cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and evaluation of a novel diffusion separator for measuring gas/particle distributions of semivolatile organic compounds

A new gas/particle diffusion separation sampler was developed with the purpose of definitely measuring semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs) in atmospheric gases and particles. A laminar flow separator is able to separate a known fraction of the gas phase from the aerosol because gases diffuse orders of magnitude faster than particles. This fraction of the gas phase is collected downstream of the separator, extracted with supercritical fluid, and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass selective detection. The particulate phase is the difference between measured total and gas-phase concentrations. The separator performance agreed well with theory. Ultimately, we plan to use several separators in parallel to collect semivolatile organic compounds to further the understanding of gas/particle partitioning and the fate of semivolatile species in the atmosphere
Predictors of Need of Renal Replacement Therapy among Lung Transplant Patients Admitted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit

Purpose Increasing number of patients are undergoing lung transplantation (LT) every year and many of these patients have episodes of decompensation requiring admission to medical intensive care unit (MICU). We sought to identify baseline variables that predict need of renal replacement therapy (RRT) among these patients. Methods and Materials This study was part of an ongoing registry study among all the patients admitted to MICU (a 53 bedded closed unit) at the Cleveland Clinic. Between July 2011-2012, 101 patients with LT were admitted to the MICU. Among these, 10 were on chronic hemodialysis and were excluded (n=91, age 55.3±12.9 years, M:F50:41). Data regarding baseline clinical and laboratory variables, need of RRT, length of stay in ICU and hospital survival was analysed. Study group was divided into patients who needed RRT versus those who did not and variables were compared between the two groups. Results Significant number of patients needed some form of RRT (n=22, 24.2%). Renal functions at admission to MICU did not predict need of RRT. On univariate analysis, patients who needed RRT were more likely to be diabetic (59.1% vs 27.5%, OR 3.8, 1.4-10.3, P=0.007), have history of cystic fibrosis (CF) (81.8%vs18.8% for non CF, P 74 (Adjusted OR 25.7,1.3-487.5, P=0.031) were the independent predictors of need of RRT. Conclusions A significant number of patients with LT admitted to MICU need RRT and this is associated with a worse outcome. History of cystic fibrosis and diabetes and APACHE III score >74 are independent predictors of need of RRT.
Equiangular fan-beam computerized tomography reconstruction for a noncircular scanning locus

A derivative-free, two-dimensional equiangular fan-beam reconstruction formula for a noncircular scanning locus is derived under three practical conditions. The formula contains the same terms as the traditional formula, except that the constant source-to-origin distance is replaced by the source-to-origin distance as a function of the rotation angle. The correctness of this formula is tested in numerical simulation. The potential applications of the formula include fourth-generation CT, electron-beam Ct, SPECT, and x-ray microtomography.
The square root of general relativity

Abstract We introduce spin in a natural manner into general relativity by taking the square root, a la Dirac, of the Hamiltonian constraints of the theory. This approach leads naturally to local supersymmetry and provides additional understanding and attractiveness for supergravity as a physically cogent extension of Einstein's theory.
How do the experts do it? The use of ethnographic methods as an aid to understanding the cognitive processing and retrieval of large bodies of text

This paper explores an important problem in information retrieval: that of rapidly increasing amounts of full-text storage that is difficult to file and retrieve effectively. The author suggests that a possible avenue for improving full-text retrieval would include in-depth studies of the ways in which individual users cope with large amounts of written information, stored chiefly on paper in their offices. Relevant literature in cognitive psychology is reviewed and some recent and continuing studies are described that have used anthropological methods to approach this problem. It is argued that historians are a good group to study, due to their reliance on the examination and processing of texts, and the broad scope of their inquiries. Examinations of the ways in which this one group of information workers categorize documents could lead us to a better understanding of human problems in processing and retrieving textual information.
Nectar Sources as Constraints on the Distribution of Egg Masses by the Checkerspot Butterfly, Euphydryas chalcedona (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Previous studies that attempted to determine the role of food resources in the population structure of butterflies concentrated on larval host plants. In a habitat with widespread larval resources and a single concentration of adult resources, adult Euphydryas chalcedona were found more often near the nectar. The number of offspring was inversely proportional to the distance from nectar resources, indicating that these are a primary determinant of habitat selection for this species
WiMAX femtocell: requirements, challenges, and solutions

Femtocells are low-power base stations operating in licensed spectrum, which are typically installed indoors in a house, small office, or home office by end users to provide exclusive or preferential access to a designated group of users as configured by the femtocell subscriber and/or the access provider. Femtocells have gained a lot of attention recently due to their advantages in terms of infrastructure cost saving and improved user experience in indoor environments. Several standards bodies, such as 3GPP, WiMAX Forum, and IEEE 802.16, have started to develop standard solutions to enable and optimize femtocells operation. However, there are some technical challenges to the success of femtocell technologies that need to be overcome before they can be deployed on large scales. This article presents an overview of WiMAX femtocell requirements, deployment models, and solutions in the near and long terms.
The role of antioxidant enzymes in photoprotection.

The enzymatic component of the antioxidant system is discussed as one of the defensive mechanisms providing protection against excessive light absorption in plants. We present an analysis of attempts to improve stress tolerance by means of the creation of transgenic plants with elevated antioxidant enzyme activities and conclude that the effect of such transgenic manipulation strongly depends on the manner in which the stress is imposed. The following factors may diminish the differences in photosynthetic performance between transgenic plants and wild type under field conditions: effective functioning of the thermal dissipation mechanisms providing a primary line of defense against excessive light, long-term adjustments of the antioxidant system and other photoprotective mechanisms, the relatively low level of control over electron transport exerted by the Water–Water cycle, especially under warm conditions, and a decrease in the content of the transgenic product during leaf aging.
Towards a Distributed Digital Library for Sign Language Content

The Internet provides access to content in almost all languages through a combination of crawling, indexing, and ranking capabilities. The ability to locate content on almost any topic has become expected for most users. But it is not the case for those whose primary language is a sign language. Members of this community communicate via the Internet, but they pass around links to videos via email and social media. In this paper, we describe the need for, the architecture of, and initial software components of a distributed digital library of sign language content, called SLaDL. Our initial efforts have been to develop a model of collection development that enables community involvement without assuming it. This goal necessitated the development of video processing techniques that automatically detect sign language content in video.
Design of micro‐scale fuel processors assisted by numerical modeling

Computer-aided design (CAD) of a micro-scale fuel processor is described. Transport phenomena and reaction processes in a methanol steam reformer and a selective carbon monoxide methanator have been mathematically illustrated with a three-dimensional pseudo-homogeneous model based on fundamental conservation laws of mass and energy. Simulations provide carbon conversion as well as local temperature distributions in the micro-scale fuel processors. Various reactor design options were evaluated by such numerical modeling predictions. The tailored temperature profile in the optimized reactor configuration and process conditions give high efficiency in generating low-CO–content hydrogen-rich gas stream for miniature fuel cell applications. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 982–988, 2005
A General Method of Determining and Eliminating Branching in Planar Multiloop Mechanisms

Methode generale pour determiner et eliminer les ramifications dans les mecanismes articules plans a plusieurs boucles
Enhancing Heat Capacity of Colloidal Suspension Using Nanoscale Encapsulated Phase-Change Materials for Heat Transfer

This paper describes a new method to enhance the heat-transfer property of a single-phase liquid by adding encapsulated phase-change nanoparticles (nano-PCMs), which absorb thermal energy during solid−liquid phase changes. Silica-encapsulated indium nanoparticles and polymer-encapsulated paraffin (wax) nanoparticles have been made using colloid method, and suspended into poly-α-olefin (PAO) and water for potential high- and low-temperature applications, respectively. The shells prevent leakage and agglomeration of molten phase-change materials, and enhance the dielectric properties of indium nanoparticles. The heat-transfer coefficients of PAO containing indium nanoparticles (30% by mass) and water containing paraffin nanoparticles (10% by mass) are 1.6 and 1.75 times higher than those of corresponding single-phase fluids. The structural integrity of encapsulation allows repeated use of such nanoparticles for many cycles in high heat generating devices.
Development of a somatotropic variant of the mammosomatotropic tumor MtT-W5.

SummaryRepeated resection and reimplantation of the pituitary tumor MtT/W5 in W/Fu rats leads to the appearance of metastatic tumor chiefly in the ovaries and long bones. Metastatic tumor begins to appear about 15 weeks after initial subcutaneous implantation. Subtransplantation of some of the metastatic tumors results in a number of stable somatotropic tumors devoid of mammotropic activity. Whether this change in secretory activity is due to cloning or transformation cannot be determined at this time.
Video playback experiments on stickleback mate choice: female motivation and attentiveness to male colour cues

When female three-spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus, were presented simultaneously two video playbacks of a courting male, one playback displayed in colour and the other in greytone, the female approached and attempted to follow both displays. Females that responded strongly to playback of the male clearly preferred the coloured display, whereas those that responded less showed no consistent preference for coloured or greytoned displays. Females showed some approach to playback of a non-reproductive female but did not prefer the coloured over the greytoned one. These results suggest that the female's sexual motivation influences the mechanism(s) mediating her attraction to nuptially coloured males. Although highly motivated animals may typically show reduced selectivity in successive choice situations, they appeared to be more selective in the simultaneous choice situation studied here, perhaps because they attend more to male nuptial coloration, or because they become less fearful of brightly coloured males. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of video playback for investigating the role of visual cues in stickleback behaviour. They also emphasize the value of considering motivational factors in studies on sexual selection and, especially, when designing or interpreting experiments on mate choice.
Smooth muscle remodeling of the gastroesophageal junction after endoluminal gastroplication.

Background Endoluminal gastroplication has been shown to reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and to induce focal hypertrophy of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) muscularis propria. Despite suture loss, some patients have persistent symptomatic resolution. Objective This study was designed to examine the durability of smooth muscle hypertrophy after suture removal. Design Seven pigs underwent upper endoscopy with endoscopic ultrasonography (EGD/EUS) at baseline to evaluate GEJ muscularis propria layer. Endoluminal gastroplication was performed at week 1 with placement of 2 sutures at the GEJ. Repeat EGD/EUS was performed at week 3 and week 5. Three of the 7 pigs were killed for histologic analysis. The remaining 4 pigs had sutures removed and survived for 9, 11, and 13 weeks; serial weekly EGD/EUS was performed until the animal was killed. Results The GEJ muscularis propria thickness by EUS was 1.1 ± 0.1 mm at baseline, 4.7 ± 1.9 mm at week 3, and 4.4 ± 1.1 mm at week 5. The muscularis propria thickness by histologic examination in the 3 animals with sutures intact were 6.2 ± 0.3 mm near the suture site and 4.7 ± 0.5 mm at the opposing wall to the suture site. For the 4 animals with sutures removed, the measurements were 6.9 ± 0.2 mm (suture site) and 4.7 ± 0.5 mm (opposing wall), respectively. Conclusions The GEJ smooth muscle cell hypertrophy induced by endoluminal gastroplication persisted after removal of mucosal sutures. These changes may be responsible for persistent symptomatic response despite suture loss in patients.
Operation and Modeling of Semiconductor Spintronics Computing Devices

Semiconductor spintronic devices are considered from the point of view of suitability for digital logic. Functionality of earlier proposed devices is reviewed for cascadability and signal gain. Spin gain transistor, which uses electronic control of ferromagnetism in semiconductors, is treated in more detail via semiconductor Bloch equations for both localized and free-carrier magnetic moments. Dependence of the steady state magnetization and temporal switching characteristics on material parameters is determined. Finally, fundamental physical limits for spintronic devices are determined via use of an idealized model. They are compared with similar limits for electronic devices. It is found that, though spintronic devices switch slower, their switching energy is smaller, therefore they scale with size on a curve with lower power dissipation.
Neutral upper atmospheres of the outer planets

The major characteristics of the neutral upper atmospheres of outer planets are discussed, with special attention given to the Uranus upper atmosphere, probed by Voyager 2. The composition, thermal structure, photochemistry, and vertical mixing of the Uranus atmosphere are compared with the respective features of other outer planets. Unlike the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn, which reflect the solar ratios of the elements, the Uranus atmosphere was found to have only few constituents, including NH3, CH4, H2, He, C2H2, and C2H6. The eddy diffusion coefficient of Uranus, determined from occultation experiments, was found to be in the range 10,000-100,000 sq cm/sec, the lowest value amongst the major planets; this implies relatively sluggish vertical mixing. Another major difference from Saturn and Jupiter is in the fact that stable hydrocarbon products (C2H2 and C2H6) in the Uranus atmosphere begin to condense at around 5-10 mb level, resulting in the production of haze in the lower stratosphere.
Contrasting patterns of vesiculation in low, intermediate, and high Hawaiian fountains: A case study of the 1969 Mauna Ulu eruption

Abstract Hawaiian-style eruptions, or Hawaiian fountains, typically occur at basaltic volcanoes and are sustained, weakly explosive jets of gas and dominantly coarse, juvenile ejecta (dense spatter to delicate reticulite). Almost the entire range of styles and mass eruption rates within Hawaiian fountaining occurred during twelve fountaining episodes recorded at Mauna Ulu, Kīlauea between May and December 1969. Such diversity in intensity and style is controlled during magma ascent by many processes that can be constrained by the size and shape of vesicles in the 1969 pyroclasts. This paper describes pyroclast vesicularity from high, intermediate, and low fountaining episodes with eruption rates from 0.05 to 1.3 × 10 6 m 3 h − 1 . As each eruptive episode progressed, magma ascent slowed in and around the vent system, offering extended time for bubbles to grow and coalesce. Late ejected pyroclasts are thus characterized by populations of fewer and larger vesicles with relaxed shapes. This progression continued in the intervals between episodes after termination of fountain activity. The time scale for this process of shallow growth, coalescence and relaxation of bubbles is typically tens of hours. Rims and cores of pumiceous pyroclasts from moderate to high fountaining episodes record a second post-fragmentation form of vesicle maturation. Partially thermally insulated pyroclasts can have internal bubble populations evolve more dynamically with continued growth and coalescence, on a time scale of only minutes, during transport in the fountains. Reticulite, which formed in a short-lived fountain 540 m in height, underwent late, short-lived bubble nucleation followed by rapid growth of a uniform bubble population in a thermally insulated fountain, and quenched at the onset of permeability before significant coalescence. These contrasting patterns of shallow degassing and outgassing were the dominant controls in determining both the form and duration of fountaining episodes at Mauna Ulu, and probably for many other Hawaiian-style eruptions.
Anti-idiotypic antibodies function as a surrogate surface epitope of Brugia malayi infective larvae

Anti-idiotypic (AB2) antibodies were generated in rabbits following immunization with a murine IgM monoclonal antibody (AB1) recognizing a surface determinant of Brugia malayi infective stage larvae. AB2 specifically inhibited the binding of AB1 to B. malayi larvae. Furthermore, AB2 had the ability to mimic the original antigen since mice immunized with AB2 possessed serum antibodies (AB3) specific for the B. malayi surface determinant. The presence of anti-surface antibodies (AB3 and AB1) induced either by AB2 immunization or by administration of AB1, did not alter the outcome of an intraperitoneal infection of B. malayi larvae in BABL/c mice when compared to untreated animals. AB3 antibodies like AB1, were IgM, thus indicating an isotype restricted response to the B. malayi epitope. There were no detectable cell mediated responses to the surface determinant in mice immunized with AB2, assessed by lymphocyte blastogenesis or IL3 production in vitro in response to the idiotope as presented by living larvae. The lack of cellular responses and/or the previously demonstrated rapid shedding of the epitope may explain the inability of AB1 or AB2 to protect mice against larval challenge in this study.
Basiliximab Induction in Adult Liver Transplant Recipients With 93% Rejection-Free Patient and Graft Survival at 24 Months

Induction with the use of interleukin-2 receptor monoclonal antibodies may avoid many of the adverse events associated with polyclonal antibodies and significantly impact on rejection-free long-term survival in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx). We describe our experience with the use of basiliximab induction therapy in adult OLTx recipients on tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. Forty-six consecutive deceased donor primary OLTx were analyzed. All patients received standard doses of basiliximab, tacrolimus, and steroids. Mycophenolate mofetil was also used as indicated. The mean follow-up period was 17.9 months. Forty-three patients remained rejection-free during follow-up. The actuarial patient and graft survival rate at 2 years was 93%. The rate of histology-proven hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence was 24%, with two progressing to severe cholestatic recurrent HCV. None of the study patients developed (cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection or posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Results were compared to a historical group of 46 OLTx recipients on tacrolimus-based immunosuppression without basiliximab induction. The historical group had a rejection rate of 34% with lower patient and graft survival rates of 71.74% and 69.5%, respectively, at 24 months as well as a higher histological HCV recurrence rate of 77% (17/22), with three patients progressing to graft failure within 2 years. CMV infection and disease developed in 4.5% of the patients. Although PTLD was not observed, three recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed and died of metastatic HCC. Induction with basiliximab in combination with tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen reduces the incidence of rejection and improves rejection-free survival rate after OLTx without increasing the incidence of CMV, PTLD, or HCV recurrence.
Effects of domain experience in the stock–flow failure

Misperceptions of stock and flow relationships are pervasive and an important problem to solve in system dynamics. Prior studies have shown that individuals perform poorly on accumulation problems, even when considering relatively simple systems, an effect termed the Stock–Flow (SF) failure. This study examines the effects of domain experience in overcoming the SF failure. We compared performance of medical students and undergraduates with no medical education on accumulation problems in medical and general domains. Medical students performed better than undergraduates only in some of the problems (including the general domain problems), and they performed equally poorly as undergraduates in problems that required medical domain experience. There was no correlation between performance in the stock and flow problems and either duration of medical education or age. Thus we conclude that domain experience is not a strong indicator for overcoming the SF failure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
P75 interacts with the Nogo receptor as a co-receptor for Nogo, MAG and OMgp.

In inhibiting neurite outgrowth, several myelin components, including the extracellular domain of Nogo-A (Nogo-66)1, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (OMgp)2 and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG)3,4, exert their effects through the same Nogo receptor (NgR). The glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored nature of NgR indicates the requirement for additional transmembrane protein(s) to transduce the inhibitory signals into the interior of responding neurons. Here, we demonstrate that p75, a transmembrane protein known to be a receptor for the neurotrophin family of growth factors5,6, specifically interacts with NgR. p75 is required for NgR-mediated signalling, as neurons from p75 knockout mice are no longer responsive to myelin and to each of the known NgR ligands. Blocking the p75–NgR interaction also reduces the activities of these inhibitors. Moreover, a truncated p75 protein lacking the intracellular domain, when overexpressed in primary neurons, attenuates the same set of inhibitory activities, suggesting that p75 is a signal transducer of the NgR–p75 receptor complex. Thus, interfering with p75 and its downstream signalling pathways may allow lesioned axons to overcome most of the inhibitory activities associated with central nervous system myelin.
Evidence-based heart failure performance measures and clinical outcomes: a systematic review.

Abstract Background Evidence-based performance measures for heart failure are increasingly being used to stimulate quality improvement efforts. Methods and Results A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Review, and a citation review. Research studies that assessed the association between the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) heart failure performance measures from the inpatient setting and patient outcomes were examined. Studies were restricted to those conducted within the United States from 2001 until the present and included at least 1 of the ACC/AHA performance measures for chronic heart failure and a clinical outcome as an endpoint. Eleven original studies and 1 literature review met the study inclusion criteria. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker and β-blocker use at discharge had the strongest association with improved patient outcomes, whereas discharge instructions had a weaker but positive effect. Conclusions The findings from this systematic review suggest that an increase in compliance with the heart failure performance measures leads to a consistent positive impact on patient outcomes although the strength, magnitude, and significance of this effect is variable across the individual performance indicators. Further longitudinal studies and additional measure sets may yield deeper insights into the causal relationship between heart failure processes of care and clinical outcomes.
Praseodymium doped ceria: Model mixed ionic electronic conductor with coupled electrical, optical, mechanical and chemical properties

Abstract Praseodymium doped ceria, Pr x Ce 1 − x O 2 − δ (PCO), exhibits many interesting and unusual properties including a pO 2 dependent ionic conductivity, an anomalously large thermal expansion coefficient in air, and a significant electronic conductivity component at elevated pO 2 . These unusual features are discussed in terms of the variable valent nature of Pr at elevated pO 2 , its position within the ceria band gap and the creation of an impurity band supporting small polaron transport. Implications for use of PCO as a ceria solid electrolyte compatible cathode, stress induced chemical expansion and optically detected redox kinetics are analyzed and discussed.
Bulk sediment properties interpreted in light of qualitative and quantitative microfabric analysis

Sediments from Eckernforde Bay, Germany, are characterized by an aggregate and channel microstructure, with channel dimensions about two orders of magnitude larger than interparticle distances within aggregates. Porosity within aggregates as determined by image analysis of transmission electron micrographs was about 12% less than bulk porosity. Illite and smectite formed the bulk of most aggregates, while numerous biogenic particles generally occurred outside or on the periphery of aggregates. Microfabric analysis provides insights into permeability and consolidometer behavior of this sediment, reveals characteristics not apparent from bulk analyses, and may have implications for geochemistry and physical behavior of the sediment.
Paper 2: A Procedure for Parameter Optimization When Designing Tractor Components:

This paper presents a practical computer-aided method called the ‘grid and star search technique’ for determining the values of adjustable design parameters. The objective is to find that set of values necessary to obtain a solution as nearly optimum as possible. The technique is a systematic search for the best set of parameters in a bounded region of possible answers. A ‘performance index’ must be defined to determine the merit of the solution after each iterative step in the procedure. The design of a spool type hydraulic relief valve is used as a practical example. The adjustable parameters are spring rate, metering orifice size, damping orifice area, and the volume of oil trapped between the pressure-sensing end of the spool and the damping orifice. The driving function is a step input of rated flow, and the optimum response is one with zero pressure overshoot. When the valve was made and tested, comparison between actual and predicted response was satisfactory.
A serum cytokine network in immunoglobulin A nephropathy

Individual cytokines have been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN). We attempted to characterize a broad cytokine matrix in th...
On Nonadiabatic Processes in Inhomogeneous Fields

The problem of calculating nonadiabatic transition probabilities is considered. It is shown that the general G\"uttinger equations are incorrect and lead to erroneous results in any case other than that of the rotating magnetic field, which he considered. The corrected equations are applied in the calculation of the transition probabilities between the various magnetic states of a field precessing with constant angular velocity.
IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES OF INSECT METAMORPHOSIS II. THE ROLE OF A SEX-LIMITED BLOOD PROTEIN IN EGG FORMATION BY THE CECROPIA SILKWORM

1. In the pupal stage of the cecropia silkworm, antigen 7, a protein with the solubility characteristics of an albumin, is present in female blood in approximately a thousand times higher concentration than in the blood of males. Antigen 7 is undetectable in the blood of larvae of either sex. It first appears in the blood after the larva has spun its cocoon, and is present throughout all subsequent stages of metamorphosis. Late in the pupal-adult transformation, when the eggs are produced, the concentration of antigen 7 in female blood decreases significantly. 2. An antigen which could not be distinguished from antigen 7 immunologically is present in solution in the yolk of unfertilized eggs. 3. In females which, by ovariectomy, were prevented from forming eggs, the concentration of antigen 7 in the blood increased during the usual period of egg formation rather than undergoing the normal decrease. Ovaries transferred to the hemocoel of males produced eggs but were unable to incorporate antigen 7 in the yolk unless a detectable amount of the protein was present in the blood. The ovaries of polyphemus females which had been transfused with cecropia blood incorporated cecropia antigen 7 into the eggs they produced. These lines of evidence indicate that antigen 7 is secreted into the blood by some tissue other than the ovaries, and that it is subsequently drawn from the blood and deposited in the yolk. 4. The concentration of antigen 7 in the clear, liquid fraction of the yolk is four times higher than the maximum concentration attained in the blood during metamorphosis, and twenty times higher than that of the blood at the conclusion of egg formation. The protein thus appears to be transferred from blood to yolk against a concentration gradient.
The natural history of dysplasia and cancer in esophagitis and Barrett esophagus

The natural history of metaplasia and dysplasia in Barrett esophagus is not well defined. Publication bias, the selective reporting of studies that have positive or extreme results, has exaggerated the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma in this condition. Recent data suggest that patients with Barrett esophagus develop these tumors at the rate of 0.5% per year, a cancer incidence considerably lower than was appreciated just a few years ago. Indirect evidence suggests that aggressive treatment of gastroesophageal reflux might decrease the risk of carcinogenesis, but no therapy yet has been proved to decrease the incidence of cancer in Barrett esophagus. Dysplasia in the metaplastic epithelium clearly is a worrisome finding, but the progression from dysplasia to cancer may take years and may not be inevitable.
Wired wireless broadcast emulation

A wired testbed's usefulness for wireless research hinges on its ability to faithfully reproduce the wireless medium. One of the key properties of a wireless medium is its broadcast nature. Wireless broadcast behavior is used in applications such as cell phone and satellite networks to disseminate the same data to multiple users as well as perform time synchronization. In this paper, we investigate two methods that can be used to ascertain if a given wireless emulator is modeling the broadcast property correctly. Our results indicate that the better of the two proposed methods offers micro-second precision.
Complicity or multiplicity? Defining boundaries for graduate teaching assistant success

Providing guidance for graduate teaching assistants on how to establish boundaries is critical to support their teaching and research responsibilities and to advance their professional development.
Characterization of a 14 kDa component with low expression in a unique Nod+ Fix- Bradyrhizobium japonicum

A pronase-sensitive, 14 kDa component of bacteroids of Bradyrhizobium japonicum I-110ARS was identified and characterized using monoclonal antibodies. This component was weakly synthesized or was missing in bacteroids of a unique Nod- Fix- mutant, ARS2525. Both the 14 kDa component and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) were located in the same protein peak after sucrose density gradient separation of lysed bacteroids. Thirty-five-day-old bacteroids of B. japonicum I-110ARS contained up to 10 times more PHB than B. japonicum ARS2525 bacteroids. Immunocytochemistry of ultra-thin nodule sections showed that the component was associated with PHB granules in the bacteroids, possibly with the limiting membrane around the granules. This observation implies that the component may be similar to other storage lipid body proteins. Whether low synthesis of the 14 kDa component or low PHB content was a cause, a consequence or related to the Fix- phenotype was not established.
Copper-catalyzed cyclization of steroidal acylaminoacetylenes: syntheses of novel 11beta-aryl-17,17- spiro[(4'H,5'-methylene)oxazol]-substituted steroids.

A variety of novel 11β-aryl-17,17-spiro[(4‘H,5‘-methylene)oxazol]-substituted steroids have been synthesized in moderate to good yields via copper-catalyzed cyclization of acylaminoacetylenes. The best result was obtained with a catalytic amount of CuI in 1:1 benzene−Et3N at 90 °C for 30 min (Ar = 3,4-difluorophenyl; R = ethyl; 97% yield).
Spectroscopic studies of Mn 4+ ions in yttrium orthoaluminate

The absorption and emission spectra and the luminescence kinetics of Mn4+:YAlO3, the potential crystal for holographic recording and optical data storage, were studied at room and liquid-nitrogen temperatures. The spectroscopic properties of Mn:YAlO3 were compared with those of Mn:GdAlO3,Mn:Y3Al5O12, and Cr:YAlO3. It was found that a single-site occupancy of Mn4+ ions in YAlO3 and GdAlO3 at room temperature changes to a multisite occupancy at low temperature. Possible reasons for such a transformation are discussed. The parameters Dq and B in Mn4+:YAlO3 were determined to be 2115 and 680 cm-1, correspondingly.
Thermodynamics and Kinetics of RNA Unfolding and Refolding

Emergence of novel functions of non-coding RNAs imposes a new challenge for thermodynamics-based structural prediction of RNA. Here we review bulk and single-molecule techniques to measure the thermodynamics and kinetics of RNA folding and unfolding. RNA can be denatured by heat, chemicals, force, and by depletion of divalent cations. Various spectroscopic, calorimetric, chemical and biochemical methods have been used to study RNA structures. We empha- size single-molecule force unfolding as a new and powerful technique to study RNA structure and folding. Using optical tweezers, single RNA molecules can be stretched and relaxed; their changes in extension reflect structural rearrangements. We discuss determination of Gibb free energy of folding from mechanical work under both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. Force can be applied to affect reaction rates as well as to manipulate molecular structure. Folding and unfolding kinetics can be monitored in real time.
Structural Characterization of WO3/ZrO2 Catalysts using HAADF Imaging

Tungsten oxide supported on ZrO2 is receiving increased attention as a solid acid catalyst due to its important industrial applications, such as the isomerization of C4-C8 alkanes to upgrade gasoline octane number. It is known that the catalytic activity depends on the structure of WOx species and their interaction with ZrO2 support [1], so a thorough structural characterization is essential for establishing any structure-property relationships. Previous studies using a combination of XRD, optical spectroscopy and HRTEM revealed that WOx at low loadings is highly dispersed on ZrO2 as mono-tungstate or poly-tungstate species (Figure 1). Additional disordered WOx clusters appear on samples having intermediate WO3 loadings, which correlate with improved catalytic activity [2]. To date, however, no direct imaging studies of WOx configuration or their interaction with the ZrO2 support, which are important factors for catalytic activity, have been documented.
The Relationship between Owner Characteristics, Company Size, and the Work–Family Culture and Policies of Women-Owned Businesses

Women become business owners for a variety of reasons; however, the impact of motivations for ownership on the culture and policies of the business is unclear. Extending the small business, entrepreneurship, and work–family (WF) conflict literatures, we examined whether woman owners shape the culture and policies of the organization to be consistent with their personal motivations, challenges, and family status. Results show that being a full-time manager, marital status, and motivation for becoming a business owner were related to the WF culture of the business. Business size and parental status predicted family-friendly policies. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Modeling of mirror surface damage effects on beam performance in a laser-driven IFE power plant

Grazing incidence metal mirrors in laser-driven IFE power plants are subject to a variety of threats that result in damages leading to increased laser absorption, beam quality degradation and reduced laser-induced damage threshold. In this paper, we analyze the mirror reflectivity changes and wavefront distortions incident on the target using several modeling approaches, depending on the nature and size of the damage. We have developed a four-layer Fresnel solver to quantify the dependence of reflectivity on the thickness of surface contaminant and mirror protective coating, and their material properties, for a relevant range of incident angles. With a lossy contaminant like carbon, it is found that reflectivity decreases with thickness mainly due to surface dissipation, but this deleterious effect is diminished towards grazing incidence. For defect size small with respect to a wavelength, we have used Kerchhoff's wave scattering theory to evaluate degradation of the beam performance.
For the People: Popular Financial Reporting Practices of Local Governments

Popular financial reports are reports distributed to citizens and other interested parties who lack a background in formal government financial reporting but who desire an overview of the government's financial status and activities. This paper examines the current state of local government popular financial reporting in the U.S. The results of a survey of large cities and counties indicate that 75 percent of these local governments have issued popular financial reports and that the types of reports and methods of distribution vary. Many of the reasons for providing popular reports relate to providing information and improving transparency and accountability by providing more user friendly financial reports. This paper concludes with a discussion on popular financial reporting in the context of government transparency and accountability, and offers a research agenda for continued study of the topic.
Fire in the Hole Carotid Stenting Versus Endarterectomy

Carotid artery stenting has weathered a withering attack during the past year.1,–,3 Comparisons of the 3 recent randomized trials from Europe comparing carotid stenting with endarterectomy in symptomatic patients4,5 lead many to favor endarterectomy.1,–,3 The other 2 trials from North America included a mix of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid stenosis,6,7 and suggest more muted differences, pointing to equivalence or at least equipoise between the 2 modes of revascularization (Figure). This transatlantic tug-of-war is particularly focused on the importance of adequate training and experience in stenting among operators, the different end points between these trials, and patient selection. Figure. Individual and pooled absolute risk reduction (carotid artery stenting – endarterectomy) for any stroke or death. Intention-to-treat analysis of events from randomization to 30 days postprocedure, stratified by symptoms and operator credentialing (from review of 20 or more carotid procedures) in the recent randomized trials.4–,7,14–,17 Analysis was performed using the STATA statistical package with random-effects model and heterogeneity assessed by the I-squared statistic. CAS indicates carotid artery stenting; CEA, carotid endarterectomy; ARR, absolute risk reduction; EVA-3S, Endarterectomy Versus Angioplasty in Patients with Symptomatic Severe Carotid Stenosis; SPACE, Stent-Protected Angioplasty versus Carotid Endarterectomy; SAPPHIRE, Stenting and Angioplasty with Protection in Patients at High Risk for Endarterectomy; CREST, Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial; and ICSS, International Carotid Stenting Study. As with carotid endarterectomy, adequate operator training, credentialing, and auditing are important aspects of carotid stenting.2 Credentialing to select surgeons with low complication rates was a major feature of the randomized trials of endarterectomy in comparison with medical therapy 2 decades ago.8–,13 The minimization of periprocedural stroke and death permitted an assessment of …
Proof-of-concept gallium-nitride power electronic converter design for HEV energy management application

The aim of this paper is to compare the switching behavior of GaN switches with state of the art Si MOSFETs. Associated parameters in determining the power dissipation of a switch are initially discussed and compared between commercial GaN and Si switches. The Spice models of switches provided by the manufacturer are used to simulate a typical half-bridge DC-DC converter and analyze the switching behavior, loss analysis and converter efficiency of the circuit. High switching loss generally due to the slow switching of power devices, limits the key power conversion figure of merit (FOM) of efficiency × density/cost. The possible contribution of GaN power transistors in high-voltage/high-frequency applications with respect to improvement of the aforementioned FOM is the main scheme of this paper.
Effect of particle size on the thermal conductivity of nanofluids containing metallic nanoparticles

A one-parameter model is presented for the thermal conductivity of nanofluids containing dispersed metallic nanoparticles. The model takes into account the decrease in thermal conductivity of metal nanoparticles with decreasing size. Although literature data could be correlated well using the model, the effect of the size of the particles on the effective thermal conductivity of the nanofluid could not be elucidated from these data. Therefore, new thermal conductivity measurements are reported for six nanofluids containing silver nanoparticles of different sizes and volume fractions. The results provide strong evidence that the decrease in the thermal conductivity of the solid with particle size must be considered when developing models for the thermal conductivity of nanofluids.
Eastern Mediterranean geodynamics

The present‐day geodynamics of the eastern Mediterranean region is controlled by the relative motions of three major plates, Eurasia, Africa, and Arabia. Much of the resulting deformation occurs at...
Erratum to: Incorporation of a Probabilistic Monotonic Strain Energy Analysis to a Lifing Method

The online version of the original article can be found underdoi:10.1007/s11668-011-9534-0.O. Scott-Emuakpor (&) T. George C. CrossAFRL/RZTS, WPAFB, Dayton, OH 45433, USAe-mail: onome.scott-emuakpor@wpafb.af.milT. Letcher M.-H.H. ShenDepartment of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
The sequence dependence of circular dichroism spectra of DNA duplexes

Abstract The three satellite DNAs of Drosophila virilis, that approximate to poly d(CAAACTA)-poly d(TAGTTTG), poly d(TAAACTA)-poly d(TAGTTTA), poly d(CAAATTA)-poly d(TAATTTG), the satellite DNA of Drosophila melanogaster that approximates to poly d(AATAT)-poly d(ATATT), the synthetic DNA duplexes, poly dG-poly dC, poly d(AT)-poly d(AT), poly d(AAT)-poly d(ATT), poly d(AAC)-poly d(GTT), poly d(TAC)-poly d(GTA) and the block copolymer d(C15A15)-d(T15G15) all have circular dichroism spectra consistent with the propositions that they have the same molecular geometry in solution and that it is the kind and frequency of nucleotide triplet sequences that determines their spectral characteristics. Poly dA-poly dT is apparently an exception.
Ionic channels of the inner segment of tiger salamander cone photoreceptors.

Cone photoreceptors were isolated enzymatically and their ionic cur- rents studied by the whole-cell, gigaseal voltage-clamp technique. Five nonsynaptic currents were identified. A prominent, poorly selective cation current, Ih, activated after a delay during hyperpolarizations and then deactivated with a delay on return to potentials >-50 mV. An empirical model for I h gating kinetics is developed with three open and two closed states. Depolarization elicits a small, voltage-gated calcium current (Ic~). Block by nitrendipine, nickel, cadmium, and cobalt, increase of current with barium, lack of rapid inactivation, and relatively high threshold suggest an L-type Ca channel. No evidence was found for low-threshold Ca chan- nels. An anion current Io~c~) was present after pulses that led to a significant inward Ic~ (but not I~) and was not elicited when cobalt was present. Tails of Icltc~ ) were short (100 ms) after short depolarizations and were longer after longer depo- larizations. Two TEA-sensitive K currents were also elicited by depolarizations. One, Iv~c~, was calcium sensitive. We looked for modulation of Ih, Ic~, and Ic,cc~) by a number of neurotransmitters. No changes of Ih were seen, but Ic~ and Iatc~) were depressed in a few cones when GABA or adenosine were applied. We discuss how this modulation might contribute to the feedback effects of horizontal cells on cones when surrounding cones are illuminated.
Root Cause of Black Pad Failure of Solder Joints with Electroless Nickel/Immersion Gold Plating

Publications on the so called black pad defect, seen in electroless nickel/immersion gold (ENIG) surface finishes, often cite high phosphorous (P) content in the nickel (Ni) plating as a key factor in the defect. Therefore, one proposed solution is to decrease the P content in the electroless Ni plating. In a contrary approach, some researchers propose a high P content to avoid the black pad defect. In the present work, the solder reaction with ENIG plating and the resulting interfacial structures were studied. Focused ion beam (FIB) was used to polish the cross sections to reveal details of the microstructure of the ENIG plated pad with and without soldering. High speed pull testing of solder joints was performed to expose the pad surface. Results of SEM/EDX analysis of the cross sections and fractured pad surfaces support the suggestion in the literature that black pad is the result of galvanic hyper-corrosion of the plated electroless Ni by the gold (Au) plating bath. High P content in the fractured surface on the pad side is not the signature of black pad. New criteria are proposed for diagnosing black pad in ENIG