cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generating hydrogen-rich fuel-cell feeds from dimethyl ether (DME) using Cu/Zn supported on various solid-acid substrates

Several incipient wetness prepared catalysts containing copper and zinc were prepared in-house and reactor tested for the production of hydrogen from dimethyl ether steam reforming (DME-SR). The incorporation of copper and zinc onto a solid acid substrate (viz., zeolites ZSM-5 and Y with Si/Al = 2.5–140, g-Al2O3, and ZrO2) combined the catalytic components for DME hydrolysis to methanol (MeOH) and methanol steam reforming (MeOH-SR) into a single catalyst. Catalyst characterizations included BET surface areas, metal loading, acidity measurements using isopropyl amine, thermogravimetric uptakes of DME, and X-ray diffraction studies. One co-ion exchange sample was tested and was found to be inactive toward DME-SR because of its inactivity toward methanol steam reforming. The most active catalyst was copper–zinc supported on g-Al2O3, reaching an equilibrium predicted hydrogen yield of 89% (steam-to-carbon ratio (S/C) = 1.5, space-time(t) = 1.0 s, T = 400 8C, and Pabs = 0.78 atm). Of the zeolite-supported Cu/Zn catalysts, copper–zinc supported on zeolite ZSM-5 with a Si–Al ratio of 25 was observed to be the most active with a hydrogen yield of 55% (S/C = 1.5, t = 1.0 s, T = 275 8C, and Pabs = 0.78 atm). # 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The relationship of 5,5-diphenylhydantoin metabolism to the species-specific induction of gingival hyperplasia in the rat.

Abstract Chronic administration of 5,5-diphenylhydantoin (DPH) is known to produce gingival hyperplasia in man but not in most other species. To evaluate the importance of rate of DPH metabolism on this effect, the plasma half-life of DPH was determined in rats. Drug half-life was found to be significantly shorter (0·5-2 hr) than reported by other investigators for man (4–29 hr). Since this short DPH plasma half-life in the rat may be related to failure of the drug to induce gingival hyperplasia, further studies utilized SKF 525A to inhibit drug metabolism. This compound increased DPH plasma half-life 7-fold, and lowered plasma free 5-( p -hydroxyphenyl)5-phenylhydantoin (HPPH) levels. These data show that SKF 525A inhibits DPH metabolism. Elevated plasma DPH levels were attained by concurrent administration of SKF 525A and DPH during chronic administration studies. These chronic studies in which DPH levels comparable to human therapeutic levels were attained, failed to produce gross or histological signs of gingival inflammation or of gingival hyperplasia. These results suggest that factors other than high plasma drug levels alone may be required to explain the species-response difference observed in the drug-induced pathology.
Surface and subsurface drainage simulations for a claypan soil

Abstract A water management simulation model, DRAINMOD, was used to investigate the suitability of drainage systems for maize production on the claypan soils that occur widely in the midwest of the United States of America. These soils have a very slowly permeable shallow subsoil which severely limits root development and reduces crop yield. Climatological, crop and soil data, collected on a claypan soil, over several years, were used in this study. Various subsurface drain spacings and combinations of surface and subsurface drainage systems on a claypan soil were simulated. Results indicated that supplemental irrigation water is required for optimum maize production on these soils. With supplemental irrigation, a subsurface drain spacing of 12 m under good surface drainage, and one of 10 m under poor surface drainage, are required.
Calmodulin Regulation and Identification of Calmodulin Binding Region of Type-3 Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel†

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are a family of intracellular Ca 2 + channels that are regulated by calmodulin (CaM). At low Ca 2 + concentrations ( 1 μM), CaM inhibits all three RyR isoforms. Here we report that the regulation of recombinant RyR3 by CaM is sensitive to redox regulation. RyR3 in the presence of reduced glutathione binds CaM with 10-15-fold higher affinity, at low and high Ca 2 + concentrations, compared to in the presence of oxidized glutathione. However, compared to RyRI assayed at low Ca 2 + concentrations under both reducing and oxidizing conditions, CaM binds RyR3 with reduced affinity but activates RyR3 to a greater extent. Under reducing conditions, RyR1 and RyR3 activities are inhibited with a similar affinity at [Ca 2 + ] > 1 μM. Mutagenesis studies demonstrate that RyR3 contains a single conserved CaM binding site. Corresponding amino acid substitutions in the CaM binding site differentially affect CaM binding and CaM regulation of RyR3 and those of the two other isoforms. The results support the suggestion that other isoform dependent regions have a major role in the regulation of RyRs by CaM [Yamaguchi et al. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 36433-36439].
Conserved Current Hypothesis and the Beta Decay of RaE

lt is shown that the conserved current theory ia consistent with Bi/sup 210/ beta decay. This assertion is made by comparing theoretical predictions with experimental data obtained from electron polarization and spectrum measurements. The Coulomb terms are evaluated. The conserved and nonconserved theories are differentiated by the presence or absence of the exchange contributions. This analysis leads to a large disagreement between the shell- model prediction and the phenomenological nuclear matrix elements. The origin of the dissgreement is discussed. Several possible effects of the meson-cloud beta decay in a nucleus are also surveyed. (auth)
Cooperative versus Conflictive Problem Solving in Three Telecommunication Modes

48 two-person teams communicated through channels simulating various modes of telecommunication, teletypewriter, telephone, and closed-circuit television, and, as a control, face-to-face conversation. Each team was required to solve one of four problems. Two cooperative problems, a class scheduling and a geographic orientation problem, required the mutual exchange of factual information to reach the unique problem solution. Two conflictive problems, an issue ranking and a budget negotiation problem, were formulated to engender contention between the two team members. Performance was assessed on three classes of dependent measures: time to solution, behavioral measures of activity, and measures of verbal productivity. Additionally, the protocols and outcomes of the conflictive problem-solving sessions were examined to arrive at a measure of the degree of persuasion exhibited by the two communicators. For both kinds of problem solving, there was a sharp dichotomy in performance, on all three classes of depe...
Fabrication and testing of finite aperture polarizers for determination of edge termination effects on polarimetric imaging applications at midwave infrared

Polarimetric imaging applications at the 2-to-5-µm or midwave infrared range use large pixel-count focal plane arrays (FPAs) with small pixel sizes. We report on the design, fabrication, and characterization of micropolarizers for the 2-to-5-µm regime. These micropolarizers will be used in conjunction with a FPA and will be in the near field of the imaging device. The pixel pitches for some commercial FPAs are small enough that the finite apertures of the polarizing devices may significantly affect their performance, because their aperture dimension varies between three and five waves. We are interested in understanding the effect on the extinction ratio due to variations in the edge terminations of a polarizer with a small aperture. Edge terminations are the spaces between the first and last wire with the perimeter of the aperture of the polarizer. To verify these effects, we fabricated micropolarizers with apertures of 5 to 20 µm and with termination edge spaces of one-quarter and three-quarters of the wiregrids period. The devices measured extinction ratios from 50:1 for the smallest aperture to 200:1 for the largest. Simulations and measurements show that the extinction ratio is larger for the smaller termination edge spacing.
Sensitivity analysis of frictional contact response of axisymmetric composite structures

A computational procedure is presented for evaluating the sensitivity coefficients of the static frictional contact response of axisymmetric composite structures. The structures are assumed to consist of an arbitrary number of perfectly bonded homogeneous anisotropic layers. The material of each layer is assumed to be hyperelastic, and the effect of geometric nonlinearity is included. The sensitivity coefficients measure the sensitivity of the response variations in different material, lamination and geometric parameters of the structure. A displacement finite element model is used for the discretization. The normal contact conditions are incorporated into the formulation by using a perturbed Lagrangian approach with the fundamental unknowns consisting of nodal displacements, and Lagrange multipliers associated with the contact conditions. The Lagrange multipliers are allowed to be discontinuous at interelement boundaries. Tangential contact conditions are incorporated by using a penalty method in conjunction with the classical Coulomb's friction model. The Newton-Raphson iterative scheme is used for the solution of the resulting nonlinear algebraic equations, and for the determination of the contact region, contact conditions (sliding or sticking), and the contact pressures. The sensitivity coefficients are evaluated by using a direct differentiation approach. Numerical results are presented for the frictional contact of a composite spherical cap pressed against a rigid plate.
Self-efficacy as a component of active coping: Effects on cardiovascular reactivity ☆

Active coping remains a poorly understood construct in cardiovascular reactivity testing. We have shown that active coping comprises two independent effects: the enhanced control and the effort of exercising control. The present study tested the proposition that, with effort left unconstrained, increased self-efficacy will increase cardiovascular response. Forty women were assigned to low or high self-efficacy conditions; self-efficacy was manipulated using false feedback. Subjects then engaged in a video game shape-matching task, while blood pressure and heart rate were monitored. SBP and DBP changes were smaller in the low self-efficacy group, as predicted: 17.9 versus 25.2 mmHG for SBP (p<0.05); and 8.7 versus 13.0 mmHG for DBP (p = 0.07). Heart rate was similar for the two conditions. We conclude that self-efficacy for a task may be an integral part of the active coping process, indirectly affecting the blood pressure response by acting on the effort involved in the coping response.
Design of a Relatively Inexpensive Ring Laser Seismic Detector

During the last decade the ability of large ring lasers to measure seismic induced ground rotation has demonstrated their potential for making contributions to the field of seismology. Unfortunately, ring lasers like many optical instruments tend to be expensive. In this technical note, we examine some design options for deploying a relatively low cost ring laser ground rotation sensor. A review of the design parameters, common to all active ring lasers, is followed by an examination of a specific relatively low cost approach currently employed in a ring laser that has been operating outside Conway, Arkansas. The article concludes with a discussion of some earthquakes detected by this instrument.
Reserpine increases opiate-like peptide content and tyrosine hydroxylase activity in adrenal medullary chromaffin cells in culture

Abstract Primary cultures of adrenal medullary chromaffin cells maintained in a serum-free medium retain high levels of both catecholamines and opiate-like peptides. Addition of reserpine (100nM) to the culture medium results in the exponential loss of cellular catecholamines ( t ½ = 1.5days) and in an elevation of opiate-like peptide content and tyrosine hydroxylase activity without altering total cell protein content. The maximum increase in opioid activity as a result of reserpine treatment averaged 230% of untreated cell levels and was reached by 2–3 days after initiation of treatment. A similar time-course was observed for the elevation of tyrosine hydroxylase activity. The increases of opiate-like peptides and tyrosine hydroxylase induced by reserpine are blocked by inclusion of actinomycin D or cycloheximide in the culture medium, suggesting that both messenger ribonucleic acid and protein synthesis are required for the induction. These data suggest that synaptic activation is not the only long-term regulator of opiate-like peptide and catecholamine biosynthesis in the adrenal medulla and that the biosynthesis of opiate-like peptides, which are components of chromaffin vesicles, and tyrosine hydroxylase, the cytoplasmic, rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, are coordinately regulated.
Measurement of malondialdehyde by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A method has been developed to measure malondial-dehyde (MDA) in biological systems. MDA was reacted with 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) in the presence of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) to minimize formation of artifacts. Initial separation of the TBA-MDA adduct was accomplished by isobutanol extraction. Further elimination and separation of interfering substances was achieved by high performance liquid chromatography. The mobile phase consisted of a 1∶1 (v/v) mixture of methanol and water with 0.05% (w/v) tetrabutyl ammonium dihydrogen phosphate added as an ion pairing reagent. At a flow rate of 1 ml/min, the TBA-MDA adduct was eluted from a 15-cm, c-18, reversed phase column in approximately 4.9 min. The TBA-MDA adduct was quantitated with a fluorescence detector set at 515 nm excitation and 550 nm emission. Using this method, picomole quantities of MDA can be easily detected in plasma and liver samples.
Wear characteristics of UHMW polyethylene: A method for accurately measuring extremely low wear rates

The wear of UHMW polyethylene bearing against 316 stainless steel or cobalt chrome alloy was measured using a 12-channel wear tester especially developed for the evaluation of candidate materials for prosthetic joints. The coefficient of friction and wear rate was determined as a function of lubricant, contact stress, and metallic surface roughness in tests lasting two to three million cycles, the equivalent of several years' use of a prosthesis. Wear was determined from the weight loss of the polyethylene specimens corrected for the effect of fluid absorption. The friction and wear processes in blood serum differed markedly from those in saline solution or distilled water. Only serum lubrication produced wear surfaces resembling those observed on removed prostheses. The experimental method provided a very accurate reproducible measurement of polyethylene wear. The long-term wear rates were proportional to load and sliding distance and were much lower than expected from previously published data. Although the polyethylene wear rate increased with increasing surface roughness, wear was not severe except with very coarse metal surfaces. The data obtained in these studies forms a basis for the subsequent comparative evaluation of potentially superior materials for prosthetic joints.
Family Dinner Time as a Unique Behavior Habitat

Descriptive data on the dinner ritual in a sample of 40 white, middle-class families are presented. The families show a similarity of pattern in the structure of the situation as, for example, in the division of labor. The data are discussed with respect to the implications for socialization.
Molecular analysis of white clover population structure in grazed swards during two growing seasons

and even under grazing produces significant levels of viable seed that end up in the soil (Chapman and AnderWhite clover (Trifolium repens L.) populations persist for years in son, 1987; Charlton, 1977). grazing lands primarily through clonal growth, yet retain high genetic variability. This study was conducted to determine how clone structure In spite of the presence of viable white clover seed dynamics affected intraspecific genetic variation of white clover at in the soil (Tracy and Sanderson, 2000), few of these three pasture sites. Up to 37 trifoliate leaf samples were taken monthly seeds germinate and even fewer seedlings become estabby resampling specific points in four 1.2 x 1.2 m area quadrats from lished in grasslands (Barratt and Silander, 1992; Brink April to September for 2 yr; random amplified polymorphic DNA et al., 1999; Chapman and Anderson, 1987; Fothergill (RAPD) profiles of 1160 and 973 samples, in 1997 and 1998, respec- et al., 1997; Grime et al., 1988). However, naturalized tively, were analyzed. Significantly more clones were sampled in 1997 white clover populations persist for many decades in (162) than in 1998 (58) (P 0.0001). The majority of clones were grazed swards at northern midlatitudes. White clover not detected more than once during each year. The soil water content persistence in pastures where commercial seed is not was significantly lower in 1998 than in 1997 (P 0.0001). The number applied is due to two primary mechanisms: (i) New of sampled clonal members in quadrats ranged from 0.5 to 12.8 across both years on the three pastures. Within-population analysis of molec- plants (genotypes made up of one or more rooted stoular variances (AMOVA) by date for the three pastures ranged from lons and trifoliates) can be established through rare 15 to 74% and 46 to 80% in 1997 and 1998, respectively, indicating germination and subsequent rare seedling recruitment low to medium genetic diversity in the populations. The fraction of in the spring (Chapman, 1983; Fothergill et al., 1997; clonal samples relative to the total number of samples ranged from Grime et al., 1988); and (ii) plants can increase in size by 0.03 to 0.78 in 1997 and 0.04 to 0.33 in 1998. Higher numbers of clonal clonal propagation via stolon nodes (Chapman, 1983). members appeared to reduce genetic diversity; however, this was When nodes within a stolon die, resulting fragments offset by rapid turnover of clones. We conclude that genetic variability become separate plants of the same genotype. Because of white clover is dynamic at the local scale, which contributes to its white clover spreads primarily by vegetative propagalong-term persistence in grazing lands. tion and because plants are thought to continuously propagate, one might expect many clonal patches and therefore low genetic variability within pastures. Al
Nitric oxide impairs methemoglobin reduction

Abstract The effect of nitric oxide (NO) inhalation on the ability of female Sprague‐Dawley rats to reduce methemoglobin was investigated. Methemoglobin production was induced by injection of sodium nitrite. The levels of MtHb produced by NaNO2 were significantly higher in rats previously exposed to NO than in controls, indicating that these rats were not as capable of reducing MtHb as the controls. Exposure to concentrations of NO as low as 15 ppm produced this effect. The data suggests that exposure to NO potentiates the oxidizing effects of nitrite ion and implies that NO exposure may do the same with other oxidative pollutants such as ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
Effects of uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation on the infection of Escherichia coli K12 by phage-λ DNA

Abstract Some effects of two uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation on infection of Escherichia coli K12 by bacteriophage λ deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are described. Dinitrophenol did not interfere with the initial interaction of the cells with free DNA, and neither dinitrophenol nor carbonyl cyanide m -chlorophenylhydrazone affected the linear portion of the infection reaction. However, the process by which λ-DNA bound to the bacterial cell became insensitive to deoxyribonuclease was strongly inhibited by both uncoupling agents. These results support the conclusion that successful infection of E. coli with phage λ-DNA is coupled to cellular energy metabolism and localize a portion of the infection reaction which is sensitive to the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Possible energy-requiring steps in the infection process are discussed.
The upper critical field of melt cast Ba0.65K0.35BiO3

Abstract The upper critical field of polycrystalline Ba 0.65 K 0.35 BiO 3 has been measured in magnetization and in resistivity experiments. Both methods yield essentially the same results: a clear upward curvature near T c , and a more nearly linear region at lower temperature with a slope of ∼−0.8T/K. The agreement between the magnetic and resistive measurements rules out any significant flux flow resistivity.
The association value of 320 selected words and paralogs

The method of Glaze was used to scale 320 words and paralogs for meaningfulness. One hundred Ss provided data from which three such measures were derived. Employing the most conventional of these measures (percentage of Ss responding in less than 2.5 sec) to select the items to be learned, a validating study demonstrated the usual relationship between association value and speed of learning. Other investigations have employed the materials successfully for purposes of control when the main interest of the experiment was in some other problem.
Organization of immunoglobulin heavy chain constant and joining region genes in the channel catfish

A channel catfish genomic lambda library was screened with CH and JH probes which were derived from our earlier sequence analyses on different full-length heavy chain cDNA clones. One clone, designated C7, contained a genomic insert of about 18 kb and hybridized with specific probes for each of the four domains of the known C region gene as well as with different oligonucleotides specific for JH gene segments. Southern blot hybridization analysis identified a cluster of JH gene segments which are closely linked to the CH gene. Sequence analysis of the CH-proximal JH element, located about 1.9 kb upstream from the CH1 domain, showed that this element contains 5'-recombination signals typical of JH elements defined in higher vertebrates, i.e. a nonamer, a 24 bp spacer, and a heptamer. The coding region of this JH element was identical to that contained in the variable region sequence of a cDNA clone previously reported. Sequence analysis of the catfish JH-CH intron suggests that several sequences are present which appear similar to important transcriptional regulatory elements found within JH-CH introns of higher vertebrates. These features include sequences similar to higher vertebrate enhancer elements and regulatory octamers. An additional feature reminiscent of some higher vertebrate heavy chain switch regions is a repetitive sequence area composed of tandemly repeated simple sequences. Lastly, several restriction length polymorphisms were identified and mapped within a 1 kb region located immediately upstream from the JH cluster. This finding suggests that polymorphisms within the IgH locus should be useful in the analyses of channel catfish populations. These combined studies provide further evidence that the genomic organization of heavy chain genes in bony fish shares common organizational features with those known from higher vertebrates.
A Cost Analysis of In Vitro Fertilization Versus Tubal Surgery Within an Institution Under Two Payment Systems

ABSTRACT The current health care climate places a premium on practicing cost-effective medicine. There is little in the literature, however, comparing alternative treatment strategies for patients with infertility. Mount Sinai Medical Center (New York) offers infertility services under two separate settings: the infertility clinic and the private office. The infertility clinic is available to all women, regardless of ability to pay, and primarily employs laparoscopy to treat patients with tubal disease, since alternative assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), are not available to them. In contrast, at the private office, women are evaluated and counseled by the same team of physicians and often proceed directly to IVF. We compared reproductive success rates and costs of 67 women undergoing IVF (group I) with those of 31 women treated in the infertility clinic (group II) over the same time period. The mean age of group I patients was similar to that of group II patients...
EFFECT OF MIDDLE EAR PATHOLOGY ON SELECTED PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL MEASURES FOLLOWING SURGICAL TREATMENT

24 children surgically treated for pathology of the middle ear and 24 matched control children having histories without problems with ears or school were compared on the Slosson Intelligence Test, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the Block Design subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Form R, the Spelling subtest of the Wide Range Achievement Test, the Spelling and Reading Recognition subtests of the Peabody Individual Achievement Test, and the Goldman-Fristoe-Woodcock Test of Auditory Discrimination. The surgical group scored similarly to the control children on six of the eight tests, but significantly lower on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and the Block Design subtest of the Wechsler scale. Longitudinal research comparing similar groups of children is recommended.
Low-frequency generation noise in junction field effect transistors.

Abstract A new type of noise mechanism, due to charge fluctuations of Shockley-Read-Hall generation centers in a depletion region, is described as the dominant low-frequency noise source in junction field effect transistors. The theory of this noise mechanism and its characteristics are demonstrated on a simple one-dimensional field effect transistor model. The two-dimensional analysis in the gradual channel approximation is shown to be in excellent agreement with experimental results obtained from both conventional and gold-doped field effect transistors over a wide range of bias conditions. Finally, circuit optimisation criteria and various special effects associated with this new type of noise mechanism are discussed along with possibilities of observing this type of noise on conventional bipolar transistors.
Regional Postprandial Differences in pH Within the Stomach and Gastroesophageal Junction

Our objective was to determine regional differences in intragastric pH after different types of meals. Ten normal subjects underwent 27-hr esophagogastric pH monitoring using a four-probe pH catheter. Meals were a spicy lunch, a high-fat dinner, and a typical bland breakfast. The fatty dinner had the highest postprandial buffering effect, elevating proximal and mid/distal gastric pH to 4.9 ± 0.4 and 4.0 ± 0.4, respectively, significantly (P 4 was also longer (150 min) compared to that of the spicy lunch (45 min) and the bland breakfast, which did not increase gastric pH to > 4 at any time. Proximal gastric acid pockets were seen between 15 and 90 min postprandially. These were located 3.4 ± 0.8 cm below the proximal LES border, extending for a length of 2.3 ± 0.8 cm, with a drop in mean pH from 4.7 ± 0.4 to 1.5 ± 0.9. Acid pockets were seen equally after the spicy lunch and fatty dinner but less frequently after the bland breakfast. We conclude that a high-volume fatty meal has the highest buffering effect on gastric pH compared to a spicy lunch or a bland breakfast. Buffering effects of meals are significantly higher in the proximal than in the mid/distal stomach. Despite the intragastric buffering effect of meals, focal areas of acidity were observed in the region of the cardia–gastroesophageal junction during the postprandial period.
Potential role of WAF1/Cip1/p21 as a mediator of TGF-beta cytoinhibitory effect

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) inhibits cell cycle progression of many types of human cells by arresting them in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The arrest is mediated through interactions of various cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs) and their inhibitors. We demonstrate that treatment with TGF-β induces increased levels of WAF1/Cip1/p21, a potent inhibitor of various cyclin-CDK kinase activities, in two colon cancer cell lines (LS1034 and LS513), which are sensitive to TGF-β-induced growth arrest. The induction in at least one of these cells lines (LS1034, p53-) is p53-independent. No WAF1 induction was observed after TGF-β treatment in a third cell line (HT-29), which is completely insensitive to the cytoinhibitory effect of TGF-β. In both LS513 and LS1034, WAF1 induction correlated with reduced cyclin E-associated kinase activity in vitro and suppression of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene (Rb) protein phosphorylation in vivo. In addition, WAF1 was physically associated with cyclin E in the two sensitive cell lines. These results suggest that WAF1/Cip1/p21 is a mediator of cellular sensitivity to TGF-β.
The Groups of Symmetric Genus σ ≤ 8

Let G be a finite group. The symmetric genus σ (G) is the minimum genus of any compact Riemann surface on which G acts faithfully as a group of automorphisms. Here we classify the groups of symmetric genus σ, for all values of σ such that 4 ≤ σ ≤ 8. In addition, we obtain some general results about the partial presentations that groups acting on surfaces must have. We show that a group with even genus and no “large order” elements in its Sylow 2-subgroup has restrictions on its Sylow 2-subgroup. As a consequence, we show that if G is a 2-group with positive symmetric genus, then σ(G) is odd. The software package MAGMA was employed to help with the calculations, and the MAGMA library of small groups was essential to the classification.
Optical scanning cryptography for secure wireless transmission

We propose a method for secure wireless transmission of encrypted information. By use of an encryption key, an image or document is optically encrypted by optical heterodyne scanning and hence encryption is performed on the fly. We call this technique optical scanning cryptography. The output of the heterodyne encrypted signal is at radio frequency and can be directly sent through an antenna to a secure site for digital storage to be prepared for decryption. In the secure site, an identical optical scanning system to that used for encryption is used, together with a decryption key, to generate an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then processed and sent to a computer to be used for decryption. Utilizing the stored information received from the encryption stage and the electrical information from the secure site, a digital decryption unit performs a decryption algorithm. If the encryption key and the decryption key are matched, the decryption unit will decrypt the image or document faithfully. The overall cryptosystem can perform the incoherent optical processing counterpart of the well-known coherent double-random phase-encoding technique. We present computer simulations of the idea.
Application of statistical approaches to estimating the degree of material degradation

Statistical approaches to evaluation of the degree of material degradation and determination of spatiotemporal parameters are considered. Methods that are based on statistical processing of the results of multiple measurements of metal hardness provide an integral estimate of the degree of material degradation at a certain instant. The acousto-electronic approach does not make it possible to estimate the degree of degradation in the material bulk (e.g., over pipeline thickness). A method based on a statistical analysis of tomographic images of the spatial distribution of the scattering ability in the material bulk during sounding with ultrasonic waves allows estimation of the degree of degradation in the material bulk.
Application of a two-dimensional model of continuous sliding friction to stick-slip

Abstract The authors have previously developed two-dimensional dynamic friction models for boundary and mixed lubricated line contacts, operating, under continuous sliding conditions. The performance of one of these friction models under intermittent sliding, involving stick-slip and slip-stick transitions is examined in this paper. The friction model includes the sliding velocity, the instantaneous separation of the sliding bodies, normal to the sliding direction, the normal load and fluid properties. The normal motions at the sliding contact were detected indirectly by contact resistance measurements which were, in turn related to the theoretical film thickness. It is known that at or near rest, a tangential contact stiffness and partial slip are observed, making it difficult to unambiguously identify a particular point at which slipping or sticking actually begins. Nevertheless, we investigate the applicability of a continuous sliding friction model to such situations. It becomes clear that normal motions play a critical role in determining the interaction between friction and vibration and that friction fluctuations into the sticking range can be described by the model as long as the duration of stick is not long.
Use of eigenvectors in understanding and correcting storage ring orbits

The response matrix A is defined by the equation X = AΘ, where Θ is the kick vector and X is the resulting orbit vector. Since A is not necessarily a symmetric or even a square matrix we symmetrize it by using ATA. Then we find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of this ATA matrix. The physical interpretation of the eigenvectors for circular machines is discussed. The task of the orbit correction is to find the kick vector Θ for a given measured orbit vector X. We are presenting a method, in which the kick vector is expressed as linear combination of the eigenvectors. An additional advantage of this method is that it yields the smallest possible kick vector to correct the orbit. We will illustrate the application of the method to the NSLS X-ray and UV storage rings and the resulting measurements. It will be evident, that the accuracy of this method allows the combination of the global orbit correction and local optimization of the orbit for beam lines and insertion devices. The eigenvector decomposition can also be used for optimizing kick vectors, taking advantage of the fact that eigenvectors with corresponding small eigenvalues generate negligible orbit changes. Thus, one can reduce a kick vector calculated by any other correction method and still stay within the tolerance for orbit correction. The use of eigenvectors in accurately measuring the response matrixand the use of the eigenvalue decomposition orbit correction algorithm in digital feedback is discussed.
Diffraction efficiency of evanescent-wave holograms. II. TM polarization

Partial wave analysis is used to obtain analytical expressions for the diffraction efficiencies of evanescent-wave holograms. Among other results it is shown that the maximum diffraction efficiency occurs when the angle of the reconstruction beam or the angle of the diffracted beam is equal to the critical angle. In paper I the dependence of the diffraction efficiency on spatial frequencies in the hologram and on the angle of the reconstruction beam is presented for a reconstruction beam with TE polarization. The analysis and results for TM polarization are presented in paper II.
Synthesis and properties of water-soluble CdSe/Zn1-xMnxS semiconductor quantum dots using an amphiphilic polymer

We report the phase transfer of hydrophobic CdSe/Zn 1-x Mn x S quantum dots (QDs) into water by encapsulation with octylamine-modified poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). CdSe/Zn 1-x Mn x S QDs are of interest as multimodality biological probes where the photoluminescence and magnetic relaxivity can be tuned independently. Different percentages of the carboxyl groups in PAA were grafted with octylamine molecules and the modified PAA was used for capping CdSe/Zn 1-x Mn x S QDs to make them water soluble. We investigated the optical properties and the solubility of the CdSe/Zn 1-x Mn x S QDs in water. It was found that the PAA with a modification percentage of ~ 45% resulted in soluble CdSe/Zn 1-x Mn x S QDs with the highest quantum yield (QY) in water of approximately 20%. The QY of CdSe/Zn 1-x Mn x S QDs in water was lower than the initial measurement in chloroform and dropped in the initial stages of phase transfer, stabilizing at 20%. Hydrodynamic size of the polymer encapsulated CdSe/Zn 1-x Mn x S QDs in water was evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The smallest average hydrodynamic diameter of ~ 30 nm was achieved when the molecular ratio of QDs to PAA for capping was 1 nanomole of QDs to 24 micromole of monomer unit.
Note on a reanalysis of Davis' reading tests.

Correlation data on nine reading tests originally analyzed by Frederick B. Davis by the principal axes method are reanalyzed by Spearman's uni-dimensional method. It is concluded that a single common factor (reading ability) accounts for the correlations among the tests with residuals remarkably small in view of the fact that the tests were designed to test nine supposedly different skills. Three of the tests showed additional specific variance not attributable to the common factor.
IMPACT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE ON HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION IN A DEFINED DIABETIC POPULATION

We studied the impact on annual medical care utilization and costs in 1988 of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a population-based sample of 435 diabetic (DM) and 435 matched non-DM members of a Health Maintenance Organization. 58% of DM had at least one diagnosed CVD, compared to 26% of non-DM. 22.7% of outpatient visits, 38.7% of hospital days, and 30% of pharmacy expenditures by those with DM were primarily attributable to CVD. Up to 27% of all CABG recipients in the population had diabetes. In total, CVD directly accounted for at least 24% of total medical care costs among DM, compared to 12% of costs for non-DM. The HMO spent 4.5 times per person more on CVD care in DM than in non-DM members. Treatment with insulin was associated with increased peripheral vascular disease. After adjusting for age, CVD was more prevalent and generated longer hospital stays in DMs with nephropathy. The etiologic association between CVD and DM is well documented but CVD's clinical and economic importance in DM seems underappreciated.
Cyclotron Resonance Studies of the Fermi Surfaces in Bismuth

Experiments on cyclotron resonance of the Azbel'-Kaner type were performed on pure Bi at 34.5 kMc/sec. Angular variation of the cyclotron masses for both the electrons and the holes with the magnetic field in the binary, bisectrix, and trigonal planes were studied. For the electrons in Bi, the tilt angle of the Fermi surface in the crystallographic coordinate system was directly measured. The mass parameters in Cohen's nonellipsoidal-nonparabolic model were determined for the first time. The inverse effective mass tensor components in Shoenberg's ellipsoidal-parabolic model were completely determined by using the tilt angle. The results indicate that the ellipsoidal-parabolic model is unable to explain quantitatively all the angular variation in the electron cyclotron masses. One particular case of Cohen's model corresponding to electron Fermi surfaces at centers of the six pseudohexagonal faces of the Brillouin zone was shown to be in better agreement with the experimental results. Angular variation of the light-hole cyclotron masses with field in the three crystallographic planes were fitted quite satisfactorily by the one-spheroid model. No resonance of a heavy hole was observed in this experiment.
Relative Toxicity of Gossypol Enantiomers in Laying and Broiler Breeder Hens

Gossypol, a natural component of cottonseed meal, exists in positive (+) or negative (-) enantiomeric forms, and their levels and ratio could be altered by developing new genetic strains of cotton. Two experiments were conducted to determine the relative toxicity of the individual gossypol enantiomers in laying and broiler breeder hens. In the first experiment, 25 individually caged Hy-Line W-36 forty-three-week-old laying hens were fed a standard corn-soy diet supplemented with either no gossypol or the individual enantiomers at 200 and 400 mg/kg of diet for 20 d (5 hens/treatment). In the second experiment, 15 individually caged Cobb 500 fast-feathering 44-wk-old broiler breeder hens were fed a standard corn-soy-wheat middlings diet supplemented with either no gossypol or the individual enantiomers at 400 mg/kg of diet for 18 d (5 hens/treatment). In both experiments, feed intake, egg production, and egg weight were determined daily. All eggs were individually opened and scored for yolk discoloration. At the end of both experiments, several organ and tissue samples were collected for gossypol analyses. In both experiments, the addition of (+)-gossypol to the diet reduced egg production. Only laying and broiler breeder hens fed (+)-gossypol produced eggs with severe yolk discoloration (score > or = 4). Total feed intake was lower (P < 0.05) in laying hens fed the 400 mg/kg level of (+)-gossypol compared with laying hens fed the other dietary treatments. In contrast, broiler breeder hens consumed less of the diet supplemented with (-)-gossypol. In both experiments, tissue accumulation of (+)-gossypol was higher than (-)-gossypol, with the exception of bile and excreta. The results suggest that in hens the ingestion of (+)-gossypol has a greater effect on egg yolk discoloration than the consumption of (-)-gossypol.
Excess invariance and shortfall risk measures

Abstract This paper introduces the axiom of excess invariance for risk measures, meaning insensitivity to the amount by which a portfolio’s value exceeds a benchmark. Using this axiom, the paper defines the class of shortfall risk measures. Shortfall risk measures are suitable for regulatory or risk management applications in which risk is associated with shortfall beneath a benchmark, whereas excess above the benchmark is not important.
A Statistical Selection Strategy for Normalization Procedures in LC-MS Proteomics Experiments through Dataset Dependent Ranking of Normalization Scaling Factors

Quantification of LC-MS peak intensities assigned during peptide identification in a typical comparative proteomics experiment will deviate from run-to-run of the instrument due to both technical and biological variation. Thus, normalization of peak intensities across an LC-MS proteomics dataset is a fundamental step in pre-processing. However, the downstream analysis of LC-MS proteomics data can be dramatically affected by the normalization method selected. Current normalization procedures for LC-MS proteomics data are presented in the context of normalization values derived from subsets of the full collection of identified peptides. The distribution of these normalization values is unknown a priori. If they are not independent from the biological factors associated with the experiment the normalization process can introduce bias into the data, possibly affecting downstream statistical biomarker discovery. We present a novel approach to evaluate normalization strategies, which includes the peptide selection component associated with the derivation of normalization values. Our approach evaluates the effect of normalization on the between-group variance structure in order to identify the most appropriate normalization methods that improve the structure of the data without introducing bias into the normalized peak intensities.
Dissociation Chemistry of Hydrogen-Deficient Radical Peptide Anions

The fragmentation chemistry of anionic deprotonated hydrogen-deficient radical peptides is investigated. Homolytic photodissociation of carbon–iodine bonds with 266 nm light is used to generate the radical species, which are subsequently subjected to collisional activation to induce further dissociation. The charges do not play a central role in the fragmentation chemistry; hence deprotonated peptides that fragment via radical directed dissociation do so via mechanisms which have been reported previously for protonated peptides. However, charge polarity does influence the overall fragmentation of the peptide. For example, the absence of mobile protons favors radical directed dissociation for singly deprotonated peptides. Similarly, a favorable dissociation mechanism initiated at the N-terminus is more notable for anionic peptides where the N-terminus is not protonated (which inhibits the mechanism). In addition, collisional activation of the anionic peptides containing carbon–iodine bonds leads to homolytic cleavage and generation of the radical species, which is not observed for protonated peptides presumably due to competition from lower energy dissociation channels. Finally, for multiply deprotonated radical peptides, electron detachment becomes a competitive channel both during the initial photoactivation and following subsequent collisional activation of the radical. Possible mechanisms that might account for this novel collision-induced electron detachment are discussed.
Anterior stabilization of three-column thoracolumbar spinal trauma.

Object The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results obtained in patients who underwent anterior stabilization for three-column thoracolumbar fractures. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed available clinical and radiographic data (1997–2006) to classify three-column thoracolumbar fractures according to the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO) system, neurological status, spinal canal compromise, pre- and postoperative segmental angulation, and arthrodesis rate. The mean computed tomography–measured preoperative spinal canal compromise was 48.3% (range 8–92%), and the mean vertebral body height loss was 39.4%. The mean preoperative kyphotic deformity of 14.9° improved to 4.6° at the final follow-up examination. Although this angulation had increased a mean of 1.8° during the follow-up period, the extent of correction was still significant compared with the preoperative angulation (p < 0.01). There were no cases of vascular complication or neurological deterioration. Conclusi...
Linear congruence equations for the solutions of the N -Queens problem

Abstract We demonstrate a method using linear congruence equations to generate solutions to the N-Queens problem. There are only a few papers in the literature generating solutions for every N. Our method generates solutions for every N, and the number of solutions produced by our method is larger than the number of solutions given in these papers.
William James and the Art of Popular Statement

When William James published Pragmatism in 1907, it sold out in a matter of weeks, selling just as well as a popular novel. In his book, William James and the Art of Popular Statement, Paul Stob cr...