cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pressure Dependence of Magnetic Order in Single Crystalline CePtGa1-x

We present measurements of the susceptibility, the specific heat and the resistivity under hydrostatic pressure on single crystals of an antiferromagnetically ordered Kondo lattice compound CePtGa1-x (TN=4. 2 K). We observe a positive temperature response of TN on application of hydrostatic pressure up to 1. 7 GPa.
Assessing Information from Pharmaceutical Company Representatives.

Physicians should not only avoid forming personal relationships with drug reps but must also acquire and apply numeracy skills and information management strategies to critically evaluating drug reps’ information.
Presence and Location of an Unusual Amino Acid, ε-N-Trimethyllysine, in Cytochrome c of Wheat Germ and Neurospora

Abstract Wheat germ cytochrome c contains 2 residues of e-N-trimethyllysine (lysine betaine) at positions 72 and 86. Neurospora cytochrome c possesses this lysine derivative at Residue 72. No trace of e-N-methyl- or e-N-dimethyllysine was found in these proteins. Residue 72 is present in the sequence comprising Residues 70 through 80 which is invariant in all cytochromes of this type and Residue 86 is present in a region which is characterized in almost all cytochromes as being either Lys-Lys or Lys-Lys-Lys. Some possible implications of these findings with respect to the interaction of cytochrome c with cytochrome oxidase are discussed.
MAPLE: A Comprehensive Introduction

1. Planting the seeds: introducing maple 2. Numbers, functions and basic algebra 3. Calculus and differential equations 4. Matrices, linear algebra and the linear package 5. The last resort: numerical methods 6. Graphs and graphics 7. Algebra with maple 8. Useful utilities 9. What's in the packages? 10. Looping, branching and data structures 11. Introducing maple programming 12. Programming examples.
Gastrointestinal Parasites in Road-Killed Raccoons and Opossums in Western Maryland

Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) harbor several types of endoparasites, including various nematode and cestode species. The purpose of this study was to identify endoparasites from the gastrointestinal tract of road-killed opossums and raccoons collected in Fall 2011 in Allegany and Garrett counties in Maryland. A total of 2 opossums and 3 raccoons were collected and dissected and several endoparasitic worms were removed. Sex of each worm was determined and eggs were removed from selected females for examination. Two nematode species were identified in the opossum: Physaloptera turgida was found in the stomach; and Cruzia americana was found in the intestine. One nematode species was identified in the raccoon: Baylisascaris procyonis was found in the intestine. Also, approximately 12 damaged proglottids from a tapeworm were found in the intestine of 1 raccoon, but definitive identification of the species was not possible. Our results are similar to previous studies which have found these same nematodes in opossums and raccoons, although recent reports of these species in Western Maryland have not been reported. Endoparasite species are usually specific to their definitive host; however, B. procyonis is considered a zoonotic agent because accidental ingestion of eggs can cause visceral larval migrans in humans. Even though our sample size was too small to assign any statistical significance to our data, the fact remains that B. procyonis poses a serious risk to human health and further studies to determine the number of raccoons and other animals infected in Western Maryland may be warranted.
Information-theoretic determination of minimax rates of convergence

We present some general results determining minimax bounds on statistical risk for density estimation based on certain information-theoretic considerations. These bounds depend only on metric entropy conditions and are used to identify the minimax rates of convergence.
Efficient query by image content for very large image databases

The QBIC (query by image content) project in the IBM Almaden Research Center in San Jose, CA, is conducting a theoretical, experimental, and prototyping study of the problem of querying large still image databases efficiently based on image content. Since the problem is difficult, the aim is to discover general principles, but at the same time to identify target application(s) for which concrete pilot systems will be prototyped. A number of algorithms have been developed that allow the user to search based on color, texture, and shape. The search can be focused on either image objects (areas previously outlined by the user) or on the whole images. The search argument can be all or part of a particular image, or user-selected patterns of color, texture, or shape selected from 'pickers', or any weighted combination of these patterns. An example of a search by shape and color, and associated result is given. The results of initial experimentation are encouraging. >
Revisiting Stock Market Short-Termism

There is a long list of negatives regarding stock market short-termism. Short-term goals are volatile and subject to sudden fluctuations in the economic, political, and social context. In the long run, this volatility can discourage management continuity and cause firms to lose track of their strategic business models. Also, it may become more difficult to communicate leadership values within the organization if the direction followed by business leaders is continuously corrected to pursue new short-term projects; valuable employees may grow increasingly dissatisfied and decide to leave. Moreover, the pressure on executives to meet quarterly earnings may induce them to search for internal costs to reduce and externalize. For example, to avoid any market disappointment about financial results, the CEO of a chemical firm may decide to forgo a project to upgrade its plants with a state-of-the-art pollution-control system; in practical terms, the cost of that upgrade is transferred to the environment and our society at large, and will be paid by future generations. Finally, because of the pressure to deliver immediate results, senior managers may decide to manipulate corporate accounts, contributing to the credibility crisis the securities market has been suffering from in recent years.This paper argues that the time is ripe for a concerted effort to tackle the issue of stock market short-termism. In fact, it appears that, at no other time in the long debate on the issue, have there been as many factors militating for change. These factors, detailed in six separate sections of the paper, include:- The recognition by the business community of the need to restore investors' confidence and the credibility of the international capital markets- The recent focus on corporate governance of the shareholder activism movement- The pressure put on companies by investors, regulators and the judiciary, as well as rating agencies and proxy advisors to revisit the pay-for-performance issue and devise compensation schemes based on a more balanced combination of financial and extra-financial indicators of performance- The debate on how to enhance corporate reporting based on true value of business success- The recent empirical findings on the linkage between sustainability (i.e. environmental, social and corporate governance) factors and improved stock price and shareholder value- The unprecedented effort undertaken by regulators, intermediaries and institutional investors to focus financial sell-side research on long-term corporate valueFor the reasons explained in the paper, any effort to address the problem of short-termism should involve each link of the short-termism chain: the corporate link, the investor link and the reputational intermediary link. The paper discusses in details a number of governance and investment practices that could be supported by each of those communities to contribute to finding a solution to the problem. Suggestions for further research are also included.
Molecular cloud evolution and star formation.

The origin and growth of molecular clouds is described and mechanisms for molecular cloud support are reviewed. Cloud disruption is discussed with emphasis on star formation efficiency. Issues pertaining to massive star enhanced star formation are summarized, and a mechanism for bimodal star formation is presented. Applications are made to the global star formation rate and to starburst galaxies.
Revelle revisited: Buffer factors that quantify the response of ocean chemistry to changes in DIC and alkalinity

[1] We derive explicit expressions of the Revelle factor and several other buffer factors of interest to climate change scientists and those studying ocean acidification. These buffer factors quantify the sensitivity of CO2 and H+ concentrations ([CO2] and [H+]) and CaCO3 saturation (Ω) to changes in dissolved inorganic carbon concentration (DIC) and alkalinity (Alk). The explicit expressions of these buffer factors provide a convenient means to compare the degree of buffering of [CO2], [H+], and Ω in different regions of the oceans and at different times in the future and to gain insight into the buffering mechanisms. All six buffer factors have roughly similar values, and all reach an absolute minimum when DIC = Alk (pH ∼ 7.5). Surface maps of the buffer factors generally show stronger buffering capacity in the subtropical gyres relative to the polar regions. As the dissolution of anthropogenic CO2 increases the DIC of surface seawater over the next century, all the buffer factors will decrease, resulting in a much greater sensitivity to local variations in DIC and Alk. For example, diurnal and seasonal variations in pH and Ω caused by photosynthesis and respiration will be greatly amplified. Buffer factors provide convenient means to quantify the effect that changes in DIC and Alk have on seawater chemistry. They should also help illuminate the role that various physical and biological processes have in determining the oceanic response to an increase in atmospheric CO2.
Early Parental Support, Relationships With God, and Self-Rated Health in Advanced Old Age

Object relations theory specifies that the nature of the relationship that individuals form with their primary caretaker serves as a prototype for the social relationships they develop in adulthood. Some investigators extend this perspective by arguing that social ties with caretakers also shape relationships with God. The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate this extension. Data from a nationwide survey of older adults (N = 1,277) are used to evaluate a model that contains the following core relationships: (1) people who receive support from their primary caretakers will be more likely to attend worship services; (2) individuals who attend church frequently will be likely to develop a close relationship with God; (3) those who have a close relationship with God will be more hopeful about the future; and (4) people who are more hopeful will enjoy better health. The data provide support for each of these relationships.
Desensitized morphological and cytokine response after stretch-shortening muscle contractions as a feature of aging in rats.

Abstract Recovery from contraction-induced injury is impaired with aging. At a young age, the secondary response several days following contraction-induced injury consists of edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and segmental muscle fiber degeneration to aid in the clearance of damaged tissue and repair. This morphological response has not been wholly established at advanced age. Our aim was to characterize muscle fiber morphology 3 and 10 days following stretch-shortening contractions (SSCs) varying in repetition number (i.e. 0, 30, 80, and 150) for young and old rats. For muscles of young rats, muscle fiber degeneration was overt at 3 days exclusively after 80 or 150 SSCs and returned significantly closer to control values by 10 days. For muscles of old rats, no such responses were observed. Transcriptional microarray analysis at 3 days demonstrated that muscles of young rats differentially expressed up to 2144 genes while muscles of old rats differentially expressed 47 genes. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that cellular movement was a major biological process over-represented with genes that were significantly altered by SSCs especially for young rats. Protein levels in muscle for various cytokines and chemokines, key inflammatory factors for cell movement, increased 3- to 50-fold following high-repetition SSCs for young rats with no change for old rats. This age-related differential response was insightful given that for control (i.e. 0 SSCs) conditions, protein levels of circulatory cytokines/chemokines were increased with age. The results demonstrate ongoing systemic low-grade inflammatory signaling and subsequent desensitization of the cytokine/chemokine and morphological response to contraction-induced injury with aging — features which accompany age-related impairment in muscle recovery.
How Protective Are Synthetic Data

This short paper provides a synthesis of the statistical disclosure limitation and computer science data privacy approaches to measuring the confidentiality protections provided by fully synthetic data. Since all elements of the data records in the release file derived from fully synthetic data are sampled from an appropriate probability distribution, they do not represent "real data," but there is still a disclosure risk. In SDL this risk is summarized by the inferential disclosure probability. In privacy-protected database queries, this risk is measured by the differential privacy ratio. The two are closely related. This result (not new) is demonstrated and examples are provided from recent work.
Attitude Extremity and Latitudes of Acceptance, Rejection and Indifference.

Measures of attitude extremity and measures of latitudes of acceptance, rejection and indifference were administered to 87 Ss (male college students) in order to test social-judgment hypotheses abo...
Design factors, reliability, and durability prediction of wet layup carbon/epoxy used in external strengthening

Abstract Although fiber reinforced polymer composites are increasingly used through the wet layup process for the rehabilitation of deteriorating and understrength concrete structures, there is very little validated information regarding performance over extended time periods. This has resulted in the use of excessively conservative factors in design in some cases, and unconservative estimates, or complete disregard of degradation effects on some characteristics, in others. In this paper two commonly used predictive approaches are used to provide estimates of long-term deterioration for a range of material characteristics which are compared to experimental data obtained over a 3 years period of exposure. It is shown that although predicted durability of tensile characteristics is extremely good for thin sections used conventionally, the rates of deterioration increase significantly with increase in the number of reinforcing layers used. In addition there is deterioration of other characteristics, especially related to interlaminar and intralaminar properties, that need to be considered. It is noted that both methods are unable to accurately account for effects of initial post-cure seen in ambient cured carbon/epoxy systems, although the conventional Arrhenius predictions provide good correlation with experiments once this mechanism has ceased. A methodology that is capable of accounting for temperature variation during exposure is also outlined. The predictions are compared with safety factors prescribed by ACI-440 and TR-55 and some inherent disadvantages of such approaches is highlighted. The basis for the estimation of safety factors based on a reliability approach using Weibull parameters is presented and typical results are shown, emphasizing some weaknesses in current design methodologies in the area of FRP rehabilitation of concrete.
A bimodal volcanic-plutonic system: the Zarembo Island extrusive suite and the Burnett Inlet intrusive complex

The Zarembo Island volcanic rocks and the Burnett Inlet plutonic complex in central southeastern Alaska were investigated to determine if they are genetically related. The Zarembo Island volcanic suite consists of basalt, andesite, and rhyolite lava flows, which exhibit features that suggest simultaneous eruptions of mafic and felsic lavas. Five kilometres to the southeast, the broadly layered Burnett Inlet plutonic complex consists of gabbro-diorite and granite plutons that also show characteristics of contemporaneous mafic and felsic magmatism. These bimodal volcanic and plutonic rocks are similar in age, ranging from 18.5 to 21.5 Ma. Both suites show a gap in silica concentration between 60 and 65 wt.% and have similar major, trace, and rare-earth element composition. Both suites also show igneous layering, either as interlayered basalt and rhyolite flows or as alternating gabbro and granite sheets. Additionally, both groups contain magma mingling and mixing textures, including mafic enclaves in felsic members and quartz xenocrysts rimmed by clinopyroxene in enclaves. These characteristics suggest that the Burnett Inlet intrusive complex and the Zarembo Island volcanic suite represent an eroded, shallow-level plutonic center and its eruptive cover. The style of volcanism and the bimodal nature of magmatism suggest that igneous activity occurred during crustal extension and thinning that accompanied strike-slip tectonic motion in southeastern Alaska during the Tertiary. The volcanic-plutonic rock associations now exposed at the surface indicate that at least 7° of post-20 Ma crustal tilting has affected the region and can help to explain aberrant paleomagnetic poles in mid-Cretaceous intrusions of the Cordillera Coast belt.
Patient satisfaction with task shifting of antiretroviral services in Ethiopia: implications for universal health coverage

Formalized task shifting structures have been used to rapidly scale up antiretroviral service delivery to underserved populations in several countries, and may be a promising mechanism for accomplishing universal health coverage. However, studies evaluating the quality of service delivery through task shifting have largely ignored the patient perspective, focusing on health outcomes and acceptability to health care providers and regulatory bodies, despite studies worldwide that have shown the significance of patient satisfaction as an indicator of quality. This study aimed to measure patient satisfaction with task shifting of antiretroviral services in hospitals and health centres in four regions of Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study used data collected from a time–motion study of patient services paired with 665 patient exit interviews in a stratified random sample of antiretroviral therapy clinics in 21 hospitals and 40 health centres in 2012. Data were analyzed using f-tests across provider types, and multivariate logistic regression to identify determinants of patient satisfaction. Most (528 of 665) patients were satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the services received, but patients who received services from nurses and health officers were significantly more likely to report satisfaction than those who received services from doctors [odds ratio (OR) 0.26, P < 0.01]. Investments in the health facility were associated with higher satisfaction (OR 1.07, P < 0.01), while costs to patients of over 120 birr were associated with lower satisfaction (OR 0.14, P < 0.05). This study showed high levels of patient satisfaction with task shifting in Ethiopia. The evidence generated by this study complements previous biomedical and health care provider/regulatory acceptability studies to support the inclusion of task shifting as a mechanism for scaling-up health services to achieve universal health coverage, particularly for underserved areas facing severe health worker shortages.
Parental relatedness and major histocompatibility effects on early embryo survivorship in Atlantic salmon.

Salmon have provided key insights into the relative influence of natural and sexual selection on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) variation. Natural selection on salmon MHC genes has been demonstrated in pathogen studies, and there is evidence of MHC-based mate choice (sexual selection). We tested whether parental MHC genes affect survivorship of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) by quantifying the influence of parental genome-wide relatedness and MHC genotype on survivorship to the swim-up stage. Thirteen microsatellite loci were used to estimate the influence of genome-wide relatedness between parents on offspring survivorship and MHC genotypes were determined by sequencing part of the class IIβ gene. Our results revealed no significant relationship between early offspring survivorship and genome-wide relatedness, predicted MHC heterozygosity, or MHC allelic similarity. Overall, our data are consistent with the contention that excess MHC heterozygosity in Atlantic salmon juveniles is due to sexual selection as well as differential survival of offspring due to MHC genotype.
Scale insects, decay and canker fungi in American beech

Summary Tripartite interactions among phytophagous insects, pathogens and their host plants provide insight into the role of host physiology in determining susceptibility to attack. American beech (Fagus grandifolia) often is simultaneously attacked by beech scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga), one or more Neonectria pathogens and Xylococculus betulae that can result in beech bark disease (BBD). Additionally, beech is frequently infected by heartrot-decay fungi. Cursory observations in 2011 suggested that beech scale and Neonectria lesion densities were lower and greater, respectively, on trees with decay. In 2012, digital image analysis was used to quantify densities of these organisms on 123 beech from the Adirondack region of New York. Three groups of study trees (n = 41) were used: Inonotus glomeratus-infected, Phellinus igniarius-infected and non-decay trees. Trees infected by decay pathogens supported lower densities of beech scale and higher densities of Neonectria. Densities of X. betulae did not significantly vary among decay groups. These results may be explained by decay-induced changes in host physiology. Additional work is needed to elucidate the potential role of host bark chemistry in the BBD complex.
Being Free in Obama's America: Racial Differences in Perceptions of Constraints on Political Action

Many studies of interracial differences in rates of political participation pay too little attention to African Americans' perceptions of whether they can freely participate in politics. Survey evidence collected over the last several decades has consistently shown that black Americans perceive much less political freedom available to them than do white Americans. The gap in perceived freedom has narrowed somewhat in recent years but remains large. Following the empowerment hypothesis of Lawrence Bobo and Franklin Gilliam, black perceptions of freedom increased with the election of Barack Obama to the American presidency. But perhaps unexpectedly, the empowerment bonus has not persisted, especially among conservative and fundamentalist blacks. Because African Americans do not perceive that their government would permit various types of political action, it is likely that substantial interracial differences exist in non-voting types of political participation, especially political action directed against g...
Persistent versus transient stimulation of the macaque corpus luteum during prolonged exposure to human chorionic gonadotropin: a function of age of the corpus luteum.

The rescue of the primate corpus luteum (CL) by CG in early pregnancy is transient, despite a continued rise in circulating CG. To investigate the mechanisms resulting in this response, female rhesus monkeys were given im injections of increasing doses of hCG for 10 days during the menstrual cycle to mimic the pattern of circulating macaque CG observed in early pregnancy. Treatment began 5.3 ± 0.3 (early luteal phase; n = 4; mean ± se), 8.3 ± 0.5 (midluteal phase; n = 6), or 12.0 ± 0.4 (late luteal phase; n = 4) days after the midcycle LH surge. Femoral venous blood was collected daily from CG-treated animals from day 8 of the menstrual cycle until the onset of menses. Serum hCG, LH, progesterone (P), and 17β-estradiol (E) were measured by RIA. When CG treatment began during the early luteal phase, serum P increased within 9 h after the initial injection (P < 0.05); elevated concentrations of P persisted through treatment (range, 5.7–10.8 ng/ml) and decreased only after termination of CG injections. When ...
Complications of coronary arteriography: A follow-up report

A nationwide survey of complications due to coronary arteriography during 1973–74 yielded responses from 176 hospitals (89,079 coronary arteriograms). The overall mortality rate three times as high for non-heparinized as for heparinized patients. In institutions performing fewer than 100 examinations per year, the combined incidence of death, myocardial infarction, and cerebral embolism was five times higher than in institutions performing more than 400 examinations per year. Left main coronary artery or three-vessel disease was present in most patients who died of the procedure. Compared to a previous survey of 1970–71, there was a profound decrease in significant complications (including death, myocardial infarction, and cerebral embolism) and entry site complications such as thrombosis. A reduction in mortality with the femoral technique since 1971 was not accounted for by heparinization and may reflect increasing experience with the method and shorter angiographic times.
Development of a Suite of Computational Models for the Design of Ultralow-k SiCOH-based Materials

A computational model of amorphous SiCOH materials is described that will facilitate studies of SiCOH behavior under different thermal and mechanical stresses. This involved developing an atomic-scale model of an SiCOH thin film, which exhibited structural, mechanical and electrical properties in agreement with experimental studies. We developed a unique process for computationally creating the structure of SiCOH films. We created an algorithm for introducing and estimating porosity in the system, which provides detailed information about the system’s pore size distribution on multiple length scales. We used Density Functional Theory (DFT) to develop a simple correlation that calculates the dielectric constant of a large SiCOH structure based only on its atomic composition and volume. Finally, we confirmed the mechanical properties of the model using established Molecular Dynamics techniques. We verified that essential electronic and mechanical properties of the model structure reproduce experimental data for a representative SiCOH material within acceptable accuracy. We find the mechanical properties are significantly weakened by the presence of pendant carbon groups.
Using Toys Effectively in Fluid Mechanics Education

Many inexpensive and readily available toys can offer benefits in support of technical education in addition to their primary function as tools for fun and entertainment. These toys can help facilitate learning at all levels from K-12 to university. In this paper, a short review of the use of toys in physics and engineering education is provided, followed by an introduction to several categories of toys that use principles of fluid mechanics. Several examples of beautiful and fun toys that demonstrate properties of density and viscosity and their effects on fluid behavior and motion are described. Features of each toy are explained and the relevant engineering/scientific concepts demonstrated by the toy are discussed. Furthermore, suggestions are made as to how the toys could be used as part of a curriculum, and assignments based on these toys are suggested as challenges for students.© 2009 ASME
The effect of outcome knowledge on auditors' judgmental evaluations

Abstract This study investigates the effect of outcome knowledge on auditors' judgments. Specifically, we varied the degree of surprise of the outcome to determine its effect on hindsight judgments in an auditing task. Results indicate that when the outcome is surprising, ex ante judgments are affected. However, when the outcome is not surprising, foresight and hindsight evaluations are not significantly different. We also tested a simple decision aid designed to reduce the hindsight effect. While the results were weak, we were able to move foresight judgments in the direction of the related hindsight judgment.
Dynamic interactions in the physical properties of magnetron deposition systems

Abstract The traditional approach to magnetron sputter deposition is to describe the plasma, the sputtering and bombardment processes, atom transport and film deposition individually as separate non-interacting processes. In reality, however, strong interactions exist between most of these phenomena. As an example, the bombardment process at the cathode can lead to energetic bombardment of the sample through energetic neutrals or neutralized negative ions. Also, the density of the background gas and the subsequent sputtered atom-gas atom collisions result in changes in atom transport as well as changes in the energy distribution of the sputtered atoms. The collisional rarefaction of the background gas results in a host of other changes, including changes in the plasma impedance, the film stress and composition, the relative arrival rates of energetic and condensing species and the optical emission levels. Several experiments have shown the magnitude of these various effects. The neutral density near the cathode has been measured and found to be strongly dependent on the discharge current, as well as the sputter yield and the thermal conductivity of the gas. The flux of energetic neutrals has been experimentally measured at the sample surface during sputtering as a function of pressure, power and the particular species involved. The relative ion to neutral arrival rate can be measured as a function of pressure. As a function of increasing pressure the reduction in the deposition rate of sputtered atoms is more significant than changes in the flux of high energy neutrals due to scattering. The gas rarefaction effect can be shown to modify the transport process of the sputtered atoms, as well as the resultant composition and stress of films deposited on both the cathode and the sample.
Min and max hierarchical clustering using asymmetric similarity measures

The min and the max hierarchical clustering methods discussed by Johnson are extended to include the use of asymmetric similarity values. The first part of the paper presents the basic min and max procedures but in the context of graph theory; this description is then generalized to directed graphs as a way of introducing the less restrictive characterization of the original clustering techniques.
Virus Induction of osteosarcomas in Mice

A virus extractcd from an osteosarcoma of a mouse produces simiillar fumors when Injected into newborn mice. The original tumor appeared spoiltaneously in an untreated CFI male. The time between inoculation with virus and detection of bone sarcoma has been as short as 23 days.
Effects of carried weight on random motion and traditional measures of postural sway

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of load weight carried by soldiers upon postural sway. Fourteen US Army enlisted men participated. Postural sway and muscle activity were measured while participants stood on a force plate. The load weight conditions, comprised of Army clothing and load-carriage equipment were 6, 16, and 40 kg. With an increase in load weight, stabilogram-diffusion analysis revealed that random movement of postural sway decreased. Also, with an increase in load weight, center of pressure excursions increased linearly but muscle activity changed minimally. In short, increasing load weight challenged the load carriers' stability, reduced the randomness of postural sway and required the load carriers to exert greater control of the load in order to maintain balance.
Continuous Reactor Technology for Ketal Formation: An Improved Synthesis of Solketal

The development of a fully continuous process for the synthesis of solketal (4-hydroxymethyl-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane) is described. The use of a heterogeneous catalyst, recycle of unreacted starting material, elimination of the need for an entraining solvent, and purification of the product in situ all afford improvements over existing processes. Data generated in model reactions is used to prove the applicability of the process to a counter-current distillation reactor design, and to compute the operating parameters of the reactor.
Quantification of Serum 1–84 Parathyroid Hormone in Patients with Hyperparathyroidism by Immunocapture In Situ Digestion Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Background: Immunoassays specific for 1–84 parathyroid hormone (PTH) reportedly reflect the bioactivity of PTH; however, PTH immunoassays can be susceptible to interference by cross-reacting PTH fragments. In addition, these assays currently lack standardization. A methodology using immunocapture purification with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detection, along with a stable isotope–labeled internal standard, may help address these issues. Methods: We isolated 1–84 PTH from 1 mL serum by immunocapture on a 6.5-mm polystyrene bead. The immobilized PTH was digested in situ and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. For quantification, we used the selected reaction monitoring response from the N-terminal tryptic peptide 1–13 PTH (1SVSEIQLMHNLGK13). Results: The linear range of the assay was 39.1–4560 ng/L, and the limit of detection and limit of quantification were 14.5 ng/L and 39.1 ng/L, respectively. The intraassay CVs ranged from 6% to 11%, and the interassay CVs ranged from 7% to 17%. Interference by PTH fragments 1–44 PTH, 7–84 PTH, 43–68 PTH, 52–84 PTH, 64–84 PTH, and PTH-related protein (PTHrP) was ≤1% to ≤0.001%. Method comparison of LC-MS/MS vs the Roche Cobas® immunoassay yielded Deming fit of LC-MS/MS = 1.01 x immunoassay – 13.21. The mean bias by Bland–Altman plot was −9.4%. Conclusions: In patients with hyperparathyroidism, the immunocapture in situ digestion LC-MS/MS method can provide accurate and precise PTH results compared with immunoassay.
A hybrid wireless system for power line monitoring

Smart Grid is an attractive topic in recent years, especially for those developing countries, such as China, who has large population and less energy resources. An extensive communication system is the essential infrastructure of the Smart Grid to ensure information exchange and resource management rapidly and efficiently. Since it will affect all areas of power grid, from generation system to transmission and distribution system, the communication system will be hybrid and involve various communication technologies, such as optical transmission, wireless techniques, advanced sensor networks, etc. In this paper, we focus the discussion on the broadband wireless access techniques used for monitoring power transmission line. We propose a hybrid wireless system based on WiFi and WiMAX to complete the dual directional communications for data collection and system controlling. The deployment capacity is analyzed and the challenges for spectrum utilization are discussed. Simulation results indicate that the system we designed can match the performance requirements when sharing spectrum with others.
Conjectures on the global stability problem of plasmoids

Abstract The variational calculations analyzing the global stability of high-β plasmoids are synthesized in two conjectures. These conjectures are subsequently made plausible.
Chemical Free Room Temperature Wafer To Wafer Direct Bonding

A limitation to the use of direct wafer bonding methods for micromachining and thin film device manufacturing has been the necessity for high temperature anneals to strengthen the bonded interface. Obviously, strong interface strength is needed to withstand backthinning processes and the rigors of device fabrication. Unfortunately, the elevated temperature exposure has a detrimental effect on implanted or diffused etch stop layers via diffusive broadening. Additionally, for many micromachined applications wafer bonding could be used as a final assembly step, replacing epoxies. However, the sensitive components of the device must be protected from thermal effects. This paper describes the use of oxygen plasmas to develop chemical free, room temperature, wafer to wafer bonding methods. The bond developed between plasma‐activated silicon wafers is virtually at full strength upon contact bonding and does not require further thermal strengthening. The results for silicon dioxide bonding show that full strength material is achieved with anneals below 300°C. This process has been applied to a number of wafer materials including sapphire, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, and gallium arsenide. The data presented are the results of strength tests, interfacial defect etching, transmission electron microscopy analysis, initial interface reaction kinetics, and mechanisms studies. We also show preliminary results from a suggested model to explain the observed increases in kinetics compared to conventional aqueous solution processing of samples.
Rectangular quasigroups and rectangular loops

We solve two problems posed by Krapez by finding a basis of seven independent axioms for the variety of rectangular loops. Six of these axioms form a basis for the variety of rectangular quasigroups. The proofs of the lemmas showing that the six axioms are sufficient are based on proofs generated by the automated reasoning program Otter, while most of the models verifying the independence of the axioms were generated by the finite model builder Mace4.
On the accuracy of the quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) in thin-film depositions

Abstract The quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) is traditionally used as a thin-film deposition monitor. The most commonly used monitor crystal is AT-cut quartz vibrating in its thickness shear mode. The mass of the deposited film on the quartz crystal's surface is indicated by the change of its resonance frequency. With the introduction of the z-matchEM technique in the 1970s, the accuracy of the QCM dramatically improved. This technique takes into account the mismatch of acoustic impedance between the quartz crystal and the deposited thin film. In recent years, new methodologies have been proposed to improve thhe accuracy of the QCM even further. For many years, we have carefully gathered a vast amount of data on the deposition of various metals, dielectrics and alloys on quartz crystals. In this paper, we report results of the comparison of the recently proposed methods with the Z-match technique, using the gravimetric measurement of deposited mass on the quartz crystals as the benchmark. We also report an extension formula, which broadens the validity of the z-match technique beyond a normalized frequency shift of 50%.
Diabetes research for developing countries.

EAGLES investigations into the specific needs for diabetes research in developing countries, and Europe’s potential to support that research [European Union and Diabetes http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_information/dissemination/diseases/diabetes_en.htm , EU Research on Diabetes http://ec.europa.eu/research/leaflets/diabetes/index_en.html ] reach nine major conclusions. In each case, they involve tuning European research to have the greatest impact in the shortest possible time, by understanding and respecting developing countries’ conditions of health, politics and economics. Major recommendations arise from the lack of national population-based epidemiology to enable planning and convince political powers of the need for action; from countries’ low healthcare budgets, entailing needs for the cheapest possible interventions; from the need to investigate interventions specifically tuned to national circumstances; and finally from the needs for specific local biomedical research, such as studies into the several unique African phenotypes of the disease. The details of our nine recommendations can be seen at the end of the report.
Mature Motorcyclists: Violating Age Norms and Loving It

Age norms tell us at what ages members of society consider it appropriate for us to become potty trained, enter and exit school, start and stop driving a car, get married, have children, retire from work, and even die. So, at what age, if any, should a person start riding a motorcycle? More importantly, at what age should a motorcyclist stop riding? The author conducted ethnographic interviews with approximately 90 motorcyclists over the age of fifty. Findings in this study indicate that just as society has established “social clocks” for other personal and social activities, informal norms operate to establish age boundaries for riding motorcycles. Today's Baby Boomers, in their quest to be “forever young,” however, seem to be stretching and breaking those boundaries, redefining previous limitations on a wide variety of activities, including motorcycling. Although the stigma once associated with motorcycling is waning rapidly, some people still view motorcyclists as deviant. Even those who see riding a m...
Modeling tidal circulation and stratification in Skagit River estuary using an unstructured grid ocean model

Abstract Tidal circulation and river plume dynamics in shallow-water estuarine systems with large intertidal zones are complex. Strong asymmetries in tidal currents and stratification often occur in the intertidal zones and subtidal channels over a tidal cycle. The Skagit River is the largest estuary with respect to the discharge of a significant amount of freshwater and sediment into Puget Sound, Washington. It consists of a large intertidal zone with multiple tidal channels near the mouth of the estuary. To simulate the tidal circulation and salinity stratification accurately in the intertidal region, an unstructured grid numerical model with wetting–drying capability and the capability to accurately represent the bathymetry of tidal flats and the geometry of shallow distributary channels is necessary. In this paper, a modeling study for the Skagit River estuary using a three-dimensional unstructured grid, finite-volume coastal ocean model (FVCOM) supported by high-resolution LIDAR data is presented. The hydrodynamic model was validated with observed water surface elevation, velocity, and salinity data over spring and neap tidal cycles under low-river-flow and high-river-flow conditions. Wetting and drying processes in the intertidal zone and strong stratification in the estuary were simulated successfully by the model. Model results indicate that the Skagit River estuary is a highly stratified estuary, but destratification can occur during flood tide. Tides and baroclinic motion are the dominant forcing in the Skagit River estuary, but strong wind events can affect the currents in the intertidal zone significantly. Preliminary analysis also indicated that the salinity intrusion length scale is proportional to the river flow to the −¼ power.
Prototype for integrated two-dimensional gel electrophoresis for protein separation

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis practitioners have long waited for a fully automated system. This article presents an integrated platform that is capable of complete automation from sample introduction to spots detection. The strip gel for the first dimensional separation is fixed on the edge of a discrete planar stage before separation. A pair of platinum pin electrodes for isoelectric focusing (IEF) makes contact from underneath the stage. IEF is performed directly after rehydration and protein loading. After the first dimensional separation, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) equilibration is done on the same stage without moving the gel. The IEF stage is then moved horizontally to couple with a precast second dimensional gel. The <0.5 mm gap between the two gels is filled with poly (ethylene oxide) solution. After SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrohporesis separation, a charge-coupled device camera is used to detect spots via protein native fluorescence excited by a Hg (Xe) lamp with the gel inside the running cell. Potential for full automation is demonstrated with 0.5 μg of Escherichia coli proteins on this miniaturized platform. More than 240 spots are detected in a total experiment time of <2.5 h.
Functional Role of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis as a Therapeutic Strategy for Mental Disorders

Adult neurogenesis, the process of generating new neurons from neural stem cells, plays significant roles in synaptic plasticity, memory, and mood regulation. In the mammalian brain, it continues to occur well into adulthood in discrete regions, namely, the hippocampus and olfactory bulb. During the past decade, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms regulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis and its role in the etiology of mental disorders. In addition, adult hippocampal neurogenesis is highly correlated with the remission of the antidepressant effect. In this paper, we discuss three major psychiatric disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and drug addiction, in light of preclinical evidence used in establishing the neurobiological significance of adult neurogenesis. We interpret the significance of these results and pose questions that remain unanswered. Potential treatments which include electroconvulsive therapy, deep brain stimulation, chemical antidepressants, and exercise therapy are discussed. While consensus lacks on specific mechanisms, we highlight evidence which indicates that these treatments may function via an increase in neural progenitor proliferation and changes to the hippocampal circuitry. Establishing a significant role of adult neurogenesis in the pathogenicity of psychiatric disorders may hold the key to potential strategies toward effective treatment.
Conversion of a guanylyl cyclase to an adenylyl cyclase.

Guanylyl cyclases catalyze the formation of cGMP from GTP, but display extensive identity at the catalytic domain primary amino acid level with the adenylyl cyclases. The recent solving of the crystal structures of soluble forms of adenylyl cyclase has resulted in predictions of those amino acids important for substrate specificity. Modeling of a membrane-bound homodimeric guanylyl cyclase predicted the comparable amino acids that would interact with the guanine ring. Based on these structural data, the replacement of three key residues in the heterodimeric form of soluble guanylyl cyclase has led to a complete conversion in substrate specificity. Furthermore, the mutant enzyme remained fully sensitive to sodium nitroprusside, a nitric oxide donor.
Prion Disease: Exponential Growth Requires Membrane Binding

A hallmark feature of prions, whether in mammals or yeast and fungi, is exponential growth associated with fission or autocatalysis of protein aggregates. We have employed a rigorous kinetic analysis to recent data from transgenic mice lacking a glycosylphosphatidylinositol membrane anchor to the normal cellular PrPC protein, which show that toxicity requires the membrane binding. We find as well that the membrane is necessary for exponential growth of prion aggregates; without it, the kinetics is simply the quadratic-in-time growth characteristic of linear elongation as observed frequently in in vitro amyloid growth experiments with other proteins. This requires both: i), a substantial intercellular concentration of anchorless PrPC, and ii), a concentration of small scrapies seeding aggregates from the inoculum, which remains relatively constant with time and exceeds the concentration of large polymeric aggregates. We also can explain via this analysis why mice heterozygous for the anchor-full/anchor-free PrPC proteins have more rapid incubation than mice heterozygous for anchor-full/null PrPC, and contrast the mammalian membrane associated fission or autocatalysis with the membrane free fission of yeast and fungal prions.