cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Broken translational and time-reversal symmetry in unconventional superconducting films.

We demonstrate that films of an unconventional ($d$-wave) superconductor at temperatures $T\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.43{T}_{c}$ can exhibit unusual superconducting phases. The new ground states beside the broken gauge and the point group symmetries can spontaneously break (i) continuous translational symmetry and form periodic order parameter structures in the plane of the film, or (ii) time-reversal symmetry and develop a supercurrent flowing along the film. These states are the result of the strong transverse inhomogeneity present in films with a thickness of several coherence lengths. We show a natural similarity between the formation of these states and the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov state.
Theory of light scattering from electronic excitations in solids

The effect of the periodic potential and the residual Coulomb interaction on the inelastic scattering of light from pure electronic excitations in solids has been investigated by using the diagrammatic perturbation theory. It is shown that for a degenerate electron gas single-particle excitations with no spin reversals are heavily screened and almost all the scattering is from the collective plasma mode for momentum transfers small compared to Fermi-Thomas momentum. However, there is no screening of single-particle spin-density fluctuations. This is an important intra-band process for III–V semiconductors with an appreciable spin-orbit splitting of the valence band. For high concentration of carriers, the nonparabolicity of the band structure also contributes to the intra-band single-particle scattering. For low concentrations or at high temperatures, when plasma mode is no longer a well-defined normal mode of the system, these two processes are not important. In this case there is no screening of the single-particle excitations from electrons in a spherical parabolic band. For inter-band excitations, the effect of Coulomb interaction is shown to be negligible in the long-wavelength limit.
EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED NURSING ASSESSMENT OF SYMPTOM DISTRESS IN ADVANCED LUNG CANCER

Purpose/objectives To test the efficacy of structured symptom assessment on level and rate of change in symptom distress over time. Design Prospective six-month randomized control trial. Setting Outpatient oncology offices and clinics in California. Sample 48 subjects newly diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, predominantly non-small cell. Most subjects received chemotherapy, 50% were women, and their average age was 62 years. 190 observations were analyzed. Methods Subjects were assigned randomly to structured assessment or usual care. Both groups completed the Symptom Distress Scale (SDS) monthly. After bivariate screening of potential predictors, a multivariate regression model for level and rate of change in SDS scores was created. Main research variables Symptom distress, functional status, and emotional distress. Findings Fatigue was the most common severely distressing symptom. In a multivariate model, chemotherapy and systematic assessment were associated with less symptom distress over time. Higher scores in depression and more functional limitations were related to higher levels of overall distress. Weight loss had a small impact. Conclusions Systematic use of structured symptom assessment forestalled increased symptom distress over time. Chemotherapy lessened symptom distress, but the impact diminished with time. Subjects with more depression and greater functional limitations had greater symptom distress. Implications for nursing practice During the course of advanced lung cancer, systematic ongoing nursing assessment of symptoms may be the first step in enhancing interventions to decrease distress. Patients at highest risk for symptom distress are those who experience emotional distress and functional limitations.
Solubilisation of nickel from powders at near-neutral pH and the role of oxide layers

Dissolution rates of nickel powder in pH 5 acetate buffers were observed to be an effective indicator of the thickness of the oxide layer on the surface of the nickel particle. Tests on powders pre-cleaned with acid or pre-oxidized in air demonstrated this dependence. The saturation level of nickel in the solution is not greatly affected by the initial state of the powder. Effects of additive solutes are most pronounced during short-term dissolution tests. Among such solutes, reduced sulphur and selenium species, phosphate, fluoride, oxalate, and permanganate cause the largest increases in dissolution rate, while hexacyanoferrate, arsenite, periodate, chromate, vanadate, molybdate, iodate, and tungstate suppress the dissolution.
Application of a Standard Quantitative Comparison Method to Assess a Full Body Finite Element Model in Frontal Impact

Advanced human body finite element models (FEMs) are gaining popularity in the study of injury biomechanics [1, 2]. FEMs must be validated to ensure that model outputs correspond to experimentally-observed phenomena. During the validation process researchers often qualitatively compare the model response to a laboratory experiment. However, a more rigorous approach is to use quantitative methods. Often, these methods attempt to parse the error contributions of phase, magnitude, and a shape factor. The purpose of this study is to apply one such method for validation quantification, called the enhanced error assessment of response time histories (EEARTH), to a model that was recently developed. The EEARTH method is anticipated to be part of the forthcoming ISO standard (ISO/TC 22/SC 10/WG 4) on comparing model outcomes to experimental data. The subject of this study is the Global Human Body Models Consortium (GHBMC) 50th percentile male seated model (M50). The mission statement of the consortium is to develop a set of biofidelic computational human body models to aid in the study injury biomechanics and safety system enhancement.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
THE CEMETERY AS AN EVOLVING CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

ABSTRACT Cemeteries are deliberately created and highly organized cultural landscapes. Investigation of five Oregon cemeteries, and casual observations in Utah, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and New York, has led to the conclusion that cemeteries have undergone the same general spatial and architectural evolution as the American scene, and that they may in fact be miniaturizations and idealizations of larger American settlement patterns.
Law-Enforcement Officials' Views of Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification:

Little is known about how criminal justice officials perceive the efficacy and scope of sex offender registration and community notification (SORN) procedures. This study examines the attitudes regarding SORN among a sample of law enforcement agency supervisors/managers using a survey methodology and the Community Attitudes Toward Sex Offenders (CATSO) scale. Results show that law enforcement officials tend to hold harsh views about sex offenders. Additionally, the CATSO appears to be an efficient way of categorising the views of law enforcement officials. When considered relative to other populations, law enforcement officials appear to hold views similar to college students, and in contrast to other criminal justice officials.
Distribution of precarious rocks at the Nevada Test Site: Comparison with ground motion predictions from nuclear tests

[1] Precarious rocks have been proposed as ground motion seismoscopes that have been in place thousands of years, thereby providing important constraints on seismic hazard estimates. Numerous precarious rocks exist in the region of large nuclear explosions at Nevada Test Site (NTS). Ground motion recordings from nuclear tests have provided regression equations for ground acceleration and ground velocity as a function of distance and explosion yield for comparison with constraints from precarious rocks. Very near large NTS explosions, there are no precarious rocks or semiprecarious rocks. Cliff faces are shattered and numerous recent rockfalls have fresh white surfaces covered by caliche: proof that the rockfalls have been caused by the explosions. As the distance from the explosions increases and the contours for predicted ground motion decrease, fewer and fewer rockfalls are observed, some semiprecarious rocks begin to appear, and finally, numerous precarious rocks are found with no evidence of recent rockfalls. To quantify the calibration of precarious rocks and ground motion we (1) do field tests on the rocks to determine the quasi-static and dynamic toppling accelerations, (2) carry out computer tests using estimates of waveforms from NTS explosions, and (3) compare the results with ground motions predicted by empirical regressions for nuclear explosions. We conclude that these comparisons provide an important validation of the precarious rock methodology and an approximate validation of preliminary estimates of toppling accelerations.
A circular matrix-merging algorithm with application in Volumetric Intensity-Modulated Arc Therapy

In this paper, we study an optimization problem, called the circular matrix-merging (CMM) problem: Given a cyclic sequence of n non-negative matrices that are associated with some locations on a circle and an operation that merges two consecutive matrices into one matrix at the expense of some merging error, merge the n matrices into the minimum number of matrices under the constraint of a threshold of the total merging error. This problem arises in Volumetric Intensity-Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) for radiation cancer treatment, where the circular structure represents a delivery arc path of 360? around the patient and the matrices represent the radiation fluence maps at selected delivery angles on that path. By computing the minimum k matrices, the CMM algorithm produces a most efficient delivery plan that meets clinical requirements. Based on dynamic programming and computing a set of k-link shortest paths, we present a polynomial time algorithm for the CMM problem, improving the quality and efficiency of VMAT delivery.
Inactivation of Cefazolin, Cephaloridine, and Cephalothin by Methicillin-Sensitive and Methicillin-Resistant Strains of Staphylococcus aureus

Cefazolin was more susceptible than cephaloridine and cephalothin to in vitro inactivation by coagulase-positive, penicillinase-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Inactivation (which was greater with methicillin-resistant than with methicillin-sensitive strains) was demonstrated by assay of the antibiotics in broth cultures with simultaneous colony counts and by exposure of the antibiotics to penicillinase powders extracted from S. aureus. Cefazolin was destroyed to a greater extent than was cephaloridine, whereas cephalothin underwent little, if any, destruction. The clinical implications of this degradation, thought by some to be of importance for cephaloridine, might also apply to cefazolin.
Chemical synthesis of lipids and the origin of life

Keeping in mind the importance of amphiphilic lipids for the formation of semipermeable membranes, a review summary of the sources of appropriate precursors, and chemical reactions for the abiotic synthesis of lipids is presented here within the framework of the theory of chemical evolution. It covers the presence in different cosmic environments of precursors for the formation of the biochemical molecules necessary for the emergence of life on Earth. It starts (1) with a short introduction. Then the following matters are briefly reviewed: (2) The circumstellar and interstellar molecules, some of which, could generate straight chain fatty acids through C9. (3) The possible reactions of hydrogenation and hydrolysis of cyanopolyynes which in the presence first of hydrogen and then liquid water could lead to the formation of aliphatic acids. (4) The composition of comets, where the preliminary analysis by mass spectrometry indicate straight chain hydrocarbons through only C5. (5) The organic compounds in carbonaceous chondrites where aliphatic acids through C12 have been identified, although the branched chain isomers are abundant. (6) The synthesis of some biochemical compounds, such as amino acids present in carbonaceous chondrites, which were probably formed by condensation of presolar precursors, aldehydes and ketones, with HCN in the presence of ammonia and liquid water in the meteorite parent body. The isotopic evidence seems to support this interpretation. (7) The formation of the Earth-Moon system by the catastrophic impact of a Mars-size body with the proto-Earth. (8) The subsequent capture of cometary water, organic and inorganic compounds, which must have led to a very reactive primitive Earth's atmospheric environment. The cometary iron-nickel grains could have catalyzed the formation of fatty acids by Fischer-Tropsch reactions. (9) The laboratory synthesis of straight chain fatty acids from C5 through C20 by Fischer-Tropsch processes. The amounts are usually in excess of the yields of aliphatic hydrocarbons. The chemical synthesis of glycerophospholipids including phosphatidylcholine. (10) The formation of liposomes, primarily, from phosphatidylcholine and the encapsulation within them of biopolymers. (11) Speculations on protocellular models of increasing complexity based on liposomes enclosing catalytic biomolecules. (12) Finally, some of the important problems remaining to be solved concerning the experimental approach to the study of the origin of life are briefly considered. It is hoped that in the next century, significant advances will be made in our understanding of the origin of life on Earth.
Real-Time Estimation of Glenohumeral Joint Rotation Center With Cable-Driven Arm Exoskeleton (CAREX)—A Cable-Based Arm Exoskeleton

In the past few years, the authors have proposed several prototypes of a Cable-driven upper ARm EXoskeleton (CAREX) for arm rehabilitation. One of the assumptions of CAREX was that the glenohumeral joint rotation center (GH-c) remains stationary in the inertial frame during motion, which leads to inaccuracy in the kinematic model and may hamper training performance. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to estimate GH-c using measurements of shoulder joint angles and cable lengths. This helps in locating the GH-c center appropriately within the kinematic model. As a result, more accurate kinematic model can be used to improve the training of human users. An estimation algorithm is presented to compute the GH-c in real-time. The algorithm was implemented on the latest prototype of CAREX. Simulations and preliminary experimental results are presented to validate the proposed GH-c estimation method.
Magnetoacoustic quantum oscillation studies in gallium at 9 GHz

Observations of magnetoacoustic giant quantum oscillations in the attenuation of 9 GHz shear waves propagated along the b axis in a Ga single crystal are reported. It is suggested that these oscillations may arise from Delta n=+or-1 inter level Landau transitions, and the dominant periods reported here are due to non external Fermi surface cross sections.
Cell partitioning in two-polymer aqueous phase systems and cell electrophoresis in aqueous polymer solutions. Human and rat young and old red blood cells

It has recently been found that electrophoresis in solutions of appropriately selected polymers in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) can differentiate between some closely related cell populations which have identical electrophoretic mobilities (EPM) in PBS (e.g., human young and old red blood cells (RBC); RBC from Alzheimer patients and normal individuals). The EPM differences detected in polymer solutions are most likely a consequence of cell- and polymer-specific interactions. Aspects of the relation between the electrophoresis in aqueous polymer solutions of native and in vitro treated young and old RBC (from human and rat) and their partitioning in a charge-sensitive dextran-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) aqueous phase system (i.e., a system with a Donnan potential between the phases, top phase positive) have been examined further and are discussed. Unlike the behavior of RBC from Alzheimer patients and normal individuals in which an EPM difference can be detected in PEG solutions but not in dextran, differences in EPM between human young and old RBC are detectable in solutions of either polymer. Selected enzyme treatments of human young and old RBC or their fixation with aldehyde eliminates the EPM differences in dextran; while neuraminidase treatment or formaldehyde fixation of rat young and old RBC retains EPM differences in dextran between these cells. In these latter cases partitioning differences are also in evidence and are in the same direction as the cells' relative EPM (i.e., old RBC young RBC). Rat young and old RBC have different partitions (rat old RBC < young RBC) and different EPM (also rat old RBC < young RBC). Thus, while cell partitioning in a charge-sensitive dextran-PEG aqueous phase system and cell electrophoresis in polymer solution seem to reflect, at least with these cell subpopulations, qualitatively analogous differences in surface properties (in that increasing partitions and EPM are concomitant), there are instances in which either of these physical measurements discerns surface differences which escape detection by the other.
Law, Culture, and Ritual: Disputing Systems in Cross‐Cultural Context. By Oscar G. Chase

Law, Culture, and Ritual: Disputing Systems in Cross-Cultural Context. By Oscar G. Chase. New York: New York Univ. Press, 2005. Pp. 224. $45.00 cloth; $20.00 paper. Chase, a specialist in civil litigation at NYU Law School, teaches a seminar called "Culture and Disputing." Law, Culture, and Ritual-Disputing Systems in Cross-Cultural Context is an outgrowth of that interdisciplinary seminar. It is a compact book (with a beautiful cover), presented in the clear and genial voice of a dedicated teacher. Law, Culture, and Ritual begins with an attempt by the author/ instructor to jolt readers out of a complacent acceptance of the inevitability of the dispute institutions that happen to be most familiar to them. Chase devotes an entire chapter to the Azande of Central Africa, who use oracles to resolve disputes over witchcraft and adultery. He explains how Azande dispute institutions reflect local belief systems and social and political hierarchies and how, reflexively, those institutions and procedures help maintain class and gender relations. The remainder of the book draws lessons from the Azande example, demonstrating how dispute institutions in every society mirror and help constitute its culture. Aware of recent critiques of the "mirror" thesis, Chase nevertheless contends that, "The metaphysics, values, symbols, and social hierarchy of any collectivity will set the bounds within which it organizes its dispute-handling institutions" (p. 5). Culture imposes limits on what is possible in a given society, even though professional elites exercise some autonomy in devising dispute institutions according to their own specialized interests, and even though transnational influences and legal transplants may relocate dispute institutions beyond the cultures in which they were originally developed. Our own oracles, according to Chase, are our law courts, where evidence is submitted to the jury much as benge, a potentially poisonous substance, is fed to chickens by the Azande. Like the Azande, we know our law oracles are fallible, yet we exalt the process by which they render their verdicts, and we surround that process with ritual that protects judges and jurors from recrimination or even revenge. Like the Azande, moreover, we have created dispute institutions and procedures that are peculiarly appropriate-indeed, essential-for our society. Chase identifies and discusses four distinctive characteristics of civil litigation in America: the trial jury, the extensive use of pretrial discovery, the relatively passive role of the trial judge, and the adversarial deployment of expert testimony. He argues that these features distinguish American law not only from that of the Azande but also from other European legal systems and even from the British system that was our common law heritage. The unique features of the American system of adjudication in civil cases derive, according to Chase, from a distinctive American ideology reduced by Lipset to just five words: "liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, populism, and laissez-faire" (p. …
Cadmium, Copper, and Lead Accumulation and Bioconcentration in the Vegetative and Reproductive Organs of Raphanus sativus : Implications for Plant Performance and Pollination

Several studies have found high levels of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) in honey bee hives located near urbanized or industrial areas. Insect herbivores and pollinators may come in contact with environmental contaminants in the leaves and flowers they forage upon in these areas. Our study quantified which of these metals are accumulated in the tissues of a common weedy plant that can serve as a route of exposure for insects. We grew Raphanus sativus (crop radish) in semi-hydroponic sand culture in the greenhouse. Plants were irrigated with nutrient solutions containing Cd, Cu, or Pb at four concentrations (control, low, medium, high). Plant performance, floral traits, and metal accumulation were measured in various vegetative and reproductive plant organs. Floral traits and flower number were unaffected by all metal treatments. Copper accumulated at the highest concentrations in flowers compared to the other two metals. Copper and Cd had the highest translocation indices, as well as higher bioconcentration factors compared to Pb, which was mostly immobile in the plant. Copper posed the highest risk due to its high mobility within the plant. In particular, accumulation of metals in leaves and flowers suggests that herbivores and pollinators visiting and foraging on these tissues may be exposed to these potentially toxic compounds.
Simulation of movement of cells during self-sorting☆☆☆

Using a model proposed earlier (Goel et al., 1970), and a set of plausible motility rules, a computer simulation of self-sorting of cells of two types randomly mixed, is carried out. It is shown that for sorting to the expected final structure, the important aspects of the motility rules are (i) the distance up to which a cell can “sense” the presence of its neighboring cells and then move, and, (ii) the lack of decrease of a certain E-function (which is a measure of total adhesion). Final structures achieved are given for a set of rules. There is a good resemblance of these structures to those experimentally sorted out.
A Method for the Determination of the Zero-Path-Difference Position in a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer: Application to Magnetic Vibrational Circular Dichroism

Some modern FT-IR spectrometers, without a white light source, use a pre-scan of the signal to determine the zero path difference for purposes of scan initialization. The interferograms in vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and other low signal-to-noise ratio experiments have little or no centerburst, which can cause problems. This can lead to wasted data collections and to instabilities between successively collected blocks of scans. In this modification, a PbSe detector is used to detect frequencies above 2200 cm−1 extracted from a small fraction of the beam. This near-IR signal is then added to the demodulated differential signal to enable the instrument to initialize scans. Since, in this example, the VCD spectra are typically obtained below 2000 cm−1, there is no spectral interference between the two detector signals. However, use of two signals from different detectors can lead to phase problems, which have been solved with the use of polarization calibration methods. As an example, construction of such a modified spectrometer for magnetic VCD measurement is described in detail. At 0.5 cm−1 resolution, these modulated spectra evidence resolution of the rotational structure in the bands. Such data were unobservable with the unmodified instrument.
On Using Global Climate Model Simulations to Assess the Accuracy of MSU Retrieval Methods for Tropospheric Warming Trends

Abstract Climate model simulations of the latter part of the twentieth century indicate a warming of the troposphere that is equal to or larger than the warming at the surface, while satellite observations from the Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU) indicate little warming of the troposphere relative to surface observations. Recently, Fu et al. proposed a new approach to retrieving free tropospheric temperature trends from MSU data that better accounts for stratospheric cooling, which contaminates the tropospheric signal and leads to a smaller trend in tropospheric warming. In this study, climate model simulations are used as a self-consistent dataset to test these retrieval algorithms. The two methods of retrieving tropospheric temperature trends are applied to three climate model simulations of the twentieth century. The Fu et al. algorithm is found to be in very good agreement with the model-simulated tropospheric warming, indicating that it accurately accounts for cooling from the lower stratosphere.
Observation of the quantum confined Stark effect in ZnSe/ZnCdSe single quantum well systems

We report the observation of the quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE) in ZnSe/ ZnCdSe single quantum wells grown by molecular beam epitaxy, using photoluminescence. In our experiments the electric field was applied via a reverse-biased Schottky barrier contact. To our knowledge, this is the first observation of the QCSE in any wide gap II-VI semiconductor heterostructure. Significant red shifts, typically 10–15 meV, are detected before quenching. An associated reduction in the transition intensity, consistent with the QCSE. is clearly observed. The dependence of these results will be discussed as a function of quantum well depth and thickness. Complete quenching of the luminescence is observed with applied voltages as low as 5 V. In addition, at lowest voltages, we also detect small blue shifts (up to 4 meV), which we attribute to the interaction between the externally applied electric field and the built-in field of the structure.
Intracellular processing of the N-terminal ORF 1a proteins of the coronavirus MHV-A59 requires multiple proteolytic events.

Abstract Several polypeptide products of MHV-A59 ORF 1a were characterized in MHV-A59 infected DBT cells, using antisera directed against fusionn roteins encoded in the first 6.5 kb of ORF1a. These included the previously identified N-terminal ORF 1a product, p28, as well as 290-, 240-, and 50-kDa polypeptides. P28 was always detected as a discrete band without larger precursors, suggesting rapid cleavage of p28 immediately after its synthesis. Once p28 was cleaved there was little degradation of the protein over a 2-hr period. The intracellular cleavage of p28 was not inhibited by the protease inhibitor leupeptin, in contrast to results obtained during in vitro translation of genome RNA ( Denison and Perlman, 1986 ). These data suggest that different protease activities may be responsible for the cleavage of p28 in vitro and in vivo. The 290-kDa protein was an intermediate cleavage product derived from a precursor of greater than 400 kDa. The 290-kDa product was subsequently cleaved into secondary products of 50 and 240 kDa. The intracellular cleavage of the 290-kDa polypeptide was inhibited by leupeptin at concentrations which did not inhibit the early cleavage of p28 or the cleavage of the 290-kDa product from its larger polyprotein precursor. In the presence of zinc chloride, a product of >320 kDa was detected, which appears to incorporate p28 at its amino terminus. This suggests that at least two protease activities may be necessary for processing of ORF1a proteins, one of which cleaves p28 and is sensitive to zinc chloride but resistant to leupeptin, and the other which cleaves the 290-kDa precursor and is sensitive to both inhibitors. Both the 290- and 240-kDa proteins should contain sequences predicted to encode two papain-like protease activities.
Thermal control and structures approach for fluorinated propulsion.

FLOX and fluorine oxidizers require cryogenic storage at 86 K (-305 F) aboard a spacecraft, whereas their respective fuels MMH and hydrazine require room temperature storage. Propulsion configuration trade-off studies have been made for two potential classes of missions, an outer planet orbiter utilizing RTG's and an inner planet orbiter utilizing solar panels. The preliminary designs incorporate the fuel tank within the thermally controlled electronics compartment and expose the cryogenic tank to space. The cryogenic tank is isolated with foam, shadow shields and a titanium truss support. Its vernier temperature control is accomplished with electrical heaters.
The Three-Dimensional Chaotic Transport and the Great Ocean Barrier

The aim of this paper is to renew interest in the Lagrangian view of global and basin ocean circulations and its implications in physical and biogeochemical ocean processes. The paper examines the Lagrangian transport, mixing, and chaos in a simple, laminar, three-dimensional, steady, basin-scale oceanic flow consisting of the gyre and the thermohaline circulation mode. The Lagrangian structure of this flow could not be chaotic if the steady oceanic flow consists of only either one of the two modes nor if the flow is zonally symmetric, such as the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. However, when both the modes are present, the Lagrangian structure of the flow is chaotic, resulting in chaotic trajectories and providing the enhanced transport and mixing and microstructure of a tracer field. The Lagrangian trajectory and tracer experiments show the great complexity of the Lagrangian geometric structure of the flow field and demonstrate the complicated transport and mixing processes in the World Ocean. The finite-time Lyapunov exponent analysis has successfully characterized the Lagrangian nature. One of the most important findings is the distinct large-scale barrier—which the authors term the great ocean barrier—within the ocean interior with upper and lower branches, as remnants of the Kolmogorov‐ Arnold‐Moser (KAM) invariant surfaces. The most fundamental reasons for such Lagrangian structure are the intrinsic nature of the long time mean, global and basin-scale oceanic flow: the three-dimensionality and incompressibility giving rise to chaos and to the great ocean barrier, respectively. Implications of these results are discussed, from the great ocean conveyor hypothesis to the predictability of the (quasi) Lagrangian drifters and floats in the climate observing system.
Phylogenetic relationships of Empetraceae inferred from sequences of chloroplast gene matK and nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS region

We used sequences of nrDNA ITS and chloroplast gene matK to evaluate the monophyly of Empetrum and Corema and to examine phylogenetic relationships of the Empetraceae. Sequences of these two DNA markers were obtained for 11 plant samples, representing species of Empetrum from both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, species and subspecies of Corema, and the monotypic Ceratiola. Sequences of four species of Rhododendron were used for rooting purposes. Our results show that species of Empetrum form a clade sister to the clade containing both Corema and Ceratiola. These two clades are strongly supported in both the matK and ITS trees, suggesting that Ceratiola is more closely related to Corema than to Empetrum, and is not of a hybrid origin between the ancestors of the latter two genera. In the matK tree, Corema conradii is more closely related to Ceratiola than to Corema album and C. album subsp. azoricum, whereas in the ITS tree, Ceratiola is allied with Corema album and C. album subsp. azoricum. This suggests that C. conradii might be a hybrid between ancestral populations of Ceratiola and C. album. The monophyly of Empetrum rejects the hypothesis of its independent origin in the two Hemispheres. Our trees also suggest the fact that the modern amphitropical distribution of Empetrum is the result of long distance dispersal, not of the vicarious events.
Cromolyn sodium decreases the pulmonary vascular response to alveolar hypoxia in lambs.

ABSTRACT. We investigated the effect of cromolyn sodium, a mast cell stabilizing agent, on the pulmonary vascular response to alveolar hypoxia in six chronically instrumented lambs aged 9 to 11 days. Each lamb was instrumented on day 6 or 7 for measurements of systemic arterial, pulmonary arterial and left atrial pressures, and pulmonary blood flow. The animals were allowed to recover from surgery at least 3 days before they were studied. Each animal was studied twice, once with a cromolyn sodium infusion and once with a normal saline infusion (placebo). These paired experiments were separated by 24 h. Physiologic measurements were made during a 1-min predose control period, after an 8-min drug or placebo infusion, and after a 15-min period of alveolar hypoxia. Cromolyn sodium infusion alone did not affect baseline cardiovascular variables. Alveolar hypoxia following placebo infusion produced an increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance; these responses were blocked in the animals given cromolyn sodium prior to induction of hypoxia. These results show that cromolyn sodium blocks the pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia and provide indirect evidence that mast cell degranulation, with subsequent release of vasoactive agents, mediates the pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia in newborn lambs.
Über fluorhaltige Verbindungen der Elemente der V. Hauptgruppe. XXI. Über Fluoroalkoxoarsenate, zur Konstitution der Fluoroarsensäureester, über Hexaalkoxo- und Dialkoxoarsenate

Es wird uber weitere Ergebnisse zur Konstitution der Fluoroarsensaureester berichtet. Die fruher formulierten Ester FAsOH(OR)3 und F2AsOH(OR)2 sind als Zwischenprodukte anzusehen, die leicht unter Kondensation weiter reagieren. Zur Darstellung von Fluoroalkoxoarsenaten mit den Anionen [AsFn(OR)6−n]− fur n = 1, 3, 4 und 5 werden verschiedene Reaktionen angegeben (R = CH3 bzw. C2H5). Bisher waren aus dieser Reihe die Verbindungen mit n = 4 und 5 auf anderem Wege aus Fluorohydroxoarsenaten hergestellt worden. Hexaalkoxoarsenate, [As(OR)6]−, entstehen aus Arsensaureester und Alkoholat. Daneben wurden Verbindungen der Zusammensetzung MAsO2(OR)2 gewonnen (M = Li, Na, K). Auch gemischte Alkoxokomplexe sind darstellbar. Li[As(OCH3)6] liefert beim thermischen Abbau den bereits von Hass gewonnenen Arsensaurepentamethylester As(OCH3)5. Several preparation methods for fluoroalkoxoarsenates(V) with the anions [AsFn(OR)6−n]− and n = 1, 3, 4, 5; R = CH3 or C2H5 are communicated. Hexaalkoxoarsenates, MI[As(OR)6], are prepared from arsenic acid esters and Li, Na, K alkoxides. Compounds MIAsO2(OR)2 with MI = Li, Na, K and also mixed alkoxo complexes are obtainable. Thermal decomposition of Li[As(OCH3)6] yields As(OCH3)5, recently obtained by Hass in another manner.
Specialized Vascular Floors After Open Aortic Surgery: Cost Containment While Preserving Quality Outcomes

Background Postoperative care of open abdominal aortic surgery (OAAS) traditionally involves the intensive care unit (ICU). We hypothesized that in patients without an indication for postoperative ICU admission, admission to a specialized vascular floor unit (hemodynamic monitoring, 2:1 nursing) offers cost savings to both payer and institution without compromising care. Methods The electronic medical record was used to collect perioperative data for patients who underwent OAAS between July 2007 and July 2011. The university's cost accounting system provided information on revenue, total margin, and professional billing. Patients with ICU indications (spinal drain, Swan–Ganz monitoring, vasopressors, intubation, or blood product resuscitation) were excluded. Comparative cost and outcome analysis was performed on vascular ward and ICU admissions using the Fisher's exact test for dichotomous categorical variables and the Student's t-test for continuous variables. Long-term survival comparison was calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival estimates. Results One hundred thirty of 215 patients were included for analysis (85 excluded, 51 floor, 79 ICU). Perioperative data amongst the floor and ICU cohorts were similar. Day of operation professional billing fees were comparable (ICU $13,365 vs. floor $12,626; P = 0.18); however, postoperative professional fees were significantly higher in the ICU cohort (ICU $3,258 vs. floor $2,101; P = 0.001) primarily because of intensivist billing. The hospital generated an average of 8.7% more revenue from the ICU cohort (ICU $37,770 vs. floor $34,756; P = 0.023). This was offset by greater expenses in the ICU cohort (ICU $30,756 vs. floor $25,144; P = 0.02), yielding a hospital profit margin of 107.5% favoring floor admission (ICU $2,858 vs. floor $5,931; P = 0.19). Duration of stay was similar (ICU 8.0 days vs. floor 7.8 days; P = 0.86). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was not significantly different between cohorts (ICU 10.1%, median follow-up, 1,070 days vs. floor 0%, median follow-up, 405 days; P = 0.13). Conclusions Postoperative admission to the ICU is not always necessary after OAAS. Specialized vascular floors offer a financial savings to both payer and institution, which allows for simultaneous cost containment while preserving quality outcomes.
A short-lived axion variant

Abstract It is argued that existing experiments do not preclude the existence of an axion with very small Peccei-Quinn scale, coupled preferentially to light fermions. Parameters are fixed for the 1.8 MeV particle suggested by recent heavy-ion experiments. Mechanisms for slowing down or binding the axion in a nuclear environment are suggested.
Macroscopy Lattice Deformation of Martensitic Transformation in Fe-Based Shape Memory Alloy

Macroscopic lattice deformation of martensitic transformation and shape memory effect (SME) were studied by atom force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction and so on. The results showed that stress induced martensitic surface relief was “N”-shaped. The surface relief was parallel distribution when deformation was less than 6%. When relief became to intercross, its height and width were far less than parallel relief in same deformation. Superior heat-recovery was discovered in parallel surface relief. The recovery ratio was very low in intercrossed relief. The macroscopic lattice deformation descends in virtue of relief intercrossed, then recovery process was forbidden, so that recovery ratio was descent.
Inactivation of Cephalosporins by Bacteroides

We investigated the relationship between beta-lactamases of Bacteroides fragilis organisms and their resistance to cephalosporins. Timed killing curves were used to study the in vitro activity of three cephalosporins, cephalothin, cefazolin, and cefamandole, and a semisynthetic cephamycin, cefoxitin. Measurements of residual antibiotic concentrations in culture supernatants were made, and they were compared with the beta-lactamase activity of the microorganism. A cephalosporin-susceptible strain was rapidly killed by cephalothin, cefazolin, cefamandole, and cefoxitin. Four cephalosporin-resistant strains were not killed by cephalothin, cefazolin, or cefamandole but were killed by cefoxitin. An inoculum effect was noted with cefazolin and not with cefoxitin. The resistant strains of Bacteroides inactivated the three cephalosporins, but there was no inactivation of cefoxitin. A constitutive beta-lactamase was detected in all the isolates of the B. fragilis group that were resistant to the cephalosporins. There was no distinction of the species based on isoelectric focusing of the enzyme. These data suggest that inactivation by beta-lactamase may be the mechanism for resistance of B. fragilis to the cephalosporins and would explain the enhanced in vitro activity of cefoxitin.
RVD: a command-line program for ultrasensitive rare single nucleotide variant detection using targeted next-generation DNA resequencing

Background Rare single nucleotide variants play an important role in genetic diversity and heterogeneity of specific human disease. For example, an individual clinical sample can harbor rare mutations at minor frequencies. Genetic diversity within an individual clinical sample is oftentimes reflected in rare mutations. Therefore, detecting rare variants prior to treatment may prove to be a useful predictor for therapeutic response. Current rare variant detection algorithms using next generation DNA sequencing are limited by inherent sequencing error rate and platform availability.
Mechanical and In Vitro Biocompatibility of Brushite Cement Modified by Polyethylene Glycol

Brushite (dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, DCPD) cement, owing to its high solubility in physiological condition and ability to guide new bone formation, is widely used to treat bone defects. In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of poly ethylene glycol (PEG) addition on the setting time, compressive strength and in vitro biocompatibility of brushite cement. The brushite cements were prepared by mixing β-tricalcium phosphate [β-TCP, Ca(3)(PO(4))(2)] and monocalcium phosphate monohydrate [MCPM, Ca(H(2)PO(4))(2). H(2)O]. PEG was introduced at 2.0 and 5.0 wt% with the liquid. Introduction of PEG resulted in marginal increase in both initial and final setting time; however, significantly affected the compressive strength. Effects of PEG incorporation on in vitro biocompatibility of brushite cements were studied by using human fetal osteoblast cells (hFOB) cells. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images and immunohistochemical analysis indicated that pure and PEG incorporated brushite cement facilitates cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Fewer cells expressed vinculin protein with increased PEG content in the cement. Cell proliferation was found to decrease with increased PEG concentration while the cell differentiation increased with PEG content. Our results provide a better understanding of in vitro biocompatibility of PEG added brushite cements that can be used to customize the cement compositions based on application need.
A Master Switch Couples Mg2+-Assisted Catalysis to Domain Motion in B. stearothermophilus Tryptophanyl-tRNA Synthetase

Summary We demonstrate how tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase uses conformation-dependent Mg 2+ activation to couple catalysis of tryptophan activation to specific, functional domain movements. Rate acceleration by Mg 2+ requires ∼−6.0 kcal/mol in protein⋅Mg 2+ interaction energy, none of which arises from the active site. A highly cooperative interaction between Mg 2+ and four residues from a remote, conserved motif that mediates the shear of domain movement (1) destabilizes the pretransition state conformation, thereby (2) inducing the Mg 2+ to stabilize the transition state for k cat by ∼−5.0 kcal/mol. Cooperative, long-range conformational effects on the metal therefore convert an inactive Mg 2+ coordination into one that can stabilize the transition state if, and only if, domain motion occurs. Transient, conformation-dependent Mg 2+ activation, analogous to the escapement in mechanical clocks, explains vectorial coupling.
Chimeric peptides as a vehicle for peptide pharmaceutical delivery through the blood-brain barrier.

A new strategy for peptide delivery through the brain capillary wall, i.e., the blood-brain barrier (BBB), is the synthesis of chimeric peptides which are formed by the covalent coupling of a non-transportable peptide (e.g., beta-endorphin) to a transportable peptide that undergoes receptor- or absorptive-mediated transcytosis at the BBB. beta-endorphin was covalently coupled via disulfide linkage to cationized albumin (pI greater than or equal to 9) which, owing to it's highly basic charge, undergoes rapid absorptive-mediated transport into brain from blood. The [3H]labeled beta-endorphin-cationized albumin chimera was rapidly taken up by isolated brain capillaries in vitro and by rat brain in vivo; conversely, the BBB uptake of native [3H]beta-endorphin was negligible. The synthesis of chimeric peptides is a new strategy for solving the problem of peptide delivery through the BBB.
Fe(II) Complexes That Mimic the Active Site Structure of Acetylacetone Dioxygenase: O2 and NO Reactivity

Acetylacetone dioxygenase (Dke1) is a bacterial enzyme that catalyzes the dioxygen-dependent degradation of β-dicarbonyl compounds. The Dke1 active site contains a nonheme monoiron(II) center facially ligated by three histidine residues (the 3His triad); coordination of the substrate in a bidentate manner provides a five-coordinate site for O2 binding. Recently, we published the synthesis and characterization of a series of ferrous β-diketonato complexes that faithfully mimic the enzyme–substrate intermediate of Dke1 (Park, H.; Baus, J.S.; Lindeman, S.V.; Fiedler, A.T. Inorg. Chem.2011, 50, 11978–11989). The 3His triad was modeled with three different facially coordinating N3 supporting ligands, and substituted β-diketonates (acacX) with varying steric and electronic properties were employed. Here, we describe the reactivity of our Dke1 models toward O2 and its surrogate nitric oxide (NO), and report the synthesis of three new Fe(II) complexes featuring the anions of dialkyl malonates. Exposure of [Fe(Me2...
Faceted fatigue fracture and its relation to the crystallographic slip systems in Cu-16 at. Pct al single crystals

In order to explore the relationship between the characteristic linear marks on the fracture surfaces of fatigued planar slip materials and the activity of cross slip and secondary slip systems, fatigued single crystals of Cu-16 at. pct Al alloy with a common single slip orientation were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This paper documents and explains the fractographic details of stages I and II crack propagations as a function of crack depth, strain amplitude, and loading history in a planar slip metal. The linear marks on the fracture surfaces in stage I for the specimen cycled at low strain amplitude are found mostly parallel to the traces of the cross slip plane, which is the plane on which propagation occurs to link up closely parallel cracks on the primary slip plane. With increase of crack depth, the contribution of conjugate slip for the linking up of parallel primary cracks increases. By geometrical consideration of the secondary slip planes with respect to primary cracks, the cross slip plane was found to be the most favored for the linking up of parallel primary cracks. This linking-up phenomenon produces the dominant fracture surface morphology. The fracture surfaces in the final stages show the typical features of ductile fracture in striations or catastrophic rupture. This result indicates that the observation of crystallographic traces on the fracture surfaces in stages I and II need not be associated with a brittle cleavage mechanism of fatigue fracture. The present authors support a ductile, plastic mechanism of crack propagation in both stages I and II.
A prototype sampling interface for PAPI

PAPI is a widely used portable library for accessing hardware counters on modern microprocessors. PAPI offers both counting and sampling interfaces, but the sampling interface is extremely limited, consisting of a simple interrupt-driven interface that can periodically report processor state. In the past few years, the hardware and operating systems of modern processors have added support for new more advanced sampling features. These features enable information about non-uniform memory access (NUMA) behavior to be obtained. Currently, performance tool developers who want to provide sampling data to their users must make use of a complex low-level kernel interface, sometimes developing their own kernel patch to access the features they need. This paper reports on initial efforts to develop a middleware layer that will serve as a stable interface and enable tool developers to access sampling data through standard PAPI calls and to obtain data important for NUMA analysis.