cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing the intercultural perspective in foreign language teaching in Colombia: a review of six journals

The steadfast spread of English as the dominant world language has heightened the need to integrate culture in the foreign language teaching (FLT) curriculum, but how does this process crystallize in countries such as Colombia? The results of this review provide insight on the status of the intercultural perspective in FLT in Colombia by looking at the epistemological, theoretical, practical, and ideological issues that have sprung out of the thrust to articulate the cultural dimension in language teaching. This paper reviews six major refereed journals, concentrating on the types of articles published and the characteristics of research on culture. Findings indicate that the influence of sociocultural perspectives has propelled language teachers to move from a linguistic approach toward an intercultural approach to language and culture. Researchers favor qualitative research designs to explore linguistic and social issues, such as intercultural communication, cultural representations, and identity. The c...
Nondissociative one-photon ionization of clusters--is it possible?

A new experimental technique, based on high resolution time of flight analysis of ions, has demonstrated that one photon ionization of dimers, trimers, and tetramers, is accompanied by dissociation of the cluster ion to form either clusters of lower order, new ion structures, or other products formed by intra-cluster ion molecule reactions. The method is based measuring the inevitable kinetic energy released in the dissociation process. By maintaining a low electric field across the ionization region, and optimizing the instrumental parameters, it is possible to measure kinetic energy releases as low as 2 meV. Examples of systems investigated include clusters of acetylene, ethylene, NO, CH3OH, CH3SH, CH3Cl, and C2H5Cl. The results showed that even at the lowest photon energies used, ionization without dissociation consisted of at most 5% of the total signal. In some ions, such as C2H2 clusters, 100% of the one photon ionization process is via dissociation.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Parts to principles: Anatomical origins of prefrontal organization

In “The Organisation of the Mind,” Shallice and Cooper (2011; henceforth S&C) identify “isolable cognitive subsystems” of higher-level cognition that are definable computationally, dissociable neuroanatomically, and functionally important for domains as diverse as semantic and episodic memory, working memory maintenance and manipulation, reasoning and planning, and supervisory processes and consciousness. Hence, the book provides an integrative view of the neurocognitive underpinnings of higher-level cognition, as gleaned from the cognitive neuroscience approach. The isolable subsystems in PFC identified by S&C undoubtedly reflect differences in its intrinsic and extrinsic cortico-cortical connectivity (e.g., Yeterian et al., 2012). However, as discussed below, the focal loops that interlink PFCwith striatum (e.g., Middleton and Strick, 2002) are central to PFC function. Thus, the anatomical organization of these loops is also a key determinant of the functional organization of PFC subsystems.
Reactivity of the N-Methylene-5,8-didehydroisoquinolinium Triradical Ion

The reactivity of a σ,σ,π-triradical, N-methylene-5,8-didehydroisoquinolinium ion, has been compared to that of four related mono- and biradicals in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. The triradical contains two weakly interacting orthogonal radical systemsthe σ,σ-biradical moiety and the π-monoradical moiety. The σ,σ-biradical moiety is found to be substantially more reactive than the π-radical moiety. The π-radical site reacts only after reactions have quenched the σ-radical sites.
Two interacting ellipsoidal inhomogeneities

We developed a method and presented it as a Mathematica code to calculate the stress and strain fields inside and outside of two interacting ellipsoidal inhomogeneities with arbitrary orientation with respect to each other, using the Eshelby technique. The Eshelby technique can be used to determine the elastic fields in and around these inhomogeneities. Assuming same material properties for one of the inclusions and the surrounding matrix, this code can be also used for the single inhomogeneity problem. Different geological features like faults and aquifers can be modeled as inhomogeneous inclusions.We start by reviewing Eshelby's solution for a single inclusion, a single inhomogeneity and a double inhomogeneity problem with the required formulation to calculate Eshelby tensors. Then, we describe our code structure and validate it with existing solutions in the literature and present numerical solutions. HighlightsStress distribution around anisotropic poroelastic inhomogeneity using EIM.Sensitivity analysis for elastic and poroelastic parameters of inclusion.Anisotropy in poroelastic properties leads to large change in stress distribution.Numerical examples are provided for transverse isotropicporoelastic materials.Anisotropic poroelastic materials are assumed to have anisotropic Biot coefficients.
Polyethylene glycol complexation of Cd2+. Structures of triethylene glycol complexes of CdCl2, CdBr2 and CdI2

The reactions of 1:1 molar quantities of triethylene glycol (EO3) and CdX2 (X=Cl, Br, I) in 3:1 CH3CN:CH3OH produced three different complexes which have been structurally characterized. In [Cd2(EO3)2(μ-EO3)]Cl4·2H2O, one EO3 ligand coordinates exclusively to one metal ion, while a second type of glycol coordination features donor interactions with two different Cd2+ ions producing two six-coordinate metal centers in the dimer. [Cd2Br4(EO3)2] contains two seven-coordinate Cd2+ centers and is dimeric via two bridging bromide interactions. [Cd(EO3)2][CdI4] consists of eight-coordinate Cd2+ complex cations hydrogen bonded to [CdI4]2− anions.
Evaluation of a New Mean Scaled and Moment Adjusted Test Statistic for SEM

Recently a new mean scaled and skewness adjusted test statistic was developed for evaluating structural equation models in small samples and with potentially nonnormal data, but this statistic has received only limited evaluation. The performance of this statistic is compared to normal theory maximum likelihood and 2 well-known robust test statistics. A modification to the Satorra–Bentler scaled statistic is developed for the condition that sample size is smaller than degrees of freedom. The behavior of the 4 test statistics is evaluated with a Monte Carlo confirmatory factor analysis study that varies 7 sample sizes and 3 distributional conditions obtained using Headrick's fifth-order transformation to nonnormality. The new statistic performs badly in most conditions except under the normal distribution. The goodness-of-fit χ2 test based on maximum-likelihood estimation performed well under normal distributions as well as under a condition of asymptotic robustness. The Satorra–Bentler scaled test statist...
Nuclear currents in a relativistic mean-field theory

Abstract Three-vector currents for nuclear matter with one valence particle outside a filled Fermi sphere are studied in the mean-field approximation to the Walecka model. Due to self-consistency, the added valence particle modifies the core by mixing the positive-energy Dirac core wave functions with their negative-energy counterparts with the same three-momentum. This mixing is implicit in the self-consistent mean-field calculation but can also be understood in terms of the linear response function at zero four-momentum transfer. The core contribution to the isoscalar three-vector current cancels the enhancement arising from the reduced mass M ∗ of the valence particle; in contrast, the core has a small effect on the isovector current. Implications for isoscalar magnetic moments of odd- A nuclei are discussed, and results are illustrated for elastic magnetic scattering of electrons from 17 O and 209 Bi.
The Impact of First Drinking and Differential Association on Collegiate Drinking

Abstract This paper discusses a survey conducted during the spring semester of 1994 at two state universities situated, respectively, in the midwestern and southern parts of the United States. Specifically, this paper examines the impact on collegiate drinking of onset age of drinking; definitional and association factors during the occasion of the first drink; and current definitions and associations, within the context of differential association theory and social learning theory. Early onset of drinking reflects a violation of role definition — a set of in part age-based social expectations that, among other things, discourages young teenagers from trying alcohol. Some factors associated with the first drinking experience, such as parental approval of the first drink and taking the first drink at home, were theorized to reflect the presence of more-conventional definitions and modeling by parents. The presence of parental guidance and controls should reduce the likelihood of problem drinking. Individua...
Developing capacity in fragile states

How can fragile states and the international community strengthen capacity and find a path from fragility to socio-economic progress? This article offers some answers to this question. The discussion opens with brief overviews of capacity and capacity development (CD), and then turns to capacity targets in fragile states. Almost any CD choice involves trade-offs and dilemmas. The article explores the following: state versus non-state service provision, services now versus institutional strengthening, immediate security versus long-term stability, technical versus political factors and external actors and local capacity. A model of CD intervention is presented. The model identifies three dimensions that can be used to characterise interventions to build capacity: the amount of time required, the degree of difficulty and complexity and the scope and depth of the change involved. The implications of the model are identified. The article concludes with some emerging guidance for CD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust and energy-efficient asynchronous dynamic pipelines for ultra-low-voltage operation using adaptive keeper control

Asynchronous dynamic pipelines are increasingly being used, including in recent commercial design flows, since they simultaneously provide high-performance, clock-free operation and delay-insensitive communication. While they also show promise for energy-efficient ultra-low-voltage circuits, with always-on keepers, these circuits exhibit severe robustness issues. In this paper, an adaptive keeper solution is introduced, to eliminate write contention issues. Arbitrary unknown data rates and congestion must be safely handled, without a reference clock, hence conventional solutions for synchronous design cannot be applied. The proposed method, demonstrated in two widely-used pipelines (PS0, PCHB), directly addresses the asynchronous contention issue by dynamic monitoring of neighboring traffic at each pipeline stage. Simulations of a pipelined ripple-carry adder show correct operation at 0.3 V with energy improvements of up to 4.4× compared to a non-adaptive design. In addition, the approach also improves pipeline throughput by 24.4% and 17.4% at 0.6 V and nominal 1.0 V, respectively.
Mouthpart sensilla and mandibles of the adult alfalfa weevil Hypera postica and the Egyptian alfalfa weevil H. brunneipennis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

The mouthpart and buccal cavity sensilla are described after using scanning electron microscopy on adults of the eastern and western strain of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), and the Egyptian alfalfa weevil, H. brunneipennis (Boheman). Uniporous sensilla basiconica occur on the apex of the terminal segment of the palpi but do not differ consistently among the three weevils. The antennae and tarsal setae were also compared but showed no differences. However, the shape and dimensions of the mandibles may be used to differentiate among the three weevils; those of the eastern strain and H. brunneipennis are the least alike and the western strain is intermediate.
In utero exposure to low doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin alters reproductive development of female Long Evans hooded rat offspring.

Prenatal administration of a single dose of 1 microg TCDD/kg induces malformations of the external genitalia and subfertility in female offspring (L. E. Gray, Jr., and J. S. Ostby (1995) Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 133, 285-294). A cross-fostering study indicated that in utero but not lactational TCDD exposure (1 microg TCDD/kg on gestational Day 15) induces cleft phallus, vaginal thread formation, and reduced ovarian weight. TCDD treatment on the 15th day of pregnancy at 0, 0.05, 0.20, or 0.80 microg TCDD/kg delayed vaginal opening at 0.80 microg/kg in the progeny. A persistent vaginal thread was displayed by 27% of the progeny at 0.20 and 92% at 0.80 microg TCDD/kg. These effects did not appear to result from abnormal ovarian function during prepubertal development; neither serum estradiol levels nor ovarian estradiol production were reduced in 21- or 28-day-old progeny of dams exposed to 1 microg TCDD/kg. In addition, partial to complete clefting of the phallus was displayed in TCDD-treated rats (10% at 0.20 and 60% at 0.80 microg TCDD/kg) and these dosage levels also increased the length of the urethral slit, increased distance from the urethral opening to the tip of the phallus, and decreased distance from the urethral opening to the vaginal orifice. Although fertility rates were normal, time-to-pregnancy was delayed by treatment with 0.80 microg TCDD/kg. When necropsied at 20 months of age, females from the TCDD-dose groups displayed histopathological alterations of the reproductive tract. In summary, administration of TCDD at dosage levels of 0.2, 0.8, and 1.0 microg/kg produces morphological reproductive alterations in female rat offspring as a consequence of in utero exposure.
Fault detection and isolation in hybrid process systems using a combined data-driven and observer-design methodology

A combined data-driven and observer-design methodology for fault detection and isolation (FDI) in hybrid process systems with switching operating modes is proposed in this work. The main contribution is to construct a unified framework for FDI by integrating Gaussian mixture models (GMM), subspace model identification (SMI), and results from unknown input observer (UIO) theory. Initially, a GMM is built to identify and describe the multimodality of hybrid systems by using the recorded input/output process data. A state-space model is then obtained for each specific operating mode based on SMI if the system matrices are unknown. An UIO is designed to estimate the system states robustly, based on which the fault detection is laid out through a multivariate analysis of the residuals. Finally, by designing a set of unknown input matrices for specific fault scenarios, fault isolation is carried out through the disturbance-decoupling principle from the UIO theory. A significant benefit of the developed framework is to overcome some of the limitations associated with individual model-based and data-based approaches in dealing with the problem of FDI in hybrid systems. Finally, the validity and effectiveness of the proposed monitoring framework are demonstrated using a simulation example.
Bezold–Brücke Hue Shift Measured by Color-Naming Technique*

Three experiments on the Bezold–Brucke phenomenon (change in the hue of spectral colors caused by change in field luminance) are reported. The first is an exact replication of Purdy’s classic experiment, where the shift between 100 and 1000 trolands is investigated by direct matching in a steadily presented bipartite field. The second is a modification of Purdy’s experiment where the observer is asked to match on the basis of 300-msec flashes of the bipartite field. The third is an experiment where no matches are required, but where the observer is asked to judge the hue of a flashing stimulus using a forced-choice color-naming technique. The results of the three experiments are compared: differences are discussed in terms of viewing time and simultaneous contrast.
Structural features of prolactins and growth hormones that can be related to their biological properties.

IN THIS review we have compared the amino acid sequences of the GHs of eight mammalian species and the domestic chicken with the sequences of the PRLs of seven mammalian species. Individual amino acids, clusters of residues, and regions of the molecules were identified that were highly conserved among all of the hormones. Other individual amino acids, clusters of residues, and regions were identified that were specific to PRLs only or to GHs only. Attempts were made to associate these hormone-specific and commonly conserved features to the hormone-specific and shared biological properties of PRLs, GHs, and placental lactogens (PLs) by relating them to predicted secondary structure and hydropathy analysis. The latter involves predicting which regions of the molecules would be interior or exterior, based on the hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity of the regions. External clusters of conserved residues (consisting of both hormone-specific and commonly conserved) were identified that could be specifically associ...
An economic and landscape evaluation of the green-up rules for California, Oregon, and Washington (USA)

Abstract Green-up constraints related to forest harvesting practices can be found in forest practices rules around the world. This research was aimed at evaluating the effects of green-up constraints on measures of economics and landscape structure in three western United States (USA). The green-up rules contained in the California, Oregon, and Washington forest practices laws were applied to two hypothetical forests with randomly generated age classes. Forest 1 contained a uniform distribution of age classes from 5 to 120 years and forest 2 was composed of mature forest primarily greater than 75 years. Spatially feasible 10-year timber harvest schedules were produced using a two-stage heuristic procedure that included a provision that the green-up constraint specified in each state's forest practices rules would not be violated. When modeled on both forests, the discounted net revenue and harvest volume were significantly lower under California rules than under Oregon or Washington rules. The forests modeled under California rules thus did result in a slightly more mature landscape than those modeled under the Oregon and Washington rules, yet one with more edge habitat than interior forest habitat. Otherwise, there seems to be little structural differences among the landscapes when the green-up rules from these three states are applied.
The Decline of the Secular University

The basic thesis of this provocative and important book is twofold. On the one hand, it is that colleges and universities should not just teach about religion but should also allow distinctive religious perspectives and arguments to be a significant part of academic curricula and of discussions about educational outlooks, meanings, and values in academic communities. On the other hand, the author's thesis is that secularism should not just be assumed as the underlying and pervasive outlook of colleges and universities, but that secularism itself should be taught about, just as religion is now taught about (e.g., in religious studies programs or history courses), in order critically to identify and analyze secularism's own basic assumptions about the nature of reality and the character of responsible human life in the world. Failure in this task means that students are simply being indoctrinated into secularist views without being given opportunity clearly to recognize them as such or to bring them under c...
Activation of Akt through gp130 Receptor Signaling Is Required for Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus-Induced Lymphatic Reprogramming of Endothelial Cells

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common tumor of AIDS patients worldwide. KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the infectious cause of this highly vascularized skin tumor. The main cell type found within a KS lesion, the spindle cell, is latently infected with KSHV and has markers of both blood and lymphatic endothelial cells. During development, lymphatic endothelial cells differentiate from preexisting blood endothelial cells. Interestingly, KSHV infection of blood endothelial cells induces lymphatic endothelial cell differentiation. Here, we show that KSHV gene expression is necessary to maintain the expression of the lymphatic markers vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) and podoplanin. KSHV infection activates many cell signaling pathways in endothelial cells and persistently activates STAT3 through the gp130 receptor, the common receptor of the interleukin 6 family of cytokines. We find that KSHV infection also activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-OH-kinase (PI3K)/Akt cell signaling pathway in latently infected endothelial cells and that gp130 receptor signaling is necessary for Akt activation. Using both pharmacological inhibitors and small interfering RNA knockdown, we show that the gp130 receptor-mediated activation of both the JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt cell signaling pathways is necessary for KSHV-induced lymphatic reprogramming of endothelial cells. The induction of the lymphatic endothelial cell-specific transcription factor Prox1 is also involved in KSHV-induced lymphatic reprogramming. The activation of gp130 receptor signaling is a novel mechanism for the differentiation of blood endothelial cells into lymphatic endothelial cells and may be relevant to the developmental or pathological differentiation of lymphatic endothelial cells as well as to KSHV pathogenesis.
On existence of nonoscillatory solutions in forced nonlinear differential equations

For the equation $$L_n y(t) + F(t,{\text{ }}y(t)) = f(t)$$ minimal sufficient conditions ensure the existence of a nonoscillatory solution.Ln is a disconjugate differential operator of the form $$L_n = \frac{{1{\text{ }}d{\text{ }}1}}{{p_n (t){\text{ }}dt{\text{ }}P_{n - 1} (t)}}...\frac{1}{{P_1 (t)}}.\frac{d}{{dt}}.\frac{.}{{p_0 (t)}}$$ .
“Microquasars” and the X-ray background

The recent discovery of small active nuclei (via emission lines) in normal spiral galaxies greatly expands the range of the quasar phenomenon. By using the relationship between Lx and L(H-alpha) found in more luminous Seyfert galaxies and assuming that it holds for smaller active nuclei, a bivariate X-ray luminosity function can be calculated. This luminosity function fits naturally onto the higher luminosity X-ray luminosity function derived from the HEAO-1/A2 survey. The contribution to the X-ray background from small active nuclei hiding in large spiral galaxies is greater than 15 percent.
6.3.1 The Use of Systems Engineering Tools in the Classroom

This paper clarifies the value of using state-of-the-art systems engineering tools (SETs) in the classroom, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. The goals for using SETs in the classroom as well as the lessons I have learned from trial and error experiences while trying to use them effectively. These lessons learned are based upon my experiences using DesignIDEF (Meta Software), RDD-100 (Ascent Logic), and CORE (Vitech Corporation) over the past four years in the classroom and on research projects with students. I conclude that the benefits of this activity far exceed the costs (which are not inconsiderable) and that each SET must be approached uniquely in designing classroom activities.
Phosphonoacetate inhibition of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in intact and permeable eukaryotic cells.

Abstract Phosphonoacetate was evaluated as an inhibitor of DNA synthesis in L cells, L 1210 cells and phytohemagglutinin-stimulated human lymphocytes. L cells were most sensitive and lymphocytes least sensitive to inhibition by phosphonacetate. L cells showed rapid uptake of [ 14 C]phosphonoacetate compared to much slower uptake by L1210 cells and human lymphocytes. The rate of uptake in the three cell types correlated with the degree of inhibition of DNA synthesis. When the drug was studied in permeabilized cells, the DNA synthetic enzymes in all three cell types showed the same susceptibility to inhibition by phosphonoacetate. Thus, the differences in phosphonoacetate inhibition of DNA synthesis in intact L cells, L 1210 cells and human lymphocytes appear to be due to differences in drug uptake rather than to any differences in sensitivity to its inhibitory action.
Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of sulfided hexanuclear molybdenum cluster compounds

Hexanuclear molybdenum clusters with mixed chloride and sulfide bridging ligands were prepared by reacting {alpha}-MoCl{sub 2} with sodium hydrosulfide in the presence of sodium butoxide. The resulting species, Mo{sub 6}Cl{sub (8-x)}S{sub x}{center dot}npy(x {congruent} 3.6, n {congruent} 4, py = pyridine), was pyrophoric and insoluble. The mixed sulfide chloride cluster species Mo{sub 6}S{sub 4}Cl{sub 4}{center dot}6OPEt{sub 3} and Mo{sub 6}S{sub {approximately}5}Cl{sub {approximately}3}{center dot}6PEt{sub 3} and Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8}{center dot}6PEt{sub 3} were isolated and characterized. Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, and UV/visible spectra were obtained for each fraction. The completely sulfided cluster, Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8}{center dot}6PEt{sub 3}, was prepared similarly and used in various experiments as a possible precursor to Chevrel phase materials of the type Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8}or M{sub n}Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8}. With the goal of removing all of the triethylphosphine ligands, Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8}{center dot}6PEt{sub 3} was reacted with the transition metal carbonyls molybdenum hexacarbonyl and dicobalt octacarbonyl. Reaction on the molecular sulfide cluster with copper(I) chloride in toluene gave a completely insoluble product. The reaction of Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8}{center dot}6PEt{sub 3} with propylene sulfide gave a product whose infrared spectra showed only very weak peaks associated with coordinated triethylphosphine. The elemental analysis of this product fitmore » the formula Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8}{center dot}5SPEt{sub 3}. Reactivity of the outer ligands of the Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8}{center dot}npy and Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8}{center dot}(6{minus}x)PrNH{sub x} clusters were investigated. Crystalline Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8}{center dot}6THT was recovered from the reaction of the n-propylamine derivative with THT. A crystal structure determination was done. 87 refs., 12 fig., 15 tabs.« less
Impact of climate change on groundwater recharge in dry areas: An ecohydrology approach

Summary This work proposes an ecohydrology-based approach to study the impact of climate change on groundwater recharge in dry areas. It is largely based on a concept that in dry areas, vegetation community can be divided into two different groups, shallow- and deep-rooted vegetation, with the growing-season average of root-zone soil water saturation tending to be at its optimum value for the growth of deep-rooted vegetation. The concept is supported by data sets collected from different dry areas. Analytical results of soil water dynamics developed in previous studies are adapted here for investigating the impact of climate change. Because the conceptual model allows deep-zone soil–water saturation, averaged over growing seasons, to remain fixed during different climate conditions, we can construct a relationship among groundwater recharge, the coverage of deep-rooted vegetation, and climate. As an illustrative example, we apply the developed approach to the Yucca Mountain area. Our estimated recharge value under the current climate and the vegetation coverage is generally consistent with results estimated from other methods or observed from the site. We also evaluate how the recharge will change under several assumed future climate scenarios. The results show that both groundwater recharge and deep-rooted vegetation coverage increase with decreasing rainfall frequency (for a given amount of annual rainfall), with increasing average rainfall depth per rainfall event (for a fixed frequency) and with increasing frequency (for a fixed rainfall depth per rainfall event). The latter indicates a relatively large degree of buffering effects of vegetation on changes in groundwater recharge.
Mössbauer study of oxygen-related lattice instabilities in oriented 1-2-3 HTSC

57Fe Mossbauer effect measurements as a function of temperature between 78 and 293 K in grain-aligned YBaCuO (T c=89 K, ΔT c<2 K) with bothc∥γ andc⊥γ orientations revealed a sequence of anomalies in the recoilless fraction, center shift and linewidth of all57Fe quadrupole doublets in the host lattice. These anomalies are believed to arise due to antiferroelectric phase transitions driven by a nonlinear anharmonic vibrational motion of oxygen atoms in a breathing mode configuration. The results obtained are indicative of a possible coexistence of high-T c superconductivity and antiferroelectricity in 1-2-3 ceramics.
Acquired cellular resistance following transfer of lymphocytes from mice infected repeatedly with staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract Cell-mediated immunity following multiple staphylococcal infections of mice was found to differ from other established experimental models of infection with facultative intracellular microorganisms in that acquired cellular resistance was of extremely short duration. This is perhaps a reflection of the fact that Staphylococcus aureus does not multiply or survive within mononuclear phagocytes and are eliminated from the tissues within a few days. Thus, a sustained antigenic stimulus required for maintenance of cellular immunity does not occur. Spleen cells from immunized mice transferred simultaneously with staphylococcal antigen conferred resistance against Listeria monocytogenes on unimmunized syngeneic mice. Treatment of immune splenic lymphocytes with antilymphocyte serum and complement markedly inhibited or abolished capacity of the lymphocytes to transfer resistance to Listeria . These results support and extend our previous data which suggest that mice infected repeatedly with staphylococci are able to suppress the growth of L. monocytogenes via cellular rather than humoral mechanisms.
Developing a Model to Predict the Torrefaction of Biomass

With increasing fuel costs and more emphasis being placed on sustainable sources of energy, biomass from agricultural residues and energy crops are becoming an increasingly viable value-added resource for the rural economies in United States and throughout the world. Torrefaction, a thermochemical reaction process, is a form of mild-pyrolysis that improves the qualities of biomass feedstocks for use as a fuel similar to charcoal. This research presents a user-centered computational framework to predict the effects of torrefaction of biomass. The reaction model is based on recently developed models for the torrefaction of willow. The basis for this model is a two stage, solid mass loss kinetics reaction where Arrhenius kinetic parameters are estimated based on experimentally obtained TGA data. Utilizing these parameters along with solid product formation equations it is possible to determine the solid mass yield, as well as the yields of the two stages of pseudo-volatiles released during reaction. Chemical species composition of the volatiles is determined from a system of constrained linear equations based on calculated volatile yield data and experimental results. The reaction model is implemented into MATLAB R2012b as a standalone program with a graphical user interface to obtain inputs, and display numeric and graphic results. The overall goal of this model is to provide a guide for improving conversion efficiency of biomass to bio-char.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Visual and Auditory Language Processing Asymmetries: Influences of Handedness, Familial Sinistrality, and Sex

Summary The relationships of familial sinistrality (FS), subject sex, and degree of left-or right-handedness to hemispheric efficiency differences in visual and auditory processing of verbal stimuli were studied. A strong effect of FS on visual processing asymmetry, replicating previous findings in our laboratory, obtained for left-handed subjects. The FS + left-handers showed the right visual field recognition superiority indicative of relative left hemisphere dominance while the FS - subjects showed no evidence of hemispheric asymmetry. A significant sex effect occurred among the right-handed subjects, with females showing evidence of left hemispheric superiority and males failing to show any significant hemispheric asymmetry. All right-handed sex-FS subgroups showed evidence of left hemisphere superiority for auditory verbal processing, but among the left-handed subjects only the FS + females and the FS - males showed significant evidence of left hemisphere superiority. The FS - females' performance was quite heterogenous but with a marked tendency toward left hemisphere superiority, while the FS + males showed a very clear absence of hemispheric asymmetry for processing the auditory-verbal stimuli. Measures of degree of left - or right-handedness consistently failed to relate to cerebral processing laterality measures. The relationship of present results to other findings was discussed and methodological problems were considered. It was concluded that both FS and sex may moderate the degree of “cerebral dominance” for language processing, and that failures to adequately assess these variables may underlie much of the inconsistency of findings in the area.
Extending SQUID interferometry beyond the cuprates and beyond d-wave symmetry

Phase-sensitive superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) interferometry measurements have been instrumental in establishing the d-wave pairing symmetry of the high-temperature cuprates. We are now applying this approach to try to determine the symmetry of other superconducting materials suspected to be unconventional, such as the heavy fermion, organic, and ruthenate superconductors. We are also using modifications of the technique to probe details of the pairing state, such as the angular anisotropy of the order parameter magnitude and phase, the dependence of symmetry-induced spontaneous currents on sample geometry, and the onset of subdominant order parameter symmetries at interfaces and defects.
Lasing and Narrowing of Spontaneous Emission from Responsive Cholesteric Films

New optically pumped lasing cholesteric polymers able to respond to pH changes in the chemical environment are synthesized and studied. The polymer may be prepared as a free-standing film, with lasing turned on and off in basic and acidic aqueous solutions.
Fumonisins as Potential Causes of Kidney Disease

AbstractThe fumonisins are a series of sphingosine-analog mycotoxins produced by the ubiquitous corn (maize) contaminant Fusarium moniliforme. The major component, fumonisin B1 (FB1), has been shown to cause leukoencephalomalacia in horses, pulmonary edema in swine and hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis and chronic interstitial nephritis in rats. Consumption of corn-derived food products contaminated with F. moniliforme has been correlated with increased risk of human esophageal cancer in several epidemiological studies. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays using pre-column derivatization with fluorogenic reagents have been developed for FB1, and used to demonstrate that FB1 contaminates most corn and corn-derived processed food products intended for human consumption. Most types of food processing reduce FB1 levels, but they do not completely eliminate it. A sensitive bioassay for mycotoxins, including FB1 and ochratoxins, has been developed using cytotoxic effects on cultured mammalian ...
Development of a General, Sequential, Ring-Closing Metathesis/Intramolecular Cross-Coupling Reaction for the Synthesis of Polyunsaturated Macrolactones

A general strategy for the construction of macrocyclic lactones containing conjugated Z,Z-1,3-diene subunits is described. The centerpiece of the strategy is a sequential ring-closing metathesis (RCM) that forms an unsaturated siloxane ring, followed by an intramolecular cross-coupling reaction with a pendant alkenyl iodide. A highly modular assembly of the various precursors allowed the preparation of unsaturated macrolactones containing 11-, 12-, 13-, and 14-membered rings. Although the RCM process proceeded uneventfully, the intramolecular cross-coupling required extensive optimization of palladium source, solvent, fluoride source, and particularly fluoride hydration level. Under the optimal conditions (including syringe pump high dilution), the macrolactones were produced in 53−78% yield as single stereoisomers. A benzo-fused 12-membered-ring macrolactone containing an E,Z-1,3-diene unit was also prepared by the same general strategy. The E-2-styryl iodide was prepared by a novel Heck reaction of an a...
The economic implications of the earnings impact from lease capitalization

Abstract We observe a substantial earnings impact from capitalizing the operating leases for firms on Compustat over 1996–2010. This earnings impact is derived from the disclosed lease information and is similar to the earnings difference that arises from applying the accelerated versus the straight-line model, two alternative models proposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board (the Boards) in 2013 to account for lease expense for lessees. Our focus is on the economic implications of this earnings impact. Applying a one-year cash flow prediction model, we observe a significant relationship between the negative impact and future operating cash flows. Using a return-earnings model, we find that both negative and positive impacts possess an incremental explanatory power for contemporaneous stock returns beyond reported earnings. Our findings provide timely empirical evidence for the Boards to evaluate two alternative models for lessees' expenses as they are in the midst of redeliberations of accounting for leases.
A direct assay for liver phenylalanine hydroxylase

Abstract 1. 1 An assay for liver phenylalanine hydroxylase ( l -phenylalanine, tetrahydropteridine: O2 oxidoreductase (4-hydroxylating), EC 1.14.3.1) based on the nonenzymatic regeneration of 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6,7-dimethyltetrahydropteridine from 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6,7-dimethyldihydropteridine (quinonoid form) by dithiothreitol is described. Dithiothreitol not only regenerates the tetrahydropteridine from dihydropteridine but it also effectively destroys peroxide formed during the aerobic oxidation of the tetrahydropteridine. 2. 2 The apparent K m values for each of the substrates were: 1,12 mM phenylalanine; 0.31 atm O2, 67 μM 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6,7-dimethyltetrahydropteridine.
Implantation in the rhesus monkey: initial penetration of endometrium.

A series of peri-implantation stages of the rhesus monkey has been collected; these range from preimplantation blastocysts through initial implantation to early villus formation. The three earliest postimplantation specimens encompass the stages of penetration into and through the uterine luminal epithelium and into endometrial blood vessels. The day of pregnancy was established by radioimmunoassay of estrogen (E) levels to determine the prevulatory E peak, and in each instance the embryo was examined to determine the extent of development. The conceptus collected on day 9.5 of pregnancy was the earliest implantation stage; it ballooned above a depression in the endometrium to which it was firmly attached. A column of syncytial trophoblast penetrated into the uterine epithelium to the basal lamina of the latter. The syncytial trophoblast shared junctional complexes with the uterine epithelial cells to which it was apposed at the margin of the site of epithelial penetration. Basal to the apical junction complexes, processes of syncytium indented uterine epithelial cells. Several epithelial cells had been partially isolated and surrounded by flanges of syncytial trophoblast. In the next specimen, at 10.0 days after ovulation, the uterine epithelium had initiated the epithelial plaque reaction. The trophoblast had extended along the residual basal lamina of the uterine epithelium and into the neck of an adjacent uterine gland. Cytotrophoblast was abundant in the central region of the implantation site, and was intermixed with syncytium which formed the majority of the peripheral trophoblast. In several places clefts had formed in the syncytial trophoblast; these clefts were lined with microvilli, had intermicrovillous caveolae, and consequently more closely resemble the trophoblast that eventually lines the intervillous spaces than the trophoblast involved in initial invasion. In the day-10.5 specimen, in addition to prelacunar clefts, lacunae containing maternal blood were present for the first time. The basal lamina was penetrated in many places, and syncytial trophoblast was interposed between maternal endothelial cells of the underlying vessels. It was concluded that syncytial trophoblast is the first tissue to penetrate the uterine luminal epithelium; that the basal lamina of the uterine luminal epithelium, but not the basal lamina of endothelium, constitutes a temporary barrier to trophoblast penetration; that invasion is accomplished with less destruction of maternal tissue than previously suggested; and that the rapid superficial growth of the placenta is made possible by the early tapping of the endometrial vessels.
Electrodeposited single-crystal cobalt films

Abstract Electrodeposition of single-crystal thin films of cobalt from a high concentration metal ion bath is described. The crystal structures observed by RHEED are related to the current densities and pH of the plating bath and the deposit thickness. Emphasis is on the parameter values within which single-crystal h.c.p. cobalt may be obtained with the c -axis perpendicular to the film plane.
Nitric oxide: An overview

Nitric oxide (NO), a paracrine-acting gas enzymatically synthesized from L-arginine, is a unique biologic mediator that has been implicated in a myriad of physiologic and pathophysiologic states. It is an important regulator of vascular tone and may be the mediator of the hemodynamic changes involved in sepsis and cirrhosis. In addition, there is increasing evidence that NO is involved in coagulation, immune function, inhibitory innervation of the gastrointestinal tract, protection of gastrointestinal mucosa, and the hepatotoxicity of cirrhosis. It has already been speculated that NO may represent a point of control or intervention in a number of disease states. The purpose of this paper is to provide the surgeon with a broad overview of the scientific and clinical aspects of this important molecule.
Cytochrome C And The Role Of Zinc Ions In Electron Transport In Rat Liver Mitochondria

The inhibition of electron transfer by zinc ions in the electron transport system of the rat liver mitochondria was investigated. There was an increase in the rate at which oxygen was consumed in rat liver mitochondria pre-incubated with cytochrome c. However, the rate of inhibition of oxygen consumption by zinc ions was significantly reduced [P Key words: Zinc, electron transport system, Succinate and NADH Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol.18(1-2) 2003: 49-51
An interior-point method for efficient solution of block-structured NLP problems using an implicit Schur-complement decomposition

Abstract In this work, we address optimization of large-scale, nonlinear, block-structured problems with a significant number of coupling variables. Solving these problems using interior-point methods requires the solution of a linear system that has a block-angular structure at each iteration. Parallel solution is possible using a Schur-complement decomposition. In an explicit Schur-complement decomposition, the computational cost of forming and factorizing the Schur-complement is prohibitive for problems with many coupling variables. In this paper, we show that this bottleneck can be overcome by solving the Schur-complement equations implicitly, using a quasi-Newton preconditioned conjugate gradient method. This new algorithm avoids explicit formation and factorization of the Schur-complement. The computational efficiency of this algorithm is compared with the serial full-space approach, and the serial and parallel explicit Schur-complement approach. These results show that the PCG Schur-complement approach dramatically reduces the computational cost for problems with many coupling variables.
Painlevé property and exact solutions for a nonlinear wave equation with generalized power-law nonlinearities

Abstract By employing a variety of techniques, we investigate several classes of solutions of a family of nonlinear partial differential equations (NLPDEs) with generalized nonlinearities, special cases of which include the Klein–Gordon equation, the Landau–Ginzburg–Higgs equation, the φ 4 and φ 6 equations, the Rayleigh wave equation. The Painleve property for our class of equations is studied first, showing that there are integrable families of such equations satisfying the strong Painleve property (under a traveling wave assumption). From the truncated Laurent expansions, we introduce the auto-Backlund transformation for the two families shown to admit the strong Painleve property. A multi-parameter family of exact solutions is then constructed from these auto-Backlund transformations for each of the cases, leading to travelling wave solutions. From here, assuming only travelling wave solutions, we then discuss more general methods of obtaining travelling wave solutions for those cases which do not satisfy the strong Painleve property. Such solutions constitute rare exact solutions to a complicated nonlinear partial differential equation.
Liquid Precursor Infiltration Processing of Powder Compacts: II, Fracture Toughness and Strength

Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} powder compacts were infiltrated with liquid precursors which produce either Zr(Y)O{sub 2} (3 mol% Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) solid solution or amorphous Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} after pyrolysis at relative low temperatures and without shrinkage. Results show that cracks which occur within a thin, surface layer of the precursor during pyrolysis can extend into the powder compact. As suggested by theory, this cracking phenomenon could be avoided either by making the powder compact stronger before infiltration or by removing the thin precursor layer before pyrolysis. The mechanical properties of these materials were studied as a function of residual porosity. It was observed that crack extension occurred within the second phase produced by infiltration and pyrolysis. The second phase appeared to govern the critical stress intensity factor (K{sub c}) of the material. K{sub c} was found to be a linear function of the change in residual, relative porosity divided by the initial, relative porosity in the powder compact. Reasonable flexural strengths ({approx} 300 MPa) could be achieved despite considerable residual porosity.
On the relationship between concentration of prospect theory/mental accounting investors, cointegration, and momentum

Abstract We examine the role of cointegration between stock prices and their estimated fundamental values in return momentum. We find that the positive relationship between capital gains overhang and future stock returns in Grinblatt and Han (2005) is significantly stronger among the “non-cointegrated” group of stocks as compared with the “cointegrated” group of stocks. Further, for the cointegrated stocks, the slower the speed of adjustment to the cointegrating equilibrium, the greater (smaller) is the future return of stocks with unrealized capital gains (losses). These findings are robust to various firm characteristics including firm size, book-to-market ratio, past returns, idiosyncratic volatility, dispersion in analysts’ earnings forecasts, turnover, individual investor ownership, and industry returns.