cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Hexameric and Octameric sec‐Butyllithium/sec‐Butoxide Mixed Aggregates

Solution-state characterization of sec-butyllithium in [D8]toluene was conducted by utilizing a variety of NMR spectroscopic experiments including diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) with diffusion-coefficient–formula-weight correlation analyses and other one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic techniques. These results suggest that sec-butyllithium exists primarily as a tetramer/hexamer mixture in hydrocarbon solvents. However, the presence of roughly 2–5 % (by mol ratio) lithium sec-butoxide in both commercially available and laboratory-synthesized sec-butyllithium solutions due to the reaction with adventitious dioxygen will lead to the formation of a 1:5 sec-butoxide/sec-butyllithium mixed hexamer. A sec-butoxide/sec-butyllithium mixed octamer will emerge when the proportion of butoxide to butyllithium increases.
Creating a "Well Regulated Militia": Policy Responses to Paramilitary Groups in the American States

In a democratic political system responsive to citizen demands govern ments must often balance conflicting interests. The rise of armed right- wing paramilitary groups, and especially the recent growth of citizen militias, have created such a situation in the American states. In particu lar, governments must respond to the threat of armed anti-government groups, while simultaneously attempting to address the "mainstream" con servative issues these groups often raise. This study examines how gov ernments balance these demands by developing a general theory of policy formation and adoption. We expect that adoption of anti-paramilitary laws is more likely when paramilitary groups pose a greater potential threat to the state and when elected Republicans are less conservative. Our model also controls for the activities of interest groups and the pos sibility that policy change is incremental. Using a data set of the fifty American states, we find that governments do balance opposing inter ests. While anti-para...
Progressive failure of surface microstructure during sample-scale shearing flow

Abstract This paper investigates mechanisms that cause surface microstructure to progressively slip apart during ongoing plastic flow. Four processes of localized slip can separate microstructure at a free surface while leaving underlying microstructure connected. None can operate in a sustained manner without being directly coupled to sample-scale shape change. A mechanism connects rate of surface failure to ongoing sample deformation. Different mechanisms operate in different geometries of metal flow. Models are presented for three mechanisms that operate during sample-scale shearing flow. Experimental measurements of internal shape change within sample-scale shear bands of a duplex steel agree completely with model predictions. The findings of the paper are likely to apply in situations encountered during upset forging, sheet forming, impact extrusion, projectile penetration, metal removal by a cutting tool, and metal shearing. Other mechanisms of progressive surface failure are predicted to operate during sheet thinning and bending.
Myocardial collagen and mechanics after preventing hypertrophy in hypertensive rats.

To determine if a remodeling of the collagen matrix would occur in the absence of hypertrophy and cell necrosis and if such a remodeling could alter active and passive stiffness of the intact myocardium, five rats with genetic hypertension (SHR) were treated (SHRT) with hydralazine for 32 weeks, beginning at four weeks of age, and compared to six age- and sex-matched SHR and seven Wistar-Kyoto genetic control rats (WKY). Left ventricular (LV) weight of SHRT was 17% lower (P less than .001) than that of SHR and 19% higher (P less than .01) than that of WKY. Collagen volume fraction of SHR (13.7 +/- 3.2%) and SHRT (9.9 +/- 1.8%) were greater (P less than .01) than WKY (5.0 +/- 1.9%). Diastolic and systolic stress-strain relations were determined in the isolated heart. A comparison of these relations revealed: 1) a 24% increase in passive stiffness for SHR and SHRT; and 2) a reduced zero-strain intercept (41% to 54%) and slope (36% to 48%) of the developed stress-strain relation for the SHRT. Thus, in SHR, collagen remodeling occurred in the absence of hypertrophy which suggests that the muscular and collagenous compartments of the myocardium are under separate controls. The excess accumulation of collagen in SHR and SHRT leads to abnormal passive stiffness, and the prevention of hypertrophy with hydralazine reduces active stiffness.
Maternal Programming of Reproductive Function and Behavior in the Female Rat

Parental investment can be used as a forecast for the environmental conditions in which offspring will develop to adulthood. In the rat, maternal behavior is transmitted to the next generation through epigenetic modifications such as methylation and histone acetylation, resulting in variations in estrogen receptor alpha expression. Natural variations in maternal care also influence the sexual strategy adult females will adopt later in life. Lower levels of maternal care are associated with early onset of puberty as well as increased motivation to mate and greater receptivity toward males during mating. Lower levels of maternal care are also correlated with greater activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, responsible for the expression of these behaviors. Contrary to the transition of maternal care, sexual behavior cannot simply be explained by maternal attention, since adoption studies changed the sexual phenotypes of offspring born to low caring mothers but not those from high caring dams. Indeed, mothers showing higher levels of licking/grooming have embryos that are exposed to high testosterone levels during development, and adoption studies suggest that this androgen exposure may protect their offspring from lower levels of maternal care. We propose that in the rat, maternal care and the in utero environment interact to influence the reproductive strategy female offspring display in adulthood and that this favors the species by allowing it to thrive under different environmental conditions.
Renal cell carcinoma in children: experience at a single institution in Japan.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We analyzed the presentation, treatment and survival of 4 children with renal cell carcinoma.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the pathological and hospital records of 4 Japanese children diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma at our hospital from 1970 to 1998.Results: In the 1 boy and 3 girls with an average age of 8 years 7 months at diagnosis the most common presenting complaints were gross hematuria in 75% and a palpable abdominal mass in 50%. Computerized tomography revealed characteristic calcification within the tumor in 3 of the 4 patients (75%). In the remaining case the lesion had high density areas with microcalcification, as confirmed by histopathological study. In 2 patients with regional lymph node metastasis calcification was also observed in the metastatic lesions. Disease was stages I to III in 1, 1 and 2 patients, respectively. All patients underwent transabdominal nephrectomy with regional lymphadenectomy. One patient with stage I disease had multiple meta...
Geometric optimization of a micro heat sink with liquid flow

Over the course of the past decade, a number of investigations have been conducted to better understand the fluid flow and heat transfer in microchannel heat sinks, particularly as it pertains to applications involving the thermal control of electronic devices. In the current investigation, a detailed numerical simulation of the heat transfer occurring in silicon-based microchannel heat sinks has been conducted in order to optimize the geometric structure using a simplified, three-dimensional (3-D) conjugate heat transfer model [two-dimensional (2-D) fluid flow and 3-D heat transfer]. The micro heat sink modeled in this investigation consists of a 10 mm long silicon substrate with rectangular microchannels fabricated with different geometries. The rectangular microchannels had widths ranging from 20 /spl mu/m to 220 /spl mu/m and a depth ranging from 100 /spl mu/m to 400 /spl mu/m. The effect of the microchannel geometry on the temperature distribution in the microchannel heat sink is presented and discussed assuming a constant pumping power. The model was validated by comparing the predicted results with previously published experimental results and theoretical analyses, and indicated that both the physical geometry of the microchannel and the thermophysical properties of the substrate are important parameters in the design and optimization of these microchannel heat sinks. For the silicon-water micro heat sink, the optimal configuration for rectangular channel heat sinks occurred when the number of channels approached 120 channels per centimeter.
Plasma levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine during malignant hyperthermia in susceptible pigs

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a genetic disease of man, swine, dogs, cats, and horses. The syndrome is normally triggered by inhalational anesthetics or the administration of depolarizing muscle relaxants such as succinylcholine or various environmental stress factors. We have used the MH-susceptible pig as an animal model to study the hormonal changes developing during this highly lethal syndrome. High-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was used for the quantitation of the plasma levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine during MH. This research presents evidence that the rapid release of massive quantities of norepinephrine (up to 108 ng/ml) into the blood stream occurs simultaneously with the initiation of tachycardia which is the herald signal of the onset of MH. Norepinephrine levels exceed epinephrine by a 4:1 ratio early in the syndrome. Even pigs with MH which do not develop the muscle rigor phase have high levels of circulating norepinephrine. Tachycardia, pulmonary hypertension, increased venous oxygen desaturation, and increasing core temperature develop as the syndrome progresses.
Presence of opioid growth factor and its receptor in the normal dog, cat and horse cornea.

Objective To determine if opioid growth factor (OGF, [Met5]enkephalin) and its specific receptor (OGFr) are present in normal cat, dog and horse cornea. Animals studied Normal dog, cat and horse. Procedure Corneas were obtained from animals euthanized for reasons unrelated to this project. One cornea from each of three normal cats, dogs and horses was evaluated. The right or left cornea from each animal was chosen randomly. Corneas were harvested and placed in corneal storage media for transport to The M.S. Hershey Medical Center of The Pennsylvania State University where immunocytochemistry techniques were used to demonstrate the presence and location of OGF and OGFr. Tissues were rinsed in Sorenson's phosphate buffer, immersed in 20% sucrose in buffer and then snap frozen in isopentane. Corneas were then embedded in OCT medium and 15 µm cryostat sections were created. Presence of OGF was determined by using a polyclonal antibody to [Met5]enkephalin and assessing immunoreactivity. OGFr presence was determined by using a previously characterized rabbit polyclonal antibody to the receptor. Results OGF and OGFr were identified in large quantities in the corneal epithelium of all three species. Conclusion Opioid growth factor and its specific receptor are present in the corneal epithelium of normal cats, dogs and horses. OGF is present in the cornea of many species and its presence is theorized to inhibit healing of injured tissue.
Unique problems associated with seismic analysis of partially gas-saturated unconsolidated sediments

Gas hydrate stability conditions restrict the occurrence of gas hydrate to unconsolidated and high watercontent sediments at shallow depths. Because of these host sediments properties, seismic and well log data acquired for the detection of free gas and associated gas hydrate-bearing sediments often require nonconventional analysis. For example, a conventional method of identifying free gas using the compressional/shear-wave velocity (Vp/Vs) ratio at the logging frequency will not work, unless the freegas saturations are more than about 40%. The P-wave velocity dispersion of partially gas-saturated sediments causes a problem in interpreting well log velocities and seismic data. Using the White, J.E. [1975. Computed seismic speeds and attenuation in rocks with partial gas saturation. Geophysics 40, 224–232] model for partially gas-saturated sediments, the difference between well log and seismic velocities can be reconciled. The inclusion of P-wave velocity dispersion in interpreting well log data is, therefore, essential to identify free gas and to tie surface seismic data to synthetic seismograms. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Adaptive finite element methods for the solution of inverse problems in optical tomography

Optical tomography attempts to determine a spatially variable coefficient in the interior of a body from measurements of light fluxes at the boundary. Like in many other applications in biomedical imaging, computing solutions in optical tomography is complicated by the fact that one wants to identify an unknown number of relatively small irregularities in this coefficient at unknown locations, for example corresponding to the presence of tumors. To recover them at the resolution needed in clinical practice, one has to use meshes that, if uniformly fine, would lead to intractably large problems with hundreds of millions of unknowns. Adaptive meshes are therefore an indispensable tool. In this paper, we will describe a framework for the adaptive finite element solution of optical tomography problems. It takes into account all steps starting from the formulation of the problem including constraints on the coefficient, outer Newton-type nonlinear and inner linear iterations, regularization, and in particular the interplay of these algorithms with discretizing the problem on a sequence of adaptively refined meshes. We will demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of these algorithms on a set of numerical examples of clinical relevance related to locating lymph nodes in tumor diagnosis.
Optimization Application for Financial Viability Evaluation of PPP Toll Road Projects

The limited financial capabilities of public owners gave rise to the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) approach as an innovative project finance to attract private investment to highway projects. Nonetheless, many privately financed road projects have had difficulties in fulfilling construction debt obligations due to operating deficits. These difficulties are mainly attributed to incomprehensive evaluation of project financial viability and poor selection of key concession items. This research presents a comprehensive framework which provides an optimal set of key concession items for setting up financial viable PPP toll road projects. These key concession items include toll rates, a concession length, an equity level, and a rate of return. The proposed framework utilizes a modified User Equilibrium traffic assignment algorithm to help estimate revenue from toll road traffic volume considering its interaction with levels of service. The framework also takes into consideration the relationships between the deterioration of the pavement serviceability and required maintenance caused by the traffic volume, which facilitates the quantification of the toll road maintenance expenditures. From the estimated cash flow, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) will be applied to search for an optimal combination of the key concession items that would maximize profit from private investment in public highway projects.
Core modular blood and brain biomarkers in social defeat mouse model for post traumatic stress disorder

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that affects a substantial portion of combat veterans and poses serious consequences to long-term health. Consequently, the identification of diagnostic and prognostic blood biomarkers for PTSD is of great interest. Previously, we assessed genome-wide gene expression of seven brain regions and whole blood in a social defeat mouse model subjected to various stress conditions. Results: To extract biological insights from these data, we have applied a new computational framework for identifying gene modules that are activated in common across blood and various brain regions. Our results, in the form of modular gene networks that highlight spatial and temporal biological functions, provide a systems-level molecular description of response to social stress. Specifically, the common modules discovered between the brain and blood emphasizes molecular transporters in the blood-brain barrier, and the associated genes have significant overlaps with known blood signatures for PTSD, major depression, and bipolar disease. Similarly, the common modules specific to the brain highlight the components of the social defeat stress response (e.g., fear conditioning pathways) in each brain sub-region. Conclusions: Many of the brain-specific genes discovered are consistent with previous independent studies of PTSD or other mental illnesses. The results from this study further our understanding of the mechanism of stress response and contribute to a growing list of diagnostic biomarkers for PTSD.
CuIn(Se,S) 2 Absorbers Processed using a Hydrazine-Based Solution Approach

With tunable bandgap and demonstrated high efficiency, the chalcopyrite CuInSe2 and its alloys have shown great potential as absorbers for single and multi-junction solar cells. However, the current deposition techniques mostly rely on expensive vacuum-based processing or involve complicated precursor solution preparation. These higher-cost absorber preparation processes make it difficult to commercialize this technology. In this work, CuInSe2-xSx (CIS) absorbers are deposited using a simple hydrazine-based solution process. Precursor solutions were prepared by dissolving the component metal chalcogenides and chalcogen in hydrazine, forming homogeneous solutions containing adjustable concentrations of desired elements mixed on a molecular level. These precursor solutions are then spin coated on substrates followed by a heat treatment in an inert environment to produce high quality CIS thin films. Significantly, no post deposition selenization process is required using this technique. Laboratory scale devices with conventional glass/Mo/CIS/CdS/i-ZnO/ITO structure have been fabricated using CIS absorbers deposited via this process. For the baseline low-bandgap CIS system with no Ga added (to compare with our previously reported results with Ga incorporated), AM1.5G conversion efficiency of as high as ~9% has been achieved for devices with 0.45 cm2 effective area.
Optimum Compensation Method and Filter Cutoff Frequency in Myocardial SPECT: A Human Observer Study

Attenuation, photon scatter, and distance-dependent collimator-detector response are major degrading factors in myocardial SPECT images. The current study investigated whether compensation for these factors improves perfusion defect detectability, and compared the results for human observers with a previous study using a mathematical observer. Methods: Four methods were investigated: attenuation compensation (AC); attenuation and detector response compensation; attenuation and scatter compensation; and attenuation, detector response, and scatter compensation (ADSC). For ADSC, 4 three-dimensional postreconstruction Butterworth filter cutoff frequencies were investigated for a pixel size of 0.62 cm: 0.12, 0.14, 0.16, and 0.22 pixel−1. Five observers read images reconstructed using the 4 compensation methods. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to determine the area under the ROC curve in each treatment studied. Results: Reconstruction methods that incorporated scatter and detector response compensation had higher indices of detectability than AC alone. Over the range studied, a filter cutoff frequency of 0.14 pixel−1 was optimal. A comparison of human observer results with an earlier channelized Hotelling observer study performed with the same images showed excellent agreement in trend and ranking of defect detectability. Conclusion: Compensation for detector response and scatter improves defect detectability compared with AC alone, although detectability may depend on phantom population choice and noise level. An optimal filter cutoff was found that is lower than what is typically used in a clinical setting. The channelized Hotelling observer is a good predictor of human observer performance and may reduce the need for tedious, time-consuming studies with human observers.
The symbiotic phenotypes of exopolysaccharide-defective mutants of Rhizobium sp. strain TAL1145 do not differ on determinate- and indeterminate-nodulating tree legumes

Three classes of exopolysaccharide (EPS) defective mutants were isolated by Tn3Hogus-insertion mutagenesis of Rhizobium sp. strain TAL1145, which nodulates tree legumes. The class I and class III mutants produced 10-22% of the EPS produced by TAL1145 and appeared partially mucoid while the class II mutants formed small, opaque and non-mucoid colonies. Size-fractionation of the soluble EPSs made by these mutants in the culture supernatant indicated that the class I and the class III mutants produced reduced levels of both highland low-molecular-mass EPSs while the class II mutants lacked both these EPSs but produced a small amount of a medium-molecular-mass anthrone-reactive EPS. The succinyl and acetyl substituents observed in the TAL1145 EPS were absent in the EPS of the class II mutants. When examined under UV, the class I and class III mutants grown on Calcofluor-containing YEM agar showed dim blue fluorescence, compared to the bright blue fluorescence of the wild-type strain, whereas the class II mutants did not fluoresce. While the dim blue fluorescence of the class III mutants changed to yellow-green after 10 d, the fluorescence of the class I mutants did not change after prolonged incubation. Unlike the EPS-defective mutants of other rhizobia, these mutants did not show different symbiotic phenotypes on determinate- and indeterminate-nodulating tree legumes. The class I and the class III mutants formed small ineffective nodules on both types of legumes whereas the class II mutants formed normal nitrogen-fixing nodules on both types. The genes disrupted in the class I and class III mutants form a single complementation group while those disrupted in the class II mutants constitute another. All the three classes of EPS-defective mutants were located within a 10.8 kb region and complemented by two overlapping cosmids.
Plasticity and Heterogeneity in the Generation of Memory B Cells and Long-Lived Plasma Cells: The Influence of Germinal Center Interactions and Dynamics

In the humoral response, short-lived plasmablasts generate an early burst of Ab that probably plays an initial protective role. Simultaneously, another arm of the response is often triggered that leads to delayed effector function but long-term protection. This arm comprises the germinal center response and its products: long-lived memory B (B(mem)) cells and plasma cells (PCs). The factors that control the differentiation of PCs and B(mem) cells, as well as the composition and function of the memory compartment--how it self-renews while generating rapid secondary effector function--are poorly understood. Recent work in mice and humans is beginning to illuminate these issues. We review this progress, with emphasis on events in the germinal center, especially B-T interactions, which influence the development of memory and PC compartments and on B(mem) cell heterogeneity that may underlie flexibility and self-renewal of long-lived humoral immunity.
Ancestral Ca2+ Signaling Machinery in Early Animal and Fungal Evolution

Animals and fungi diverged from a common unicellular ancestor of Opisthokonta, yet they exhibit significant differences in their components of Ca2+ signaling pathways. Many Ca2+ signaling molecules appear to be either animal-specific or fungal-specific, which is generally believed to result from lineage-specific adaptations to distinct physiological requirements. Here, by analyzing the genomic data from several close relatives of animals and fungi, we demonstrate that many components of animal and fungal Ca2+ signaling machineries are present in the apusozoan protist Thecamonas trahens, which belongs to the putative unicellular sister group to Opisthokonta. We also identify the conserved portion of Ca2+ signaling molecules in early evolution of animals and fungi following their divergence. Furthermore, our results reveal the lineage-specific expansion of Ca2+ channels and transporters in the unicellular ancestors of animals and in basal fungi. These findings provide novel insights into the evolution and regulation of Ca2+ signaling critical for animal and fungal biology.
Self-deflection of partially spatially coherent beams and solitons in photorefractive crystals

Summary form only given. Using the so-called coherent density approach, we have investigated both analytically and numerically the self-bending behavior of partially coherent beams and solitons in biased and unbiased photorefractive crystals. We found that in the case of bright incoherent soliton beams the self-bending angle increases as the degree of coherence of the optical beam decreases.
Magnetic resonance based control of a robotic manipulator for interventions in the beating heart

As a part of an ongoing project, in this paper we introduce the first version of a system which has a novel methodology for Cine (as in cinema) MRI based control of a cardiac robot for beating heart surgeries. The system uses the preoperative planning approach that we developed earlier, and integrates it to the intraoperative algorithms for controlling a robot and tracking some specific landmarks of a highly dynamical surgical field. In particular, our late studies presented herein aim to demonstrate the feasibility of integrating appropriate computational tools to achieve the volumetric image guidance for minimally invasive surgeries in the beating heart. We conceive of the system as practicable for in vitro experiments upon the completion of the first physical prototype, which may pave the way for expansion of the approach for other complex surgeries as well.
An Investigation of the Influence of Shaft Misalignments on Bending Stresses of Helical Gear With Lead Crown

In this study, combined influence of shaft misalignments and gear lead crown on the load distribution and tooth bending stresses is investigated experimentally. A set of helical gear pairs having various amounts of lead crown was tested under loaded, low-speed conditions with varying amounts of tightly-controlled shaft misalignments. Gear teeth were instrumented through strips of strain gauges along the face width of gears at the tooth fillet region near the start of active profile. Variations of root strains along the face width were recorded for different levels of shaft misalignments and gear lead crown. At the end, the experimental results were correlated to the predictions of a gear load distribution model and recommendations were made on how much lead crown is optimal for a given misalignment condition.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Computerized detection of the lactate threshold in coronary artery disease

A computer program for identifying oxygen consumption at the lactate threshold was evaluated by expired gas analysis during treadmill exercise testing in 15 patients with prior myocardial infarction. There was a strong correlation (r = 0.85, p less than 0.001) between computer-identified oxygen consumption (14.1 +/- 4.6 ml/kg/min) and the oxygen consumption (14.6 +/- 4.8 ml/kg/min) corresponding to an increase of arterial lactate level to above the normal value at rest (1.3 mM). The computer program was superior to previously described visual methods for identifying the ventilatory threshold.
Sex-related Differences in a Gambling Task and Its Neurological Correlates

We investigated sex-related differences in task performance and brain activity in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during performance of a decision-making task (the Iowa Gambling Task). When men and women were examined separately, men activated extensive regions of the right lateral OFC and right DLPFC, as well as the left lateral OFC. In contrast, women activated the left medial OFC. Examining sex differences directly, men showed better task performance and greater lateralized brain activity to the right hemisphere than women. This was exemplified by greater activation in a large area of the right lateral OFC of men during their performance of the Iowa Gambling Task. In contrast, women had greater activation in the left DLPFC, left medial frontal gyrus and temporal lobe during this task. Thus, brain mechanisms engaged by men and women when solving the same decisionmaking task are different. These observations indicate that sexrelated differences contribute to the heterogeneity observed in both normal and abnormal brain functioning. These results also provide further evidence of sexual dimorphism in neurocognitive performance and brain function.
Biochemical and morphological comparison of plasma membrane and milk fat globule membrane from bovine mammary gland.

Purified plasma membrane fractions from lactating bovine mammary glands and membranes of milk fat globules from the same source were similar in distribution and fatty acid composition of phospholipids. The sphingomyelin content of the phospholipid fraction of both membranes was higher than in these fractions from other cell components, β-carotene, a constituent characteristic of milk fat, was present in the lipid fraction of the plasma membrane. Cholesterol esters of plasma membrane were similar in fatty acid composition to those of milk fat globule membranes. Disc electrophoresis of either membrane preparation on polyacrylamide gels revealed a single major protein component characteristic of plasma membrane from other sources. Distinct morphological differences between plasma membrane and milk fat globule membranes were observed in both thin sections and in negatively stained material. Plasma membrane was vesicular in appearance while milk fat globule membranes had a platelike aspect. These observations are consistent with derivation of fat globule membrane from plasma membrane accompanied by structural rearrangement of membrane constituents.
INFLUENZA : II. EFFECT OF INFLUENZA VIRUS MULTIPLICATION ON THE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION CURVES OF EMBRYONATED EGGS INCUBATED AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES.

In addition to the cycles of growth shown by the influenza A virus during the first 24 hours of its residence in the fertile egg, cycles separated by longer time intervals have been noted between the 24th and 96th hours. These longer cycles are best seen when the eggs are incubated at 40 degrees C. Corresponding fairly accurately with these cycles of growth of the virus, wide cyclic variations in the rates of increase in oxygen consumption of the infected eggs have been found to occur. These variations are in striking contrast to the uniformity of increase noted in uninfected eggs. The variations in infectivity may be caused by periodic interference with virus multiplication by accumulated inactive virus particles. The variations in oxygen consumption probably are correlated with variations in the concentration of virus toxins.
The Military and its Role in Albania’s Democratization

Communist and hermetically sealed Albania entered a process of democratization in the early 1990s. One of the most salient characteristics of democratic governance is to bring and keep the military...
Accumulation of Cytokinin-Induced Betacyanin in Specific Cells of Amaranthus tricolor Seedlings

The accumulation of betacyanin, in dark-grown Amaranthus tricolor seedlings, in response to cytokinins or red light, occurs mainly in two specific tissues, the lower epidermal cells of the cotyledons (with the exception of guard cells), and the endodermis of the hypocotyl. The possible significance of this 'spatial pattern of competence' is discussed, together with the concept of target cells in relation to plant hormones. The effect of removing exogenously supplied cytokinin at various times during a 24 h induction period is reported. There is no evidence that cytokinins act by a 'triggering' effect with a long half life, the response in the target cells being the same as that expected from the amount of cytokinin and cytokinin metabolite remaining in the tissue at the time of extraction. Either continuous presence of cytokinin is needed or any trigger action is short lived, and continuous 're-triggering' is needed to achieve maximum response.
A Comparison of Brownian and Turbulent Diffusion

Diffusion of submicron particles suspended in a turbulent flow is studied. The Lagrangian equation of motion of particles in an isotropic turbulent flow field including the Brownian effect is considered. The spectral method is used and analytical expressions for particle response statistics are derived. Variations of particle Brownian and turbulent diffusivities with particle size, density ratio, and flow Reynolds number are studied, and the relative importance of Brownian and turbulence effects are discussed. It is shown that turbulence effects generally dominate Brownian effects.
Realization of Nano-Wires in Quartz using Focused Ion Beam and ICP/RIE Etching Process for Single Electron Transistor Fabrication

The fabrication of sub-50 nm features with existing lithographic techniques is a technological challenge. Here we present the results for a fabricated nano-structure in quartz which can be potentially used for the large scale fabrication of single electron transistor (SET) devices using ultra-violet nano-imprint lithography (UV-NIL). The fabrication process was developed using focused ion beam (FIB) etching and inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICP/RIE). The results demonstrate the realization of quartz stamp with required nano-structures for the mass production of SET devices. SET devices could be integrated into nano-scaled systems incorporating vital functions like nano-sensing, data storage and communication will provide revolutionary capabilities.
Holding period effect and home price indexes: a dynamic analysis

Four major home price indexes have been used in this study, and are based on different calculation methods and from different sources. The descriptive statistics indicate no meaningful differences among them. However, by analysing the orthogonalized impulse response and variance decomposition matrixes from the vector autoregressions, this study found some noticeable differences in the dynamic relationships between these indexes and three other housing factors – mortgage rates, existing home sales and new home sales – in addition to the inflation factor. The results may reflect the holding period effect in repeat sales house price indexes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Advantages of Putative Cannibalism in American Toad Tadpoles (Bufo a. americanus): Is it Active or Passive and Why?

We performed two experiments to address the questions of whether toad tadpoles (Bufo a. americanus): (1) gain an advantage from consuming conspecifics and (2) engage in active cannibalism as opposed to scavenging. Our results show that tadpoles fed algal mats (and associated debris found within them) from their natal pond and supplemented on the bodies of dead tadpoles for 28 d attained an average of 5 more stages of development than tadpoles fed only on algal mats, which suggests a strong advantage to eating conspecifics. No tadpoles fed algal mats died, which suggests that this is an adequate food source. In a series of trials used to address the second question, we found no indication that tadpoles engage in active cannibalism. We tested this under conditions of hunger and using injured tadpoles as potential prey and progressively older tadpoles as potential cannibals. In no cases did we observe any tadpole attacking living tadpoles (even if injured) within 1-h after being placed in experimental tanks. Although some tadpoles were missing from tanks after 3-d periods, our results suggest that some (e.g., injured) tadpoles may succumb and are eaten thereafter. Test tadpoles began consuming dead crushed tadpoles significantly more quickly than dead intact tadpoles, suggesting that cues used to induce feeding are chemical and perhaps a result of some bacterial decomposition. We suggest that toad tadpoles have not evolved active cannibalism because of energetic and other costs and because mortality rates of tadpoles are naturally high in shallow ephemeral breeding ponds. Living tadpoles thus have access to dead tadpoles as a food source in such circumstances without incurring some costs of cannibalism.
Preparation of Polyimide Ablator Coatings Using an Improved Solvent Vapor Smoothing Process

We completed the development of a method for preparing smooth vapor-deposited polyimide ablators up to 160 μm thick for NIF target capsules. The process consists of two steps. The first step is vacuum chemical vapor deposition of monomer species, pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4'-oxidianitine, onto the surface of a spherical shell mandrel where they may react to form polyamic acid. In the second step dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) vapor exposure in a gas-levitation smoothing apparatus swells and fluidizes the outer surface. Roughness in the outer fluid layer is reduced by surface-tension-driven flow. The shells are cured in the final smoothing step by heating to 300°C, converting the polyamic acid to polyimide. Recent experiments using X-ray radiography have allowed us to determine the depth of solvent penetration and the solvent concentration over a range of solvent exposure conditions. We found that the rate of penetration is a function of the solvent partial pressure in the flowing vapor stream. The concentration of solvent in the swollen layer is ∼0.43 g/cm 3 and is independent of exposure conditions. Using the penetration information we were able to improve the smoothing process by increasing the solvent partial pressure. The optimized vapor smoothing process allowed us to consistently meet the surface smoothness specifications of NIF capsules.
Synthesis of Amphiphilic Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-b-poly(vinyl acetate) Molecular Bottlebrushes

Well-defined molecular bottlebrushes with poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-b-poly(vinyl acetate) (PNVP-b-PVOAc) side chains were prepared via a combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT). A macro chain transfer agent poly(2-((2-ethylxanthatepropanoyl)oxy)ethyl methacrylate) (PXPEM) was prepared by attaching xanthate chain transfer agents onto each monomeric unit of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate). Subsequently, a RAFT polymerization procedure was used to synthesize molecular bottlebrushes with PNVP side chains with controlled molecular weight and low polydispersity by grafting from the PXPEM backbone. The side chains were then chain extended with PVOAc, yielding a bottlebrush macromolecule with PNVP-b-PVOAc side chains. The comb-like shape of the chain extended bottlebrushes was confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Application of Finite Element Analysis and Optimization of Cylinder Crank bore Process

This paper introduces simulation software Advantage using in the field of researching the relation of machining process parameter and cutting performance.By setting machining tooling,work piece and process parameter,simulating real cutting process,and anal sizing the result,selecting the best parameter.Beside,By giving an example of finish boring crank bore,describing the method of simulation.
Epidemiological investigation and analysis of a brucellosis outbreak

Objective To analyze the dynamic of brucellosis in Nanchang 2012 for understanding the epidemic regularity of brucellosis and formulating preventing and controlling measures to provide the basis. Methods According to screening the source of confirmed cases and taking the epidemiological survey for expose people, to test to expose people,all goats of the cases and sampling goats of breeding farmers from 13 nearby key towns. Results By epidemiological investigation,initial case had bought a goat from other place which was without inspection and quarantine. The goats of confirmed cases had been exchanged. 7 confirmed cases and 5 latent infection cases of the human outbreak of brucellosis were found in the outbreak,the prevalence rate was 8. 86%,latent infection rate was 6. 94%. 98 goats were tested positive among 741 goats; the positive rate was 13. 23%. Conclusions The reasons in the outbreak may be related with source imported,latent infection goats ' affection and plague goats contact,so we should strengthen to quarantine for the imported livestock,enhance strength of education,and promote the public preventive consciousness in order to contain the rising momentum of the brucellosis.
Creating an Environment in which Elementary Educators Can Teach Coding

Across the globe, there is an increasing push to incorporate coding into the entire K-12 curriculum -- a shift which entails enormous challenges. This paper presents preliminary findings of an approach we are developing which addresses a key challenge associated with teaching coding, namely how to enable teachers with minimal coding backgrounds to effectively teach coding. The model we are developing provides online real-time tech support to teachers, thereby lowering the technical barriers to coding instruction. The genesis of this approach emerged from a year-long after school coding club run by the authors for elementary school students. This was followed by a pilot study involving gifted students in multiple elementary schools.
Suppression of a Charge Density Wave in ([SnSe] 1.15 ) 1 (VSe 2 ) 1 Ferecrystals Via Isoelectronic Doping with Ta

The charge density wave (CDW) transition in (SnSe)1.15VSe2 ferecrystals was investigated through the systematic addition of isoelectronic Ta dopants. (SnSe)1.15 (V1−x Ta x )Se2 ferecrystals with alloyed V1−x Ta x Se2 layers, where x = 0, 0.04, 0.06, 0.07, and 0.09, were prepared from amorphous precursors using the modulated elemental reactants (MER) method. Structural analysis of the ferecrystals, via x-ray diffraction, shows systematic changes in lattice parameters with increasing Ta content consistent with the formation of alloyed V1−x Ta x Se2 layers. Temperature-dependent electrical resistivity and Hall coefficient measurements of the prepared ferecrystals reveal that both the magnitude and onset temperature of the CDW transition are decreased with the addition of Ta, indicating that the ferecrystal CDW transition, although notably stable␣to volume defects produced by non-stoichiometric films, is more susceptible to destabilization with the addition of isoelectronic dopants.
Food Soils, Water Hardness, and Alkaline Cleaner Formulations

Cleaning of food processing equipment involves the proper interrelationship between ingredients in cleaners formulated for specific food soils and the detergent solvent, usually water. Solution tem...
Expression of iNOS, CD163 and ARG-1 taken as M1 and M2 markers of microglial polarization in human glioblastoma and the surrounding normal parenchyma

Microglia and macrophages appear to be the most common cells in the GBM microenvironment. In the present study we investigated the status of macrophages/microglia activation in surgical specimens from 41 patients diagnosed with grade IV GBM. For each patient we analyzed both the center of tumor and the parenchyma surrounding the tumor. The specimens were stained for: i) IBA1, a 17-kDa EF hand protein specifically expressed in microglia/macrophages ii) CD163, a cell surface antigen associated with M2 phenotype; iii) iNOS, taken as a functional marker of M1 phenotype, and iv) ARG-I, taken as a functional marker of M2 phenotype. Staining was scored in a double-blinded score on a scale from 0 to 5. Our results suggest that CD163 expression is higher within the tumor than in surrounding periphery in both male and female patients; while iNOS is higher within the tumor in males, no significant difference was found for ARG-1. In addition, analyzing the data in TGCA database, we found that CD163 expression was significantly and inversely correlated with mean survival times, with average survival times ranging from 448days in patients having low expression, to 319 in mid, and 353 in patients with high CD163 expressing tumors. In contrast, no significant association was found between survival time and ARG-1 or iNOS expression.
Low loss three-dimensional metamaterial-based omega-net microwave lens

Straight forward design of a three-dimensional microwave lens operating from the X- to K-band is proposed. Two-dimensional Omega-net structures that proved to have a near-zero refractive index with low loss are used as a startup design, and later are optimized and implemented to construct a three-dimensional near-zero refractive index structure. A 3D single-shell Omega-net lens can generate dual near-zero refractive index bands, 9.16GHz-10.32GHz or 5.32% BW and 11.36GHz- 12.62GHz or 5.25% BW. Other two candidates, i.e., a 3D double-shell Omega-net and a 3D diamond double-shell Omega-net lenses are also introduced.
Psychobiology of cumulative trauma: hair cortisol as a risk marker for stress exposure in women

Childhood trauma (CT) is associated with long-lasting alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and elevated risk for stress exposure in adulthood. Although HPA alterations are present in the early aftermath of trauma, it remains unclear how initial HPA activity is associated with subsequent stress exposure and whether CT exposure influences the strength and direction of this association. The present study examined prospective associations between hair cortisol content (HCC) and stress exposure from baseline to 3-month follow-up in young adult women with recent (i.e. past 3 months) exposure to interpersonal violence (IPV; i.e. physical or sexual assault) and non-traumatized controls. History of significant CT abuse or neglect was determined based on clinical cutoffs for a self-report CT measure: 12 women had abuse or neglect and recent IPV exposure (CT + IPV); 7 women had abuse or neglect but no IPV exposure (CT); 15 women had no history of trauma (NTC). HCC was computed for 3 cm sections reflecting cortisol secretion during the 3 months preceding the baseline assessment. The interaction of cumulative trauma and HCC predicted stress exposure over 3-month follow-up, controlling for baseline stress exposure and depressive symptoms. Simple slopes analyses revealed that lower baseline HCC predicted greater stress exposure in the CT + IPV group compared to the CT group; HCC was not associated with stress exposure in the NTC group. The present findings highlight the potential utility of HCC as a predictor of stress exposure for women with a history of childhood abuse or neglect, particularly in the context of recent IPV. Lay summary Adults with a history of CT show long-lasting alterations in major stress response systems, including the HPA axis. They are also more likely to experience stressful life events in adulthood. However, it is not clear how altered HPA activity influences risk for stress exposure and whether CT affects their relationship. The results from this study show that lower HPA activity (measured with hair cortisol) predicted greater stress exposure in women with CT - particularly for women who also experienced recent incidents involving physical or sexual assault.
Tax Reform: Eliminating the Double Taxation of Corporate Income

The current tax system taxes corporate income twice. This double taxation has a pronounced negative economic impact, particularly on wages. It distorts the economy and harms productivity. The double taxation of corporate income is also inconsistent with competing concepts of proper income taxation. Congress should eliminate the double taxation of corporate income. There are three means of eliminating this double taxation in the context of an income tax. Alternatively, Congress could eliminate the double taxation of corporate income by replacing the income tax with a consumption tax.