cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet avalanche photodiodes

The III-Nitride material system is rapidly maturing; having proved itself as a material for LEDs and laser, and now finding use in the area of UV photodetectors. However, many UV applications are still dominated by the use of photomultiplier tubes (PMT). PMTs are capable of obtaining very high sensitivity using internal electron multiplication gain (typically ~10 6 ). It is highly desirable to develop a compact semiconductor-based photodetector capable of realizing this level of sensitivity. In principle, this can be obtained in III-Nitrides by taking advantage of avalanche multiplication under high electric fields – typically 2.7 MV/cm, which with proper design can correspond to an external reverse bias of less than 100 volts. In this talk, we review the current state-of-the-art in III-Nitride solar- and visible-blind APDs, and present our latest results on GaN APDs grown on both conventional sapphire and low dislocation density free-standing c- and m-plane GaN substrates. Leakage current, gain, and single photon detection efficiency (SPDE) of these APDs were compared. The spectral response and Geiger-mode photon counting performance of UV APDs are studied under low photon fluxes, with single photon detection capabilities as much as 30% being demonstrated in smaller devices. Geiger-mode operation conditions are optimized for enhanced SPDE.
The Bacterial Flagellum: Reversible Rotary Propellor and Type III Export Apparatus

Flagella and motility represent two of the richest subjects in microbiology, involving not only bacterial genetics, molecular biology, and physiology but also bioenergetics, hydrodynamics, structural analysis, and macromolecular assembly. Our knowledge that bacteria actively move goes as far back
Fluorinated General Anesthetics Modulate Kv1.3 Potassium Channels and Interact With β-Amyloid Peptide: Is there a Link?

There is growing evidence that, in some cases, commonly used general anesthetics may cause long-term molecular changes reminiscent of those observed in the Alzheimer's diseased brain. We investigated the effects of the anesthetic sevoflurane on the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3. In the central nervous system, Kv1.3 channels are present in olfactory regions and in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, areas implicated in AD pathology. The expression of Kv1.3 is also up-regulated in activated microglia, suggesting its possible role in microglial response to β-amyloid peptide. Using whole-cell patch clamp recording from L929 cells stably expressing Kv1.3, we found that sevoflurane modulates biophysical properties of the Kv1.3 channel. At clinically relevant concentrations, sevoflurane biphasically alters peak current amplitude, irreversibly facilitating the current at lower voltages (EC50 ∼ 1/2 MAC) and reversibly inhibiting it at higher voltages (IC50 ∼ 1 MAC). The kinetics of the Kv1.3 current were also changed in a voltage- and dose-dependent manner. The time constants of both current activation and the slow C-type inactivation were significanly decreased, whereas current deactivation was slower at low voltages but faster at higher voltages in the presence of sevoflurane. Sevoflurane slightly increased the voltage sensitivity of Kv1.3 conductance at a clinically relevant dose. The effects of sevoflurane resemble the previously-reported effects of the exogenous β-amyloid oligomers on the same channel. Using 19F NMR, we found that, in the test tube, sevoflurane interacts with β-amyloid peptide and forms stable complexes. Furthermore, dot blot immunochemistry revealed that sevoflurane appears to facilitate the rate of cytotoxic β-amyloid oligomer formation.Thus, modulation of Kv1.3 channels by sevoflurane and its interaction with β-amyloid peptide might both enhance the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Supported by the Hillblom Foundation and NIH 1P01AG032131.
The Aubert involution and R-groups

Abstract We establish the connection between the standard intertwining operators for a square integrable representation and its Aubert involution. In the cases of special orthogonal groups and symplectic groups, we define the R-group for a nontempered unitary representation, under the assumption that the Aubert involution of the representation is square-integrable.
The location of the Jovian bow shock and magnetopause: Galileo initial results

Abstract The Galileo spacecraft observed multiple bow shock crossings and a single magnetopause crossing on its inbound approach to Jupiter in November 1995. We compare these observations to those obtained on previous missions, taking account of variable solar wind pressure and the disk-like shape of the magnetosphere. We find that the subsolar magnetopause location varies with solar wind dynamic pressure to the −0.22 power in contrast to the terrestrial −0.167 power. This difference is well known, and has been attributed to the presence of hot plasma and centrifugal stretching in the Jovian magnetodisk that lessens the pressure gradients in the outer magnetosphere. Our analysis also reveals for the first time that the magnetopause boundary of magnetosphere exhibits polar flattening, as has been previously inferred from the stretched magnetic field lines seen within the magnetosphere. The bow shock is not so asymmetric in shape. Finally,, we find that Galileo observed expanded boundaries early on its inbound pass, perhaps in part due to hotspot activity at Io in the fall of 1995 prior to the Galileo encounter. Observations within the magnetosphere are consistent with externally driven motion of the boundaries.
Neutral atmospheres of comets: A distributed source model

It is argued that the typical nuclear region of a comet, under a variety of circumstances, consists of a central icy nucleus surrounded by an extended icy halo of grains forming a supplementary source for the observed atmospheric constituents.
Genetic characterization of mouse immunoglobulin allotypic determinants (allotopes) defined by monoclonal antibodies.

We have generated a new series of monoclonal antibodies recognizing allotypic determinants on mouse IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b. In this communication we describe their reactivity at the molecular level. A number of genetic specificities (as defined by reactivity with sera from inbred strains) were divided into subspecificities (allotopes) by these analyses. With the exception of one allotope located in the hinge region of Igh-1b, all other 23 allotopes examined were preserved upon reduction and alkylation of immunoglobulin antigens. To further analyze the role of immunoglobulin conformation in presenting the allotopes, we assayed their presence on mixed Igh-1a/Igh-4a heavy chain molecules. The Igh-1a determinants were maintained, but the Igh-4a determinants were lost. Taken together, our results indicate that genetic polymorphisms at the Igh loci generate an enormous antigenic complexity, much of which relies on tertiary and quaternary protein structure for expression.
Economic regionalism in the Asia-Pacific: Macroeconomic core and microeconomic optimization

Abstract The concept of economic regionalism has long been known. In its pre-WWII manifestation, it centered on the “colonial” mold. In the post-WWII era came a new economic order, based on the U.S. Dollar—for US$ 35 an ounce of pure gold. The progress to a uni-polar macroeconomic core soon was challenged by the hostilities of the Cold War. The response was “strategic” regionalization among groups of allied nation-states. The U.S. Dollar-based international monetary system eventually collapsed on August 15, 1971. A return to one hundred percent pure gold standard was not what happened and in September 1985, a managed exchange rate regime followed, managed first by the G-5 (Group of Five), then by the G-7. The goal was to coordinate the monetary-fiscal policies of the major trading countries by an ad hoc institutional mechanism. Efforts to make perfectly competitive market work by the politically powerful collaborative efforts of the G-7, or for that matter of any other international economic grouping of 150-plus sovereign nation-state members, such as the General Agreement of Trade and Tariff (GATT), have produced only limited results. An alternative paradigm is the one of economic regionalism— a supra-national macroeconomic core of sovereign nation-state based economies in a naturally well-defined geographical region . The experiments in Western Europe, the 12-member European Community (EC), offers a new paradigm. This article examines the concept of economic regionalism in the context of Asia-Pacific economies, as the institutionalization of 17-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) continues to unfold.
Predominant role by CaM kinase in NPY Y1 receptor signaling: Involvement of CREB and Ambikaipakan

The role of Ca2+/cAMP-dependent signal transduction and transcription factor CREB in mediating NPY- Y1 receptor function was investigated in SK-N-MC cells. The Y1 receptor agonist, [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY, inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP production which was insensitive to thapsigargin or the CaM kinase II inhibitor, KN-93. Although activation of the Y1 receptor leads to an increase in CREB phosphorylation, [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY inhibited CREB phosphorylation in KN-93-treated cells. SK-N-MC cells were also transfected with PathDetectR cis-CRE and trans-CREB/trans-cFos reporter genes to monitor the role of Ca2+/cAMP signals, triggered by Y1 receptor, on reporter gene activity. Treatment of the cis-CRE-luciferase expression vector-transfected cells with [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY increased reporter gene activity by ∼2 fold through a KN-93 sensitive pathway. In contrast, the peptide inhibited forskolin-stimulated luciferase activity. Consistently, [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY induced trans-CREB mediated luciferase activity through a CaM kinase dependent pathway, and inhibited forskolin-stimulated luciferase gene expression. However, no effect of the peptide was observed on trans-cFos- mediated luciferase activity. These findings suggest that the NPY Y1 receptor induces the expression of CRE containing target genes through the CaM kinase-CREB pathway, and inhibits CRE containing genes when cellular cAMP levels are elevated.
Using Implanted Engineering Mechanisms to Connect Muscles and Tendons in Tendon-Transfer Surgery Improves Grasping Capability

Inspired by advances in robotic hand design, this paper investigates the development of passive, miniature differential mechanisms as implants for attaching muscles and tendons in tendon-transfer surgery. Using cadaver studies, it is shown that the implanted mechanisms lead to better hand function in grasping tasks when compared with current therapies.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Demystifying the Millennial student: A reassessment in measures of character and engagement in professional education

The characteristic profile of Millennial Generation students, driving many educational reforms, can be challenged by research in a number of fields including cognition, learning style, neurology, and psychology. This evidence suggests that the current aggregate view of the Millennial student may be less than accurate. Statistics show that Millennial students are considerably diverse in backgrounds, personalities, and learning styles. Data are presented regarding technological predilection, multitasking, reading, critical thinking, professional behaviors, and learning styles, which indicate that students in the Millennial Generation may not be as homogenous in fundamental learning strategies and attitudes as is regularly proposed. Although their common character traits have implications for instruction, no available evidence demonstrates that these traits impact their fundamental process of learning. Many curricular strategies have been implemented to address alleged changes in the manner by which Millennial students learn. None has clearly shown superior outcomes in academic accomplishments or developing expertise for graduating students and concerns persist related to the successful engagement of Millennial students in the process of learning. Four factors for consideration in general curricular design are proposed to address student engagement and optimal knowledge acquisition for 21st century learners.
Female and Male Polymorphism in Two Species of Melittobia Parasitoid Wasps (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Abstract Polymorphism appears to be fundamental in Melittobia wasps, but uncertainty exists as to its extent and form. Most researchers recognize 2 basic female forms--a long-winged dispersive “type form” and an early-maturing, short-winged gravid “second form.” However, some investigators have recognized two macropterous forms, “jumpers” and “flyers.” Many others have suggested that males, which normally comprise only about 5% of the population, also may exist in 2 forms in various Melittobia species. This study examined the role of maturational factors in 2 widespread representatives of different species groups, M. australica (hawaiiensis group) and M. digitata (acasta group). Individuals of both sexes from different points in the emergence curve were examined and measured immediately after eclosion and 5 d later. Both sets of measurements supported the existence of 2 clearly defined female morphs. However, when newly eclosed macropterous females were randomly assigned to 5-d placements in empty vials o...
Ileal duplication cyst: the importance of sodium pertechnetate Tc 99m scanning.

Duplications of the alimentary tract may cause extensive bleeding when ectopic gastric mucosa is present. A successful diagnosis can be made preoperatively with the use of conventional barium studies as well as sodium pertechnetate Tc 99 m scans.
Sharp Distortion Theorems Associated with the Schwarzian Derivative

These are well known and important theorems of Nehari, Ahlfors and Weill, and Krauss. We refer to Lehto's book [8] for a discussion of these results and for the properties of the Schwarzian that we shall need. The constants 2 in (1.1) and 6 in (1.3) are sharp. An example for the latter is the Koebe function k(z) = z(l — z)~ which has Schwarzian Sk(z) = — 6/(1 —z). We also remark that the class of univalent functions satisfying (1.1) is quite large; for instance, it contains the class of convex mappings. Since S(Mof) = SfTor any Mobius transformation M, the inequalities above are independent of any such normalization M o / o f / and this is an interesting feature of these results. However, if we require the normalization /(0) = 0, /'(0) = 1, and /"(0) = 0 then we can obtain, rather simply, sharp and explicit upper and lower bounds on | / | and | / ' | for functions which satisfy (1.1) or (1.2). We introduce the following functions. Let
SNAAP Sulfonimidate Alkylating Agent for Acids, Alcohols, and Phenols

Stable, crystalline ethyl N-tert-butyl-4-nitrobenzenesulfonimidate has been prepared in high yield by direct O-ethylation of N-tert-butyl-4-nitrobenzenesulfonamide with iodoethane and silver(I) oxide in dichloromethane. This sulfonimidate directly ethylates various acids to esters; the stronger the acid, the faster it alkylates and in higher yield. It readily ethylates alcohols and phenols to ethers at room temperature in the presence of tetrafluoroboric acid catalyst without molecular rearrangements or racemization. We have defined these reactions as SNAAP alkylations: [substitution, nucleophilic of acids, alcohols and phenols]. The hard sulfonimidate alkylating agent is chemoselective, preferring oxygen > nitrogen > sulfur. The sulfonamide byproduct of alkylation is readily recycled to the sulfonimidate.
Increasing Spatial Awareness by Integrating Internet Geographic Information Services GIServices with Real Time Wireless Mobile GIS Applications

Spatial awareness is one of the fundamental decision making capabilities for human beings. Two key information technologies, Internet Geographic Information Services GIServices and wireless mobile Geographic Information Systems GIS can enhance the spatial awareness of decision makers and facilitate more efficient and comprehensive decision making processes. Internet GIServices provide a collaborative communication environment for sharing data, information and knowledge among multiple decision makers and stakeholders. Wireless mobile GIS combines both geospatial information and Global Positional Systems GPS coordinates from remotely located field-based personnel to spatial decision support systems SDSS. By adopting broadband wireless telecommunication technology for connecting Internet GIServices and mobile GIS devices, decision makers can gather near real time information from field personnel and equally quickly distribute updated information back to the field. Communicated via wireless devices and web applications, interactive and dynamic geographic information services will enhance spatial awareness of decision makers, field personnel such as fire fighters and police officers, and the general public.
Women's Lives in Colonial Quito: Gender, Law, and Economy in Spanish America

Women's Lives in Colonial Quito: Gender, Law, and Economy in Spanish America. Kimberly Gauderman, Austin: University of Texas Press, 2003. 177 pp.
Effects of low temperatures on in vitro produced bovine zygotes

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of cooling on the development of bovine zygotes. One-cell bovine embryos were maintained at 39 degrees C (control), 20 degrees C, 10 degrees C, or 0 degree C for 5, 10, or 20 minutes, then cultured in vitro for 7 days and the proportion of embryos developing to the compact morula or blastocyst stage compared between different treatments. Duration of exposure time had no effect on development. Development rates to the compact morula or blastocyst stage were 3.9%, 11.4%, 17.4%, and 24.4% for zygotes maintained at 0 degree C, 10 degrees C, 20 degrees C, and 39 degrees C, respectively, with differences in embryo yield between every treatment (P 0.05). No embryos developed to the blastocyst stage when pronuclei (cooled or non-cooled) were transferred into cooled cytoplasm. However, zygotes with cooled pronuclei transferred into non-cooled cytoplasm yielded 4.5% blastocysts (P < 0.05). More embryos developed to the compact morula or blastocyst stage when non-cooled vs. cooled cytoplasm was utilized, regardless of whether the pronuclei were cooled (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that pronuclei are more tolerant to low temperature exposure than is ovum cytoplasm.
Trabecular bone microarchitecture is deteriorated in men with spinal cord injury.

Using magnetic resonance imaging, men with spinal cord injury (n = 10) were found to have fewer trabeculae that were spaced further apart in the knee than able-bodied controls of similar age, height, and weight (n = 8). The deteriorated trabecular bone microarchitecture may contribute to the increased fracture incidence after injury. Introduction: Spinal cord injury results in a dramatic decline in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and a marked increase in lower extremity fracture; however, its effect on trabecular bone microarchitecture is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if trabecular bone microarchitecture is deteriorated in the knee of men with long-term, complete spinal cord injury. Materials and Methods: Apparent bone volume to total volume (appBV/TV), trabecular number, (appTb.N), trabecular thickness (appTb.Th), and trabecular separation (appTb.Sp), measures of trabecular bone microarchitecture, were assessed in the distal femur and proximal tibia of men with long-term (>2 years) complete spinal cord injury (SCI; n = 10) and able-bodied controls (CON; n = 8) using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Proximal tibia and arm aBMD were determined using DXA. Independent t-tests were used to assess group differences in anthropometrics and bone parameters. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships among trabecular bone microarchitecture, aBMD, and time since injury. Results: There were no group differences in age, height, or weight; however, the distal femur and proximal tibia of SCI had 27% and 20% lower appBV/TV, 21% and 20% lower appTb.N, and 44% and 33% higher appTb.Sp, respectively (p 0.05). Conclusion: Men with complete spinal cord injury have markedly deteriorated trabecular bone microarchitecture in the knee, which may contribute to their increased fracture incidence.
Oscillation and asymptotic behavior of bounded solutions of functional differential equations with delay

Abstract Conditions on a ( t ), g ( t ), and f ( t ) have been found under which the bounded nonoscillatory solutions of the equation y ( n ) ( t ) − a ( t ) y ( g ( t )) = f ( t ) approach zero. For the even order equation y (2 n ) ( t ) − a ( t ) y ( g ( t )) = f ( t ) the delay is shown to be causing the oscillatory behavior.
Dietary copper requirement of fingerling channel catfish

Abstract Purified egg white diets containing incremental levels of copper (as CuSO 4 ·5 H 2 O) were fed to fingerling channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) to determine their dietary copper (Cu) requirement. Catfish in aquaria were fed diets containing 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 mg of supplemental copper/kg diet for 13 weeks. Growth and feed efficiency data, as well as hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocyte count values were similar for catfish fed the basal diet which contained 0.89 mg Cu/kg diet and all copper-supplemented diets. A diet containing 40 mg of supplemental copper/kg was also fed in this experiment since 16 and 32 mg of supplemental copper/kg had previously been reported to cause suppressed growth of channel catfish. Those fed the 40 mg of supplemental copper/kg diet had similar growth and feed efficiency values as catfish fed the other diets. At the end of week 13, heart cytochrome c oxidase and liver copper—zinc superoxide dismutase activities were significantly reduced in catfish fed diets containing 0 and 2 mg of supplemental copper/kg as compared to those fed 4 mg/kg or more of supplemental copper. Based on the enzymatic data, the minimum dietary copper requirement of channel catfish was determined to be approximately 5 mg of total copper/kg diet.
Domain integrals for axisymmetric interface crack problems

New domain integrals for axisymmetric interface crack problems are derived. Special attention is given to the specification and subsequent treatment of auxiliary fields for the extraction of mixed-mode stress intensity factors using interaction energy integrals. The effect of crack front curvature is shown to play an important role in the derivation of the integrals. Numerical examples include an interface penny-shaped crack and a longitudinal interface crack (fiber pull-out problem), and yield very accurate and consistent results, when compared with analytical solutions from the literature. The method is particularly suited for the analysis of fiber pull-out experiments and the accurate determination of fracture-parameters such as energy release rate G, mixed-mode stressintensity factors KI and KII and phase angle ψ.
The Historical Development of the Bulgarian Collection at the Library of Congress, 1894 to the Present

This article describes the development of the Bulgarian collection at the Library of Congress from its beginnings in the late nineteenth century to the present. It covers international exchanges, approval plans, special purchases, and federal library transfers. In addition to the chronological narrative, there are separate sections for the newspaper, rare book, and emigre collections. The article relates the growth of the Bulgarian collection to overall trends within the Library of Congress and discusses the contributions of key individuals.
Cochlear microphonic evidence for mechanical propagation of distortion products (ƒ2 − ƒ1) and (2ƒ1 − ƒ2)

Abstract The present cochlear microphonic (CM) study was undertaken to help resolve a conflict in the literature regarding cochlear nonlinear properties. The CM studies of Dallos and his coworkers have concluded that “(up to 70–80 dB SPL [re 20 μPa]), all orders of distortion components … do not seem to be accompanied by traveling waves of their own” (Dallos P. (1973): The Auditory Periphery: Biophysics and Physiology. Academic Press, New York). However, studies of spatial distributions of cochlear nerve fiber responses, acoustic distortion products in the ear canal, and related modeling studies of Kim et al. (Kim D.O. and Molnar C.E. (1975): in: The Nervous System. Vol. 3: Human Communication and Its Disorders. Editor: D.B. Tower, Raven Press, New York; Kim D.O., Molnar C.E. and Matthews J.W. (1980): J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 67, 1704–1721) have led to conclusions to the contrary. In the present study, CM data were obtained from the second and third turns of the chinchilla cochlea using fluid-filled glass micropipettes in scala media and nichrome wire electrodes in scala vestibuli and scala tympani. We sought responses containing predominant distortion products (ƒ 2 − ƒ 1 ) and (2ƒ 1 − ƒ 2 ) by fixing a distortion frequency (ƒ d ) near the characteristic frequency (CF) of the recording site and varying the stimulus frequencies ƒ 1 and ƒ 2 and SPLs (with L 1 = L 2 ). By subsequently varying the distortion frequency around the CF, e.g., fixing ƒ 1 well above the CF and varying ƒ 2 , we measured the tuning characteristics of the distortion products (ƒ 2 − ƒ 1 ) and (2ƒ 1 − ƒ 2 ). Tuning characteristics of single-tone responses were measured by applying single-tone stimuli of various frequencies with a constant SPL at the eardrum. We have observed, with SPLs as low as 25 dB, that these distortion products in CM display tuning similar to the single-tone response which is consistent with the above neural results. From these tuning similarities, we conclude that our CM data reflect the presence of mechanically propagated distortion products at low SPLs, in agreement with the above studies by Kim et al. Validity of our results is supported by the sensitivity and sharp tuning of our CM data and, in the case of the scala media recordings, by the presence of a normal d.c. endolymphatic potential. Plausible explanations for the opposing conclusions of previous studies of Dallos et al. and the present study are discussed.
Reducibility of alumina-supported cobalt Fischer–Tropsch catalysts: Effects of noble metal type, distribution, retention, chemical state, bonding, and influence on cobalt crystallite size

Abstract The distribution, retention, chemical state, and bonding of noble metal (NM) promoters (Pt, Re, or Ru), their influence on Co crystallite size, and the resulting Co reducibility and dispersion were investigated in commercially-representative Co Fischer–Tropsch catalysts (nominally 25 wt% Co and 0 to 0.6 wt% NM on a La stabilized alumina support). NM retention during preparation ranged from complete for Pt and Re to 0 bonds directly to Co 0 , Ru forms separate metal crystallites and Re remains as Re 2 O 7 . Despite these differences, all three NMs substantially improved Co reducibility. Pt is the most effective promoter for increasing cobalt reduction rate and gives the highest extent of reduction (EOR). Preliminary activity tests showed no statistical differences in the CO depletion rates of the four catalysts of this study.
Trends in the rate of shoulder dystocia over two decades.

Objective. To describe the trend in the rate of shoulder dystocia over twenty-four years and identify the risk factors related to the occurrence of dystocia.Methods. Data was obtained from Maryland State regarding all vaginal deliveries that occurred during six different time periods at five-year intervals since 1979. Trends in the rate of shoulder dystocia, episiotomy, forceps and vacuum delivery were examined.Results. There were a total of 277 974 vaginal deliveries. The overall rate of shoulder dystocia was 1.29% (n = 3590). Induction of labor (adjusted OR 1.2, 1.1–1.3), presence of diabetes (gestational (OR 1.9, 1.7–2.3) or pre-gestational (OR 3.8, 2.7–5.4)), fetal macrosomia (OR 5.1, 4.1–6.3) use of episiotomy (OR 1.6, 1.5–1.8), forceps (OR 1.3, 1.0–1.8) or vacuum (OR 2.3, 2.0–3.9) at delivery were associated with a higher rate of shoulder dystocia.Trend. There was an increase in the rate of shoulder dystocia from 0.2% in 1979 to 2.11% in 2003. In addition there was a drop in the overall episiotomy r...
Mobility of 2-amino-4,6-dinitrobenzoic acid, a photodegradation product of TNT in a tropical soil under saturated abiotic conditions

We examined the mobility of 2-amino-4,6-dinitrobenzoic acid (2-A-4,6-DBA) a common photodegradation product of TNT, in soil taken from a former military training area on Oahu Island, Hawaii, USA. 2-A-4,6-DBA is stable and polar and has the potential to migrate to groundwater. Little experimentation has been conducted on explosives in tropical soils which differ chemically from soils in temperate climates. 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 1,3,5-hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitrotriazine (RDX) are the most commonly used secondary military explosives. Composition B (Comp B) is a frequently used 59/40/1 combination of RDX, TNT, and wax binder. In order to examine the effect of the presence of Comp B and its degradation products on the mobility of 2-A-4,6-DBA in soil, we dissolved field-collected Comp B fragments in water, exposed the solution to light and pumped it through soil and sand-packed stainless steel columns under abiotic saturated conditions. We found that in the presence of a complex mixture of explosives and degradation products, 2-A-4,6-DBA migrated faster than the parent compound (TNT) and other degradation products through both tropical soil and Ottawa sand (used as a reference) under sterile saturated conditions. The relatively rapid movement of 2-A-4,6-DBA suggests that it has the potential to contaminate underlying groundwater. However, the amount of 2-A-4,6-DBA produced under field conditions and its rate of biotic degradation were not part of this research, therefore, it is unknown how these factors might affect the transport and fate of 2-A-4,6-DBA.
Analysis of nonsmooth vector-valued functions associated with second-order cones

Let Open image in new window be the Lorentz/second-order cone in Open image in new window. For any function f from Open image in new window to Open image in new window, one can define a corresponding function fsoc(x) on Open image in new window by applying f to the spectral values of the spectral decomposition of x∈Open image in new window with respect to Open image in new window. We show that this vector-valued function inherits from f the properties of continuity, (local) Lipschitz continuity, directional differentiability, Frechet differentiability, continuous differentiability, as well as (ρ-order) semismoothness. These results are useful for designing and analyzing smoothing methods and nonsmooth methods for solving second-order cone programs and complementarity problems.
Respiration and nitrogenase activity in nodules ofCasuarina cunninghamiana and cultures ofFrankia sp. HFP020203: Effects of temperature and partial pressure of O2

The effects of time after exposure to acetylene and of nodule excision were examined using a flow-through system. After a transient depression in the rate of acetylene reduction that began about 1.5 min after exposure to acetylene, the rate recovered to 98% of the initial maximum value after 40 min. After nodule excision the rate stabilized to 90% of the initial maximum value observed in the intact plant. Excised nodules, measured at 6-min intervals in a closed system, with frequent changes of the gas mixture, were used for the remaining experiments. Acetylene reduction by the nodules increased rapidly as temperature was increased between 6 and 26°C. Between 26 and 36°C there was relatively little effect of temperature on acetylene reduction. Nodules and cultures ofFrankia were compared with respect to the effect of temperature and pO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) on oxygen uptake. Cultures ofFrankia were grown on a nitrogen-free medium at either 0.3 kPa O2 (vesicles absent) or 20 kPa O2 (vesicles present). Oxygen uptake by nodules (vesicles absent) and by vesicle-containing cultures was strongly dependent on pO2 at values below 20 kPa. This suggests the presence of a barrier to oxygen diffusion. Oxygen uptake was dependent on temperature as well as on pO2, but the Q10 was much larger for the cultures than for the nodules. This suggests that vesicles or related structures are not the source of the diffusion barrier in Casuarina nodules. Respiration by cultures ofFrankia lacking vesicles became O2-saturated at low pO2 values. Thus these cultures did not have a significant diffusion barrier. From these results it is concluded that nodules ofCasuarina cunninghamiana have a barrier to oxygen diffusion supplied by the host tissue and not byFrankia.
Levodopa addiction in idiopathic Parkinson disease

Levodopa (l-dopa) addiction is uncommon and has been described in parkinsonian1 as well as non-parkinsonian patients.2 We report two patients with idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) and probable l-dopa addiction. A 57-year-old man, with no prior psychiatric history and a 21-year history of PD, was maintained on l-dopa, which he self-regulated. The patient had no known toxin exposure or family history of PD. Thirteen years after PD diagnosis, he was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward for paranoid delusions and visual hallucinations. While hospitalized, he hoarded l-dopa and ingested up to 5 g a day. He had repeated admissions for psychosis following excess consumption of l-dopa. When psychotic, he became paranoid, agitated, and confused; he carried a camera in order to document the presence of demons and took long walks at night, scantily dressed in female clothing. He developed manic symptoms of rapid speech, decreased sleep, and hypersexuality, masturbating …
Differential precondition checking: A lightweight, reusable analysis for refactoring tools

One of the most difficult parts of building automated refactorings is ensuring that they preserve behavior. This paper proposes a new technique to check for behavior preservation; we call this technique differential precondition checking. It is simple yet expressive enough to implement the most common refactorings, and the core algorithm runs in linear time. However, the main advantage is that a differential precondition checker can be placed in a library and reused in refactoring tools for many different languages; the core algorithm can be implemented in a way that is completely language independent. We have implemented a differential precondition checker and used it in refactoring tools for Fortran (Photran), PHP, and BC.
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Lycopene Intervention

Increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the consequences of the current obesity epidemic. NAFLD is a major form of chronic liver disease that is highly prevalent in obese and overweight adults and children. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the severe form of NAFLD, and uncontrolled inflammation as displayed in NASH has been identified as one of the key events in enhancing hepatic carcinogenesis. Lycopene is a non-provitamin A carotenoid and the pigment principally responsible for the characteristic deep-red color of ripe tomato and tomato products, as well as some fruits and vegetables. Lycopene’s innate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have generated research interests on its capacity to protect against human diseases that are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, differential mechanisms of lycopene metabolism including endogenous cleavage by carotenoid cleavage oxygenases (BCOs), generate lycopene metabolites that may also have significant impact on human disease development. However, it remains to be elucidated as to whether lycopene or its metabolites apolycopenoids have protective effects against obesity-related complications including inflammation and tumorigenesis. This article summarizes the in vivo experiments that elucidated molecular mechanisms associated with obesity-related hepatic inflammation and carcinogenesis. This review also provides an overview of lycopene metabolism, and the molecular pathways involved in the potential beneficial properties of lycopene and apolycopenoids. More research is clearly needed to fully unravel the importance of BCOs in tomato carotenoid metabolism and the consequence on human health and diseases.
Long-term legacies and partial recovery of mycorrhizal communities after invasive plant removal

Invasive plants can have strong impacts on native communities, which have prompted intense efforts at invasive removal. However, relatively little is known about how native communities will reassemble after a dominant invader has been removed from the system. Legacy effects of invasive plants on soil microbial communities may alter native plant community reassembly long after the invader is gone. Here we found that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities have shown some recovery in experimental plots following 6 years of removal of the invasive Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard, a species known to degrade AMF communities) in terms of taxonomic richness and community composition. However, despite this recovery, the density of A. petiolata at the beginning of the experiment (in 2004) still correlated with lower AMF richness and altered community composition after 6 years of annual weeding, suggesting long-term legacies of dense A. petiolata infestations. Because native plant and mycorrhizal fungal communities may show interdependence, reassembly of one community may be limited by the reassembly of the other. Restoration may be more effective if practices address both communities simultaneously.
Prediction of structural, electronic and elastic properties of Y2Ti2O7 and Y2TiO5

Abstract Density functional theory calculations have been performed to study the structural, electronic and elastic properties, and formation energies, of pyrochlore Y2Ti2O7 and orthorhombic Y2TiO5. These oxides are among the hardening features in nano-dispersion-strengthened ferritic alloys that are promising for future advanced fission/fusion energy applications. Calculations employ pseudo-potentials generated within the projector-augmented wave (PAW) method and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) as well as the local density approximation (LDA) to the exchange–correlation functional. The calculated equilibrium structural parameters agree well with experiment for both oxides. The PAW–GGA yields the better bulk modulus of Y2Ti2O7, and hence is used for all the elastic calculations. A complete set of elastic parameters for both oxides are reported. Analysis of electron localization functions, charge densities, and densities of states suggest that the oxide bonds are highly ionic, but with some covalent character. In both cases the Ti–O bonds exhibit higher covalency than the Y–O bonds.
The impact of input and output factors on emergency department throughput.

Objectives: To quantify the impact of input and output factors on emergency department (ED) process outcomes while controlling for patient-level variables. Methods: Using patient- and system-level data from multiple sources, multivariate linear regression models were constructed with length of stay (LOS), wait time, treatment time, and boarding time as dependent variables. The products of the 20th to 80th percentile ranges of the input and output factor variables and their regression coefficients demonstrate the actual impact (in minutes) of each of these factors on throughput outcomes. Results: An increase from the 20th to the 80th percentile in ED arrivals resulted in increases of 42 minutes in wait time, 49 minutes in LOS (admitted patients), and 24 minutes in ED boarding time (admitted patients). For admit percentage (20th to 80th percentile), the increases were 12 minutes in wait time, 15 minutes in LOS, and 1 minute in boarding time. For inpatient bed utilization as of 7 am (20th to 80th percentile), the increases were 4 minutes in wait time, 19 minutes in LOS, and 16 minutes in boarding time. For admitted patients boarded in the ED as of 7 am (20th to 80th percentile), the increases were 35 minutes in wait time, 94 minutes in LOS, and 75 minutes in boarding time. Conclusions: Achieving significant improvement in ED throughput is unlikely without determining the most important factors on process outcomes and taking measures to address variations in ED input and bottlenecks in the ED output stream.
Evidence for fault weakness and fluid flow within an active low-angle normal fault

Determining the composition and physical properties of shallow-dipping, active normal faults (dips < 35° with respect to the horizontal) is important for understanding how such faults slip under low resolved shear stress and accommodate significant extension of the crust and lithosphere. Seismic reflection images1 and earthquake source parameters2 show that a magnitude 6.2 earthquake occurred at about 5 km depth on or close to a normal fault with a dip of 25–30° located ahead of a propagating spreading centre in the Woodlark basin. Here we present results from a genetic algorithm inversion of seismic reflection data, which shows that the fault at 4–5 km depth contains a 33-m-thick layer with seismic velocities of about 4.3 km s-1, which we interpret to be composed of serpentinite fault gouge. Isolated zones exhibit velocities as low as ∼1.7 km s-1 with high porosities, which we suggest are maintained by high fluid pressures. We propose that hydrothermal fluid flow, possibly driven by a deep magmatic heat source, and high extensional stresses ahead of the ridge tip have created conditions for fault weakness and strain localization on the low-angle normal fault.
Rest thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging in a patient with leukaemic infiltration of the heart

Despite the high incidence of leukaemic infiltration of the heart, only 8 cases of atrioventricular block due to leukaemia have been reported in the literature. Improvement in the heart block associated with disappearance of the leukaemic infiltrate has not been reported. A rest thallium-201 study was used in a 65-year-old man to demonstrate leukaemic infiltration of the heart which was associated with complete heart block. After chemotherapy, when the tumour burden was reduced and the leukaemia in remission, his heart block resolved, and a follow-up thallium scan was normal.
MULTIPLE ELASTIC SCATTERING IN ELECTRON DIFFRACTION BY CRYSTALS

In the case of electron diffraction by crystals containing heavy atoms, it is possible to improve the usual kinematical theory by formulating a pseudokinematical theory, which is expressed in terms of rigorous atomic scattering amplitudes rather than their Born-approximation values. A corresponding improvement can be made in the treatment of the problem by the dynamical theory, and consists in taking into account the coupling of a given diffracted beam with not only the incident beam (as is usually done in first approximation) but also with other diffracted beams. The pseudokinematical and dynamical theories are compared for very thin crystals and the conditions under which both give identical results are discussed. In particular, both predict a failure of Friedel's law in the case of acentric crystals.
New 3-e Dynamics in Strong-field Multiple Ionization

We present the first three-active-electron classical calculations of correlated strong-field multielectron emission for different laser pulse durations. Among other things, our results contradict the picture that multi-electron emission is achieved via a single recollision [1].
‘we don't really get to go out in the front yard’—children's home range and neighborhood violence

Abstract This comparison of the home range of sixty 7–11-year-old children in five Cleveland, OH, USA, neighborhoods with different levels of violence/crime revealed: (a) home range was a useful tool to study effects of neighborhoods on children; (b) neighborhood violence had differential effects on range, depending on child's gender, age, and range type. Among 7–9-year-olds, range ‘when alone’ or ‘with a friend’ was similar regardless of gender or level of neighborhood violence. Among 10–11-year-olds, girls of elevated-violence neighborhoods had smaller ranges ‘when alone’ compared to peers. However, some of these girls reported ways to utilize neighborhood resources while accommodating to home-range limitations.
An Automated Traction Measurement Platform and Empirical Model for Evaluation of Rolling Micropatterned Wheels

Colonoscopy is the leading preventative procedure for colorectal cancer. The traditional tool used for this procedure is an endoscope, which can cause patient discomfort, pain and fear of the procedure. There has been a movement to develop a robotic capsule colonoscope (RCC) in an attempt to mitigate these drawbacks and increase procedure popularity. An RCC is a capsule robot that propels itself through the colon as opposed to being pushed, like a traditional endoscope. In this study, an overview of an in vivo RCC is given, followed by the introduction of a mobility method for an RCC using micropatterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The design of a three degree-of-freedom automated traction measurement (ATM) platform for quantitative evaluation of the mobility method is presented. An empirical model for traction force as a function of slip ratio, robot speed, and weight for micropatterned PDMS on synthetic tissue is developed using data collected from the ATM platform. The model is then used to predict traction force at different slip ratios, speeds, and weights, and is verified experimentally. The average normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) between the empirical model and the data used to develop the model is 1.1% (min 0.0024%, max 4.2%). The average NRMSE between the traction force predicted by the model and the data used to verify the prediction is 1.8% (min 0.020%, max 8.6%). Understanding how model parameters influence tread performance will improve future RCC mobility systems and aid in the development of analytical models, leading to more optimal designs.
Sedimentary and geochemical indicators of productivity and oxygen contents in modern and ancient basins: The Holocene Black Sea as the “type” anoxic basin

Data on the accumulation rates of organic carbon, total phosphorus and reduced sulfur over the past 7000 yr. from modern abyssal Black Sea sediments are examined as geochemical monitors of variations in biologic productivity and the development of deep-water masses. Variations in organic-carbon accumulation rates at both intermediate- and deep-water sites are believed to be controlled by the combined effects of enhanced preservation of organic matter under anoxic bottom conditions and the regulation of primary productivity in surface waters by nutrient availability. Estimates of variations in water-column and pore-water organic carbon consumption by sulfate-reducing bacteria can be made using average carbon and sulfur accumulation rates for various depositional episodes and are examined in the light of changes in the thickness of the H2S zone in the water column, the amount of available sulfate within this zone, and the reactiveness of particulate organic matter. Sulfur and phosphorus accumulation rates are used to estimate the maximum amount of phosphorus regenerated from organic matter during bacterial sulfate reduction processes. Total phosphorus accumulation rates are found to markedly increase over the part 1000 yr. and are not proportionally paralled by organic carbon accumulation rates. These accelerated phosphorus accumulation rates appear to stem from organic matter degradation, adsorption on surfaces of CaCO3, and perhaps diffusion into sediments from bottom waters and authigenic precipitation of phosphate minerals. Accumulation rates of organic carbon and phosphorus in Black Sea sediments are low in comparison to those typical of modern highly productive upwelling zones (Peru, South West Africa/Namibia). Accumulation rates of reduced sulfur and the ratios of reduced sulfur to organic carbon burial may be higher in anoxic basins than in oxic ones. Knowledge of accumulation rates, therefore, rather than concentrations alone, may help to differentiate black shales which resulted from enhanced organic matter preservation under anoxic conditions from those resulting from high biologic productivity with or without accompanying oxygen deficiencies.