysis. These morphological studies suggest that in this animal model siderosis of hepatic mononuclear phagocyte and myocardial interstitial cells may be the initial lesions leading to further biochemical and functional abnormalities. Correlation between tissue iron measurements and both light and electron microscopic changes, presented in this report, serve to introduce the iron-loaded guinea pig as a model for the study of iron-induced tissue damage.
Gate-All-Around n-MOSFETs With Uniaxial Tensile Strain-Induced Performance Enhancement Scalable to Sub-10-nm Nanowire Diameter

The effects of high-level uniaxial tensile strain on the performance of gate-all-around (GAA) Si n-MOSFETs are investigated for nanowire (NW) diameters down to 8 nm. Suspended strained-Si NWs with ~2-GPa uniaxial tension were realized by nanopatterning-induced unilateral relaxation of ultrathin-body 30% strained-Si-directly-on-insulator substrates. Based on these NWs, GAA strained-Si n-MOSFETs were fabricated with a Si thickness of ~8 nm and NW widths in the range of 50 nm down to 8 nm. The GAA strained-Si MOSFETs show excellent subthreshold swing and cutoff behavior, and approximately two times current drive and intrinsic transconductance enhancement compared to similar unstrained Si devices.
Carinal Resection and Sleeve Pneumonectomy Using a Transsternal Approach

Carinal resection, with or without concomitant pulmonary resection is a relatively recent addition to the thoracic surgical armamentarium. Initially, partial-wall tracheal resections were carried out with autogenous or prosthetic material patches (eg, wire, polypropylene mesh) and were first reported by Belsey in 1946.’ The first carinal resection with primary reconstruction was described by Barclay et al’ in the management of a cylindroma. In this first case report, an end-to-end anastomosis was performed between the trachea and right mainstem bronchus with reimplantation of the left mainstem bronchus into the side of the bronchus intermedius. During the past 30 years, significant contributors to the carinal resection technique have included Gril10,~ per el ma^^,^ Pearson,j Jensik,6 Eschapassel7 Dartevelle,8 and Deslauriers.’ The approaches to the carina include a transsternal or a right posterolateral thoracotomy approach. Only on rare occasions (usually unanticipated) should a left sleeve pneumonectomy be attempted using a left posterolateral thoracotomy incision. Indications
An Empirical Test of the Theory of Gamified Learning: The Effect of Leaderboards on Time-on-Task and Academic Performance

BackgroundThe theory of gamified learning provides a theoretical framework to test the impact of gamification efforts upon learner behaviors and attitudes, as well as the effect of these behavioral...
Influence of pressure on the thermal conductivity of polymer glasses.

The influence of pressure on the thermal conductivity K of four vitreous poly(alkyl methacrylate) polymers has been measured by steady state techniques. The measurements were made under pressures up to 2Kbars and over a temperature range between 173 and 300°K. For each member of the homologous series K was found to increase with applied pressure. Shifts in thermal conductivity transition temperatures (attributed to glass transition phenomena) of 25, 26 and 16°C per Kbar of applied pressure were observed for PMMA, PEMA and PnBMA. A quantitative model for the pressure dependence of K is presented. By extending the hole theory of liquids to temperatures below the glass transition, an equation of state is obtained and an expression for the pressure dependence of K is then formulated from a consideration of the anharmonicity associated with the segmental vibrations. The resulting equation ΔK/K = γGfo{1−exp(−P/B*)}, where γG is the Gruneisen parameter, fo is the fractional free volume and B* = KTg/Vo, is compared with experimental results for the poly (alkyl methacrylates).
Hydrogel Meniscal Replacement in the Sheep Knee Preliminary Evaluation of Chondroprotective Effects

BackgroundMeniscal allograft transplantation has become a viable surgical alternative for a select group of patients with deficient or irreparable menisci. Subjective results are encouraging; long-term success, durability, and safety of allograft meniscal transplantation are uncertain.PurposesTo evaluate a novel hydrogel meniscal replacement implant in an ovine model and assess chondroprotective effects of this hydrogel meniscal replacement using several validated outcome measures.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsFourteen skeletally mature sheep underwent hydrogel meniscal replacement; 45 additional animals had previously undergone 1 of 3 operations: lateral meniscectomy (24), meniscal allograft transplant (17), and sham (4). Animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, or 12 months. Cartilage was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, gross inspection, biomechanical testing, and semiquantitative histological analysis.ResultsThere were no differences between the sham operation and nonoperated control l...
HEGEL AND THE REVOLUTIONS REVISITED

In the preface to his book on Hegel, Charles Taylor recognized two ways that every Hegel commentator can go wrong: “Either one can end up being terribly clear and sounding very reasonable at the cost of distorting, even bowdlerizing Hegel. Or one can remain faithful but impenetrable, so that in the end readers will turn with relief to the text in order to understand the commentary.” While it is hard to imagine ever turning to the Phenomenology with relief, Taylor's cautionary remark draws attention to the indirect relationship between the form and content of Hegel critique: either one attains formal clarity at the expense of material complexity or material complexity at the expense of clarity. The task of the critic, according to Taylor, is to find a balance between these two extremes. The various “Hegel revivals” of the past century, like that of Lukacs and the Marxist humanists in the interwar years or Kojeve and the existentialists in postwar France, have all struggled to find this balance. The latest Hegel revival is no exception, but both Rebecca Comay's Mourning Sickness: Hegel and the French Revolution and Susan Buck-Morss's Hegel, Haiti, and Universal History remind us that insight also comes from the extremes.
Analysis of red autofluorescence (650-670nm) in epidermal cell populations and its potential for distinguishing contributors to 'touch' biological samples

Interpretation of touch DNA mixtures poses a significant challenge for forensic caseworking laboratories. Front end techniques that facilitate separation of contributor cell populations before DNA extraction are a way to circumvent this problem. The goal of this study was to survey intrinsic fluorescence of epidermal cells collected from touch surfaces and investigate whether this property could potentially be used to discriminate between contributor cell populations in a biological mixture. Analysis of red autofluorescence (650-670nm) showed that some contributors could be distinguished on this basis. Variation was also observed between autofluorescence profiles of epidermal cell populations from a single contributor sampled on different days. This dataset suggests that red autofluorescence may be a useful marker for identifying distinct cell populations in some mixtures. Future efforts should continue to investigate the extrinsic or intrinsic factors contributing to this signature, and to identify additional biomarkers that could complement this system.
Acidification of three types of liver endocytic vesicles: Similarities and differences

Endocytosed ligands move through a series of progressively more acidic vesicles. These differences in pH (pHi) could reflect differences in ion transport mechanisms. Vesicles representing three stages of endocytosis, compartment for uncoupling of receptor and ligand (CURL), multivesicular bodies (MVB), and receptor recycling compartment (RRC), were studied, and all exhibited ATP-dependent electrogenic acidification that was a saturable function of medium chloride. Initial rates of acidification differed (RRC > CURL > MVB), and proton influx was similar for CURL and RRC but slower for MVB. Steady-state ATP-dependent pHi in the three vesicles was more similar. Vesicle membrane potential was substantial (+41 to +69 mV) in low-chloride medium and greatest for RRC but was low (-6 to +6 mV) in 140 mM KCl. These vesicles also exhibited -22 to -37 mV Donnan potentials. Steady-state pump-generated proton electrochemical gradients (delta mu H+) ranged from 114 to 175 mV and were greater for CURL and RRC than for MVB; however, delta mu H+ changed little over a 140-fold difference in chloride concentration. Proton leak rates were faster in CURL and RRC than in MVB, but proton efflux was similar. Finally, proton fluxes and permeabilities, calculated with regard to surface area, differed in the opposite direction (MVB > CURL > RRC). Thus, for the endocytic vesicles studied, intrinsic differences in proton flux and in vesicle geometry could be demonstrated that contributed to differences in pre-steady-state vesicle pHi.